Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.co (2024)

Volume 19 Issue 11

Isleta Pueblo News

Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.co

November 2024

Governor’s Report

Maguwam,

We hope this newsletter finds our

community in good health and spirits.

Fall is here and it’s nice to see the

color changes. It is getting colder in the

evenings, so remember to bundle up.

Governor Zuni would like to extend

his thanks and appreciation to the

community, for all the love and support

you have given him during this time. He

was recently diagnosed with cancer and

is undergoing treatment and is being

cared for by his family.

October was a busy month filled with

multiple community events that we

hope you attended and enjoyed. We are

happy to see the return of the Annual

Memorial Walk. We hope that this event

provided comfort and warm memories

for the community as we move into the

holiday season.

Abeita attended the G2G for NM Public

Education Department, where Governor

Michelle Lujan Grisham notified NM

tribes that she plans to propose two

new bills to the 2025 NM Legislature.

Her plans include an increase in the

Native American student funding,

and legislation on the tribal regalia

for native students. Lt. Abeita also

provided testimony to the U.S. Senate

Committee on Indian Affairs regarding

continued appropriations to the Indian

Water Rights Settlement Fund and for

the Canons of Construction on Indian

Law to become federal statute.

The Tribal Administration would like

to thank Rita Jojola for her years of

dedication to the Tribe as the Director of

the Elder Center and her temporary role

as the Assisted Living Administrator.

Rita’s commitment to the community

and her dedication to our elders and

Every year our departments do a our facilities has prospered under her

wonderful job celebrating Halloween leadership. We want to wish her a

with creative costumes, goodies, and

themed games for the community to

enthrall themselves in. We want to

say thank you to the community and

departments for attending and making

this event one that we are always

excited to attend.

This month was also filled with plenty

of Government-to-Government (G2G)

meetings for Tribal Administration. Lt.

Happy Retirement!

We would like to welcome two new

departmental directors, Sonya Sami,

Assisted Living Facility Administrator,

and Kevin Facer, Elder Center Director.

Also, BIE has informed the tribe that a

new IES Principal has been hired, Dr.

Tamara Allison.

Turkey Distributions will be held on

November 20th & 21st, at the Isleta

Recreation Center, from 8am to 8pm

on these two days. Please see flyer for

more information, if you have further

questions, please contact the Governor’s

office at 505-869-3111 and you can speak

with Jessica Jiron or Amber Richesin.

Last, we want to send my condolences

to the families of those who have lost

their family members during the month

of October.

Ha-Wuh,

Tribal Administration

Page 2

Isleta Pueblo News

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

DEADLINE for December Newsletter articles is

set for Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 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)

November 2024

Isleta Pueblo News

November 2024

2024 GENERAL ELECTION

NOV 02, 2024, SATURDAY

Page 3

BERNALILLO COUNTY – Bureau of Election

EARLY VOTING

ENDS 7:00PM

NOV 05, 2024, TUESDAY

GENERAL ELECTION DAY

7:00AM TO 7:00PM

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EARLY VOTING POLL SITES:

(21)

Beginning Saturday, October 19, 2024

Early Voting Convenience Centers (EVCCs)

1. 98th & CENTRAL SHOPPING CENTER, 120 98th St NW, Suite

B101, B102

2. ANDALUCIA SHOPPING CENTER, 5600 Coors Blvd NW, Suite C-5

3. BERNALILLO COUNTY, Visitor & Cultural Center, 6080 Isleta Blvd

SW,

4. CARACOL PLAZA, 12500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 101

5. CENTRAL MERCADO, 301 San Pedro Dr, SE, Suite B, C, D, E

6. COTTONWOOD WEST, 10131 Coors Blvd NW, Suite C-02

7. DASKALOS SHOPPING CENTER, 5339 Menaul Blvd NE

8. FOUR HILLS SHOPPING CENTER, 13140 Central Ave SE, Suite

420

9. HOLLY PLAZA, 6500 Holly Ave NE, Suite B-6

10. LOS ALTOS PLAZA, 4200 Wyoming Blvd NE, Suite B-3

11. LOS RANCHOS VILLA, 6601 4th Street NW, Suite U

12. PETROGLYPH PLAZA, 8201 Golf Course Rd NW Suite D-1

13. SOUTH VALLEY MULTI PURPOSE SENIOR CNTR, 2008

Larrazolo Rd, SW

14. THE SHOPPES AT 6001 SAN MATEO, 6001 San Mateo Blvd,

Suite B-3

15. TIJERAS CITY HALL, 12 Camino Municipal, Tijeras

16. UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO, Student Union Building, Louie’s

Lounge

17. WEST BLUFF SHOPPING CENTER, 5211 Ouray Rd NW, Suite B

“above” OPERATION DATES & HOURS: Monday Oct 28 –

Saturday Nov 02 – 10:00am to 7:00pm

18. CLERK’S ANNEX, 1500 Lomas Blvd NW, Suite A –

Beginning Tuesday October 08, 2024

OPERATION DATES & HOURS: Monday Oct 28 – Saturday

Nov 02 – 10:00am to 7:00pm

TRIBAL RESERVATION EARLY VOTING SITES

20. ISLETA ELDER CENTER, 1005 Tribal Road 140, Isleta

OPERATION DATES & HOURS:

MONDAY Thru SATURDAY (10am-7pm)

Monday Oct 28 – Saturday Nov 02 - 10:00am- 7:00pm

21. DESIDERIO COMMUNITY CENTER, 117 Tribal Rd 7036, ToHajiilee, NM

OPERATION DATES & HOURS:

MONDAY Thru FRIDAY (10am – 6pm)

Monday Nov 28 – Friday Nov 01 - 10:00am- 6:00pm

ELECTION DAY POLL SITES: November 05, 2024

OPEN - 7:00am to 7:00pm

Voting Convenience Centers (VCCs)

98th & Central Shopping Center – 120 98th St NW, Suite B101 & B102,

87121

Andalucia Shopping Center – 5600 Coors Blvd NW, Suite C-5, 87120

Bernalillo County Visitor Center – 6080 Isleta Blvd SW, 87105

Caracol Plaza – 12500 Montgomery Blvd NE, Suite 101, 87111

Central Mercado – 301 San Pedro Dr. SE, Suites B, C, D & E, 87108

Clerk’s Annex – 1500 Lomas Blvd NW, Suite A, 87104

Cottonwood West – 10131 Coors Blvd NW, Suite C-02, 87114

Daskalos Center – 5339 Menaul Blvd NE, 87110

Desiderio Community Center – 117 Tribal Rd 7036, ToHajiilee NM 87026

Four Hills Shopping Center – 13140 Central Ave SE, Suite 1420, 87123

Holly Plaza Shopping Center – 6600 Holly Ave NE, Suite B-6, 87113

Isleta Elderly Center– 1005 Tribal Rd 140, Isleta NM 87022

Los Altos Plaza – 4200 Wyoming NE, Suite B-3, 87111

Los Ranchos Villa – 6601 4th St NW, Suite U, 87107

Petroglyph Plaza – 8201 Golf Course Rd. NW, Suite D-1, 87120

South Valley Multipurpose Senior Center – 2008 Larrazolo Rd SW, 87105

The Shoppes at 6001 San Mateo – 6001 San Mateo NE, Suite B-3, 87109

Tijeras City Hall – 12 Camino Municipal, Tijeras NM 87059

University of New Mexico– Student Union Building, Louie’s Lounge, 87131

West Bluff – 5211 Ouray Rd NW, Suite B, 87120

A. Montoya Elementary School– 24 Public School Rd, Tijeras NM 87059

Adobe Acres Elementary School – 1724 Camino Del Valle SW, 87105

Albuquerque High School – 800 Odelia Rd NE, 87102

Arroyo Del Oso Elementary School – 6504 Harper Dr NE, 87109

Bandelier Elementary School – 3309 Pershing Ave SE, 87106

Bellehaven Elementary School – 8701 Princess Jeanne Ave NE, 87112

Chaparral Elementary School – 6325 Milne Rd NW, 87120

Cibola High School – 1510 Ellison Dr NW, 87114

CNM Workforce Training Center – 5600 Eagle Rock Ave NE, 87113

Del Norte High School – 5323 Montgomery Blvd NE, 87110

Double Eagle Elementary School – 8901 Lowell Dr NE, 87122

Duranes Elementary School – 2436 Zickert Rd NW, 87104

Eisenhower Middle School – 11001 Camero Ave NE, 87111

Eldorado High School – 11300 Montgomery Blvd NE, 87111

Forest Meadow Baptist Church – 54 Hwy 217, Tijeras NM 87059

Garfield Middle School – 3501 6th St NW, 87107

Henry “KIKI” Saavedra Community Center - 201 Prosperity Ave SE

Hayes Middle School – 1100 Texas St NE, 87110

Herman Sanchez Community Center – 1830 William St SE, 87102

Highland High School – 4700 Coal Ave SE, 87108

Holiday Park Community Center – 11710 Comanche Rd NE, 87111

Hubert H Humphrey Elementary School – 9801 Academy Hills Dr NE, 87111

Jackson Middle School – 10600 Indian School Rd NE, 87112

Jefferson Middle School – 712 Girard Blvd NE, 87106

Kennedy Middle School – 721 Tomasita St NE, 87123

La Cueva High School – 7801 Wilshire Ave NE, 87122

La Mesa Elementary School – 7500 Copper Ave NE, 87108

Lyndon B Johnson Middle School – 6811 Taylor Ranch Rd NW, 87120

Madison Middle School – 3501 Moon St NE, 87111

Manzano High School – 12200 Lomas Blvd NE, 87112

Manzano Mesa Elementary School – 801 Elizabeth St SE, 87123

McKinley Middle School – 4500 Comanche Rd NE, 87110

Montezuma Elementary School – 3100 Indian School Rd NE, 87106

North Star Elementary School – 9301 Ventura St NE, 87122

Onate Elementary School – 12415 Brentwood Hills Blvd NE, 87112

Pajarito Elementary School – 2701 Don Felipe Rd SW, 87105

Polk Middle School – 2220 Raymac Rd SW, 87105

Raymond G Sanchez Community Center – 9800 4th St NW, 87114

Rio Grande High School – 2300 Arenal Rd SW, 87105

Rudolfo Anaya Elementary School – 2800 Vermejo Park Dr SW, 87121

Sandia High School – 7801 Candelaria Rd NE, 87110

Taylor Middle School – 8200 Guadalupe Trl NW, 87114

Truman Middle School – 9400 Benavides Rd SW, 87121

Valle Vista Elementary School – 1700 Mae Ave SW, 87105

Valley High School – 1505 Candelaria Rd NW, 87107

Van Buren Middle School – 700 Louisiana Blvd SE, 87108

Ventana Ranch Elementary School – 6801 Ventana Village Rd NW, 87114

Vista Grande Community Center – 15 La Madera Rd, Sandia Park NM 87047

Volcano Vista High School – 8100 Rainbow Blvd NW, 87114

Washington Middle School – 1101 Park Ave SW, 87102

West Mesa High School – 6701 Fortuna Rd NW, 87121

Zuni Elementary School – 6300 Claremont Ave NE, 87110

Bernalillo County Voters may vote in-person or hand-deliver a

completed absentee ballot to any of these locations.

WHO CAN VOTE? Eligible Voters registered is QUESTIONS

– Bernalillo County Clerk’s Office – 505-243-VOTE (8683)

or clerk@bernco.gov. Visit BerncoVotes.org and follow us on

Facebook and Twitter.

For more information from the

Bernalillo County Clerk visit:

https://www.berncoclerk.gov

or scan this code

with your smartphone

Page 4

Isleta Pueblo News

November 2024

November 2024

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 5

Department of Natural

Resources

The Department of Natural Resources has been working closely

with Governors regarding the issues and concerns we face in the

Bosque. It is our goal to regain access to reconnect the community

to the Rio Grande and Bosque. We are removing invasive species

(Russian Olive, Siberian Elm, Tree of Heaven, and Salt Cedar)

from the forest to reduce fuel loading by processing cottonwood

logs for firewood and oven wood for the community’s use. In this

initiative we are getting multiple benefits by reducing the risks

to catastrophic wild fire, improving habitat, improving forest

health, and access for tribal member use. The project recently

completed is a 30-acre section which was hand treated near the

240 wasteway north. We are planning to expand from Los Charco’s

area to Hwy 1-47 to capture a larger scale of land reclamation of

the Bosque. In a second phase we are working with the Cultural

Affairs Department with plans to re-establish fruit trees and

native plants for community to harvest and to provide ground

cover where invasive species were removed in the Bosque.

The Bureau of Reclamation is funding the Pueblos Bosque

Restoration Crew for treatment of invasive species, jetty jack

removal and maintenance. We are currently working with Army

Corp of Engineers on a feasibility study to develop a treatment

plan driven by the Pueblo with all concerns and needs.

Isleta Pueblo Cultural Center

CALL FOR NEW Isleta Pueblo ARTIST WORK FOR

CULTURAL CENTER DISPLAY CASES

Please bring works to fit space size

7ft. width and 4ft. height

ALL MEDIUM OF ARTWORK WELCOME!

Please make an appointment with

Isleta Pueblo Cultural Center@ 505-869-9768

CALL FOR MILITARY PHOTOS!! WE ARE WORKING ON

ISLETA’S MILITARY WALL. PLEASE SUBMIT PHOTOS

FOR DISPLAY TO THE CULTURAL CENTER.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 6

Job Postings

Visit us online at http://

www.isleta.com/career-opportunities.aspx

Fax: 505-244-8232

November 2024

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.

Little Island Lecture Series

November 26, 2024

5:00pm to 6:30pm

Come and join us for an Evening

of Storytelling and Laughter!

Isleta Pueblo Cultural Center

71 Tribal Road 40 – Isleta Pueblo

Everyone Welcome!

November 2024

Isleta Pueblo News

Pueblo of Isleta Career Opportunities

Position Posting

Office Location

Closing Date

ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER

Police Department

Open Until Filled

ARCHIVIST

Cultural & Historic

Preservation Open Until Filled

ASSISTANT AQUATIC

COORDINATOR

Parks & Recreation

Open Untill Filled

CAREGIVER

Assisted Living Facility

Open Until Filled

COMMUNITY HEALTH

REPRESENTATIVE

Health Services

Open Until Filled

DIRECTOR, CLINICAL

SERVICES/ NURSE

PRACTITIONER

Health Services

Open Until Filled

DIRECTOR, FINANCIAL

PLANNING &ANALYSIS

Treasury

Open Until Filled

EMT BASIC (3 Positions)

Health Services

Open Until Filled

EMT - INTERMEDIATE (2

Health Services

Open Until Filled

FIREFIGHTER

Fire Department

Open Until Filled

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE

WORKER

Public Works

Open Until Filled

HOME CARE ATTENDANT

Elder Center

Open Until Filled

IRRIGATION TECH

Agricultural Division

Open Until Filled

IRRIGATION & LANSOCAPE

TECHNICIAN

Parks & Recreation

Open Until Filled

LABORER

Public Works

Open Until Filled

LIBRARY AIDE I

Library

Open Until Filled

LIFEGUARD

Parks & Recreation

Open Until Filled

LIFEGUARD ASSISTANT

Parks & Recreation

Open Until Filled

MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST

Dep. of Education

Open Until Filled

NURSE PRACTITIONER

Health Services

Open Until Filled

PATIENT REFERRAL

COORDINATOR

Health Services

Open Until Filled

PERSONAL CARE

SERVICE AIDE

Elder Center

Open Until Filled

PHYSICAL THERAPIST

Health Services

Open Until Filled

Positions)

POLICE CADET

Police Department Open Space

Open Until Filled

POLICE OFFICER I

Police Department

Open Until Filled

POLICE OFFICER II

Police Department

Open Until Filled

RANGELAND DATA

MONITOR

Natural Resources

Open Until Filled

RECEPTIONIST

Parks & Recreation

Open Until Filled

TRANSPORTATION

ENGINEER

Transportation Services Open Until Filled

TRUANCY COORDINATOR

Truancy

Open Until Filled

UTILlTY WORKER

Public Works

Open Until Filled

VETERAN SUPPORT

SERVICE MEMBER

Elder Center

WITHIN ONLY

Open Until Filled·

WATER/WWTP OPERATOR

I•IV

Public Works

Open Until Filled

Page 7

Page 8

Isleta Pueblo News

COMMUNITY SERVICE COORDINATOR

Hello everyone, my name is Christine Abeita, and I am back at the

Tribal Court as the Community Service Coordinator. Fall season has

arrived and it is time to clean up yards and other areas. If you would

like services provided, please reach out to me through the Tribal Court

phone number at 505-869-9699 or my work cell phone number at 505916-4026. Pueblo of Isleta Departments and Tribal Programs, please

use the “Request for Community Service Workers” located on the Tribal

Court Services website and email to: Christine.Abeita@isletapueblo.

com. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you!

November 2024

Public Works Department

505 869-5170

IS THERE LEAD IN YOUR WATER PIPES?

Public Works needs your help to “fill in the blanks” on the

lead inventories. We need to know what type of pipe was

used to connect your home to the shut-off; if this line had been

replaced and what type of piping was used; if there is any type

of water filtration at your home; the owners name, physical

and mailing addresses, phone number, and year home was

constructed. All of the information collected goes back to the

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

All of this information is important as it helps us submit more

thorough funding requests to update these lines to protect the

safety and health of the community.

The initial inventory for each of the four water systems on the

Pueblo were submitted to the EPA on October 15, 2024. EPA

is reviewing each inventory and will contact the Pueblo with

any questions. What we submitted was not comprehensive.

We still need to “fill in the blanks”.

Public Works may have information on what materials were

used when your home was constructed. If we know the home

was built after 1990 based on records we have on file, there

will be no need for you to complete a form. Any homes or

business we do not have records on will be asked to complete

a form with the information requested.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation in assisting

the Public Works Department by providing the necessary

information. If you have any questions, please contact our

main office at 505-869-5170.

Department of Natural Resoures

Improving Our Sand Ditch

Bureau of Reclamation Grant Funded Irrigation Ditch

Rehabilitation Project

Why Are We Rehabilitating the Sand Ditch?

Our Sand Irrigation Ditch is a vital resource for our community's

agricultural and landscape needs. Over time, it has experienced

natural wear, sediment buildup, and reduced flow efficiency.

To maintain sustainable water access and promote efficiency

and conservation, we are undertaking a rehabilitation project to

restore the ditch to optimal working conditions.

Key Benefits of the Rehabilitation Project

ENVIRONMENT

*Water quality samples are collected on a monthly basis 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.

Please continue to watch signage at the NM 147 bridge for surface water

quality advisory. No fishing or swimming is allowed on the east and west

side of the Rio Grande River nor ditches by Order of the Governor; please

follow all signs posted in case of an update to Governor’s order.

If you have questions about surface water quality, contact Ramona

Montoya, Water Quality Control Officer, at 505-869-7565.

•

Increased Efficiency: By reducing leaks and sediment

build-up, more water will reach users quickly and efficiently.

•

Water Conservation: A rehabilitated ditch minimizes

water loss, helping us make the most of every drop and reduce

waste.

•

Improved Reliability: The project will improve the

structural integrity of the ditch, reducing the risk of breaks or

overflow during peak usage.

•

Improved Operation and Maintenance Access: Per

Tribal Resolution 2023-065, a 14-foot easement from the

edge of the apron on both sides of the ditch will be created

and maintained.

*Fences encroaching withing the easement will be relocated by

Department of Natural Resources staff outside the easement.

Project Timeline

•

•

•

Start Date: November 1, 2024

Estimated Completion: May 15, 2025

Working Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7 AM - 5:30 PM

How You Can Help

•

Stay Informed: Follow our updates and notify us of any

concerns or observations during the project.

•

Respect Construction Zones: Please avoid restricted

areas and follow any posted signs to ensure safety.

Contact Information

If you have questions or need more information, please contact:

Clint Lente, Director of Natural Resources,

Phone: 505-869-7567

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work together

to enhance our community's water resources.

November 2024

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 9

Goodwill

Goodwill Goodjobs! Serving Albuquerque south valley/Isleta

Pueblo, and Valencia County

We offer individual free assistance with job search, interview

skills, and resume assistance.

Contact : Vicki Herring

Career Specialist at

505-944-0289

Vicki Herring

Career Specialist

Goodwill Industries of New Mexico

_____________________________________

vherring@goodwillnm.org

505-944-0289 or 505-881-6401 x4097

201 Desert Willow Rd, Los Lunas, NM 87031

www.Goodwillit.org

Truancy

Greeting,

Boo! Halloween has come and gone. It’s time for Thanksgiving

and Football.

The Truancy department hopes your Halloween was full of fun

and candy. We hope you and your families enjoyed the awesome

fall activities that happened such as the annual Ballon Fiesta

and the fun events at the Ballon Fiesta Park, like the Ballon

glow and all of the special shapes. There was also McCall’s

pumpkin patch and the Galloping Goat Pumpkin Patch. Where

ever you went or the activities you participated in, we’re sure

that you and your families had an amazing time!

The Truancy department was happy to take part in the

Halloween Carnival and to be able to give out some fun goodies

to the community. It was fun seeing the kids dressed up and

having fun playing games and enjoying the evening with POI

departments. We were also happy to take part in the trunk-ortreat held at the Isleta Elementary school. It was wonderful

seeing all the kids dressed up in fun costumes and handing out

goodies as well.

Several staff members attended the International Truancy

and Dropout Prevention Conference in North Carolina

during the month of October. School principals, Attendance

secretaries, School counselors, Probation officers, school district

superintendents, Court Liaisons, and graduation coaches, to

name a few, were all in attendance. After listening to what was

shared throughout the conference, we realized that although

our numbers aren’t as high as some of these districts, we do

have a concern for the high numbers of chronically truant

students with our community. Information on the causes of

chronic absenteeism, homelessness, and many success stories

were shared, along with the steps that various states are taking

to work with students and their families to address absences.

It was also interesting to hear that the number one way to

communicate with families is by email; if any of our parents

have an email, please contact our office to make sure we have

it on file and we can start implementing emailing our families

with important information.

Overall, the conference was filled with very interesting

information and how just the little changes we make in our

programs can make a huge difference in the ways our students

and families view daily school attendance. If you or your

students have any suggestions as to how we can address the

causes of chronic absenteeism, please do not hesitate to reach

out to our department.

Page 10

Isleta Pueblo News

November 2024

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Academic Success updates:

I would like to announce that our department of

education has hired an Academic Success Coach,

Nissa Aragon. Nissa has written a small bio to share

with the community.

My name is Nissa Aragon I am the new Academic

Success Coach with the Department of Education. I

recently started in the beginning of September. I am

from the Pueblo of Acoma and have a daughter and a

son, along with taking care of three of my grandchildren.

I recently graduated in December with my Masters in

Counselor Education and continue working on getting

my license through the state. I look forward to working

with the Pueblo of Isleta Education Department,

getting to know the youth of the pueblo, and to help

serve the community with educational needs.

Students that have been coming into the office for

tutoring or credit recovery have adapted well to Nissa.

We look forward to attending our local high school and

having her meet all our wonderful students from the

community.

Los Lunas Public Schools second grading period

has ended on October 31, 2024. As a reminder the

schools do not send out report cards and grades are

listed on Power School.

Los Lunas Public Schools will be having NO school

on:

November 4th – Staff Professional Development

Day

November 5th – Election Day

November 11th – Veterans Day

November 27th – 29th Thanksgiving Break

Albuquerque Public Schools second quarter does not

end until December 20th 2024. Parents, it is important

to check on your students’ grades. If you notice any

changes to your students’ progress, please talk with

your student.

Albuquerque Public Schools have NO school on:

November 5th – Election Day

November 11th – Veterans Day

November 27th – 29th Thanksgiving Break

As the holidays are starting to approach us quickly,

so is the closing to the end of the semester as well.

Sometimes students start to get overwhelmed from

end of semester class work, bringing grades up,

and doing end of semester finals. All students no

matter what their grades are during the school year

get anxiety over finals and passing their classes. It

is important to look out for behavior changes and to

speak to your student about emotions that they may

be feeling and going through during this time of the

year. Please check in with your students regularly for

their well being and mental health with positive words

of encouragement.

First Year College Students

In just a little over a month the first semester will be

behind you and you will almost be a pro at college life.

As the semester is ending and finals are approaching

it’s not to late to reach out for tutoring and support. The

Department is ready for you to make that commitment

and better your skills. Along with taking care of your

educational needs it is important that you take care of

your self-care needs as well. It is important to balance

your college life and your mental health & wellness.

It is good to have a hobby, exercising, or positive

peer relationships to turn to when you are feeling

overwhelmed with assignments and finals.

Department of Natural Resources

The Department of Natural

Resources will be providing a wood

distribution for elders, disabled

and social services requests to

tribal members ONLY. The wood

will be one full truck load of split

mixed cottonwood and mountain

wood. There will be a limit of 1

request per residence/month. Call

our office at 505-869-9817 to put in

your request.

November 2024

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 11

Transit Services Now Serving the

Pueblo of lsleta

The Pueblo of lsleta and the Rio Metro

Regional Transit District Working Together

Bus Route 208 (No Fares until further

notice!)

Bus Route 208 connects the Pueblo of lsleta and

Valencia County communities to the Alvarado

Transportation Center (ATC) in Downtown

Albuquerque during the morning/midday when

the Rail Runner does not operate. Route 208

features three northbound trips arriving at the

ATC at 9:30am, 11:00am and 1:30pm, and

three southbound trips departing the ATC at

9:35am, 11:05am and 1:32pm. At the ATC,

riders can transfer to ABQ RIDE bus routes.

Route 208 serves two bus stops on the Pueblo

of lsleta. The stop

closest

to

the

village proper is

located on NM 147

just east of the Rio

Grande

Bridge.

Please do not park

and leave vehicles

unattended on the

adjoining roads near this stop, as the bus and

other vehicles use these roads to turnaround

and access other locations. Route 208 also

stops at the lsleta Pueblo Rail Runner Station,

where riders can transfer to the lsleta Resort

and Casino shuttle. Because the bus serves

the station, riders can also consider using

Route 208 in combination with the Rail Runner,

for example, taking the bus to Downtown

Albuquerque in the mid­morning and returning

by train in the evening.

Please see route flyer that includes map,

times of Bus Route 208. (No Fares until further

notice!)

Pueblo of lsleta Dial-a-Ride (No Fares until

further notice!)

The Pueblo of lsleta Dial-a-Ride operates

Monday through Friday from 8:15am to 2:45pm,

providing trips within the Pueblo and to the ABQ

RIDE Route 53 bus stop on NM 314. Service to

places like Smiths, Albertsons and Wal-Mart in

Los Lunas is also provided with requests made

before noon at least one business day prior to

your trip.

Request your Dial-a-Ride trip by calling

Valencia County dispatch at (505) 352-3595

before noon at least one business day prior

to your trip. Requests are accepted between

5:00am and 3:00pm Monday thru Friday. On

the date and time of your trip, a wheelchair

accessible van will arrive within 15 minutes of

your scheduled pickup time. Trips may also be

grouped together; riders should expect to travel

with others.

For more information about both services,

including a copy of the Route 208 schedule,

visit riometro.org and select "Schedules">

"Bus"> "Pueblo of lsleta" from the grey bar near

the top of the website. Schedules for Route

208 are also available at the Public Services

Department Office at the Tribal Services

Complex.

Isleta Pueblo News

Editor:

Nathaniel Lujan

Asst. Editor:

Diane Abeita

Published By:

Valencia Express

Page 12

Isleta Pueblo News

November 2024

November 2024

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 13

Page 14

Isleta Pueblo News

Health Beat: Pedestrian Safety

National Walk To School Day

Stephanie Barela, B.S CHES, Health Educator

Stephanie.Barela@islclinic.net, 505-869-4479

For the several years, the Isleta Elementary School 6th graders and the

Isleta Kindergarteners have teamed up with the Isleta Health Center

Health Educator to promote National Walk to School Day and Pedestrian

Safety. Annually on the first Wednesday of October, we come together

to celebrate the benefits of walking by encouraging children to walk and

bike to school. On this National Observance, it is a good time to teach

the students pedestrian safety tips, as a way to help decrease the risk

for pedestrian injuries and death. Many children are killed every year.

According to the CDC,

More than 700 children are killed by cars every year. Additionally, more

than 21,000 are taken to the hospital because they are hit by a car.

Many times this happens when children dash out into the street from

between parked cars. The driver doesn’t see the child until it is too late.

Driveways and parking lots are a bad place to play.

With these staggering numbers and also with Halloween coming up,

we know something needs to be done. So let’s work on decreasing

pedestrian injuries and start to promote pedestrian safety with our kids.

Please share these tips with your children:

•

BE SEEN

• Increase your visibility at night by:

• Carrying a flashlight/glow stick when walking.

• Wear reflective clothing or reflective wristbands.

If you went to the Isleta Health Center Health Fair this last year, the

wristbands everyone received are reflective, and can be worn to

help being seen.

• Adding lights to your child clothes/costume.

• Wear light colored clothing.

•

FOLLOW SAFETY RULES

• Use the side walk when possible.

• Cross at the crosswalk.

• Look left, right, left when crossing the street and continue looking

until you reach the sidewalk.

• If possible, make eye contact with drivers in stopped vehicles to

ensure they see you before you cross in front of them.

• Put phones and other devices down when walking and make sure

you watch where you are going.

• Children under 10 years old should walk with an adult.

November 2024

Too much Sugar and the Eyes – IHC Optometry

November is diabetes awareness month. It is important to bring

awareness about diabetes and its effects not only in the blood,

but also in the eyes. Diabetes is a metabolic disease caused by

increased sugar in the blood. Increased sugar levels can damage

blood vessel walls and allow the blood to leak out. This can

happen anywhere in the body, but the eye is the only part of the

body where we can see a naked blood vessel using lenses and a

microscope.

Annual diabetic eye exams are important.

Every patient with diabetes should receive a comprehensive eye

exam with dilation at least once a year. Although not fun, dilation

widens the pupil so that the doctor can see more of the inside of

the eye. These include important parts such as the retina (layer of

tissue that light focuses on), optic nerve (supplies retina information

to the brain), macula (central vision), and blood vessels (supplies

the eye with blood). Diabetes can cause changes to these

structures such as macular edema/swelling, retinopathy, and even

hemorrhages of the blood vessels. In mild cases, a patient may

not know they have diabetic changes in their eye, however if left

uncontrolled, more severe cases can occur that may lead to blurry

vision, blind spots, or even loss of vision. If any diabetic changes

are noticed, the patient will be seen again in 3, 6, or 12 months

and will be educated on importance of proper blood sugar control

and following up with their primary care physician. Sometimes,

more help is needed and a retina specialist may get involved.

Every comprehensive eye exam will also include checking for any

glasses prescription. Sometimes, a patient may report fluctuating

vision. This can happen if diabetes is uncontrolled. If fluctuating

vision occurs along with uncontrolled diabetes, we will monitor

closely until it is better controlled before prescribing a new pair

glasses. Other causes that can cause blurry vision are cataracts

and dry eyes. Diabetes can worsen cataracts causing the natural

lens in the eye to become cloudy and causing blurry vision. Dry eye

symptoms can including tearing, burning, foreign body sensation,

and blurry vision that comes and goes. During a comprehensive

exam, the doctor can identify these types of conditions and make

a plan for you and your eyes. At Isleta Health Center, we look

forward to scheduling you for a diabetic or comprehensive eye

exam.

Give us a call to schedule an eye

exam at (505) 869 -4080.

November 2024

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 15

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 16

November 2024

ISLETA POLICE DEPARTMENT NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER – 2024

2024 Halloween is now in the books and we only have two months left in the year – hard to

believe as the year seems to have flown by. We hope everyone had a safe and fun Halloween

and are now looking forward to the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays which will be

upon us in no time.

WELCOME TO THE IPD FAMILY!

Officer Martin Morales has been with the

department for a couple of months but as

of the last publication his biography was

unavailable.

Forest Health Fair which was held at the Isleta

Resort and Casino. It was informative and

entertaining with multiple booths providing

health information, raffles were held, and a

“fruit walk” with fruit baskets as the prize to

mention a few.

A container for drug take back was also

available for individuals to deposit unused,

expired medications and a few were received.

The National Drug Take Back day was on

October 26, 2024 and IPD did participate.

The results will be published in the December

newsletter. If you have items for the Drug

Take Back and cannot make it on October 26,

please do not hesitate to contact the Police

Department and arrangements can be made

to submit those to our evidence clerk.

Hello Isleta Pueblo! My name is Martin

Morales, I am one of the new patrol officers

with the Isleta Pueblo Police Department. I

started my law enforcement career in 2019

with the Bosque Farms Police Department

as an uncertified police officer. In 2020 with

the approval of the Bosque Farms Mayor

and the Bernalillo County Sheriff at the time,

I attended the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s

Office Regional Training Academy where I

graduated and received my Law Enforcement

Certification as a Sworn Officer.

Prior to Law Enforcement I attended New

Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New

Mexico where I played NCAA Division 1

Baseball and graduated with a Bachelor’s

Degree in Criminal Justice and a Minor in

Spanish in 2014. Go Aggies…

After graduating from NMSU, I was hired with

Lincoln Pines Youth Center (LPYC) in Ruidoso,

New Mexico as a Juvenile Corrections Officer

1 and shortly after transferred to Youth

Diagnostic and Development Center (YDDC)

in Albuquerque, New Mexico to continue

working as a Juvenile Corrections Officer 1.

During my four plus years at YDDC I was

Promoted to a Juvenile Correction Officer 2

before departing from my Juvenile Correction

Officer position in 2019 and pursuing my Law

Enforcement Career that has gotten me to

this point in life.

I am honored to serve as a Police Officer for

the Isleta Pueblo and be part of the Isleta

Police Department.

*****

We welcome our newest employee to our

Police Dispatch Center, however, she is

not new to the department. Though she

left for a few years, Deborah Daniels,

returned October 8, 2024 to the Isleta Police

Dispatch Center. Ms. Daniels brings years

of experience and after

familiarization with some

of the newest additions

to the communication

center it will be a smooth

transition for her.

Photo Unavailable

WELCOME BACK!!

ACTIVITIES

During the month of October, the Isleta Police

Department participated in the Enchanted

Manning the IPD Booth from left to right:

Back row: Officer Autumn Tafoya, Officer

C-Jay Smith, Officer Bryson Nastacio &

Bernadette Valencia (Evidence/Property

Technician)

Front Row: Officer Orlena Hooee, Officer

Sharon Mitamura, Sgt. Jonathan Abeita and

Gertrude Lujan (IHSP)

M.A.A.D. WALK/RUN

IHSP Officers A. Tafoya and B. Nastacio

represented IPD, participating in the annual

M.A.D.D. (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers)

Walk/Run event held on October 19, 2024

at Johnson Field in Albuquerque. This is

a community event to raise awareness for

those impacted by drunk driving while also

continuing their mission to end drunk and

impaired driving. Thank you Officers Tafoya

and Nastacio for representing.

REACHING FOR A STAR

Although December is still in the offing,

planning for Reaching for a Star is already

underway and we know the time will pass too

quickly before the event. An annual event for

many, many years Sgt. Kathleen Lucero will

again be at the helm with her many volunteers

to make this year’s event a success just as

she has in the past.

INFORMATION

Emphasis has been placed on the use of illegal

narcotics the past couple of newsletters, but

it is a high priority based upon the amount

being found and seized here on the Pueblo.

Nationally it is recognized as a crisis and

based upon the DEA’s May 9, 2024 press

release, here are a few facts:

“The shift from plant-based drugs,

like heroin and cocaine, to synthetic,

chemical-based drugs, like fentanyl and

methamphetamine, has resulted in the

most dangerous and deadly drug crisis the

United States has ever faced,” said DEA

Administrator Anne Milgram. “At the heart

of the synthetic drug crisis are the Sinaloa

and Jalisco cartels and their associates,

who DEA is tracking world-wide. The

suppliers, manufacturers, distributors,

and money launderers all play a role in the

web of deliberate and calculated treachery

orchestrated by these cartels. DEA will

continue to use all available resources to

target these networks and save American

lives.”

Drug-related deaths claimed 107,941

American lives in 2022, according to the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC). Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids

are responsible for approximately 70% of

lives lost, while methamphetamine and other

synthetic stimulants are responsible for

approximately 30% of deaths.

Fentanyl is the nation’s greatest and most

urgent drug threat. Two milligrams (mg) of

fentanyl is considered a potentially fatal dose.

Pills tested in DEA laboratories average 2.4

mg of fentanyl, but have ranged from 0.2 mg

to as high as 9 mg. The advent of fentanyl

mixtures to include other synthetic opioids,

such as nitazenes, or the veterinary sedative

xylazine have increased the harms associated

with fentanyl.

Seizures of fentanyl, in both powder and pill

form, are at record levels. Over the past two

years seizures of fentanyl powder nearly

doubled. DEA seized 13,176 kilograms

(29,048 pounds) in 2023. Meanwhile, the

more than 79 million fentanyl pills seized by

DEA in 2023 is almost triple what was seized

in 2021. Last year, 30% of the fentanyl powder

seized by DEA contained xylazine. That is up

from 25% in 2022.

Social media platforms and encrypted apps

extend the cartels’ reach into every community

in the United States and across nearly 50

countries worldwide. Drug traffickers and

their associates use technology to advertise

and sell their products, collect payment,

recruit and train couriers, and deliver drugs

to customers without having to meet face-toface. This new age of digital drug dealing has

pushed the peddling of drugs off the streets

of America and into our pockets and purses.

The cartels have built mutually profitable

partnerships with China-based precursor

chemical companies to obtain the necessary

ingredients to manufacturer synthetic drugs.

They also work in partnership with Chinese

money laundering organizations to launder

drug proceeds and are increasingly using

cryptocurrency.

Nearly all the methamphetamines sold in

the United States today is manufactured in

Mexico, and it is purer and more potent than in

years past. The shift to Mexican-manufactured

methamphetamine is evidenced by the

dramatic decline in domestic clandestine lab

seizures. In 2023, DEA’s El Paso Intelligence

Center (EPIC) documented 60 domestic

November 2024

methamphetamine clandestine lab seizures,

which is a stark comparison to 2004 when

23,700 clandestine methamphetamine labs

were seized in the United States.

Fentanyl and methamphetamine are still

at the top of the lists for narcotics seen

frequently, but other drugs have been seen

making their way to this part of the country.

Being informed on the many dangers of these

and any narcotics to include prescription

medications is important to keep yourself,

your family, your friends, etc. safe.

SAFETY TIPS

Although October was unusually warm this

year, changes are coming with lower overnight

temperatures and relatively warm days. We

all know changes are unpredictable and we

ask everyone to be prepared. After seeing the

Isleta Pueblo News

unexpected floods in Roswell and damages

sustained and unfortunately the deaths

reported, please all, be reminded these types

of storms can happen anywhere. Stay out of

arroyos, ditches etc. where running water can

become walls of water and sweep you and

your vehicle away. Remember “Turn around,

don’t drown”.

Always be informed about severe weather

changes and prepare. This might include

postponing a trip out. Roadway surfaces will

change with the onset of rain, causing slippery

conditions. Add in some of the high winds

experienced and it is a recipe for danger. If

you absolutely must drive in severe inclement

weather, drive slower and be ever aware of

traffic flow, roadway conditions, etc.

Page 17

for Thanksgiving, “Black Friday” and of

course Christmas shopping. If traveling to

Albuquerque remember the road construction

on Interstate 25 which continues for at least

another two years has created a major slow

down of traffic and crashes are imminent.

Remember to maintain a safe distance from

the vehicle in front of you and keep watch

in the rear view mirror for those drivers who

are not paying attention and could cause a

collision.

The Isleta Police Department wishes

everyone a safe and

With the approaching holidays, it is well

known traffic will increase with preparations

What happens when you call 911?

Hopefully you never had to call 911, but if you have, you know it

can be scary and frustrating at times. First off, knowing where

you call from makes a difference. If you are calling from a landline

within Isleta, it will go directly to the Isleta dispatch center. If

you call from a cell phone multiple things can happen depending

on your location within the Pueblo; 1.) Your call could go to the

POI dispatch center, 2.) Your call could go to Bernalillo County

EMS or 3.) Your call could go to Valencia County EMS.

If you call from a cell phone the dispatch center will not have a

location or name. So please make sure you let the operator know

your name and location before you tell them what is happening.

This will ensure emergency units are sent as soon as possible.

If dispatch does not have this information there is no way they

can dispatch emergency services quickly. If you reach an outside

dispatch center, just let them know you need Isleta Dispatch

and they can transfer/connect you. Also please answer all the

questions dispatch has for you. It may seem mundane, but all

the information is critical for Police, Fire, and EMS. Tell dispatch

something distinctive about your residence. This will help ensure

PD and EMS can locate your property more quickly.

Please remember dispatch is there to help you just as much as

EMS, FIRE, and PD. Dispatchers of the 911 service are just as

important as the rest of Emergency Services offered here on

Isleta Pueblo.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 18

November 2024

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

Welcome to our November Library Article! As the air turns crisp and the year begins to

wind down, November brings with it a season of reflection and change as we move closer

to the end of the year. Whether you’re preparing for the holidays, focusing on year-end

goals, or simply savoring the beauty of autumn, this month is a perfect time to pause and

appreciate all that’s been accomplished. We’re excited to tell you all about what’s been

going on at the library as well as upcoming programs. We’ve got plenty in store to help

you make the most of November.

News

The library has a, Library Aide I, Full-Time,

position vacancy. Please visit the Pueblo of

Isleta (POI) Career Opportunity Page to

view the job description and to apply online. Physical hard copy applications are

also accepted and must be submitted to the

POI Human Resources Department located

within the Tribal Service Complex.

A staff meeting will be scheduled sometime

during the first week of November. We

will be planning upcoming programs for

children, teens, and adults. The library

will remain open during this time so don’t

hesitate to come on in and check out any

library material.

The library will be CLOSED on the following

dates during the month of November.

Monday, November 11th in observance

of Veteran’s Day. We would like to thank

all that have served our country past and

present. All library media checked out on

Thursday, November 7th will be due on

Tuesday, November 12th.

Wednesday, November 27th EARLY

CLOSURE the library will be closing at

4:30 pm.

Thursday, November 28th, Friday,

November

29th

and

Saturday,

November 30th in observance of the

Thanksgiving Holiday. All library media

checked out on Wednesday, November

27th will be due on Monday, December

2nd. Remember the library has a section

filled with cookbooks to try something new

alongside your turkey dinner.

Please keep in mind with the upcoming

Holiday Season and unpredictable weather

that unexpected closures may occur. Notices

will be posted and up to the minute notices

will be posted on all library social media

accounts.

Please join us every Thursday at 11:00

am for Family Story Time, no sign ups

required so just come on in. Library Staff

member Abbey will read a story and engage

toddlers and families in an activity. This

program gives parents and caregivers the

opportunity to introduce reading to their

children. If you have any questions, please

give Abbey a call at the library at 505869-9808 or by email at Abbey.Whitaker@

isletapueblo.com.

Upcoming

Join library staff member Lucas on

Saturday, November 2nd from 10 am -12

pm to learn about library programming

and services for the month of November.

Pumpkin Pie and Hot Chocolate will be

served to all the participants, open to all

ages. For more information about this

program please contact Lucas at 505-8699808 or email at Lucas.BiscanWhite@

IsletaPueblo.com.

The library will be planning programs for

children, teens and adults in the upcoming

weeks and months. Please keep your eyes

and ears open. We are excited to share

our knowledge with you. You can always

refer back to our library website, library

social media, Isleta Newsletter, and library

flyers throughout the community. All our

programs are open to the community and

public.

Recap

Library staff members Lucas and Kyle

hosted two Saturday Programs for the

month of October. On Saturday, October

12th Lucas lead Spooky Pumpkins where

participants created a pumpkin using clay.

On Saturday, October 19th Kyle got creative

with Pumpkin Carving, participants came

in to carve a pumpkin for the Halloween

Season. We would like to thank everyone

who participated in the programs.

Library staff member Astrid hosted a Book

Club in a reading of Mexican Gothic where

participants got together every Wednesday

for the month September. Participants

would have a weekly book discussion and

got to enjoy light snacks and refreshments.

For the grand finale, participants got to

visit the NM Escape Room to Escape the

Blackwell Manor.

Mexican Gothic Book Club

participants at NM Escape Room.

November 2024

The After School Program has a lot of fun

activities and crafts planned for this month and

the upcoming holiday seasons. There is even an

Incentive Field Trip and Christmas Party in the

works. All our After School Program students

are doing an excellent job in completing their

homework and reading. We are almost at the

half way mark of the school year and we can’t

believe it has gone by so fast. If you are interested

in signing up your student for our After School

Program, please give the library a call and we

can let you know if there’s any availability. If

you have any questions or concerns about this

program, please feel free to give us a call at 505869-9808.

The third Learning Outside the Classroom field

trip of the school year took place on Monday,

October 14th and was led by library staff members

Diane and Abbey. This is ongoing program

throughout the school year for the opportunity

for students to learn outside the classroom. Our

field trip for October was to The Indian Pueblo

Cultural Center to celebrate Indigenous Peoples

Day. We enjoyed a tour of the museum, watched

a variety of dance groups and checked out all the

vendors during our time there. Afterward students

and staff enjoyed lunch at Golden Corral. We are

currently planning our next Learning Outside

Fieldtrip, please check out our flyer in this issue

for details and information for our next field trip.

If you have any questions or suggestions about

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

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 19

Learning Outside the Classroom field trip to the Indian Pueblo Cultural

Center to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day!

Pumpkin Carving for the Library’s Saturday Programs!

Page 20

Isleta Pueblo News

November 2024

PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT

November already, Happy Thanksgiving

Everyone! The months keep flying by,

Turkey time is upon us! I hope all of you

have a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoy

your time with your families.

All is well here with the department. The

Fitness sections are doing well, we just

hired a new fitness instructor and she

will be teaching Yoga and Pilates Classes.

Our Recreation Section is also doing well,

this year we are picking up children from

the schools again. Our Sports Section is

having Volleyball sign ups and they are

also working on our next adult basketball

league and other activities. Our Aquatic

Center is still in need of Lifeguards, so if

any of you are interested, please contact

us, and our Parks Maintenance Section is

starting to winterize our parks and fields

for the winter months.

Overall things are going well, but we still

want to see more tribal members using

our pool, jacuzzi, fitness sections (Main

Rec and Old Rec), our parks and fields, our

recreation program and participating in

our sports activities. Come down and get

involved.

RECREATION SECTION

We are currently taking more students for

the After School Recreation Program. The

After School Recreation Program provides

homework time, craft activities, gym,

swimming and much more. Transportation

is provided for Bosque Farms and Sundance

students. Isleta Elementary school provides

bus service to the recreation center. Hours

of the program are from 3:30pm to 5:30pm

everyday. We also provide the program on

in-service days and during the holidays.

If you would like to enroll your child,

please contact LeeAnne or Trishelle at the

Recreation Center at (505) 869-9777.

AQUATIC CENTER

FITNESS SECTION

We hope that you are all enjoying this

cooler fall weather! Don’t let this cool

weather keep you from using and enjoying

our Aquatic Center!

The water and

air temp are kept the same as summer

months (Lap Pool 80-82, Wading Pool 9092 and Jacuzzi 101-103). We invite anyone

interested to join us for Water Aerobics

Mondays and Wednesdays, at 11:00am and

5:30pm, we have a pretty good turnout for

these classes. We have lap swim available

from 5:30am-8:30am (sign up for this is

required for morning lap swim), we also

have Open Swim from 4:30pm-7:30pm

Monday through Thursday, and 4:30pm5:30pm Fridays. We will have Open Swim

the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month,

as well, from 8:30am-11:30am. We are

also taking sign-ups for the next session

of swim lessons. Swim lesson registration

forms are available at the front desk at

the Rec Center or contact Josh at 505869-9783 for more details on availability

and registration. Isleta Aquatics is still

looking for lifeguards, if you know anyone

interested in becoming a lifeguard, please

call or visit the POI website for the job

posting! For anyone interested in finding

out more information about Lifeguard

certification, child or adult swim lessons,

and any other aquatic programming please

call Josh at 505-869-9783.

The Isleta Recreation Center is excited to

introduce the newest member to the fitness

team, her name is Raylen Misko.

Raylen says – Pilates is guiding you

through a class with slow and controlled

movements. Come improve your physical

strength, flexibility and core strength. My

inspiration all started by a fellow Yogi. I

became so passionate and decided to pursue

my RYT Yoga Training Certification in

Costa Rica, while I was there I was able to

enhance my knowledge and practice. I’m

very excited to bring back yoga here at

Isleta Recreation Center and to share my

knowledge with all of you!

Raylen is a Certified Yoga instructor

and Certified Pilates instructor. She is

conducting classes at the Isleta Recreation

Center. The Classes are held on Mondays

for Mat Pilates at 5:30pm, everyone is

welcome to join and participate. The first

few classes were introductory and started

off slowly. Raylen is also instructing Yoga

classes on Wednesdays at 5:30pm and on

Fridays at 10:00am. Once again, everyone

is welcome to join and participate. Classes

will be from low to moderate intensity

levels.

Reminder that classes are on a first come

basis, based on space availability. So please

arrive early and secure your spot. We are

November 2024

excited and lucky to have added Raylen

to our team. Remember that we do have

Water Aerobics classes that are on Monday

at 11:00am and 5:30pm and Wednesday at

11:00am and 5:30pm. This is a class that

many tribal members have been requesting,

so please come and join us. Thank you!

SPORTS SECTION

Coach Waquie says – Hey there everyone,

I hope all is well! We have just finished

up with a full season with our Youth Cross

Country Team, our kids improved in every

meet they attended. It was awesome to

see our Isleta kids compete with the other

Pueblos; it took me back to when I ran

for Isleta. We ended up with 21 runners

finishing this season, the finals were held

at Santa Clara Pueblo this year. Our 11

and 12 year old boys won 1st place as a

team, our 9 year old girls placed 3rd as a

team and our 8 year old girls placed 2nd as

a team. It was a great season and the kids

had a lot fun this year and we are already

looking forward to next year, we hope the

kids are too.

We will be starting Volleyball on November

5th, so come down and check it on Tuesday

and Thursday nights from 6:00pm to

7:00pm. Youth Basketball sign-ups are

still going on and we are still looking for 11and 12-year-old boys and girls to sign-up

with us. Please call the Recreation Center

if you’re interested in getting your child

signed-up for our Youth Basketball Team.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 21

Page 22

Isleta Pueblo News

November 2024

Health Beat: Moccasins vs. Shoes

Dr. Joel DiSanti, Isleta Health Center Podiatrist

Heel drop is basically the height of the heel of your

shoe. The height difference between your heel and

forefoot. Many people do not realize tennis shoes

frequently have built in heels.

Toe spring is the upward curve of the toe of a shoe.

This is what your foot looks like in a typical tennis

shoe. Notice the heel height and your toes pointing

toward the sky.

Below is an x-ray of your foot. You can see how there

is not enough room for you toes in a typical tennis

shoe. In a moccasin your toes fit in the shoe properly.

Heels affect other parts of your body, not just our feet.

In the picture below you can see how we normally

stand without a heel. How far our body leans forward

with a heel and how the body has to adjust to stand

straight while wearing a heel.

Shoes with toe spring and heels affect the entire body

including our knees, hips and back.

Moccasins allow us to walk naturally.

•

•

•

•

•

There are no differences in the height of

the soles of our shoes between the heel

and forefoot

No toe spring with our toes pointing

toward the sky

Moccasins do not cause problems with our

feet, knees, hips and back

Allows the feet of children to develop

normally and naturally

With moccasins you are much less likely

to develop foot deformities like bunions

and hammertoes.

November 2024

Isleta Pueblo News

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Isleta Pueblo News

Page 24

Vaccine Recommendations for the 202425 Respiratory Disease Season

COVID-19

•

Everyone ages 6 months and older should get an

updated 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine. This includes

people who have received a COVID-19 vaccine before and

people who have had COVID-19

•

The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect you from severe

disease, hospitalization, and death.

•

It is especially important to get your 2024–2025

COVID-19 vaccine if you are ages 65 and older, are

at high risk for severe COVID-19, live in a long-term care

facility, or have never received a COVID-19 vaccine.

•

Vaccine protection decreases over time, so it is

important to stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccine.

•

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer, more reliable

way to build protection than getting sick with COVID-19.

Seasonal Influenza

•

Everyone 6 months of age and older should make a

plan to get an updated flu vaccine.

•

All U.S. flu vaccines for the 2024-2025 season

are itrivalent (three component) vaccines that protect

against

three influenza viruses: an A(H1N1) virus,

an A(H3N2) virus, and a B/Victoria virus.

•

People age 65 and older and people who have

received a solid organ transplant can opt to receive a

“high dose” flu vaccine

•

Flu vaccination can keep you from getting sick from

the flu.

•

Flu vaccination can also reduce the risk of

hospitalization from flu as well as the severity of illness

even if someone gets sick with the flu.

RSV Vaccine

•

Recommended for all adults age 75 and older if they

did not receive a previous RSV vaccine last season.

•

Recommended for people ages 60–74 who are at

increased risk of severe RSV, meaning they have certain

chronic medical conditions, such as lung or heart disease,

or they live in nursing homes.

•

The RSV vaccine is not currently an annual vaccine,

meaning people do not need to get a dose every RSV

season.

•

Eligible adults can get an RSV vaccine at any time,

but the best time to get vaccinated is before RSV starts to

spread in communities.

Call Isleta Health Center to check on vaccine availability

and scheduling!

November 2024

Health Beat:

TEMPERATURES AND FOOD SAFETY

Karen Roop, Isleta Diabetes Programs Dietitian

Phone: 505-869-4093

Improper handling of food affects millions of people each year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 48 million

Americans become sick from food every single year.¹ This is about

14% of the population or 1 in 7 people. Of those 48 million people,

“128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die.”¹ One way to help reduce

foodborne illnesses is to be mindful of the role temperature plays in

food safety.

How long can I keep food out of the fridge?

According to the CDC, foods can be kept out of the fridge at room

temperature for two hours.² This refers to the temperature of the

environment, not the food itself. Once a food is cooked or taken out of

the fridge or freezer, you have two hours to consume it before putting

it back into the fridge or freezer. If the food is kept at a temperature

over 90°F, you only have one hour before putting it into the fridge

or freezer.² If you want to let the food cool down before putting it in

the fridge to prevent dropping the fridge’s temperature, that is okay.

However, keep in mind you will need to put the food away within the

1- to 2-hour time limit.

Why is it important to not leave foods at room temperature or

high temperatures for too long?

Bacteria grow rapidly in a temperature range called the “Danger

Zone.”³ The danger zone is between 40°F and 140°F.³ This is

why refrigerators are kept at 40°F or below. Hot-holding foods at a

temperature above 140°F are also okay for feasts or gatherings.

To learn more about food safety and to take your food handlers training

online through IHS, you can reach the course at https://www.ihs.gov/

foodhandler/.

Visit these websites for more information:

¹.

².

https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html

https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/ten-dangerous-

mistakes.html

³. https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-andpreparation/food-safety- basics/danger-zone-40f-140f

Purchased Referred Care

Did you know?

Did you know Isleta Health Center is your payor of

last resort?

Payor of last resort means if you have primary insurance,

Isleta Health Center would be your secondary insurance.

If you have a primary and secondary insurance, Isleta

Health Center would be your Tertiary insurance. Please

list Isleta Health Center as your last payor.

Did you know you have to call PRC to inform them

of all appointments?

This includes all ER/urgent care visits, any follows ups, any

secondary referrals, telemed appointments, rescheduled

appointments. Not calling in for appointments will delay

payment

Did you know if you receive a bill from a provider,

you have to bring it in to PRC, even if you have a

referral?

Some facilities will send a bill to the patient but not Isleta

Health Center. It is best to bring all bills in received by

mail to make sure PRC contacts the facility to bill Isleta

November 2024

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 25

WE ARE SURVIVORS

Stephanie Barela, Health Educator

869-4479  sbarela@islclinic.net

8th Annual Isleta Cancer

Survivor’s Day Event

Every year in June, people all over the country

CELEBRATE National Cancer Survivor’s Day;

however, in Isleta we usually celebrate this special day

on the 2nd Tuesday in May, however, due to situations

beyond our control, we needed to move Cancer

Survivors Day to October this year. Isleta’s 8th Cancer

Survivor’s Day event was held on October 8th at 5pm at

the Isleta Health Center Activities Center. Although

it was a few months later than most, we believe any

time is the right time to celebrate the cancer survivors

in the community.

The evening began with beautiful music by Native

Flutist, William Clark, who is Laguna/Navajo. We

then had a presentation on “Cancer is Survivable” by

Rachel Davis from the American Cancer Society. Then

we had a few people share their experience as a Cancer

Survivor, whe n the importance of regular checkups

and cancer screenings was discussed. Cancer screening

is when you check your body for cancer before you have

symptoms. Along with regular cancer screenings, it

is important to watch your body for symptoms and

warning signs of cancer, such as:

Symptoms & Warning Signs of Cancer:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Unexplained weight loss

Fatigue

Night sweats

Loss of appetite

A sore that does not heal.

Unusual bleeding or discharge.

Recurrent fever

Enlarged lymph nodes

Swelling in the neck

Obvious change in a wart or mole.

Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere.

Indigestion or difficulty in swallowing.

Nagging cough or hoarseness.

New, persistent pain

Recurrent nausea or vomiting

Change in bowel or bladder habits

(constipation/ diarrhea)/blood in urine or stool.

Persistent bloating

Non-healing skin blemishes

After this presentation, there was a touching

presentation on St. Peregrine by Brian Earle. In

2018, Mike Abeita bestowed his mother’s St. Peregrine

statue upon Rose Lente. In 2019, Rose passed this

onto Victoria Jojola, who was able gain comfort from it

for two years due to the event being postponed in 2020

and again in 2021. Last year the Saint was passed on

to Brian Earle and this year Brian passed the Saint

on to Ruth Abeita. Next year she will provide St.

Peregrine to someone else, as this tradition will grow

and continue to provide support to Cancer Survivors in

the community.

I would like to extend an open invitation to all

community members to attend our monthly Isleta

Health Education Presentations. We meet on the 2nd

Tuesday of each Month, usually alternating times

from one month meeting 5-6:30 at the Isleta Health

Center Lg Conference Room (Enter on the North Side

of the Clinic) and then the following month we meet

from 12:30-2pm at the Isleta Elders Center. The group

meets again on November 12th at 5pm at the Isleta

Health Center with a presenter to discuss Prostate

Cancer. Everyone is welcome to attend our meetings.

Please call for more information (869-4479).

Page 26

Isleta Pueblo News

Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Your

Isleta Health Center (IHC) Diabetes Prevention and

Treatment Program (DPTP) team wants to take this

opportunity to remind the community that Type 2

Diabetes is preventable. Even with a diagnosis of Type

2 Diabetes, the chronic symptoms caused by Diabetes

can be prevented or managed as well. From last month’s

Diabetes article, as of 2021, 16% of all American Indian

and Alaska Native individuals have Diabetes. From

the International Diabetes Federation, there are 537

million people worldwide with Diabetes. Research done

in 2023 estimated that Diabetes will more than double

in the next 30 years, from 537 million people to 1.3

billion worldwide in 2050.

This month, we want to encourage you to come

visit our Wellness Center behind the clinic from the

hours of 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday through Friday,

this November to have your A1c screened. A1c is a nonfasting lab draw doctors use to diagnose Diabetes and

to monitor how well Diabetes is being managed. While

you’re there, you can meet with one of our Certified

Personal Trainers who would be more than happy to

provide some free personal training. We also have our

annual Diabetes Conference coming up on November

19th, from 9am-2pm, at the Isleta Resort and Casino.

In 2025, your IHC DPTP will be expanding the services

that we provide to better accommodate the predicted

increase of Diabetes and Prediabetes. We are looking

for motivated individuals with Prediabetes who would

be interested in participating in an intensive yearlong

Diabetes Prevention Program focusing on lifestyle

change. We plan to offer Diabetes Self-Management

Education and Support (DSMES) classes. In the

clinic, we will begin offering more intensive Diabetes

Education and counseling for people with Diabetes or

Prediabetes. We hope to increase nutrition and healthy

cooking classes throughout the community. We will also

be unveiling updates and new services at our Wellness

Center, which is now open to all of Isleta, not just to

those with Diabetes. Please call us at (505) 869-4096 if

you have any questions or are interested in participating

in any one of our upcoming programs and events.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. National Diabetes Statistics

Report website. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.

html Accessed [9/10/2024].

International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edn.

Brussels: International Diabetes Federation, 2021.

Global, regional, and national burden of diabetes from 1990 to 2021,

with projections of prevalence to 2050: a systematic analysis for the

Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Ong, Kanyin Liane et al. The

Lancet, Volume 402, Issue 10397, 203 – 234.

St. Augustine Parish

Isleta Pueblo

MISSION STATEMENT

We are a ministry of consolation at St.

Augustine Parish to offer spiritual comfort

and support to families who have experienced

the loss of a loved one. We will continue to

honor and respect our traditional teachings.

In Loving Memory

Tyonna D. Garcia

10/12/1981-7/16/24

A Proud Daughter, A Proud

Mom, A Proud Auntie and A

Proud Traditional Community

Member. Ee-bin-oom so much

and giving thanks always. You'll

always be missed and never be

forgotten️.

We Love You

November 2024

November 2024

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 27

Supporting Your Mental Health

During the Holidays

From B’eeh K’oo-ee Wellness Center

In a 2014 survey conducted by the National Alliance

on Mental Illness (NAMI), researchers found that 64%

of people diagnosed with a mental illness experienced

worsening symptoms during the holidays. While

some may find the holidays to be a mostly joyful time,

it might be a mixed time for many of us, even if we

haven’t been diagnosed with a mental illness.

Here are some tips on how you can take care of your

mental health during the holiday season:

1. Check in with yourself regularly. Ask

yourself how you’re feeling. If you’re not feeling

100% joyful and happy, that’s okay. Feeling down or

sad during the holidays is normal for many people.

Noticing our feelings and emotions is the first step

to taking care of ourselves.

2. Develop a plan. Make a plan for when you’re

feeling stressed, lonely, or sad. It’s important to

make this plan when you feel “ok,” that way the

plan is ready for when you’re not feeling very good.

Ask yourself: What usually helps me feel better?

3. Connect with Community. For many, being

with trusted loved ones (even if you’re not talking

about your feelings) can help us feel better. Ask

yourself: Who helps me feel better when I’m down?

Who is a positive influence?

4. Avoid alcohol and drugs. Sometimes people

use substances because it makes them feel better

in the short-term. For example, someone might

use alcohol to feel less stressed or to “get through”

something. However, immediate effects include

decreased inhibitions (which can cause us to do

or say things we wouldn’t normally do or say) and

potential risky behaviors like driving while under

the influence. Once immediate effects have worn

off, substances (including alcohol) cause increased

depression, stress in relationships, and health

problems. Alcohol especially affects the brain’s

ability to get deep sleep, which makes emotional

regulation more difficult. Check in on those around

you who are in recovery or who are struggling with

substance use to see how you might be able to

support them.

5. Know when to ask for help. If you’re

experiencing ongoing low mood, difficulty sleeping,

decreased or increased appetite, difficulty

concentrating, or anything that makes you feel like

you’re not yourself, reach out for help. Don’t wait for

symptoms to get worse.

Who can I reach out to for help?

B’eeh K’oo-ee Wellness Center - Call us at (505)

869-5475 to schedule your first appointment! We are

often able to get people in for their first appointment

within a few weeks after they call

Medical Providers - If you’d rather talk with a

medical provider to explore your treatment options,

schedule an appointment with your Primary Care

Provider!

988 - 988 is a free and confidential lifeline that you can

call if you’re in crisis, or if you just need some support.

If you’re having thoughts of suicide, please call 988,

911, or go to the nearest emergency room to get help

immediately.

Page 28

Isleta Pueblo News

November 2024