Neighborhood Leaders: Gail Chism
Name: Gail Chism
Neighborhood: Lowell (The Lowell Neighborhood is located on the western banks of the Snohomish River)
Number of years in your neighborhood: 55 Years
Lowell Days 2013. Parade Grand Marshall Gail Chism (front, right) // Courtesy of Lowell Civic Association
What is your role in your neighborhood?
I’ve been Historic Chair since 1983. I’ve been chair in 4 different decades. I’ve also served as Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Council of Neighborhood Representative. I have been chair of or served in every committee of Lowell Civic Association.
I’ve become more of a mentor to the young/new people as they become more active in our neighborhood. I think it’s very important they understand our history of important things we’ve worked on, our many successes and how Lowell’s founder ED Smith, made it into what is it today.
How old is the neighborhood association?
Lowell was annexed into Everett in 1962. UW came up and helped get us organized. We formed different committees. Our first project was Lowell Community Park. We got the land donated & improved the land using city equipment.
Hard working neighbors // Courtesy of Lowell Civic Association
How long have you been a neighborhood leader?
Since 1976
Why did you start volunteering for your neighborhood association?
In 1976 Everett City Council changed Lowell Community Park to Harriet Olsen Lowell Park without our approval. We approached the council & implored them to change it back. Councilman, Carl Gipson tried to delay the vote for a week, so us “fine” citizens could calm down.
We didn’t and never turned back.
1977 was our first Lowell Days. That same year, there was a proposed 92 unit apartment complex on my street. I had to decide if I’d move or stay and fight. I dug my heels in, we fought it and it still isn’t developed to this day.
And one thing lead to another…
Christmas party at Lowell Community Church // Courtesy of Lowell Civic Association
What are your biggest challenges running the neighborhood association?
Lowell has the new homes in our riverfront. We’ve reached out to them, encouraging them to become involved in our neighborhood association. Diane Fink is one that has been attending our meetings. She’s also a new Council of Neighborhoods representative. When new people become active and younger families are moving into Lowell, it’s important to reach out to them.
This year we have a new executive board (except for me). The past board has been mentoring them so they don’t become overwhelmed and burned out.
Duane Steig, our new chair, has only been involved for a few years. But he’s very enthusiastic, brings new ideas and will do a great job. He has made phone calls to people to invite them to our meetings. That personal touch is what he’s good at.
New people are stepping up in a leadership role, which is fabulous. Some are new to our neighborhood. Others have lived in Lowell, but have recently started coming to our meetings. It’s important to take ownership of our neighborhood, become involved and show them it’s also important to have fun.
Beautiful Lowell vista photograph by Andy Zuanich // Courtesy of Lowell Civic Association
What are the biggest rewards running the neighborhood association?
Getting to know our neighbors, working on projects together that upgrade our neighborhood and instilling pride in it and ourselves. We also meet other neighborhood leaders and get ideas from each other. That’s where Council of Neighborhoods comes in.
Also rewarding are our fun activities such as our famous Lowell Days that includes a parade. We also have Christmas parties, Night Out Against Crime, Easter egg hunts, neighborhood cleanups, historical events and more.
What are the neighborhood accomplishments you are most proud of?
Keeping the integrity and the “small town” feel of Lowell intact. Putting in our Lowell Park, starting Lowell Days in 1977, stopping the 92 unit complex and getting the city to put in the light at 52nd and Broadway (yes, they resisted it). We then cleared out and developed the hillside entrance to Lowell.
Lowell residents were the first to put up neighborhood signs in Everett (we’re very proud of that distinction) and we have applied for Block Grant funds to improve and update Lowell according to our Lowell Plan that everyone participated in.
Neighbor Paul Roberts in the community garden // Courtesy of Lowell Civic Association
We published “The Lowell Story” book and stopped a microwave tower that would have gone in downtown Lowell. We also stopped a cell tower from going into Evergreen Cemetery and raised $15,000 and hired an attorney to represent us on both actions.
We stopped the development of a multi-functional sports complex on our treasured AG land and our latest accomplishment is our book “150 Years of Lowell History” published in 2014. We’ve sold over 500 books so far. It’s a great tool to welcome people and learn about our history and accomplishments. We actually have readers looking for homes to buy in Lowell. It’s a combination of years of hard work that showcase our neighborhood in a positive light.
Tending to the garden surrounding the neighborhood war memorial. Phyllis Minchew and Gail Chism // Courtesy of Lowell Civic Association
When and where do meetings happen?
Our meeting are on the 3rd Monday of the month. They are held at Lowell Elementary School. (On a side note: For our small town, we’ve met in 8 different places throughout the years!)
How can neighbors find out more about the neighborhood association?
Lowell WA Civic Association Facebook page, Office of Neighborhoods and Nextdoor.
Why do you love your neighborhood?
Lowell is a very caring place to live where neighbors know and help each other. It reminds me of the country farm I was raised on. The people are caring, friendly and work together on issues and fun activities.
I love the history and vistas! It’s become a part of who I am. We’ve kept the rural feeling of our neighborhood and improved many of the older homes in Lowell. I love the cohesiveness of our neighborhood and again our vistas!
Neighbor Elwin Anderson working in the community garden // Courtesy of Lowell Civic Association
What is your favorite place in your neighborhood to eat?
Riverview Market & Cafe or a picnic at the Lowell Riverfront trail.
What is your favorite place in your neighborhood to hang?
I love walking along the Lowell Riverfront Trail and sitting on a bench enjoying the view and watching the world go by. I love The Riverview Market & Cafe, where “Everyone Knows Your Name.”
What is a hidden gem in your neighborhood?
Hidden gems are our residents that become neighbors and friends, the rural feel of Lowell, the older homes and the contained space. Go south and you feel like you are in the country. Not so hidden, but loved by all are our views of the Snohomish River, Ebey Island and mountain range beyond.
Banner image is courtesy of Rosemary Jones and from her Neighborhood Postcard series.
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