In a desperate attempt to save their lives and homes, the prairie dogs have posted signs letting Stapleton residents know they have rights. Head prairie dog “Dougey” is leading the attempt. “What’s frustrating to us is that we have lived here much longer,” says Dougey. “And now, they want to clear us out to create a park? No justice.” [Read more…] about Prairie Dogs Remind Residents “We Have Rights Too”

When Forrest City originally proposed the Stapleton development project to the city of Denver, they had agreed to create a diverse, urban neighborhood where people from all cultures would feel comfortable. That didn’t just mean the light blondes and the dark blondes, that also meant the strawberry blondes. [Read more…] about SUN Diversity Report: Strawberry Blondes Increased 7% in ‘11

Liza Kampstra is a hard-working stay at home, Stapleton mom. She is the household manager, as she takes care of the dishes, laundry, cleaning, paying the bills, and most importantly, she takes care of her two kids Kayla (6) and Rylan (4). She drops them at school, gets them dressed, takes them to the park, gives them baths, and carts them around to several other activities. If that’s not enough, she has taken on another responsibility. Helping other parents discipline their kids. “It’s something I take very seriously,” says Kampstra. “I’ll be at the park and see people letting their kids climb on things they shouldn’t be climbing on, and I will let those kids know that what they are doing is wrong. It is very satisfying to me, but also helpful to the kids and their parents.” [Read more…] about Stapleton Mom Takes on Responsibility of Disciplining Other Peoples’ Kids

At first glance, the Kesti household looks much like any other in Stapleton: 4-bedroom house, detached garage, friendly dog. But then their 18-month-old daughter, Catherine, comes literally bouncing down the stairs, in a plastic bubble designed to keep harmful germs away. “We tried everything, Purell dispensers in every room, even a surgical mask, but she didn’t like wearing it, and just kept getting sick,” explains her exasperated mother, Jenna. “The kids at her daycare were constantly getting her sick,” explains her father, Kevin. “To think of all those selfish parents, so desperate to go to work, that they’d pawn off their sick children on the school. I came this close to sending a strongly worded email more than a few times.” [Read more…] about Stapleton Couple Puts Toddler in Bubble to Stave off Illness

We are so honored to have had the opportunity to speak with the 2011 Mother of the Year recipient, Stapleton’s own Shelley Mayo. We asked Shelley a few questions about how she obtained this prestigious award. As I entered Shelley’s home, the aroma of fresh baked cookies fills my nose and makes my mouth water. The sound of her three children happily playing and singing instantly calms me and brings me back to my days as a child when life was safe and simple. Shelley and I sit down on her oversized couch with down filled cushions and sip on a homemade cup of warm chai tea. What follows is this enlightening interview: [Read more…] about Stapleton Mother Wins 2011 Mother of the Year Award

In a bizarre turn of events, an elf on the shelf in Stapleton informed resident Cindy Patterson that her husband Robert had been cheating on her. The elf, Randy, had been spying on Robert, including listening to his phone calls, looking at text and emails, and even monitoring his online chats. “I’m obviously shocked and disappointed,” said Cindy. “But now I know I can always trust Randy and can take full stock on how good he says the kids have been.” Robert feels betrayed by Randy and says he still can’t believe that Randy sold him out. “I have been the one giving him snacks and treats for years,” says Robert. “I don’t know what I could have done that made him betray me like this.” [Read more…] about Stapleton Elf on Shelf Tells Wife Husband is Cheating on Her

We all know about Santa’s naughty and nice list and its importance when it comes to getting gifts on Christmas. Kids make their best efforts to behave for one year simply so they can get good gifts on Christmas. Each child having their own unique set of requests for gifts. The Stapletonion had a chance to sit down with Santa for a brief interview to ask about Christmas and his thoughts on the children in the Stapleton community. The Stapletonion: “How have Stapleton children behaved in the last year?” Santa Claus: “Overall, I am very impressed with the behavior of the children in Stapleton. I don’t know how that happened, as I am not overly impressed with the behavior of the Stapleton parents.” The Stapletonion: “Is there anything unique that stands out about the kids in Stapleton versus other neighborhoods in the world.” Santa Claus: “Well, as I mentioned, they are better behaved overall, and I would say a large percentage of Stapleton kids are on the nice list, but they are needier than other children. The average child, even in the United States asks for presents with a retail value total of about $186. The average child in Stapleton is requesting about $526 in total gifts. Globally, kids average about $84 in requests.” The Stapletonion: “Is there anything the Stapleton community can do to help accommodate you on your brief trip through Stapleton? Santa Claus: “A lot of times people will leave a beer and cookies, which is great. I will say, chocolate ship is my favorite, and as far as beer goes, I’m a PBR guy. And when it comes to the beer, please leave it on ice, or leave a note saying it is okay to grab one from the fridge. People always leave them out, but by the time I get to a house, a lot of times the beer is warm, and I just end up giving it to the reindeer.” The Stapletonion: “Speaking of reindeer, do you have a favorite?” Santa Claus: “Obviously, I love all of them, but if I had to pick a favorite, I would say Donnor. Just easy-going, and always putting his best effort out there. Rudolf is great, but he hasn’t been the same since we gave him a contract extension.” The Stapletonion: “Thank you so much for your time, and best of success on Christmas.” Santa Claus: “Thank you, and I love your publication.”]]>

In an only slightly controversial move, a Stapleton resident has created a manger scene where there is no baby Jesus, but a baby Tebow. The baby Tebow dons a number 15 Broncos jersey, and the three wise men are all “Tebow-ing” next to the baby. “We still love the baby Jesus,” said resident Steve “Stevie” Schall. “We just feel that this Christmas we have really been blessed with the thoughts of playoffs dancing in our heads.” Schall has not completely given up on Jesus as potentially being the Savior. “Look, we still think it is possible that Jesus is the Chosen One. From what we learn from going to church three times a year, he seems great. But, this is a ‘what have you done for me lately’ world, and Tebow has been there for us.” [Read more…] about Stapleton Manger Scene Replaces Baby Jesus with Baby Tebow