Nicole Schall sold a Banana Republic sweater on the popular Stapleton Facebook site, Stapleton Swap back in March. Per common protocol, she left the item in a bag outside of her house tagged with the name of the item. “I usually just put my items in a little grocery bag with a sticky note saying the item and the cost,” said Schall. “Then, people come put an envelope with the money under my mat, and grab the item. It’s a pretty solid system.”
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Resident Waits Patiently for Snow to Melt from Sidewalk
Typically when snow falls in Denver, it gets back up to 50 degrees within two days, clearing all of the snow from our paths. Unlike the Midwest or the Northeast, the snow doesn’t come and stay for three months. In those areas, homeowners are forced to go out and shovel the snow from their driveways and sidewalks, as they know snow and ice won’t be moving on its own until late March or early April. So, it’s rare that Denver residents are immediately concerned about shoveling snow from their sidewalks, knowing it will melt away, oftentimes within 12 hours.
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Eastbridge to Construct Series of Watch Towers
Last Thursday, in the early morning hour, several police cars were patrolling and blockading the Eastbridge neighborhood in Stapleton after a suspected robbery. In fact, the Aurora PD canine unit was involved in yard to yard searches looking for suspects who fled on foot, and a police helicopter circled above in support of the search. This activity definitely makes Eastbridge residents a little uneasy. “It seems like we already have to deal with speeding cars, gun shots, and petty theft,” said concerned resident Mary Nuss. “What else can be done? As a community is there something else we can do, aside from what the magnets say, of course.” Resident Robert Kimball agrees. “I knew moving near Havana and MLK could be a dangerous move,” said Kimball. “I guess I figured it would be a little different. But, I figured wrong. Something has to be done.”
Of course, Stapleton social media was immediately buzzing with information regarding the imminent danger to our residents. “I woke the family up, and had them go to the basement,” said Iola resident Steve Doyle. “I turned the lights off, locked all of the doors, and blockaded each of the upstairs doors with some furniture. If there is one place people on the run are going to hide out, it’s right next to a dozen police cars on patrol.” Early on, the only information that was known was that there was a chase, and now police were looking for the suspects. “We were scared,” said Tracey Shaffer. “What if one of the suspects tried to get into our house? We put some snacks on each of the doorsteps hoping this is all they may be looking for, so they would stop short of entering our premises.”
Residents are demanding something be done about this almost never-ending crime wave in Stapleton. The DPD considered having nightly patrols of 12 or more police cars, along with a canine unit and a police helicopter, but this possible solution had several drawbacks. “To do that would have used up a considerable amount of our resources and funding,” said police chief Robert White. “It just wouldn’t be sustainable, from a financial standpoint.” However, Chief White (not the Chief White, Editor of the Daily Planet) says he has worked with Forest City, the MCA, and SUN, and they have worked something out which will definitely help with the crime issues. “The decision was made to construct several watch towers, starting in the Eastbridge area, in an effort to keep a constant vantage point over crime hot spots,” said White. “We will be using our men to man the towers from 5PM through 4AM daily, at a partial expense to the DPD, but the Stapleton MCA will be absorbing most of that cost.”
The towers should be completed in less than a month, and Forest City has agreed to cover the costs of the towers. “If this is successful, we plan to build the towers in other Stapleton danger zones,” said Forest City Spokesperson Janelle Ayers. “We are hoping this is more than a band aid, but really deters crime.” Eastridge residents are not overly excited about the plan. “Sure, I want less crime,” said Fred Morningstar. “But making the community look like Guantanamo is not exactly the solution I was looking for.” Meghan Biddler agrees. “If you are going to do this, why not just gate the community?” asks Biddler. “Putting towers and guards everywhere is also going to create paranoia. It’s very 1984ish.” There will be eight towers in all in Eastbridge, mostly residing at pocket parks. Five of the locations are final, with three locations yet to be determined. The towers will all have some sort of odd art piece on them as well to make sure they are keeping up with “Stapleton Standards™”]]>
Stapleton Dad Finally Tells Kids Who He Loves Most
Stapleton father of two Tom Skaggs recently sat down with his five year old daughter and three year old son to have what he felt was an important conversation. “I always feel like they aren’t sure who I love more,” said Skaggs. “And, I think, that has to be an awful feeling. I mean, what if they were to go their entire lives without ever knowing who I truly cared for more? Worse yet, what if I were to pass away and they never found out? Sure, I could leave it in a note, or my wife could tell them, but this is really something you want to hear firsthand.” Skaggs said that although he struggled as to when to tell him, he has never struggled with who he loves more. “I’ve always loved my daughter more,” said Skaggs. “She was my first born, she is pretty, a better eater, potty-trained faster, and so on. Just a lot of things go into it I guess. Sometimes it’s hard to define love.”
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Stapleton Kids Make LinkedIn Connections to Guarantee Future
Stapleton kids have always been entrepreneurial and very driven. After all, they are Stapleton kids. In fact, many Stapleton kids have been making an extra effort to ensure they have the appropriate connections as they enter the real world. “I know I still have junior high, high school, and college ahead of me,” said Stapleton third grader Ella Eichorn. “But, I think It’s good to stay ahead on things and make sure I put myself in a position to succeed. At least that’s what my parents are telling me. So, yes, I make connections on LinkedIn.”
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School Conference Confirms to Parent ‘They’re Doing a Great Job’
Many school conferences were held in the last few weeks, and for Amy Morris, the timing couldn’t have been better. “I’ve been feeling a little down lately,” said Morris. “Maybe it’s the less sunshine. But I always feel better at conference time.” For Morris, and many other parents, conferences are a time for them to hear that they are doing a great job parenting. “I have two kids in school,” said Morris. “So, when I go to their conferences, sure I want to know how they are reading, doing with their math, playing with others, etc. But, what I am really looking for are those five magic words. ‘You’re doing a great job.’”
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Activist Group to Create ‘Prairie Dogs of Stapleton’ Calendar
Concerned by the wipeout of the last few local prairie dog populations by recent construction, a group of Stapleton residents has formed a protest group. The new group, Prairie Dog Devastation Liberation Effort of Stapleton (PDDLES), is led by Eastbridge Resident, Dawn Ross.
“Forest City claims there are so many prairie dog populations in and around Denver, that it is not practical or necessary to relocate our Stapleton Prairie dogs,” says Ross. “They propose to exterminate them instead.”
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First Hooker Seen Walking CPB
Central Park Boulevard has seen its share of beggars, vagabonds, and hippies, but last Friday evening the already storied Stapleton street saw its first lady of the night. “I was headed home from a late dinner about 9:00, when I saw a lady walking on Central Park Boulevard close to the corner of 23rd and CPB,” said resident Chris Noelting. “It was almost like they were looking for a ride. But, as I got closer, I saw the high heels and the tight skirt. In fact, I even saw the car behind me slow down and stop and talk to her. I’m sure it’s because they thought she needed directions.”
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