# Pueblo of Isleta website: www.isletapueblo.co (2024) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3Ae652332d6b494c35 ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text 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 Page 23 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 --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Apueblo_isleta%3Ae652332d6b494c35. Public record. Not legal advice.