Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com (2023)

Volume 18 Issue 5

Isleta Pueblo News

Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com

May 2023

Governor’s Report

Maguwam,

I want to continue to wish the entire

community a nice safe and healthy month

as we approach into May! This month is

going to be busy as everyone is preparing for

the farming season, weddings, graduation,

and the end of the school year! We would

like to remind the community to continue to

practice the safety protocols and continuing

to keep our COVID numbers low.

My apologies, to the community for

canceling our Community Meeting on such

short notice. We have rescheduled the

Community Meeting for Saturday, May 13,

2023. The meeting will be held at the Isleta

Resort and Casino in Ballroom B from

9:00am-12:00pm. We would like to see you

all there to hear what changes and projects

we have been working on.

We are pleased to announce that Marilyn

Stephanie Zuni has joined the Department of

Cultural and Historic Preservation/Pueblo

of Isleta Cultural Center as Department

Director. We are excited to have Stephanie

joining the department as we continue our

mission to preserve the culture, history, and

language of the Pueblo of Isleta, and work

toward our goal of opening the Cultural

Center in the Summer, 2023.

roundabouts, curb & gutter, sidewalk,

a multi-use trail, asphalt surfacing,

waterline, sewer lines, storm drain and

arroyo stabilization. The project will be

new roadway construction and therefore

should not have any traffic impacts. We

ask that when construction starts to avoid

driving, biking, walking and jogging in the

area under construction for your safety and

the safety of the construction workers.

Need a Home Site Application?

We have begun the process of the home

site applications. The application can be

obtained from the Reality Department or

contact Patricia Lujan at 505-869-0710.

She will be available to direct or answer

any questions you may have.

3111. All reservations must be made in

person at the Governor’s Office.

The cost to reserve the Reception Hall

is $250, with a $200 refundable deposit

due at the time of booking. The cost to

reserve the Court House is $100, with a

$50 refundable deposit due at the time of

booking. All payments must be made via

money order. Please comply with all rules

and regulations for the Court House and

Reception Hall to keep our facilities in good

condition for everyone, or risk losing your

damage deposit.

The Reception Hall and Court House

are booking up quickly. Make your

reservation today!

Rent the Reception Hall or Court

House for your Next Big Event!

Last, I want to send my condolences to the

families of those who have lost their family

members during the month of March.

The Reception Hall and Court House

are now taking reservations! To check

availability or ask any questions, please

contact the Governor’s Office at (505) 869-

Ha-Wuh

Max A. Zuni

Governor

Pueblo of Isleta

ENVIRONMENTAL

Monthly surface water quality results

The Pueblo of Isleta, Veterans Association

and the Isleta Governor’s office would like

to invite everyone to attend the Suicide

Prevention Awareness Public Meeting.

This event will be hosted on Saturday, May

20, 2023 from 10:00am-12:00pm at the St.

Augustine CCD Building.

Since our last newsletter, we are happy to

say the Chical Well Project is still in the

working progress. More updates on the

Well Projects will come later from Public

Works Department.

As we continue with the renovations of

the little leagues fields. The Little League

Chical field on Tribal Road 10 is making

progress with the field lights. We ask you are

careful around these areas as the facilities

are undergoing these improvements.

NMDOT has scheduled repair and

maintenance for NM147 starting the week

of May 1, 2023 and anticipate completion

by May 5, 2023. Repair and maintenance

operations will be limited to daylight hours

and will include an overlay of the roadway

with a thin layer of asphalt pavement. Restriping will take place shortly after the

paving work is completed. NMDOT will

provide traffic control, which will maintain

one lane traffic during the repair and

maintenance operations. We ask you to be

cautious during the repair and maintenance

operations, your patience will be greatly

appreciated.

Moonlight Drive Extension Project. We

have selected a contractor and necessary

approvals to have the project under

construction within the May-June 2023

timeframe. The project will involve the

extension of existing Moonlight Drive to

a new intersection of Moonlight Drive

with NM314. This project includes two

*Water quality samples are collected from the Rio Grande except 240 Wasteway,

Indian Interior Drain at the 240 Wasteway, and Albuquerque Riverside Drain.

- Dash in data table indicates sample not collected.

“MPN” is a unit of measure that stands for most probable number. MPN is equivalent

to colony forming units (“CFU”).

The Pueblo of Isleta’s most stringent surface water quality standard for E. coli bacteria

is 88 MPN/100 ml at all times and at all flow rates.

By Order of the Governor, the Rio Grande is closed for fishing. The reason for closure

is for the safety of our community. We have been blessed with a good spring runoff. Be

aware that bacteria concentrations in the Rio Grande typically spike or rise to unsafe

levels following storm events and high water levels in tributaries upstream such as

the Jemez River. The wastewater treatment plant near Jemez Springs failed the week

of April 10th; it is not known if the treatment plant failure affected water quality in

the Rio Grande at Isleta. Please watch signage at the NM 147 bridge. Governor will

lift the closure order when the Rio Grande is safe.

Notes regarding surface water quality sampling:

On September 30, 2022 one sampling event was conducted to measure the concentration

of pesticides and herbicides at 4 sample locations: the drain near NM 45 and Interstate

25, Atrisco Riverside Drain, NM 147 and the Albuquerque Riverside Drain near the

Northern Boundary. All results were non-detect.

Irrigation waters on the west side were shut off around March 22, 2023 for flushing.

If you have questions about surface water quality, contact Ramona Montoya, Water

Quality Control Officer, at 505-869-7565.

POI Env

DRAFT2

19-Apr-2023

Page 2

Isleta Pueblo News

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

DEADLINE for June Newsletter articles is set for

Tuesday, May 23, 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 June 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)

May 2023

May 2023

PROBATES

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 3

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 4

Job Postings

Visit us online at

http://www.isleta.com/career-opportunities.aspx

Fax: 505-244-8232

May 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.

May 2023

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 5

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 6

May 2023

Pueblo of Isleta Career Opportunities

Position Posting

Office Location

Closing Date

Position Posting

Office Location

Closing Date

May 2023

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 7

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 8

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

From DOE Higher Ed: POI Scholarship

Supporting Documents Deadline for

Summer Term: May 31st 11:59 PM MST

POI Scholarship Application Deadline for

Fall Term: July 1st 11:59 PM MST

Scholarship Application Tips

1. Meet all application deadlines

a. Use a calendar or planner, make a

schedule, and stick to it.

2. Gather application materials early

a. Give yourself plenty of time to

complete each step.

3. Don’t ignore small award

a. Small awards can add up. The larger

the award, the more competition you’ll

face

4. Request letters of recommendation early

a. Some applications require letters

of recommendation. Think carefully

about who should write letters and

choose people who can speak to your

strengths and ability to overcome your

weaknesses. Give your recommenders

no less than two weeks notice so they

have time to write on your behalf. Be

prepared to provide them with additional

information about yourself or the

scholarship. Make sure to follow up with

your recommender to assure that your

letter was submitted.

5. Write a great essay

a. Think carefully about the question

being asked and use this opportunity to

tell the selection committee things about

you that might not show elsewhere in

the application. Get help with editing for

grammar and spelling, but do your own

writing—the committee wants to hear

from you personally.

6. Try, try again

a. Keep trying even if you don’t win

a scholarship right away. Save copies

of every application that you complete

so you don’t have to start from scratch

every time.

Other Outside Scholarships:

Full Circle & Tribal College Scholarships

The American Indian College Fund provides

scholarships to American Indian and

Alaska Native college students seeking

undergraduate and graduate degrees at tribal

colleges, nonprofit, and accredited schools.

For more information, please visit: https://

collegefund.org/students/scholarships/

Deadline: May 31st

2023 Cobell Scholarship Summer Scholarship

Only applicants who have been fully admitted

to graduate school for the Spring Semester

or Winter Quarter can submit both an

undergraduate and graduate application

by the stated deadlines to be considered

for both. First complete the Undergraduate

application and utilize the Additional

Comments to inform us of the situation, then,

email the graduate school acceptance letter

to scholarships@cobellscholar.org to receive

access to the graduate application where you

will supply the same Additional Comments to

assure consideration for both opportunities.

Applicants considering graduate school but

who have not been admitted will need to wait

until the next funding cycle to apply.

For more information, please visit: https://

cobellscholar.org/

Deadline: May 4th

AISES Intel Growing The Legacy

Scholarship Program (2023-2024)

The Intel Growing the Legacy Scholarship

Program will support undergraduate and

graduate students. This Program includes

financial support, mentorship, paid internship

opportunities,

and,

upon

successful

graduation,

employment

opportunities

with Intel. Scholarships are $5,000 for

undergraduate students and $10,000 for

graduate students.

In response to several students’ concerns,

AISES and Intel would like to reassure

students who are thinking about applying for

the Intel scholarships, that they do NOT have

to complete nor agree to complete an Intel

internship to be eligible/competitive in the

selection process of the Intel Scholarships.

For more information, please visit: https://

www.aises.org/scholarships/intel-growinglegacy-scholarship-2022-2023

Deadline: May 31st

AISES 3M Scholarship (2023-2024)

In partnership with 3M, the American Indian

Science and Engineering Society (AISES) is

pleased to announce the 3M Scholarship for

incoming college freshman students pursuing

ANY STEM degree.

For

more

information,

please

visit:

https://www.aises.org/scholarships/-3mscholarship-2022-2023

Deadline: May 31st

May 2023

AISES A.T. Anderson Scholarship (2023-2024)

The A.T. Anderson Memorial Scholarship

Program is funded through a variety of

sources, including memorials, individual

donations, AISES fundraisers, and other

corporate grants. This scholarship fund was

established to memorialize A.T. Anderson,

one of the AISES founders.

For more information, please visit: https://

www.aises.org/scholarships/at-andersonscholarship-2022-2023

Deadline: May 31st

AISES Apple Scholarship Program (20232024)

AISES has partnered with Apple to offer the

Apple Scholarship Program to exceptional

Indigenous college students studying in a

STEM field. Selected scholars will receive

a $15,000 scholarship, a MacBook, and a

Development Experience. Scholars will also

have the opportunity to be mentored by an

Apple employee.

For more information, please visit: https://

www.aises.org/scholarships/apple-pathwaysacademy-2023-2024

Deadline: May 31st

AISES Chevron Scholarship (2023-2024)

Chevron scholarships are awarded to

American Indian, Alaska Natives, Native

Hawaiians, First Nations, and other indigenous

peoples of North America who are students

in higher education. The scholarship was

developed by AISES and Chevron to support

the advancement of students with technical

and leadership accomplishments, as well as

a commitment to and passion for the energy

May 2023

field. The scholarship is open to both

undergraduate and graduate students

pursuing STEM degrees.

For more information, please visit: https://

w w w. a i s e s . o r g / s c h o l a r s h i p s / c h e v r o n scholarship-2023-2024

Deadline: May 31st

2023 Advancing Young Women in STEM

Scholarships

The New Mexico Out-of-School Time Network

(NMOST) announces the 2023 Advancing

Young Women in STEM Scholarships

to inspire the next generation of female

innovators and leaders.

Applicants must be:

• A high school Jr/Sr applying to college

in STEM OR a current undergraduate in a

STEM field

• A resident of New Mexico OR currently

enrolled at a New Mexico College/

University

• A young woman (25 or younger) pursuing

a STEM education/career.

• in possession of a GPA of 2.5 or higher

(4.0 scale)

For more information, please visit: https://

nmost.org/nmost-aywistem-scholarships

Deadline: May 30th

Isleta Pueblo News

SMA STEM Scholarship

Souder, Miller & Associates offers a $1,500

scholarship opportunity to Native American

students pursuing a four-year degree

in Science, Technology, Engineering or

Mathematics. The scholarship may be

used for tuition, fees, books or on-campus

housing/meals. Automatic approval for up to

a maximum of four academic years is at the

discretion of the Scholarship Committee.

For more information, please visit: https://

s o u d e r m i l l e r. m a p s . a r c g i s . c o m / a p p s /

MapSeries/index.html?appid=6739231755b8

46aca1066b94101379ec

Deadline: June 10th

New Mexico Early Childhood Scholarships

The New Mexico Early Childhood Education

and Care Department (ECECD) provides

scholarship opportunities that make it

possible for early childhood professionals

to afford coursework leading to advanced

credentials and degrees. The scholarship

program supports professionals who work

in: child care settings (licensed, registered,

or tribal), state-funded or tribally funded NM

PreK or Early PreK programs, Head Start/

Early Head Start, Home Visiting Programs,

FIT-Early Intervention Programs, or NM PreK,

Title I, or 619 Preschool Programs in public

schools. Scholarship awards include one year

of funding for tuition, fees, and associated

textbooks and have the possibility of renewal

each year. Dedicated Scholarship Coaches

Page 9

work directly with scholars to support their

pursuit of advanced credentials and degrees.

For more information on scholarships:

https://ececdscholarship.org/wp-content/

uploads/2021/03/ECECD_Scholarships_

Summary-1.pdf

https://webportalapp.com/sp/signup/ececd_

scholarship_23_24

Deadline: Rolling Basis

Rust Opportunity Assistance Fund

The Rust Opportunity Assistance Fund is an

emergency fund available for CNM students

experiencing

an

unforeseen

financial

situation.

For more information, please visit: https://www.

cnm.edu/depts/financial-aid/scholarships/

rust-opportunity-assistance-fund

Deadline: Applications are reviewed on

Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Native Forward

Scholarships for Native Students. Find the

scholarships that will support you and your

education.

For more information, please visit: https://

www.nativeforward.org/scholarship-finder/

Outside Aid Help

Low-Cost Dell Computer

Low-cost internet and laptops are available

for low-income and Pell-eligible families.

For more information, please visit: https://

www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/

internet-essentials/low-cost-computer

TRUANCY

The last weeks of school are upon us and we’ve enjoyed

working with all of our Isleta students, along with the various

Isleta Service Providers. We will continue offering our support

services to ensure successful educational outcomes.

Congratulations to all of our high school graduates who

have achieved their graduation. Remember that anything is

achievable once you set your mind and your heart to it. CLASS

OF 2023!

The Truancy Department has been involved with the Valencia

County Juvenile Justice Advisory Board (JJAB). The purpose

of this board is to improve the Juvenile System and to decrease

the incidences of juvenile delinquency in the community.

Prevention and early intervention in juvenile justice services is

the main emphasis. An important focus of JJAB is to strengthen

support services and activities that will help protect our youth.

One of our coordinators, Kaylee Jojola, was nominated to be

a board member for JJAB. Her role will include collaboration

with all Valencia County service providers, to help plan and

encourage youth, parents, and the community to recognize

and address risk factors and promote positive interactions and

behaviors amongst the youth. The reason for this nomination

is because a majority of our youth attend Los Lunas Public

Schools and it’s been recognized that the Pueblo of Isleta

should have input to the various services and support systems

offered to the community.

Along with Kaylee being a board member, JJAB is also

requesting youth representation from the pueblo. If your child

is 10 or older and is interested in serving as part of this board,

please have them contact Kaylee at the Truancy Department

at 505-869-3891.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to

contact our office. We look forward to hearing from you and

working towards successful outcomes.

Submitted by:

Kaylee Jojola

Truancy Coordinator

Page 10

Isleta Pueblo News

May 2023

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Happy May, we are officially closer to the end of the

school year! We hope that each one of you are taking

these last few weeks of school serious and getting your

assignments in on time. This will help your stress

levels as the semester comes closer to an end. If you

know, or think your student is missing credits now is

the time to get in contact with your child’s counselor to

get them registered for summer school.

Congratulations to all high school seniors! If you have

a senior in high school and would like to highlight

them in the newsletter, please submit a picture along

with their name and high school. Pictures may be

submitted through form stack @ https://isletapueblo.

formstack.com/forms/2023_graduate

Deadline for submission is May 17, 2023.

Upcoming Events:

Senior Mass – May 7, 2023 10:00 am Mass

APS Senior Banquet – May 11, 2023, Isleta

Resort & Casino Ballroom

Century High School/Family School Robing

Ceremony – May 17, 2023 6:00 pm,

Valencia High School

Los Lunas High School Robing Ceremony –

May 18, 2023 6:00 pm, Los Lunas High School

Valencia High School – May 20, 2023 6:00 pm

– Valencia High School

Last day for Los Lunas Public Schools – May

25, 2023

Los Lunas Public School High Schools

Summer School starts – May 30, 2023

Graduations:

Saturday May 20, 2023 – The Pit, Albuquerque,

New Mexico

o Los Lunas High School – 9:00 am

o Valencia High School – 1:00 pm

o Century High School/Family School – 4:00 pm

-

Sunday May 21, 2023 – Kiva Auditorium,

Albuquerque, New Mexico

o Native American Career Academy – 10:00 am

College Updates:

Deadlines for scholarships are fast approaching.

Students are encouraged to apply for outside

scholarships other than the POI scholarship.

As the semester ends, here are a few reminders for the

POI Scholarship:

-

Deadline for fall application is July 1, 2023

All supporting documents are due on August

31, 2023

All documents and outside scholarships can be found

on the Department of Education website https://

www.isletapueblo.com/tribal-programs/educationalservices/isleta-higher-education/

We wish you all a safe and happy summer!

Michelle & Jolynn

LOS LUNAS SCHOOLS

Notice of Los Lunas Schools Public Hearing for Part II

of the Application for the Title VI Formula Grant

Los Lunas Schools will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, May 3rd beginning at 5:30pm. The

meeting will be held at the Los Lunas School’s Teacher Resource Center located at 801 Coronado,

Los Lunas. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss and obtain public input regarding the

content of Part II of the application of the Title VI Formula Grant (supporting Indian Education).

If further information is needed, including the Zoom link, please contact Cathy Chavez at

(505) 866-2440.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language

interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service to attend or participate in the hearing,

please contact the Special Services Office at 505-866-2440 at least one week prior to the hearing.

May 2023

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 11

Scholarship Criteria for the 2023-2024 Tibien

(Elk Mountain) College Fund]

Purpose:

In honoring the memory of our son and nephew, Aaron

Robert Dailey, the Tibien College Fund will award one

$1000 scholarship for the 2023-2024 school year to a

college-bound or college student.

Criteria:

Students eligible to apply for the Scholarship are

graduating high school seniors or persons who

graduated from high school within the last 4 years from

he date of application, who are enrolled in a federally

recognized tribe in New Mexico or California,

and pursuing a college degree. Consideration will be

given to academic achievement and the student’s

community service record. Students should submit a

scholarship application.

Amount:

One Scholarship of $1000 will be disbursed in two

equal installments in August 2023 and January 2024.

The disbursement will be made to the Financial

Aid office of the recipient’s college.

Guidelines:

The recipient must continue to attend classes and

maintain a 2.5 grade-point average each semester.

Deadline:

The application deadline is August 3, 2023.

Applications must be received by that date to

be considered. The award will be made no later

than August 31, 2023.

Application Process:

Call (505) 376-6844 or email swlopc@outlook.

com for an application.

Submit applications by August 3, 2023 to:

Sh’eh Wheef Law Offices

P.O. Box 167

Isleta, New Mexico 87022

or

swlopc@outlook.com

Page 12

Isleta Pueblo News

May 2023

Did you

know?

Kirtland Air Force Base

Precision Bombing

Range Site

Did you know that the Pueblo of

Isleta was once a test site for Atomic

Bombs? In the 1940's-1960's there

was a bombing range used by the

military to practice dropping

bombs.

There was a total of approximately

14,000-lbs of debris that was found.

Among the debris found was a 500lb bomb and a 1,000-lb bomb.

Have you been told a story of a plane

crash on the reservation? If so, we

would love to hear it and investigate

the story. Please contact the UXO/

HAZMAT Department at (505)8695748 with any tips or findings.

Shown is an example of a

"Pumpkin Bomb".

Scan the QR code below to see

footage of a "Pumpkin Bomb"

being tested on the reservation.

May 2023

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 13

Page 14

Isleta Pueblo News

May 2023

PUEBLO OF ISLETA DEPARTMENT OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION CULTURAL CENTER

Ma Ku Wam Shimba

Greetings Everyone! I am so excited to

begin a new journey as the Director with

the Department of Cultural and Historic

Preservation & Cultural Center. I have

come on board to resume the responsibility

of overseeing our newly renovated old

school building into the present Pueblo of

Isleta Cultural Center.

I grew up and live here at Isleta Pueblo and

am proud to represent our people in such

a setting and telling our story. I attended

the Institute of American Indian Arts and

earned my Bachelor’s degree in Museum

Studies. I am a pottery artist and had the

most memorable times working alongside

my mother and aunts who so proudly

displayed their pottery and curio items at

the Old Alvarado Train Station and the

portal of Old Town in Albuquerque.

Previously, I assisted in creating the

traveling exhibit of TIME EXPOSURES:

Picturing a History of Isleta Pueblo

in the 19th Century. It is my pleasure

and honor to return to such a beautiful

sight of the Cultural Center and continue

displaying and sharing our Isleta Pueblo

story from the past to the present.

We are currently planning a ‘Soft Opening’

for the Cultural Center sometime in May.

I would like to extend an invitation for

Artists of all mediums to display artwork in

our Nichos of the hallways at the Cultural

Center.

I look forward to meeting our Artists, Youth

and Seniors of all mediums from our Little

Island, Sheiw Whif Teui

All My Best, M. Stephanie Zuni,

POI, DCHP Cultural Center Director

3.

DCHP/POICC ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Friday Photo Group will resume weekly

meetings starting May 19th and again on

the 26th from 1PM-3PM at the POI Cultural

Center Conference Room (formally Yonan

An). For more information or to confirm

attendance, please contact Tribal Archivist

Cassandra Smith at (505) 869-5376 or at

Cassandra.smith@isletapueblo.com

In preparation of the POI Cultural Center’s

‘Soft Opening’ we are sending out a call for

artists to help fill our nichos in the hallways

of the Cultural Center with original Isleta

works of art from tribal members, as well

as vendors, to sell at the Storyteller gazebo.

More information below:

CALL TO ARTISTS & VENDORS

“Soft Opening Cultural Center”

Pueblo

of

Isleta

Work Media: POTTERY, JEWELRY,

MOCCASIN,

MEN

&

WOMEN’S

TRADITIONAL & CONTEMPORARY

CLOTHING

(VARIOUS

ITEMS),

PAINTINGS, AND SCULPTURES.

Work Size: Items will need to fit inside a

4’(H) x 3’(W) x 1’(D) display case, there will

be six (6) cases to display works of art.

Entry Requirements: ALL ENTRIES

MUST BE ORIGINAL ISLETA WORKS OF

ART FROM ISLETA TRIBAL MEMBERS.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Contact the Cultural Center at

(505) 869-9767 to set up an appointment.

2. Bring work of art to be reviewed

(max. 4 items)

Artist Statement/Title/Date of

Works

Timeline: Exhibit is ongoing, display

cases will be changed every 1-2 months to

ensure other tribal member works of art are

displayed.

Entries Due: Monday, May 15th, 2023

Selection Process: All works of art will

be reviewed and selected by the Cultural

Center staff. Selected works will be

displayed for 1-2 months, afterwards the

items will be returned to owners and a new

set of community artwork will be displayed.

If artists are not selected they may be put

on a waitlist to be displayed at a later time.

Notification to artist: Cultural staff will

contact artist based on the artist’s preferred

method of contact.

Delivery/Pick-up: Pueblo of Isleta

Cultural Center (POICC) 71 Tribal Road

40, Isleta, NM 87022

Sales: NO SALES OR COMISSIONS.

POICC IS ONLY LOOKING TO DISPLAY

COMMUNITY ARTWORK “ON LOAN” AT

THIS TIME.

Vendor Info: Limited space will be

available for vendors. Tables and chairs

will be provided. Please call the Cultural

Center for more information and to reserve

a spot.

Contact: M. Stephanie Zuni, DCHP/POICC

Director (505) 869-9768 or

Marilyn.zuni@isletapueblo.com

ST. AUGUSTINE

PARISH ONLINE GIVING

St. Augustine Parish is now offering

online giving services to better serve our

parishioners. We are providing this option

in addition to cash or check donations.

You can still give through traditional

methods, but now you can make recurring

or one-time gifts online with a credit/debit

card or electronic check.

To give online through our new platform,

visit our giving page on our website

https://www.isletachurch.org/. You can

also give through text message by sending

“Give” to (505) 207-4077.

This program is beneficial to you, in that

you do not need to worry about having

cash or a check on hand at Mass, and it

benefits the Parish by reducing the time

needed to process donations and run

financial reports.

May 2023

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 15

Tips for Parents:

• Set curfews:

Have a set curfew, but if you do decide

to extend curfew do not let hours go

by without checking on your child.

Know where they will be and how

long they will be there.

• Communicate your expectations:

Even though you might have talked

to your child about the choices they

make and how it will affect them,

it is always a good idea to have the

conversation again especially around

this time of year.

• Trust:

Building trust with your child

is mutual; this builds a strong

relationship between child and

parent. This also allows for growth

and understanding.

• Boundaries:

Your child might want to go to a

celebration that is out of town or

at place you are not familiar with.

Allowing your child to attend these

celebrations might create a safety

risk for your child and yourself. Make

sure you discuss your concerns and

make your decisions based on the

outcome of your conversation.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 16

May 2023

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

We started the month off with Summer Reading Registration which was held on May 5th starting at

7am until all spots are filled. Read more about it in our upcoming section of our article. Schools will be

letting out this month and the library may be busier than usual throughout the day. Please be aware of

your surroundings in the parking lot, around the library and in the neighborhood as children may be out

enjoying their Summer Break. Hotter days are slowly creeping up on us, please remember not to leave

children, elderly, or pets in the car. Temperatures can rise in a matter of minutes, even with a cracked

window. Sometimes those “quick errands” take longer than expected!

News

On Wednesday, May 3rd the library will

be having a staff meeting starting at 9am

to discuss upcoming programs, address

library concerns and share ideas. We will

remain open during this time so feel free to

come into the library.

The library will be closed on Saturday, May

27th and Monday, May 29th in observance

of Memorial Day. All library media checked

out on Thursday, May 25th will be due

on Tuesday, May 30th. Enjoy your threeday weekend and the official start to the

summer season.

The library would like to introduce Edith

Perez Bonillla, she is our new full-time

employee. She is excited to work at the

library and provide assistance to patrons

and help to the community. Edith is a recent

graduate and received her bachelors in

Asian Studies. She enjoys art, video games

and movies when she is not at work. Edith

is in the process of planning an upcoming

library program that she will be doing this

summer. So next time you’re in the library

make sure to stop by the front desk and say

hello!

Edith Perez Bonilla our New Library Aide

Don’t forget to download the library’s NEW

mobile app. Available now in the App Store

or Google Play be searching for “POI Public

Library.” After downloading you will need

your library card barcode number and PIN

to access you account. The library’s mobile

app will allow you to search our library

catalog, check out books and materials,

browse events, access our e-Library digital

resources, set up your digital card and

more! For more information or if you need

help downloading or setting up your pin

number, please come in or call the library

at 505-869-9808.

Join us every Wednesday at 10:30am and a

library staff member will read a story and

do a small activity or craft with the families

and children who attend. Family Story

Time is geared towards children 16 months

to 5 years old but everyone is welcomed! No

sign up is required, and monthly calendars

will be available for story time here at the

library. For more information on the story

and activity for that day please call the

library at 505-869-9808.

Summer Reading Program Registration

will be Friday, May 5th starting at 7am.

Registration will be a first come, first serve

basis. We will once again have one single

line for registration for youth and junior

groups. This will ensure that priority is

given to those whom showed up early for

registration. We will try our best to get

in and out as soon as possible, but please

be patient with staff during this time.

Summer Reading Program Calendars

and descriptions will be available during

registration.

Some reminders to keep in mind before

registering:

•

Only Parents/Legal Guardians of

students are allowed to sign up students

for the Summer Reading Program.

•

3-year olds MUST be potty trained.

•

We will be asking for BASIC

information on the registration form

along with a list of allergies.

•

Our youth program will feature

4

different

curriculums.

During

registration you will be given a packet

with information on the 4 curriculums

and calendars. You will need to go over

the program descriptions with your

child so they can choose which program

interests them the most.

If you have any questions regarding our

Summer Reading Program, please give us

a call at the Library and speak with a staff

member at 505-869-9808.

Upcoming

Our Junior Program will be open to 20

students ages 3-6 years old. Students will be

learning the fundamentals of STEAM with

a different theme each week. Story time will

be incorporated along with activities, crafts

and outside play. Students will be served

breakfast and lunch daily with the Summer

Meal Program.

Our Youth Program will be open to 20

students, ages 7-14 years old. Each day

youth students will engage in daily reading

groups and after our daily reading time we

will have a book discussion. Activities and

crafts will follow daily reading. We will

feature 4 different themes to choose from

and 5 spots will be available for each of the

programs.

Both Junior and Youth calendars will be

available to be picked up at the library

and will be posted on the library’s website

page. https://www.isletapueblo.com/tribalprograms/library/

May 2023

The library will be a host site for the Summer

Meal Program provided by the Bernalillo

County food program. We will be serving

breakfast and lunch for children ages 1-17

years old in our Art Room. Breakfast will

be served from7:45am - 9:30am and lunch

will be served from 11:30am – 1:00pm. All

meals are FREE and must be eaten on site.

If you have any questions regarding this

program, please call the library at 505-8699808 and speak with a staff member.

Library and the Isleta Rec have teamed up

to do a collaboration for the Junior Summer

Reading Program where we will take the

students for a Story Time Yoga session.

Students will be able to engage in a story

time and learn Yoga poses in the process.

To better prepare, library staff members

attended a Yoga session and did a test

run on May 24th. We would like to give a

big shout out to Judy Asman and Thomas

Zuni from the Rec for making this possible,

sharing ideas and collaborating with us.

Wanting to give your mother a unique

and tasty gift this Mother’s Day? Then

the library has just the thing for you to do.

Come and join us on Saturday, May 13th

from 10am to 12pm and make that special

person a delicious Edible Arrangement that

she will surely love! All supplies will be

provided. This program is open to 7 families

of 3 or until all 21 slots are filled for ages

5 and up. Sign-ups begin on Monday, April

24th. For more information, please contact

Elena at 505-869-9808 or by email at Elena.

Lopez@isletapueblo.com.

Join us on Saturday, May 20th at 10am in

Growing Your Own Indoor Herb Garden.

We will be learning the basics of planting

and growing an herb garden that you can

place in your kitchen and have fresh herbs

for your cooking convenience. This program

will be open to the first 10 adults, 18 and

over to pre-register. All supplies will be

provided. All you have to bring is your

“green thumb”, sign ups start Monday,

May 1st. Snacks and refreshment will also

be served. For more information about

this program please contact Diane at 505869-9808 or by email at Diane.Abeita@

isletapeuelo.com.

The library will be mainly focusing on the

Summer Reading Program in the upcoming

months. During this time library programs

will be put on a pause until our Summer

Reading Program has concluded. You will

also notice that the library and library staff

will be busier than normal. Please be patient

with us during this time as we will also have

new summer staff that are learning in real

time. We apologize for any inconvenience

and thank you for understanding.

But not to worry, library staff is always on

the lookout for new programs for children,

teens, adults and families. Please follow

us on our social media accounts for up to

the minute announcements on programs

and events. We will also be posting flyers

throughout the community, so keep a look

out for that.

Recap

On Tuesday, April 25th, library staff

members attended the Sundance Art

Literacy Night where we promoted our

library services and interacted with

students and parents. It was a great

Isleta Pueblo News

evening to bring attention to Art Literacy

through education in schools. The library

has a variety of Art material at the library

for patrons to check out.

Library Staff attended a series of Trainings

for the month of April and May.

The library hosted and participated in

NARCAN (Naloxone) Training on April

20th. This training course taught us how

to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose

and how to administer the opioid overdose

reversal drug Naloxone.

Also, library staff attended an Active

Shooter training course ALICE (Alert,

Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate)

on April 27th, where we learned about

lockdown procedures, how to handle the

threat of an intruder or active shooter.

The library’s After School Program is in

Page 17

its final month of the program before the

Summer Break. As you can guess, students

are excited and anxious but we can’t let all

our hard work go to waste in the upcoming

weeks. More than ever, it’s important for

students to keep on top of their reading

and homework for the last month of school.

April was a busy month for library staff

and students as we enjoyed spring crafts/

activities and warmer weather. Students

attended an incentive field trip on April

28th to Elevate where they jumped on

trampolines and enjoyed pizza after.

Students earned their spot to attend the

field trip by reading and doing homework.

We are so glad we got to spend the school

year with all our students. We would like

to wish ALL students a Happy Summer

Vacation, and to those that are graduating

we would like say congratulations and

here’s to your next adventure!

After School Program students making Spring Crafts for the month of April!

Page 18

Isleta Pueblo News

May 2023

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

I do not know about all of you, but I’m still

waiting for the April showers that bring the

May flowers!!! Well, May is upon us and we

are ready for the nice weather we have been

having. Our Parks look amazing, flowers are

blooming, the fields all over the pueblo are full

and green, the trees are full and starting to

produce fruit, and over all things just look so

much better when there is green through the

pueblo.

We have completed our summer hires

(Recreation Aides, Weed & Litter Crew,

Summer Lifeguards, etc.) and we will be

training them soon to prepare them for our

summer recreation program. We should

have room for at least around 120 children in

our summer program this year. Our Aquatic

Center is ready for the summer program

as well, but keep in mind that center and

swimming pool will be used primarily for the

youth summer program this summer from

approximately 9am to 3:30pm. Anytime

before 9am or after 3:30pm the center will be

open for other individuals to use the pool and

gym. Our Fitness Facilities Pickle Heights

and Main Recreation are still available for all

tribal members to use, so please come on

in and take advantage of our beautiful free

fitness facilities, remember this was built for

all of you.

Many of you attended our Annual Parks &

Recreation Easter Egg Hunt in April. It was an

awesome event and we appreciate everyone

attending it this year. I want to thank all the

departments from the casino that helped out,

they were great to work with and I hope we

are able to work with them soon with other

events. We really appreciate them bringing

down the photo booth for this event, the photo

booth was a huge hit. I also want to thank the

POI Human Resources Department for their

help as well, they donated some awesome

prizes for this event as did the casino.

AQUATICS SECTION

Isleta Aquatics is excited for this upcoming

summer! We have multiple youth programs

that will be coming in to have pool time this

coming summer. This will not influence

hours of operation but we will be sure to post

closures for large groups ahead of time if we

need to do so. We are looking to have our

summer session group swim lessons start

this month (May)! This will be a great way

for us to fit in more students for this coming

year! Registration forms for the group swim

lessons are available at the front desk of the

Recreation Center and registration is open to

kids 6 and up. If you were previously in swim

lessons with us, please get us an updated

registration, we can be sure to have updated

swimmer information and emergency contact

info. If you have smaller children and are

interested in our parent and tot class, please

reach out to Connie or Josh at 505-869-9783.

We have sessions available from 6:00am8:30am as well as 3:30pm-7:30pm Monday

through Thursday, and 6:00am-8:30am and

3:30pm-5:30pm Fridays. We will close midday to accommodate swim time for youth

programs as well as daily pool maintenance.

We are also offering our adults only, lap

swim on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

from 12pm-1:00pm. All three types of swim

sessions can be reserved in one and two hour

increments at the front desk of the Rec Center.

Swim lesson registration forms are available

at the front desk at the Rec Center or contact

Josh or Connie at 505-869-9783 for more

details on availability and registration. Isleta

Aquatics is still looking for Aquatic Aides for

the summer! If you know, anyone interested

in becoming an Aquatic Aide please call

or visit the POI website for the job posting!

For anyone interested in information about

Lifeguard certification, child or adult swim

lessons, water aerobics and other aquatic

programming please call Josh or Connie at

505-869-9783.

FITNESS SECTION

Have you signed up for the Silver Eagles

challenge yet? If you have not, what are

you waiting for? In case you haven’t heard,

the New Recreation Center in conjunction

with the Elder Center is hosting a challenge

for tribal and community members who are

50 years or older to participate in the various

activities we offer—swimming, walking the

track or gymnasium, playing sports, working

out or taking fitness classes. If you are not in

on the action, it is not too late! Stop in, sign

up and get fit!

SPORTS SECTION

For those of you that have not called about

our Adult Basketball League, please do so.

If you want information about the league,

please call me (George Waquie) at (505) 8699777, I will be more than happy to give you

information.

I also wanted to let you know that our

Volleyball League went really well this year,

it was very competitive and lots of fun. We

are already looking forward to the league next

year and we hope it is even bigger, better,

more competitive and even more fun. We

hope to see even more tribal members get

teams in this league next year.

How it works: Visit us in the weight room

and talk to one of the fitness staff members

about joining. We will assign a punch card to

your name. Each time you visit the New Rec

and participate in the activities listed above

or other activities, you will get one punch

(only one punch per day). When you earn

10 punches (one punch card), you receive a

sweat towel. After completing the first punch

card, participants can qualify to win a fitness

tracker by completing two additional punch

cards (totaling 30 visits), and a massage gun

if they complete three additional punch cards

(totaling 60 visits). Additional prizes will be

given to those who complete additional punch

cards beyond the six – for instance, more

prizes for those who complete 10 punch cards

(100 total visits) for the year or 15 (150 total

visits). At the end of the year, punch cards

are entered into a drawing to win $1,000 cash

prize. Congratulations to the 80+ people

who are currently in the program! For more

information, please call the New Rec Center

at 869-9777, ext. 9012.

Spin Class at a New Time/Day – Do you love

indoor cycling? This excellent non-weight

bearing format can help you to burn calories

like crazy and have fun at the same time.

The class time for Spinning® has moved from

Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m. to Thursdays, 5:30

p.m. in the gymnasium. Come on in, hop

on a bike and join Thomas for an amazing

workout! Call the New Rec Center at 8699777, ext. 9012 for more information.

RECREATION SECTION

As I mentioned earlier we have completed

our summer hiring for the recreation program

staff and we should be able to have or take

approximately 120 children into our program

this summer. I hope that all of you interested

in getting or trying to get your children into

the summer program put your lottery form in

for the drawing. The drawing will take place

this month and you will know very soon if

your children were drawn to participate in this

year’s summer recreation program. We will

be getting staff ready to work with the children

this month as well.

Our afterschool program is still going on and

will continue to do so until school ends. I think

the kids are looking forward to the summer

break, I know I used to when I was a kid.

Our Corn Hole League was also a very big

hit! Corn Hole is an activity that is becoming

more and more popular every day. Just like

the Volleyball League, the Corn Hole League

was lots of fun and extremely competitive.

Everyone that participated really had lots of

fun. We will definitely have more Corn Hole

Leagues in the very near future; we have

no other choice everyone is already asking

us about the next one and they are looking

forward to it as well.

May 2023

Isleta Pueblo News

SUMMER PROGRAMS

Page 19

Page 20

Isleta Pueblo News

Helping Your Adult

Family Member

Who Has an Addiction

Although you may be tempted to rescue, bribe, pamper,

scold, or threaten your adult family member who continues

to use and abuse alcohol and/or drugs, this is not a helpful

approach.

Families share experience, strength, and hope at Al-non

meetings. These meetings teach you how to stop “enabling”.

The word enabling means “allowing, permitting, or aiding”

the alcoholic/addict to stay in their sickness and enabling

keeps you, the family, trapped in the problem. Enabling

can make you physically and emotionally sick and cause

increased stress with you and your home environment.

Addiction is not something that affects just the alcoholic/

addict but has a negative impact on the entire family and

the community.

No one wants their adult family member to suffer with

an addiction and your intentions to help are out of love

and concern. When enabling turns into an intervention,

things begin to change. It is time to take your focus off the

adult family member’s addiction and place it onto yourself

and your family. You regain power to make meaningful

choices about what you will do and what you won’t do.

Enabling does not teach responsibility.

You can contact Al-non at (505) 262-2177 and find out the

nearest location from your community to attend, (IBHS

does not provide transportation).

Isleta Health Center - Behavioral Health

May 2023

Isleta Pueblo News

May 2023

Page 21

Isleta Health Center

Do you or someone you know have a drinking problem?

Alcohol use is not a problem for everyone

but it can become a problem if you are not

aware of the signs. It helps if you know the

signs so you can do something about it before

it becomes a problem. If you are curious

whether your alcohol use might be a problem,

take a moment to answer these questions:

•

Drive a car or operate heavy

machinery hile drinking or “buzzed”

•

Spend a lot of time figuring out how

you would get your next drink

•

Have to drink more than you used to

in order to get the same effect

•

Experience hangovers that got worse

each time you drank

•

Continue to drink even if you felt

depressed, anxious, or guilty

•

In the past 6 months to a year, did you

•

Continue to drink even though you

had health problems because of the

alcohol

Ever have a drink the following day

just to “steady your nerves” or to

“take off the edge”

If you answered “yes” to any of these

questions, it may be time to seek help…

•

Continue to drink even though it

caused problems with family, friends,

and/or the job

Isleta Health Center

Behavioral Health Clinic

505-869-5475

•

End up drinking more, or longer, than

you intended

•

Tried to cut down or stop drinking but

continued to use alcohol

Page 22

Isleta Pueblo News

May 2023

What to do if you find a

used needle outdoors

People, especially children, must never

touch or pick up needles found on

the ground. Discarded needles can be

harmful. Needles or hypodermic needles

are also known as syringes or sharps.

Cleaning up discarded needles must be

done carefully to protect human health

and the environment.

If a used or discarded needle is found on

Isleta tribal land, please call Isleta Police

Dispatch at 869-3030 to report the location

so that a qualified tribal employee can

safely collect and dispose of the discarded

needle.

Individuals who use needles for

insulin shots or other medical uses are

expected to dispose of their used needles

appropriately in sharps containers that

individuals have to purchase themselves.

An exclamation mark within a triangular

border is the international symbol for

caution. Always exercise caution if you

see a discarded needle.

If you have any questions about this

article, please contact Environment

Department at 869-7565.

May 2023

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 23

Health Beat: Mental Health

Awareness 2023

Orion Zuni, B’eeh-K’oo-ee Wellness,

Experiential Educator

Orion.zuni@islclinic.net

Phone: 505-869-5475

“Mental health is not a destination. But a process. It’s about how

you drive. Not where you’re going.” ~Noam Shpancer, PHD

While we go through the motions of our fast-paced lives, it can be

easy to overlook all aspects of our health. It is important to keep

up physical healthy habits like daily exercise and eating healthy

foods. But we need to remember that our mental health plays a

very important role in our wellbeing day to day. May is a month

that is dedicated to mental health awareness and all the benefits

that come with practicing healthy habits to keep our minds positive

and productive. Fostering a healthy positive mindset can be very

beneficial with our self-esteem, confidence, and outlook on life. This

can be easier said than done majority of the time.

Mental and physical health are equal components to our overall

health and can determine how we interact with any situation we

find ourselves facing. When we find our day consumed by high

stress problems it is important to find and practice healthy coping

mechanisms to help yourself relax and unwind. An example of

healthy coping can be getting exercise, going for walks, talking to

friends or family. The options are not limited! Finding a healthy

coping style or activity can look different for everyone and can include

a combination of things that help us feel good. It is also important to

remember that our mental health does not stay the same over time.

Many factors contribute to our state of mental wellbeing but if we

are able to find and continually practice healthy coping methods we

have the ability to step back and assess our problems with a new

perspective.

Many factors can contribute to our risk of mental illness and

there is never one sole cause. For many, mental illness can be

remnants of early adverse life experiences (child abuse, sexual

abuse, witnessing violence, etc.), major medical conditions (Cancer,

Diabetes, etc), chemical imbalances in the brain, use of alcohol or

drugs, and/or having feeling of loneliness or isolation. Typically,

mental health problems are clinically diagnosable and are products

of our experiences, biology, psychology and social factors. There are

many various types of treatments for mental health problems and

are dependent on the individual. Treatments can include therapies

(talk, trauma, etc), medication, or both depending on the individual’s

needs that will target specific mental health problems.

Mental health issues are common, help is available. People with

mental health issues can improve and many recover completely. So,

if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, feel

free to reach out to the B’eeh-K’oo-ee Wellness Center at 505-8695475 and set up an appointment with one of our counselors.

Page 24

HEALTH CENTER

Isleta Health Center 2023

Community Needs Assessment Survey

The Isleta Health Center wants to improve our

services by better understanding the Health

Priorities in the Isleta Community, but we need

your help! We will be offering a Community Needs

Assessment Survey to the Isleta Community

through paper form and virtually (internet). This

will be 1st given out during the Isleta Health

Center Health Fair on May 12, 2023 from 4:306:30 at the Isleta Health Center. WE HOPE YOU

CAN MAKE IT! If you do not attend the Health

Fair, we will also be sending out links, QR Codes

and having the survey available at the Health

Center for you to complete the Survey. We would

like EVERY Isleta Health Center Patient, Isleta

Tribal Member or Isleta Community Resident

to complete this survey, so that we can improve

our services. Please keep an eye out for more

information regarding this survey and make it a

point to complete it before June 15, 2023.

Those who complete the survey will receive a

Sunshade (While Supplies Last) and a chance to

win a number of great prizes (Gift Cards, Movie

Passes, Gas Certificates and more).

We hope you plan to attend the Isleta Community

Health Fair and that you make it a point to

complete the Isleta Health Center Community

Needs Assessment this year!

For more information, contact Stephanie Barela,

Isleta Health Center Health Educator,

(505) 869-4479

Stephanie.Barela@islclinic.net.

WANTED

- Isleta Community

At Large:

Community Members that are

interested in making a difference

in the community by assisting

the Isleta Health Center’s

Community Health Assessment

Team are needed to help prepare,

disseminate, collect, evaluate and

address the health needs of the

community.

If you are interested, please

submit a letter of interest or

recommendation to the

Isleta

Health Center Registration Desk

or

email

Stephanie.Barela@

islclinic.net.

The deadline for letters of interest

and community recommendations

to the Isleta Health Center is:

Friday, May 3, 2023

Questions

please

contact

Stephanie Barela at Stephanie.

Barela@islclinic.net or call 505869-4479.

Isleta Pueblo News

May 2023

May 2023

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 25

Pueblo of Isleta Elder Center Efforts to Help our Elders with Loneliness

We are providing our elders with important

data regarding the impacts of isolation and

loneliness. Following the article below,

please read about the efforts put forth by

the POI Elder Center to combat Isolation

and Loneliness.

chronic illness, and hearing loss.

Health Risks of Loneliness

Although it’s hard to measure social

isolation and loneliness precisely, there is

strong evidence that many adults aged 50

and older are socially isolated or lonely in

ways that put their health at risk. Recent

studies found that:

•

Social

isolation

significantly

increased a person’s risk of premature

death from all causes, a risk that may

rival those of smoking, obesity, and

physical inactivity.

Loneliness and Social

Isolation Linked to Serious

Health Conditions

National Academies of Sciences,

Engineering, and Medicine. 2020.

Social isolation was associated with about

a 50% increased risk of dementia and other

serious medical conditions. Loneliness and

social isolation in older adults are serious

public health risks affecting a significant

number of people in the United States

and putting them at risk for dementia and

other serious medical conditions.

A report from the National Academies

of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

(NASEM) points out that more than onethird of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely,

and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65

and older are considered to be socially

isolated. Older adults are at increased risk

for loneliness and social isolation because

they are more likely to face factors such as

living alone, the loss of family or friends,

•

Social isolation was associated with

about a 50% increased risk of dementia.

•

Poor

social

relationships

(characterized by social isolation or

loneliness) was associated with a 29%

increased risk of heart disease and a

32% increased risk of stroke.

•

Loneliness was associated with

higher rates of depression, anxiety, and

suicide.

•

Loneliness among heart failure

patients was associated with a nearly

4 times increased risk of death, 68%

increased risk of hospitalization, and

57% increased risk of emergency

department visits.

What Can You Do If You Are

Experiencing Loneliness?

The POI Elder Center is a great place to

start exploring resources for seniors, right

here in your own backyard!!

Daily Congregate Meals: come join

your friends and/or relatives for lunch

M-F 12-1pm. The menu is posted in the

monthly Tribal Newsletter and an added

bonus for coming in for lunch is a full salad

bar every day.

Activities & Field Trips: an activities

calendar is also posted in the monthly

Tribal Newsletter with various types of

opportunities for engaging and socializing.

General Meeting: a gathering for our

seniors to learn more about various types

of benefits and resources. The meeting

happens every 3rd Wednesday of the

month at 1pm. Come join us for lunch and

stay to listen to guest speakers.

Golden Eagle Challenge: the Elder

Center and the Recreation Center is

partnering to offer our seniors exercise

programming. You will receive a punch card

for every Rec Center visit and be rewarded

at certain intervals of participation, which

also leads to winning the grand prize at

the end of the year. What a great way to

stay healthy, socialize and engage with

members of the community and staff.

Sr. Olympics: Another way to stay

fit, connect with friends and relatives by

participating. Many events are offered

throughout the year, such as: Practice

Dates to learn a sport/event or hone your

skills in your area of sport interest: Local

Games and/or All Indian Game Daycompete with other tribal communities;

State Games compete with Seniors across

the State of NM; and when you are at the

top of your game represent the POI at the

National Games.

For more information contact Katrina

Transcosa, Activities Coordinator at (505)

869-9770

Page 26

Isleta Pueblo News

May 2023

May 2023

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 27

As the days get

longer, it is nice to

have the Sun shining

later into the evening

to keep our days

brighter. We would

like to send out a

huge “thank you” to

everyone that helped

us during the passing

of Ouray “Shatuh”

Garcia, he was our

Beloved Son, Brother,

& Nephew; but most

of all He was the

greatest Uncle to his nieces & nephew! He was one

Amazing Tata to his son Ander. He will truly be

remembered by his handsome smile & beautiful

heart. He is greatly missed by us all. We want to

thank our Governor Max Zuni & his staff, Isleta

Police Department, Isleta EMS Department, & all

POI Tribal workers that gave their lending hand

during our time of need. Another huge Thank

you to all our family, friends, & Ouray’s friends

that were there to give their condolences, give a

helping hand & most of all give your prayers to

help us stay strong during our great loss. There

is no way we could have done this without each of

you. Our prayers to our Creator to guide & keep

you Safe, Happy, & Healthy.

With Love & Great Appreciation, Tata Erwin

Garcia & Family.

Our Sincere Thanks

Your words have comforted us,

Family and community support

strengthened us,

And everyone’s love has sustained us.

has

We extend our deepest appreciation to our

family and community for your kindness

during our greatest sadness.

We appreciate it more than words can express

and it will always be greatly remembered.

The Family of Ruth Juancho

15 November 1924 – 7 February 2023

Isleta Pueblo News

Editor:

Nathaniel Lujan

Asst. Editor:

Diane Abeita

Published By:

Valencia Express

Page 28

Isleta Pueblo News

May 2023