October Newsletter | Vol. 6

Your Vote Matters:

Important Registration and Voting Information

Tuesday November 5th is Election Day. Denver residents will vote on a multitude of important issues including affordable housing, health care, transportation and education. 

Register to Vote

Anyone with a valid Social Security Number, Colorado Driver’s License or Colorado State ID can register to vote or make changes to their voter registration online using this link. If you do not have a SSN or Colorado ID but are 18 years or older, a US citizen and reside in Denver, you may complete the printed form and drop it off at several government offices, including Denver Human Services located in the Arie P. Taylor Municipal Center. Voter registration must be completed by 7 pm on Election Day.

Where and How to Vote

All voters who are registered at least 8 days prior to November 5th will receive a mailed ballot. Completed ballots can be put in a personal mailbox or USPS collection box or dropped off at any Voter Service Center. Note: mailed ballots require two 1st class stamps. Mailed or dropped off ballots must be received by 7 pm on Nov. 5th.

You can also vote in person at any Voter Service Center in your home county – the closest location for Montbello residents is the Montbello Recreation Center – between Oct. 21st and Nov. 5th. You will need to show ID and must be in line at a Voter Service Center by 7 pm on November 5th.

More information is available on the Denver Elections Division website. 

Tip of the Month: Safe Trick-or-Treating 

Halloween is an exciting time, but it’s important to keep safety in mind! To ensure a fun and safe night follow these tricks and tips: 

Costumes

• Choose light-colored costumes or add reflective tape to outfits and candy bags.
• Opt for face paint instead of masks to ensure clear vision.

Trick-or-Treating

• Always accompany children under 12, and trick-or-treat early if possible.
• Stick to sidewalks, crossing only at corners, and cover one side of the street at a time.
• Avoid approaching homes that aren’t well-lit, and never go inside a stranger’s house.
• Carry flashlights or glow sticks to see at night. 

Checking Treats

• Discard any unwrapped or suspicious-looking treats.
• Remove any items that could be choking hazards for young children.

Trunk-or-Treats

• For a fun and safe alternative, attend community “Trunk or Treat” events.
• Check the "Additional Events" section of this newsletter for upcoming Trunk or Treats in Montbello!

Job of the Month: Warehouse Inventory Clerk at Swire Coca-Cola

Looking for a career with competitive pay and excellent benefits? Swire Coca-Cola, one of the largest bottlers of Coca-Cola and other top beverage brands in the U.S., is hiring a Point of Sale (POS) Clerk.

As a POS Clerk, you’ll handle the storage and distribution of promotional materials, load and unload products, fill sales orders, and manage inventory. This full-time position offers a starting wage of $22/hr with opportunities for overtime.



Swire Coca-Cola provides a robust benefits package, including health coverage, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and tuition reimbursement. Employees also enjoy free virtual healthcare services and discounts on Coca-Cola products. With career advancement opportunities and a positive work environment, you can directly impact your community. Apply HERE.

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: Ariel’s Café Selected as Coffee Shop Operator for FreshLo Hub!

We are thrilled to announce that Ariel’s Café has been chosen as the coffee shop operator for the FreshLo Hub. 

Ariel Elliott-Dawson, owner of this community-centric café, is a dynamic entrepreneur and Denver native. Ariel’s Café will be one of the few Black woman-owned coffee shops in Denver and one of the first locally owned cafés in Montbello. Ariel’s background in business, community building, and commitment to fostering local engagement shone through during the competitive RFP process.



Ariel’s Café will offer an extensive menu including traditional and specialty coffee drinks as well as smoothies, teas, freshly baked pastries, gourmet sandwiches, and hearty breakfast burritos. This diverse menu aims to serve everyone from early-morning commuters to lunchtime regulars and afternoon snack seekers.



Stay tuned for the grand opening of Ariel’s Café, and make plans to stop by to enjoy a cup of coffee in the FreshLo Hub new retail space opening soon. 

Event Recap: Montbello Alive! 2024

Founded in 1965, Montbello became Denver’s first major annexation of privately owned land in the far northeast. Over the past 59 years, it has grown into a vibrant, diverse community celebrated for its resilience and unity. This thriving neighborhood owes its continued success to the dedication of its residents, leaders, and local organizations.

On September 21st, we hosted the 9th Annual Montbello Alive!, which brought together over 60 community resources, vendors, and local partners at the east field of Parkfield Lake Park. The event kicked off with an exciting 5K run/walk, where top competitors took home prizes. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed live performances from talents like Grupo Tlaloc and Tony Exum Jr., while savoring free food from local vendors. Families participated in Lotería, field games, and other fun activities, creating a joyful and inclusive environment. 



All of this was possible with the support of our sponsors who helped create an inclusive and fun environment for all. Montbello Alive! remains a testament to the dignity, pride, and diversity of our neighborhood, fostering connections and celebrating our community’s enduring strength year after year.

Featured Event: Harvest Festival

Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings*

Montbello Town Hall

Thursday, October 17th from 6:00 - 7:00 PM 

ELK Center, 12680 Albrook Dr., Denver, CO 80239

Hear directly from Denver's top Election Official Paul López and other community leaders about how they work together to keep elections safe and ask questions about the upcoming election. Register HERE.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Friday, October 18th from 5:00 - 7:30 PM 

DSST Elevate Northeast, 10825 E. 47th Ave., Denver, CO 80239

Food, fun activities, and live performances! 

Lay Your Garden to Rest

Thursday, October 24th from 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM 

Monarch Montessori, 4895 Peoria St., Denver, CO 80239

Help Children’s Farms in Action put the Garden to Bed! We will be removing plant matter, composting, and mulching beds. Bring: closed-toed shoes, water, and a hat.

Email becca.harley@montbelloorganizing.org to RSVP. 

Montbello Middle School Trunk-or-Treat

Friday, October 25th from 5:00 - 7:30 PM 

Montbello Middle School, 5290 Kittredge St., Denver, CO 80239

Wear your costume and join the Trunk-or-Treat for all ages. 

District 5 Trunk-or-Treat

Saturday, October 26th from 1:00 - 4:00 PM 

Lincoln Tech Campus, 11194 E. 45th Ave., Denver, CO 80239

Get the whole family together for a spooktacular Halloween celebration! Enjoy a haunted house, fun games, exciting raffles, delicious food trucks, and trunk-or-treating for all ages.

Nature Club October Series

Thursdays, October 3rd-31st from 12:30 - 3:00 PM 

ELK Center, 12680 Albrook Dr., Denver, CO 80239

Environmental Learning for Kids invites students aged 7-15 to this free program offering engaging activities, playtime, and a supportive community. Enjoy complimentary snacks while exploring nature through field trips and hands-on activities. Registration is available on-site and is required for participation in trips and car rides.

District 11 Holiday Party 

Saturday, December 7th from 4:30 - 7:30 PM 

Evie Garrett Dennis Campus, 4800 Telluride St., Denver, CO 80249

Join District 11 Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore for a festive holiday party filled with fun for the whole family! Enjoy BBQ, hot chocolate, holiday movies, arts and crafts, and more. It's a great opportunity to celebrate the season and connect with the community. RSVP HERE.

*Unless otherwise noted, events are free. Visit montbellocalendar.org to register and to see additional events happening in the community.