# Everyone, I hope this newsletter finds (2023) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3A3fba25b4ec5780e1 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text Volume 18 Issue 10 Isleta Pueblo News Governor’s Report Maguwam, Everyone, I hope this newsletter finds everyone in good health. As we approach into the fall season, we want to remind everyone if you are feeling sick, please stay home to prevent the spread of any illness. This month, my Administration worked to strengthen our partnerships with other governments, and facilitate discussions to support Isleta’s interests. I have been participating in NM Governor Lujan Grisham’s Tribal Cross Commissioning Task Force to strengthen criminal enforcement with Isleta’s neighboring law enforcement agencies. Additionally, I’ve been continuing to promote Isleta’s air quality concerns. Isleta has entered an appearance in a case that would require stricter air quality regulations in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County, which will make a big impact on cleaner air in the Pueblo. On August 23, a drainage pipe collapsed underneath NM 147, on the Westside of the dam. Please use caution and avoid this area. The Natural Resources Department is working closely with the MRGCD and construction to replace the pipe is anticipated to begin soon. We are going to be hosting a Community Meeting on Saturday, October 21, 2023 9:00am-12:00pm. This meeting will take place at the Isleta Resort and Casino Ballroom A. The tribal hunts are coming up soon. Be safe out there and remember that wood hauling during the hunts is prohibited. I would like to take this time to thank all the mayordomos, their families along with our departments and staff in preparing for The St. Augustine Feast on September 3rd and 4th. Mayordomos Nicholas Padilla and Rita Jojola Please remember to vote in the upcoming MRGCD election October 3rd! Last, I want to send my condolences to the families of those who have lost their family members during the month of September. Ha-Wuh Max A. Zuni Governor Pueblo of Isleta Isleta Pueblo News Editor: Nathaniel Lujan Asst. Editor: Diane Abeita Published By: Valencia Express Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.com October 2023 Page 2 Isleta Pueblo News LETTER FROM THE EDITOR DEADLINE for November Newsletter articles is set for Wednesday, October 18, 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) October 2023 TRIBAL COURT Isleta Tribal Court is pleased to announce that we have two new probation officers. Chief Probation Officer Dennison Charley and Officer Gwen Sena have come to Isleta Tribal Court with many years of experience. Both officers are proud to be members of the court and look forward to helping out the community and the clients. Probationers are given the upmost respect and service while on probation, to include assisting them in seeking tribal and state program services that they might need. The goal of probation is to reintegrate clients back into society with positive outcomes. October 2023 ISLETA FIRE DEPARTMENT Pueblo of Isleta Fire Department participated in the New Mexico State Fair for Firefighter/Smoky Bear Day Sept. 7th and the 9/11 Memorial. We set up a water tank and the participants are able to spray water at a target. This year we had over 500 children participate spraying water. 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 October 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. October 2023 COME JOIN THE TIWA AA MEETING ON THURSDAYS FROM 6:10 PM TO 7 PM B’EEH K’OO-EE WELLNESS TRAINING CENTER ISLETA HEALTH CENTER COMPLEX 01 SAGEBRUSH ST. SW ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87105 Isleta Pueblo News Page 5 Isleta Pueblo News Page 6 October 2023 Pueblo of Isleta Career Opportunities Position Posting Office Location Closing Date Position Posting Office Location Closing Date October 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 7 TRUANCY Happy Fall, The holiday season has begun. If you are an early riser then the International Balloon Fiesta is for you! The Balloon Fiesta has many fun events such as early morning mass ascensions, special shapes rodeo and contests. Did you know that the first Balloon Fiesta was held in 1972 with only 13 Balloons, and was held in the parking lot of the Coronado Mall. Now there are more than 500 balloons from all over the World! Wow, isn’t that amazing? Right after the Balloon Fiesta is Halloween! We hope you have a safe and fun Halloween while with friends and family. There are so many fun things to do during this time of year. There’s McCall’s Pumpkin Patch which has so many things to do during the day and at night. There is also the Rio Grande Arts and Crafts Festival, and many Famers Markets though out the fall months. ENVIRONMENT Monthly surface water quality results As we know, October is the month of All Hallows Eve. Here are some facts about Halloween that you might find interesting. • Pumpkins are classified as a fruit and not a vegetable. The reason for that is that anything that grows from the likes of a flower it is considered a fruit. • Trick or Treating has existed since medieval times. Trick or treating was inspired by the medieval English tradition of “souling” which involved children going door to door, offering prayers in exchange for food. (Like the traditional “sedemoo” that some of our families participate in.) • The delicious candy corn was originally called “chicken feed” • Halloween started from an ancient Celtic Festival. The origin of Halloween dates back 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated on October 31 on the eve of their new year. The Celts believe that the dead return to earth on the night of October 31st, and they light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off the spirts. • There is a name if you have a fear of Halloween it is called Samhainophobia which comes from the origin of the Gaelic festival that began Halloween. Always remember to be stay safe and know your surroundings when out and about this Halloween season. When the month of October comes to an end, the months of November and December will bring many more celebrations with family. *Water quality samples are collected from the Rio Grande except Indian Interior Drain at 240 Wasteway, Albuquerque Riverside Drain, and the irrigation locations. - 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. Following closure for safety reasons, fishing in the Rio Grande is allowed. Please continue to watch signage at the NM 147 bridge. 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 505-8697565. Page 8 Isleta Pueblo News October 2023 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/parentvue-studentvue/ 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/new-students-requeststudent-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 October 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 9 2023 ST. AUGUSTINITO FEAST DAYS Nick Padilla and Rita Jojola want to thank our families, friends, Administration, Tribal Departments and the entire community for the tremendous support provided to sponsoring the 2023 St. Augustinito Feast on September 3rd and 4th. We want to give our respect and thanks to Father Milton and members of our Church, Ms. Carmel Lucero, and all those who attended mass, processions and for the monetary offerings to the St. Augustine Church. It is not enough to give thanks to the Mayordomosour lifetime Fathers, wives and members of their families for all their help. We want them to know that we learned so much from them and their families, we respect them for their knowledge and untiring commitment to St. Augustine. They showed us and the community that they are honoring and upholding our traditional values and way of life for today and into the future. May our creator bless our fathers, community and give us strength and wisdom to pass on our language, prayers and most importantly our way of life to our children. How-wuh, Kherde-Kem from the bottom of our hearts! Pueblo of Isleta Veterans Association DD 214 Discharge Documents A DD 214 is a document issued when a service member performs active duty or at least 90 consecutive days of active duty training. The document contains information normally needed to verify military service benefits, retirement, employment, and membership in veterans’ organizations. Application for US funeral flags and military headstones, by next-of-kin. A veteran, or next of kin, may apply for a DD 214 replacement. Requests to get a copy of DD 214 from discharges less than 62 years ago must be signed and dated by the veteran or next-of-kin by completing VA Form 180. VA Form 180 can be downloaded by going to va.gov. If you are next-of-kin of a deceased veteran, you must provide proof of death of the veteran such as a copy of a death certificate, letter from a funeral home, or published obituary. The request for a DD 214 must include, if available, the veterans’ full name, social security number, place of birth, branch of service, dates of military service, place of discharge, place of entry into service, last unit assigned, and any information that may be pertinent to veterans time of military service. Approximate time to receive a copy of a DD 214 upon request may be at least three months. In 1973, there was a fire at the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis where military records are stored. If you were in the Army before 1960, there is a 20% chance that your records were destroyed. If you were in the Air Force before 1964 and your name comes after Hubbard, James E., there is a 75% chance that your records were destroyed. If you are a veteran, or next-of-kin, in search of a DD 214, you may call POIVA veterans service officer at 505-2644110 for assistance. Page 10 Isleta Pueblo News October 2023 Census/Tribal Enrollment Department Greetings from the Census/Tribal Enrollment Department. We hope that you are all doing well! The Census/Tribal enrollment department has been busy with updating addresses, along with making sure that all files are complete with all required documents. Our office works closely with BIA the office of the special trustee for minor IIM accounts, updating addresses, making sure all court orders and POA’s are on file. If you need to update an address for Minor IIM accounts, that can be done here at our office. Our office staff is still making monthly visits to the State of New Mexico Vital statistics to pick up Birth Certificates and Death Certificates for tribal members. If you have any questions please call our office at 505-869-9766. As of January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023 the tribal enrollment committee enrolled 30 new tribal members. The current number of enrolled tribal members is 4, 997. Address Updates: Please make sure to update your address each time you move so our office has the most current information on file. We have noticed a lot of address issues within the Census and Treasury department during the past distributions. Our office is the main source that other departments use to verify information. You may also call our office to verify your information regularly to avoid any issues. New Address update policy: Address Change a) Tribal members are responsible for maintaining a current address with the Tribal Census/Enrollment Department. b) Acceptable documentation of a change of address shall include at least two (2) of the following: 1. A valid, state issued driver’s license or government-issued identification card listing the new address. 2. A current utility bill with the requester’s name and address listed on the statement. Eligible utilities bills shall include propane bills. 3. Current insurance card or bill showing the requestor’s name and address. 4. Current real property rental agreement or purchase agreement showing the requestor’s name and address. 5. State Medical or Public Assistance with requestor’s name and address on card, letter from issuing agency showing requestor’s name and address, or profile print out from issuing agency showing the same. 6. Bank or credit card statement not more than 60 days old. 7. Employment pay stub containing requestor’s name and address. 8. Documentation from an education institution such as a transcript, report card, or enrollment information. 9. A notarized change of address authorization. Tribal Identification Cards: Tribal Identification cards will be issued every Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Reminder** ALL TRIBAL IDENTIFICATION CARDS HAVE AN EXPIRATION DATE OF FIVE (5) YEARS. **ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE ON FILE WITH THE TRIBAL ENROLLMENT/CENSUS OFFICE PRIOR TO RECEIVING A TRIBAL IDENTIFICATION CARD. ** Birth Certificates: State of NM Birth Certificates may be obtained through the Census/Tribal Enrollment Department. We will continue to make monthly visits to New Mexico Vital Statistics on behalf of tribal members. An Authorization form must be signed and notarized at the Census/Tribal Enrollment Department giving Director or Enrollment Clerk authorization to obtain Birth Certificate on behalf of Tribal Member. The cost for each certified certificate is $10.00 each with cash, check or money order payable to: NM Vital Records Office. P.O. Box 25767 Albuquerque, NM 87125 Death Certificates: There have been many questions regarding the death certificate process. As a reminder, the Pueblo of Isleta, Census/ Tribal Enrollment Department will kindly assist family members in the completion of death certificates of all Tribal Members. Paperwork needs to be completed by the family before starting the process on the state system. Paperwork can be picked up at the Census office. Once the death certificate has been approved and registered with the NM State Vital Office, An Authorization form must be signed and notarized at the Census/Tribal Enrollment Department giving Director or Enrollment Clerk authorization to obtain Death Certificate on behalf of the family. All Certified Death Certificate copies are $5.00 each with cash, check or money order payable to: NM Vital Records Office. P.O. Box 25767 Albuquerque, NM 87125 Residence Ordinance: Any non-tribal member wishing to reside on the reservation must have a residence ordinance application on file. Applications are available for pick up only at our office. This ordinance is being enforced by Governor’s and IPD, please make sure your application is up-to-date. Due to delays in background checks, this application can take up to 6 weeks or longer to complete. Note: only one non-tribal member can be sponsored by enrolled tribal member (over the age of 18) per household. Any minor nontribal members do not need an application. Please verify with our office the status of your application or any concerns you may have. Please contact the Pueblo of Isleta Census/ Tribal Enrollment Department at (505) 869-9766 if you have any questions. Census/Tribal Enrollment Staff, Nanette Mariano, Director Ashlee Abeita, Enrollment Clerk Linda Sue Dawn LeBeau, File Clerk October 2023 Hello Everyone, First, I am thrilled to be joining you at IRC and I cannot wait to hit the ground running. Throughout the interview process, especially in-person, I felt welcomed by everyone I encountered. I could feel the pride in this property from every team member I spoke to, and I am excited to be a part of it. I have been married to my wife Shelley for 28 years and we have two grown children and three grandchildren. Our son Karl lives in upstate New York and our daughter Morgan, her husband Jesse, and their children Landon, Zaine, and Emma reside in Michigan. I am widely known to be unapologetically upbeat and positive in my approach to everything. The world is a mess, and no small amount of kindness is ever wasted. Years ago, I learned that we are not all in the same boat. We are all navigating the same storm, but our boats are quite different. This is why it is important to be kind and see each other as human beings, flaws and all. The human condition is fragile at best. We can all make or break someone else’s day by the way we approach them. On a personal note, I am a proud descendant of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians in Manistee Michigan. My mother Connie is a past Tribal Council Member of our tribe and a tribal elder. She instilled in me an unwavering drive, passion, and pride in my heritage. It is an honor to be a part of yours. I look forward to meeting you all soon. With Honor and Excitement, Karl Waitner CEO, Isleta Resort and Casino Dental Tips Hello to all! IHC’s Dental Team has a brief message We are all anticipating a New Year where we can begin to feel that “new normal” shaping up. We can all do our part to make healthy habits a permanent New Year’s resolution. It is probably safe to say that none of us has ever washed our hands as often as we have learned to do in 2020! However, with everyone home most of the time, there is also an increase in snacking on sweets and other foods that can cause tooth decay and toothaches. Until more elective dental care and cleanings are back on the table, it is more important than ever to have good home care to maintain your dental health in between cleanings, to prevent having dental emergencies like toothaches. We would like to recommend electric toothbrushes, and regular flossing or water flossing. If you have questions, we are here to help, please call us at 869-4499. The dental clinic staff is happy to answer questions on how to get the most out of your oral health habits. Sincerely, The Isleta Dental Clinic Isleta Pueblo News Page 11 Page 12 Isleta Pueblo News October 2023 Pueblo of Isleta Department of Education Academic Success Office Michelle “Shelly” Valdez (505)869-9790 October greetings to all, I would like to start by informing you all that Jolynn “Jo” Martinez is no longer with the department of education. She has decided to take another position within the Pueblo. We wish her well on her new professional journey. High School News: Thank you to those high school families that attended our back to school nights at the Isleta Resort & Casino. We all hope you enjoyed yourself while learning what services are being offered within the community. As the first grading periods are ending, it is important that parents know their student’s grades. Grades are readily available to parents through the school app. If you do not have access, it is important that you reach out to your child’s school to be connected. Do not wait until it is too late! During the next few months, I will be going to the high schools to meet with students. At this time, I can only meet with those students whom have a Release of Information (ROI) on file. If you wish for me to meet with your student and did not give permission for the schools to release information, you may call our office to update your ROI. The department of education is offering Los Lunas High School students with a teacher for credit recovery on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:15pm – 5:15pm. Students, if you are in credit recovery come take advantage of this resource for you. 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. 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: I hope that you all are off to a great start on your new education adventure. Students that have completed their higher education file should have received an email from your coordinator about your funding. Those students that may still be missing supporting documentation. You should have also received an email informing you about which documents you are still missing. Incomplete files will not be funded. 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. Tutoring services are also available for college students at the department of education or online. If you want to sign up you may sign up with the following link. https://isletapueblo.formstack.com/forms/ doe_afterschool_tutoring_copy_1 At any time you have any question please do not hesitate to contact our office. Michelle “Shelly” Valdez Dear Scholarship Recipients, Interested in making a difference in our community? We are reaching out to share some exciting volunteer opportunities. We are seeking volunteers to commit eight hours for the upcoming National Indian Education Association Conference, which will be in Albuquerque, October 18-21 at the Convention Center. Volunteer Sign-up Sheet Please fill this out with the type of volunteer activity, day and time you are available. Once NIEA staff has placed you in your slot, you will receive a confirmation email with your volunteer dates and times. Each individual volunteer will be asked to check in with NIEA staff every shift to track volunteer hours. You are required to work for 8 hours over the course of the week. Volunteer jobs include bag stuffing, registration, greeter, merchandise sales, workshop monitor, support educator day and student day. Please contact our office or use the link below to share your interest in volunteering. Signing up to volunteer is easy! Register here and select the volunteer opportunity. POI DOE Intern/Volunteer Application Formstack POI Higher Education Scholarship Application The Higher Education staff is at the final stages of awarding scholarships for the fall semester. If you are interested in attending school in the Spring, please refer to the deadlines below. • • Spring Application Deadline: November 1st Supporting Documents Deadline: January 15th Please visit the POI Department of Education webpage to submit the scholarship application for the spring semester. Thank you, The Higher Education Team Charlene Lucero, Sam Taylor and Fran Mershon October 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 13 Page 14 Isleta Pueblo News October 2023 October 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 15 Page 16 Isleta Pueblo News October 2023 October 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 17 Isleta Pueblo News Page 18 October 2023 Pueblo of Isleta Public Library Since we missed out on promoting national Library card sign up month in September, we would like to invite you all this month to visit our library! Come check out what services we offer and upcoming programs. Some misconceptions we face daily, are you open to just Isleta tribal members? We are a PUBLIC library therefore our services and programs are open to anyone and everyone. Check out what we have coming up for the month of October. News The library will be having a staff meeting on Wednesday, October 4th from 12:30pm to 2pm. The library will remain open during this time so feel free to still come in. We will be discussing upcoming programs and as the holiday months are approaching keep a look out for family programs, book clubs, arts-n-crafts and much more! The library staff will be participating in this year’s Halloween Carnival at the Rec. We have something special planned for this event so make sure and stop by our booth to say hi and join in on the fun. This year’s Halloween Carnival will be on Friday, October 20th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at the new rec. Reminder to those looking to create spooky Halloween treats from home, school or office parties, the library has Cookie Cutter and Cake Pans bags for check out. Bags come with special shaped cookie cutters or cake pans, piping bags and tips, baking and decorating tips. Looking for a job? The library is hiring for a Library Aide l -Part Time position. You can apply with a physical copy available at the library or online at isletapueblo.com/ careers/. Perfect for college students that like working with children, youth and the community! We will be closing at 4:30pm on Tuesday, October 31st. We would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween. Please be aware of your surroundings while driving and walking with your family. 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. Upcoming Looking to learn how to play a new instrument? Library staff is in the process of putting together a Musical Instrument Lending service here at the library. Where patrons can check-out musical instruments our current selection includes bass and acoustic guitars. All levels are welcome to try this service from beginners to advanced and can also pair it with our wide selection of guitar tabs available at the library. We are still in the early stages of getting everything together but keep a look out for more information to come soon! For the month of October come in and check out any library movie and book from our Halloween collection and receive a Spooky Snack Pack filled with popcorn, candy and drinks to enjoy over the weekend. There will be a limit of 5 Snack Packs given out every Friday and one Snack Pack per family. But don’t worry, you have plenty of time to come in and get a Spooky Snack Pack. Dates include Friday, October 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th starting at 2:30pm to 4:30pm or until we run out! Come in and learn how to do Reverse TieDye on Wednesday October 4th from 5pm to 6:30pm. This fall library staff member Cheyenne will be showing a different method of tie-dye making. Instead of traditional tie-dye making, participants will be painting Halloween themed designs using bleach on black T-shirts. Sign ups begin September 18th and is open to the first 8 people, 14 years old and up. There are three ways to sign up. Come in, call, or online using the library’s mobile app. For more information, please contact Cheyenne by phone at 505-869-9808 or by email at Cheyenne.Castillo@isletapueblo.com. Kick off the fall season with a night of Painting with Bob Ross here at the library on Saturday October 14th from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Join in on the fun and paint a happy little fall scene with the one and only Bob Ross! Participants will also enjoy delicious fall themed treats and beverages! Sign-ups start on September 18th and is open to the first 10 adults, 18 and over. For more information, please contact Elena by phone at 505-869-9808 or by email at Elena. Lopez@isletapueblo.com. Join the library for a fun filled night in making Apple Pie Skulls on Wednesday October 18th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. This program will be open to the first 6 patrons, ages 9 to 13 years old or until all spots are filled. Sign-ups start on September 18th. For more information, please contact Kyle by phone at 505-869-9808 or by email at Kyle.Lujan@isletapueblo.com. The library wants to help students who attend Los Lunas Schools make the most of their “All Learners Day” by taking an approach to learning outside the classroom. Students will learn about the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center in a guided tour. This program will be open to 10 students 3rd grade and up that attend any Los Lunas School. Lunch will be provided to all students that attend. Sign-ups will start on October 2nd; space is limited and spots will be filled on a first-come first-serve basis. October 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 19 For more information, please contact Diane by phone at 505-869-9808 or by email at Diane.Abeita@isletapueblo.com. Recap On Thursday, September 28th library staff member Edith hosted a Family Pinch Bowl and Story Time Program here at the library. Families enjoyed an evening together making a pinch bowl using air dry modeling clay. The program started with the reading of Boogie, Boogie Y’all for families to enjoy a story time. We would like to thank everyone who participated and library staff member Edith for putting together a family program. On September 13th library staff attended the Head Start open house from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. It was a great turn out and we were excited to meet all the incoming students and families that will be attending the Head Start. It was a great opportunity for the library to promote our services. We would like to thank everyone who stopped by our booth to say hello and visit. Library staff member Diane and Kyle at the Head Start Open House! The After School Program is doing great with full attendance and students showing up daily to complete homework and reading. Library staff have been busy planning the upcoming holiday seasons with crafts, activities and incentive field trips. The After School Program is currently full, but we do have a waiting list available for any students that are interested. ASP Program students making a craft after homework and reading! Page 20 Isleta Pueblo News October 2023 ISLETA HEALTH CENTER Know Your Numbers, You Are Important, You Are Worth It Weight, BMI, and Waist Circumference Andrea Wilson, Fitness Instructor Phone: 505-869-4595 References: cdc.gov nhlbi.nih.gov uofmhealth.org Weight, waist measurement, and/or BMI are different measurements used to measure the health of an individual. Being overweight or obese increases your risk for developing health diseases such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, and many others. If you are overweight and/or obese, losing a small amount of weight (between 5-10% of your current weight) will help you lower your risk for developing these health diseases. The best way to lose weight is by eating a healthy and balanced diet, and by exercising at least 150 minutes per week. Weight The ideal weight for males and females can differ. It also depends on factors such as: age, height, fat and muscle composition, frame size, etc. It is important to know how much we weigh, that way we know our risk for developing health diseases. If you are overweight and/or obese, you are at a higher risk for developing health diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer. You can maintain a healthy weight by exercising regularly, and eating a healthy and balanced diet. One way to determine a healthy weight is calculating your BMI. BMI BMI is known as Body Mass Index. BMI is a measurement of body fat based on an individual's height and weight. It is important to note that BMI does not consider muscle mass, and for this reason individuals with a high muscle mass may have a high BMI. In this specific case, the individual would have a high BMI, but have a healthy-looking physique. There are different BMI categories, which include: Underweight= <18.5, Normal weight= 18.5-24.9, Overweight= 25-29.9, and Obesity= BMI of 30 or greater. For example, if you are 5'5" and you weigh 170 pounds, your BMI would be 28. A BMI of 28 would place you in the overweight category. In order to move into the normal weight BMI category, you would have to lose about 30 lbs. Let's say you lost 30 lbs. and you now weigh 140 lbs. Your BMI would be 23, which is considered a normal weight. You can calculate your BMI through various websites, InBody, handheld body fat analyzers, body fat scales, bod pods, and skinfold calipers. You can decrease your BMI by exercising and eating a healthy and balanced diet in order to lose weight. A decrease in weight results in a decreased BMI. Waist Circumference Your waist size is also another way in which you can measure your health. A large waist circumference is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. You can measure your waist circumference by placing a tape measure at the top of your hip bone, then bringing the tape measure all the way around your body, level with your belly button. A healthy waist measurement for males is less than 40 inches, and a healthy waist measurement for females is less than 35 inches. You can decrease inches from your waist measurement through calorie deficit and exercising often. Isleta Pueblo News October 2023 Page 21 ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER OCTOBER – 2023 HALLOWEEN is just around the corner and the fall weather will be upon us, although we are still experiencing some warm temperatures. Everyone is starting to enjoy the slightly cooler temperatures and are out and about. We ask everyone to be aware of children playing and walking in the neighborhoods. On Halloween night please be vigilant of children hurrying from house to house in their excitement of receiving goodies. Parents be sure to have your children wearing costumes that fit properly and they are able to see if wearing a mask or face covering. Please escort your children if they are walking and if driving through neighborhoods, please be courteous and vigilant of the little goblins on foot. Though it may seem to be an inconvenience, when traveling in a vehicle please make sure EVERYONE is properly “buckled up” with seatbelts and properly fitting child restraints. Please be aware there have been multiple complaints of drivers speeding in the village area and officers will be conducting traffic enforcement patrols. They will also be looking for seatbelt and child restraint violations as well. The speed limits in the village is, for the most part, 15 mph, so please be aware and obey the signs posted. RESIDENCY A reminder to all to be aware of the residency ordinance for the Pueblo of Isleta and anyone who is not an enrolled member or non-Indian is not allowed to rent, lease or lend buildings. Members of the Pueblo who plan to reside with a non-member must first request written permission from the Governor before taking up residence within the Pueblo of Isleta. Please refer to the Residency Ordinance or contact Census. As many will attest, checks have and are being conducted on those believed to be residing within the boundaries of the Pueblo who should not be. We ask that all be aware of the residency requirements, take steps to get approval before allowing someone who violates the requirements to reside here. Isleta Police Department is active in community events and we will be participants at the Halloween Carnival. We are also preparing for the Reaching for the Stars event in December and everyone at the department will be busy preparing for both these events. We hope to see you at the Carnival and look forward to interacting with the Community at every opportunity. The following is published by “Safe Kids Worldwide” HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS Walk Safely 1. Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks. Look left, right and left again when crossing and keep looking as you cross. 2. Put electronic devices down, keep heads up and walk, don’t run, across the street. 3. Teach children to make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. 4. Always walk on sidewalks or paths. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic as far to the left as possible. 5. Children should walk on direct routes with the fewest street crossings. 6. Watch for cars that are turning or backing up. Teach children to never dart out into the street or cross between parked cars. 7. Join kids under age 12 for trick-ortreating. If kids are mature enough to be out without supervision, tell them to stick to familiar areas that are well lit and trick-or-treat in groups. Costumes for a Safe Halloween 1. Decorate costumes and bags with reflective tape or stickers and, if possible, choose light colors. 2. Choose face paint and makeup whenever possible instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision. 3. Have kids carry glow sticks or flashlights to help them see and be seen by drivers. 4. When selecting a costume, make sure it is the right size to prevent trips and falls. Drive Extra Safely on Halloween 1. Slow down and be especially alert in residential neighborhoods. Children are excited on Halloween and may move in unpredictable ways. 2. Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs. 3. Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully. 4. Get rid of any distractions - like your phone - in your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. 5. Turn your headlights on earlier in the day to spot children from greater distances. 6. Popular trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Be especially alert for kids during those hours. Page 22 Isleta Pueblo News October 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. October 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 23 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: In the past 6 months to a year, did you • End up drinking more, or longer, than you intended • Tried to cut down or stop drinking but continued to use alcohol • Drive a car or operate heavy machinery while drinking or “buzzed” • Have to drink more than you used to in order to get the same effect • Continue to drink even if you felt depressed, anxious, or guilty • Continue to drink even though you had health problems because of the alcohol • Continue to drink even though it caused problems with family, friends, and/or the job • Spend a lot of time figuring out how you would get your next drink • Experience hangovers that got worse each time you drank • 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… Isleta Health Center Behavioral Health Clinic 505-869-5475 Page 24 Isleta Pueblo News October 2023 Isleta Health Center Optometry Digital Eye Strain We are using screens now more than ever before. Many of us use our computer screens at work and spend much of our spare time on our TVs, phones or tablets. This can be a wonderful thing, but there are also potential side effects. One of the effects of increased screen time is that it can bother our eyes, a recent term has been coined for this: “Digital Eye Strain”. Our eyes feel strained due to the background light from the devices, and due to small muscles inside our eyes that are working hard to keep us focused on the devices in front of us. The Optometry Times and many eye-care professionals have recently created a simple rule to help combat this Digital Eye Strain. They call it the 20-20-20 Rule; this means that for every 20 minutes you spend on a digital screen, you should take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away. Oftentimes, our eyes feel most relaxed when we let them rest for a moment and just look into the distance. If you can actively remember to take short breaks from staring at screens throughout your day, your eyes will thank you. Especially if you are feeling eyestrain or fatigue at the end of the day, this is something you should implement into your daily routine. Vision is such an important part of our lives, let’s remember to take care of our eyes so they can take care of us for many more years to come. Isleta Health Center Optometry Department October 2023 Isleta Physical Therapy Bernadette Valdez, PT, DPT As the weather cools in the fall, it is tempting to be less physically active. October is the perfect time to focus on healthy self-care because we are celebrating National Physical Therapy Month! Surprise — physical therapy is not just for injury recovery. Its benefits also include injury and illness prevention. WHY NATIONAL PHYSICAL MONTH IS IMPORTANT THERAPY 1. It gives us the opportunity to practice self-awareness The more we pay conscious attention to our physical habits, the more likely we will take steps to change the ones that may lead to chronic aches and even injuries. For example, if you notice you tend to slump while working at your computer, you can start to correct your posture, which can help prevent aching muscles. 2. It helps us to understand the impact of physical therapy Physical therapy can make it possible to recover more quickly and completely from serious injury or major surgery, while reducing the need for pain medication and other drugs. Moreover, with the additional effects of relaxation and pain relief, emotional ease becomes part of the equation as well. 3. It reminds us to focus on self-care Whether or not you are currently recovering from an accident or recent surgery, you can benefit from spending this month really taking care of yourself. You may be surprised to find that indulging in a little “me time” is good for you mentally and emotionally, as well as physically. For more information on how to be scheduled, please call the Isleta Physical Therapy Clinic (505) 869-4398. Isleta Pueblo News Page 25 Page 26 Isleta Pueblo News October 2023 Health Beat Keeping our People Safe Suicide Prevention This time of year brings many things including seasonal change, the start of a new educational year, and for many people it can be a major change in our mental wellbeing. According to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is considered a death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. While a suicide attempt is when someone harms themselves with any intent to end their life, but they do not die as a result of their actions. Suicide can be the product of violence, trauma, and even injury. This is a major public health issue that severely impacts Native American populations across the United States, especially those who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual. CDC data shows that 90% of individuals who attempt suicide and survive will never go on to die by suicide. Although suicide is a stigmatized and often taboo subject, it is still preventable and we can all play a role in saving someone’s life. It isn’t always obvious if someone is in distress, but most individuals who are suicidal will show some signs that they are considering harming or killing themselves. Unfortunately, adults are not the only populations that are at risk of suicidal inclinations. Today we are seeing younger generations experiencing hardships that lead to suicidal behaviors. Signs of suicide within older and younger populations may differ in some instances depending on the individual’s environment. Signs can include speaking about death or suicide, seeking methods of self-harm, and/or talking about being hopeless or having no reason to live. Other potential signs could also include an increase in alcohol or drug use, increase in reckless behaviors, uncontrollable anger, changes in sleep schedules, social withdrawal, and obtaining lethal weapons (guns, sharp objects, etc.). If one or more of those warning signs is observed, especially if they are new behaviors, or seem to be in relation to a painful event, loss, or change, please step in or speak up. Intervening in these types of situations isn’t easy, and can be very concerning for all involved. But, you are not alone! If you or someone you know is in an emergency call 911 immediately. There are also other free options for those who may find themselves in crisis, and may include dialing 988 which is an active suicide and crisis lifeline that provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress. Sometimes it takes just one person to take action and save a life. If you find yourself or someone you know that is struggling with their mental health please feel free to reach out to B’eeh-K’oo-ee Wellness Center (AKA Isleta Behavioral Health) at 505-869-5475 and set up an appointment with one of our counselors. NM Poison Control During the Pandemic, we should be cleaning and disinfecting more often. It is important that you do not inject or ingest these chemicals into your body. Please remember to keep ALL chemicals out of children’s reach. If any cleaning or disinfectant solution is swallowed or injected, please contact the NM Poison Control immediately. 1-800-222-1222 October 2023 Isleta Pueblo News Page 27 Head Start Students doing their First Bus Evacuation Families meeting teachers , friends, peers, and exploring the classrooms during the Head Start Open House. Families visiting the POI Public Library booth during the Head Start Open House. ISLETA HEALTH CENTER Flu Vaccines As we approach the cooler months, it's time to gear up for a healthy and vibrant season ahead. One crucial step in safeguarding your well-being and that of your loved ones is getting your annual flu shot. Why should you get the flu shot? Boost Your Immunity: The flu shot strengthens your immune system, helping you fend off the flu virus. Protect Your Loved Ones: Getting vaccinated not only shields you but also those around you, especially the more vulnerable members of our community. Prevent Overwhelming Healthcare Systems: By getting vaccinated, you contribute to reducing the burden on our healthcare facilities, ensuring they can focus on other critical health needs. Enjoy a Healthier Season: With the flu shot, you can look forward to a worry-free and active autumn and winter. Convenient and Accessible: Flu shots are readily available at local clinics and pharmacies. Please call the Isleta Health Center at 505-869-3200 for more information. Let's unite as a community to prioritize our health and well-being. Don't wait – schedule your flu shot today and be a part of the collective effort to stay well and stay strong. Together, we can keep our community flu-free and thriving! -Nancy Jo Gonzales, Public Health Director Page 28 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 October 2023 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3A3fba25b4ec5780e1. Public record. Not legal advice.