Celebrate living,
laughing, and
connecting this holiday season
Wow, we’re coming to the close of 2022!
This year will always be a memorable one for me as it marks my first year as Mission’s Mayor. It has been a privilege to serve our City and to watch it grow and prosper — thanks to all of you who make it such an amazing place. Serving in local government, I’ve been so fortunate to hear and experience stories from our rich and diverse collection of residents and businesses. Each voice in our community brings something unique and valuable, and I am proud that the Mission Magazine provides us with a very visible way to celebrate our connections.
As this final issue of 2022 came together, I was struck by the joy and enthusiasm of Kyle Maggart as he shared about the toys and collectibles he is curating for his customers at Brothers Toys and Collectibles. Offering up vintage and new toys for both collectors and the general public is a fun compliment to the Brothers Music business that has already been serving as a draw to Downtown Mission.
The memories we have around the special toys we had as kids, or the thrill in finding the hottest new trends for a loved one as an adult both evoke a sense of wonder and magic, especially during the holiday season. If only I’d kept my Polly Pockets and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles from the 90s!
Our next story in this issue shares the excitement building for both our Rushton elementary families and our entire community as a new era of learning begins with the construction of a new Rushton Elementary building in Mission.
Beginning in January, students will attend school at the old Westwood View Elementary building until the fall of 2024 when they will return to a completely rebuilt state-of-the-art Rushton. We’re thankful for the investment of the Shawnee Mission School District in our students and our City.
In this issue you will also find a story highlighting the collaborative, successful partnership that has developed among two neighboring businesses. Did you know that you can order food from WingStand by Jefferson’s at Sully’s Pub? And that WingStand encourages its customers to check out Sully’s as the perfect game day spot?
These two businesses are showing us that thinking creatively and working with your neighbors can be mutually beneficial. It doesn’t hurt that this partnership is built on delicious food and cold beer, but it is a great example of the positive things that can happen when we are willing to think “outside the box.”
Both venues serve as important gathering places where friends and family can enjoy time together, and we’re glad to have them here in Mission.
Our last feature story in this issue highlights the lasting connections that are passed down through traditions … and recipes. Kelsey Gibbs brings us a favorite holiday recipe from her grandmother, the late Suzie Gibbs, and shares how being able to cook from treasured recipes makes it feel like they are together again.
Food, especially holiday food, can evoke strong memories of times shared with others and this story serves as the perfect reminder that there are so many different ways to honor, respect, and appreciate all those who made you who you are today.
I wish you well as we head into this new year, and encourage you to spend time this season to celebrate living, laughing, and connecting with the people who are important to you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you. I’m looking forward to what 2023 has in store!
-Sollie Flora, Mayor
Contents
6 Brothers Music owners turn
hobby into successful
business venture
10 Rushton Elementary School
rebuild expected to bring
exciting new educational
opportunities
14 Sully’s Pub teams up with
WingStand by Jefferson’s to
deliver fresh, fast food to
customers
17 Newsletter
24 Bulletin Board
28 Kelsey Gibbs shares her
grandma’s favorite holiday
traditions in the kitchen
34 Look back at historic sites in
Mission with the Otocast App
DECEMBER 2022/January 2023
Publisher David Small
Editor Denise Elam
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
MetroMedia, A Town Square Publications Company© 2022
14300 Kenneth Rd., Ste. 210 | Leawood, KS 66224
(913) 951-8413 | www.metromediapublishers.com
Additional copies of the Mission Magazine are available at participating advertisers. You can also view it on the City’s website,
www.missionks.org. To advertise in Mission Magazine, contact Angie Riffel at 913.951.8446 or ariffel@metromediapublishers.com.
If you have a story idea, contact Laura Smith at 913.676.8352 or lsmith@missionks.org.