MUSE January/ February 2019

Inside This Issue Letter To The Editor...3 Message From The Mayor...6 Montbello In The News...7 Elected Officials Speak Out...8-13 Voices In The Neighborhood...14-18 Happenings Around Montbello..19-23

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FROM THE EDITOR’S TABLET “Listening is the active process of receiving and responding to spoken (and sometimes unspoken) messages.”

In 2019, the MUSE will endeavor more than ever to listen to the community and report out what people are talking about. Our country is experiencing such divisiveness as our younger generations have not seen. We baby boomers and our parents have long-buried memories of such divisions, but even those seem to pale in comparison to our current state of affairs. People are hurting, they are angry, and that leads to distrust. Most don’t feel heard by the decision-makers, the financial czars, and other wielders of world power.

The impact of these emotions are rants on social media, activists/rioters taking to the streets, and voters coming out in droves to try to regain some sense of balance in the political world. For some it just means “why bother, just check out.”

The MUSE might not make a difference at a global level, but perhaps we can make a small difference right here in our own community — by listening. Whether you are a parent needing to listen to your children, a pastor listening to his congregation, a teacher listening to her students, a business owner listening to the customers, a new school superintendent listening to your constituents, or a boss listening to employees, I hope you will make 2019 your year of “listening.” As the poet Alice Duet Miller says, “Listening means taking a vigorous, human interest in what is being told us. You can listen like a blank wall or like a splendid auditorium where every sound comes back fuller and richer.”

Montbello, are you listening?

Donna Garnett MUSE Editor

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

My Vision for Montbello in 2019

for this type of development, but I know we can accomplish smart, environmentally-friendly refurbishing that will still preserve our community’s cultural diversity and heritage. But we all must work together as a community - residents, developers and elected officials to achieve this vision.

Let’s work together to ensure all neighbors have access to green open space. Examining our storm water system and large roadways presents an opportunity to build bike lanes, walkable fairways, and expand our parks and tree canopy.

With community groups and advocates working diligently, we should expect to see healthy food grocers and restaurants move into the community, along with a general increase in retail opportunities that do not require residents to continuously leave their neighborhood to do their shopping. With more bike and pedestrian trails, we will strengthen our sense of unity and health as we take advantage of the many community gardens in the neighbor-

A neighborhood covered in art. Accessible sidewalks and open access to parks. Healthy grocery stores and restaurants across the community. Vibrant local retail and transit stops on every corner.

This is my vision for my community here in Montbello.

Montbello will celebrate its 53rd anniversary in 2019. Built upon remediated lands, it was originally a suburban development for working class families but as Denver has grown, the airport moved, new developments sprang up and suddenly, the outskirt suburban neighborhood is starting to be pulled more towards the city center and with it, the conflict between city and suburban living grows. Here is where we build our vision for the future of our neighborhood.

I know that Montbello can be a leader for revitalizing neighborhood features without displacing residents. When you look at a map you may think our neighborhood lacks the space necessary

Continued on page 20 The Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition (MUSE) is a bi-monthly publication produced and published by the Denver Urban Spectrum (DUS) and the Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC). MUSE is circulated throughout Denver’s Far Northeast community.

PUBLISHERS Montbello Organizing Committee/Denver Urban Spectrum

Contents of MUSE are copyright 2019 by Denver Urban Spectrum and the Montbello Organizing Committee. No portion may be reproduced without written permission of the publishers.

EDITOR AND LEAD WRITER - Donna Garnett CONTRIBUTING WRITERS - Mayor Michael Hancock, Conor McCormick-Cavanagh, Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore, Representative James Coleman, Jennifer Bacon, Mary Ann Bash, Daniela Young, Dave Bechhoefer, Austine Luce.

TRANSLATOR - Marta Welch PHOTOGRAPHER – Terri Baldwin ART DIRECTOR - Bee Harris ADVERTISING SALES - Melovy Melvin

MUSE welcomes all letters, but reserves the right to edit for space, libelous material, grammar, and length. All letters must include name, address, and phone number. We will withhold author’s name on request. Unsolicited articles are accepted without guarantee of publication or payment and may be submitted to the editor at montbellonews@gmail.com.

For advertising information, email montbelloadvertising@gmail.com or call 303292-6446.

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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What’s In Store For Montbello In 2019 – A Healthy Community?

By Donna M. Garnett, Editor, Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition

At the beginning of a new year, it is human tendency to attempt to see what lies ahead in the next 365 days. It’s impossible to reliably predict how the year will roll out, but it is prudent to be mindful of what is possible and intentional in the efforts to bring imagination to reality.

The MUSE, as a publication of the Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC), has spent some time reflecting on the vision that underpins our work. MOC envisions “a community that is healthy, vibrant, strong, and economically viable. A community where there is two-way communication between government, leadership, and citizens, and where the residents themselves are powerful voices and change agents. The people who live here are healthy in mind, body, and spirit; they are safe and self-reliant, and mechanisms of communicating information and opportunity exist.

Montbello will continue to honor the cultural heritage and diversity of the community. Finally, the economic wellbeing of the community ensures that residents have access to sustaining jobs, good education, and ample resources.” MOC’s vision is not unlike what other strong organizations in Montbello envision.

Moreover, MOC’s vision recognizes that not one organization, government agency, or leader can bring this imagined future to bear. It takes many hands across the community working together to express a strong voice for change, growth, and sustainability and to ensure that as the community makes progress those who are most vulnerable are not displaced.

2019 holds many opportunities for this community and a few of the intentional efforts already in motion that will lead toward the creation of a community of people who are healthy in mind, body, and spirit are highlighted below.

HEALTHY MIND A recent survey of residents showed that one of the concerns expressed was “a lack of medical/mental health services within the community.” According to Dr. Carl Clark, president and CEO of the Mental Health Center of Denver (MHCD), “one in five people are dealing with a mental health issue on a daily basis, and one in four will face one over the course of the year. He adds, only two out of five people are actually getting the help they need. In part, that’s because they don’t know where to go or how to find a provider, or there aren’t any services nearby that they can access.”

With the recent passage of Denver’s Initiated Ordinance 301 to increase sales and use taxes by $45 million dollars annually, funds will become available in late 2019 to help address some of this need. State Representative Leslie Herrod (House District 8) who championed the Caring 4 Denver effort said, “This initiative can ensure a mental health professional in every school, establish program of co-responders to ride with Denver police officers, and fund other mental health services.”

The Montbello Collective is already making plans to include mental and behavioral health services as part of its holistic approach to supporting the whole child; more to come on that subject in a later issue. Denver Health is planning to add mental and behavioral health services to other health care services at the Montbello Clinic.

HEALTHY BODY The old saying “You are what you eat,” underlines the indisputable connection between a healthy body and healthy eating. Denver voters also recognized this fact and passed Initiated Ordinance 302 in the midterm elections. Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids will address childhood hunger in 2019. The revenues from the small tax increase will be used to make grants to nonprofits and others who are already feeding kids from low-income families, holding cooking classes, teaching kids about urban farming, and doing other work to reduce hunger.

Many efforts are underway in Montbello to address the lack of access to fresh, affordable food. The survey referenced above, found that Montbello residents (45 percent of those who responded) continue to place the need for a full-service grocery store and access to healthy food as a major priority. Montbello FreshLo Initiative anticipates breaking ground for a grocery store sometime in 2019. Several nonprofits, including Children’s Farms in Action, and Big Green Colorado will be providing funding and consultation to seven Montbello schools in the 2019 growing season. Participating schools will offer healthy cooking and nutrition classes for kids and adults. Hopefully, the soon to be appointed Healthy Food for Denver Kids Commission will allocate funds in support of these efforts in Montbello.

Other efforts include no cost grocery distributions that will continue into 2019. Working with Food Bank of the Rockies, United Church of Montbello will continue its distribution on the first and third Thursday each month. Denver Food Rescue, with Maxwell Elementary and Academy 360, will distribute food every Thursday afternoon year-round. Finally, look for the Montbello FreshLo Farmer’s Market beginning in July and running Saturday mornings through mid-September.

HEALTHY SPIRIT When thinking of healthy spirit, we often think of spirituality and equate that with religion. Yet, healthy in spirit goes beyond that definition encompassing mental, intellectual, and physical health. Healthy in spirit means living life with purpose and meaning, experiencing a sense of well-being, joy, and an appreciation for the beauty around us. It means realizing and appreciating the cultural elements of our life as experienced through art – painting, sculpture, architecture, theater, dance, music, photography, and so on. It is the expression of our humanity!

2019 will be a year in which multiple efforts will be launched

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Continued on page 13

¿Qué Se Espera Para Montbello en 2019 – Una Comunidad Saludable?

Por Donna M. Garnett, Editor, Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition - Traducido por Marta Welch

Al comienzo de un nuevo año, es una tenden-

cia humana a tratar de ver lo que se avecina en los próximos 365 días. Es imposible predecir de manera confiable cómo se desarrollará el año, pero es prudente tener en cuenta lo que es posible e intencional en los esfuerzos para hacer realidad la imaginación.

El MUSE, como publicación del Comité Organizador de Montbello (MOC), ha pasado algún tiempo reflexionando sobre la visión que sustenta nuestro trabajo.

MOC imagina “una comunidad que sea saludable, vibrante, fuerte y económicamente viable. Una comunidad donde existe una comunicación de dos vías entre el gobierno, el liderazgo y los ciudadanos, y donde los propios residentes son voces poderosas y agentes de cambio. Las personas que viven aquí son saludables en mente, cuerpo y espíritu; son seguros y autosuficientes, y existen mecanismos para comunicar información y oportunidades.

Montbello continuará honrando el patrimonio cultural y la diversidad de la comunidad. Finalmente, el bienestar económico de la comunidad garantiza que los residentes tengan acceso a empleos sostenibles, buena educación y amplios recursos ”. La visión de MOC no es diferente de lo que prevén otras organizaciones fuertes en Montbello.

Por otra parte, la visión de MOC reconoce que ninguna organización, agencia gubernamental o líder puede hacer que este futuro imaginado sea válido. Se requieren muchas manos a través de la comunidad trabajando juntos para expresar una voz fuerte para el cambio, el crecimiento y la sostenibilidad, y para asegurar que a medida que la comunidad progrese, aquellos que son más vulnerables no son desplazados.

El 2019 ofrece muchas oportunidades para esta comunidad y algunos de los esfuerzos intencionales que ya están en marcha y que conducirán a la creación de una comunidad de personas que tengan una mente, cuerpo y espíritu saludables se detallan a continuación.

MENTE SANA Una encuesta reciente de residentes mostró que una de las preocupaciones expresadas fue “la falta de servicios de salud médica / mental dentro de la comunidad”. Según el Dr. Carl Clark, presidente y director ejecutivo del Centro de Salud Mental de Denver (MHCD), “uno en cinco personas se enfrentan a un problema de salud mental a diario, y una de cada cuatro se enfrentará a una a lo largo del año. Añade que solo dos de cada cinco personas en realidad reciben la ayuda que necesitan. En parte, eso se debe a que no saben a dónde ir o cómo encontrar un proveedor, o no hay ningún servicio cercano al que puedan acceder “.

Con la reciente aprobación de la Ordenanza 301 Iniciada de Denver para aumentar los impuestos sobre las ventas y el uso en $45 millones de dólares anuales, los fondos estarán disponibles a fines de 2019 para ayudar a abordar parte de esta necesidad. La representante estatal Leslie Herrod (House District 8), quien defendió el esfuerzo de Caring 4 Denver, dijo: “esta iniciativa puede

garantizar a un profesional de salud mental en todas las escuelas, establezer a un programa de corespuestas a viajar con los policías de Denver y financiar a otros servicios de salud mental . ” El Colectivo de Montbello ya está haciendo planes para incluir servicios de salud mental y conductual como parte de su enfoque holístico para apoyar al niño entero. Más por venir sobre ese tema en una edición posterior. Denver Health planea agregar servicios de salud mental y conductual a otros servicios de atención médica en la Clínica de Montbello.

CUERPO SALUDABLE El viejo dicho “tu eres lo que comes” subraya la conexión indiscutible entre un cuerpo sano y una alimentación saludable. Los votantes de Denver también reconocieron este hecho y aprobaron la Ordenanza Iniciada 302 en las elecciones intermedias. Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids (Alimentación Saludable para Los Niños de Denver) abordará el problema del hambre infantil en 2019.

Los ingresos del pequeño aumento de impuestos se utilizarán para otorgar subvenciones a organizaciones sin fines de lucro y otras que ya están alimentando a niños de familias de bajos ingresos, dando clases de cocina, enseñando a niños sobre la agricultura urbana, y haciendo otro trabajo para reducir el hambre.

Se están realizando muchos esfuerzos en Montbello para abordar la falta de acceso a alimentos frescos y asequibles. La encuesta mencionada anteriormente, encontró que los residentes de Montbello (45% de los que respondieron) continúan colocando la necesidad de una tienda de comestibles de servicio completo y el acceso a alimentos saludables como una prioridad principal. La Iniciativa FreshLo de Montbello anticipa la apertura de una tienda de comestibles en algún momento de 2019. Varias organizaciones sin fines de lucro, entre ellas, Children´s Farms in Action, y Big Green Colorado proporcionarán fondos y consultas a siete escuelas de Montbello en la temporada de crecimiento de 2019. Las escuelas participantes ofrecerán clases de cocina saludable y nutrición para niños y adultos. Con suerte, la Comisión de Alimentos Saludables para los Niños de Denver pronto será designada y asignará fondos para apoyar estos esfuerzos en Montbello.

Otros esfuerzos incluyen distribuciones de comestibles sin costo que continuarán en 2019. Trabajando con Food Bank of the Rockies (Banco de Alimentos de los Rockies), la Iglesia Unida de Montbello continuará su distribución el primer y tercer jueves de cada mes. Denver Food Rescue (Rescate de Alimentos de Denver), con Maxwell Elementary y Academy 360, distribuirá alimentos todos los jueves por la tarde durante todo el año.

Finalmente, busque el Montbello FreshLo Farmer´s Market que comienza en julio y funciona los sábados por la mañana hasta mediados de septiembre.

ESPÍRITU SANO Cuando pensamos en un espíritu sano, a menudo pensamos en Continúa en la página 13

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City of Denver’s Commitments to Montbello in 2019

By Mayor Michael B. Hancock signals – will be designed this year. It’s estimated that this project could help reduce car accidents by up to 65 percent along the corridor.

The design for the renovation of the kitchen and living space at Denver Fire Station 27 in Montbello is being funded, and the new District 5 Police Station is being designed and built to address the growing needs of Montbello and Stapleton. On top of that, nearly 30 miles of repaving, curb and gutter work is expected to take place, all funded through the Elevate Denver bonds you overwhelmingly supported.

Montbello is also our next stop for our new Community Care Day initiative I launched at my State of the City address in July. Equity and access to opportunity for our residents must also extend to all our neighborhoods. That’s what Community Care Day is all about. City crews will be walking the neighborhood with neighbors and working together to immediately fix what needs fixing – removing weeds, trash and graffiti in the public right of way, refreshing worn out traffic signs and markings, filling potholes, and more. I look forward to seeing you out there.

Having neighbors tell us what they want the future of their neighborhood to be, and not us telling them, is how we deliver the level of equity that will lift up all our neighborhoods. The draft Far Northeast Area Plan is set to be released early in the year, and I want to thank everyone who took part and provided their input during this important planning effort. You told us how we could preserve the character, culture and community of the neighborhoods, all while providing the affordable housing, mobility, access to opportunity, and parks and recreation services residents up here need and deserve – and I hope to deliver on your vision starting in the year ahead.

I know the pressures of growth are being felt in Montbello.

We’re taking an even stronger role in connecting people to opportunity with strategies to keep families who want to stay in their neighborhoods from being displaced, so no one is left behind. As part of my equity platform, our new Neighborhood Equity and Stabilization Team led by former State Sen. Irene Aguilar will deploy resources specifically tailored to neighborhoods that are under threat of gentrification as new public and private investment comes in. They will jump in with residents and local businesses to understand their needs and blunt any threatened loss of culture, character and community that investment can cause.

This is just some of what’s in store for Montbello and Far Northeast Denver in the year ahead. The neighborhood has come a long way since I was a kid living here, but the people and places that make it so special are what will always be a guiding light for me. I look forward to continuing to work side-by-side with you to make our great neighborhood even greater. Just know that we get you, and we’ve got you.Y

Montbello is a neighborhood that’s near and dear to me. It was home for us at times growing up. And being right next door to Green Valley Ranch, where my family and I call home today, the neighborhood and what’s happening up here are never very far from my thoughts. For the past 15 years, I’ve had the great honor of representing you, Montbello, and Far Northeast Denver as a City Council member and now as your Mayor. It’s a job I look forward to doing every single day. Making sure neighborhoods like ours, and our neighbors, get what they need to be great places to live for the folks here today – that’s what motivates me.

And, I’m proud to say 2019 is shaping up to be a big year for Montbello and Far Northeast Denver.

Thanks to the Elevate Denver Bond program, several longneeded improvements will be getting underway in 2019. For instance, 56th Ave. – which will get a four lane, multi-modal expansion with a median, as well as new lighting and upgraded

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MONTBELLO IN THE NEWS

Food Desert Montbello a Step Closer to Building Its Own Grocery Store

By Conor McCormick-Cavanagh Editor’s Note: This article appeared in Westword on December 26, 2018 and is reprinted with permission.

Montbello has been a food desert since 2014, the year the Safeway moved out. Without a full-service grocery store, residents of this neighborhood in northeast Denver have had to drive or take the bus long distances to shop for all of their groceries in one location.

“A lot of my neighbors shop in Aurora and Stapleton to get their groceries. They’re still spending those dollars. It’s unfortunate that they’re not being spent in our community,” says Chris Martinez, a longtime resident of Montbello.

Tired of waiting for a grocery store to come to Montbello, residents have decided to fix the problem themselves. And that’s why a Montbello advocacy organization just placed a bid on some property where it plans to build the neighborhood’s very own grocery store.

Since Safeway moved out, residents without access to cars have had to bus over to the western edge of Montbello, where there’s a Walmart. There’s also a Sav-a-lot, which is on the other edge of the neighborhood in Parkfield. But neither of those stores offers a bakery, meat market and pharmacy all in the same place, staples in the vast majority of full-service grocery stores, the closest of which are in Aurora, Stapleton and Green Valley Ranch. From the heart of Montbello, residents without cars have to take two buses, an hour each way, to get to the King Soopers in Green Valley Ranch.

Some residents have settled for options near their homes, such as 7-Eleven and Family Dollar. But these stores lack fresh food options and often sell products that are full of unhealthy ingredients. Meanwhile, Montbello is grappling with high rates of childhood obesity, according to Denver City Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore, who represents District 11. “That’s not surprising. I think it’s a systemic outcome of not having walkable grocery stores in the district,” says Gilmore.

Created in 2013, the Montbello Organizing Committee surveyed Montbello residents to see what issues they considered most pressing. Unsurprisingly, the lack of a nearby grocery store was the top concern on the list.

The first possible solution was to get a major grocery chain to come to Montbello. Gilmore has met with various chains in hopes that one would open a branch in Montbello. She even took store representatives on driving tours of her district to show them the “real Montbello” and dispel myths about the neighborhood. But the chains still weren’t convinced that Montbello and the surrounding neighborhoods had enough population density to support a profitable grocery store. At least, that’s what they told Gilmore, she says.

Once it became clear that chain grocery stores were not coming to Montbello anytime soon, residents reassessed their options.

“We started thinking, how we can open up a grocery store ourselves?” says Martinez.

The trial period for this project came in the summer of 2017, when Montbello opened a small market selling fresh produce in the western part of the neighborhood. It was a hit, and the pilot returned for a second round this year.

The Montbello Organizing Committee also started pitching its idea of opening its own grocery store in Montbello to various organizations. The committee’s proposal gained traction, and grant money started pouring in from various groups, including the Kresge Foundation and the Colorado Health Foundation.

With this monetary backing, the committee decided to turn its plan into reality. Committee members wanted to find a piece of land that they could turn into a grocery store and cultural center; they eventually began including affordable housing as part of the project.

That plan is now one step closer to becoming reality with an offer out for the land, which committee members expect to finalize by early 2019. And Family Tree Market, the organization behind that initial fresh produce summer market in Montbello, has verbally committed to operating the grocery store.

Martinez is happy that his longtime neighborhood could finally get a full-service grocery store. “It’ll be fabulous when we can bring those services to Montbello,” he says. “It will be meeting a need for many folks who do not have transportation.”Y

Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – January/ February 2019

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ELECTED OFFICIALS SPEAK OUT

Keeping the Momentum Going in 2019

By Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore

Time flies when you are working hard and having fun at it too! It has been almost 4 years since I was blessed with the honor of a lifetime in being elected to represent our diverse community.

District 11 has often been left behind in Denver and I am dedicated to bringing our community’s voice to the table. I am so proud to call our neighborhood home and to see our community show up time after time to advocate for what you want and need!

In 2019 we have so much more work to accomplish together – infrastructure improvements, expanded resources, and policy solutions for our already incredible community.

4th Annual District 11 Town Hall In 2019, we are starting off the year with our 4th Annual District 11 Town Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Evie Garrett Dennis Campus in the cafeteria. This meeting will be in combination with our Far Northeast Neighborhood Area Plan efforts where residents can give comments on the first draft of that plan. This is a great opportunity to discuss what we are currently working on, but more importantly to give me input about what the community wants. Your feedback will help to frame our 2019 District workplan as well as for years to come.

Montbello Speaks The Montbello Leadership Cabinet, a group formed by my office in 2016, has evolved into a community-owned and facilitated organization dedicated to bringing education and resources to our neighborhood. We started this initiative together as a grassroots approach to mitigating displacement. With facilitation by Dr. Nita

Mosby Tyler and Betsy Kummer we came out with tangible steps to provide our community with valuable education and resources.

One of them being a “library” of recorded speaking events on important topics such as financial empowerment, consumer protection and fraud, homeownership for first-time homebuyers, and aging in place for our seniors. The group is continuing its work on a speakers’ series called “Montbello Speaks” in 2019.

Free Financial Empowerment This “library” is coupled with funding and policy changes that we are working to finalize in 2019. These include the expansion of the Office of Financial Empowerment centers and staff in Montbello. The department creates opportunities for seniors to age in place or community members to afford to buy a home in the neighborhood where they were raised. With my request of an additional $150,000 this year, a total investment of $300,000 for 2019 will provide free financial empowerment for individuals, families and small business owners to help overcome financial burdens characteristic of Denver’s current market.

Elderly and Disabled Property Tax Refunds I am working on an amendment to the Denver Human Services (DHS) Elderly and Disabled Property Tax Refund program. The original program provided a refund for older adults and disabled persons who are income eligible ($15,900 single and $23,900 couple). This is well below a livable wage and as a result this created a surplus of funds because few folks were eligible for the refund under those income limits. Councilwoman Kniech, Councilman Espinoza and I are currently working on expanding this program to accommodate families with children at 40 percent AMI (average median income) as well as increasing the seniors and disabled income levels. The new legislation should be in place in early 2019. My office also created a resource flyer in partnership with Denver Human Services (DHS) and the Office of Economic Development (OED) that will be included in your 2019 property tax bill that describes this program and others that

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LOS OFICIALES ELEGIDOS HABLAN are offered by Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA), the Office of Financial Empowerment, DHS and OED. 4th Annual District 11 Day of Beauty In partnership with Montbello 2020, Montbello Organizing Committee and Denver Arts and Venues, we are working on a new channel art installation at Peoria and Andrews for Spring 2019. Stay tuned for more information about that exciting event.

Also, save the date for the 4th Annual District 11 Day of Beauty to be held June 1, with a festival, concert, and resource fair to kick off busy summer months and to celebrate our amazing work together and keeping Montbello’s positive momentum going in 2019.Y

Manteniendo el Impulso en 2019 Por La Concejal Stacie Gilmore Traducido por Marta Welch

¡El tiempo vuela cuando trabajas duro y te diviertes también! Han pasado casi 4 años desde que fui bendecida con el honor de mi vida al ser elegida para representar a nuestra comunidad diversa. El Distrito 11 a menudo se ha quedado atrás en Denver y estoy dedicada a llevar la voz de nuestra comunidad a la mesa. ¡Estoy muy orgullosa de llamar mi hogar a nuestro vecindario y de ver a nuestra comunidad aparecer una y otra vez para abogar por lo que quiere y necesita! En 2019, tenemos mucho más trabajo que realizar juntos – mejoras de infraestructura, recursos ampliados y soluciones de póliza para nuestra comunidad ya increíble.

4to Ayuntamiento Anual del Distrito 11 En 2019, comenzaremos el año con nuestro 4to Ayuntamiento Anual del Distrito 11 el martes, 15 de enero, de 6:00 – 8:00pm en el Campus de Evie Garrett Dennis en la cafetería. Esta reunión será en combinación con los esfuerzos de nuestro Plan del Área del Vecindario del Extremo Noreste, donde los residentes pueden hacer comentarios sobre el primer borrador de ese plan. Esta es una gran oportunidad para discutir lo qué estamos trabajando actualmente, pero lo que es más importante para darme su opinión sobre lo que quiere la comunidad. Sus comentarios ayudarán a enmarcar nuestro plan de trabajo del Distrito 2019 así como también en los próximos años.

Montbello Habla El Gabinete de Liderazgo de Montbello, un grupo formado por mi oficina en 2016, se ha convertido en una organización facilitada y de propiedad comunitaria dedicada a brindar educación y recursos a nuestro vecindario. Comenzamos esta iniciativa juntos como un enfoque de base para mitigar el desplazamiento. Con la facilitación del Dr. Nita Mosby Tyler y Betsy Kummer, dimos pasos tangibles para brindar a nuestra comunidad información y

recursos valiosos. Uno de ellos siendo una “biblioteca” de eventos orales grabados sobre temas importantes como el empoderamiento financiero, la protección del consumidor y el fraude, la compra de una vivienda para los compradores de vivienda por primera vez y el envejecimiento de nuestros empleados. El grupo continúa su trabajo en una serie de oradores llamada “Montbello Habla” en 2019.

Empoderamiento Financiero Gratuito Esta “biblioteca” está unida a los cambios de financiamiento y póliza que estamos trabajando para finalizar en 2019. Esto incluye la expansión de los centros y el personal de la Oficina de Capacitación Financiera en Montbello. El departamento crea oportunidades para que las personas mayores envejezcan en el lugar o los miembros de la comunidad puedan comprar una casa en el vecindario donde se criaron. Con mi solicitud de $150,000 adicionales este año, una inversión total de $300,000 para 2019 proporcionará capacitación financiera gratuita para individuos, familias y propietarios de pequeñas empresas para ayudar a superar las cargas financieras características del mercado actual de Denver.

Reembolsos de Impuestos a Personas Mayores y Discapacitadas Estoy trabajando en una enmienda al programa de reembolso de impuestos a la propiedad de personas mayores y discapacitadas de los Servicios Humanos de Denver (DHS). El programa original proporcionó un reembolso para adultos mayores y personas discapacitadas que son elegibles por sus ingresos ($15,900 solteros y $23,900 por pareja). Esto está muy por debajo de un salario digno y, como resultado, creó un excedente de fondos porque pocas personas eran elegibles para el reembolso bajo esos límites de ingresos. La Concejal Kniech, el Concejal Espinoza y yo estamos trabajando actualmente en la expansión de este programa para acomodar a las familias con hijos en un 40% de AMI (ingreso medio promedio), así como en el aumento de los niveles de ingresos de personas mayores y discapacitados. La nueva legislación debería estar vigente a principios de 2019. Mi oficina también creó un folleto de recursos en asociación con los Servicios Humanos de Denver (DHS) y la Oficina de Desarrollo Económico (OED) que se incluirán en su factura de impuestos a la propiedad de 2019 que describe este programa y otros ofrecidos por la Autoridad de Renovación Urbana de Denver (DURA), la Oficina de Capacitación Financiera, DHS y OED. 4to Evento Anual de Día de la Belleza del Distrito 11 ¡En colaboración con Montbello 2020, el Comité Organizador de Montbello y Denver Arts and Venues, estamos trabajando en un nuevo canal de instalación de arte en las calles Peoria y Andrews para la primavera de 2019. Manténganse atentos para obtener más información sobre ese emocionante evento. También, guarden la fecha para el 4to Evento Anual de Día de la Belleza del Distrito 11 que se celebrará el 1ro de junio, con un festival, concierto, y una feria de recursos para iniciar los meses de verano ocupados, y para celebrar nuestro trabajo increíble juntos, y mantener el impulso positivo de Montbello en 2019!Y

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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ELECTED OFFICIALS SPEAK OUT

Looking Forward to 2019

By Representative James Coleman

Grateful. That is the word that comes to mind when I think about how blessed my family and I are to serve you for a second term. Simply stated, thank you!

When you first elected Team Coleman in 2016 to represent House District 7 (HD7) at the Colorado Legislature, we were excited and also nervous because we didn’t know what this experience had in store for us. I can tell you that we are more excited and confident than ever before to represent Green Valley Ranch, Montbello, Parkfield, Gateway Park, Stapleton, Northfield, NE Park Hill, and the Denver International Airport territory! In our first term, we passed great legislation for our children to have greater academic opportunities, for our communities to continue to be a safe place to live, and for our businesses to thrive in providing jobs and resources beneficial to us as Coloradans. In two years, we saw over 1,000 pieces of legislation cross our desk. We successfully passed 13 out of 17 of our HD7 bills, and more importantly those laws are now being implemented statewide. While we can take time to celebrate success, we can’t win today’s game with yesterday’s points. This begs the question, “so what’s in store for our office and our communities in 2019?”

The Blue Wave that swept our state elected 41 Democrats in the House and 19 Democrats in the Senate! We have an opportunity to help make Colorado better than ever before. Going into 2019, I was elected by my peers to serve as the House Majority Co-Whip. I have also been appointed Vice-Chair of the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee, and appointed to sit on the House Education Committee as well as the House Appropriations Committee!

We are primed to introduce more education policy to amplify the voices of our youth. Legislation is planned that will engage youth in taking ownership of their education and advance reading literacy proficiencies reducing the school to prison pipeline as is legislation that will improve our higher education system and create greater college affordability for our young people.

Promoting job creation and entrepreneurship is paramount and legislation to provide funds labor apprenticeships for youth and adults will be introduced. Policies will be introduced to streamline permitting for small businesses to launch more quickly, renew credentials for behavioral health practitioners to provide better mental health supports, and decrease wage inequities due to discriminatory hiring practices.

In addition to our education and business focus, we intend to introduce legislation to increase the transition rate for individuals on welfare to move to sustainable and full-time employment, as well as focus on rising property tax costs for seniors, specifically seniors who are at risk of losing their exemptions due to moving from one home to another within the State.

Taking care of our elders is especially important to me as my grandmother still lives in the home where I was born and raised

in Park Hill. My grandparents worked so hard to pay off their home, and the thought of her and many others losing their homes due to increased costs of living calls me to action.

I leave you with the story of Ms. Geneva Luberta (Aunt Bert) Browning. Aunt Bert who was born in 1918 in Aberdeen, Mississippi did not have the right to vote for many years because of her gender and the color of her skin. This past November, at 100 years old, Aunt Bert voted for Team Coleman to return to the State Capitol for a second term. When we asked what she would have us do for her in this elected position, she simply stated, “Go do what you are supposed to do.”

We know what that means. That means doing the right thing for people, especially the “least of us” who need it the most. That means helping those who are hurting and need help and leveraging our collective power and influence in order to serve everyone better. While we are grateful for the “opportunity” to serve, we truly acknowledge the “responsibility” to serve. We look forward to speaking with you, and converting talk into action to make all lives in HD7 and Colorado the best they have ever been! Y Editor’s Note: You can reach Rep. Coleman at colemanforcolcolemanforcolorado@gmail.com. orado@gmail.com.

Mirando Adelante a 2019 Por Representante James Coleman Traducido por Marta Welch

Agradecido. Esa es la palabra que viene a la mente cuando pienso en lo bendecidos que mi familia y yo somos por servirle a ustedes por un segundo mandato. Dicho simplemente, gracias!

Cuando ustedes eligieron por primera vez al Equipo Coleman en 2016 para representar a la Cámara de Representantes del Distrito 7 (HD7) en la Legislatura de Colorado, estábamos emocionados y también nerviosos porque no sabíamos lo que esta experiencia tenía reservados para nosotros. Puedo decirles que estamos más emocionados y confiados que nunca para representar a Green Valley Ranch, Montbello, Parkfield, Gateway Park, Stapleton,

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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LOS OFICIALES ELEGIDOS HABLAN Northfield, NE Park Hill y el territorio del Aeropuerto Internacional de Denver. En nuestro primer mandato, aprobamos una gran legislación para que nuestros hijos tengan mayores oportunidades académicas, para que nuestras comunidades continúen siendo un lugar seguro para vivir, y para que nuestras empresas prosperen al proporcionar trabajos y recursos beneficiosos para nosotros como ciudadanos de Colorado. En dos años, vimos más de 1,000 leyes en nuestro escritorio. Pasamos con éxito 13 de 17 de nuestros proyectos de ley de HD7, y lo más importante es que ahora esas leyes se están implementando en todo el estado. Mientras podemos tomar el tiempo para celebrar el éxito, no podemos ganar el juego de hoy con los puntos de ayer. Esto plantea la pregunta, “entonces, ¿qué hay reservado para nuestra oficina y nuestras comunidades en 2019?” ¡La Ola Azul que barrió nuestro estado eligió a 41 Demócratas en la Cámara y 19 Demócratas en el Senado! Tenemos la oportunidad de ayudar a que Colorado sea mejor que nunca. A partir de 2019, fui elegido por mis pares para servir como el Co-Whip de la Mayoría de la Cámara. ¡También he sido nombraro Vice-Presidente del Comité de la Cámara de Asuntos Comerciales y Laborales, y me nombraron miembro del Comité de Educación de la Cámara, así como del Comité de Asignaciones de la Cámara!

Estamos preparados para introducir más leyes sobre la educación para amplificar las voces de nuestros jóvenes. Se planea una legislación que involucrará a los jóvenes en la apropiación de su educación y avanzará en las destrezas de alfabetización en lectura reduciendo el flujo de la escuela a la prisión, al igual que la legislación que mejorará nuestro sistema de educación superior y creará una mayor asequibilidad universitaria para nuestros jóvenes.

Promover la creación de empleo y la iniciativa empresarial es fundamental y la legislación para proporcionar fondos para el aprendizaje de trabajo para jóvenes y adultos serán introducidos.

Póliza será introducida para agilizar la tramitación de permisos para las pequeñas empresas para lanzar más rápidamente, para renovar credenciales para profesionales de la salud del comportamiento para proporcionar mejores apoyos para la salud mental y disminuir las desigualdades salariales debido a las prácticas de contratación discriminatorias.

Además de nuestra educación y enfoque de negocios, tenemos la intención de introducir legislación para aumentar la tasa de transición para los individuos en el bienestar para pasar a un empleo sostenible y a tiempo completo, así como centrarse en el aumento de los costos de impuestos a la propiedad para las personas mayores, específicamente personas mayores que corren el riesgo de perder sus exenciones debido a mudarse de un hogar a otro dentro del estado.

El cuidado de nuestros ancianos es especialmente importante para mí como mi abuela aún vive en la casa donde nací y me crié en Park Hill. Mis abuelos trabajaron tan duro para pagar su casa, y el pensamiento de ella y muchos otros perdiendo sus hogares debido al aumento del costo de la vida me llama a la acción.

Los dejo con la historia de la Sra. Ginebra Luberta (Tía Bert) Browning. Tía Bert, quien nació en 1918 en Aberdeen, Mississippi, no tuvo derecho al voto durante muchos años a causa de su género y el color de su piel. En noviembre pasado, a los 100 años, la Tía Bert voto para el equipo Coleman para volver al Capitolio del Estado para un segundo mandato. Cuando le preguntamos lo qué ella queria que hagamos por ella en este puesto electo, ella simplemente dijo: “Haz lo que se supone que debes hacer”.

Sabemos lo que eso significa. Eso significa hacer lo correcto para la gente, especialmente para el “menos de nosotros” que más lo necesitan. Eso significa ayudar a los que están sufriendo y necesitan ayuda y aprovechar nuestro poder e influencia colectiva para servirle mejor a todos. Si bien estamos agradecidos por la “oportunidad” de servir, realmente reconocemos la “responsabilidad” de servir. ¡Esperamos con ansias hablar con usted, y convertir las palabras en acciones para hacer todas las vidas en HD7 y Colorado las mas mejores que han sido!Y Nota del Editor: Puede comunicarse con el Representante Coleman en colemanforcolorado@gmail.com. colemanforcolorado@gmail.com.

Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition — www.denverurbanspectrum.com – January/ February 2019

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ELECTED OFFICIALS SPEAK OUT

A Vision for DPS Education in 2019

By Jennifer Bacon, Denver Public School Board

H

appy Holidays Community! As I have reached my year anniversary on the DPS Board and we have concluded the superintendent search process, I want to articulate a clear vision for 2019 for District 4 and DPS as a whole, and consequently the leadership I seek for us to be successful.

Over this last year, I have seen extraordinary educators, students, and families driving towards success. Children come to school each day to learn and grow, so they can make choices about what’s next and best for them. But so many of them, especially here in Montbello, have run head on into a glass wall. They can see success, but they can’t reach it. For too long Montbello has been held behind this wall. We can look to many parts of the City and see successes; we can look inward to our hopes and high expectations and see the same, yet it has somehow become acceptable that many corners of this district should not reach those successes.

I ran for office because I had the audacity to hope, and I refuse to accept mediocrity as standard. In 2019 DPS must confront the decisions made over the last 10 years and mitigate the flaws and gaps we’ve discovered; and we must push ourselves towards the excellence we deserve. This means our District will need a reset.

In Montbello I plan to reconvene my Far Northeast Research Action and begin to deliberately plan and execute a path specifically for Montbello and the Far Northeast. In 2019 I will push DPS to no longer treat schools in silos and begin to regionally plan for at least a 5-year outlook. What happens to one (school opening, closing, or performance) effects all in the neighborhood/region. The plans look different in each of my neighborhoods (Stapleton, Park Hill, Cole Whittier, and FNE) but they should all mitigate the consequences of the last 10 years of DPS policy, level the playing field and create options for schools that are community driven. The plans will account for school development in neighborhoods that are growing, address and seek to avoid repeating the issues we have seen around co-location and allocation of resources, and hold us accountable to our promises.

Further, we will have courageous conversations and action around school size, school performance, and best use of our resources; and regionally focus on performance gaps for AfricanAmerican and Indigenous students, in writing, as we have for our Latino students, and ensure we are serving all students with fidelity at the same time.

Montbello will no longer be the site of DPS experimentation; rather we need not spend any more time asking our community what it wants or needs. Montbello will be the site strategizing for and acting on a clear plan to improve our schools.

Next year will also be the time to usher in new leadership. My expectations for the new Superintendent are that he or she believes in inclusive, collaborative leadership, not top-down leadership, and elevates the work of our teachers and school leaders. I want to see a strong operational leader as our next superintendent.

We need better fiscal accountability and a reprioritization of our budget towards direct service to students.

Perhaps most critical to me, our next superintendent must be ready to engage in partnership work with community. For too long, DPS has had an adversarial relationship with community.

No more. Our work starts and ends with community partnership.

We must engage in community driven and expertly supported design of schools. If we invest in community partnership and our extraordinary talent, we have all of the solutions we need to improve our schools, solve issues around school ecosystem and health, create inclusive school and work communities, and be accountable for our success and missteps. Our kids deserve a leader who includes their voices, their families’ voices, their teachers and leaders’ voices in every decision they make. That is who deserves to be the next superintendent of DPS. I look forward to 2019. Now is the time! Onward, and thank you.Y Editor’s Note: You can reach DPS Board Member Jennifer Bacon at jennifer_bacon@dpsk12.org. jennifer_bacon@dpsk12.org.

Una Visión para la Educación de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver en 2019 Por Jennifer Bacon, Junta de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver Traducido por Marta Welch

¡F

elices Fiestas, Comunidad! Como he alcansado el aniversario de mi año en la Junta Directiva de las Escuelas Públicas de Denver (DPS) y concluimos el proceso de búsqueda del superintendente, quiero articular una visión clara para 2019 para el Distrito 4 y DPS en general, y en consecuencia el liderazgo que busco para que tengamos éxito.

Durante este último año, he visto educadores extraordinarios, estudiantes y familias conduciendo hacia el éxito. Los niños vienen a la escuela todos los días para aprender y crecer, para que puedan tomar decisiones sobre qué es lo próximo y lo mejor para ellos. Pero muchos de ellos, especialmente aquí en Montbello, se han topado con una pared de vidrio. Pueden ver el éxito, pero no pueden alcanzarlo. Durante mucho tiempo, Montbello se ha mantenido detrás de este muro. Podemos mirar a muchas partes de la ciudad y ver éxitos; podemos mirar hacia adentro a nuestras esperanzas y altas expectativas y ver lo mismo, pero de alguna manera se ha vuelto aceptable que muchos rincones de este distrito no deben alcanzar esos éxitos.

Me postulé para el cargo porque he tenido la audacia de la esperanza, y me niego a aceptar la mediocridad como norma. En 2019, DPS debe enfrentarse a las decisiones tomadas en los últimos 10 años y mitigar las fallas y brechas que hemos descubierto;

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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LOS OFICIALES ELEGIDOS HABLAN y debemos esforzarnos hacia la excelencia que nos merecemos.

Esto significa que nuestro Distrito necesitará un reinicio.

En Montbello, planeo volver a convocar mi Acción de Investigación del Extremo Noreste y comenzar a planear y ejecutar deliberadamente un camino específico para Montbello y el Extremo Noreste (FNE). En 2019, presionaré al DPS para que dejen de tratar a las escuelas de forma aislada y comiencen a planificar a nivel regional por lo menos para una perspectiva de 5 años. Lo que le sucede a uno (apertura, cierre o desempeño de la escuela) tiene efectos en todos los vecindarios/regiónes. Los planes se ven diferentes en cada uno de mis vecindarios (Stapleton, Park Hill, Cole Whittier, FNE) pero todos deberían mitigar las consecuencias de los últimos 10 años de la política de DPS, nivelar el campo de juego y crear opciones para las escuelas que son impulsadas por la comunidad. Los planes darán cuenta del desarrollo escolar en los vecindarios que crecen, abordan y tratan de evitar repetir los problemas que hemos visto en relación con la ubicación conjunta y la asignación de recursos, y nos responsabilizan de nuestras promesas. Además, tendremos conversaciones y acciones valientes sobre el tamaño de la escuela, el rendimiento escolar y el mejor uso de nuestros recursos; y el enfoque regional en las brechas de rendimiento para los estudiantes Afroamericanos e Indígenas, por escrito, como lo hemos hecho para nuestros estudiantes Latinos, y nos asegura que estamos sirviendo a todos los estudiantes con fidelidad al mismo tiempo.

Montbello ya no será el sitio de experimentación de DPS; más bien, no necesitamos pasar más tiempo preguntando a nuestra comunidad lo que quiere o necesita. Montbello será el sitio de estrategia y acción para un plan claro para mejorar nuestras escuelas.

El año que viene también será el momento de dar paso a un nuevo liderazgo. Mis expectativas para el nuevo Superintendente son que él o ella crea en un liderazgo inclusivo, colaborativo, no en un liderazgo de arriba hacia abajo, y eleva el trabajo de nuestros maestros y líderes escolares. Quiero ver a un líder operacional fuerte como nuestro próximo superintendente.

Necesitamos una mejor responsabilidad fiscal y una nueva asignación de prioridades de nuestro presupuesto hacia el servicio directo a los estudiantes.

Quizás lo más importante para mí, nuestro próximo superintendente debe estar listo para participar en un trabajo de asociación con la comunidad. Durante demasiado tiempo, DPS ha tenido una relación adversa con la comunidad. No más. Nuestro trabajo comienza y termina con la asociación comunitaria. Debemos participar en el diseño de escuelas impulsado por la comunidad y apoyado por expertos. Si invertimos en una asociación comunitaria y nuestro extraordinario talento, tenemos todas las soluciones que necesitamos para mejorar nuestras escuelas, resolver problemas relacionados con el ecosistema y la salud escolar, crear escuelas y comunidades de trabajo inclusivas y ser responsables de nuestros éxitos y errores. Nuestros niños merecen un líder que incluya sus voces, las voces de sus familias, sus maestros y las voces de los líderes en cada decisión que tomen.

Ese es quien merece ser el próximo superintendente de DPS.

Espero con ansias el 2019. ¡Ahora es el momento! Adelante, y gracias.Y Nota del editor: Puede comunicarse con el miembro de la Junta de DPS, Jennifer Bacon, en jennifer_bacon@dpsk12.org. jennifer_bacon@dpsk12.org.

Montbello In 2019 Continued from page 4

to create an oasis of the arts in Montbello. Through the City’s IMAGINE 2020 program Montbello 2020, along with Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore’s Office, and Montbello Organizing Committee, has secured funds to create an additional channel mural at Andrews and Peoria streets. Colorado Black Arts Movement (CBAM) will be facilitating a community-wide planning effort to develop programming for the Montbello Cultural Hub which will feature many art forms representing the diverse cultural assets of the community. Khadija K. Haynes, co-founder of CBAM, remarked in a recent interview with CBS4, “Montbello may be perceived as a cultural desert, but it has many artistic riches. We intend to identify our artists and cultural opportunities and promote them in the community.”

These are just a few things on the horizon for Montbello in 2019. For contact information regarding any of the elements referenced, email montbellomuse@gmail.com.Y Montbello en 2019 Continúa de la página 5

la espiritualidad y comparamos eso con la religión. Sin embargo, el espíritu saludable va más allá de esa definición que abarca la salud mental, intelectual y física. Saludable en espíritu significa vivir la vida con propósito y significado, experimentando una sensación de bienestar, alegría y aprecio por la belleza que nos rodea.

Significa comprender y apreciar los elementos culturales de nuestra vida tal como se experimenta a través del arte – pintura, escultura, arquitectura, teatro, baile, música, fotografía, etc. ¡Es la expresión de nuestra humanidad!

2019 será un año en el que se lanzarán múltiples esfuerzos para crear un oasis de las artes en Montbello. A través del programa IMAGINE 2020 de la Ciudad, Montbello 2020, junto con la Oficina de la Concejal Stacie Gilmore y el Comité Organizador de Montbello, han obtenido fondos para crear un mural de canales adicional en las calles en Andrews y Peoria. El Colorado Black Arts Movement (CBAM) facilitará un esfuerzo de planificación a nivel comunitario para desarrollar la programación para el Centro Cultural de Montbello, que presentará muchas formas de arte que representan los diversos activos culturales de la comunidad. La Sra. Khadija K. Haynes, co-fundadora de CBAM, comentó en una entrevista reciente con CBS4, “Montbello puede ser percibido como un desierto cultural, pero tiene muchas riquezas artísticas.

Tenemos la intención de identificar a nuestros artistas y oportunidades culturales y de promoverlos en la comunidad.”

Estas son sólo algunas cosas en el horizonte para Montbello en 2019. Para información de contacto sobre cualquiera de los elementos referenciados, mande un correo electrónico a montbellomuse@gmail.com.Y

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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VOICES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Closing the Academic Achievement and Opportunity Gap – Parents, We Can Do This!

By Mary Ann Bash

Each One Teach One tutors effectively help close the achievement gap among students of color.

Photo by Terri Baldwin

As the Denver community engaged in conversations about what it needs in its new Superintendent, recurrent issues were “close academic achievement and opportunity gap based on race, ethnicity, and income level,” “access to the highest quality education to help reach full potential regardless of race, ethnicity, and income,” and “meaningful community engagement.”

A solution may not be at the top, but right in front of us – with you and your neighbors. Each One Teach One: No More Gap (EOTO) translates those deeply entrenched issues into daily action at Marie L. Greenwood Academy and, thanks to a Buell Foundation grant, now at McGlone Academy ECE and Kindergarten students. EOTO adult tutors learn about the 30 millionword-gap that predicts which children will struggle to read on grade level in third grade. To close that achievement and opportunity gap, kids can’t wait, so parents step forward and receive intensive professional development to learn to have daily rigorous, but joyful, conversations with small groups of children in ECE – third grade classrooms and with their own children at home.

Independent research by the Evaluation Center at the University of Colorado Denver documented that when children have Each One Teach One in kindergarten and first grade, they are almost three times more likely to be reading on grade level at the end of first grade than children at schools that don’t offer Each

One Teach One. Parent tutors help close the gap in a school with 95 percent students of color and 98 percent on free and reduced lunch, a reflection of income. This proven solution engaging dozens of parents could change the reading achievement statistics among students of color in Montbello if implemented widely at all of our elementary schools.

Meet our current team of Montbello EOTO tutors – adults who may reflect your own education in DPS or culture and are meaningfully engaged in the community, increasing Montbello children’s achievement. PARENTS, WE CAN DO THIS! Yoloxochil Bárron – “After my parents divorced, my family moved a lot, so I attended many DPS schools but graduated from an alternative school. Not only has EOTO taught me to help children establish a good learning foundation, I have also learned how to better help my daughters with reading.”

Sharleen Clark – “Mique, hola, hello. I am a proud American Indian of the Ute Mountain Tribe. As I raised my 5 daughters as a single mom, I taught them to reach for graduating from college.

It worked and for me too. I love working with kids and connecting with them as I teach them new words in Each One Teach One.” Latoya Erskine – “I am the daughter of immigrants from Guyana, a country in South America, and a first-generation college student. I was born and raised in Denver and graduated from Marie L. Greenwood Academy and George Washington High School. After graduating from Cornell University in May, I returned to EOTO where my love for education and my passion for service work were inspired while in high school. I love EOTO because it gives children the joy of learning through rigorous conversations about the world.”

Barbara Rodriguez – “My husband grew up in Montbello schools and I was born and educated in Germany. As a stay-athome mom of three DPS students, I am honored to be an EOTO tutor and know we must recruit more parents and community members as tutors, so every DPS school can reap the academic and social benefits of EOTO for all its students.”

Bonnie Sáenz – “I grew up in West Denver and my husband and I and our 3 oldest children are DPS graduates. I am so grateful to now be part of the Montbello community and an EOTO parent tutor, so my 2 youngest children and the children I teach every day will benefit from all I’ve learned.”

Edna Taylor-Watkins – “I was at Smiley Middle School when my mother was diagnosed with cancer. We kept moving so I attended three DPS high schools. Mom needed me at home more than at school. More than anything, I want my children and grandchildren to feel the joy of school that EOTO gives them.”

You can deliver what the community is begging for from its new Superintendent. Join the EOTO mission: e-mail Friendsofmlg@comcast.net Y

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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VOCES EN EL BARRIO

Cerrando la Brecha de Logros Académicos y Oportunidades ¡Padres, Podemos Hacer Esto!

Por Mary Ann Bash - Traducido por Marta Welch

Each One Teach One tutors effectively help close the achievement gap among students of color.

Photo by Terri Baldwin

A

medida que la comunidad de Denver participó en conversaciones sobre lo que necesita en su nuevo Superintendente, los problemas recurrentes fueron “un logro académico cercano y una brecha de oportunidades basadas en la raza, la etnia y el nivel de ingresos”, “acceso a la educación de la más alta calidad para ayudar a alcanzar un potencial completo independientemente de la raza, el origen étnico y los ingresos” y “participación comunitaria significativa.”

Es posible que no haya una solución en la parte superior, sino justo frente a nosotros, con usted y sus vecinos. Cada Uno Enseña a Uno: No Más Brecha (EOTO) traduce los problemas profundamente arraigados a la acción diaria en la Academia de Marie L. Greenwood, y gracias a una donación de Buell Foundation, ahora en McGlone Academy ECE y los estudiantes de Kindergarten. Tutores adultos de EOTO aprenden acerca de la brecha de 30 millones de palabras que predice que los niños tendrán que esforzarse para leer al nivel del grado que cursan en el tercer grado. Para cerrar esa brecha de logros y oportunidades, los niños no pueden esperar, así que los padres dan un paso adelante y reciben un desarrollo profesional intensivo para aprender a tener conversaciones diarias rigurosas pero alegres con pequeños grupos de niños en clases de tercer grado de ECE y con sus propios hijos en casa.

Una investigación independiente, realizada por el Centro de Evaluación de la Universidad de Colorado en Denver, documentó que cuando los niños reciben Cada Uno Enseña a Uno en Kindergarten y primer grado, tienen casi tres veces más probabilidades de leer en el nivel de grado al final del primer grado que los niños en las escuelas que no ofrecen a Cada Uno Enseña a Uno. Los padres tutores ayudan a cerrar la brecha en una escuela con un 95% de es-

tudiantes de color y un 98% en comidas gratis o a precio reducido, un reflejo de los ingresos. Esta solución probada que involucra a docenas de padres podría cambiar las estadísticas de rendimiento de lectura entre los estudiantes de color en Montbello si se implementa ampliamente en todas nuestras escuelas primarias.

Conozca a nuestro equipo actual de tutores de EOTO de Montbello – adultos que pueden reflejar su propia educación en DPS ( Escuelas públicas de Denver ) o cultura y que están involucrados de manera significativa en la comunidad, lo que aumenta el logro de los niños de Montbello. ¡PADRES, PODEMOS HACER ESTO! Yoloxochil Bárron - “Después de que mis padres se divorciaron, mi familia se mudó mucho, así que asistí a muchas escuelas de DPS pero me gradué de una escuela alternativa. EOTO no solo me ha enseñado a ayudar a los niños a establecer una buena base de aprendizaje, sino que también he aprendido cómo ayudar mejor a mis hijas con la lectura “.

Sharleen Clark - “Mique, hola, hello. Soy una orgullosa India Americana de la Tribu de Ute Mountain. Cuando crié a mis 5 hijas como madre soltera, les enseñé a alcanzar la graduación de la universidad. Funcionó, y para mí también. Me encanta trabajar con niños y conectarme con ellos mientras les enseño nuevas palabras en Cada Uno Enseña a Uno”.

Latoya Erskine - “Soy hija de inmigrantes de Guyana, un país de Sudamérica y una estudiante universitaria de primera generación. Nací y crecí en Denver y me gradué de la Academia de Marie L. Greenwood y George Washington High School. Después de graduarme de la Universidad de Cornell en mayo, regresé a EOTO, donde mi amor por la educación y mi pasión por el trabajo de servicio se inspiraron en la escuela secundaria. Amo EOTO porque les da a los niños la alegría de aprender a través de conversaciones rigurosas sobre el mundo”.

Barbara Rodriguez - “Mi esposo creció en las escuelas de Montbello, pero yo nací y fui educada en Alemania. Como madre que se queda en casa, y con tres estudiantes de DPS, me siento honrada de ser una tutora de EOTO y sé que debemos reclutar a más padres y miembros de la comunidad como tutores, por lo que cada escuela de DPS puede obtener los beneficios académicos y sociales de EOTO por todo estudiantes”.

Bonnie Sáenz - “Crecí en West Denver y mi esposo y yo y nuestros 3 hijos mayores somos graduados de DPS. Estoy muy agradecida de ser parte de la comunidad de Montbello y un tutor de padres de EOTO, por lo que mis 2 hijos más pequeños y los niños a los que enseño todos los días se beneficiarán de todo lo que he aprendido”.

Edna Taylor-Watkins - “Estaba en Smiley Middle School cuando a mi madre le diagnosticaron con cáncer. Seguimos moviéndonos, así que asistí a tres escuelas secundarias de DPS. Mamá me necesitaba en casa más que en la escuela. Más que nada, quiero que mis hijos y nietos sientan la alegría de la escuela que les brinda EOTO”.

Puede entregar lo que la comunidad le está pidiendo a su nuevo Superintendente. Únete a la misión EOTO. Correo electrónico: Friendsofmlg@comcast.net Y

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VOICES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Meet Shontel Lewis – Montbello’s Voice on the RTD Board of Directors

By Donna Garnett, MS

November 6, 2018 was a banner night for Shontel Lewis when she was elected Director of RTD’s District B. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) is governed by a 15member, publicly elected Board of Directors. Directors are elected to a four-year term and represent a specific district.

Elections are staggered so that eight seats are open in one general election, seven in the next.

Lewis follows Barbara Deadwyler whose term expired December 31, 2018.

I met with Shontel early in December to discuss her plans as a new director. My first question was “what is your experience with RTD that makes you qualified to represent District B?” (Note: District B covers Montbello, Parkfield, Gateway, Green Valley Ranch, Stapleton, Park Hill, parts of Central Denver, DIA, and Watkins). Prior to her current job as Associate Director for the Community Engagement Strategy and Advocacy (CESA) team with the Denver Public Schools, she served as the Transit Equity Specialist at the Regional Transportation District (RTD). In that role, she worked towards social equity with the commitment to authentic community engagement and shared decision-making, Title VI and Environmental Justice. Other jobs and positions on a wide variety of boards and advisory councils have focused largely on issues of equity and social justice. Perhaps even more importantly she rides the bus virtually every day and has since she was a child growing up in Five Points. She uses her time on the bus to get work done, meet people, and catch up with friends.

“I would take the bus everywhere if our transit system was adequate.”

Asked about how she plans to engage with and represent her constituents in 2019, Ms. Lewis said, “I plan to start with community listening sessions with residents – folks have been disconnected from RTD decisions.” She continued, “I don’t intend to lead alone.” Her plans include establishing an advisory group comprised of a cross-section of people from District B. She will announce an application process for people who are interested in serving on the advisory group after she is seated in early January.

Finally, I asked her about her hopes for what she can do as an RTD Director. “I would like to see an RTD committee that focuses on changes needed, that looks at every policy, practice, and so on from a lens of equity.” “RTD needs to spend resources in a way that reflects our priorities – that means we need to prioritize our bus network.”Y Editor’s Note: The Montbello Organizing Committee’s TransporTransportation Task Team (T3) has invited Lewis to a Montbello listening session early in 2019. If you would like to be part of the TransTransportation Task Team contact montbelloorganizing@gmail.com. montbelloorganizing@gmail.com.

Lewis can be reached at ShontelforRTD@gmail.com or at shonshontel.lewis@rtd-denver.com after January 8, 2019.

Long Time Montbello Resident Honored L. Elaine Neal, a 46-year resident of Montbello, was recently honored by the Denver Police Officers Foundation and Denver Police Department when she was made Honorary Lieutenant. Mrs. Neal was recognized for 19 years of volunteer service to the Denver Police Officers Foundation whose mission is to provide emotional and financial support and assistance to active Denver Police Officers and their immediate family members. This assistance considers health related matters such as emergencies, long-term illness, injury, and deaths.

She was recognized for all of her many years of dedication, commitment, strength, tenacity, financial support, and hard work on behalf of others. Neal has been the recipient of 19 awards from local organizations, federal and state government agencies, and the press. She has also served on many civic and professional boards and commissions and continues to volunteer her time in the community.

Neal retired in 2000 after serving 28 years as a Denver Juvenile Court Probation Office. After retiring she became an independent consultant and private investigator.

Our hat’s off to Elaine Neal for untiring commitment to the youth of this community and for the recognition of a life of service. She continues her efforts as a member of the Steps To Success Community Board.Y

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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VOICES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Conectores de Montbello Honored by the Colorado Gerontological Society

munity Foundation of Colorado, an initiative of Rose Community Foundation. Y Editor’s note: For more information about Latino Age Wave ColColorado, contact Program Manager Daniela Young at dyoung@rcfdenver.org or 303-398-7447. at dyoung@rcfdenver.org or

By Daniela Young

Grupo en Montbello Sirviendo Adultos Mayores Recibe Reconocimiento Estatal

By Daniela Young

El 6 de diciembre de 2018, Latino Age Wave Colorado

O

n December 6, 2018, Latino Age Wave Colorado (LAWC) was recognized with the Corporate Award in Aging by the Colorado Gerontological Society. Since April 2016, LAWC has been partnering with the Montbello community supporting the work of four community leaders, the Conectores de Montbello, as they host monthly activities for Latino older adults, family and friends and connect them to needed services and resources.

The Conector (Spanish for “connector”) team is made up of Aurelio Avalos, Maria Coronado, Rosario Mendoza and Angela Tzul; three of the four Conectores are residents of Montbello.

What started as a community listening session two and a half year ago has evolved into a menu of community-based activities where Latino older adults can come together for social connection and to receive important information. Activities include a monthly meeting, Mexican Bingo game, coffee and craft group and take place at the Village at Gateway Apartments and Montbello Manor. These monthly activities provide a space to communicate important information and connect people to available resources. Oftentimes, representatives from different organizations pay a visit to introduce themselves, share what their organization can provide and answer questions by older adults.

Follow up and follow through by the organizations have been essential in connecting people with resources which could benefit them. Such resources include, but are not limited to, Food Bank of the Rockies, Colorado Gerontological Society’s case management program, Denver Regional Council of Governments’ Latino case management team, University of Colorado’s School of Dental Medicine, CREA Results’ health van, etc.

In 2019, the Conectoras will be supporting the older adults in advocating for improved access to medical, dental and vision services; social opportunities and transportation options. The Corporate Award in Aging is given to organizations and agencies that have demonstrated a strong commitment to helping Colorado’s older adult population continue to live independently and healthily. Latino Age Wave Colorado is a program of the Latino Com-

(LAWC) fue reconocido con el Premio Corporativo en Envejecimiento por la Sociedad Gerontológica de Colorado. Desde abril de 2016, LAWC se ha asociado con la comunidad de Montbello y ha apoyado el trabajo de cuatro líderes de la comunidad, los Conectores de Montbello, ya que organizan actividades mensuales para adultos mayores, familiares y amigos, y los conecta con servicios y recursos necesarios.

El equipo de Conectores está formado por Aurelio Avalos, Maria Coronado, Rosario Mendoza y Angela Tzul; tres de los cuatro Conectores son residentes de Montbello. Lo que comenzó como una sesión de escucha comunitaria hace dos años y medio se ha convertido en un menú de actividades basadas en la comunidad donde los adultos mayores pueden unirse para la conexión social y recibir información importante. Las actividades incluyen una reunión mensual, Lotería, un cafecito, un grupo de manualidades que se llevan a cabo en Village at Gateway Apartments y Montbello Manor. Estas actividades mensuales proporcionan un espacio para comunicar información importante y conectar a las personas con recursos disponibles. A menudo, los representantes de diferentes organizaciones hacen una visita para presentarse, compartir lo que su organización puede proporcionar y responder a preguntas de adultos mayores.

Estas cálidas presentaciones y seguimiento por parte de las organizaciones han sido esenciales para conectar a las personas con recursos que podrían beneficiarlos. Tales recursos incluyen, entre otros, Food Bank of the Rockies, el programa de administración de casos de la Sociedad Gerontológica de Colorado, el equipo de administración de casos latinos del Consejo Regional de Gobiernos de Denver, la Escuela de Medicina Dental de la Universidad de Colorado, la camioneta de salud de CREA Results, etc.

Durante el próximo año, las Conectoras apoyarán a los adultos mayores para abogar por mejor acceso a los servicios médicos, dentales y de la vista; oportunidades sociales y opciones de transporte. El Premio Corporativo en Envejecimiento se otorga a organizaciones y agencias que han demostrado un fuerte compromiso para ayudar a la población de adultos mayores de Colorado a seguir viviendo de manera independiente y saludable.

Latino Age Wave Colorado es un programa de la Fundación Comunitaria Latina de Colorado, una iniciativa de Fundación Comunitaria Rose.Y Nota del Editor: Para obtener más información sobre Latino Age Wave Colorado, comuníquese Daniela Young en dyoung@rcfdenver.org o al 303-398-7447. en dyoung@rcfdenver.org o

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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VOICES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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HAPPENINGS AROUND MONTBELLO

CDOT’s Central 70 Project Update

The highway widening between Quebec and Chambers is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2019. The viaduct on the west end of the project will remain in place until 2020 and substantial project completion is slated for 2022.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO...

Website: c70.codot.gov Email: central70info@state.co.us Phone: 833-C70-INFO Text: “Central70” or “ProyectoC70” to 77948 Spanish Facebook: facebook.com/Central70projectenespanol

Twitter: @ColoradoDOT #Central70Project

Montbello’s Children’s Farms in Action To Be Featured at the 2019 National Western Stock Show

With more than 200,000 motorists who travel the I-70 corridor daily, the Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Central 70 Project team is doing their part to minimize impacts to the traveling public by maintaining three lanes of traffic in each direction of I-70 during daytime hours, limiting the number of full closures and major traffic switches on I-70, coordinating closures with other projects and major events in the area, and incentivizing carpooling and transit use.

Since groundbreaking in August, the team has made big strides, and motorists will start to see more changes in 2019. For example, motorists can expect to see work on the overpass from southbound I-270 to eastbound I-70, excavation for the new westbound I-70 lanes in the lowered section, work on Stapleton Drive North and South between Colorado Boulevard and Quebec Street to accommodate for the widened I-70 and retaining walls, additional railroad and utility work and improvements to local cross-streets such as Dahlia, Holly and Monaco and paving on I70 between I-225 and Quebec. Construction activities are ongoing on the I-70 Bridge over Peoria Street, with lane closures during off-peak hours and lane shifts to accommodate building the new structure.

Some of the accomplishments to date include: traffic shifts on I-70 between Quebec and I-225 to prepare the work zone so crews can build the new Express Lanes, permanent closure and removal of the York Street on-ramp to I-70 and permanent closure of 46th Avenue from York Street to Brighton Boulevard allowing crews to access and shift the railroad tracks to accommodate for the new alignment of I-70 (the tracks will eventually run above the highway instead of below them). 46th Avenue also has shifted to one lane in each direction in the westbound lanes while the eastbound lanes are closed so excavation can begin in the lowered section of I-70 (between Brighton and Colorado boulevards).

In the month of January, there is no better educational field trip in Colorado than an excursion to the National Western Stock Show! Teachers and Parents, plan to take children to see Montbello’s own Children’s Farms in Action perform their educational program in the Beef Palace during the school week.

Facilitated by a crew of adults and children from Children’s Farms in Action and brought to life by an array of fabulous farm animals, students from the audience will come on stage to participate in a game show style presentation with buzzers, lights, and catchy music. Shows are each morning at 10:30 and 11:30 am.

There is so much to see and learn at the NWSS. School Visits will be available January 15 to 18 and January 22 to 25 and are free for ALL grades PreK-12. Students will learn about how agriculture and western lifestyle impacts their everyday lives through hands-on exhibits and programs designed with students in mind!

Don’t miss out on this FREE opportunity. School visit registrations are now open - contact education@nationalwestern.com.Y Editor’s note: For more information about Children’s Farms in Action contact childrensfarms@gmail.com. childrensfarms@gmail.com.

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HAPPENINGS AROUND MONTBELLO

Steps to Success Offers Mini-Grants to Reduce Youth Violence in Montbello

By Dave Bechhoefer, MPA

Steps to Success is offering mini-grants to Montbello organi-

zations to reduce youth violence in the community. The organization has been operating since 2011 to reduce youth violence in Montbello by implementing prevention programs and strategies.

One of the organization’s current strategies is to provide minigrants to individuals, organizations, initiatives and any other entity that serves and involves Montbello youth, and that engages Montbello community members.

Steps to Success’s prevention strategies are chosen based on identified risk factors, which are predictive indicators of violence, substance abuse, and other negative behaviors. Data collected by Steps to Success reveals that one of the major risk factors at work in Montbello is called “Low Neighborhood Attachment.” Research shows that neighborhoods with low neighborhood attachment are more prone to support youth violence, and so community members have been working over the past two years to identify strategies to increase neighborhood attachment by providing more opportunities for community members to become engaged in initiatives that support positive social change in Montbello.

The community identified mini-grants as a way to support the work of the many groups, organizations, and entities that are currently engaging community members in community work, while encouraging the grantees to work more strategically together for more effective results. Steps to Success believe that as more and more community members become engaged in community work, neighborhood attachment will increase.

The first round of mini-grants was distributed in summer of 2018. Funded projects included: •Ancestry Research Training Project conducts sessions at the Denver Broncos Boys and Girls Club in Montbello with students and young adults to educate on the importance of knowing one’s heritage and roots, especially in communities of color. Participants gain basic skills and techniques on how to research their genealogical information and begin to build a family tree.

•5280 Survivors provided a three-part workshop on restorative justice practices for both parents and youth that either has been involved with law enforcement, or that are at-risk for involvement with law enforcement.

•Children’s Farms in Action hired youth to work at neighborhood farmers’ markets and urban farms over the summer of 2018 in order to educate community members with agricultural, nutrition and environmental programs while also engaging young people in addressing the neighborhood’s food access issues.

•Families Against Violence Acts (FAVA) provided a socialemotional workshop for youth and their families to increase skills in communication, empathy, emotion regulation, and more. They also conducted a youth-led community awareness campaign on the importance of getting community members engaged in community initiatives and prosocial opportunities.

•Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC) hired youth to canvass the neighborhood and collect data from residents regarding their concerns about the neighborhood, how they get their information, and other similar information. Prior to canvassing the youth participated in a community organizing and canvassing training.

•STAR Girlz Empowerment ran a back-to-school summit for girls that included leadership development, life skills, self-confidence building, and backpacks with school supplies.

•STRIVE Prep Montbello began a year-long club for girls of color called Puma Prodigies that offers skill-building in self efficacy, leadership, and community involvement. Additionally, participants are connected to organizations and initiatives in the community to increase their engagement.

The second round of mini-grants will be awarded in April 2019. The Request for Proposals (RFP) will be available in early January, and applicants will have until mid-March to complete and submit their proposals. Grants will range from $500 to $2,500, and it is anticipated that about $20,000 in total funding will be available.

Recognizing that there are many initiatives in Montbello doing wonderful work, but that some of the best projects may not have extensive experience in writing grants, Steps to Success and Montbello Organizing Committee will co-host a two-day Grant writing and Evaluation workshop on Feb. 7 and 8. Though the workshop will be open to any Montbello-serving organization, initiative or individual, anybody working on a Steps to Success mini-grant may also bring a draft of their proposal for individual technical assistance. Final details of the workshop, including location, times, and how to register, will be included in the RFP. To obtain the RFP, interested individuals may e-mail Angelia Baker at Angelia.Baker@Colorado.edu.Y Editor’s note: Dave Bechhoefer, MPA is Project Director of the Youth Violence Prevention Center- Denver – a project of the University of Colorado Boulder.

Letter to the Editor, continued from page 3 hood while lowering pedestrian accidents through making walking and using a wheelchair safer and more comfortable. Montbello will be a neighborhood covered in art: sidewalks, buildings, parks; all respective of the cultural bloom Montbello will experience as it takes time to look inward.

Convenient, comfortable, and accessible transit stops will line streets with crosswalks and dedicated alternative routes for industrial semi-trucks. Composting and neighborhood organized services such as snow removal and block parties will be the norm. We must ensure that this vision comes through in the Far Northeast Neighborhood Plan and in all of Denver’s Blueprint and Comprehensive plans. When talking about a vision for the community, these documents are what will help guide and accomplish the work necessary, and I encourage everyone to take part in the process including attending the final Neighborhood Planning meeting on Jan. 15 at the Evie Denis Campus from 6 to 8 p.m.

Erik Penn Candidate for Denver City Council District 8

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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EVENTOS ALREDEDOR DE MONTBELLO

Steps To Success Ofrece MiniDonaciones Para Reducir La Violencia Juvenil En Montbello Por Dave Bechhoefer, MPA Traducido by Marta Welch

S

teps to Success (Pasos al Éxito) ofrece mini-donaciones a organizaciones en Montbello para reducir la violencia juvenil en la comunidad. La organización se ha estado operando desde 2011 para reducir la violencia juvenil en Montbello mediante la implementación de programas y estrategias de prevención. Una de las estrategias actuales de la organización es proporcionar mini-donaciones a individuos, organizaciones, iniciativas y cualquier otra entidad que atienda e involucre a los jóvenes de Monbello y que involucre a los miembros de la comunidad de Montbello.

Las estrategias de prevención de Steps to Success son seleccionadas en función de los factores de riesgo identificados, que son indicadores predictivos de violencia, abuso de sustancias y otras conductas negativas. Los datos recopilados por Steps to Success revelan que uno de los principales factores de riesgo en el trabajo en Montbello se llama “Bajo Apego al Vecindario “.

Las investigaciones muestran que los vecindarios con bajo apego al vecindario son más propensos a apoyar la violencia juvenil, por lo que los miembros de la comunidad han estado trabajando los últimos dos años para identificar estrategias para aumentar el apego al vecindario al brindar más oportunidades para que los miembros de la comunidad se involucren en iniciativas que apoyen el cambio social positivo en Montbello.

La comunidad identificó las mini-donaciones como una forma de apoyar el trabajo de tantos grupos, organizaciones y entidades que actualmente están involucrando a los miembros de la comunidad en el trabajo comunitario, mientras alienta a los beneficiarios a trabajar más estratégicamente juntos para obtener resultados más efectivos. Steps to Success cree que a medida que más y más miembros de la comunidad se involucren en el trabajo comunitario, el apego al vecindario aumentará.

La primera ronda de mini-donaciones se distribuyó en el verano de 2018. Los proyectos financiados incluyeron: •El Proyecto de Capacitación en Investigación de Ascendencia lleva a cabo sesiones en el Club de Niños y Niñas de los Broncos de Denver en Montbello con estudiantes y jóvenes adultos para educar sobre la importancia de conocer su patrimonio y sus raíces, especialmente en comunidades de color. Los participantes adquieren habilidades y técnicas básicas sobre cómo investigar su información genealógica y comenzar a construir un árbol genealógico.

•5280 Sobrevivientes brindaron un taller de tres partes sobre prácticas de justicia restaurativa para padres y jóvenes que han estado involucrados con la aplicación de la ley o que están en riesgo de involucrarse con la aplicación de la ley.

•Las Granjas de Niños en la Acción contrataron a jóvenes para trabajar en mercados de los agricultores en los vecindarios y en las granjas urbanas durante el verano de 2018 con el fin de educar a los miembros de la comunidad con programas agrícolas, de nutrición y ambientales al tiempo que se involucra a los jóvenes para abordar los problemas de acceso a los alimentos en el vecindario.

•Familias Contra Actos de Violencia (FAVA) proporcionó un taller social-emocional para los jóvenes y sus familias para aumentar las habilidades de comunicación, empatía, regulación emocional, y mucho más. También realizaron una campaña de sensibilización de la comunidad dirigidas por jóvenes a nivel de la comunidad sobre la importancia de que los miembros de la comunidad participan en iniciativas comunitarias y oportunidades prosociales.

•El Comité Organizador de Montbello (MOC) contrató a los jóvenes para para sondear el vecindario y recopilar datos de los residentes sobre sus inquietudes sobre el vecindario, cómo obtienen su información y otra información similar. Antes de hacer un escrutinio, los jóvenes participaron en una organización de la comunidad y la formación de escrutinio.

•STAR Girlz Empowerment dirigió una cumbre de regreso a la escuela para las niñas que incluía el desarrollo de liderazgo, habilidades para la vida, construcción de confianza en sí mismo, y mochilas con provisiones escolares.

•STRIVE Prep Montbello comenzó un club de un año entero para muchachas del color llamado Prodigios del Puma, que ofrecen capacitación de autoeficacia, el liderazgo y la participación de la comunidad. Además, los participantes están conectados a las organizaciones e iniciativas de la comunidad para aumentar su participación.

La segunda ronda de mini-donaciones se concederán en abril de 2019. La solicitud de propuestas (RFP) estará disponible a principios de enero, y los solicitantes tendrán hasta mediados de marzo para completar y presentar sus propuestas. Subvenciones van desde $500 a $2,500, y se prevé que unos $20,000 dólares en financiación total estará disponible.

Reconociendo que hay muchas iniciativas en Montbello que realizan un trabajo maravilloso, pero que algunos de los mejores proyectos pueden no tener una amplia experiencia en la redacción de subvenciones, Steps to Success y el Comité Organizador de Montbello organizarán un taller de evaluación y redacción de dos días en febrero 7 y 8 de 2019. Aunque el taller estará abierto a cualquier organización, iniciativa o persona al servicio de Montbello, cualquier persona que trabaje en una mini subvención de Steps to Success también puede presentar un borrador de su propuesta de asistencia técnica individual. Los detalles finales del taller, incluidos la ubicación, los horarios y cómo registrarse, se incluirán en la RFP. Para obtener la RFP, las personas interesadas pueden enviar un correo electrónico a Angelia Baker a Angelia.Baker@Colorado.edu.Y Nota del Editor: Dave Bechhoefer, MPA es Director de Proyecto del Centro de Prevención de Violencia Juvenil de Denver, un proyecto de la Universidad de Colorado Boulder.

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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HAPPENINGS AROUND MONTBELLO

Buscamos A Padres De Familia: Padres Abogando Por Las Escuelas Locales (PALS)

correo electrónico a cllaro@cllaro.org. Los entrenamientos de PALS se llevan a cabo en el 12000 E. 47th Ave. In Denver y se realizan el último miércoles de cada mes de 9 to 11 a.m.

El sistema de educación pública actual en Colorado no está sirviendo a nuestros niños como debería. Padres Abogando por las Escuelas Locales (PALS, por sus siglas en inglés) es un nuevo programa diseñado para capacitar a los padres sobre cómo convertirse en líderes y a tomar decisiones sobre la educación de sus hijos.

PALS se enfoca en resaltar las prioridades de los padres y los estudiantes y a la vez enseña a los padres cómo abogar por esas prioridades en las escuelas, así como en el gobierno local y federal.

PALS está abierto para cualquier madre o padre que quiera asistir. El programa consiste en una serie de capacitaciones mensuales gratuitas durante todo el año escolar y cubre una amplia variedad de temas. Hasta ahora, se ha comenzado a platicar sobre las preocupaciones con el sistema escolar público actual y han comenzado a aprender sobre las estrategias de participación de los padres. Durante la sesión de noviembre, los padres que asistieron tuvieron la oportunidad de aprender de nuestro invitado, el Dr. Manuel Escamilla. El Dr. Escamilla es profesor retirado de la Universidad de Colorado en Boulder, ha dirigido programas de Head Start en varios condados de Colorado y es un líder comunitario activo en educación. El Dr. Escamilla compartió información sobre cómo conectarse con las escuelas y los maestros, la importancia de la participación de los padres, ideas sobre cómo planificar un horario y una rutina para los niños según su nivel de grado, y mucho más.

Las próximas sesiones incluirán temas como la infraestructura del sistema de escuelas públicas de Colorado y sobre cómo solicitar y acceder a recursos de educación especial, por nombrar algunos. Además, PALS continuará invitando a expertos para que se dirijan directamente a los padres y respondan preguntas sobre temas educativos que les interesen.

Este programa es proporcionado y facilitado por la organización Colorado Latino Leadership, Advocacy, and Research Organization (CLLARO, por sus siglas en inglés) la cual está ubicada en Montbello. CLLARO se estableció en 1964 como LARASA y fue la primera organización sin fines de lucro en Colorado en servir a los latinos. La misión de CLLARO se centra en empoderar a los latinos a través del desarrollo de liderazgo, abogacía y la investigación para abordar los problemas que afectan a la comunidad latina, incluyendo las disparidades en la educación.

CLLARO tiene un claro entendimiento de que capacitar a los padres para abogar por sus hijos en las escuelas solo tendrá efectos positivos. Es critico que los padres y las escuelas tengan una asociación de apoyo mutuo donde todos los interesados (estudiantes, padres, escuelas) trabajen en equipo para garantizarle a los estudiantes su derecho a una educación de calidad.

Por esta razón, se invita y anima a que asistan todos los padres de familia! Los entrenamientos se ofrecen en español y la interpretación al inglés está disponible. Cualquier persona interesada puede contactar a CLLARO por teléfono al 303-722-5150 o por

Parents Wanted: Parents Advocating For Local Schools (PALS) The current public education system in Colorado is not serving our children as it should. Parents Advocating for Local Schools (PALS) is a new program designed to train parents on how to become leaders and decision makers in their children’s education.

PALS is focused on bringing parent and student priorities to the forefront while teaching parents how to advocate for those priorities in schools as well as at the local and federal government.

PALS is open for any parent who wishes to attend and consists of a series of free monthly parent trainings spread throughout the academic school year and covers a wide array of topics. Thus far, parents have begun discussing their concerns with the current public-school system and have begun learning about parent engagement strategies. During the November session, they had the opportunity to learn from our guest speaker, Dr. Manuel Escamilla. Dr. Escamilla is a retired professor from the University of Colorado at Boulder, he has directed Head Start programs in various counties in Colorado, and is an active community leader in education. Dr. Escamilla shared information about how to connect with schools and teachers, the importance of parent involvement, ideas on how to plan out a schedule and routine for children based on their grade, and much more.

Upcoming sessions will include topics such as the infrastructure of Colorado’s public-school system and how to ask for and access special education resources, to name a few. Further, PALS will continue to invite field experts to address parents directly and answer questions about education topics they care about.

This program is provided and facilitated by the Colorado Latino Leadership, advocacy, and Research Organization (CLLARO) located in Montbello. CLLARO was established in 1964 as LARASA and was the first nonprofit in Colorado to serve Latinos. CLLARO’s mission is focused on empowering Latinos through leadership development, advocacy, and research in order to address issues affecting the Latino community, including disparities in education.

CLLARO has a clear understanding that empowering parents to advocate for their children in schools will only have positive effects. It is crucial for parents and schools to have a mutually supportive partnership where all stakeholders (students, parents, and schools) work as a team in an effort to guarantee students their right to a quality education.

All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Trainings are provided in Spanish and interpretation into English is available. Anyone interested can contact CLLARO by calling 303722-5150 or email cllaro@cllaro.org. PALS trainings take place at 12000 E. 47th Ave. in Denver and are held the last Wednesday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m.

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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HAPPENINGS AROUND MONTBELLO

Denver Preschool Program To Host Seventh Annual Preschool Showcase For Families In January Editor’s Note: This free event offers Montbello parents of 4-yearolds expert advice and access to financial resources to help them find the best preschool for their children.

on household income, the program’s quality rating and the length of the child’s school day. “Our vision is for every child in Denver to enter kindergarten ready to reach their full potential, and making tuition credits available to every Denver family with a 4-yearold is a key part of our strategy,” Landrum continued.

Families are encouraged to use DPP’s “Find a Preschool” tool on its website to search for nearby programs. Also available on DPP’s website is a “Tuition Credit Calculator,” which allows parents and caregivers to estimate the monthly tuition credit they may be eligible to receive to lower the cost of preschool.Y

Montbello Goes Nearly Zero!

Kids’ activities are part of the fun during the seventh annual Preschool Showcase hosted by the Denver Preschool Program on January 12, 2019.

The Denver Preschool Program (DPP) will host its seventh annual Preschool Showcase at the Denver Zoo’s Norgren Hall on Saturday, Jan. 12 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Preschool Showcase is a free, one-stop opportunity for Denver parents and caregivers to meet with staff from local preschools to ask questions and gather information that will help them make an informed decision about enrolling their child in a preschool next fall.

Part of the DPP’s ongoing effort to promote greater access to quality early education in Denver, the Preschool Showcase will feature more than 50 preschools, including early childhood education programs from Denver Public Schools; private, community-based schools; and in-home child care programs. Spanish translators will also be available.

“By talking with parents and caregivers of young children, especially those exploring preschool for the first time, we identified a need for an event that offers personalized guidance,” said Jennifer Landrum, president and CEO of DPP. “Not only does the Preschool Showcase bring together wonderfully supportive resources, but it also shows Denver’s special commitment to helping its youngest citizens prepare for kindergarten.”

Preschool Tuition Assistance The Preschool Showcase is also an opportunity for families to learn how to sign up for tuition support through DPP. Unlike other early child care assistance programs, any family of a 4year-old who is enrolled and in their year before kindergarten at a participating preschool—regardless of household income—can participate. Tuition credits are distributed on a sliding scale based

By Austine Luce, PhD The Nearly Zero Project (NZP) is launching in Montbello at Academy 360 with Miss Nicole’s fourth grade class in January 2019!! Over the next three years we will engage a network of youth and school communities at seven more elementary schools in Montbello to reduce food waste to nearly waste.

What is the Nearly Zero Project? We are a collection of Montbello youth, community members, educators, administrators, and a couple of composters building an interconnected composting system to reclaim food waste and use it to grow more food in Montbello.

Imagine how many times a piece of food leaves your hands and is scraped into a trash can. The Nearly Zero Project is aimed at teaching children about this valuable community resource.

Through classroom lessons and hands-on experiences, students learn about capturing this waste and, rather than making more landfill waste, turning it into healthy soil for growing nutritious vegetables and fruits!

The Natural Resources Defense Council reported in 2017 that up to 40 percent of food in the United States is thrown away and never eaten. But at the same time, one in eight Americans struggles to have enough food to eat. (Resource: www.nrdc.org/issues/food-waste) Ok, so now think about it again. How many times did any kind of food go from your hands to a trash can in the last week? What if every crumb of it was composted and used to help us to grow healthy food to feed lots of people in Montbello? That is the essence of Nearly Zero Project and the whole thing happens from the hearts, desires, and hard work of our young children. Real change begins with our students in Montbello learning about creating good soil, protecting our environment, and growing delicious nutritious food!

Join is in supporting the youth at Academy 360 to light the flames for a wildfire waste revolution in Montbello! The Nearly Zero Project is powered by the Denver-based nonprofit Consumption Literacy Project, in collaboration with Montbello Organizing Committee, the FreshLo Farm to School Network, and Children’s Farms in Action.Y Editor’s note: For more information or if you just want to learn how to compost on your own send an email at Austine@conAustine@consumptionliteracy.org. sumptionliteracy.org.

MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – January/ February 2019

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COMMUNITY RESOURCE GUIDE

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