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Just over a month ago, the Front Porch included an article which shocked many Stapletonians. The article pointed out that there are societies outside of Stapleton. Essentially, we are not alone. There is life outside of Stapleton. Not only has this surprised Stapleton residents, it has been scary for most. “I have seen people driving in our neighborhood that did not look like our people, but I wasn’t quite sure,” said resident Kristi Richardson. “Now I know. We have aliens among us.” Not only do these “aliens” sometimes come into or through Stapleton, there apparently are whole other worlds outside of the 80238 Zip Code. The MCA and SUN have tried to start some educational programs regarding these other societies, but have not had a lot of success working with the residents. “I think there is just a lot of confusion regarding who they are, and what they are doing here,” said MCA President Liza Kampstra. “People don’t consider us the experts, so we had to find an organization they would trust. So, we got in touch with some folks from NASA, and they understand our situation, and have agreed to come work with and educate our community on these outsiders.” The person in charge of NASA’s education program, Keith Hodan, says things have gone a little slow so far. “The people here have been receptive, but Stapletonian culture can be a bit brash, and often full of know-it-alls,” said Hodan. “So, during the programs, there is often interruption or loud negative comments prior to us finishing a sentence which may explain something better to them. We are making slow progress, however.” Hodan says the main focus of the program is to explain to Stapletonians that these other peoples, for the most part, aren’t here to hurt them. “We want the residents here to know that there is a lot they can learn from these other civilizations, and they should talk to these other people, and even explore their worlds,” said Hodan. Resident Jim Nielson remains skeptical. “I’m not saying other societies don’t exist,” says Nielson. “I’m just saying I’m not ready to go exploring outside of Stapleton. We have everything we need right here, so I don’t think running around an alien culture is a great idea at this time.” President Kampstra says residents are encouraged to explore outside of Stapleton, but should use caution. “As long as you always know how to get back to Stapleton, you should be okay.” ]]>

The Fourth of July is a great time to eat and drink with friends and neighbors while celebrating the greatest nation’s independence. And, yeah, also a time to blow shit up. Denver has many great fireworks displays, and you can see most of those from right here in Stapleton. But for some, that just isn’t the same as lighting the fuse yourself. “I’ve always loved lighting off medium range fireworks,” says resident Scott Hall. “Every year we head to Wyoming, get some good fireworks, and bring them back here for the Fourth. The neighbors all seem to enjoy them, and it’s a lot of fun. Of course, safety is first, so we are always really careful.” [Read more…] about Local Fireworks Displays Annoy Local A-Holes

Havana Street in the Eastbridge borough of Stapleton has had a long, interesting history. It’s home to the wide random bike lanes which took two months to paint, the sign reminding outsiders they can’t take it to Aurora, and of course, people incessantly coming back down it the wrong way after not reading the sign. Farther down the road, there has been several construction projects including detours, as well as beautiful views of the Denver jail. But now, residents have a new complaint. They were actually here BEFORE Havana was a through street. [Read more…] about Havana St: Not Just a Through Street Anymore

Home prices all over Denver have been rising, and Stapleton has continued to become the community in which people want to live. Many things have contributed to this, including the strong public schools, unique homes, the soon to be light rail, and all of the trendy shops and restaurants that are currently here and ones coming soon. For most residents, the increased home value doesn’t mean a lot, as they don’t plan to move anyway. “I guess it is fun to talk about,” says Stapleton resident Kevin Cisler. “But, we aren’t planning to move, so all it really does is raise our property taxes and I suppose in some circles, people will hold us in higher esteem.” [Read more…] about Zillow Estimates Have Stapletonians Believing They’ll Have Money in Twenty Years

Denver has experienced an inordinate amount of rain and storms this spring and early summer, and with these storms, Westerly Creek again climbed over its banks. In fact, it was the second 100 years flood in three years. “It is absolutely remarkable how much rain has been coming in the area,” said meteorologist Fred Johnson. “Westerly Creek was several feet over the banks, and we didn’t expect to see that for another 100 years, since we just had a similar flood.” [Read more…] about Westerly Creek to be Renamed “Floody Creek”

The beginning of summer brings lots of sunshine (normally), days at the pool, and much longer days. The sun comes up earlier, and goes down later. And with no school, parents become more lax on the bedtime schedule. This often causes meltdowns and all sorts of random whining and unnecessary crying. “It’s really hard to get the kids into bed when the sun is still out, and their rooms are light,” said resident Megan Lima. “The sundial doesn’t match the actual time, so it is a real challenge sometimes to get them inside, much less to bed.” [Read more…] about Stapleton Residents Tinting Kids’ Windows in Hopes of Keeping Them in Bed Longer

Many residents in Eastbridge as well as the rest of Stapleton have fought tirelessly to keep King Soopers out of Eastbridge. They have united in their fight to get a natural grocer, or in many cases, anything except a King Soopers. Complaints have ranged from the lack of organic food choices, to the poor service at Soopers, and even the proposed design of the planned structure. However, many of these complaints were quieted and even reversed in the last two weeks after Evergreen announced it had inked two Troy Guard restaurants, owner of Tag, Guard & Grace, and Bubu. “After really looking into some things, I don’t think a Soopers there will be all bad,” said recent flip-flopper Adam Miller. “It’s not about the restaurants at all. Sure it will be nice to be able to walk over to a couple of really cool restaurants, or have friends see Stapleton as a dinner destination. I mean, that’s nice, but I’m not a sellout. It’s about Soopers listening to the community, which it seems they are doing.” Former Soopers opponent Kate Penningroth agrees. “I don’t know why it is taking so long for them to build that thing,” says Penningroth. “I mean, start digging already. In fact, many of us are interested in helping out if they need some extra free hands to help move along the construction process.” Although the restaurants have not been finalized, Guard is planning to have a Mexican restaurant as well as his first breakfast-focused eatery. “Sure, pretty soon there will be a light rail to take people to the downtown experience,” says resident Ron Shelton. “But, why not have people take that rail east to the bubble to enjoy a Stapleton dining experience. Why can’t Stapleton be as cool as downtown, but with kids instead of the homeless?” Many Stapleton residents seem to be ready to put aside their differences with Soopers and get moving with the town center. “I’m not saying I’m going to kiss and make up,” says Miller. But, maybe I’ll forgive and forget.” Now, if Evergreen signs a liquor store and a coffee shop, there will thousands of Stapleton workers prepared to start digging.]]>

Stapleton parents often control their kids’ playdates as well as play times and locations. This, of course, essentially makes it so parents are choosing their children’s’ friends. Some Stapleton parents are fine with that. “These are four to eight year old kids,” exclaimed Kathy Gregory. “They aren’t developed mentally enough to be choosing their own friends. There are certain evils I can see in kids that maybe my son can’t see. I do my best to make it so he is not meeting up with that kid, even if I like his parents.” Annie Weber agrees but for different reasons. “Hey, these kids could be friends for life,” says Weber. “If I don’t like their parents, I don’t want to be stuck sitting next to them at birthday parties, having dinners at each other’s houses, etc. just so our kids can hang out. So, yeah, I like to try to select my kid’s friends so that I am comfortable hanging out with their parents.” [Read more…] about New App “Kinder” Helps Elementary Schoolers with Playdates