Mike and Colleen Carlson are lifetime residents of Monroe who follow a family tradition of service. Mike's father, Nels Carlson was owner of Carlson and Sons Lumber and Trucking and respected for his community spirit.

When a non-profit organization needed equipment Nels was there to provide it. He was among the charter members of the ECSC and like Mike has served on the board of Directors. Colleen's father was Jess Weaver and is remembered fondly as owner of the Union 76 Gas Station back in the 50s. Like their parents, Colleen and Mike are well known in the Skykomish Valley for their generosity and commitment to making our community a better place to live.

Mike and Colleen are longstanding active members of the East County Senior Center donating both time and resources. After serving on the ECSC's Board of Directors for many years Mike resigned at the end of December 2008. He served as President of the board for three terms, chaired our annual auction many times and held other committee chairmanships. Mike was an effective, enthusiastic, and inspirational leader.

The Carlson’s will continue to support the center as volunteers but they opted to do more. To ensure that the center will continue to provide its valuable services in the future, they decided to donate to the ECSC's Legacy Funds' by including a charitable bequest in their will.