Reset and Renew this Summer in Mission
This issue of the Mission Magazine is full of reminders that summer is officially here! With the sounds of children laughing at the pool, packed restaurant and brewery patios across town, Thursday nights at the Mission Market, and maybe even some fun travel plans, we can all enjoy a slightly relaxed pace. Even if you don’t get to take advantage of a true “summer break,” there’s something about this season that encourages us all to reset and renew.
Our cover story features the fruits of Todd and Sally Johnson’s labor, who have poured their time, energy, and knowledge into their yard in Mission’s Countryside neighborhood, intentionally designed with a focus on conservation. Their commitment to providing a safe haven and habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife reminds us that we are simply stewards of the natural resources entrusted to our care. I also like their description of their welcoming and inclusive “front-yard neighborhood” and encourage you to think about using your front yard or front porch to interact with your friends and neighbors.
I was interested to learn about the fun and creativity that Amy Major is unleashing at Wee Create KC to foster community and family-togetherness through art. Tucked away in the Mission Mart shopping center, the story highlights how she has fulfilled her dream of creating a place for kids to “get messy” and explore art. Her philosophy of encouraging creative freedom and expression promotes confidence and pride in her class and party participants. What a fun summer (or year-round) activity to check out for our local kids!
This issue also includes profiles for the remaining four City Councilmembers. I hope you have enjoyed the chance to “get to know” your elected officials a little better. As I’m sure you’ve seen, we’re a diverse group of folks who love all of the unique things our City has to offer. I know I speak for all of us when I say please don’t hesitate to contact us with your comments, questions or feedback. We’re here to work with you to ensure Mission thrives!
The last two stories in this issue focus on a classic summer pastime — baseball! Mission resident Tom Coffman and co-author Pat O’Neill share the long road they traveled to learn about “Ted Sullivan — Barnacle of Baseball” as they researched their new book. Truly a labor of love for these two friends, they uncovered an interesting and colorful past of an important “player” in baseball history.
And finally, in our “Remember When” feature, we highlight stories from area residents about their Little League experiences growing up. From schoolyard back-stops to uniforms emblazoned with the logos of local business establishments, summertime has meant baseball in Mission for many decades.
I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I did! Please remember to come explore the Mission Market on Thursday evenings through August (one of my favorites!) and experience the Mission Family Aquatic Center (MFAC) or one of our parks during this summer season!
-Sollie Flora, Mayor
Contents
6 Mission couple creates safe
haven for plant life, wildlife
with carefully cultivated yard
11 Wee Create KC encourages
creative freedom and
expression for ‘Wee’ ones
17 City Newsletter
24 Bulletin Board
27 Local authors explore the
life and history of Ted
Sullivan, a pioneer of
early baseball
32 Look back on Little Leagues
in Mission
JULY/AUGUST 2022
Publisher David Small
Editor Denise Elam
Advertising Executive Angie Riffel
Graphic Designer Mike Nickells
Editorial Board Stoney Bogan
Trent Boultinghouse
Cathy Casey
Kate Deacon
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.