Stapleton’s continuing effort to “out-green” the world has been a strong one, but not all concepts have gone over with flying colors. In an effort to promote the small trend of people buying green or fuel-efficient vehicles, Stapleton has endorsed parking spots at different locations which are tabbed as “Fuel Efficient Vehicle-only” spots. These spots are most prevalent at the Stapleton Recreation Center and SMIS Elementary School. To date, not one fuel efficient car has parked in any of these spots. [Read more…] about Stapleton’s Fuel Efficient/Low Emission Parking Spots Remain Empty

Stapleton residents know that there is a prairie dog problem in Stapleton. The mostly harmless creatures are overpopulated, and pretend to be delaying the yet-to-begin park on 26th St. The little creatures are certain not to attack you or your dog, and whether or not they actually spread disease we do not know, but they certainly look like they do. The Stapleton consensus is that they have to go, but relocating them is challenging for a number of reasons. Where would they go? Plus, humans view moving as more stressful than death, so we can only imagine how stressful it would be to these tiny herbivores. Killing them may be the only option, but poisoning them seems a little cruel. Are there other options? [Read more…] about The Poisoning of the Prairie Dogs: There is Another Solution

Every year on Halloween, the population of Stapleton doubles from about 10,000 residents to well over 25,000 during the trick or treating times, and usually at least an hour or two after trick or treating is officially over. Residents from all over the metro area, but mostly Aurora, come to Stapleton to trick or treat for many reasons. One of the main reasons candy lovers enjoy treating in Stapleton is that the houses are only about 10 yards apart. This makes it easy to get lots of candy in a short period of time. Stapleton residents are also typically festive and more likely to give out candy than some other neighboring areas. The quality of candy given out is even extremely high, with lots of miniature candy bars as well. And finally, other than on Halloween, Stapleton is a very safe neighborhood, and most certainly more safe than some of the surrounding communities (we’re looking at you Park Hill). So how do local residents feel about this? We polled several residents, and over 80% of residents (84%) do not like having non-Stapleton kids trick-or-treating at their homes. “We spend a lot of money on candy,” says resident Krista Hendricks. “The worst thing is, we increase the amount every year, and we are still out by 6:30PM.” Other residents don’t like missing out on giving other friends’ kids candy.  “Most years we are out of candy by the time families I actually know show up,” says Lisa Vardaman. “It is extremely frustrating.” Resident Mitchell McAllister simply does not like the laziness of it. “When I was a kid, you had to trick or treat where you lived. None of this ‘hey, let’s go to the easiest neighborhood and get our candy there.’ You had to work your butt off to fill that pillow case. Just another example of how kids are becoming lazy, and we are enabling them.” Other residents question the intentions of the holiday-goers. “How do I know these outsiders aren’t simply scoping out my home, only to rob me later,” questioned Erik Hall. “We had a couple of treaters last year that had to be 17 years old. Ridiculous.” Residents are being asked to be polite to the outsiders, and give them candy even if they do not have a resident card. However, normal rules apply in that if someone seems too old to be trick or treating, do not give them candy, and if their costume shows no effort, do not give them candy, and finally:  No trick… no treat.]]>

Last Thursday, October 20^th, the Stapleton community experienced its own real life horror. Something that made Friday the 13^th, Poltergeist, and Scream seem like an episode of the Wiggles. Usually, reporters like me receive anonymous tips or hear second-hand of these types of incidents. Then, a fierce investigation follows where we need to confirm and extract details to keep our journalistic integrity. This process is grueling but necessary. This most recent occurrence needed no such investigation, however, for this reporter was there on the scene when the story unfolded. Pabst Blue Ribbon (PBR), an extremely popular and award winning American lager, is kept on tap at Stapleton’s favorite watering hole, The Berkshire. This under-priced beverage is a favorite among regulars and beer connoisseurs alike. [Read more…] about Nightmare on 29th Street: Berkshire Runs Out of PBR

The Stapleton neighborhood in Denver is absolutely one of the most festive communities in all of Colorado. During Christmas (or the Holiday Season, depending on your religion), homes are heavily decorated with lights, snowflakes, reindeer, and Santas. It is hard to find a home that does not participate in decorating their homes, and if there is, they are typically ostracized by their neighbors. Halloween is no different, with residents clamoring to be the most “spooktacular” home in the neighborhood. The Stapletonion sent its team out to look around Stapleton to track the Halloween decorating trends, and to scope out the best decorated homes.  Spiders seem to be big this year, in both senses. Everyone is decorating with spiders, and they are typically massive spiders (almost unrealistic looking). Many homes have devices which will scare unsuspecting trick-o-treaters as they approach the home. Overall, another great effort from the Stapleton community in regards to being festive. There was one house that did go overboard, however. The Stapletonion will not disclose the location of the home, but will discuss the issue. The resident had done a great job decorating overall, but then took it over the top when they put an actual dead body in a coffin outside of their home. Although The Stapletonion appreciates the resident’s enthusiasm, we strongly feel this is overboard. The Stapletonion wanted to reach the resident for comment, but was much too frightened to approach the home.]]>

We have all seen them. Tens and tens of golf carts driving around Stapleton, typically to pools, and sometimes just to parties. For the most part, the carts are harmless. Sometimes you may get stuck behind one temporarily on 29^th street, not sure if you are allowed to pass them or not, but overall, the Stapleton golf carts are not a problem. The carts are mostly fun novelty items that non-cart owners envy, and occasionally get to enjoy a ride from a friend or neighbor. The one day a year that golf cart owners really get the ugly stares is on Halloween. Cart owners take the kids out trick o treating using the golf carts, which allows for an already easy Stapleton candy-grabbing experience to become even easier. “I don’t like it at all,” says resident Jim Miller. “I have seen it where they literally keep one big bag on the cart and the kids empty their small bags after hitting each block. These kids are not earning this candy at all.” [Read more…] about Golf Carts Give Unfair Advantage to Local Trick-O-Treaters

[Read more…] about 2011 Study: Candy-Testing Unnecessary, but Very Tasty