August Newsletter | Vol. 4 | |
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THE BELLOS – August Edition!
Welcome to the August edition of THE BELLOS, your monthly e-newsletter connecting Montbello neighbors, businesses, and organizations. This edition brings you a wide range of opportunities happening in the neighborhood, along with useful tips, resources, and job listings. We also have updates on the FreshLo Hub, recent events, upcoming classes, and ways for you to get involved in the Montbello community.
Check out our bi-monthly MUSE publication, which includes in-depth features and articles from elected officials. Read the July/August on Montbello.org.
We encourage you to share content for either THE BELLOS or the MUSE. If you have an event or story idea that you’d like included, please reply to this email.
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Celebrating Mayra Gonzales' Contributions to Montbello | |
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After 4.5 years of dedicated service, Mayra Gonzales has stepped back from her role as Chief Impact Officer at the Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC) to embark on a new chapter. Her tenure has been marked by significant contributions to the community through impactful projects, all of which were community-designed, led, and driven.
Mayra managed the Walkable Loop, evolving it into the Montbello Loop to enhance mobility and connectivity. She led community engagement for the FreshLo Hub, fostering a sense of ownership among residents. As steward of the Electric Mobility project, she transformed it into Montbello Moves, improving access to sustainable transportation.
Her creation of the Montbello Memory Mapping initiative preserved the community's rich history, while her revamp of the Montbello Alive! celebration during the pandemic kept the community spirit vibrant. Mayra also designed the Building Bright Futures pilot program, laying the groundwork for new opportunities for Montbello's youth.
On July 16th, MOC and the community celebrated Mayra’s contributions to the community. In her farewell message, Mayra expressed gratitude for the support, collaboration, and friendship she received, and excitement for future community-building efforts.
Mayra played a major role in all developments of the Montbello Organizing Committee. Her legacy of unwavering dedication and passion for the community will continue to inspire and her impact will be felt for generations.
Thank you, Mayra, for your remarkable contributions to Montbello!
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Tip of the Month:
Ensure Your Child’s Access to Free Healthy Meals
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As your child heads back to school, setting them up for success involves more than just preparing backpacks and routines. A key part of their well-being is ensuring they have access to nutritious meals, which fuel their learning and growth. Denver Public Schools’ participation in Colorado's Healthy School Meals for All program, approved by voters, ensures that all students have access to free, nutritious meals. However, to continue receiving full federal funding, it's essential that families still provide household income information by filling out the necessary form during registration.
Completing this form not only helps cover meal costs but also supports after-school and nutritional programs that benefit our children. As you prepare for registration day, take a moment to fill out the form to ensure your child, along with others, continues to receive free healthy meals throughout the school year. Your participation is key to maximizing resources for our schools. To learn more, visit Healthy School Meals for All Program.
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Job of the Month:
Coordinator for Generation Wild Initiative - Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges
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The Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges (FFRWR) is seeking a Generation Wild Northeast Metro Coalition (NEMC) Program Coordinator. This position, running through July 2026, focuses on supporting youth outdoor engagement in Commerce City, northwest Aurora, and Denver’s Montbello and Northeast Park Hill neighborhoods. Key responsibilities include overseeing financial management, reporting, and compliance; building and maintaining collaborations with partners; and recruiting and managing the Generation Wild NEMC Youth Council. Compensation for this position is $55,000-$60,000 annually. To learn more and apply, view the full job description here. | |
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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.
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Each of the 97 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments at the FreshLo Residences will include Wifi connectivity, modern appliances, ample storage, and an outdoor deck. In addition, residents will have access to community amenities including a small fitness area, multipurpose room, common area, additional storage, and an outdoor deck. Here’s a sneak peek at the outdoor deck area, which includes outdoor grills, a fireplace, seating areas, garden beds, and a playground.
Be sure to follow @MontbelloOrg on Facebook and Instagram for the latest FreshLo updates.
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Event Recap:
Athletics and Beyond 3rd Anniversary Celebration
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Athletics & Beyond (A&B) is a nonprofit organization based in Montbello, that is dedicated to empowering under-resourced youth and their families. Since its inception in 2005, A&B has evolved from focusing primarily on athletic development to offering comprehensive programs that include academic support, life skills, and community wealth-building initiatives. In May 2021, A&B acquired its current facility, which now serves over 750 members and employs six staff members, along with 11 personal trainers who retain 100% of their training fees. A&B’s innovative approach combines sports training with educational enrichment and career readiness, fostering holistic development in its participants. Through partnerships with organizations such as Major League Baseball Player Trust and community events like the annual Gloves Not Guns, A&B continues to be a pivotal force in promoting health, education, and economic opportunity within the Montbello community.
On June 29th, A&B welcomed the community for its third anniversary celebration. Attendees gained valuable information from community partners at the vendor fair, and enjoyed free food, music and activities.
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In case you haven’t noticed, the election season is in full swing – commercials, yard signs, and robocalls tell us so. Election Day is November 5 this year, but since every eligible registered Colorado voter will receive a mail ballot in October, you can vote sooner. You can still register to vote at http://www.govotecolorado.gov/. You must be 18 years of age or older to vote. You must be a U.S. citizen and a Colorado resident for at least 22 days before the election.
It is always important to be a knowledgeable voter and to vote, but this election season will test even the most educated voter. The 2024 General Election ballot consists of races for various federal, statewide, and some local offices. Within these races are candidates for U.S. Congress, Governor, State Executive Offices, State Senators and Representatives, Regional Transportation District Board, County and District Judges, and, of course, PRESIDENT. Voters will also decide on several statewide and local ballot measures.
Before you begin to list all the reasons why you aren’t going to vote, starting with “my vote doesn’t matter,” keep this in mind. Major elections have been won and lost on a difference of as few as 200 votes. At the electoral level where who is in office gets to vote, elections have been won or lost on a margin of one vote. Your vote counts.
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Featured Event: Montbello Alive! 5K | |
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Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10:00 AM
East Meadow – Parkfield Lake Park
15555 E. 53rd Ave., Denver, CO 80239
Registration is open for the Montbello Alive! 5K. This event is a wonderful opportunity for runners, walkers and families to be active, enjoy our neighborhood and connect with neighbors. SIGN UP HERE.
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Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings* | |
Michelle Simmons, Strength in Numbers Virtual Therapy Group
Ages 18-40 every 4th Tuesday at 3 PM, and ages 40+ every 2nd Tuesday at 3 PM
Designed for those coping with chronic illness and disabilities, this group provides a supportive environment to share, learn, and thrive together. Sessions are $10 each, and most insurances are accepted; schedule a screening by clicking here to sign up.
A Collection of Beauty Fashion Show
Saturday, August 24th from 4:30 - 7:00 PM
Embassy Suites Hotel, 4444 N. Havana Street
Witness the latest trends from upcoming models and designers, including a special guest designer from Kansas.
The Birth Squad Prenatal Program
8-week program starting Sunday, August 25th, 2024
The Prenatal Program consists of eight classes designed to prepare you for new parenthood, focusing on key topics like sleep, nutrition, infant feeding, safety (including infant and child CPR), and health and well-being in the early months. Classes are offered at two locations. Learn more and sign up here.
District 8 Community Safety Follow-Up Conversation
Tuesday, August 27th from 5:30 - 6:30 PM
DSST: Elevate Northeast Middle School-10825 E. 47th Ave, Denver, CO 80239
The Mayor's Office of Community Outreach, the Office of Social Equity and Inclusion (OSEI), and the Office of Neighborhood Safety (ONS) will provide an update on the feedback received during the April 4th meeting regarding improvements to access essential services such as housing, medical care, and mental health support, as well as ensuring children's safety near schools and addressing violence through effective prevention strategies. Sign up here.
9th Annual Montbello Alive!
Saturday, September 21st from 12:00 - 4:00 PM
East Meadow of Parkfield Lake Park - 15555 E. 53rd Ave.
Join Montbello Organizing Committee for the 9th Annual Montbello Alive! Honoring our community's dignity, pride, and diversity, the celebration features cultural performances, free food from local vendors, family-friendly activities, and community resources.
*Unless otherwise noted, events are free. Visit montbellocalendar.org to register and to see additional events happening in the community.
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