As a resident of Indian Head, Aprol Richardson has experienced the daily challenges and inconveniences that come with not having a grocery store in town. She also has a direct line to the people who will be impacted most by the arrival of Oasis Fresh Foods Market — her friends and neighbors here in Indian Head.

Because of that connection — and because she’s a smart, talented woman who is full of ideas — she was a natural choice for our Advisory Council. In her full-time job, April is a Procurement and Purchasing Specialist for the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

She consistently brings an insider’s perspective to our conversations and her input has been incredibly valuable. In our latest Advisory Council Q&A, she shares just why she believes Oasis Fresh Foods Market and Papaleo’s Ice Cream are so vital to the future of our town.

What made you want to join the advisory team for the new grocery store in Indian Head?

As soon as I found out that Mark and Marilyn Steele had the idea of bringing a grocery store to Indian Head, I knew I had to be a part of that mission. Indian Head is a small town that is more than deserving of all the benefits that a quality grocery store will bring to its citizens.

What unique value or perspective do you bring to the advisory team?

As a resident of Indian Head, I bring with me the vibe of the small-town residents. I hear firsthand the wants and needs of my neighbors. I am able to voice questions or concerns to the advisory team and have them taken seriously into the crafting of this grocery store project.

What have you seen as the biggest challenges in bringing the store to Indian Head?

The biggest challenges have been convincing naysayers that change can be a good thing and the town of Indian Head has been waiting a long time for this “good change.”

How do you think the new grocery store will most benefit local residents?

Where do I begin? The new grocery store will provide local residents with healthy choices of produce and meats, and the grocery store will be in very close proximity to their homes. This will help to eliminate the choice of unhealthy fast food and having to use gas to drive to a grocery store in another town. Another health benefit will be the opportunity, for those who are able, to get out and walk to the grocery store, to not only shop there but also enjoy Oasis’ garden.

How do you think the new grocery store will enhance the town of Indian Head overall?

I believe the town of Indian Head will begin to come alive again with energy and fervor. The residents of Indian Head are hardworking people with families to support. Having a grocery store says this town matters and this is a community that is worth growing and investing in.

What have you learned from the experience of working with this advisory team?

I work with an amazing group of people on the advisory team. Seeing firsthand the intricacies of putting the entire grocery store project together, from start to finish, has been a remarkable experience. This team is like none other that I have worked with and, because of our experiences, we produce ideas and suggestions that either propel us forward or have us running back to the drawing board for something fresher and greater. The team is always on one accord of onward and upward.

What does this grocery store coming to Indian Head mean to you?

Having the grocery store come to Indian Head means the town will no longer be just a place to pass through on the way to the Naval Support Facility but the destination spot for Oasis grocery store. A place to actually stop, shop and have an ice cream cone.