April 2025 Newsletter | Vol. 4 | | |
THE BELLOS – April Edition!
Welcome to the April edition of THE BELLOS, your trusted e-newsletter connecting Montbello neighbors, businesses, and organizations. Learn more about National Minority Health Month and facts about the measles, find a tasty and nutritious recipe for your heart health, read about our fun container workshop for young gardeners, explore tips, jobs, upcoming events and more in our wonderful community!
The March/April edition of the MUSE, which includes a focus on the 10th annual District 11 Town Hall as well as in-depth features and articles from elected officials, is available online and printed copies will soon be available at your favorite Montbello community spot. We also invite you to visit our updated website to learn all about MOC’s programs and community resources.
As always, we welcome your story ideas and event submissions for future editions of THE BELLOS or the MUSE. Have something to share? Reply to this email.
| All funds will support the Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC) initiatives to address critical issues affecting residents' quality of life. We aim for a healthy, vibrant, and economically viable community. Our programs encompass mental health services, food access, affordable housing, climate resilience, early childhood education through 12th grade, and workforce development. These efforts benefit thousands of children, youth, and adults annually. | | Healing in Color: Celebrating National Minority Health Month in Montbello | | |
National Minority Health Month is a time to raise awareness about health disparities and advance health equity for racial and ethnic minority populations across the United States. Its roots go back to 1915, when civil rights pioneer Booker T. Washington launched National Negro Health Week—a bold step toward empowering Black communities to take control of their health during the post-Reconstruction era.
In 2002, the movement gained national recognition when Congress formally established April as National Minority Health Month through a concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 388). Since then, communities across the country have carried forward this legacy by addressing local health inequities and expanding access to care.
Several organizations are dedicated to advocating for and improving health access for minorities living in Montbello.
| | Tip of the Month: Heart Healthy Recipes for You and Your Family | | |
Heart disease is a leading cause of death for both Latinos and Blacks in our country. One of the ways our communities can help to fight against this disease is through a healthy diet. Healthy food isn’t just nutritious, it’s also delicious! Check out this sweet, easy recipe for Rise and Shine Cobbler courtesy of Nutrition.gov.
Ingredients
1 cup canned peaches (drained and sliced)
1 cup canned pears (halved, drained and sliced)
6 prunes (pitted, each cut in half)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 medium orange
1 cup granola (low-fat)
Steps
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix peaches, pears, prunes, and vanilla extract.
- Rub an orange against a grater to remove 1 teaspoon of the orange peel. Then, cut the orange in half and squeeze 1/4 cup orange juice. Add orange peel and juice to fruit mixture. Stir.
- Top with granola.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes.
- Spoon into 4 bowls and serve warm.
For more family friendly recipes see Recipes | Nutrition.gov
| | Health Information: What to Know about Measles | | |
Measles is more than just a rash and fever.
It can cause serious and long-term health complications, especially in children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, elderly people, and people who are immune compromised. One in five people who get measles will end up in the hospital.
Measles is highly contagious
If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people close to them will become infected if they are not vaccinated.
Measles can be prevented
The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine.
The MMR vaccine is safe and effective, providing long-lasting protection against all strains of measles. Learn more about measles and where to find a vaccine at www.denvergov.org/CommunicableDiseases.
| | Job of the Month: Seasonal Bike Mechanic and Rental Coordinator, Montbello Electric Bike Library | | |
The Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC) is currently hiring a seasonal bike mechanic and rental coordinator to oversee the operations of the Montbello Electric Bike Library (MEBL). In this role, the bike mechanic and rental coordinator will play a vital role in managing bike rentals, performing repairs and maintenance, and delivering exceptional customer service to our patrons. MOC offers a competitive hourly wage of $25-$30/hr, commensurate with qualifications and experience. This is a seasonal position with flexible part-time to full-time hours, and weekend availability is required. For more information please contact: chris.urias@montbelloorganizing.org.
Montbello Talent is dedicated to connecting local job seekers with living wage jobs where they can thrive. Whether you're seeking your first job, looking to shift careers, or aiming to climb higher in your current path, Montbello Talent offers personalized support and resources. Each month in THE BELLOS, we will highlight a job meant to help strengthen our community's economic fabric. If you are a job seeker, or employer, please reach out to Michael.Crossland@montbelloorganizing.org.
| | FreshLo Update: Montbello Conference Room Rentals | | |
Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC) is excited to announce new conference room rentals to provide the community with accessible and equipped spaces for meetings, training, and other events to transform, empower, engage and connect Montbello.
Several spaces are available for groups of 8 to 25, including the Transformation Conference Room, the Empowerment Conference Room, the Connections Training Room, and the Engagement Meeting Room. These rooms cater to different needs, with varying seated capacities and features like TV monitors, whiteboards, audio systems, Owl technology for virtual meetings, and even a computer lab. Rental rates are $25/hour for non-profits and $50/hour for for-profit organizations, with program members, participants, and partners being free with some limitations. Amenities included with rentals are Wi-Fi access, tables and chairs, AV and tech, and parking with available EV charging.
To learn more or reserve a conference room, please contact Kwon Atlas via email: kwon.atlas@montbelloorganizing.org.
| | The Many Faces of MOC: Meet Tyrous Pryde | | |
As one of the first students to attend Lena Archuleta Elementary school, Tyrous Pryde was raised in the Montbello community. He is excited to work in a position that is helping to improve the community that nourished him as a youth.
As MOC’s Accounting Manager, Tyrous oversees financial reporting, tax planning and compliance, audit compliance, and financial analysis. He also manages financial reporting for the FreshLo Hub, including the businesses located in the 4660 Peoria Street strip mall. His previous experience guiding clients through complex financial landscapes, provides him with the skills to effectively manage funding from a variety of sources and lead strategies to boost profitability and efficiency. Whether he is working out at the gym or working with others to develop solutions, Tyrous is a guiding light to both MOC and the greater Montbello community.
Tyrous received his bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Metropolitan State University of Denver. He is committed to collaborating and delivering solutions that foster long-term success.
| | Event Recap: Community Gardening Event | | |
Our youth container gardening class in partnership with our wonderful partners at ELK was a great success! Thanks to Becca Harley, the amazing Director of Children's Farms in Action, we introduced young participants to the basics of container gardening, including how to choose the right containers, prepare soil, and plant seeds. Through our Gardening 101 session, they learned essential skills such as watering techniques, sunlight requirements, and plant care. The hands-on experience helped build their confidence to grow their own plants at home.
One of the highlights of the event was providing free containers to all participants, ensuring they had the tools to continue their gardening journey. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the youth made the experience even more rewarding, as they asked thoughtful questions and eagerly applied what they learned.
This event taught valuable gardening skills and also fostered a love for nature and sustainability. We look forward to hosting more workshops and continuing to inspire young gardeners in our community. Learn more at www.childrensfarms.org. Photos courtesy of ELK.
| | Featured Event: National Build From Within Convening in Montbello | | |
May 14-16, 2025
This May 14–16, the Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC) will co-host the 2025 Build From Within National Convening alongside the Build From Within Alliance. This event will bring together 16 member organizations from across the country, offering MOC an opportunity to showcase its work through the Building Community Wealth Initiative.
During this time, participants will share ideas, brainstorm solutions to common challenges, and explore ways to further strengthen and improve their community-based work. Attendees will also be treated to a tour and in-depth presentation about the FreshLo Hub, a community-inspired and owned initiative that includes affordable housing, a future non-profit grocery store and cultural arts and education center.
As an active member of the Alliance, MOC remains committed to advancing community wealth through entrepreneurship and small business support.
Learn more about the Build From Within Alliance by visiting their website.
| | Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings* | |
Save A Lot Q&A
Friday, April 11th from 12 to 2 PM
Save A Lot store, 4874 Chambers Road, Denver, CO 80239
Community members will be able to share feedback on the Save A Lot store in the community. Updates will follow from the store and district managers about store operations and upcoming plans. The meeting will end with an open floor for questions and closing remarks, along with details about the next meeting.
Tree Planting Workshop
Saturday, April 19th from 10 AM to 12 PM
ELK Center, 12680 Albrook Dr., Denver, CO 80239
Help us restore nature, one tree at a time!
Join our Tree Planting Workshop and be a part of the movement for a healthier, greener future. Sign up now and now and let’s plant hope together. Contact Erika Orozco via email: kikaorozco691@gmail.com.
Struggle of Love: (SOL) Pathways to Love & Peace Youth Resource Fair
Saturday, May 3rd from 12 to 4 PM
Montbello Community Building parking lot, 12000 East 47th Avenue, Denver, CO 80239
Youth, are you looking for more opportunities? Are you looking for a job or want to learn more about available resources? Come and explore the possibilities at The Struggle of Love Foundation’s Youth Resource Fair. Sign up today.
*Unless otherwise noted, events are free. Visit montbellocalendar.org to register and to see additional events happening in the community.
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