June 2025 Newsletter | Vol. 6 | | |
THE BELLOS – June Edition!
Welcome to the June edition of THE BELLOS, your trusted e-newsletter connecting Montbello neighbors, businesses, and organizations. As we celebrate Juneteenth, we reflect on the importance of this holiday. Plus learn about the many summer events that provide the opportunity to connect with community, and read tips to get involved on Bike to Work Day, job opportunities and more! Know someone who would like to get THE BELLOS? Send them this link to sign up for the monthly e-newsletter.
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.
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Celebrating Juneteeth: A Day of Freedom and Reflection
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Juneteenth takes place annually on June 19th to celebrate the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that the 250,000+ enslaved African Americans living in the state were free. Although the Emancipation Proclamation, which ended slavery, was signed on Jan. 1, 1863, it could not be implemented in states that were still under Confederate Rule, including Texas.
Juneteenth has grown into a national celebration of African American culture, freedom, and achievement. Traditions include parades, music, storytelling, and community gatherings. Families and communities come together to reflect on the struggles and successes of Black Americans.
Although Juneteenth did not become a federal holiday until 2021, Colorado has recognized it as a state holiday since 2004. Denver’s Juneteenth Parade and Music Festival took place this year on June 15th; however, other cities across the state will celebrate with festivals, parades and music between June 19th and 21st. Check out the Community Connections section below to learn more about the Juneteenth celebration Monarch Montessori is hosting in Montbello on June 20th.
| | Tip of the Month: Reserve a Free E-Bike and Celebrate Bike to Work Day | | |
Bike to Work Day takes place on Wednesday, June 25th. This free, citywide event encourages people to ditch their cars and ride to work instead. Biking helps reduce emissions, traffic and pollution. The Montbello Electric Bike Library offers free electric bike rentals to Montbello, Green Valley Ranch and Northfield residents. Consider renting an e-bike for a fun and healthy way to take part in Bike to Work Day.
The Montbello Organizing Committee will host a station on Bike to Work Day at the Montbello Electric Bike Library (corner of E. 47th Ave. and Paris St.) with breakfast, drinks, and giveaways from 7:00 to 9:30 a.m. All riders are welcome to stop by and join the fun!
Learn more about the Montbello Electric Bike Library, complete an online reservation or reserve a bike through the reservation portal.
| | Jobs of the Month: ECE Center Director, Bright Sprouts Learning | | |
Bright Sprouts Learning is hiring a full-time director for its Early Childhood Education Center. Located near Fitzsimons Innovation Campus, Bright Sprouts provides high-quality early education for infants and toddlers. The ECE Center Director is accountable for overall operational management in accordance with well-established guidelines, including curriculum development, staff and facilities management, legal and budgetary considerations, and long-range planning. This position reports directly to the Center’s owner.
A bachelor’s or master’s degree in early childhood education or a related field of study with a minimum of 30 credits in ECE is required. In addition, applicants should have three years of supervisory experience and five years professional experience in an early childhood setting (8 weeks to 3 years). The annual salary for this position ranges from $45,760 - $60,320, based on experience. Apply online.
| | 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 FreshLo Hub Wins Eagle Award | | |
The Montbello FreshLo Hub, a community-inspired and community-led project, took home the Eagle Award during Housing Colorado’s annual awards ceremony on June 5th. This prestigious award honors and recognizes projects that add to or preserve affordable housing stock in Colorado with emphasis on projects that incorporate the interests of a variety of stakeholders, have a positive impact on the community, are innovative and address issues related to diversity, equity, and/or inclusion.
The FreshLo Hub’s 97 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, which feature amenities including in-unit washers and dryers and outside decks, were all completely leased less than 9 months after the doors opened. Residents are eagerly awaiting the opening of a coffee shop on the main level and the adjacent grocery store, which is expected to open later this year.
| | The Many Faces of MOC: Meet Annie Leyva | | |
Annie Leyva supports the Montbello Electric Bike Library as the Mobility Services & Rental Support Coordinator for the Montbello Organizing Committee. In this seasonal role, she helps keep the fleet of e-bikes safe, accessible, and ready for community use, ensuring residents have free, eco-friendly transportation options. She also supports MOC’s community development team with event coordination.
Annie recently graduated from Northeast Early College with an associate degree. She served as Student Body President, National Honor Society Vice President, co-creator of La Voz de Montbello Podcast, and more. This fall, she will attend Colorado College to study Neuroscience and Hispanic Studies, with future plans to work in healthcare and nonprofit leadership.
She’s passionate about equity, sustainability, and access. Outside of MOC, she enjoys baking, going on walks, watching movies, and spending time with her family. Reach out to Annie via email.
| | Mersi Canales Receives 2025 Family Award for Stewardship on Behalf of DPS Families | | Denver Families for Public Schools announced the recipients of the 2025 Family Awards, which recognize DPS parents and guardians who consistently and authentically engage their communities on issues concerning the schools, during their third annual Party for the People on June 4th. Mersi Canales, a Montbello resident and community engagement specialist for MOC, was among the recipients. Mersi was lauded for her passion for engaging others in the Montbello community and for her commitment to gaining the tools and knowledge needed to elevate the voices of families and fight for the schools and communities they serve. | | Event Recap: Fun, Fellowship and Fundraising at Montbello Golf Tournament | | |
The inaugural Montbello golf tournament brought together golfers, community leaders, and sponsors for a fun-filled day on the greens, marking a commitment to improving life in Montbello. A total of 62 golfers enjoyed the friendly competition at the beautiful, semi-private Green Valley Ranch Golf Club. During the post-golf lunch at the Club, Team Perez was announced as the winners of the foursome scramble. Closest to the pin awards went to Millie Boeteng in the female division and Peyton Perez in the male division. Among the men, James McClair had the longest drive, and Crystal Ford Adams was the female with the longest drive.
Hosted by the Montbello Organizing Committee, the Montbello Golf Tournament raised $29,000.00. These funds will help support wellness and mental health programs, food access and resources, affordable housing, and employment and business ownership opportunities—all designed to improve the lives of Montbello community members. Special thanks to presenting sponsors: Denver International Airport, First Bank-East, Gilmore Construction, Green Valley Ranch Pet Center, Community College of Aurora, Chad Nash – The Real Estate Doctor, Struggle of Love, Environmental Learning for Kids, Khadija Haynes, First Citizens Bank, Faithbridge, DMG Consulting Group, Two Guys Laundry, Schomp Mazda, Thrivent and One Main Street.
| | Featured Event: 19th Annual Heal the Hood Community Resource Fair | | | |
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Saturday, June 28, 2025
Montbello High School
5000 Crown Blvd., Denver, CO 80239
| Be part of this meaningful gathering hosted by Families Against Violent Acts (FAVA) that offers a range of free activities, including food, essential resources, exciting games, fabulous prizes, and exclusive gift cards for the first 100 attendees. Your presence will make a difference at this important event aimed at fostering community support and solidarity. | | Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings* | |
Monarch Montessori Juneteenth Celebration!
Friday, June 20, 2025 from 3:30 to 5:30 PM
Monarch Montessori: 4895 Peoria St. Denver, CO 80239
Enjoy music, dance performances, delicious food, and learn more about the history of Juneteenth! Our public elementary school hosts this event every year to connect with our vibrant Montbello community. Free to attend and no registration necessary.
For Montbello Summer Celebration – ELK
Friday, June 27, 2025 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM
ELK Education Center: 12680 Albrook Dr., Denver, CO 80239
Celebrate summer with the ELK community! Enjoy food, music, games, and a lively open market where attendees can buy and sell. This family-friendly event welcomes BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, working-class families, youth, immigrants, and nature lovers.
No RSVP necessary—just stop by!
Healing in Harmony – A Personal Wellness & Awareness Summit
Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 3:00 to 6:30 PM
Embassy Suites Hotel: 4444 Havana Street, Denver, CO 80239
Hosted by Black Pearl Entertainment, Healing in Harmony is a community wellness summit focused on restoration and self-care. Enjoy chair massages, facials, mani-pedis, beauty touch-ups, and a calming, affirming atmosphere. Ideal for parents, professionals, and caregivers seeking a moment to reset.
Tickets available online for $20; available at the door for $30.
Montbello Mobile Food Pantry
Thursday, July 10, 2025 at 9 AM
Montbello Recreation Center: 15555 E. 53rd Ave., Denver, CO 80239
The Mobile Food Pantry distributes food boxes out of the parking lot at Montbello Recreation Center. New clients can streamline their visit by registering ahead of time here.
Montbello Branch Library 50th Anniversary Celebration
Saturday, July 12, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Montbello Library: 12955 Albrook Dr, Denver, CO 80239
Swing by the library for fun activities and celebrate 50 years of this valuable community institution. Plus, check out the Montbello Memory Mapping installation!
*Unless otherwise noted, events are free. Visit montbellocalendar.org to register and to see additional events happening in the community.
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