LODGE GRASS — Lodge Grass recently hosted its eighth annual clean-up event.
In addition to the clean-up, two new businesses were celebrated as the first shops to open in the town in over 40 years.
“A brand new business is now open in the location where the last business (Cozy Corner) was shut down,” shared Lodge Grass Mayor Quincy Dabney.
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Dabney was thrilled as community members gathered for the clean-up and to welcome the new businesses to Lodge Grass.
“The clean-up has always been an integral part of the vision,” Dabney, who initiated the clean-up eight years ago, mentioned on Saturday. “Cleaning up the property, tidying up the town, preparing them for what’s to come.”
He expressed that it’s a way to instill pride in the community.
“That’s what we’re witnessing here today, the realization of that vision,” stated Dabney.
There was even more reason to celebrate on Saturday: the new Arise Coffee Shop and Barber Shop opened its doors to the public.
“That marks the first business in easily 40, 50 years,” mentioned Dabney.
Yaseer and Monique Handall established Arise Native Americans, a nonprofit, with the aim of carrying out community outreach projects like this.
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“We believe in the transformation of individuals, as well as the transformation of communities,” Yaseer expressed in Spanish while Monique translated. “So, this and all that we’re doing here is a step towards that goal.”
They were accompanied in the project by Merval Bud Phelan and his wife Hannah. Merval, who works for Faith Chapel, will be the barber at the shop.
“If your main focus is restoration, it can truly bring healing to many people. That’s my focus. That’s my goal, and it’s coming to fruition,” Phelan mentioned. “Being a Christian, being a minister, you can minister to a lot of people and provide help. Personally, I’ve learned you can truly change lives in a (barber) chair.”
Faith Chapel offered to buy a drink for interested individuals at the event. They also offered to pay for haircuts as a fundraiser for the Lodge Grass Rez Kids Camp, organized by One Heart Warriors.
The building was acquired from a flea market and was renovated by community members of Lodge Grass, Arise, and a few missionaries from Washington.
“When we see communities like this, where businesses are scarce and there are few job opportunities, sometimes crime rates tend to be higher,” Yaseer expressed in Spanish while Monique translated. “This community has proven to us that they truly have a lot of hope.”
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“We’re here as a mission team to help build an environment here in Lodge Grass and initiate this new business,” stated Steve Rozier, one of the five missionaries. “We’re excited to be part of it.”
Mayor Dabney and the Handalls believe this is just the beginning.
“We’re actually considering a business incubator. We aim to establish a restaurant on the top level. And housing,” Dabney explained. “There’s much more we need to accomplish, but it’s a good start.”
“This place has the potential to be transformed again,” Yaseer stated in Spanish while Monique translated. “This is just a small part of what we envision in the future for Lodge Grass.”
To find out more about Arise Native Americans, click here.
