It’s been a big week for the Oasis Fresh Foods Market team. Over the last two days, we’ve celebrated a series of symbolic — yet hugely important — moments on our journey toward the Grand Opening of Indian Head’s first grocery store in a quarter century.
Senator Ben Cardin with Oasis owners Mark and Marilyn Steele.
On Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin visited Indian Head and toured the site of our grocery store and ice cream shop, as well as the area in the back that will feature a special community garden.
Theo Best, Kevin Butler, Capt Copeland (NSF), Michelle DeSoto, Jame Toribio, John Flatley, Mayor Paulin, Sandy Washington, Mark Steele, Senator Cardin, Anthony Olekson, Marilyn Steele, Dean Wilkerson, Rob Brough and Pam Frank
Indian Head Mayor Brandon Paulin spoke briefly and then introduced Cardin, who shared his thoughts on the project and spoke glowingly about the potential benefits it will bring to the town of Indian Head. The senator also presented the Oasis team with a ceremonial check, symbolizing the federal funding that helped make the project possible. Cardin was among many lawmakers at federal, state and local levels that have championed this effort from the beginning.
During Cardin’s visit, we also unveiled digital renderings of Oasis Fresh Foods Market and Papaleo’s Ice Cream, courtesy of CMI General Contractors. The renderings are everything we’ve imagined and they give us the motivation to continue dreaming big as we go through the process of bringing Oasis and Papaleo’s to life. We also want to thank Anthony Oleksson and Dean Wilkinson of COA/Barrett & Associates for their tireless work in developing the site plan and the engineering that made the development possible.
We also have new digital renderings of our community garden, thanks to our friends at The Outdoor Living Company. The outdoor space will play a vital role in bringing the community together.
Jack Steele, Matt Martin, Craig Sewell, Aprol Richardson, Michelle DeSoto, Pam Frank, Sandy Washington, Anthony Olekson, Rob Brough, Brandon Paulin, John Flatley, Marilyn and Mark Steele
The next big step came on Wednesday as the Oasis Advisory Council gathered on a cold and windy morning to formally “break ground” on this renovation project. We have been so fortunate to benefit from the wisdom and guidance of so many community leaders who are invested in the success of this venture and the future of our town.
Mayor Paulin joined Oasis owners Mark and Marilyn Steele in sinking the first shovels into the dirt. The moment has been a long time in the making, and it’s the symbolic start to a period of increasing activity and progress on the site, thanks to our partners at CMI General Contractors who have a strong plan in place to ensure we’re ready to open our doors this year.