Issue 24

When Amy Dettman first heard the suggestion to have the auction theme at Westerly Creek be a gangsta rap party, she thought it was a crazy idea. “I remember thinking that it may end up seeming racist, or that maybe not everyone liked gangsta rap,” says Dettman. “We looked hard at some other ideas, including a “Smash” theme or a “Jeremy Lin” theme, but in the end, people liked the gangsta rap theme the best.” Westerly Creek held its annual auction last Saturday night at Vinyl in downtown Denver. Decorations included sideways posters of famous gangsta rappers Eazy-E, NWA, Tupac, Ice T, Ice Cube, and Public Enemy to name a few. Fake bullet holes also decorated the walls along with cardboard cutouts of gansters flashing gang signs. The party came complete with an old school DJ, who played only the greatest rap songs including F*ck the Police, Boyz in the Hood, Straight Outta Compton, and Fight the Power. Patrons were served 40’s for their beer, and gin and juice was also abundant at the party. “This was hands down the best auction we have been to,” said event goer Brett Price. “We had a party like this back in college, and I have been waiting for another one ever since.” Other patrons had similar feelings. “Off the hizzzee,” exclaimed Cindy Patterson. “New rap is so crappy compared to the old real rap. We had a blast.” The party was successful financially as well. “We made about 60% more this year than last year,” says Dettman whose auction rolled in roughly $180,000. “We are extremely pleased with the turnout.” Dettman has not yet begun considering themes for next year’s party, but is already feeling the pressure. “I don’t know how we are going to top this years,” says Dettman. “We will do our best, but can you really do better than a party that cranks up Nobody Move by Eazy-E?” No you can’t, Amy. No you can’t.]]>

After receiving a lot of pressure from the EaWe community, Forrest City finally caved in and agreed to put up the much needed gate at the EaWe entrance located at the corner of Havana and MLK. The area caused terrible confusion to Aurorans despite the posted signs to the entrance pointing them to the appropriate direction. “The literacy rate in Aurora is terribly low,” says EaWe community leader Joe Schmit. “So, the sign proved very ineffective. Even the ones who can read would go through on Havana believing they would be the ones to figure out how to wind their way to Aurora. In all cases, the Aurora drivers would end up coming back the way they came, on this one way street.” [Read more…] about Keeping Aurorans Out: EaWe Begins Construction of Security Gate

After a good snow, the Central Park hill, which essentially becomes a sledding hill in the winter, is packed with eager sledders, young and old alike. People come from Stapleton, Park Hill, and even Aurora to enjoy one of the only hilly areas in all of Denver (one could also sled down the streets in the Highlands). Problem is, there are no posted rules. “Some of the rules should be very obvious,” says Stapleton parent Liam Murphy. “For example, you don’t walk straight up the same path you just sledded down. But some people just don’t get it.” Others have a hard time discerning which hills are for toddlers and which hills are for early adolescents. Luckily, none of these misunderstandings have led to any deaths or injuries, but it has become a big enough issue for SUN to get involved. [Read more…] about Sled Patrol: SUN Hires Rent-a-Cops to Monitor Sledding Hill

The Central Park recreation center has been a big success. It includes a fantastic indoor pool, modern exercise equipment, a day care facility, and a tremendous basketball court. One of the many benefits of using the cardio equipment at the rec center is the great view. Large windows allow you to see over Westerly Creek, the old control tower, and a pretty nice view of the mountains on clear days. There is one drawback to the amount of natural light coming in, however. “Sometimes when I am running on the treadmill, I am blinded,” says rec center member Brian Meeter. “If you go on a sunny day, the light is almost unbearable. I literally started wearing sunglasses, and I am not the only one.” The rec center did not tint the windows, and in fact, added a quality that enhances light coming in believing this would be a benefit. In 46 other states it would have been, but in Colorado, there is no need to increase the amount of sunlight we see. [Read more…] about Rec Center Workouts Like Being Outside—But Brighter

In recent years, the word “remediation” has been used by Forrest City often as a reason for slow development or lack of development. It has become a buzz word for organizations such as The Front Porch, Stapleton Moms, and SUN when explaining why something has not been completed by Forrest City. At any community forum you will hear that word thrown out by Forrest City PR as a response to almost any question. The Stapletonion wanted to know, has the word completely lost its meaning? [Read more…] about Does Forrest City Even Know What Remediation Means Anymore?

One of the many benefits to living in Stapleton is the closeness of the community and that you really get to know your neighbors. Because of this, neighbors often pass down baby clothes, kids sporting equipment, watch each other’s pets or children, water each other’s flowers, and of course borrow household goods. Typically, these items include baking goods such as eggs, flour, sugar, or even sometimes the occasional power tool. Recently, resident Dave Leonhart took it a step further. “I had been drinking a lot during the day, and I didn’t want to get in the car to go anywhere,” says Leonhart. “My wife had told me to make sure to get milk for the kids, and I completely forgot about it.” Dave called a trusted neighbor and asked if he could come by to borrow some milk. “We often borrow these types of things from each other, so it was no big deal,” says Elise Kloster. “When he came over, I had the milk all ready to go for him when he said, ‘would you mind throwing in some Crown Royal as well?’ Luckily, I did have some, but it was the first time either of us has asked to borrow alcohol from the other, so I guess the flood gates are open.” “Elise is a great neighbor, and I would absolutely do the same for her in her time of need,” said Leonhart. “In fact, I look forward to it.” SUN Outreach leader Helen Buchan does not necessarily disapprove of the practice. “It is all about how well you know your neighbors,” says Buchan. “If you feel it is something that you would give them, and something that you feel wouldn’t offend them, it should not be a problem at all. Just make sure that you are getting as much as you are giving as not to cause a strain in the relationship.” ]]>

Greg Asbee is the proud parent of a 16 month old girl. He does his best to be a loving, and good parent. However, he is not very impressed with his efforts compared to his original expectations. “I didn’t know how hard this sh#t would be,” exclaimed Greg. “I remember watching people thinking I could do so much better. I was wrong. Dead wrong.” [Read more…] about Stapleton Dad: “I Thought I’d Be a Much Better Parent”