By AL STOVER
Staff Reporter 

Reimagine Medical Lake works to preserve the past and build future

Group is working on documentary film with a broader historical presentation

 

Last updated 6/4/2015 at 8:38am



There’s a revitalization movement poised to happen in the Medical Lake.

Leading the charge is Reimagine Medical Lake, a group of citizens, that is looking to preserve the city’s history, as well as help it thrive in the future.

The group is currently making a documentary about the history of Medical Lake. The film will focus on historical buildings in the city. Ben Cabido, community-based economic development director and CMTV14 program developer and marketing director for Community Minded Enterprises, said the documentary will also focus on families who have historical ties to the city.

“Historians have talked about (Stanley) Hallett, (Andrew) Lefevre and their families but they have missed others,” Cabido said.

Gerri Johnson, who is working on the documentary, spoke with many residents during the May 25 Memorial Day service at the Medical Lake Cemetery.

“There were about five people and some were skeptical,” Johnson said. “It was just amazing to see hear some of the stories.”

The group also hopes to work with residents and local organizations to help preverse some of the landmarks, including the Medical Lake and St. Anne’s Catholic Church cemeteries.

One way the group hopes to build the city’s future is by bringing in more businesses and helping to retain the ones it currently has. Jan Bailey, one of the members of the group, said part of the problem is “businesses do not feel welcome in the city,” something she feels needs to change.

“It’s not always been like this,” Bailey said, referring to the empty buildings in the city. “When I first moved here, there were all kinds of businesses that were open.”

Bailey added that she would like to bring more culture to the city, including some artwork at the corner of State Route 902 and Brooks Road, where the Ball and Dodd Funeral Home used to be, before it was demolished in 2014.

While Reimagine Medical Lake has its own aspirations, including becoming a nonprofit, it also wants to see what improvements and features other residents want in the city. It plans to take a survey at Founder’s Day, June 20 and reach out to citizens. The group is also hoping to work with elected officials, school administration and business owners to help its cause.

“We’ve already reached out to some of the community and the schools,” Bailey said. “Folks don’t realize that they can help Medical Lake thrive. They can be part of the change.”

Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.

 

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