# Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com (2023) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3A049797a41de2c7ec ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text Volume 18 Issue 12 Isleta Pueblo News Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com December 2023 Governor’s Report Maguwam, I hope this newsletter finds everyone in good health. We are fast approaching into the holiday season, and we hope to look forward to the Christmas Holiday. I want to remind everyone if you are feeling sick, please stay home to prevent the spread of any illness. I would like to offer my apology for canceling the Community Meeting that was set for November 19, 2023. There were many conflicting events over the weekend that caused us to postpone for a more opportune time. Be on the lookout for more information. There are many projects ongoing or set to start on the Pueblo. On Tribal Road 82, drilling has begun for the New Well Project. We will also be gearing up on another water line project on Tribal Road 90 and is tentatively set to begin mid-December. I met with Assistant Secretary Connor to discuss a number of projects the Pueblo is working on with the Army Corps of Engineers. In particular, we discussed projects at Pottery Mound and several new funding opportunities for bosque and acequia restoration work that we hope to implement soon. We ask you to please avoid the areas immediately west of the diversion dam. The machinery to repair the culvert underneath NM 147 must operate 24/7. The equipment may be dangerous, please stay away and exercise caution. I would like to thank all tribal members and the Head Start children who attended and participated with our traditional dance at the Isleta Cultural Center for their Open House on Friday, I also met with Army Corps leadership November 17, 2023. in the Native American Lands I would like to thank the Village Environmental Mitigation Program of Bosque Farms who invited the (NALEMP), who visited the Pueblo from Governor’s office to attend the Native Washington D.C. I took them on a tour American Heritage event. I had the of several sites around the Pueblo and pleasure of giving the Opening Prayer discussed the importance of cleaning up and again, was so happy to see our federal munitions debris on the Pueblo. children from the Head Start participate with our traditional dances. We will also be having our Ham Distribution on Monday, December 11 and Tuesday, December 12, 2023 from 8:00am-6:00pm at the Recreation Center, see flyer with more information. Last, I want to send my condolences to the families of those who have lost their family members during the month of November. Ha-Wuh Max A. Zuni, Governor, Pueblo of Isleta PUEBLO OF ISLETA REQUEST FOR BIDS (RFB) NO. 513-09-7621-5016-CS NM314/NM45/NM317 RE-ALIGNMENT CONSTRUCTION SERVICES The Pueblo of Isleta (POI) Transportation Services Department is requesting proposals from qualified construction contractors to provide Construction Services for the Pueblo’s NM314/45/317 Re-Alignment Project. A Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2023; 9:30 AM local time at the Pueblo of Isleta Facilities Maintenance and Operations Building Conference Room, located south of the Isleta Golf Course on Highway 47. The pre-proposal meeting is mandatory to ensure the project content is understood. Proposals are due no later than Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at 2:00 PM local time. Information and Bidding Documents for the Project can be found at the following designated website: https://bhitracker.bhinc.com Requests for additional information or questions can be submitted to the following individuals: Dale Kleinsmith Construction Operations Department Transportation Engineer Pueblo of Isleta Email: Dale.Kleinsmith@isletapueblo.com Phone: (505) 869-4965 Mary C Montoya Procurement Senior Buyer Email: Mary.Montoya@Isletapueblo.com Phone: (505-869-9831 Page 2 Isleta Pueblo News December 2023 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR DEADLINE for January Newsletter articles is set for Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 4:30 pm. Articles may be dropped off at the Library or emailed to Nathaniel. Lujan@isletapueblo.com. Should you email your article, expect a confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email, odds are it never made it to me and then it’s time to panic, so call Nate at 505.869.9808. People who wish to submit an article or flyer are responsible for generating their own article or flyer. Should you need help, please call the Library at 505.869.9808 and set up a date and time to sit down with a Library staff member who will help you throughout the process. The Library will NOT accept notes dropped off at the Library or information over the phone to generate your article. PROBATES need to be published in the Newsletter for two consecutive months. Probates are considered court documents, therefore, all submitters must provide: 1) Name of Deceased, 2) Date of Deceased 3) Court Case # and 4) Date of Court Date. A Probate form can be found on the Newsletter Archive page at http://www.isletapueblo. com/newsletters.html . CLASSIFIED ADS: The new administration has requested that the Newsletter start a Classified Ad section for Tribal members selling land, houses, mobile homes, vehicles, and farm equipment. Leasing of houses and mobile homes will be accepted. Smaller items which can be sold at the local flea markets or weekly yard sales will NOT be accepted. Currently, this service is FREE to Tribal members. Land, houses, and mobile homes must be within the reservation boundaries. Ads must meet the 160 character limit. Ads that exceed the 160 characters will NOT be submitted into the Newsletter. A single picture may be submitted with the ad. Submitters of classified ads are responsible for generating their own ads as this is a FREE service. As a reminder, Tribal business owners may submit a small flyer at no charge. Like the classified ads, business owners are responsible for generating their own flyers as this is a FREE service. Classified ads and business flyers will be posted no more than two consecutive months. In the event where the Newsletter may exceed the 24-page limit, classified ads and business flyers will be “bumped” for newsletter articles. Again, this is a FREE service for Tribal members. The Isleta Newsletter is owned and operated by the Pueblo of Isleta. Therefore, the Governor of the Pueblo of Isleta has the final say of all articles and contents within the Isleta Newsletter. For additional questions, you may call the Library and speak with Nate or Diane at 505.869.9808. Thank you, Nathaniel Lujan Newsletters may be found at the fifteen distribution locations listed below. Remember, Digital copies of the Newsletter may be obtained from the Newsletter archive at http://www.isletapueblo.com/newsletters.html The fifteen Newsletter distribution locations are: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. TR 2 & TR 22 - Chical SE of Community Hall TR 10 - Behind the old 47 Sales TR 1 & TR 5 – Ranchitos / Bosque Farms Reservations Line Ranchitos Park Post Office - Big Tree TR 82 & TR 84 - Teller Road TR 78 & TR 82 - Carlos Trujillo Sr. TR 90 @ Y - CF Padilla Mouse Town Park – Health Center – South end of Health Center Parking lot Library Sunlight & Moonlight Intersection TR 6 - 47 Intersection TR 12 - 47 & 147 intersection (Old Smoke & Save) TR 71 & TR 54 @ Y - Holiday Robot / Paved Road / Railroad Tracks TR 45 & TR 40 @ Y - Tata Mel (POI Signage) TRIBAL COURT Isleta Tribal Court is pleased to announce that on November 17, 2023, Chief Judge Felicia L. Jojola was duly appointed to the Tribal-State Judicial Consortium. The Tribal-State Judicial Consortium is an advisory board of the Supreme Court of New Mexico. The Tribal-State Judicial Consortium is composed of fourteen (14) members appointed by the Supreme Court. The fourteen (14) members are selected with orders that seven members be comprised of District Court, Metropolitan Court, and Magistrate Court Judges, and the other seven being Tribal Court Judges. Associate Justice Brianna Zamora, of the Supreme Court of New Mexico oversees the consortium as the liaison. The Tribal-State Judicial Consortium builds relationships and maintains communication between state courts and tribal courts, to assure that matters of jurisdiction and sovereignty are maintained, while establishing a working relationship to uphold the law to maintain justice for all. Chief Judge Jojola is profoundly honored to represent the Pueblo of Isleta as one of the 14 Judges called on to serve a 3-year term as a member of the Tribal-State Judicial Consortium. Isleta Tribal Court Wishes you all a Merry Christmas! December 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 3 WATER RESOURCES DIVISION / NATURAL RESOURCES Highway 147 Drain Pipe Replacement The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy has begun onsite activities to replace a failed drainage pipe beneath Highway 147. The project is scheduled from this November to March 2024. Currently, the groundwater level in the project area is being lowered with dewatering pumps and the pumped water is discharged to the Rio Grande, Isleta Riverside Drain, and the Belen Highline Canal. The dewatering pumps will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for the duration of the project. Please be aware that there are high voltage generators and the associated electric lines and conduits at the site, and non-authorized foot traffic within the project area should generally be avoided, as well as, avoid tampering with the generators and other equipment. The result of the project will be a new 42-inch pipe beneath Highway 147 that connects the Isleta Riverside Drain from North to South. Moreover, the project will directly benefit tribal farmers on the Acequia Madre, as well as providing a repair solution to the collapsed pipe issue without interfering with local traffic. DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL & HISTORIC PRESERVATION ISLETA PUEBLO CULTURAL CENTER WOULD LIKE TO THANK ALL THE ISLETA PUEBLO COMMUNITY FOR ATTENDING THE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE! ….AND A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS ISLETA ELEMENTARY CHRISTMAS CAROLERS ISLETA PUEBLO HEADSTART DANCERS TATA MICHAEL ABEITA DRUMMER TIWA SANTA CLAUSE JUDY ABEITA-CHAVEZ MRS. RICHARD JARAMILLO ISLETA CHR VOLUNTEERS NADINE CHIWEWE JULIANN ROMERO BEATRICE VALLO NANCY GONZALES AND OUR VOLUNTEER FROM BELEN ERIC SORENSEN LORRAINE JARAMILLO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION! THANK YOU TO RUFFLES BAKED GOODS Isleta Pueblo Cultural Center CALL FOR NEW Isleta Pueblo ARTIST WORK FOR CULTURAL CENTER DISPLAY CASES Please bring works to fit space size 4ft. width and 7ft. height ALL TYPES OF ARTWORK WELCOME! Please make an appointment with Isleta Pueblo Cultural Center @ 505-869-9767 Isleta Pueblo News Page 4 Job Postings Visit us online at http://www.isleta.com/career-opportunities.aspx Fax: 505-244-8232 December 2023 OUR LOCATION Isleta Resort and Casino is located 7 minutes south of downtown Albuquerque at Interstate 25 and Hwy 47, exit 215. The Human Resources office can be found on the east side of the building through the Employee Entrance doors. December 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 5 Page 6 ALBUQUERQUE PUBLIC SCHOOLS (APS) Greetings from Indian Education at Albuquerque Public Schools! Enrollment in all APS schools is open to all students who reside in Isleta with free busing available to the following schools: Los Padillas Elementary School Polk Middle School Rio Grande High School To register, the first step is for one parent to log in to ParentVue, If you do not have a ParentVue account, you can create one here: https://www.aps.edu/students-parents/parentvuestudentvue/create-your-parentvue-account Registration for each of your children is completed through your ParentVue account. There is currently a bug in the system for many home addresses. If you have difficulty, please use the school address for Los Padillas (2525 Los Padillas Rd SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105) to complete registration and then work with your child's school to fix the address when you visit the school. If you would like for your child to attend one of the other 145 APS schools, you can place a transfer request to the APS school of your choosing. As a member of the Pueblo of Isleta, who resides in Isleta, your transfer is given the highest priority. The transfer request process can be found here: https://www.aps.edu/schools/transfers/newstudents-request-student-id-and-transfer Please be sure to select the reason for your transfer as "residing on non-taxable trust lands within a 50 mile radius of Albuquerque" so as to ensure your transfer request receives priority. -Phil Farson Senior Director APS Indian Education Department 505.884.6392 ext 80039 TRUANCY Happy Holidays, We hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families and are looking forward to an amazing Christmas. Before you know it, the Christmas season will be upon us with the hustle and bustle of family gatherings, community events and traditional festivities. The first semester of school is almost over with, and soon our students will be enjoying a short vacation before the beginning of a new year. We look forward to continue working with our students to encourage and support them in reaching their goals of educational success. Although it may seem difficult at times, each of your goals are achievable with patience and persistence. Setting goals, time management, monitoring attendance and keeping up with class work are all important factors in becoming educated. The goal of the Truancy Department is to share this information and assist those who still have difficulty attending school daily and getting there on time. Please do not hesitate to contact our department if you need assistance. Keep in mind that the end of the 1st semester is in a few weeks, so be diligent in turning any assignments and attending school to get your class finals completed. GOOD LUCK! The Truancy Department would like to wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a safe holiday season! Isleta Pueblo News December 2023 December 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 7 Page 8 Isleta Pueblo News Pueblo of Isleta Career Opportunities December 2023 December 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 9 HR news from Isleta Resort & Casino  POI/IRC Health & Wellness Fair – Friday, October 13th in the Isleta Ballrooms from 9am to 3pm o Come out and learn about the new benefits for both POI and IRC team members!  Enhanced medical benefits for employee family members.  Enhanced dental benefits to include orthodontic coverage for adults.  Addition of MDLIVE which offers reliable 24/7 health care by phone or video for medical and mental health support.  Pet insurance coverage.  AND MORE!!! October Career Fair – Wednesday, October 18th from 10am to 3pm in Triple 7’s o Meet face-to-face with Hiring Managers who will be interviewing and hiring on the spot! o Learn more about all of the great career opportunities and benefits Isleta Resort & Casino has to offer. Page 10 Isleta Pueblo News December 2023 From the Pueblo of Isleta Department of Education PreK-12 News & Updates School Choice As the leaves change and winter approaches, we find this moment perfect to reflect on the academic accomplishments from the fall semester. Students, take a moment to reflect on the hard work, dedication, and resilience demonstrated throughout these past few months. The Department of Education continues its initiative supporting students through its tutoring program, school supplies, and reimbursements. This semester has included trips to Los Lunas Middle School informing Isleta students about the numerous resources that we currently offer. We have also continued to expand our tutoring program. The Department of Education is striving to support our students in every way possible. This coming Spring semester we will begin holding tutoring sessions at the Chical Reception Hall. We hope this new expansion will prove successful. The first half of the fall semester has been spent visiting the high schools of the Los Lunas Public School district. In the following weeks I hope to place some visits to the elementary and middle schools. It’s the time of the year to start thinking about your child’s education for school year 2024-2025. With charter schools, public schools, BIE schools and private schools there are many options for you to choose from. Education is important and we encourage you to really look at your current school, and determine if it is meeting your students needs. Be sure to research all options! The end of the semester will be celebrated with one of our Family Nights. Family Night will take place on December 20th 5pm-8pm at the Chical Reception Hall. This event seeks to highlight Christmas season within our state. We look to provide a fun and safe environment for your family to celebrate this Christmas season. If you wish to sign up for this fun event, please register using the QR Code. We hope to see your family there. The Pueblo of Isleta supports JohnsonO’Malley (JOM) programming for eligible Indian students enrolled in public schools (Los Lunas School District). It is supported by the Indian Education Committee (IEC). Currently serving on the Indian Education Committee are Ryan Hickman, Felicia Jojola, Patricia Lujan and Shannon Torres. JOM a federally funded program and is authorized to provide services through the Johnson O’Malley Act of 1934. JOM supports the educational objectives addressing the needs of the eligible student(s). The JOM IEC is currently looking for eligible community members to include student representatives who may be interested in serving on the committee. Please share your interest by filling out the form using the link or QR code below or calling the Department of Education (505869-9790). https://isletapueblo.formstack.com/ forms/iec_interest A visit to Rio Grande High school was also made in the month of November to provide information to Isleta students. We look forward to supporting and learning about our Isleta students and families at upcoming meetings with new dates set for this month. Many charter schools operate on a lottery system and applications are due in January. These applications also require letters of recommendations. In addition, Santa Fe Indian School and private schools also have entrance exam dates already set with application deadlines in January. As the remainder of the year goes on, I would like to start to meet with families and students through the rest of the school year. Please check your emails for important information. If you would rather receive a text message about our program, please send a text to 505-869-9793. If you would like to learn about the experiences some of our Isleta families have had with various public, private or charter school, please contact our office so that we can connect you. As a reminder, tutoring is being offered after school until 6:00pm Monday – Thursday. We can also set up virtual tutoring with Varsity Tutors for you to receive sessions while at home. You may use the following link to sign up your student. In addition, if you are considering a private school be sure to look into the type of financial aid they provide. Many private schools provide financial assistance. The Pueblo of Isleta also provides tuition assistance for private education to tribal members residing within a 60-mile radius through the Education Assistance fund. This fund allows for 30% of tuition assistance, not to exceed $3000.00. To learn more, call our office or visit our webpage. Academic Success Office December greetings from the Academic Success Team, High School News: Johnson-O’Malley students have dedicated their time after school to come in and work with our tutoring staff and it is starting to show, keep up the good work. Students, we are fast approaching the last grading period for Semester 1. It is important that if you are missing any assignments that you talk to your teachers to see if it is not too late to turn them in. Even if you are offered partial credit that is better than no credit, just take it and complete the assignment. For the students who have already been told that they are not going to pass their class for the semester, please reach out to your counselor to get signed up for credit recovery. It is best that you make up the credit as soon as possible. Parents and Guardians, remember that each school district has multiple ways for you to stay on top of your student’s grades. Do not depend on your student(s) to tell you if they are passing or failing, check for yourself. If you do not have access to their grades, please call the school to assign you a user name and password. Our department has been working closely with several students at Century High School. Students who have been meeting with the department weekly have started to show growth within their academics. We are very proud of them! With that being said, I would like to thank the Pueblo of Isleta Truancy Department for providing students at Century High with breakfast burritos before their Thanksgiving break. Not only has the department been working with Century, we have also had a great number of high school students attending our after-school tutoring program. These https://isletapueblo.formstack.com/forms/ doe_afterschool_tutoring_copy_1 Take advantage of all the resources and you can to be successful in your high school years. First Year College News: As the semester is finishing up, you should have started to meet with your academic advisor to discuss next courses. As a reminder, to be funded for the next semester you will need to submit your supporting documentation to the following link: https://isletapueblo.formstack.com/ forms/scholarship_application_supporting_ documents%20 Supporting documents must be submitted to the link no later than January 15, 2024. It is important that you check your emails to ensure you did not miss any important information from your coordinator. Coordinators are assigned by last name. Samantha Taylor works with those last names A – J and Fran Mershon with those last names K – Z. As a first year college student, I am here to help support you and encourage you to do your best. College students can also sign up for tutoring if needed, you may use the following link to sign up. https://isletapueblo.formstack.com/ forms/doe_afterschool_tutoring_copy_1 Higher Education Happy Holidays from the Higher Education Team. As we are entering a new year, we are encouraging new and returning students to utilize our program. Adult Education If you are interested in obtaining your GED, we can help you. Our department supports tribal members to either take the GED or HiSet Exam. To begin, we will setup a meeting to go over the GED and Hi-Set exam to determine which program fits your needs. In addition, we will help to create the appropriate account for either one of the exams. Once you complete either the GED or Hi-Set exam we will explore and set goals. Upon completion of either the GED or Hi-Set, we can assist with job skills, and December 2023 can help you transition into the workforce or higher education. Visit us and get started today! Please visit our website to receive services at: https://isletapueblo.formstack.com/forms/ adult_education_application Higher Education A friendly reminder, the deadline to submit all supporting documents for funding for the Spring Semester is January 15th. Please visit the website to submit all required documents. https://isletapueblo.formstack.com/forms/ scholarship_application_supporting_ documents%20 FASFA Update The new FASFA will open in December 2023. What is FASFA? Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is a form you complete to apply for money from a federal grant called the PELL Grant. This money can be used for school expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, transportation, and supplies. Upon completion of the FASFA form, this form sends your information to colleges, universities and/or trade schools you selected from your FASFA. They use your FASFA information to calculate your financial aid need. Here are steps to help guide you when filling out the FASFA application. Step #1- Prep for FAFSA ● Create FSA ID o You will need your social security number, your own mobile phone number and/or email address. o FSA ID will be verified in 1 to 3 days (check your email). ● Gather Student & Parent Information o Parent(s) and student’s full legal name and birth date. o Parent(s) and student’s Social Security Number (SSN), permanent resident card, green card, or I-94 (if your parent does not have a SSN you can still apply). o Parent(s) and student’s separate mobile phone numbers. o List of schools the student is considering. o Student driver’s license (if student has one). o Parent(s) marital status (married, separated, or divorced and dates (month and year)). Step #2- Tax & Financial Information ● Parent(s) and student’s federal tax return (if they have one). ● Parent(s) and student’s W-2 and other records of income. ● Annual amounts of untaxed income received in the household (SSI, Child Support, SNAP Benefits, etc.). ● Bank statements and records of investments (primary residence is not taken into consideration). Isleta Pueblo News **If you are planning to attend college from July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024, fill out the 2023-2024 FASFA, use tax info from 2021. ** **If you are planning to attend college from July 1, 2024-June 30, 2025, fill out the 2024-2025 FASFA, Use tax info from 2022. ** Step #3- Start Your FASFA ● Provide your basic personal information. ● List colleges and/or career schools. ● Determine your dependency status. o If you’re a dependent student, you will report your and your parents’ information. o If you’re an independent student, you will report your own information (and, if you’re married, your spouse’s). ● Provide Financial Information. ● Sign/Submit the FAFSA form. Step #4- Things to Do After The FASFA ● Review your student aid report (SAR). ● Review your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). o Your EFC is a number used by your school to calculate how much financial aid you are eligible to receive. Your EFC is calculated by a formula established by law that considers your family’s: taxed and untaxed income, assets, benefits (like Unemployment and Social Security), family size, and number of family members who will attend college during the year. o Schools use your EFC to determine your federal student aid eligibility and your financial aid award. However, your EFC is not the amount of money your family will have to pay for college nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive. o If you have questions about your EFC, you can ask your school’s Financial Aid Office. ● Make Corrections if Needed o If needed, you can make corrections to your FAFSA after it has been processed. o To make corrections to your FAFSA: o Log in here with your FSA ID. Click “Make FAFSA Corrections” and update your information. o After you click “Submit,” you cannot make additional corrections until your FAFSA has been successfully processed. o Corrections should be processed in three to five days; then you will receive a revised SAR to review. ● Complete your School(s) Admission Application. o Follow up with the Financial Aid Office at the school(s) you applied to. Sometimes schools need additional paperwork or have other deadlines. Schools need both your completed admission application and your FAFSA to process an award letter. Page 11 If you have any questions or need help completing your FASFA, please stop by or give us a call (505) 869-9790. Other Scholarships Opportunities We highly encourage students to apply for other scholarships. Our webpage has a list of scholarships that students may apply for. Please visit our webpage to view those scholarships. Here are a few scholarships sites we recommend to apply for. ● Native Forward ● American Indian College Fund ● US Department of Interior Indian Affairs ● The Cobell Scholarship ● AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) Scholarship Study Tips and strategies to help you survive (and thrive) in College! 1. Don’t Cram! 2. Plan Ahead-and Stick to It 3. Ask for Help 4. Use the Buddy System 5. Find Your Learning Style 6. Take Breaks 7. Cultivate a Productive Space 8. Reward Yourself 9. Review, Review, Review 10. Set Specific Goals Wishing you and your family a safe and happy holiday season! You may find information about our services and other programs by visiting our webpage: https://www.isletapueblo.com/ tribal-programs/educational-services/ Or you may also may contact our office at 505-869-9790. We are here to support your educational pathway to success! Department of Education Team Academic Coordinator: Michelle Valdez PreK-12 Coordinator: Michael Cheromiah Tutors: Nicole, Elena and Sonja Higher Education/Adult Education Coordinators: Fran Mershon and Samantha Taylor Administrative Assistant III: AuDrena Abeita Administrative Assistant I: Joy Sutherland Director: Charlene Lucero Tiwa Teachers: Edna Jiron, Patricia Jiron, Martha Madrid and Carol Lucero Page 12 Isleta Pueblo News December 2023 December 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 13 Page 14 Isleta Pueblo News December 2023 Isleta Pueblo News December 2023 Page 15 Parks & Recreation Department FITNESS SECTION SPORTS SECTION Well, it is almost time to reflect on the Hope everyone is doing well! I want to give a quick recap of our 2023 Cross Country season. I really want to thank our Coaches and team parents, Coach Phil Abeita, Coach Kyle Wade, Coach Marcus Martinez, Coach Thomas Zuni, Nanette Mariano, Philana Abeita for stepping up they did a great job. Unfortunately, I was unable to help out with the cross country this year, but I plan to be back next season for sure. I do want to list the runners that participated this year. In our 5-6 year old group, which ran a ¼ mile we had Josie Abeita, Mason Abeita, Ramses Bettles, LJ Lucero, Kamillah Jaramillo, Cadence Jojola, Loyola Olguin, Marisa Jojola, Jeremis Aragon. In our 7-8 year old group that ran a ½ mile we had Leilani Jiron, Nayely Mariano, Mayson Jojola, Kiarah Jaramillo, Elijah Padilla, Arabella Abeita, Mavarro Bitsui, Charisma Padilla, Dacian Threefingers, Miles Abeita, Nora Abeita, Kaiya Toya, Sofia-Grace Chavez, Ivy Rose Sandoval, Matthias Aragon. In our 9-12 year old group that ran 1 mile we had Kateri Toya, Ambrosio Mariano, Matuis Rodriguez, Maurico Bitsui, Kira Heaton, Jkobe Heaton, Mateo Bitsui, Joey Olguin, Aubrie Hermosillo, Antonio Lucero. We definitely want to recognize all of these participants for their hard work and dedication to the Cross Country Team. As a team we had a very good showing at the finals, the finals were held at Zia Pueblo. Our 5-year-old boys team placed 3rd as a team, our 7-year-old girls team placed 1st as a team, our 8-year-old girls and boys placed 3rd as a team, our 10-year-old girls placed 3rd and our 11–12-year-old boys placed 2nd as a team. Overall, I think the kids did an awesome job as did our coaches and parents, once again, thank you all for your dedication! year and all the progress you have made, good or not so good, but you tried and that’s what counts. We do hope that you all have an amazing holiday this December and regardless of holidays, your recreation center is still open for you to utilize and classes that are still happening. Spin class is now held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30pm. Classes are starting to fill up fast, and classes will be on a first come first serve basis. We hope you understand and this is a good problem that we run into from time to time. So please arrive early to secure your spot and get an amazing cardio workout. Aerobics Step Classes are held on Monday and Wednesday at 10:00am, and our Chair Strength Classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30am. Also please be on a lookout for some exercise equipment that will be auctioned off here very soon. We will do our very best to advertise this auction for those who are interested to add to their fitness collection. For more information, please contact your Isleta Recreation Center at (505) 869-9777. Happy Holidays and Many Blessings! AQUATIC SECTION Isleta Aquatics is hoping everyone had a great Thanksgiving Holiday! We had a successful Fall swim lesson session and are looking forward to the upcoming Winter session. Swim lesson registration forms are available at the front desk at the Rec Center or contact Josh or Jayna at 505-869-9783 for more details on availability and registration. We will be open from 4:30pm until 7:30pm Monday through Thursday and 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm on Fridays for open swim. Morning Sessions can also be scheduled through the Aquatics office at 505-869-9783. Isleta Aquatics is still looking for lifeguards! If you know anyone interested in becoming a lifeguard please call or visit the POI website for the job posting! For anyone interested in information about Lifeguard certification, child or adult swim lessons, and other aquatic programming please call Josh or Jayna at 505-869-9783. Keep your eyes open for our upcoming events as well. Our Adult Co-Ed Volleyball League sign-ups will start up on November 6th and will continue until December 15th. The Volleyball League start date is tentatively set for January 9th and the games are tentatively set for Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm, so get your teams signed up as soon as you can and come join the fun! Isleta Pueblo News Page 16 December 2023 Pueblo of Isleta Public Library On behalf of the library, we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! It’s time to treasure the last month of the year. More time indoors can also mean more time for indoor activities like reading, watching movies and learning a new hobby. The library has many materials waiting to be checked out to help you pass the time during the cold winter months. Challenge yourself to read more or get an early start on learning a new hobby or skill for the new year. It is said that it takes only takes 20 hours to become proficient at most skills for example you will learn 80% of what you need to learn to play the guitar in the first 20 hours but to be clear it does take practice after. Come check out and see what the library has to offer, you might be surprised! News The library will be having a staff meeting and Christmas luncheon on Thursday December 21st. The library will be closed during this time from 10am to 1:30pm. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will be discussing upcoming programs for the new year and soon we will start planning the Summer Reading Program. Keep a look out for family programs, book clubs, arts-n-crafts and much more for the upcoming year. The library will be CLOSED on the following dates during the month of December: Saturday, December 23rd and Monday, December 25th – LIBRARY CLOSED: In observance of the Christmas Holiday. We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Monday, January 1st – LIBRARY CLOSED: In observance of the New Year’s Holiday. The library staff would like to wish you and your family a Happy New Year filled with happiness and good health. Remember to be safe and responsible. Please keep in mind with the Holiday Season and unpredictable weather, unexpected closures may occur. Notices will be posted and up to the minute notices will be posted on the Library Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Construction has started on the library’s canopy shade area with activity stations located on the north patio area of the children’s room. During this time there will be no access to the patio area until construction is complete. Construction should be completed by the New Year. We are now offering a new streaming service Kanopy here at the library! Enjoy the many movies and shows Kanopy has to offer! To access you will have to select your library (Pueblo of Isleta Public Library) set up an account using your library barcode and pin. From there you will receive 21 tickets per month to enjoy shows, movies, and kids Kanopy is always unlimited. For any questions or information about this service please, speak with a staff member at 505-869-9808. Guitars are in! The library has new acoustic guitars and bass guitars that can be used in the library or to check out. We have guitar tabs, Skillshare, and books to play and learn at your convenience. To check out you must be 16 years and older and in good standing. Come check one out today but be sure to return all your overdue material(s). Join the Library weekly for Family Story Time every Wednesday at 10:00am with Edith. Family Story Time is a fun opportunity for parents, grandparents, and caregivers to introduce their children to reading and language. No sign ups required just come in! For more information on this program, please call Edith at 505-869-9808 or email Edith.Perez.Bonilla@isletapueblo. com. Have you returned your library material? If you have had library material out more than a calendar year an automatic fine will be applied to your library account. If you have library items at home, please bring them in. Return them in good condition and there will be no fines applied to your account. There are four ways to check your library account: • Visit our online library catalog at https://isletapueblo.booksys.net/opac/ pipl/index.html and log on. With your library card number and pin. • Download our mobile app “POI Public Library” on to your device and log on with your library card number and pin. • Visit the library and speak with someone at the front desk. • Give us a call at 505-869-9808. Upcoming Take a break from the hustle and bustle or the stress that the Holidays can bring! Spend an evening at the library and take part in a Diamond Painting Christmas Stocking on Thursday, December 7th at 5:00pm to 6:30pm. This popular trend of using tiny diamonds to create a picture can be fun and relaxing. This program is open to the first 10 patrons, 13 and up to register. This program is FREE and all supplies will be provided. Registration started on November 20th. For more information, please contact Diane by phone 505-869-9808 or email at Diane.Abeita@isletapueblo.com. Attention students! The library will once again be hosting College Nights with extended library hours for students to come in and study for end of semester finals. The week of December 5th, 6th & 7th and the week of December 12th, 13th, & 14th from 7pm to 10pm. Study in our comfortable space and utilize our FREE computers, printing, lap top check outs, Wi-Fi, charging stations and conference room to prepare. For more information or questions, please contact Cheyenne by phone 505-869-9808 or email at Cheyenne.Castillo@isletapueblo.com. More program announcements to come! For up to the minute info on the library follow us on our Social Media accounts where we will be promoting upcoming programs and events. December 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 17 Recap Library staff member Kyle attended a YALSA’s (Young Adult Library Services) conference on November 9th through the 13th in St. Louis, Missouri. He learned about different library programs and services to help support teens in our community. Kyle is excited and eager to share what he learned and put it to use here at the library. Keep a lookout for new tween and teen programs. The library handed out FREE backpacks to students that were in need of one, being that it is half way through the year and sometimes backpacks don’t last the whole school year. Backpacks were given out during the Thanksgiving Break. Thank you every one who stopped by to receive a backpack. Library staff member Edith hosted a Zine & Collage program in the month of November for ages 9 and up. Participants came into the library to make a collage or zine (mini book) at the library. All materials were provided and were available all day! Some inspiration ideas included favorite memory, family traditions, short stories, etc. Thank you, Edith, for hosting a creative program for the community. We would like to acknowledge our After School Program students for doing such a great job with their reading and staying on track with their homework. On Friday, November 17th library staff members took students on an incentive field trip to Main Event where the enjoyed laser tag, games and pizza. We are currently planning a Christmas Party for our students. Festivities will include activities, crafts, games, and of course food. This will also give parents a chance to get any last-minute Christmas shopping done. Students will soon be on Winter Vacation and we hope students can relax and enjoy their free time. We look forward to seeing everyone after the break for the second half of the school year. We added a few pictures of our Learning Outside the Classroom for “All Learners Day” field trip to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in October. Stay tuned for our next Learning Outside the Classroom for the month of January. More details coming soon! Learning Outside the Classroom field trip to the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center! After School Program students incentive field trip to Main Event! After School Program students incentive field trip to Main Event! Page 18 Isleta Pueblo News December 2023 December 2023 Affordable Connectivity Program The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program? A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below: ● Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; ● Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program; ●Participates in one of these assistance programs: ● Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools. ● SNAP ● Medicaid ● Federal Housing Assistance, including: ● Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers) ● Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/ Section 202/ Section 811 ●Public Housing ●Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians ● Supplemental Security Income (SSI) ●WIC ● Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits ● or Lifeline; ● Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands: ● Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance ● Tribal TANF ● Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations ● Tribal Head Start (income based) Apply now! www.GetInternet.gov Isleta Pueblo News Editor: Nathaniel Lujan Asst. Editor: Diane Abeita Published By: Valencia Express Isleta Pueblo News Page 19 Page 20 Isleta Pueblo News December 2023 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! WIC NEWSReminder to WIC Clients-Please use all your benefits so WIC can keep its funding. Anyone who has Medicaid automatically qualifies and we would love to see you in our office! The Ultimate Healthy Apple Crumble INGREDIENTS • • • • • • • • • ¾ cup old-fashioned oats ¼ cup whole wheat flour 1 tsp ground cinnamon 2 tbsp pure maple syrup 1 ½ tbsp unsalted butter, melted 6 cups diced red apple 2 tbsp cornstarch 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon ⅛ tsp ground nutmeg INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 350°F, and coat an 8”-square pan with nonstick cooking spray. To prepare the streusel topping, whisk together the oats, flour, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Make a well in the center. Pour in the maple syrup and melted butter. Stir until fully incorporated. To prepare the filling, toss the apples with the cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until completely coated. Transfer the filling to the prepared pan, and gently press down with a spatula. Sprinkle evenly with the topping. (The topping tends to clump a lot, so break it up into really small pieces, about the size of miniature chocolate chips, to ensure it covers the apples.) Bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes or until the apples are fork tender. Cool completely to room temperature; then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the juices to fully thicken. Don’t forget it’s not too late to get your flu shot! ISLETA WIC OFFICE 505-869-2662 December 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 21 Health Beat: Healthy Foods Express Stephanie Barela, Health Educator Stephanie.Barela@islclinic.net Phone: 505-869-4479 The Isleta Health Center has collaborated with Roadrunner Food Bank since July on the Healthy Foods Express food distribution that is at the Chical Reception Hall on the 1st Friday of every month. This Healthy Foods Express Event provides free, fresh food to families. The distribution has been from 9am-11am and will be offered at that time in December, but starting in January, due to the potential for snowy and icy roads, the distribution will change to 10:30am to 12:30pm for 3 months until the weather is not so uncertain. Since July, we have provided 5 Health Food Express Food Distributions and have provided food to at least 397 households, with more than 993 people affected by the distribution. The Healthy Foods Express is set up like a farmer’s market, with fresh produce and other food items available for individuals to select. At each event, any new participant will fill out a Client Intake Form for their first attendance and then in the future after the participant registers 1 time, they will no longer have to register again. Road Runner Food Bank needs participants to register in order to show the need for the program and to maintain state funding. If you have completed this form before, then you are not required to complete this again, unless the information was incorrectly inputted into the computer or your information has changed. There is also a Pick-Up Authorization form that is needed if we are distributing food from TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program), in order for you to pick up food for other households. Food from TEFAP is not always distributed, but it would be good if you are planning to pick up food for others, to have this form completed in case we are distributing TEFAP food that day. The pickup authorization form will be provided at each event, or you can access the form in order to fill it out before the distribution either on our website, www.islclinic.com or from the Isleta Health Center. Everyone is welcome to come to the Healthy Foods Express Distribution at the Chical Reception Hall, so we hope to see you in December from 9-11am and DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE TIME CHANGE for January, February and March from 10:30-12:30 or until food runs out. Page 22 COMMON QUESTION the Isleta Health Center Billing Department Receives: Why does the health center bill our insurance if it already receives IHS funding? We do receive IHS funding but the amount does not cover the growing health care demands. Isleta Health Center billing department bills our patients’ insurance for the services that are rendered within our facility. We are able to do so with the provisions of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act (IHCIA). This Act authorizes an Indian Tribe a right of recovery. This means the Pueblo of Isleta has a right to recover from insurance companies the reasonable expense it incurred in providing health services to its members just like any other private medical facility. The difference is the Health Center will not charge you the balance not paid by your insurance plan. The revenue received from our billing goes back into our facility to keep our high quality care. -Billing Department, Isleta Health Center Administration Services Department: Patient Information Updates Please update any changes regarding health coverage, phone number, mailing address, and/or emergencies contacts with Patient Registration. It is important to have patient information updated, as this is how the Health Center communicates with patients, whether by phone or mail. Having patients update their health coverage helps the Billing and Purchased/Referred Care departments ensure that patients’ bills are handled correctly. B’eeh K’oo-ee Wellness Center As we step into the winter months, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community alongside a team of dedicated and talented team members including case managers, administrative assistants, experiential educators, and therapists. For some, the holiday season is a joyful experience. For others, it is a challenging time. For many of us it is bittersweet as we honor loved ones we’ve lost, reflect on joys and difficulties, share meals with loved ones, and prioritize time with our communities. While we move through this array of experiences, know that the B’eeh K’oo-ee Wellness Center (BWC) staff are here to support you in any way we can. We would be honored to walk alongside you during this season, whatever it might bring for you. If you would like to explore options for care at BWC, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (505) 869-5475. If you find yourself or a loved one experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 988 for immediate support. Wishing Wellness and Health, Laura Ahrens B’eeh K’oo-ee Wellness Manager Isleta Pueblo News December 2023 Greetings, The Dental department would like to welcome a few new staff members to our great Dental Team. We have a new dentist that joined our team on November 6th,2023. Dr. Jonathan Pauwels, He has been in the dental field for 5+ years. He has a lot of experience, is a great asset to our dental clinic and to our community. We also have a new dental assistant Phenicia Bahe that joined our dental team in September, she also has lots of experience and is a joy to work with. Phenicia is looking forward on working with the patients in our community. Also, we would like thank everyone who donated Halloween candy for our candy exchange, we worked closely with NAPPR (Native American Professional Parent Resources) on collecting candy to send to our troops. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas from the POI Dental Team December 2023 Winter Wellness: Staying Healthy in the Cold Season Nancy Gonzales, Director of Public Health Services As the winter season approaches, we at the Isleta Health Center Public Health Department want to extend our warmest wishes to our community. This time of year brings with it a unique set of challenges and opportunities to focus on our health and wellbeing. Here are some tips and information to help you stay healthy and connected during the colder months. Beat the Winter Blues Winter can sometimes bring a sense of gloom. The reduced daylight and colder temperatures can lead to seasonal affective disorder (SAD). To combat this, try: Light Therapy: Spend time in well-lit spaces, and consider using a light therapy lamp. Stay Active: Regular exercise can boost your mood and energy levels. Connect with Loved Ones: Maintain strong social connections, even if it is through video calls or messages. Flu & COVID-19 Season Precautions Flu season often coincides with winter. Protect yourself and your family by getting the flu vaccine. Isleta Health Center Medical Clinic is now offering influenza vaccine for patients six months and older and updated COVID-19 vaccines for patients 12 years and older. Please call (505) 869-4089 to schedule your appointment. Nutrition for the Season Eating nutritious, seasonal foods can help you stay healthy and warm. Consider these winter-friendly options: Root Vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, and parsnips are packed with vitamins and fiber. Hot Soups and Stews: These are not only comforting but also provide essential nutrients. Citrus Fruits: Oranges, grapefruits, and clementines are rich in vitamin C to boost your immune system. Winter Safety Tips With colder weather, safety becomes a top priority. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: Dress Warmly: Layer clothing and wear hats, gloves, and scarves to stay warm. Prevent Falls: Be cautious of icy sidewalks and driveways, and consider using salt or sand for traction. Stay Informed: Be aware of weather forecasts and road conditions, and be prepared for winter storms. As the winter season unfolds, let us prioritize our health and well-being, supporting one another through these chilly months. Remember, the Isleta Health Center Public Health Department is here to assist you on your wellness journey. We wish you a safe, warm, and healthy winter season! Stay tuned for more updates and information in our upcoming newsletters. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our office at (505) 869-9720. Sincerely, Nancy Jo Gonzales, MPA Director of Public Health Services Isleta Pueblo News Page 23 Page 24 Isleta Pueblo News December 2023 December 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 25 Eugene “Shubee” Jojola We, the family, would like to thank the community, family and friends for your help during this very difficult time. Eugene “Shubee” Jojola is missed every day and we find comfort knowing he is watching over us. We are all thankful for the wonderful memories we have and would like to express how thankful we are for sharing your memories with us, as well. He was truly one of a kind and he will be missed but never forgotten. May the Great Spirit bless you all. Sincerely, The Jojola family Evander “Shu-Oo” Kallestewa April 1, 2008 - September 18, 2023 If Roses grow in Heaven Lord, please pick a bunch for me, place them in My Shu-Oo’s arms and tell Him they’re from Me! Tell him that I LOVE AND MISS HIM, and when He turns to smile, place a kiss upon his cheek, and hold him for a while. Because remembering him is easy, I do it everyday. But there is an ache within my Heart that will NEVER GO AWAY. Our Shu-oo fought a FIERCE battle since February, and although we miss him immensely, He’s journeyed on to be with our Creator and is no longer suffering or in constant pain. We would like to THANK YOU for all the continued prayers of love and support during our most difficult times. Hawu, HerKhem, E’la’Kwah Ramona, Kelton and Families Christopher Eric Zuni March 22, 1966 September 22, 2023 As I sit in Heaven, and watch you every day, I try and let you know with signs, I never went away, I hear you when you’re laughing and I watch you as you sleep, I even place my arms around you, to calm you as you weep, I see you wish the days away, begging to have me home, so I try and send you signs, so you know you’re not alone. Heaven is truly beautiful just you wait and see! So live your life, laugh again, Enjoy yourself be free. With Sincere Gratitude from the family of Christopher Eric Zuni We extend our deepest THANKS to you for your kindness during the unexpected loss of our loved one. Your condolences and support brought us great comfort during this difficult time. Page 26 Isleta Pueblo News December 2023 APPOINTMENTS IN CLINIC By Dr. Hadley Pope We are excited to welcome three new providers to the Isleta Health Center Medical Clinic. With Dr. Kelley, Dr. Kistin, and Nurse Practitioner Hayes joining Dr. Nelson, Dr. Sapien, and myself in clinic, the clinic is now fully staffed with providers! This means more appointment availability and expanding services. With this exciting development, I wanted to take a moment to review the different types of appointments available at clinic. Primary Care Appointments: These appointments are scheduled in advance and focus on chronic medical issues and healthcare maintenance. Chronic medical issues are those issues that require long-term treatment and include: diabetes; high blood pressure; anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders; asthma and COPD; prenatal care; rheumatological conditions, like lupus and RA; and chronic pain. Healthcare maintenance is the medical term for routine cancer and disease screening. We recommend that all patients (even those without chronic medical conditions) see a provider for a primary care visit at least once per year. If you do not have a primary care provider, or were previously seen by one of our former providers (Dr. Chynoweth or Dr. Tomosie), we recommend that you call medical clinic and get scheduled for an establish primary care appointment. Children should also establish with a primary care provider. We recommend that all kids, no matter how healthy, see a doctor at least once a year (and even more frequently for infants and toddlers). All of the medical providers at Isleta Health Center are experienced in seeing pediatric patients and eager to care for your whole family. Same Day Appointments: We offer 19 same day appointments per day. These appointments focus on a single, urgent issue, such as: upper respiratory infection (cold, flu, covid); urinary infection; sexually transmitted infection; pregnancy testing; accident or injury; and concerning symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. Patients should call clinic at starting at 8am for a same day appointment. Hospital Follow-Up Appointment: After discharge from the hospital or emergency room, we recommend a follow-up with a provider to ensure patients have the correct medications and follow-up needed after hospitalization. We have reserved appointments throughout the week for hospital follow-up. When possible, this appointment will be with your primary care provider. Please contact clinic after you are released from the hospital to schedule this appointment. Procedure Appointments: Starting in January 2024, we will be offering a dedicated procedure clinic once per week. These appointments are for in-clinic procedures, including: IUD and Nexplanon insertion and removal; joint and trigger point injections; and skin biopsy. See you in clinic! December 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 27 Page 28 Isleta Pueblo News December 2023 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3A049797a41de2c7ec. Public record. Not legal advice.