Hello, Mission friends and neighbors, and welcome to 2023!
I can tell you we look forward to sharing every issue of the Mission Magazine throughout the year, but this first one is always a great reminder of how fun it is to tell the unique stories of our residents and businesses. This year, the editorial board has taken a slightly different approach to selecting content, and each of the five issues in 2023 will have a specific theme. I’m excited to see what will be featured this year and hope you will enjoy it too!
Our first issue is dedicated to Health and Wellness: physical health, nutritional health, mental health, and community connections. All of these things are important to living a healthy and balanced life. Our cover story highlights Mission’s Natural Grocers, which opened in Cornerstone Commons in 2015. Nutritional Health Coach Stephanie Ricke shares information about the programs and services offered by Natural Grocers. Stop in and check out all they have to offer, including in-store classes twice a month – in fact, the classes are what drew Ms. Ricke to work for the company in the first place.
Our next feature story highlights the Jazzercize studio which recently relocated along Johnson Drive. Thanks to the passion and perseverance of owner Jenny Searles, her customers, who are like family, have found a permanent home here in Mission. The workouts incorporate strength training, Pilates, yoga, kickboxing, and interval training – all set to popular music. Not only do participants enjoy the connections built during Jazzercise classes, they are often getting together socially to patronize and explore other Mission businesses.
In January, I had the pleasure of attending the ribbon cutting for Clinical Counseling Associates at their Mission location in the office tower at Broadmoor and Johnson Drive. It was exciting to learn more about the innovative therapy techniques that co-owners Jill and Sheena have assembled and made available. I know you’ll enjoy learning more about their story and services as you read their article. As a dog lover, I was pleased to learn about the services they offer using a variety of emotional support animals. I was also impressed by their work with first-responders and their families.
This issue also includes a brief highlight of the services and amenities available at the AdventHealth Shawnee campus. Although not technically in Mission, these leaders in healthcare serve a much broader community, and have long been supportive of the Mission Magazine.
The last story in this issue highlights the success of a 2022 Community Clean-up Event that collected more than two truckloads of trash and debris picked up by more than 118 volunteers. Proving to be a great community-building event, sign-ups for the 2023 event are now open. I hope to see you in Beverly Park on Saturday, April 22! It's a great opportunity to give back and as a bonus you get an amazing Mission t-shirt!
This issue of the magazine offers some important reminders that taking care of ourselves – our whole selves – is what allows us to pursue the things we enjoy and have a passion for. I challenge you to find your passion in 2023 and go for it!
-Sollie Flora, Mayor
On the cover:
Stephanie Ricke,
Nutrition Health Coach at the
Natural Grocers
in Mission.
Photo by
Kathy Delorenzo
Contents
6 Natural Grocers more
than a food store to Mission
10 "All That" Jazzercise: Jenny
Searles keeps workout
program alive and kicking
in Mission
14 Clinical Counseling Associates
offer unique, therapeutic
mental health services at
Mission location
17 Newsletter
24 Bulletin Board
28 AdventHealth Shawnee
Mission providing specialized
care for body, mind,
and spirit
34 Make It Your Mission: Annual
Clean-up Day Shines
APRIL/MAY 2023
MANAGING DIRECTOR David Small
Editor Bob Oswald
Advertising Executive Angie Riffel
Graphic Designer Mike Nickells
Editorial Board Stoney Bogan
Trent Boultinghouse
Cathy Casey
Kate Deacon
Kelsey Gibbs
Kathy Lockard
Mark Raduziner
Laura Smith
Copyright © 2023 Town Square Publications
P.O. Box 280, Arlington Heights, IL 60006
(847) 427-4905 | marketing@tspubs.com