Discover Mukilteo talked with Carolyn Carson aka Dode, who is a huge presence in our community. She has volunteered countless hours in the Mukilteo Community and has been a tremendous asset. The former Mukilteo Citizen of the Year shared her passions, accomplishments, and her favorite plant to grow.
DM: How long have you lived in Mukilteo?
CC: 21 Years
DM: You have been heavily involved in the community as a volunteer. Which organizations are you working with these days?
CC: I’m President of the Mukilteo Seniors Assn and of the Mukilteo Kiwanis Club. I serve on the Lighthouse Festival board, in charge of the parade. I’m also a member of the Mukilteo Historical Commission.
DM: What causes are you passionate about and why?
CC: I really want to see Mukilteo have its own Senior Center. We are the only town in Snohomish County without one. We are waiting for the city to approve the zoning change near the community garden so we can start raising funds. We already have an architectural drawing based on the projected needs of our senior community. And the funds are out there. I’m also passionate about the need to volunteer. It’s a great way to better our community and bring people together.
DM: Is there an achievement or contribution you are most proud of, and why?
CC: When I was on the gulch committee years ago, representing our community garden, I managed to get enough public support to make us permanent in that location. I made it to 75 years old 🙂
DM: What is your favorite place in Mukilteo to visit and why?
CC: The beach near the lighthouse. Oh, and Sully’s.
DM: Do you have a favorite book, website, or podcast, and why?
CC: I like too many books. I was talking to my friend Kris about Hemmingway last night. I’ve read all of his more than once. Steinbeck too. Website? Is MSNBC a website?
DM: If you could have dinner with someone (alive or dead, real or fictional), who would it be and why?
CC: My sister Karen. I miss her.
DM: You’re a master gardener. What’s your favorite thing to grow? Do you have a favorite flower, plant or crop?
CC: I love roses, fuchsias, geraniums, begonias, and anything with bright colors. God bless whoever invented the hardy fuchsias. Olene Kimball owned this house before and it came with some amazing plants, Irene Koster Azalea, a burning bush hedge, and a couple of beautiful magnolia trees. And much more. I have a knack for growing tomatoes.
DM: What do you think surprises people about you?
CC: I am an artist.
DM: What kind of pets do you have, if any? What are their names?
CC: Jeff, the short-haired orange tabby. Paris, the long-haired miniature dachshund. They own the place.
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