Staff Writer

The intersection at 25th and Dayton St. had become too dangerous. Drivers on Dayton St. were not seeing their stop sign, and drivers on 25th were stopping for signs that were not there. There were several confusing interactions between drivers at this intersection, and of course, many accidents as well. Mohamed Mouaddine, owner of Amina Auto Repair and Services, has seen several of these accidents. “We do body work, so it’s good for us,” said Mohamed. “But, unfortunately, the intersection was also putting our clients at risk. And the constant crashing sound and police presence was really distracting to our employees.” [Read more…] about 25th and Dayton Intersection “Fix” Producing Slightly Less Accidents Than Expected

Slightly over a year ago, the Stanley Beer Hall changed it’s layout so that customers must pour their own drinks, which includes several great options. Of course, for those who don’t handle change well, it was a tough transition. “The idea of having to get my own drinks was just not something I was used to in my bar experience,” said local patron Tim Jensen. “At first I thought it would take something away from the social experience. After going there several times, I would bitch less and less, and pretty soon, I realized I actually liked it.” Jensen wasn’t alone in his slow acceptance of the concept. “No one carried a drink over to me,” said barfly Marc Graham. “I had to get up, walk over and get my own drinks. That walk always seemed so long. Eventually, I realized that not only was I able to get my drinks faster, I was also getting my steps in. It was win-win.” [Read more…] about Man Finally Getting Used to Not Flirting with Waitresses at Stanley Beer Hall

Greg Campbell has lived in Stapleton for over 10 years, and in Colorado for about 20. During almost all of that time, he would have to purchase his beer at a liquor store, which he wasn’t used to from his home state of Iowa. “In Iowa, you can get your groceries and grab your beer all in one stop,” said Campbell. “When I moved to Colorado, I had to get used to making two stops. Then, of course, they used to have that ridiculous Sunday thing.” Campbell didn’t immediately switch to buying all his beer from the grocery store. “At first, it was something I only did late at night, like I was ashamed of it,” said Campbell. “Then, as their selection improved, I started being a little more brash about it. Buying it before 5PM, walking out with four to five six packs, and so on. It’s getting a little easier.” Campbell admits he still feels stigmatized when walking out of King Soopers with beer in his hand. “I definitely feel like I get some looks. Which is weird, because if you walk out of a liquor store any time of day, no one cares. I guess it’s the same thing as drinking at a pool. Someone sees you drinking at an outdoor pool, they assume you’re having a relaxing, fun day. If you’re spotted drinking at an indoor pool, you’re an alcoholic.” For Campbell’s position, he’s getting more comfortable. “Part of it is just the time and money of it. One stop, great deals, it’s close by. Just makes it easy.” Campbell says he is not done going to liquor stores, however. “I still need to get my whiskey and wine,” says Campbell. So, when I need to stock up or have company coming, I still go to Colorado Beverage Company. They still have the biggest selection and best deals on beers. But, if it’s nine o’clock on a Monday night, and the beer fridge is empty, there’s no shame in heading to King Soopers…right?”

The national divorce rate has steadily been dropping since 1996, due to a number of variables, fewer marriages for people under the age of 30 and millennials waiting to be more economically stable before getting married. Yet there is still a divorce occurring every 36 seconds, equating to 2,400 divorces per day, and roughly 876,000 a year. 41% of first marriages end in divorce. Colorado ranks 9th in divorce rates, at 4.4 divorces per 1,000 residents. However, in Stapleton, sometimes referred to as the bubble, the rate is over double at 9.1 divorces per 1,000. Rachel and Tom Wells have been married for eight years and despite numerous couple friends filing for divorce, relentless peer pressure to divorce… especially for Rachle from her yogi/wine club friends, not to mention their reported miserable relationship, they have decided to stay married. Tom stated, “it’s become impossible to maintain consistent couple friends because everyone is getting divorced. It’d be nice to have couple friends who actually get along with their spouse, it really makes for awkward nights out and Sunday brunch at the Berk. Rachel and I absolutely hate each other and rarely agree on anything, but we’re sticking things out, more for financial reasons than anything else, I mean who can afford to sell and re-purchase in Stapleton?” Rachel scoffed at the financial reasoning. She stated, “I’d be happy downsizing to a flat closer to Quebec Square, and I totally could afford it with my side hustle juicing business. Part of me just likes the idea of being miserable with my husband and pretending to be happily married in front of my divorced friends.” Tom concluded, “listen, marriage is tough, don’t get me wrong, but the social scene in Stapleton is what really provides me with satisfaction. I know of one couple where a wife ran off with her husband’s best friend. The husband was unphased, even said he missed his best friend more than his wife. It’s hard to know what the right decision is, but for now, we’re committed to being miserable together and that’s good enough for us.” 

The MCA sent out ballots in late June to Stapleton homeowners (10,563 eligible votes) in regards to beginning the process of a name change. When looking at the situation we are in as a community, it’s much easier to view it in hindsight. So, I am going to take the position of hindsight in this one. If we could go back, here are some things we could do better:

1. The Airport was named “Stapleton” in 1944 after former mayor Ben Stapleton who spearheaded the project. Mayor Stapleton had been a member of the klan up until 1925 when he was banished by the klan. In a small way, doesn’t it seem like keeping the name “Stapleton” is a stick in the eye to the klan? Regardless, Stapleton was a politician. Politician’s lie to get elected to get power. Moving forward, and in this case looking back, maybe it’s never a great idea to name something after a politician.

[Read more…] about When it Comes to the name “Stapleton”, Hindsight is 20/20

Stapleton All Sports (or what we are dubbing Stapleton “OLD” Sports) is partnering with Stanley Marketplace and beginning an adult, 6×6 co-ed, grass court volleyball league. Coming this summer (July 11th to August 22nd), games will be on Thursday nights (plus 1 M, T or W game) at the Stanley Fields from 6:00 to 8:00. There is not a set roster, but players must be over the age of 21, and during games, each team must have a minimum of three women on the court at one time. Each night, teams may play a total of six games against three different teams. Program will run for 7 weeks. The games are BYOB, but please pick up after yourselves, and after (or during, or in between) games, head to the fine establishments at Stanley for food and additional refreshments. This is a great opportunity to socialize and compete with friends and neighbors at a fantastic venue. Bring the kids, as there is plenty of open space for them to run around! $450/team. For more information and to register, go to www.stapletonallsports.com.