On March 31, 2008, Office Victor Day from the

Isleta Pueblo News

Volume 3 Issue 6

May 2008

Governor’s Report

On March 31, 2008, Office Victor Day from the

Isleta Police Department retired after 39 years

of service. Victor started his career in 1969 with

the Laguna Police Department, and later joined

the Isleta Police Department. Victor is a person

that is well liked by his peers and the people he

served. Although Victor is retired he still comes

to Isleta for special events as he did during the

Child Awareness Parade held on April 25, 2008.

I’ve known Victor for 36 years during my years

in Law Enforcement and I must say he served

the people well, From the Pueblo of Isleta “thank

you for your dedicated service to our people and

wish you and your family all the happiness on

your retirement”.

As the school year ends, preparations are being

made for our graduating seniors. Graduation

night will be the proud moment not only for the

seniors, but the parents who have waited for this

day which seemed so long, but really wasn’t.

Some of you will join the work force, while others

continue your education. What ever you choose

in life we wish you success. We congratulate our

seniors, and the parents for making this graduation

possible.

Lieutenant Governors and I want to thank Social

Services for a successful turn out on April 25th for

the Child Abuse Awareness Parade. The number

of floats has increased, and the parade gets better

each year. Let’s get involved and make next year

an even better event. We thank the participants

for the hard work and beautiful floats you entered.

We encourage everyone to get involved as child

abuse is real and is happening in our community.

Please love your children, and give them the care

they deserve, their future depends on it.

Lieutenant Governors and I try to attend as many

tribal functions as possible, such as Officer

Day’s retirement, student meetings like the one

at Valencia High School, Little League opening

day, Los Lunas High School Golf Tournament

at Isleta Eagle Golf Course, Governor’s College

Night with Institute of American Indian Arts

at the Isleta Golf Course and the Child Abuse

Awareness Parade. We apologize, but due to other

commitments, we were not able to attend the Los

Lunas High School sponsored Pow-Wow.

We are planning a community meeting for May

10, 2008, at 9:00am at the Isleta Casino and

Resort. Notices will be mailed out providing

further information.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Pueblo of Isleta

Silent Auction

Date: May 17, 2008

Time: 9am to 2pm

Location: Isleta Cinder & Gravel Plant

1 Mile South from the Junction of Coors & Isleta

Blvd. (1 mile south of the Palace West Casino

on Hwy 314)

Silent Auction Forms will be available at the

Cinder Plant the day of the auction. Vehicles

and Equipment can be viewed at the Cinder

Plant the day of the auction. Below is the listing

of items to be auctioned.

1991 Ford Ranger P/U

1975 Ford Water Tanker

1987 Chevy School Bus

1978 Ford Fire Truck

1987 Chevy Septic Truck

3 each 2001 Ford Crown Victoria's

2 each 2004 Ford Crown Victoria's

1994 Dodge Van

1997 Duratech Tub Grinder

1978 International Trash Truck

1980 D20 Dodge Truck

1992 Toyota Truck

1986 Plymouth Reliant

John Deere Model 347 Baler

2 John Deere Mowers

2 Sewer Pipe Cleaners

If you have any questions, please contact

Paul (724-9256) or Cyndi (724-9247) at the

Treasurer’s office.

Isleta Pueblo

Editor: Ulysses Abeita

News

Asst. Editor:

Natasha Lujan

Staff: Maxine Zuni

Beverly Piro

Brittanie Lucero

Jennifer Zuni

Published By:

Valencia Express

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Notice of Opportunity for Public Comment and Public Hearing

EPA REVIEWING THE PUEBLO OF ISLETA'S ARSENIC EXEMPTION REQUEST

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing its review of the

arsenic Exemption request from the Pueblo of Isleta Eastside Water System. The Exemption

would allow the Pueblo of Isleta Eastside Water System more time to comply with the arsenic

maximum contaminant level (MCL) in drinking water. The Arsenic Rule sets the concentration

of Arsenic allowed in public water supplies at 0.010 mg/L. The Pueblo of Isleta Eastside Water

System suppliers are looking into any one of, or a combination of, three options to comply

with the arsenic MCL. The options are 1) acquiring a new source, 2) regionalizing the water

system by tying it into another system with a lower arsenic concentration in its finished drinking

water, and 3) acquiring treatment to lower the arsenic concentration in its finished water at

the Pueblo of Isleta Eastside Water System. The EPA will determine if the Exemption request

follows the requirements in the federal Variances and Exemptions regulation and will make a

determination this year (2008). This Notice is given in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water

Act requirements and the requirements of implementing regulations found at 40 CFR § 142.

All interested parties are invited to submit written comments on this decision and may request a

public hearing. Comments or a request for a public hearing must be submitted by May 31, 2008,

to the Regional Administrator at the EPA Region 6 address shown below. All comments will

be considered, and, if necessary, EPA will issue a response. Frivolous or insubstantial requests

for a hearing may be denied by the Regional Administrator. However, if a substantial request

for a public hearing is made by May 31, 2008, a public hearing will be held. If no timely and

appropriate request for a hearing is received and the Regional Administrator does not elect to

hold a hearing on his own motion, and if no comments are received which cause EPA to modify

its tentative approval, this determination shall become effective on May 31, 2008.

A request for public hearing shall include the following: (1) the name, address, and telephone

number of the individual, organization, or other entity requesting a hearing; (2) a brief statement

of the requesting person's interest in the Regional Administrator's determination and of

information that the requesting person intends to submit at such a hearing; and (3) the signature

of the individual making the request; or, if the request is made on behalf of an organization or

other entity, the signature of a responsible official of the organization or other entity.

All documents relating to this determination are available for inspection between the hours of

8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the following offices:

•

•

•

United States Environmental Protection Agency, Region 6, Drinking Water Section,

Arnold F. Bierschenk, 1445 Ross Avenue, Suite 1200 (6WQ-SD), Dallas, Texas

75202

Jim Piatt, Environmental Director, Pueblo of Isleta, P.O. Box 1270, Isleta, New

Mexico, office (505) 869-5748, cell (505) 917.2936

Robert Benavides, Governor, Pueblo of Isleta. P.O. Box 1270, Isleta, New

Mexico, office (505) 869-3111, cell (505) 715-8163

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 2

May 2008

TRIBAL COUNCIL BRIEFING

Housing Issues and Information

The Housing Board approved a motion to

contract out all of HUD approved projects

contingent on an updated clean list inclusive

of tribal members who qualified due to a

rank and rating system.

The Housing Board selected Sloan &

Company to conduct the 2006 Housing

Audit.

Travel Center

Council approved change orders to the

Travel Center in the amount of $20,599.85

regarding changes to entry of Highway 47

and $8,084.28 to change asphalt curb to

concrete and add a concrete sidewalk. A

motion was made that the Council will not

entertain any change orders without prior

Council approval and any initiated changes

on contracts shall be approved by Council

prior to execution.

Education Issues

Isleta Head Start was appropriated

$150,000.00 in POI monies to Fund an

Extra Classroom to accommodate Head

Start children on a waiting list. The funding

will provide for a teacher, assistant teacher,

furniture, supplies and materials.

The Johnson O'Malley (JOM) Parents

requested and were given $5000.00 from the

IC&R Sponsorship line item for assistance to

cover travel expenses to attend the National

Indian Education Conference held in

Honolulu, Hawaii and for Councilman Ron

Olguin to attend the trip as a parent.

Tribal Court Issues

Due to the Tribal Court's need to produce

Court Case Transcripts at a faster pace, the

Courts requested and received Council's

approval for court recordings to be transcribed

at the amount of $2,500 for November &

December and transcripts for Appeals Court

for $1,500. The transcripts will be done

for a total of $2,500 to Sober New Mexico

and $1,500 to Paul Baca Professional Court

Reporters.

Community

Council authorized the Sale of Railroad Ties

at $5.00 per railroad tie to Tribal Members.

The Tribe received a letter from Raymond

Jojola dated September 14, 2007, requesting

permission from the Tribe to allow him to

began the process of putting his Fee Land

into Trust. Council allowed Raymond Jojola

to proceed with the process of putting his

property into trust with the Pueblo.

Council authorized $2,800 (with receipts to

be turned in) in Assistance to Frank Lucero,

son of Stella Lucero, who is was at the time

residing in San Diego, California, for motel

expenses. Mr. Lucero had been unable to

return to his place of residence due to fire

damages caused by the San Diego fires. He

was paying $700.00 per week for motel

expenses.

Boundary Issues & Related Issues

In regards to the Rosenda Cata Property issue,

a motion was made to reassign the property

line and align boundary with Florentino Zuni

property survey.

Due to the Council receiving the wrong draft

of the Amended Higher Education Policies

& Procedures, and the Education Board not

having an opportunity to review the draft for

appropriate corrections and amendments

prior to presentation to Council, a motion

was made to table the Higher Education

Policies & Procedures. The Board stated

they were not comfortable making policy

decisions without data and are waiting to the

end of the semester to secure more accurate

student data. Administration was directed to

meet with the Board along with the Education

Director to provide a clean amended copy of

the Higher Education Policies & Procedures.

The Council met with Floriene Gutierrez

regarding the Encroachment on the Meadow

Lake East Boundary. Southern Pueblos

Agency will address the encroachment and

clean up of the Tribal property.

A letter was received from Team Moms,

Pauline Lucero and Jennifer Zuni, requesting

a donation for the Isleta Eagles Girls

Basketball Team in the total amount of

$2,225.00 for sweat suit outfits ($850),

trophies ($175), incentives ($350) and a

banquet ($850). These are estimated amounts

and receipts will be turned in. The team has

raised an unknown amount to purchase

shoes. Donation request are for the team

of nine players, coaches, and eighteen (18)

parents. After some discussion, a motion was

made to partially honor the donation request

in the amount of $1,800, with exception of

18 parents from obtaining sweat suit outfits

and for funds to be administered by Lt. Lujan

and Rick Giron from the Recreation Center.

Enrollment Information

Alma Alanis, who has had Billboards Posted

along I-25 South from the reservation line

to the water tank on the west side of the

reservation on 1-25 South for quite a few

years, was directed to remove all billboards.

Gary Brownell, Legal Counsel, was directed

to write the final letter to Alma Alanis

regarding the removal of billboards along

1-25 by January 31, 2008.

The Tribal Council determined that there

is a need in Tribal Government to provide

administrative oversight of the essential

functions of the Isleta Enrollment/Census

Office to better manage and preserve tribal

membership documents that are essential to

ensure the Tribal Membership Roll. There is

presently a Census Technician and Census

Clerk in the office. Council approved the

Tribal Enrollment Coordinator position and

for the position to be paid out of the Aid to

Tribal Government Grant.

Project Status & Related Issues

Council approved a Request for Proposal for

the renovation of the CCD Building and for

a Land Use Plan to be developed.

The Council approved the New Mexico

Tribal Infrastructure Fund (NMTIF) Plan for

the Tribe as presented by Andrew Teller,

Tribal Treasurer. The Plan identifies Tribal

needs such as a Waste Water Treatment

System for the Chical area and replacement

of water lines in the village proper.

The Council directed the Realty Department

to survey the land south of the existing Elderly

Center to include the old Isleta Elementary

cafeteria on the west up to the community

center at the request of the Elderly Advisory

Committee for the construction of the future

Long-Term Assisted Living Facility.

Council approved a request for the traveling

Museum for Photographic History of

Isleta Pueblo to be constructed at the old

Elementary School site. The request was

made by the Cultural Affairs Committee. The

exhibit will use photographs taken of many

of our ancestors involved in community life

very different from what it is today. An archive

will be built to house these photographs.

The Tribe received a Grant for $328,000.00

from the National Endowment of Humanities

and with the funds will build a traveling

exhibit and afterwards put this exhibit in an

Archive Museum. The exhibit will contain

17,000 photos taken of Isleta from the

1800's and are presently being stored in the

Southwest Museum in California.

$750,000 was awarded to the Tribe from

the Tribal Infrastructure Board for the

Construction of a Village Proper Water

Main Replacement. A Scope of Work was

submitted to the Capital Outlay Unit by the

deadline date of January 4, 2008. IHS and the

Treasurer’s Office were directed to develop a

Request For Proposal to select a company to

perform the work.

To allow for better planning, a list of Potential

Construction Projects planned for the future

was identified by Council on December 18,

2007 as follows:

Construction Projects

Estimated Cost

1.Public Safety Complex

$ 8,000,000

2.Administration and

Council Building

$ 8,600,000

3.Library

$ 1,300,000

4 Long Term Assistance

Care Facility

$ 2,000,000

5. American Legion Hall 209 $ 2,000,000

6. Community Center

7. Church/CCD Building

8. Cultural Center

9. Old Elementary School (Offices)

Infrastructure

1. Enterprise Area Drainage

$ 3,300,000

2. Village Waterline/Drainage $ 1,700,000

3. Facility Management System $ 200,000

4. Sunset Hills Subdivision Plan & Design

May 2008

Due to lack of information regarding the

above projects, the Treasurer and Tribal

Planner were directed to compile a more

accurate report as follows: description of

each project, estimated cost of project (if

known), grant funding already received,

capital outlay funding already received,

2008 capital outlay request for each project

(if any), and the P01 funding match.

Conservation

Due to the loss of money in the past years, the

Council determined that the Conservation

Program needs to be reviewed to see how

the program can be turned into a money

making enterprise. The Task Group assigned

to this task are: President Fred Lujan, Vice

President Robert Lucero, Ralph D. Jiron,

Valentino Jaramillo, and Alvino Lucero.

Council received a letter written in association

with Isleta Acequia Madre Members by Eugene

Abeita, currently serving on the Middle Rio

Grande Conservancy (MRGCDistrict). Mr.

Abeita shared his concern with the Tribal

Council on the Infestation of Prairie Dogs

on the Acequia Madre and indicated in

his letter (photos provided) that the Tribe

requested assistance from USDA, along with

the Tribe's Environmental Department, in

2003 with follow-up on the infestation to be

done in 2005 and 2006.

The Isleta Acequia Madre Members have not

received any assistance as of this date and are

requesting assistance in solving the prairie

infestation problem likely to occur in Spring

of 2008. Since it appeared as if Jim Piatt,

Environmental Director, has not in the past

been responsive in addressing this request,

the Council directed Lt. Lujan to communicate

with Jim Piatt, Environmental Director, to

determine what actions can be taken to assist

the farmers. Jim Piatt, Environment Director

provided three alternatives to addressing the

infestation problem:

1. The farmers could become certified

themselves and purchase and apply the

rodenticide,

2. A Tribal Staff member could become

certified and purchase/apply the

rodenticide,

3. A firm with the necessary

certifications would need to be hired

Since training will result in certifications of

tribal farmers to utilize chemicals for spraying,

the Environment Department was directed

to meet with Conservation personnel and

Administration to plan and host an awareness/

training program regarding prairie dogs and

aphids infestation with tribal farmers.

Comanche Ranch Issues

Martin Abeita was hired as Comanche

Ranch Manager and was given the task of

creating a Cattle Management Plan and will

be supervised by Administration. Requested

items needed for improvements, and

approved by Council majority vote, were:

• Truck F250 4x4 super cab pickup

$31,131.00

•TruckF250 4x4 super duty regular cab

pickup

$29,372.00

Isleta Pueblo News

• Drinking tubs 20' 8 footers @ $425 ea

$ 8,500.00

• Drinking tubs 20' 6 footers at $200 ea

$ 4,000.00

• 2 or 3 horses

$15,000.00

• Feeder for feed trucks; 2 @ $2,600 ea

$ 5,200.00

• Flat beds for 2 trucks; 2 @ $1,400 ea

$ 2,800.00

• Replace roof on north camp as well as

bunkhouse

Total $96,000.00

Mark Dixon, Environment Department,

notified the Tribal Council that the Tribe is

facing suspension with Natural Resource

Conservation Service (NRCS) grant. The Tribe

has 30 days to start working on the Cross

Fencing at Comanche Ranch. If the project

is not completed the State will terminate

their contract with the Tribe and the Tribe

will be suspended from using the program.

The Tribal Council met with Environment,

Fence Crew, and Comanche Ranch workers

to insure that the scope of the work for the

grant is completed.

The Council requested a Social Services

Program Review from Southern Pueblos

Agency, similar to the program review

conducted with the Isleta Police Department.

The review with Social Services was requested

because there is a high rate of crime, drug/

alcohol abuse in our Pueblo. In general,

there is dysfunctional family life, and it was

felt that the review will assist the Tribe in

determining what are our responsibilities as

parents, grandparents, and family members

are.

Tribal Membership Appointments

Health Board appointees were Edwina Abeita

and James Abeita. Richard Jaramillo, Sr. was

appointed to serve on the Cattle Committee,

and Thomas Lucero was appointed to the

position of an Appellate Court Judge.

Council approved the Water Task Force

Members and structure, which consist of:

Governor- Ex Officio, President —Ex Officio,

War Chief- Ex Officio, Water Attorney and

Tribal Resource Staff John Sorrell, Cody

Walker and Jim Piatt. The Members at Large

are:

Norman Jojola- Natural Resource Manager/

Wildlife Biologist

Blaine Sanchez- Range Conservationist/

N.M. Interstate Stream/Commission

Ramona Montoya- Environmentalist

Gene Abeita- Irrigation Water Expert/ Board

Member, MRGCD

Helen Padilla- Attorney/Director of UNM

Indian Law Center

Tribal Government Exit Audit

The Auditor's Report to Council and

Administration and reviewed significant

transactions which took place in 2006

emphasizing that the audit represented a

"clean" opinion on primary government

with emphasis that the Housing Authority

is excluded from financial statements;

“clean” opinion on Governmental Services

Department (Single Audit Report); and that

Page 3

the financial statements presented fairly the

financial position and changes in financial

position.

Single Audit findings indicated that an

inventory of equipment for all programs

needed to be addressed as well as following

through with character investigations

(background checks) for POI employees, with

no questionability on various governmental

costs. Operational suggestions provided

included:

•Disaster recovery plan related to

accounting

•General

ledger

reconciliation

procedures

•Physical inventory of capital assets

•Centralized purchasing and receiving

•Collectability of enterprise inter-fund

balances

•Address fund deficits for the Isleta

Conservation Services of 1.3 million

and Isleta Cottonwood Facilities of 3.8

million

Upon recommendation of Andrew Teller,

Tribal Treasurer, the Council approved the

POI Primary Government and Governmental

Services Department 2006 Audit conducted

by REDW.

Policy Related Issues

In regards to POI Employee Health

Premiums, Council made the determination

to continue with United Health for one year,

January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008 and

direct the Finance Committee to meet with

the HR Director and General Manager to

do an analysis of health premium costs to

prepare for 2009 health premiums due to the

increase cost and renewal of dental, medical,

and vision insurance. Pueblo Insurance

Agency (PIA) is the broker acting on behalf

of the Tribe.

The total percentage of insurance participants

from Tribal Employees is 25% while the

remaining 75% are IC&R employees.

Currently the Tribe is paying $329.49 per

person, which is 90% of the medical fees.

In regards to Minimum Suitability of

Background Standards and the cost

of background checks, the Tribe will

experience an increase from $26.00 to

$40.00 for background checks. Jackie

Johnson, from Personal Security Reports, has

been contracted by BIA to do background

checks as of September 6, 2007. A minimum

of seven (7) years is required for background

checks. The Tribe must now meet minimum

standards mandated by the Contractor

and has requested the Tribe to identify an

Adjudication Officer. Veronica Johnson,

Human Resources Director, was appointed

by Council as the Tribes Adjudication Officer

for POI employees.

The Grazing Management Plan will be

amended to state that the Council determined

that non-member spouses will not be

allowed to graze their animals on tribal land,

and directed the Cattle Committee to amend

the Grazing Management Plan as soon as

possible regarding non-member use of tribal

land.

Page 4

Transportation Issues

A request for proposal for professional

appraisers for Tribal Roads Right-of-Way

Appraisals was published in the Albuquerque

Journal. Three proposals from Albuquerquebased individuals and firms were received

and the Council selected Godfrey Appraisal

Services with a one year professional rightsof-way appraisal contract. Upon completion

of appraisal for TR 2, appraisals for TR 78,

90, and possibly 33 will be conducted in

one year.

BIA has nearly completed the design work for

TR#2 with 1.5 miles to finish. The Contract

with BIA has to be modified for TR #2. TR

#90 which is State Road 314 west to TR #45

to the MRGCD ditch will be paved 12 ft on

each said of the road. There will be 2 ft of

ribbon curve. The amended contract is for

1.6 miles long, also need the scope of work.

Speed bumps cannot be installed because of

safety issues for emergency vehicles.

On October 23, 2007, Lt. Governor Diane

Denish, for the State of New Mexico and

Carlos Acosta, Aide to Lt. Governor Diane

Denish met with Administration, and Tribal

Council regarding a variety of transportation

issues. The New Mexico Highways

Improvement Needs, a list previously

reviewed and approved by the Tribal Council,

was provided to Lt. Governor Denish. Simon

Shima, Tribal Planner, formally reviewed

the list on behalf of the Tribe. Improvement

and Maintenance identified needs presented

were as follows:

A. Construction & Reconstruction

1. NM 47 Center Median Turning Lane

2. Access to I-25 at the Southern Isleta

Boundaries

3. NM 314 / NM 45 "Y" Intersection

Reconstruction

4. NM 314 / NM147 Intersection

Reconstruction

5. Signalized Intersection at New Isleta

Public Safety/Service Complex on

NM 47

6. Connector Roadway from NM 45 to NM

314 for I-25 Access

7. NM 314 over RR Bridge Deck

Replacement South of the Village

B. Maintenance

1. NM 47 Intersection at NM 147

2. NM 47 Culverts

The Tribe informed Lt. Governor Denish

that they were willing to work with the

Department of Transportation and her

office regarding the possibility of the

Tribe foregoing some land, particularly for

access to I-25 at the southern boundary of

the reservation, an area set aside for future

economic development.

Lt. Governor Denish informed the Tribe that

scheduled State transportation construction

and maintenance work was behind and

the Federal Trust Fund will be zeroed out.

Lt. Governor Denish also stated that she

did not know how the State was going to

fund transportation needs for the State but

was considering an additional gas tax and

heavier user fees for vehicles coming in and

out of New Mexico.

Isleta Pueblo News

Other items discussed was the importance

of the transportation systems to economic

development; that the Bike Trail proposed by

the State would not be considered until the

road safety issues on 1-47 were taken care

of; the possibility of having a shuttle system

running from Los Lunas and Bosque Farms

to the Isleta Rail Runner site; and a Water &

Transportation Forum will be scheduled in

the Spring. Follow-up on the transportation

issues will be done at that time.

Council approved a contract for Jerry

Marmelstein from Riser Management

Services, Inc., which involved the valuation

and subsequent negotiation of Renewed

Rights-of-Way for AT&T fiber optics lines

crossing the Reservation at a $350.00 hourly

rate.

Subsequently, through the negotiation of

Jerry Mannelstein and other experts, AT&T

initially offered the Pueblo four million

for the right-of-way, an initial 10 year

renewal term, with automatic renewal for

an additional 10 year-term. AT&T also

stated they would like to add the ability to

replace and/or upgrade its facilities during

the renewal term. During the upgrade, an

additional temporary easement width would

be necessary to support construction and

restoration of surface features to their prior

condition would be performed by AT&T at

its expense.

The easement and the existing system on

the Eastern side of the Rio Grande River

was constructed as a conduit system, while

the system on the Western side of the Rio

Grande was direct buried, which means the

cable is not encompassed within a conduit.

It would be replaced with a 2” conduit and

only 1 fiber.

The Council accepted $6.3 million for 10

years starting on January 1, 2008 and to

expedite the agreement and payment by

execution of agreement.

In regards to several reports of Rail Road

Crossing Endangerment issues arising with

the lack of synchronization of the railroad

crossing arms, with the arms lifting signaling

for traffic to cross the tracks immediately

following the passing of vehicles, the Rail

Runner narrowly missing hitting crossing

vehicles. Gary Brownell, Legal Counsel, was

directed to take note of the incident and write

a letter to Middle Rio Grande Council of

Governments (MRCOG) and Department

of Transportation (DOT) for the Governor’s

signature, should future liability issues arise.

The Council approved the Easement Rightof-Way Agreement for Chical Road (TR 2) on

December 13, 2007 with the Tribe to receive

right-of-way compensation in the amount of

$77,000.

Hotel/Convention

Update

Center

Project

Briefly, the Hotel/Convention Center is

slated to be opened by July 2008 with 90%

of the mounting of the A/V on the walls of

the rooms completed. Remodeling of the

Non- Smoking Slots and former High Stakes

May 2008

Slots rooms has begun. Painting on Level 2

and Level 3 by Lente Painting has occurred.

Anticipated number of parking spaces is

700 including above the required number

of spaces for handicapped; bus shelters will

be added. One inside employee was caught

stealing copper related materials. Isleta

Police Department was called and the nontribal was arrested and jailed.

There are 173 participants in the Hotel/

Convention training program with 102 of

the participants identified as tribal members.

Out of the 102 tribal members, 25 are

employed by IC&R and 70 out of the 102 are

not employed by the Pueblo of Isleta. Seven

of the 102 tribal members are employed

by the Pueblo of Isleta. These numbers

are in a constant state of flux as more

people apply for positions, people do not

complete training, and others leave their

jobs. Management positions will be hired in

December, Supervisors in January and Frontline positions will be hired in April. Two

tribal members have been offered Managerial

positions: Child Care and Front Office. An 8

Hour vs. 8.5 Hour Work Day continues to

be an issue for approximately six employees.

Upon review of the Annualized Cost Impact

of Re-aligning Work Schedule, it was

determined that should the shift be made

to put all employees on a 7.5 hr. day with

paid lunch, the cost will be an additional

$300,171.07, not including benefits. Tribal

Council determined that no action will be

taken and that the employee shift hours will

remain status quo.

Community Health Issues

The Council explored the possibility of

entering into an agreement with Second

Chance Center. This Center is a secure,

long-term Rehabilitation and Transition

Center for offenders who are failing or have

less than a year on their sentences. This offer

is an alternative sentencing option to jail in

a secure facility for approximately 6-months.

The program handles all substance and

alcohol abuse.

The program includes an effective process of

detoxification. It does not rely on habituating

medications such as narcotic medications

in the process of detoxification. It relies on

nutritional substances and techniques.

The

rehabilitative

procedures

help

participants to evaluate the impact of their

behavior on their family and others in the

community. This facility is operated by

Federal Grant Funds. The average charge

is $55 to $75 per day for one person. The

capacity is 300 people. After Chief Judge

Teller and several Council members toured

the Center, the group recommended to the

Council that the Tribe not enter into an

agreement since the cost was too high.

Seventeen program representatives, along

with Council and Administration, were

present at a Community Based Alcohol and

Drug Awareness Meeting, organized by

various programs due to the high level of

gang and drug/alcohol use of many members

of the Tribe.

May 2008

Council member comments are summarized

as follows:

• The role of Tribal Council is that of a

legislative body

• There is an infiltration of drugs/alcohol

into schools

• The reservation boundaries are not

protected

• Prevention is more effective than

intervention

• Individuals who have been banished

from the Pueblo for alcohol/drug related

activities keep coming back to the

reservation

• We used to build homes, now we give

them away

• There is community denial of

problems

• You can no longer punish children;

it's considered child abuse

• It costs $133.00 a day for treatment

• The Tribal budget (POI) for 2007 is

approximately $23 million and yet

we are unable to fully address our

community problems

• There is a clash between the values of

the larger society and cultural values of

the Tribe

• Who lives in our community? There

must be an exertion of tribal customs

and traditions (use of Sheriff)

Following are strategies that can be

implemented IMMEDIATELY:

• Print DWI names, dates, etc. in

the Tribal Newsletter, pictures upon

conviction (Tribal Courts)

• Write, approve and enforce a Gang

Prevention Ordinance (Isleta Police

Department/Tribal Council)

• Publish the monthly pay of jail fees

and names of individuals (Governor’s

Office)

• Direct parents to come before

leadership with their children to

determine what they will do; take

ownership (Governor & Tribal Council)

• Enforce the curfew (Isleta Police

Department/Tribal Courts)

• A strong message is being sent to

individuals living in the housing units;

given thirty (30) days to straighten up or

be evicted (Housing Department)

• Reconvene the core group that

planned and hosted the Partnership

for Community Awareness — Service

Provider Summit/Retreat, to start

addressing the issues brought up today

((Courts and Key Service Providers)

• Pay for information — HOT LINE —

with information to be independently

verified within a three-week period

(Isleta Police Department)

• A Resident Ordinance needs to be

reviewed and amended (Tribal Council)

The Council approved a Modular Building

for a Diabetes Program Wellness Center

and related utilities and equipment to be

located west of the Isleta Health Center,

using Diabetes Grant funding, in an amount

not to exceed $265,000.00.

The Tribal Council approved a Resolution

to support the application submitted by

Isleta Pueblo News

Behavioral Health to the State of New Mexico

for Native American Behavioral Health

Facilities Funding for a new Behavioral

Health Building on December 13, 2007.

Projects Proposed to the Tribe

Joe Frank, Sr., Indian Land Development

Corporation (ILDC) met with the Council

for the presentation of a Proposed Event

Center.

The construction of the Event Center would

include:

• An estimated cost of $45,000,000.00

with 7,000 seats and 30 suites

• Configuration changes of the Center

would host concerts, ice hockey,

rodeos, basketball, boxing and other

related sports events

• Casino floor expansion would occur

(cost not part of the Event Center cost)

with a 100 seating capacity increase in

the Triple Seven

• Approximately twenty-five (25) million

profit with minimal dollar cost to the

Tribe

• The Tribe can "buy-out" the Company

at any time

• Forty to sixty per cent of the people

who attend events at the Show Room

go the Casino, resulting in increased

slot and food revenue from $30,000 to

$50,000

• It will take six to eight months for the

design and actual construction will take

approximately fourteen (14) months

• Hard Rock Café being located on the

property is a possibility

The construction and maintenance funding of

the Event Center will be secured by IDLC, with

no cost to the Tribe. The urgency in approving

the Event Center was related to tying in the

WNBA 2009 Season with confirmed dates

and games. IDLC was requested to provide

more detailed information before a decision

could be made.

Regarding a standing motion for a

Feasibility Study for the Southwest Side

of the Reservation near the Los Lunas/

Isleta Reservation boundary, the Council

approved TMG to do a feasibility study on

the southwest economic development area in

the amount of $48,575, including expenses

in the amount of $7,000, not to exceed

$55,575. The feasibility study will allow the

Tribe to plan the type of future economic

projects that may take place, traffic flows,

and population demographics. The Tribe

has long discussed the need to move Palace

West from its present site to a safer and more

accessible area.

Joe Hale, with CJ Materials came before

the Council on December 11, 2007 with a

proposal to consider the following options

for an Aggregate Mining Facility on Pueblo

of Isleta lands. The following options were

presented to the Council:

Proposal Option I

Request for a ten-year right to remove mineral

aggregates from 1,100 acres of Pueblo lands,

on the west side of I-25 South, with an option

to extend the lease for additional ten-year

increments. CJ Materials will pay monthly

Page 5

to Isleta a per ton royalty for all mineral

aggregates removed from the lease site and

per 1000 gallon royalty on water used for dust

suppression and material manufacturing.

Proposal Option II

The Pueblo would be an equity partner with

CJ Materials and would provide a portion of

the capital investment. The royalty would be

paid to the Tribe on a per ton sold basis, but

at a reduced rate.

Proposal Option III

The Pueblo would have full ownership of

the aggregate operations on tribal lands.

CJ Materials would manage the operations

and sales for the Tribe and be paid a fixed

monthly fee, plus a per ton commission

based on sales and profits. Employment and

training opportunities will be available for

Tribal members.

No action was taken on this proposal but was

decided to place John Sorrell, Hydrologist on

the agenda regarding possible project water

issues.

Another proposal was presented by Strategic

Services, Manufacturing Service and The

Southwest Working Group came in with a

proposal to bring highly skilled clean jobs

to New Mexico specifically in the areas

of Defense, Healthcare and Education

industries. The goal of the group is to win

several contracts at Mesa Del Sol in concert

with the assistance of the Tribe. A partnership

was proposed with the Tribe providing a

matching investment of $25,000 for POI,

with Covington, and AE Com each providing

$25,000 to write grants and secure State and

Federal dollars.

Ulysess Abeita and Theresa Zuni, representing

Veterans Post 209, requested approval from

the Tribe to request a Veterans Capital Outlay

Request from NM Capital Outlay Funding

for planning, design and construction of

a Veterans Center to be located within the

Isleta Indian Reservation in the Los Charcos

area, comprising a total acreage of eight (8)

plus acres, donated to the Veterans by Mr.

Baker, Tribal Member. The estimated cost of

the project calculated at $250 per sq ft. for a

total of $2,275,000. An additional $20,000

is being requested for a van to provide

transportation to Veterans facilities. The total

New Mexico Capital Outlay Funds request

for this project is $3,205,000.

In regards to the Tecumseh Proposed Natural

Gas Pipeline Project, Governor Benavides

presented a letter addressed to Steven

P. Roche, CEO and Robert A. Winfield,

President from Tecumseh Professional

Associates, Inc. confirming the Tribe’s

offer to work with Tecumseh Professional

Associates, Inc. exclusively, for one year

from the date of this letter, in connection

with a proposed natural gas pipeline project

which would run through the Tribe within

the I-25 corridor. In addition, the Tribe will

receive a nonrefundable commitment fee of

$50,000 to offset the expenses the Pueblo

has incurred and will incur in evaluating the

project. The Governor was given signatory

authorization by Council.

Page 6

Isleta Pueblo News

TRIBAL COUNCIL BRIEFING

Concho, LLC along with Applied Research

Associates also presented a proposal to the

Tribe for the Tribe to partner with Concho, LLC

regarding the production and use of aviation

fuel sources from petroleum to alternative

bio jet fuel from renewable resources such as

plant or biomass crops such as, algae, corn,

cottonseed safflower, soybean, switchgrass,

etc. Concho, LLC is a venture project created

to source funding to develop and bring to

market an alternative bio fuel to meet United

States Air Force (USAF) standards for Bio JP-8.

The creation of the JP-8 is in response to the

USAF mandate that 50% of all aviation fuel

must contain alternative sources by 2016. The

Army and Navy are expected to follow suit.

Since this project was proposed, and research

was done on the merits of the project, the

Council made a decision not to pursue this

project at this time.

Number of Council Meetings & Approval of

Minutes

A total of 88 meetings were held by Tribal

Council in 2007. Minutes of all meetings were

presented to Council for approval. Breakdown

of meetings/minutes by month are as follows:

January: 8

May: 10

September: 8

February: 5

June: 6

October:9

March: 9

July: 4

November: 6

April:10

August: 6

December: 7

PUBLIC NOTICE

A Petition to Probate of the Estate of Jose Delano Papuyo

deceased on February 23, 2008 has been filed in the

Isleta Tribal Court. Any person claiming an interest in

the estate is hereby requested to notify the Tribal Court

Clerk. A summons will be sent to each individual to

appear before the court and make known their claim to

the estate.

A Petition to Probate the Estate of Maria Dolores Abeita

deceased in 1983 has been filed in the Isleta Tribal

Court. Any person claiming an interest in the estate

is hereby requested to notify the Tribal Court Clerk.

A summons will be sent to each individual to appear

before the court and make known their claim to the

estate.

Chief Court Clerk Edwina Jiron

Isleta Tribal Court

P.O. Box 729

Isleta, New Mexico 87022

Phone (505) 869-6510 Fax (505) 869-8138

May 2008

May 2008

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 7

NOTICE

FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Southern Pueblos Agency (S.P.A.) is currently under FIRE PREPAREDNESS

LEVEL III. This means the Tribal lands are in High to Very High Fire

Danger.

Due to abnormally high temperatures, low humidity, high winds and the

abundance of dry, fine flashy fuels and the high risk of a large fire, the

Agency has implemented restrictions on the Pueblos:

STAGE-1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS

•

All open campfires are prohibited, including charcoal grills, except

in developed camps and picnic grounds where grills and fire rings are

provided.

•

Smoking, except within an enclosed building or vehicle equipped

with ashtrays; a developed recreation site; or while stopped in an area at least

three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

•

Fireworks are prohibited.

EXEMPTIONS:

1. Pressurized liquid or gas stoves, lanterns and heaters meeting safety

specifications are allowed.

2. Traditional fires, such as outdoor ovens and outdoor cooking fires are

allowed.

Please report any and all unlawful use of fire and/or fire works on tribal

lands to Albuquerque Zone Dispatch and/or Tribal law Enforcement.

Albuquerque Zone Dispatch (505) 346-2660

BIA/Southem Pueblos Agency Police Dept. (505) 346-2448/2449

SPA Fire (505) 563-3655

These recommended restrictions will become effective on Monday, April

28, 2008 at 0800 and will remain in effect until rescinded.

Thank you for your cooperation. If there are any questions, please contact

Jose Tenorio, Fire Prevention Technician at (505) 563-3655.

Burn Authorization

Traditionally fire was used to clear

the land of vegetation and debris

so that it could be prepared for

planting or other uses. The intent

of the burn authorization permit

is not to stop people from burning

or take away from traditional use.

The burn authorization system is

in use to ensure that safeguards

are in place so that burning is

conducted safely without endangering lives and property.

around your fields. Ensure you

have water and tools on hand to

suppress your fire. If you are burning a large area, ensure you have

enough personnel on hand to conduct the burn safely without the

fire getting out of control. Be sure

to check the weather forecast and

contact the Police Department to

see if it is a burn day and notify

them of your authorization number and the location you will be

burning at. Monitor your fire at all

The most common cause of times and never leave it unattendwildfires on the reservation results ed. If possible, contact the Police

from debris burning that includes Department and notify them when

people burning their fields;

burning ditches; burning weeds;

or debris in their yards. These fires

can spread quickly, have high heat

intensity, and are often difficult to

control. They often cause damage

to public and private property:

telephone poles and telephone

boxes are burned causing phone

outages; fence poles; haystacks;

heavy smoke crossing roads or

highways could cause a vehicle

accident; and outbuildings such

as sheds or barns are destroyed.

Agricultural farm land that was

once wide open is continuing to

be occupied. Homes are being

built on fields that were previously farmed or adjacent to land that

is farmed. Fires that could once

burn from field to field are no

longer feasible with the number

of homes that now exist in these

areas.

Precautions need to be taken to

keep fires within their intended

perimeters. Clear the area around

your intended burn area by raking around your piles or disking

you have completed burning.

Currently, the fire danger is at

Very High. There has not been any

significant rainfall for over two

months. The fuel conditions are

very dry allowing fires to spread

rapidly. Winds have been blowing

almost daily. Because of the high

winds, No Burn Days are issued

due to the potential for a fire to

escape and also for public safety.

When feasible, authorizations to

burn are allowed up until noon

when high winds are forecasted.

Following these procedures will

help reduce the number of human

caused wildfires. These fires cost

taxpayers millions of dollars each

year. We encourage homeowners to clear around their yards or

property to protect their homes

from wildfires.

We appreciate everyone's cooperation in utilizing the burn

authorization system. For more

information on safe burning

or any other questions, please

contact BIA Southern Pueblos

Agency Fire Management Staff at

563-3655.

Page 8

WIC Notes - Nutrition Quiz

These days there is so much information about nutrition it can

get confusing. Take this quiz to test your nutrition knowledge.

Isleta Pueblo News

May 2008

MAY is AsthmaAwareness Month,Are you AWARE?

Health Beat

Health Educator: Stephanie Schaefer 869-4479

1. Small amounts of chocolate may actually be healthy.

a. True

b. False

What is Asthma?

•

A long lasting (chronic) disease. It can be controlled with proper care, but

it cannot be cured.

2. Cottage Cheese is not a particularly good source of

calcium.

a. True

b. False

When you have Asthma:

•

Airways narrow and breathing becomes difficult. This causes wheezing,

coughing and/or tightness in the chest

•

Airways become inflamed and swollen

•

Airways react to triggers such as smoke, pollen, dust, and others

3. Butter and margarine have about the same number of

calories.

a. True

b. False

4. Popeye was right: Spinach makes you strong.

a. True

b. False

What are the signs of Asthma?

•

Shortness of breath

•

Wheezing

•

Tightness in the chest

•

Cough

•

Not all people with asthma wheeze. For some, coughing may be the only

symptom

5. Snacking does not always contribute to being

overweight.

a. True

b. False

Your asthma can be controlled.

•

Treatment can reverse asthma symptoms

•

It’s important to treat even mild symptoms

6. Canned or frozen fruit and vegetables contain fewer

nutrients than fresh fruits and vegetables.

a. True

b. False

What to expect from your asthma treatment

•

Minimal or no symptoms from asthma

•

Sleeping throughout the night without asthma symptoms

•

Full participation in physical activities

•

No emergency room visits or stays in hospital

•

Little or no side effects from asthma medication

Nutrition Quiz Answers

1. True. Cocoa, an ingredient in chocolate, may help prevent

plaque from building up in our arteries and may reduce the risk

of heart disease. The important thing to remember is to eat no

more than about 3 oz of dark chocolate a day. Dark chocolate

is much better for you than milk chocolate.

2. True. There are only 65 milligrams of calcium in a 1/2 cup

serving of cottage cheese. An 8 oz serving of milk or yogurt

contains almost 300 milligrams and an ounce of cheddar cheese

about 200 milligrams.

3. True. Butter and margarine do have about the same calories;

however, margarine is made from liquid oil that is turned into a

solid. This process is called hydrogenation and adds unhealthy

trans fats, which increase the risk of heart disease. Butter is a

better choice.

4. False. Leafy green vegetables are rich in important nutrients

that are good for our bodies, such as folate and iron. However,

exercise is what builds muscle strength, not iron or any other

nutrient.

5. True. Snacking does not always contribute to weight gain.

The bottom line is the total number of calories you consume,

not how often you consume them. Snacking can take the edge

off hunger so that you don't overeat at mealtime. Choose

healthy snacks.

6. False. Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are processed

at their peak ripeness; therefore, have about the same nutrients

as fresh. When choosing canned fruits and vegetables, however,

it is important to read the label and choose varieties with no

sugar or salt added.

If you have nutrition questions or requests for information you

would like to see in WIC Notes, please contact us at your WIC

office 924-3180.

Heidi Lanes

Learn what things start your asthma and control them now:

•

Animals (dogs, cats, and other animals)

•

Colds or Flu

•

Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds

•

Dust or mold

•

Strong odors (perfumes, paints, sprays and others)

•

Smoke from cigarettes or from burning other items

•

Weather changes or very cold air

•

Air pollution

•

Crying, laughing, shouting

•

Aspirin or other meds

•

Hormones, Pregnancy or PMS

•

Stress

How to work with your doctor to get the best care:

• Ask Questions

• Give information. For each doctor’s visit bring: symptoms chart, peak

flow charts, medicines, and the written treatment plan

• Talk about your concerns, problems or fears. Be honest. Feel free to

share your feelings.

• Tell your doctor when you have trouble doing what they ask.

• KEEP YOUR APPOINTMENTS!!! If you cannot keep your appointment,

call and change it.

* Keep track of your asthma by

knowing the Symptoms and by

using a peak flow meter.

* Do not forget when medicines

need to be to taken.

May 2008

Isleta Pueblo News

A NEW FACE AT THE CLINIC

Health Educator: Stephanie Schaefer, 869-4479

Sue Sanchez is the new Program

Manager at Isleta Behavioral

Health. Sue is a M.S.W. and a

New Mexico Licensed Independent

Social Worker, L.I.S.W. with 28

years of experience in the field.

For the past 8 years, Sue was

the Clinical Director at Acoma

Pueblo's Behavioral Health. She

lives in Los Chavez so is excited

about the prospect of working

closer to home.

WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counseling Corner

Smart Fats for Growing Brains

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should be consuming Omega 3

Fats in their diet. These fats are essential for brain and vision development

in babies. Omega 3 fats have also been shown to help us cope with stress and

prevent inflammation.

Omega 3's can be found in foods like: Salmon, Sardines, Halibut, Herring,

Walnuts, Tofu, and Flaxseed.

These important fats are found naturally in mother’s milk, but more will be

found in the milk of breastfeeding mothers who eat these foods in their diet.

For more information about nutritious eating during pregnancy and breastfeeding,

call the WIC office. WIC # 924-3180

Page 9

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

IN MARCH

Thank you to everyone who came by to see the

weekly nutrition display in the Isleta Health Center

Lobby & attempt to answer the trivia question. I

received a lot of good feedback that people learned

something from it & would like to see more displays

in the future!

In case you're curious what the answers were to the

trivia questions & who won the prizes, here it is:

Week 1: Q: How many grams of protein are in the

jar of beans that was displayed? A: 252 grams of

protein

Winner with the closest answer (221 grams):

Alicia Manley

Week 2: Q: How long would a 150 pound person

have to walk at a moderate pace (3 mph) to burn the

calories in this meal (McDonald's Quarter Pounder

with Cheese, Large Fries & Large Coke)?

A: 6 hours & 12 minutes

Winner with the closest answer (8 hours):

Kristyn Yepa

Week 3: Q: How many sodas (number of 12 oz.

cans) does the average teenager (both boys & girls)

drink in a year?

A: 975 cans

Winner with the closest answer (950 cans):

Tish Howard

Please feel free to contact me at any time with your

nutrition questions or concerns.

Terri P. Elisberg, RD, LD, CDE

Nutritionist, Diabetes Programs

Pueblo of Isleta

869-4093 or telisberg@islclinic.net

Taking Control of Your Diabetes

Diabetes

Conference & Health Fair

For All People with Diabetes and

Your Family Members

TCOYD

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR DIABETES

Saturday, May 31, 2008 9:00am — 4:30pm

Albuquerque Convention Center

$20 Onsite Registration Fee

(800) 998-2693

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 10

May 2008

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

Greetings from the Library! We’ll start this off

with some good news.

On Friday, April 18, 2008, two of our

staff members and library board member

chaperoned the After School Homework

Program incentive field trip to the Isleta Fun

Connection. The students that earned their 30

points were treated to an evening of bowling,

arcade games and pizza. Great job students!

High-five for working hard on your homework

and reading!

Just recently the Library participated in the Child

Abuse Prevention Fair held at the Recreation

Center, Friday, April 25, 2008. Although we

didn’t get to partake in the parade itself, we

managed our own booth. We were thrilled to

see so many familiar and new faces stop by

our booth and pick up some information. We

hope that everyone got a chance to read the

activity book with their children and read up

on our flyer regarding our Summer Reading

Program.

Earth Day has come and gone and to those who

planted some seeds with us, we hope you’re

taking good care of your flowers. We’d also

like to say thank you for taking the time to

plant with us. We hope your flower continues

to grow and that it encourages you to go out

and explore more about garden life. You’re

helping out Mother Earth by planting your

seeds. Way to go!

On March 11, we began our Story Time and

currently we have a small group of young

readers. Although much of the participants

are children, we encourage everyone to come

in; all ages are welcome to come in, relax and

share a story. This is a great chance to spend

some quality time with your child. If they see

you’re interested in a book, they will take to

that enthusiasm. Please join us; Tuesday and

Thursday evenings from 5:30PM to 6:30PM.

Story time is not limited to the staff reading to

the group; in fact, we love it when one of our

group members chooses to sit in the “reading

chair” and share their favorite book with us.

Mothers, your day is right around the corner.

We will be doing arts & crafts for Mother’s

Day from May 5-8, 2008. And that’s not all.

We will be having another photography session

on Wednesday, May 7, 2008, from 11 a.m. to

8 p.m. Once again we will construct our own

backdrop and will be capturing the pictures

with a digital camera. The prints will be ready

the next day after 1 p.m. Those who have not

had their picture taken will be asked to sign a

permission slip as well. The photos make great

Mother’s Day gifts. We invite everyone to stop

in and give us your best pose for the camera.

The Library and J.O.M. are once again

working together on another incentive field

trip. Students who earn 30 points by May

23, 2008 are welcomed to see the new movie

“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal

Skull”. As with the other incentive field trips,

the students can earn their points by completing

their homework and reading for 15 minutes.

If the student does not have homework they

are encouraged to read for 15 minutes to earn

their point; however, homework must be

completed before any additional reading can

be done. This time around the staff has added

a couple different rules: The number of points

earned may vary on the amount of homework

required of the student; Students may also score

additional points for different projects. Extra

points for projects are awarded at the staff’s

discretion. Students began earning points on

Monday, April 21, 2008. They have until the

day of the trip to earn the points. For more

information, please contact a staff member at

the Library or Jennifer Zuni, with J.O.M.

On Monday, May 5, 2008, we will begin

accepting registration for our Summer Reading

Program, which we will kick off June 2 and

run through July 25. The program will include

daily activities; such as, arts & crafts, outdoor

recreation, reading, keeping journals and

weekly field trips. All the projects and activities

we will be conducting will not only be fun, but

educational in the process. The program will

be split into two age groups: Toddlers, ages

3-6 years and Youth, ages 7-16 years. The

toddler group will run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

and the youth will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Space is limited. We will admit the first 20

toddlers and 30 youth. Registration will only be

accepted by coming into the library and filling

out a registration form. Our Summer Reading

Program is looking for a few volunteers.

The volunteers must be at least 16 years of

age. The duties of the volunteers will include

assisting the staff with activities, projects and

so forth. The volunteer will be under the direct

supervision of the Library director. For more

information on the program and the volunteer

positions, please call or stop by the library.

The Library is always busy with different

activities; whether it be arts & crafts, reading,

story time, movies, game days and so on. We’d

like everyone to stop on in and see what the

library staff is up to. If there is a book you’re

looking for, let us know. If we do not have it on

our shelves, we’d be happy to order it for you.

We love to add to our collection. Currently we

have a small selection of DVDs and CDs in our

collection, which are available for check-out.

All that you need is a library card. If you do

not have a card, please come in and fill out a

registration form. It takes only a couple of

minutes. As a reminder, children under 14

years of age must have a parent or guardian

fill out the registration form for them before

they are able to receive a card. DVDs with an

R-rating must be checked out by a parent or

guardian; the same rule applies for CDs with

the Explicit Lyrics label.

The Isleta Pueblo Newsletter is still available

via e-mail, in PDF format. All you need is a

valid e-mail address and Adobe Reader, which

you can download for free at www.adobe.com.

Just send us a message (through myspace.

com) or an e-mail, letting us know that you

would like the monthly newsletter e-mailed to

you. E-mail requests should be sent to poi_

library@hotmail.com. Please include your

first and last name and the e-mail address you

would like the newsletter sent to. We will add

you to our distribution list and send out the

newsletter as soon as it’s available to us. Please

remember that the distribution address will be

different from the library’s primary e-mail;

therefore, any comments, request, messages,

etc, received in that inbox will be deleted

immediately. Should you need to contact any

of the staff at the library, feel free to reach us

at poi_library@hotmail.com or at the library’s

phone number.

The latest news concerning the Library,

its policies, hours of operation and contact

information can be found on the Library’s

Myspace profile page at www.myspace.com/

isleta_pueblo_library.

Isleta Pueblo Public Library

Contact Information:

Phone Number: (505) 869 - 8119 Fax Number:

(505) 869 - 7690

E-mail Address: poi_library@hotmail.com

Web Address: www.myspace.com/isleta_

pueblo_library

Operation Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday: Closed

The students are all smiles after enjoying bowling and pizza.

May 2008

Adam Wasita showing Nate Lujan how to get a strike.

Isleta Pueblo News

Sister Shania and Kaylene enjoy waiting their turn.

Page 11

Page 12

Isleta Pueblo News

Recreation

The Parks & Recreation program continues

to see record number of participants utilizing

the facilities at Old Rec., New Rec. and all

of our Parks within the Pueblo proper. This

is exactly what the facilities were meant to

be for, our Pueblo residents taking advantage

of what we have available. Since the weather

has turned somewhat decent (minus the wind)

our parks are getting reserved at record pace,

which is great. Just a reminder, when you

reserve the parks, please remember we are

an alcohol free zone and please clean up after

yourself. That means hauling your trash out of

the park to keep dogs from making a mess out

of it. Trash hauled from the park after usage

can be disposed of at the New Rec. Center

trash bins. If we continue to help each other

like this, this will avoid us having to charge

a cleaning deposit. Thank you in advance for

your cooperation.

Park Management

With the start of the spring brings us to the

grand opening of another recently completed

park in the Pickle Heights Neighborhood. The

grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, May

17, 2008 (Armed Forces Day) beginning at 10

am. There will be a number of special guests

invited as well as our Governors and Council

members. Everyone is welcomed to participate.

After all the ceremonies are completed, a

barbecue will follow it up for all who attend.

Summer Program

With summer approaching, the

staff have been busy preparing this year's

summer program. The program will begin on

Tuesday, May 27, 2008, from 9 am until 3

pm. Note: this is the day after the Memorial

Day weekend. The program at the New Rec.

will be for 6 year olds and up. All children are

broken down into age groups. The age groups

will be 6 & 7 year olds, 8 & 9 year olds, 10

& 11 year olds and 12 and up. The 4 and 5

year-old program will be held at the Old Rec.

Center and coordinated by Andrena Martin.

That program will begin on Monday June 9,

2008. That program is on a first come first

serve basis for the first 25 who register. For

more information please contact Andrena at

869-5741. Once again we will be participating

with the Free Breakfast and Lunch program

that will begin June 9, 2008. We are working

on trying to feed all our children with lunch

prior to that date. We will keep everyone

informed. Any parent interested in having

their children or grandchildren participate we

ask that you fill out a new registration form.

Registration will begin on Thursday, May

1, 2008 and will continue until the start of

the summer program. Once again our major

field trips will be held every Friday for all

who participate. For all children to qualify for

the major field trips, we ask that the children

participate at least 3-times per week unless

they are going to summer school and all must

have a permission slip signed by a parent or

guardian. We will once again be picking up

children beginning as early as 7 am and will

begin busing the children home at 3 pm. For

particular pick up times and places please call

Lil Bernadette at 869-8557.

Arts/Crafts

With April being Native American

month many of the activities took

place in honor of American Heritage.

Art Activities that took place were the

making of Toma-Hawks, Necklaces

with Beads, traditional Indian pouch

bags for girls, coloring of Indian

Pottery, covered Indian Wagons,

and Mesh Embroidery just to name

a few. Also, our Instructors, the

Nanas Abenita, Marie, and Gloria

posted pictures of Isleta Pueblo of

life from the past, with stories of

how many of our ancestors lived to

the children, which generated lots

of interest and many round table

discussions. Additionally, the

children participated in the

Child Abuse Awareness Parade

held on Friday April 25, 2008

and also hosted an Open House

at the New Rec. Center of many

of Arts/Crafts which they had

completed. Great Job. Pictured

below are several of our children

with the Nanas along with many

of the crafts, which are posted

on the wall behind them. Below

them, are many of the pictures,

which were part of the story

telling that the children were

engaged with.

Massage Therapy

As most of you have probably heard,

Yolanda K. Chavez our Licensed Massage

Therapist has left the program to finish

her education, a goal she set for herself

several years ago. Yolanda was with us

for the last eight years and will be sorely

missed. She definitely set a high standard

that will be tough to replicate but we

will try. At the present time her position

has been posted for any Pueblo resident

with the proper credentials to apply for.

We will be trying to get this position

fill as soon as possible. In addition to

Yolanda pursuing her Bachelor’s degree,

she also has her own private practice,

which she runs out of her home here on

the reservation. Best of Luck, we will

miss you. Pictured below are Yolanda

Chavez, Feather Anderson and Lee Ann

Zuni at a going-away Luncheon, which

was held in her honor, hosted by all the

staff members of the Parks & Recreation

Department.

May 2008

May 2008

Isleta Pueblo News

Little League

The Little League Opening Day Ceremonies, which were held on Saturday, April 5, 2008, were a great success.

Thanks to Vernon Abeita, President of the League, and his Assistant Dominique Zuni and all of their Board members

this year's season is off to its best start ever. The day’s activities included some inspiring words from our Governor

Robert Benavides and Lt Governor Max Zuni who led us in our prayer (traditional) and the parade of all the teams and

players who are participating in this year's league. Vernon reports the biggest numbers in registration ever. A special

thanks goes out to our Council for the special appropriation to the Little League program. This assisted in keeping the

registration fees etc. down to a minimum and allowing the program to pick up some much needed equipment and allow

the purchase of the Concession Stand building. Thanks Tribal Council. Pictured below are the teams and players who

participated in the parade of teams for the grand opening of this year's season.

New Mexico Senior Olympics

On Thursday, March 27, 2008 and Friday March 28, 2008 the New Rec. Center was the host site for the New Mexico Senior

Olympics All Indian Game Day. A number of activities took place for all to compete in and also enjoy. Tribes from throughout

the area were on hand enjoying our beautiful facilities and program for the two days of activities. Activities included Basketball

free throw, Frisbee Accuracy, Bowling, Fun Relays etc. just to name a few. Not only did the people who participated enjoy our

facilities but also many comments were made about, "How come we don't have facilities like this back in their Reservations."

Because many enjoyed the program and facilities many will begin to immediately prepare for next year's games, which they

would like us to once again host here at the Pueblo of Isleta. A special thanks goes out to LeeAnne Zuni who put countless hours

coordinating to insure that we the Pueblo of Isleta put our best foot forward to showcase our Pueblo. Pictured below are many

of the participants seated prior to the parade of teams.

Page 13

Page 14

Isleta Pueblo News

May 2008

Brother and Sister Serve In the Army

It is very unusual for two members of the same family to serve in the

same branch of the military simultaneously.....but for the Lente/Jojola

family the brother and sister team are two very unique and dedicated

individuals. They did not hesitate when the warrior spirit called upon

them to serve during war time recognizing duty/honor as important

values. The proud parents of these two Isleta/Jemez Pueblo members

are Alfred Jojola and Debbie Lente-Jojola and Grandparents, Raymond

& Reyes Jojola and Prudence Lente.

PFC Jesse Jojola and his sister PFC Basa Jojola both serve in the US

Army and have been in active duty for approximately 1 and 1/2 years.

Both received their basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina

in October 2006 and competed AIT training at Fort Jackson, South

Carolina and Fort Gordon, Georgia, respectively.

PFC Jesse Jojola has been recognized for his exemplary leadership and

sharp shooting abilities as a nominated Soldier of the Cycle and earned

an Expert Marksmanship medal during his basic training. His specialized

AIT training is in the field of Light Weight Engine Mechanics.

PFC Jesse Jojola was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, home of

the 101st Airborne, and was recently deployed to Afghanistan in March

2008. His expert marksmanship abilities were once again recognized

and identified him as only one of two in his company to carry a second

weapon, the M-14. During the issuance of both his standard and

specialized weapons, his Captain spoke "highly of his marksmanship

abilities and the ease of his skill in handling the rifle". The captain also

expressed to his family how proud they should be of PFC Jesse Jojola's

talent!

PFC Basa Jojola is currently stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, home

of the 82nd Airborne and her MOS is Computer/Telecommunications

Operations. She has been at Fort Bragg since October 2007. This line

of work includes all ground communications both computer, telephone,

etc. Her company is scheduled for deployment in 2009. While she

misses family and "chili" she loves the east coast traveling and meeting

new people.

Military life is not unusual to both PFC Jesse Jojola and PFC Basa Jojola

as both sides of the family have served proudly in the military. The late

Joseph R. Lente, Sr., grandfather, and late Uncle Dale V. Lente served

in the Marines. In fact all the Lente Uncles, late Jose Alcario Lente

and Robert Lente were also in the Marines. Their paternal grandfather,

Jose Raymond Jojola was in the Army and recently received his Purple

Heart.

The Lente and Jojola families are extremely proud of PFC Jesse Jojola

and PFC Basa Jojola for their service during war time and ask for

continued prayers for all military families and young adults from Isleta

Pueblo who proudly serves their country. HOOAH!!!

The family of PFC Jesse Jojola is asking for any donations to send to

him and his unit of approximately 90 soldiers. Any items such as gum,

hard candy, magazines, sunflower seeds, beef jerky, AA batteries,

sun block, Chap Stick, hand sanitizer (individualized), tooth paste,

deodorant, etc. WE all need to support our tribal members and the

troops serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Jacquelyne R. Abeita Inducted into the National Honor Society

Jacquelyne R. Abeita, who is a sophomore

at Valencia High School was recently

inducted into the National Honor Society.

She was the only Native American who

received such honors from her school.

Jackie and the other inductees were the

first students to get into the National Honor

Society of her school. She is the daughter

of Agnes Olguin and Cruz Abeita. She

had mentioned in her little speech that

her sister Sabrina is the inspiration to her;

and by helping her on how not to judge

people on how they act or dress and just

to be who you are. She also thanks her

uncles for being there and letting her ride

the four-wheeler. She wants to finish high

school and go on to college to become a veterinarian or a chef/baker and wants to

open her own bakery someday. I am very proud of her high accomplishments and

wish her all the success and happiness that life has to offer. "Love Mom, Sabrina,

Renee and Layne"

AVON

Over 120 Beauty Products on Sale.

Call me for free samples

and Brochures.

Lillian Jaramillo,

Independent Sales Representative

(505) 450-5515

Or logon to

www.youravon.com/ljaramillo

to place an order.

May 2008

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 15

ReZ LiFe Got Community?

P.O. Box 301

Isleta, NM 87022

Project Venture is about fun, about

action, about activities. BUT more than

anything else, Project Venture is about

making a difference...in yourself and in

your community.

A prevention program funded by a

Substance Abuse and Treatment Grant

(SAPT) through the state of New Mexico,

Project Venture is experiential learning

that engages participants to share who

they are, what they want to nurture,

and what they want to change. Through

Project Venture, participants EXPERIENCE

the activity, SHARE the results, PROCESS

the experience, GENERALIZE to the "real"

world and APPLY to similar or different

situations.

For the next few issues, the participants of

Project Venture would like to share what

they see in their community and what they

like about Project Venture. The kids have

written articles, poems and have drawn

pictures. We hope you EXPERIENCE,

SHARE, GENERALIZE and APPLY!!!

Liz Lopez,

Project Venture Director

Understanding the need to continue

our language, culture and tradition we

are looking for dedicated community

members to volunteer their services to

our participants.

As time passes, our children become less

aware of their identity as Native peoples

and fall victim to the dangerous world of

media influence, drug and alcohol abuse,

gangs and other social problems. It is

our duty, as a community, to direct our

children appropriately, honestly and with

unity toward a life that is full of respect,

honor and belief in our Native ways.

If you have a talent that has been handed

down, have knowledge of a dying art, can

tell stories or legends, know the mountain

terrain and are willing to share please

contact Liz Lopez or Jennifer Padilla at

(505) 604-1174. By passing down your

knowledge to our children you will be

remembered for your willingness to invest

in their lives by carrying on our native

heritage.

Jennifer Padilla,

Outdoor Experiential Educator

Project Venture Press

By Project Venture Participants

RECRUITING

We are looking for youth mentors between

the ages of 14-18 to help us with our hiking trips and after school and weekend

activities. If you like the outdoors and

enjoy a workout please call us for more

information.

SUMMER CAMPING TRIP

JUNE 3-5, 2008

Children over the age of 11 are invited to

register. Contact us if you are interested!

Isleta Pueblo

By Mariah Montoya

There are many good things about Isleta.

We have feasts and dances. When we have

feasts we have stands and rides. We dance

with proudness. In Isleta we have lots of

fun and are nice to each other. I like Isleta

because all my friends are here. If I were

you I'd live in Isleta!!

Isleta

By Briana Roybal

I sat today at our new school thinking about

the beautiful town I live in. I thought about

all the fields that the harvesters harvest. I

also thought about the many traditions and

celebrations we have in our little reservation.

Our village represents a lot of things. I

thought about the bad and good things.

I now know why I live in this beautiful,

spiritual town of powerful spirits. I can see

many friends talking in our language. I see

our language as a secret code. I now know

why I live in the beautiful, spiritual town of

powerful spirits ...Isleta.

Office Phone: (505) 865-3254

Work Cell: (505) 604-1174

Fax: (505) 865-3085

Student Quotes

My community is special because the

people I live with influence me and take

care of me. - Eugene A.

Kids should do something that fits them it

doesn't matter what sport you play, what

matters is how you feel about the game.

Play the game that fits you and just be

yourself. No matter what, ALWAYS be

active.

- Rhiannon J.

If you play games too long it will mess up

your brain. It is healthy to play and interact

with others outside on the playground.

-Samuel A.

Drinking Beer by Bow

Do not drink beer in front of your kids. Because when they grow up they might drink

beer. A young boy was at home and his

mom and dad came home drunk because

they were drinking beer and whiskey. They

started yelling at each other. The young

boy called the cops. I am so proud of him.

If that was me I would do the same thing.

PITBULL ATTACK

Isleta

By Patrick Benavidez

I is for Indian.

S is for a safe place.

L is for loving people.

E is for beautiful evenings.

T is for taking care of each other.

A is for always caring.

Isleta

By Rebekah Lovato

The best place to live

Isleta is my own home

I get to live here.

Isleta

By Taylor Jojola

Isleta Pueblo

So Peaceful and beautiful

So native and strong.

Dogs are attacking little kids. I remember

when I was 6. I was walking to my cousin’s

house and a pitbull attacked me. It came

running to me and I ran away from it. The

dog bit me on the ankle. After the attack I ran

inside and my dad called the ambulance.

Always chain your dogs every time you go

out.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 16

May 2008

June 2008

Sunday

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8

National

Cancer

Survivors Day

Monday

Tueday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

10

11

12

13

14

20

21

Sun Safety Week

National Men’s Health Week

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ISLETA PUEBLO NEWSLETTER

P.O. Box 1270

Isleta, New Mexico 87022

National

Home Safety

Month

National

Scoliosis

Awareness

Month

National

ASK DAY

Is there a gun

wher your child

plays ?

27

28

National

Headache

Awareness

Month

PRSRT STD

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

ISLETA, NM 87022

PERMIT NO. 2