May 2026 Newsletter | Vol. 5 | | |
THE BELLOS – May Edition!
Welcome to the May edition of THE BELLOS, your trusted e-newsletter connecting Montbello neighbors, businesses, and organizations. In this edition, we celebrate Montbello graduates and provide helpful information on Denver’s new shared scooter and bike program. Plus, learn about the job of the month and upcoming events to put on your calendar. 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.
| | Montbello Graduates are Building Bright Futures | | |
Congratulations to all of Montbello’s graduates! Whether you are graduating from elementary, middle, high school, college, or a technical training program, your completion marks an important milestone. We celebrate your hard work, perseverance and future dreams.
A special shout-out to three Building Bright Futures participants who graduated this spring and recently shared their future plans during DSST Public Schools’ Senior Signing Day celebration.
After graduating from the Building Bright Futures in 2025, Omar B. will receive his high school diploma this May. He plans to attend Colorado Mesa University in the fall and major in Electrical Engineering. Omar has been active in community service for years and is known for his enthusiasm and willingness to help other young people. As the oldest son in his family, he enjoys spending time with, and being a role model for, his younger brothers. This summer, Omar will be working with Children’s Farms in Action before leaving for college.
Alejandra G. is another Building Bright Futures graduate who announced her future plans during DSST’s Senior Signing Day. She will be attending the University of Colorado Boulder to prepare for medical school in the future. During high school, Alejandra advocated for student events, helped brainstorm and facilitate events for seniors as a member of Student Council, and was an outstanding cheerleader.
Pablo M. will be graduating from both Building Bright Futures program DSST: Conservatory Green High School this spring. He plans to study Business at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Pablo has invested his time in community work and is known for his commitment to environmental justice. During his free time, Pablo enjoys playing basketball, playing the guitar, and spending time with his friends and family, as well as being involved in his church.
| | Tip of the Month: Get Around Montbello with Veo | |
Getting around Denver is easier with Veo, the city’s new Shared Bike and Scooter program operator. To get started, simply download the Veo app, create an account, and add a payment method. Once you’re signed up, you can use the app to view and find vehicles near you in Montbello, Northeast Denver, and across the city.
Veo offers several convenient and affordable ways to travel, including electric scooters, seated scooters, e-bikes, cargo bikes, and adaptive vehicles designed to improve accessibility for all. Whether you’re commuting to work, connecting to public transit, running errands, or exploring the neighborhood, Veo provides flexible transportation options close to home.
Denver residents can take advantage of reduced pricing through the Resident Pass, with rides starting at $1 to unlock and $0.25 per minute. Eligible low-income riders may also qualify for Veo Access, which offers up to 60 minutes of free rides each day for riders enrolled in programs like SNAP or Medicaid.
| | Customer Service Representative - SYGMA | | |
Sysco is the global leader in foodservice distribution. With over 71,000 colleagues and a fleet of 13,000+ vehicles, Sysco operates approximately 333 distribution facilities worldwide and serves more than 700,000 customer locations. SYGMA, a subsidiary of Sysco, is hiring for a Customer Service Representative for their Denver distribution center.
This sales support position is responsible for providing direct support to all assigned Account Executives, Marketing Associates, and customers. CSRs assist and help resolve all customer needs as quickly and accurately as possible.
In addition to a high school diploma or GED, this position requires 1 year prior outside foodservice sales coordination or customer support experience with previous call center experience preferred. This is a full-time position from 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. with a rotating schedule that includes frequent Saturday shifts. The starting salary range is $20.50 - $21.50/hr. To learn more and apply view the job posting.
| | 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. | | The Many Faces of MOC: Meet Chris Urias | | |
As MOC’s Director of Community Development, Chris is focused on advancing community-driven solutions related to transportation, mobility, housing, climate action, and youth development in Montbello. He oversees Montbello Moves, including the Montbello Electric Bike Library, Electric Van service, and Montbello Loop.
He also leads Building Bright Futures, a youth development program that supports young people with financial literacy, life skills, career exploration, and community connection. As the project manager and instructor, Chris coordinates the schedule, partners, youth sessions, and overall program implementation.
Chris is passionate about empowering residents, strengthening neighborhood leadership, and helping create long-term change rooted in the needs and voices of the community. His work is shaped by his lived experience growing up in Far Northeast Denver, his commitment to Montbello, and his leadership on several nonprofit boards and community coalitions. His fellowship experience with the national nonprofit Trust for Public Land deepened his understanding of how public spaces, mobility, climate resilience, and community development are connected.
Outside of work, Chris enjoys traveling, live music, caring for his houseplants, and relaxing at home with his partner and cat.
| | Event Recap: Community Builds Garden Beds at Monarch Montessori | | Together with Children’s Farms in Action, about a dozen volunteers built two 3-feet by 50-feet garden beds at Monarch Montessori of Denver on May 9th and 10th. These garden beds, in combination with a third one installed by CFA staff, will be used to grow produce that will be sold at low-cost farmer’s markets and donated within the Montbello neighborhood. The current crop plan for these raised garden beds includes cucumbers, carrots, tomatoes, cilantro, and basil. | | Featured Event: 2nd Annual MOC Golf Tournament | | |
Monday, June 15, 2026, 7 am to 3 pm
Green Valley Ranch Golf Club, 4900 Himalaya Road, Denver, CO 80249
| |
Tee up for change! Enjoy a fun day of golf and help the Montbello Organizing Committee strengthen the Montbello community through neighborhood investment, leadership development, economic stability, and community partnerships. Cost is $150/golfer or $140/returning golfer and includes breakfast, lunch, a swag bag, and 18 holes on the Championship Green Valley Ranch Golf Course. Reserve your spot today.
| | Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings* | |
Environmental Learning for Kids 30th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, May 28th, 6-8 pm
ELK Education Center & Montbello Open Space Park:
12680 Albrook Dr., Denver, CO 80239
The celebration will highlight ELK's journey, showcase the impact they have made alongside their partners, and look ahead to the next 30 years of empowering continued generations of environmental stewards.
Tickets for this event are sold out! Email scortes@elkkids.org to be added to the wait list.
Free Seedling Distribution
Saturday, May 30th, 10 am-Noon
Montbello Community Building: 12000 E. 47th Ave., Denver, CO 80239
Children’s Farms in Actions will be distributing 150 free boxes of vegetable, fruit and flower seedlings to community members who register in advance. Free compost, seed packets and gardening advice will also be provided.
Register online for seedling boxes by May 23rd.
Silver Wisdom
Tuesday, June 9th, 12-1:30 pm
Montbello Community Building: 12000 E. 47th Ave., Suite 113, Denver, CO 80239
Hosted by Michelle Simmons Counseling, Silver Wisdom Group is a welcoming community space designed for older adult women to build relationships, find encouragement, and explore topics that promote emotional wellness, resilience, and healthy aging in a supportive environment. Groups are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month and are free.
To RSVP or for additional information, email info@mrscounseling.com or call 720-443-3811.
Montbello Mobile Food Pantry
Thursday, June 4th 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.
19th Annual Reach 4 Peace Picnic
Sunday, June 21st, 12-4 pm
The Love Center: 12005 E. 45th Ave. Denver, CO 80239
Hosted by the Struggle of Love Foundation, the annual Reach 4 Peace Picnic will consist of resource booths, FREE food and concessions, a dance zone, mobile DJ, father of the year recognition, free haircuts, free HIV testing and education, and a community car show.
Learn more on Facebook.
*Unless otherwise noted, events are free. Visit montbellocalendar.org to register and to see additional events happening in the community.
| | |
|  | | | | | | |
