Google Fiber is Coming to Gladstone

Ever since Google announced plans to build an ultra high speed fiber network in the Kansas City Region Gladstone residents have expressed a desire to have it in Gladstone. Last night, at the May 13, the City Council meeting the Council approved Bill NO. 13-17 authorizing Google Fiber Missouri to operate within the right of way of the city of Gladstone to construct, install and operate video service. Yes, Google is coming to Gladstone.We can not be sure of the start date but we do know it is coming. You can follow developments by following Google's blog at googlefiberblog.blogspot.com. Of course as more information becomes available there will be posts to this blog, Facebook, twitter and the City's website and cable channel.

Linden Square

Linden Square is designed to be a gathering place for folks from across the Gladstone community and the surrounding area. Nearly 2,000 people have already taken advantage of some of the amenities this facility has to offer with people spending time ice skating at Linden Square this winter. The skating experience was different since the ice is synthetic, requiring no refrigeration, no Zamboni and no freezing temperatures.

Now with spring approaching it is time to think about warm weather functions and dedicating this place to the community. That will happen on April 5 at 6:30 p.m. when Mayor Suter and the City Council dedicate the facility and talk about the future in Gladstone. Following the dedication, Liverpool, a Beatles Tribute Band will perform. The event is free to the public and everyone is invited to attend. A fireworks display will follow the performance. Join the others and enjoy a great evening of entertainment.

Transportation Study

The ongoing fluctuation in the cost of fuel contines to keep the issue of transportation on the minds of most people. Those thoughts are the same for Gladstone residents and transportation has long been a topic of importance. Creating streets that are safe and attractive for walking, cycling, and using public transit is a key component for future development. The City is conducting a transportation planning study to help determine and guide the process of identifying the right kinds of transportation needed.

To get things started the City is hosting a public symposium at the Community Center on Tuesday September 11 at 7 p.m. As a part of this symposium the project will be introduced and sustainable transportation principles will be discussed including pedestrian-friendly streets and how they can relate to neighborhood design and placemaking.

Hope to see you there on Tuesday September 11 for this important meeting.

Disaster Preparedness

Wow, summer is here and with it comes the ongoing threat of severe weather. No one likes to think about the "What ifs" of severe weather but, it is better to be prepared and safe than not and sorry. To help with the process of being prepared a video series titled "Disaster and Preparedness" was introduced by the Metropolitan Emergency Management Committee. Imagine a video where the primary characters are named Disaster and Preparedness and you can see where this is going. Of course one of them attempts to cause things to go wrong while the other one works to prevent this by being prepared. This series recently received a 2012 Telly award  for excellence in online video productions. Now these are available for viewing on Gladstone's YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/cityofgladstone?feature=watch or you can simply click the YouTube link on the City's homepage http://www.gladstone.mo.us/. Take a look and see what you need to do to be prepared. Let's all be safe this season.

Gladstone Theatre in the Park 25th Anniversary "Best Seat in the House" Celebration

Plans continue to be finalized for the 25th Anniversary Celebration, which will take place Saturday, August fourth from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Pre-show activities include face painting, karaoke and free ice cream sandwiches. So make it a point to arrive early for all the fun! Commemorative T-shirts and blankets will be available for purchase at each performance. T-shirts will be $10 and blankets will be $20. Concessions will also be available.

The 25th anniversary planning committee is sponsoring a raffle for each night of productions in July and August. The raffle winner will receive a customized 25th anniversary blanket, front row VIP seating and VIP parking pass and shopping/dining prize package worth $100 from Zona Rosa. Second place will receive VIP parking pass and shopping/dining prize package worth $50 from Zona Rosa. Third place will receive a shopping/dining package worth $25 from Zona Rosa.

Tickets may be purchased for $5 each at the Gladstone Community Center, 6901 N. Holmes or City Hall, 7010 N. Holmes. Raffle drawings will take place one week prior to each production in order for the winners to be notified. A winner and runner-up will be picked for each night. Persons interested may purchase a ticket for the particular night show that they want to attend.

Should you have any questions regarding the celebration, raffle tickets or Theatre in the Park performances please contact the Gladstone Parks & Recreation Department at (816) 423-4088.

Let's Move

The Gladstone City Council has a goal of creating a healthy community. Over the last three years a number of things have been introduced ranging from free health fairs to community walking challenges. Even local businesses are joining in and helping to promote healthier lifestyles by encouraging children to get up and move. Ibsen Dance is offering a free dance program to help fight the proliferation of childhood obesity. This special program is open to the first 100 children in each age group. The age groups are kindergarten through 6th grade, 7th through 12th grade and classes begin August 9. For more information call 816.436.7277 or email ibsendance. So what are you doing to be active and enjoy a healthier lifestyle? Share your ideas with us and others readers.@sbcglobal.net