admin

The Northfield High experiment appears to be over, as DPS officials have decided to phase a sixth Stapleton elementary school into the current facility, and phase out the high school over the next two years. “We gave it a shot didn’t we,” said DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg. “After careful consideration, we decided to go back to what Stapleton is good at; elementary schools.” Boasberg says the current high school will stay in place, more just to take up space as the elementary school grows. “We don’t want some big, empty facility,” says Boasberg. “We are going to work on a transition plan for our high school students. But, our main focus will be growth for the new school.” [Read more…] about Stapleton to Ditch High School and Phase in Elementary School

Stapleton dad Adam Retzlaff has two children, a five year old girl and a three year old boy. The family is no different than any other family with two young kids. There is a long process to get them both to bed, and even after that, they know things are just beginning. “I have to lay with my son until he falls asleep,” says Retzlaff. “Then, I finish some work, or do some picking up around the house and head to bed. But, I always know my night’s not over. Not by a long shot.” [Read more…] about Stapleton Dad’s REM Sleep Interrupted by Kids for 124th Night in a Row

Stapleton residents have been clamoring for a different grocery store for years, and are finally getting one. Sort of. Residents were originally angered by Soopers signing the contract to become the grocer in Eastbridge, but eventually calmed down after they found out about some of the business that are soon to follow. “I was really disappointed at first,” said resident Julie Graham. “But, then I realized there are going to be all these great places in that area, so just build the damn thing and we can move forward.” Resident Joel Hancock agrees. “I’m just excited to be done with it,” said Hancock. “Being able to walk to get breakfast, lunch, or a beer is going to be great. I’m fine with whatever grocer gives me my eggs, bread and milk at this point.” [Read more…] about Residents Want Eastbridge Soopers to be Totally Different; Except for the Fried Chicken

The popular skin care product line Rodan and Fields has been around for almost 15 years, and has thousands of independent consultants all over the country. The products promise to help clients to help slow aging, hide unsightly skin discolorations, and help women with make-up prep. Overall, the products get fairly positive reviews from clients. Rodan and Fields originally launched on QVC, but now is focused primarily on multi-level marketing from independent consultants. Multi-level marketing is not new to Stapletpon, as several residents have sold diet supplements, food plans, make-up kits, etc. What makes Rodan + Fields unique in Stapleton is simply the large number of independent sales consultants selling the products. “It seems like everyone is selling Rodan and Fields products,” says resident Alli Harris. “It’s kind of annoying because it’s really hard to avoid. I think at least two people in Stapleton approach me each week about getting into selling Rodan and Fields. I appreciate what they are doing, but it just gets to be a little much.” Amy Zarfis, a Rodan and Fields independent consultant says she just wants what’s best for her clients. “I know what these amazing products can do,” said Zarifis. “I have seen the results, and I want all of my friends, and their friends, and their friends to get the results me and my clients have seen.” For more information on Rodan and Fields products, contact any one of your neighbors. ]]>

Stapleton residents have long been hoping for additional security in Stapleton, and much of what they want is simply keeping Aurora residents out. “I’m not saying I want a gated community,” says resident Aaron Lane. “I just want a community where only people who live here can enter and exit. I don’t like all of the in and out of those who aren’t Stapleton residents.” Many members have asked SUN and the MCA to do something about visitors from the outside, but nothing has changed. “This problem isn’t new,” said resident Kevin Ditchman. “We have been pulling for some sort of security for a long time, but nothing has changed. So, a lot of us took it upon ourselves this week to do what we could.” Through social media, residents banded together to make connections with private snowplow companies and used their own shovels to block off several of the through streets in Stapleton with giant snow mounds. Many of the mounds reach 10 feet high and are 15 feet thick. “We know it’s not going to last,” said Ditchman. “But, if anything, it sends a message. And maybe it can even slow down crime for a little bit. Maybe it will change their traffic patterns and they will drive around Stapleton like the old days.” Resident Geoff Plakke says it shows the community is united on the issue. “If we as a community are willing to do something on our own, we should get the support of the MCA, SUN, and the City of Denver,” said Plakke. MCA President Liza Kampstra says the MCA does not condone community members altering city streets. “There is a right way to do things, and this isn’t it,” said Kampstra. “This is not how we get the City of Denver and the City of Aurora to work together.” In fact, several residents are extremely annoyed with the wall. “Aside from the fact that it is highly illegal, it is also really annoying,” said resident Stacey Melton. “People from Stapleton take that route all the time to get to places across the border. So, inconveniencing hundreds of Stapleton residents just isn’t the answer.” For now, the City of Denver says it will let the issue run its course. “We aren’t going to deploy snowplows to remove the walls at this time,” said City Maintenance Spokesperson Brian Kleese. “We aren’t going to waste our funding on something this petty. It doesn’t completely disrupt traffic, so we won’t make any changes at this time.” It is unclear if Stapleton residents will use a snow blockade in the future. “Hopefully this gets the point across,” said Ditchman. “And maybe the next wall will be made of a slightly harder material than snow.” Snow or no snow, it seems Stapleton will continue to give Aurora the cold shoulder.]]>

As a community, Stapleton has an unusually large number of door to door salesman and petitioners. From solar panels to roofing and from political parties to social agendas, there is a fairly constant stream of people knocking on Stapleton doors. The most recent wave of salesman appears to be cashing in on Stapletonians fears from the recent crime wave. “We recently purchased some window bars from Best Windows, Bar None,” said resident John Gibbons. “It just seemed to make sense. I mean, I know they won’t stop gun shots, but they will at least stop someone from climbing into a window right into our home.” Gibbons says he purchased a decorative style as to not upset the neighbors. “Window bars are a personal choice,” said Gibbons. “But you don’t want it to stand out. You want it to blend somewhat in with your home. I think what we choose absolutely says ‘Infinity.’” [Read more…] about ‘Window Security Bar’ Door to Door Salesmen Invade Stapleton

In the rarest of circumstances, Stapleton mom Shannon Skaggs, who normally is running a bit behind, is running completely on schedule. “I really can’t believe this,” said Skaggs. “I don’t ever recall not feeling rushed or harried. I’m pretty comfortable right now.” Skaggs said she had several small tasks to accomplish around the house, as well as get the kids to school, go to the grocery store, and of course go to yoga. But amidst all of that, Skaggs says she is actually ahead of schedule. “I’m not really sure what I did differently. I certainly need to look into it, because it is a pretty good feeling.” Skaggs says typically she is sprinting out the door while yelling at the kids as she runs in and out of the house to grab backpacks, lunches, and other miscellaneous items. “It gets pretty crazy in the mornings,” Said Skaggs. “Then I always realize there is some other thing I am supposed to do, whether it be helping at school, bringing an extra snack for the class, sending something out for the soccer team, it’s always something. So, typically, stress levels are high from about seven in the morning until about 5:30 at night.” Somehow, on this day, things worked out perfectly for Skaggs. “I’m more at peace than I’ve been in two years. Now I just need to figure out what went differently and how I can duplicate it.” ]]>

The Reisetter family has lived in Stapleton for almost a decade now. They are raising two young kids and have grown to love the community, and have made several good friends in the neighborhood. “There’s just so much to like about living here,” said Sean Reisetter. “There are plenty of things to do, and with the kids having friends here and us having friends here, we really don’t need to leave that much.” Reisetter points out that although things are pretty easy here in Stapleton, things are about to get even easier. “The Quebec King Soopers isn’t ideal,” says Reisetter, “but it’s still serviceable. And pretty soon we’ll have another one in the Eastbridge Town Center. Plus the town center will have lots of other exciting businesses as will the Stanley project. So, at some point you just have to ask yourself, ‘do I really want to leave the neighborhood today?’” [Read more…] about Couple Irritated About Having to Leave Stapleton for Dinner Party