Meet Your Neighbor: Kathy Stapleton
Interviewed by Christy Cerrone.
Continuing our series of interviews with our Southern Gables neighbors, to help us get to know and appreciate each other. If you know a neighbor you’d like to have featured, contact Christy, information below.
How long have you lived in Southern Gables? I have lived here for 50 years (come this Thanksgiving).
What are a few things that you like the most about the Southern Gables community?
I have neighbors who shovel my sidewalk and driveway… hooray! Although I don’t mind shoveling, it just takes me a little longer.
Do you have a favorite memory with your Southern Gables neighbors?
We had neighborhood gatherings in our cul-de-sac – much fun to become more familiar with our neighbors. John and I were co-chairs of the Green Gables PTA. We had carnivals and we would get our neighbors involved as well as the entire Green Gables parents. We made enough money to purchase the trees which are in the front yard of Green Gables Elementary. Much fun!!!
The person who nominated you for this series asked us to send a question specifically for you because you would have an interesting story — would you please tell us about how one of your volunteer activities led to a full-time job?
In 1976 I had an idea, with God’s help, to familiarize our senior citizens with the activities in our schools. They were reluctant to vote for our school bonds. I contacted the principals of the local schools and asked them if they would like to have “Grandparents Day.” I then contacted RTD to provide the transportation. They agreed, I was required to have a bus load every week. It was a very successful venture… we took seniors to the local schools, as well as health seminars, museums, DCPA productions, Country Dinner Playhouse and Boulder Dinner Playhouse. Heritage Square Opera House, historic tours of the Denver Metro area, baseball games — every event they were interested in! We transported over 50,000 seniors a year. My volunteer job turned into a full time position for 23 years!
What is the most neighborly experience you’ve had or seen in our neighborhood?
I enjoy seeing our Community Gardens… what a joy to see that success. Also, I like to see young families moving to our area…
What are your hobbies?
My hobbies are my 5 children, with 8 grand children and 1 great granddaughter; travel; volunteering and reading.
Is there anything else you want us to know about you?
I am a former airline stewardess and enjoyed the opportunity to travel internationally. I also, enjoyed serving Ward 5 constituents on the Lakewood City Council for 8 years.
Any final thoughts for our neighbors? “Do unto others as you wish them do unto you”
Contact [email protected] to nominate a candidate for the “Meet Your Neighbor” series.
