From the Desk of Governor Frank Lujan

Isleta Pueblo News

Volume 7 Issue 12

From the Desk of Governor Frank Lujan

I hope that all of you had a wonderful

Thanksgiving, and I hope and pray that you

will all have a joyous holiday season.

I want to congratulate 1st Lieutenant

Governor Eddie Paul Torres on his election

to serve as the next Pueblo of Isleta

Governor. I have total confidence in his

experiences and abilities, and I know that

he will successfully lead the Pueblo towards

a prosperous future. He has the utmost

respect for the Pueblo of Isleta, its culture

and traditions, and for all people. I also

want to congratulate 2nd Lt. Gov. Antonio

Chewiwi on his appointment to serve as 1st

Lieutenant Governor. As of this writing,

Governor - Elect Torres has not yet named

the 2nd Lieutenant Governor. I'm sure

Governor Torres will announce his selection

as soon as possible.

Congratulations to all the newly elected

Tribal Council members. This council brings

a wealth of knowledge and experience, and it

is my hope that these elected tribal leaders

will work for each of us and not for their

own personal well-being or agenda. I pray

that the Creator will give them strength,

knowledge, courage, give them patience and

give them guidance, for this is what it takes

to be an effective leader. Most important,

that they will serve with honesty, work

together and with pride. I believe that the

Pueblo of Isleta will continue on the path

to prosperity while preserving our customs

and traditions.

There are many challenges and unfinished

work that needs to be done. With the

leadership of Governor-Elect Torres,

projects that we started will be finished,

new projects will start, legal challenges

will be met with vigor, such as gaming and

water rights. I ask that you give our leaders

your support and encouragement.

I want to thank our Creator, and thank you

for giving me the opportunity to serve as your

Governor for the Pueblo of Isleta. Thank you

for your prayers, for your support, for your

encouragement to lead and fight to protect

and preserve our customs and traditions,

our sovereignty, our natural resources,

and enhance our economic opportunities,

provide health care, and work hard to

provide educational opportunities for our

people. I want to thank my Lieutenant

Governors and their families for their

hard work in working with me for you. The

biggest THANK YOU goes to my mother,

my children, my brother and sisters, and

my entire family for their support. Lastly, to

the wonderful and professional employees

of the Pueblo, thank you for all you have

done for our community and I know you will

continue to provide services with pride and

enthusiasm. You all became my friends.

May God Bless each and every one of you

and your families.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OF YOU!!!

The Pueblo of Isleta has recently asserted

claims against I.H.S. and BIA for unpaid

contract support costs dating back to

2006. As some of you may know, the issue

of contract support costs against these

agencies is currently being litigated in

federal courts. Under the advice of our legal

counsel, the Pueblo of Isleta is in the process

of calculating contract support costs and

filing claims with the agencies. This process

will take some time, as Indian tribes from

all over the Country are also filing similar

claims. We hope to start receiving funds

owed to the Pueblo of Isleta in the future

based on our filings.

The University of New Mexico will be

transferring title of the Pottery Mound

property (13 acres) to the Pueblo of Isleta in

early December. Pottery Mound is located

southwest of the Isleta Reservation near

Comanche Ranch and along the Rio Puerco.

The Pueblo would like to thank everyone

who has helped make this transfer a reality.

December 2012

In the near future, Tribal Council and

Governor’s Office will determine whether

to request the Department of Interior to

put the land into trust status. The newly

formed Isleta Department of Cultural and

Historic Preservation will be the point of

contact for management and preservation

of this parcel.

Tribal Council has formally decided to

discontinue the AmeriCorp grant effective

November 30, 2012. The Pueblo of Isleta

has been managing the grant for two years

now. Based on events out of the control

of the Pueblo, the Pueblo has decided to

discontinue the grant until such time

as the Pueblo has sufficient staff and

other resources to manage the grant. The

Tribal Council and Governor’s Office will

decide shortly whether to re-apply for an

AmeriCorp grant in 2013. Thank you to all

our tribal members who have participated

in this federal program.

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 2

December 2012

PUEBLO of ISLETA

CERTIFICATION OF THE 2012 GENERAL ELECTION

The following are the results of the General Election held on November 24, 2012.

Total Number of 2012 Tribal Member Eligible Voters

2731

Total Number of 2012 Registered Tribal Members

Total Number of 2012 Tribal Member Registered Voters 1098

Who DID NOT Vote for Governor

Total Number of 2012 Eligible Tribal Members Voters

Total Number of 2012 Registered Tribal Members

Who DID NOT Register

1633

Who DID NOT Vote for Tribal Council

Total Number of 2012 Tribal Member Voters

890

Total Number of 2012 General Election

Total Numbers of 2012 Registered Tribal Members

INVALID Nomination Ballot(s) for Governor

Who DID NOT Return to Vote

208

Total Number of 2012 General Election

Total Number of 2012 Votes for Governor

877

INVALID Nomination Ballot(s) for Tribal Council

Total Number of 2012 Votes for Tribal Council

890

Unaccounted Ballot(s) for Governor

Unaccounted Ballot(s) for Tribal Council

0

7

6

0

1

NUMBER OF CANDIDATE VOTES FOR GOVERNOR

Leonard Abeita (78)

Edward Tony Abeita(24)

Beatrice J Lente(32)

Barbara J Sanchez(87)

Cynthia L Jaramillo(59)

Marcelino A Lucero(3)

Ralph Douglas Jiron(51)

Robert L. Lucero (240)

Edward Paul Torres, Sr.(552)

NUMBER OF CANDIDATE VOTES FOR TRIBAL COUNCIL

Regina D Jojola(4)

Kenneth L Reid(12)

Juan Rey Abeita(62)

Joseph R (Cougar) Lucero(50)

ReGina J Zuni(15)

Josephine Padilla(34)

A Happy and Joyous Holiday Season

On behalf of the Isleta Realty Office staff, John, Faron, Patricia,

Priscilla, Benny and Ray, here's wishing you and your families a

Happy and Joyous Holiday Season. We thank you for giving us the

opportunity to serve you and we look forward to serving you in the

future. We would also like to congratulate the newly elected Tribal

Officials and thank those leaving office for a job well done.

Americorps Food Drive...a Success

On behalf of the Pueblo of Isleta Americorps Program and the

Department of Education, I would like to "Thank" everyone for their

donation of non-perishable food items received in the last few weeks.

Your food donations are sincerely appreciated, and I know that

families who receive the food donations will be very grateful. To ensure

neutrality in selecting families who may benefit from this project, our

office has partnered with POI Social Services, Behavioral Health, and

the WIC Office to select the families.

With Heartfelt Thanks, we would also like to thank all POI employees

who have donated at their work sites. This project would not have

been a success without your help.

Myra Garro, Workforce Program Coordinator

Ham Distribution

DATES:

WHERE:

TIME:

FOR:

13

Monday, December 17, 2012 & Tuesday,

December 18, 2012

Isleta Elderly Center

8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Eligible Tribal Members living in Isleta

Pueblo, Los Lunas, Belen, Bosque Farms,

Albuquerque,Rio Rancho and Bernalillo ONLY!!

Individuals must provide proof of tribal membership. Only one

ham per household. Your cooperation will be appreciated.

Thank you! Frank Lujan, Governor

PUBLIC NOTICE

A Petition to Probate the Estate of Joseph A. Juancho Jr., deceased

November 8, 2011, has been filed in the Isleta Tribal Courts. Any person

claiming interest in the estate is hereby requested to notify the Isleta

Tribal Court Clerk within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice

being posted.

Claims must be filed in writing and filed with the Isleta Tribal Court. If

you have any questions, contact the Isleta Tribal Court Clerk at (505)

869-9699.

Diane L Peigler(24)

Jimmy Abeita(65)

Michael (Charlie) Lente(20)

Verna Teller(52)

C Phillip Jiron(48)

Fernando Abeita(51)

Michael A Lente(67)

Charlene F Seidl(32)

Larry B Jaramillo(80)

Ron Olguin(11)

Pueblo of Isleta Veteran's Association

The POI Veteran's Association .... Next meeting will be on

Wednesday, 19 December 2012 at 6:30 PM. Tentative meeting

site will be the Old Headstart, dependent on how low the

temperature drops, as the heater went out. At that time we will

continue discussion of our Veteran's Center project.

We are working on our capital outlay proposal...hopefully, the NM

State Legislature will be kind enough to appropriate $2,500,000

to help with the construction of our proposed Veteran's Center in

Los Charcos. We recently met with our State Representatives,

Alonzo Baldonado and Kelly Fajardo, and we have received

enthusiastic support for our project. Rep. Baldonado will be

submitting our proposal to the State Legislature. We hope to

meet with other legislative representatives in the near future,

who will support our project.

The Association would like to extend a big "Thank You" to

the Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque for the Veteran's Day

Celebration on behalf of our Veterans and their families. Also,

we want to thank the Americorps Volunteers:

•

Brandon Tewaheftewa

•

Sydney Abeita

•

Felicia Romero

•

Gilbert Henry

•

Juan Delgado

And Myra Garro, Americorps Coordinator

If you have any questions on Veterans issues...call Ulysses at

307-1582.

Theresa Zuni, NM Department

of Veterans Service Officer

Theresa will commence with her schedule to meet with

Veterans at the POI Library starting in January 2013. Times

and dates of when Theresa will be available will be published

in the Newsletter.

For further information, call Theresa at 505-841-5346.

PUBLIC NOTICE

A Petition to Probate (No. CV-PR-0668-2012) the Estate of Wesley

L. Abeita, deceased November 8, 2001, has been filed in the Isleta

Tribal Court. Any Person claiming interest in the estate is hereby

requested to notify the Tribal Court Clerk within 30 days from the

date of this notice being posted.

December 2012

Isleta Pueblo News

PUEBLO of ISLETA

DIRECTORY

Page 3

Page 4

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2012

December 2012

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 5

Language Program:

We would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete our survey

during the turkey distribution. All data is being inputted in the computer

and will be shared once it is all compiled.

Please don't forget about our language classes currently being offered. Please

see advertisement in this news letter. If you have any questions please feel

free to call 505-869-9795

Page 6

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2012

ISLETA TRIBAL ENROLLMENT/CENSUS OFFICE

ATTENTION: INDIVIDUAL INDIAN MONEY (IIM) ACCOUNT HOLDERS

The Office of Special Trustee (OST) for American Indians in

conjunction with the Isleta Tribal Enrollment/Census Office is

attempting to locate Isleta Pueblo tribal members with an Individual

Indian Money (IIM) account or for whom per capita judgment funds

are held.

There are two lists: one contains the names of adults whose

whereabouts are unknown and their per capita share is held in a

tribal trust holding account, the other is a list of individuals with an

IIM account whose current address is unknown.

Minors with an IIM account may access their funds upon reaching

18 years of age, providing they are able to manage their financial

affairs on their own. Individuals not able to manage their financial

affairs, as defined in 25 CFR 115.002, should be reported to the BIA

Social Services, Southern Pueblos Agency, at (505) 563-3748 at least

120 days prior to their 18th birthday. The Social worker will need to

assess whether the individual's account should be supervised as an

adult.

The Tribal Enrollment Office has the form OST 01-004/6 to give any

minors who reach the age of 18 to complete for access to their account.

The account holder will need to sign and date the form on or after

their 18th birthday. The account holder may request all of their IIM

funds and the account will be closed or they may request a voluntary

hold. Under the voluntary hold option, the account holder may

request funds for a one time disbursement, indicating the amount

to be disbursed, or they may schedule payments of their IIM account

funds. The frequency for the scheduled payments may be disbursed

monthly, quarterly, weekly or bi-weekly, indicating the exact dollar

amounts. The payments may also be made to a third party.

The account holder may also choose a method of payment in the form

of direct deposit or by check, which will be mailed to the address

indicated on the statements that were mailed to the account holder

by the OST.

For information on updating your account, or to request a form, please

contact April V. Abeita, Tribal Enrollment Coordinator at (505) 8699765 or Peter J. Fredericks, Fiduciary Trust Officer at (505) 5633564.

Pueblo of Isleta Gaming Regulatory Agency

New Employees

PATRICK SANCHEZ - Executive Director of Pueblo of

Isleta Gaming Regulatory Agency.

Mr. Sanchez was formerly the Executive Director at Tesuque

Gaming Commission. He also served as Director of Investigations

and Compliance at Santa Ana. Mr. Sanchez has approximately

eleven (11) years of experience in the Gaming Industry with much of

that experience in the Compliance and Investigative Departments.

Mr. Sanchez brings valuable gaming experience along with great

knowledge and insight in the Gaming field. Mr. Sanchez is married

with 3 grown children and resides in Bernalillo, New Mexico.

MELISSA FINCH-Inspector

Before coming to Isleta Gaming Regulatory Agency, Melissa worked

in Poker at Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque. Melissa was a Poker

Supervisor for 14 years and prior to Poker she worked in the Cash

Handling Departments for 4 years. She enjoyed working in Poker.

She expressed meeting a lot of nice people and learned many aspects

of gaming. Melissa resides in Albuquerque with her husband and

three children. Melissa is a member of Ohkay Owingeh.

AMBER MOSTELLER-Receptionist

Before coming to the POI Regulatory Agency, Amber worked in the

Human Resources Department for approximately 7 months. Amber

feels that she obtained great knowledge and valuable working

experience with the HR department that she will apply in her position

with the Pueblo of Isleta Gaming Regulatory Agency.

Amber is a Isleta Pueblo Tribal Member and is recently married with

one daughter. Amber is enthusiastic to be working for the Pueblo of

Isleta Regulatory Agency.

ADDRESS UNKNOWN ADULTS

Isleta Pueblo members with an IIM whose address is not

current or is unknown as of October 19, 2012.

Last Name First Name

Middle Name

Abeita

Amber

M

Abeita

Jacqueline

R

Abeita

Joann

C

Cuestas

Ray

P

Garcia

Cheryl

J

Garcia

Steven

E

Johnson

Elizabeth

A

Torres

Susan

Rae

ADDRESS UNKNOWN MINORS

Isleta Pueblo members with an IIM whose address is not

current or is unknown as of October 19, 2012

Last Name

First Name

Middle Name

Abeita

Ryan

M

Abeita

Terrence

C

Anzara

Shawn

Chewiwi

Garcia

Hightower

Hightower

Jojola

Jojola

LeBeau

Lente

Lente

Montoya

Montoya-Jojola

Olguin

Ramirez

Valdez

Yalch

Yaska

Dawn

Phylicia

Garrett

Melody

Clarise

Darren

Kitu

Sierra

Steven

Thur-Shaan

Andrew

Trinity

Laticia

Cody

Justin

Jamila

M

B

N

I

S

S

J

J

M

I

J

J

A

O

December 2012

Isleta Pueblo News

Isleta Higher Education Program

Isleta Department of Education

PO Box 1270

Isleta, NM 87022

P: (505) 869-9790 F: (505) 869-7573

Page 7

Los Lunas/Valencia High School

Title VII Indian Education

Ben Analla – LLHS

/

Robin Candeleria – VHS

Calendar of Events

November 26 - Senior Meeting for Graduation. Cap & Gown

Invitations

November 27 - December 12 - MAP Testing for Freshmen &

Sophmores. English I, II and Math

December 1 - Deadline for Senior Portraits to be published in the

yearbook

December 5 - Early Release

December 6 - Drama Production – Night of Comedy

December 7 - Fine Arts Festival for invited Middle School students

December 12 - Native American Club Staff Appreciation Breakfast @

6 AM

December 14 - 2012 - ASVAB Results Interpretation to Seniors

December 20 - Final Exams for 1st, 2nd, 3rd periods of Semester I

December 21 - Final Exams for 4th, 5th, 6th periods of Semester I

December 24 - January 6 - Winter Break

January 7, 2013 - Staff Returns for Semester II

January 8, 2013 - Students Return

January 23-25, 2013 - Parent Teacher Conferences (Next step Plans

According to IHEP policy and provision, required documents

and Student Registrations will be Signed

are to be submitted by 12/1/12 for the Spring 2013 semester.

by Parents/Guardians at this time)

The IHEP acknowledges unofficial and official transcripts January 28, 2013 - VHS FAFSA Night @ 6:30 PM

cannot be provided by the 12/1/12 deadline as ALL students February 11, 2013 - VHS Advanced Placement Night @ 6:00 PM in

are still attending classes beyond this date. An exception will

the Library

be made pertaining to unofficial and official transcripts ONLY February 21, 2013 - VHS EXPO @ 6:00 PM in the Cafeteria

and the deadline will be extended to accommodate when the

student has access to his/her Fall 2012 grades. Usually, grades Also…the Los Lunas High School Tiger Basketball Holiday

are available to the student ONE WEEK after final exams are Tournament will be on December 28 & 29 @ Los Lunas High School

administered. It is expected every student provide unofficial Gymnasium.

grades in a timely manner and request official transcripts be ...the Los Lunas High School Tigers Football Team is Undefeated!!!!

provided to the IHEP once final grades are posted. Be informed Their next game is on Saturday, December 1, at Aztec. The winner of

the IHEP has access to ALL institution exam dates and will that game will play for the State Championship!!!!

hold every student accountable accordingly.

FROM THE LOS LUNAS SCHOOL DISTRICT…May you all

Because the IHEP policy and provisions require a number of have a Safe and Happy Holiday!!!

documents to be submitted by certain deadlines it is strongly

encouraged every student begin securing such documents

at least TWO MONTHS prior to the IHEP deadline for the

respective term he/she is applying for supplemental assistance.

Students who begin the process any later run the risk of being

unable to provide required documentation by IHEP deadlines

thus resulting in being ineligible to receive supplemental

assistance. It will always be the responsibility of the

student to contact the IHEP at least two months prior

to the respective IHEP deadline date to make sure

he/she has submitted required documents and other

requirements so to be eligible to receive supplemental

funding for the respective term.

The Isleta Higher Education Program (IHEP) is undergoing

internal changes to refine delivery of supplemental funding.

To be compliant with current IHEP policy and provisions,

students who received a supplemental scholarship for Fall

2012 were requested to submit missing required documents.

For purposes of clarity, the term missing is defined as “not

present or included when expected or supposed to be”. Just

as every academic institution requires specific documentation

or other requests of applicants - including meeting deadlines

- the IHEP has similar requirements. Please be confident in

the IHEP that all identifying information is kept confidential

according to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

(FERPA) (20 U.S.C. § 1232g; 34 CFR Part 99), a Federal law

that protects the privacy of student education records. The law

applies to all schools (and/or programs) that receive funds under

an applicable program of the U.S. Department of Education

(www2.ed.gov).

Once the student inquires, the IHEP is responsible for correctly

informing students of what documentation he/she must submit

and must do so in a timely manner. Further, the IHEP is

responsible for informing students of their appropriate program

standing – good standing, probation, or suspension –what each

is defined as and what expectations, if any, must be met for

continued supplemental assistance. In addition, the IHEP is

responsible for informing students and the community of any

foreseeable changes affecting funding and or expectations of

scholarship recipients. Lastly, it is always expected every

person who walks through our doors be treated with respect

and dignity and that treatment be reciprocated.

Currently, the IHEP is experiencing a high volume of walk-ins,

phone calls, and correspondence thus we are kindly requesting

everyone’s patience and understanding in how we address

each request/inquiry. Be assured we are working diligently to

respond in a timely manner.

Jennifer Padilla, LMSW

Scholarship Coordinator

Isleta Higher Education Program

Isleta Department of Education

Page 8

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2012

POI NEW ELDER CENTER AND ASSISTED LIVING FACILTY PROJECT

Here in our Pueblo, our history shows that we have always taken

care of our elders in every way possible. In the past, when the

time came, families took care of elders by either moving in with

their loved one or moving the elder in with their caregivers. Today,

family members singlehandedly or with a multitude of support

systems such as the Elder Center, provide the daily care.

Based on efforts of an Assisted Living Committee comprised of

many tribal members as well as several studies conducted from

2004-2007, both the previous and current Tribal Council have acted

on the Committee's recommendations by approving the following

resolutions:

1. 2008-Resolution designates 3 acres of land, bordered

generally by Tribal Road 40 to the east, Tribal Road 60 to the

west, Tribal Road 61 to the north, and the Old School Cafeteria

to the south.

2. 2009-Resolution approves a Three Year Development

Plan and Financial Allocation to construct an Assisted Living

Facility and new Elderly Center

Here are some highlights of the project's accomplishments:

• A consultant is on board to develop the management aspects

of the Assisted Living Facility. To our advantage, the consultant

is Kathy Correa, a tribal member. Kathy is highly qualified

to provide expert consultation as she has administered many

Assisted Living Facilities in her 20+ year career. Currently, she

is the administrator for a facility that cares for over 100 clients.

Kathy will be leading the development of a Comprehensive

Management Plan for our new facility.

• The Tribal Planning and Development Department is

overseeing all aspects of the design and construction for both

the Elderly Center and Assisted Living Facility. For the past

five (5) months the Planning Department has been meeting on

a weekly basis with the our design consultant, NCA Architects,

to review and develop the landscaping, building layouts, space

programming needs, open space considerations, alternative

energy measurements, and utility infrastructure for both

facilities. This project's design is taking into consideration an

overall campus style setting that will eventually tie into the

Elementary School and the newly proposed Reception Halls

that will be located south of this project. Following is the

anticipated schedule:

Schematic View of the West Side of the Newly

Proposed Elderly Center

o Design Plans and Contract Documents Complete —

March 2013

o Publicly Advertise and Bid Project for

Construction — March/April 2013

o Start Construction — May 2013 (9-12 months)

o Complete Construction — February/March 2014

o Facility Opening — Spring 2014

• The Planning Department secured $700,000 in NM Tribal

Infrastructure Funds (TIF) and is currently working with

our contractor, Sacred Power, to complete the demolition of

all existing buildings on the project's designated property. In

addition, Sacred Power will be completing the installation of all

the new utilities as well as constructing the new parking lots,

sidewalks, access road, and new curb/gutter. The majority of the

project's infrastructure will be complete prior to the buildings

being constructed.

Adding this level of elder care (24 hours, 7 days a week) will offer

a continuum of services to our community. In our efforts to open

this facility in the Spring of 2014, we intend to meet with the

community to answer any questions you may have regarding the

Comprehensive Management Plan, level of care, client costs, client

eligibility, and construction schedule updates. Please mark your

calendar for the first community meeting:

PUEBLO OF ISLETA, ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY

PROJECT OVERVIEW- PRESENTATION

WHERE: ISLETA ELDER CENTER, KIVA ROOM

WHEN: JANUARY 8, 2013

TIME: 6:30 PM -8:30 PM

Congratulations to Gloria Zuni: X Country Runner

We would like to Congratulate Gloria “Ta-hee” Zuni for her

accomplishments in Cross Country. She’s 13 years old and currently

in 8th grade at LLMS. She is the daughter of the late Jacob Zuni,

Jennifer Zuni and Grand-Daughter of Leonard and Rosie Abeita.

Gloria began running X-Country at the age of six. Gloria started

running with the The Isleta Eagles and has enjoyed it since.

With hard work and determination Gloria received a spot this year on

the LLHS Varsity Cross Country Team. She works hard at running

by going to practice and keeping a 3.5 GPA. The LLHS Varsity Girls

X-Country team ran in The District Meet which was held in Grants and the LLHS Varsity Girls Team

became District Champions and made it to State which was held at Rio Rancho High School. All the girls

did Awesome at the meet and we would to congratulate each of them. WAY TO GO TIGERS!

Gloria would also participate in the USATF Junior Olympic since the age of nine.

She ran for USATF Regionals on November 17, 2012 for the NM Roadrunners

Team and came in 18th place which gave her the opportunity to run in USATF

Nationals. Gloria and two other teammates helped their team make it to Nationals

by coming in the top twenty and they placed 3rd as a team. Nationals will be held

at NM Balloon Fiesta Park on December 8th. Good Luck to all The Isleta Runners

and NM Roadrunners Team at Nationals.

Gloria Lettered in LLHS Varsity Girls X-Country and also received a trophy for

Most Improved Rookie this X-Country season. We are all so proud of Ta-hee and

her accomplishments. We will continue to support her and wish her the best of

luck in the future. Thank you to all for your love and support in her running over

the years.

We Love You Heta and keep it up,

Mom, Mike, Pe-suun, Teh-eah Leonard, and Chee-ee Rosie

December 2012

St. Kateri Shrine in Isleta

by Alan Cherino, Photos by Sara Zuni & Shawna Ballay

November 10th was a cold and

windy day but it did not stop the

Enshrinement Mass and Celebration

for St. Kateri Tekakwitha here at our

church, St Augustine. St. Kateri was

canonized a saint by Pope Benedict

XVI on October 21 in Rome, Italy. But

prior to her canonization, Archbishop

Michael Sheehan selected the St.

Augustine Church in Isleta to be

the permanent Shrine of St. Kateri

Tekakwitha.

The mass was well-attended with

several religious leaders from the

Archdiocese and the Norbertine Abbey

community. Also in attendance were

tribal officials, and many parishioners

and visitors from the surrounding

communities. Some people even

traveled from distant cities of New

Mexico, and we had some visiting

priests from Pennsylvania! The tent

which was set up on the west side of

the church courtyard was completely

full and set up with TV monitors for

people there to watch the mass.

The Mass was followed with our

own Isleta traditional dances and a

traditional meal. The Isleta Kateri

Circle and the St. Augustine Parish

were very happy and grateful for our

traditional dance to be offered in honor

of St. Kateri Tekakwitha. The day

concluded with a procession around

the plaza with St. Kateri and bringing

her to her new home inside the church

near the Baptismal font.

The Isleta Kateri Circle, who have

been praying and campaigning for

many years for Kateri's sainthood,

were the primary sponsors for the day's

celebration. Of course, no event of this

nature is pulled off alone. Many thanks

to everyone for their time, dedication,

hard work, and contributions that

made the day possible!

May God Bless our Pueblo

community!

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 9

Page 10

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2012

Parks & Recreation

The month of November was in a sense a transition month where children were leaving the Cross Country Program (outdoors) and

now moving into the Basketball Program where they will spend more time indoors especially in the early evenings when it really gets

cold. Also in November we hosted a High School Swim Meet featuring (10) ten High Schools from throughout the State of New Mexico.

Also in November we were the host site for the National General Election that took place in our Games-room and the Mandatory Signups for Health coverage which took place in our gymnasium from November 13th through November 16th. And because of our time

restrictions for turning in newsletters the Pow-Wow being held in our gymnasium on Friday, November 30th will be reported in next

month’s newsletter. As we now begin December activities our gymnasium will be the host site for "Train the Trainer" Physical Activity

on December 13th. Also we will be hosting on two consecutive weekends December 15th and December 22nd High School Basketball

Games for the Native American Community Academy which many of our tribal high school students belong to. I'm confident that we

will be seeing many of our tribal members attending these basketball games. Lastly, our transition into winter sports was completed by

the beginning our Adult Volleyball which is being held in our gymnasium every Sunday from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm.

High School Swim Meet

On Saturday November 17th our Natatorium

was the host site for a High School Swim Meet

that featured teams from Los Lunas, Valencia,

St. Pius, Gallup, Socorro, Miriaymura, Pedro

Vista, Farmington, Hope and Belen High

Schools. St. Pius came out on top with both

Girls and Boys competition but our Los Lunas

Team which we coach here at our Pueblo of

Isleta came out 2nd and 3rd respectively in

the Boys and Girls competition. Two of our

very own tribal members (Adeline Armenta

representing Valencia High School and

Orion Zuni representing Los Lunas High

School) were part of that competition which

had several of their family members cheering

them on. Incidentally, Adeline placed 2nd

in the 100-Butterfly Stroke and 5th in the

Backstroke and Orion placed 2nd in the 400

Free Relay and 8th out of 31 swimmers in 50Free Stroke. Congratulations to both of you.

You make us very proud. Pictured are both

Adeline Armenta and Orion Zuni with Coach

Lindred Onsae prior to beginning the meet.

Pictured is a collage of pictures depicting the

swim event.

Youth Basketball

Although our youth basketball league better known as the SPA

League doesn't officially begin with practice until early December

many of our youth are already making their way into some unofficial

practice sessions with the Rec. leaders who will be coaching them

this season. The kids are getting anxious for some competitive

programming to begin. For many of those children not partaking in

early basketball shootouts they have continued to migrate into the

afterschool Arts/Crafts Program that continues to be a main staple

in our afternoon sessions. Also at least once a week the children

are treated to a field trip outside the Pueblo of Isleta usually

taking them to the Zoo, movies or possibly for bowling and pizza

party. None the less they continue to remain active especially after

they have completed their home-work prior to indulging in fun

activities.

Park Management

Although for the most part our growing season in the parks has

basically come to a halt we will still be out watering the parks at

least once per week. This keeps our root system strong and vibrant

but can cause those using the parks to be a little bit slippery and

at times icy. Please be careful when you are out there and please

continue to report to us or the Police Department any vandalism

that you might see or witness. Bottom line, vandals are stealing

from all Pueblo members because it takes a lot of money and time

to repair the damages that we may incur. Please help us keep

the best and most beautiful parks in the condition that we have

achieved.

Adult Volleyball League

Now that the adult volleyball league has begun, we now have games

being played every Sunday morning beginning at 11:00 am

and running until 3:00 pm. Carl Anderson coordinator, reports that

the league is off to a great start with some good competitive games

being played. If Pueblo members are bored on Sundays or just want

to get away from the routine football games come by and witness

some good competition being played here in our gymnasium.

December 2012

Isleta Pueblo News

Page 11

Pueblo of Isleta Johnson-O’Malley Program

Beverly's new Phone Number: 505-869-9810 Fax: 505-869-7573

Geraldine's Email: poi08102@isletapueblo.com

Beverly's Email: poi02003@isletapueblo.com

Winter Literacy Night

Tis' the season to bundle up with a nice hot cup of cocoa and read a good book. JOM

will be sponsoring another Literacy Night on Tuesday, December 11, 2012. We will

be giving away brand new FREE BOOKS to all JOM eligible students. 5:00 p.m. —

7:30 p.m. (ALL AGES)

Tamale Making Activity

We’re doing it again! This year we will be offering an activity for students and their

parents to come by and learn how to make tamales. This activity will take place on

Saturday, December 15, 2012. Come by and learn how to make tamales. Supplies

and ingredients will be provided. 9:00 a.m. — 2:00 p.m. (ALL AGES)

Christmas Activity Night

December 17, 2012 we will have our Christmas Activity Night. Come and spend

family time making arts and crafts for the holiday season. We will have snacks

available. 5:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. (ALL AGES)

River of Lights Display

Friday, December 21, 2012 we will be taking a group of students to the River of

Lights Display. We will be leaving the OLD JOM TUTORING Building at 5:00

p.m. If your student is interested in attending please come by the Department of

Education and complete a permission slip. We will not "hold" places for students.

Space is limited. IF parents are interested in attending, they may do so however,

they will be responsible for paying the adult admission of $10.00 once they arrive

to the Botanical Garden.

Reimbursements

If you have a request for a reimbursement for PE Uniforms, ACT/SAT Testing fees

or lab fees please submit them by December 14, 2012. The contract year for JOM, as

mentioned before begins January 1 and ends December 31. Our financial books for

the 2012 Contract Year will be closing. Failure to submit reimbursement requests

may result in delay or inability to process reimbursement.

Phone Number Change

Please note: OUR PHONE NUMBER HAS CHANGED!!!

NEW NUMBER IS 505-869-9810. If you have any questions

please give us a call.

Have a wonderful Holiday season

Beverly and Geraldine

Health Beat

HAND WASHING AWARENESS WEEK

Keep Kids’ Hands Clean

Isleta Health Center, Health Educator:

Stephanie Barela 869-4479

"Keep Kids’ Hands Clean,Albuquerque Journal, Dec 6, 2011"

Hand Washing Awareness Week is December 2-8, 2012. Do you ever talk to your kids about the importance of keeping their hands

clean? If you said yes, GOOD, KEEP IT UP! Studies have shown that washing your hands will really help keep your children healthy.

It is estimated that 80% of all colds and flu are contracted from our fingers. The best and simplest way to avoid getting sick is to wash

our hands! There was a study done in Denmark, where half the children were taught proper hand washing techniques and required

to wash up with hand sanitizer with ethanol three times a day and half were not. The children with the proper skills missed 26% less

school and had 22% fewer illnesses. There was also a study done in Delaware. Ohio, Tennessee and California, which showed a 19.8%

reduction in school absence when both teachers and students used alcohol gel hand sanitizer when they entered or left the school.

Now that you know how important it is to WASH YOUR HANDS, use these tips to keep you and your family healthy:

• Scrub your hands, fingers and fingernails for 20-30 seconds (about the length of singing the ABCs). When done washing your

hands, make sure to dry them with a clean towel.

• Keep your fingers away from your eyes, ears, nose and mouth. These are the entryway in to your body for germs. Our eyes are

the most at risk for absorbing viruses. Cut down on rubbing your eyes and shut them tightly or walk away when someone sneezes or

coughs near you.

• Play outside in the sun and be active. Sunshine delivers vitamin D, which fights against flu and colds and exercise boosts the

immune system, elevating the production of killer T-cells, by as much as 300%. Plus, the deep breathing can help clear your nasal

passage, which keeps you from getting congested.

• Drink hot beverages and keep your feet warm. Keeping yourself warm during the cold months has been shown through the UK's

Cardiff University's study to cut down on getting as cold. In the study, people who had their feet chilled in ice water were more than

twice as likely to develop a cold. Similarly, a University of Vienna study discovered that sauna and possibly even hot tub users are

less likely to catch a cold.

So, start preparing for the cold and flu season and bundle up, stay warm and wash your hands!

Page 12

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2012

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

“Happy Festivest to the Rest of Us” People of the Island!!! Now, that your American & Tribal duties

to Vote as a Colonized Tribal Member has come to an end. Now we can all worry about balancing

our check books for the next three or so months and placing our bets on how long it will take for

Mother Nature to knock down on all those Campaign Signs.

NEWS:

The Library has undergone ANOTHER

phone number change (3rd number in 1

calendar year). Our new phone number

provided to us by the people at MIS and

Century Link is 505.869.9808 so please

disregard the number on all your Library

Cards. Once the Library gets more money

we shall purchase new Library Cards with

the proper contact information.

December’s After School Homework

Program Field Trip Date to the River of

Lights has changed to Saturday, December

15. The reason for the change is so that

students and their families may partake

and enjoy the Behavior Health’s Memorial

Walk on the Friday, December 14th. For

more information on the River of Lights

Field Trip, please read the article under the

Upcoming Programs section.

Come November 30th the Library will be

losing three seasonal employees due to

the end of both the AmeriCorp Program

and WIA Program. So, if you thought our

service with seven employees was slow then

let me break it to you nicely by letting you

know it will get slower over the next few

months with only four employees.

As some of you might recall, the Library

was a site for Voter Registration for the

Presidential Elections for both Bernalillo

& Valencia Counties. When the County

Clerks called and visited the library to get

the totals of newly registered Community

Members, I gave them a total of Zero which

was embarrassing especially knowing

that many Community Members were not

registered nor did they care to register.

Just thought some of you might find that

stat somewhat interesting.

Despite the lack of newly registered

Community Members, Bond B, a Bond

that gave this Tribal Library and other

Libraries (School, Academic, Public, &

other Tribal Libraries) money to purchase

new equipment and furnishings for their

libraries was passed!!! So, to those of you

who voted and Supported Bond B, I would

like to personally Thank you and will

continue to make this library something

for you to be proud of while others can be

envious of.

As you all know, the Christmas/Winter

Dances and Holidays are upon us which

means there will be MANY CLOSURE

DATES for the Library, so be sure to hold

onto this newsletter article with your life.

On December 24 (Christmas Eve) the

Library will be opened until NOON. The

Library will be CLOSED ALL DAY on

the following days: Tuesday, December

25 (Christmas Day); Friday, December 28;

Saturday, December 29; and Tuesday,

January 1.

Community Members enjoying the Grocery Bingo @ the Library.

Community Members at the Story Telling Night @ the Library.

Students & Families taking part in the Thanksgiving Gourd Project.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

The Last After School Homework Incentive

Program Field Trip has been scheduled to

the River of Lights on Saturday, December

15th. The Library will taking fifteen lucky

students who have earned their twenty-five

points for doing homework & reading at the

library to the River of Lights Spectacular.

The students will also be treated to dinner

at the 66 Diner on Central. Even though the

first day to earn points started on November

14th, there is still time for your students

to squeeze in BUT they will have to work

harder than the others since they got a late

start. For more information on the program

please call the library at 505.869.9808.

We have received word via Facebook Inbox

that Santa Claus will be visiting the Library

of the Little Island on Tuesday, December 11

from 2pm to 6pm for Holiday Pictures. So,

put on your best clothes, get your hair did,

and bring your Christmas Wish List to the

man himself. Santa Pictures will be ready

Two Girls taking part of the Halloween

“Meat Head” Creepy Snack Program.

for pick up at 2pm on Monday, December

17. For more information please call the

library at 505.869.9808.

Because the people who visited Santa here

at the Library were so thoughtful and nice

in years past, we were able to convince the

Man in Red to roll with the Library down

to the Tribal Service Complex for their

Community Christmas Party on Thursday,

December 2012

A student showing off his Thanksgiving

Gourd Center Piece.

December 13 from 5:00-7:00pm. Santa and

the Library will be taking pictures with

those individuals who visit the complex for

the FREE Christmas Event. I believe there

will be gifts for kids and maybe jackets for

the children as well as door prizes. For

more information, you may contact Judy

Abeita-Chavez at 505.869.9729, Sara

Zuni at 505.869.9746, or Laura Abeita at

505.869.5295.

The Library will also be conducting

Christmas Crafts on December 17-19

from 4 to 5pm. There will be competitive

Gingerbread House which will need to

be done at the Library with whichever

material we decide to provide. Individuals

or families will have two days to make

their Gingerbread house and there will be

prizes for first through third which will

be geared toward some family fun. The

other Christmas Craft will be a Christmas

Isleta Pueblo News

Ornament which everyone can take home

to put onto their own Christmas Trees.

We will be planning a Game Tournament of

some sort during the Winter Break. Games,

Consoles, Tournament Formats, and dates

have not been determined yet. Please, look

for our flyers throughout the community

as time gets closer OR you can check the

Library’s Facebook Page for more update

news. If you or your children have any

suggestions for the Tournament(s) please

come by and speak with the Library Staff.

RECAP:

I know Thanksgiving has gone and passed

hopefully like you leftover Turkey but the

Library would like to give Thanks to many

people and Departments for making our

first American Indian Heritage Month

Program a success, they are:

Juana Jiron of the Isleta Police Department,

Yolanda Abeita of Truancy, Mike Abeita

of the Range Patrol, Celestino Lucero &

Joe Lucero of the Language & Culture

Preservation Committee, Ulysses Abeita

of the Department of Education & POI

Veterans Association, Lynette Chewiwi

& Nichole Jaramillo of the Elders Center,

the entire Recreational Center Staff (both

New & Old), and the P.O.I. Veterans

Association. We would like to give a VERY

SPECIAL THANK YOU to Veterans: Joe

E. Jarmillo, Ulysses Abeita, Jesse Jojola,

and Juan Rey Abeita for participating in

the Veterans Video. Without your help the

month of November would have been boring

with only a bleak Thanksgiving and Black

Friday to look forward to.

Perhaps, when you last visited the Library/

Education Complex during the last couple

of weeks you took notice of the cleanliness of

the entire Complex both inside and outside.

Page 13

Before the Recreation’s Landscaping Crew

took on the task of making this place look

like a place of business, the Complex looked

like a Scary Haunted Building in a Jungle

of Weeds. Now, you can walk over to the

library without getting attacked by tumble

weeds and bull heads. Let’s not forget the

GREAT Job done by the Maintenance Crew

of Public Works and how clean the inside

of the Library is because of them your feet

do not get stuck to the restroom floors.

So, the next time you see the Recreation

Landscaping or the Maintenance Crews out

and about be sure to let them know they

did a GOOD JOB at the Library/Education

Complex because when I tell them they

think I have to say it but when it comes

from you the community members it tends

to have more meaning to them.

Pueblo of Isleta Public Library

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Thursday: 8:00am – 6:30pm

Friday: 8:00am – 4:30pm

Saturday: 9:00am – 1:00pm

Sunday: CLOSED

Contact Information:

Physical Address:

950 Moon Light Drive

Albuquerque, NM 87105

Phone: (505) 869.9808

Fax: (505) 869.8119

Email:

poi02002@isletapueblo.com

Web Adress:

www.isletapueblo.com/library2.html

Facebook:

www.facebook.com/IsletaPuebloLibrary

YouTube:

www.youtube.com/user/poilibrary

RING IN THE HOLIDAYS WITH HEALTHIER MEALS

Holidays usually involve enjoying food and beverages with family and friends. Read on for shopping, cooking and baking tips that can

help keep you on track for healthy eating habits this season and into the new year.

SMART SHOPPING:

► Plan ahead! Prepare and freeze some

of your holiday dishes in advance to

limit last minute shopping and impulse

buying. Make your shopping list and

stick to it!

► Eat a healthy meal or snack before

shopping. You'll be less tempted to buy

treats.

► Stock up on festive foods such as

deep, bright colored veggies and fruits.

► Look at labels and compare which

products are lower fat and sodium, yet

higher in fiber.

SMART COOKING:

► Fry less; drain fat off when cooking;

try fat-free cooking sprays.

► Baste meat with fruit juice or broth

instead of fat.

► Chill the meat drippings to skim fat

off when making gravy.

► Sides: try these tips to cut the fat

and use less butter...cook the stuffing

outside the turkey and add diced veggies

or fruits; make mashed potatoes with

fat-free or low-fat milk/buttermilk/sour

cream or low sodium broth; dress up

sweet potatoes with small amounts of

pineapple, raisins, apple juice or other

fruits.

► Use sharp flavored cheese and use

less, or try low fat (2% milk) cheese.

► Try using mashed beans or chickpeas

to make dips with low fat.

SMART BAKING:

►

Replace fat in recipes (butter,

oil, shortening) with fruit puree or

unsweetened applesauce. Try replacing

1/2-3/4 of the fat for a more acceptable

texture.

► If you add nuts, toast them to enhance

flavor & use less.

► Add healthy whole grains with

subbing 1/2 of the white flour with whole

wheat.

► For pies, leave off the top crust or try

an oat crisp topping and use less butter

than the recipe calls for; crumb crusts

made of graham, vanilla or chocolate

wafers or gingersnap cookie crumbs can

have less fat than a pastry crust.

► Try less sugar and use powdered

skim milk to make up the required dry

ingredients; could sub half the sugar

with artificial sweetener.

► Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves or vanilla

can enhance sweetness so less sugar is

needed.

Purchasing and preparing healthy foods

that are low in fat, sugar, sodium and high

in fiber is your gift to family and friends, as

well as to yourself. Eat slowly so you have

time to feel full before dishing up that second

serving, and enjoy your company! Make

physical activity part of the celebration.

Indoor activities like charades and dancing

or outdoor activities, even a walk after

eating, can liven up a party and add to the

health benefit. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Page 14

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2012

“12 Scams of Christmas” Alerts Shoppers to Online Traps

It’s getting to be that time of year when many of us will be spending a little extra time online doing financial transactions like Christmas

shopping and checking our bank accounts. McAfee, the company behind the popular virus scan software has released their 12 Scams of

Christmas to help alert consumers to the most common online shopping traps.

1.

Social media scams -- Cybercriminals 4.

Holiday Spam/Phishing -- Soon an action you normally wouldn't do by

know social media networks are a good many of these spam emails will take on pretending to be a legitimate organization.

place to catch you off guard because we're holiday themes. Cheap Rolex watches and

9.

Phony E-tailers -- Phony e-commerce

all "friends," right? Scammers use channels, pharmaceuticals may be advertised as the

sites, that appear real, try to lure you into

like Facebook and Twitter, just like email "perfect gift" for that special someone

typing in your credit card number and other

and websites to scam consumers during 5.

iPhone 5, iPad Mini and other hot

personal details, often by promoting great

the holidays. Be careful when clicking or holiday gift scams -- The kind of excitement

deals. But, after obtaining your money

liking posts, while taking advantage of and buzz surrounding Apple's new iPhone

and information, you never receive the

raffle contests, and fan page deals that you 5 or iPad Mini is just what cyber crooks

merchandise, and your personal information

get from your "friends" that advertise the dream of when they plot their scams. They

is put at risk.

hottest Holiday gifts, installing apps to will mention must-have holiday gifts in

Fake charities -- This is one of the

receive discounts, and your friends' accounts dangerous links, phony contests (example: 10.

biggest

scams of every holiday season. As

being hacked and sending out fake alerts. "Free iPad") and phishing emails as a way

Twitter ads and special discounts utilize to grab computer users' attention to get we open up our hearts and wallets, the bad

blind, shortened links, many of which could you to reveal personal information or click guys hope to get in on the giving by sending

easily be malicious.

on a dangerous link that could download spam emails advertising fake charities.

malware onto your machine.

11.

Dangerous e-cards -- E-Cards are a

2.

Malicious Mobile Apps -- As

popular

way to send a quick "thank you" or

smartphone users we are app crazy, 6.

Skype Message Scare -- People

downloading over 25 billion apps for around the world will use Skype to connect holiday greeting, but some are malicious

Android devices alone. But as the with loved ones this holiday season, but they and may contain spyware or viruses that

popularity of applications has grown, so should be aware of a new Skype message download onto your computer once you click

have the chances that you could download a scam that attempts to infect their machine, on the link to view the greeting.

malicious application designed to steal your and even hold their files for ransom.

12.

Phony classifieds -- Online classified

information or even send out premium-rate

7.

Bogus gift cards -- Cybercriminals sites may be a great place to look for holiday

text messages without your knowledge.

can't help but want to get in on the action gifts and part-time jobs, but beware of

3.

Travel Scams -- Before you book by offering bogus gift cards online. Be wary phony offers that ask for too much personal

your flight or hotel to head home to see your of buying gift cards from third parties; just information or ask you to wire funds via

loved ones for the holidays, keep in mind imagine how embarrassing it would be to Western Union, since these are most likely

that the scammers are looking to hook you find out that the gift card you gave your scams.

with too-good-to-be-true deals. Phony travel mother-in-law was fraudulent!

Vernon Alvarez

Webpages, sometimes using your preferred

8.

Holiday SmiShing "SMiSishing" is Chief of Police

company, with beautiful pictures and rockphishing via text message. Just like with Isleta Pueblo Tribal Police Department

bottom prices are used to get you to hand

email phishing, the scammer tries to lure Office: (505) 869-9707

over your financial details.

you into revealing information or performing Mobile: (505) 514-3760

PUEBLO OF ISLETA

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

P.O. BOX 1270, ISLETA, NM 87022

PHONE: (505) 869- 7587 FAX: (505) 869-7579

EMAIL: poi70103@isletapueblo.com

www.isletapueblo.com "Careers"

The Pueblo of Isleta Human Resources are

continuously accepting applications for the

following positions:

Administrative Assistant

Team Cook I

Police Officer

Sergeant of Police

Equipment Operators

Home Service Program Transporter

Elderly Companion Outreach Coordinator

Home Attendants

EMT — Intermediate

CHR Van Driver (Occasional)

"It is the policy of the Pueblo of Isleta to give

preference to qualified Isleta Pueblo Tribal

Members"

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2012

WIC Notes

3 Simple Ways to Sooth a Crying Baby

You changed your baby's diaper, fed him,

burped him, and held him. But he is still

crying. What to do? For starters, try to stay

calm; sometimes babies just cry. In fact, the

average 6 week old cries over 2 hours a day.

Here are some ways to help calm your babyso you both will feel better.

1. Skin-to-skin contact. Take baby's

clothes off —you can leave the diaper

on. Hold him against your bare skin on

your chest. Cover yourselves with a light

blanket. Babies find Skin-to-skin contact

very soothing because they can gear your

voice and heartbeat and smell your skin.

Dads will love doing this too.

2. Motion. Rock your baby in your arms,

or sit in a rocking chair with her. You

could also put her in a baby sling and

walk around the house. He'll love the

gentle motion and being close to you.

Helpful Baby Tips

√ He opens his mouth to show he

wants food.

√ When you try feeding him baby food,

he can close his lips around the spoon

and swallow food.

If your baby cannot do all of these things, it

is best to wait. If your baby was born early or

if there is a history of food allergies in your

family, talk to your doctor or WIC about the

best time to introduce baby foods.

What NOT to Feed Your Baby

Cow's Milk - Your baby can't digest it yet.

Egg Whites- They may cause allergic

reactions

Honey- It can cause serious illness

Hot dogs, nuts, seed, popcorn,

whole grapes, dried fruit, raw hard

vegetables, peanut butter, and candyThey can cause choking.

5 Tips for Serving Baby Food:

3. Soothing sounds. Hold your baby close

and whisper soothing words into her ear.

This will remind her of the background

noises she heard when she was in the

womb.

When is My Baby Ready for Solid

Foods?

Your baby is ready to try solid food when

she can do all of these thing and is around

6 months old.

√ He can sit up with some help

√ He can hold his head steady

√ He puts his fingers or toys in his

mouth.

1. Feed baby from a bowl, not from

the jar or container. Germs from his

mouth can spoil the food. Throw out any

food left in the bowl when baby's done.

2. Store the opened jar or container

in the refrigerator. If your baby does

not eat the food in two days, throw it

out.

3. Keep foods plain. Your baby does not

need salt, spices, sugar, butter or other

flavors.

4. Use a spoon. It is important for your

baby to learn to eat from a spoon. While

feeding him, let him hold a spoon too so

he can get used to it. He may try to feed

himself.

Page 15

5. Don't put baby food in a bottle.

Food in a bottle, like infant cereal, is

dangerous. It can cause choking and

cause your baby to become overweight.

WIC Tips:

• Add pureed baby food from the store

to your own home-cooked mashed food

which can make it easier for your baby

to move from pureed to mashed food. It

will also stretch your budget since you

can get baby food from WIC.

• Fruit Juice. Babies do not need

juice or other sweetened drinks. Juice

has a lot of sugar and not many nutrients.

Plus, juice can leave your baby too full

for healthier foods. It's best to give your

baby mashed fruit. If you do serve him

juice, put it in a cup and give no more

than 2 ounces a day. Never give juice

in a bottle. It causes tooth decay and

overweight babies.

The WIC Staff wishes to thank Governor

Lujan, Lt. Governor Torres, Lt. Governor

Chewiwi and the Tribal Council for the

Thanksgiving turkeys.

WIC Nutrition Coordinator

Heidi Lanes

Food For Thought

Food is such a big part of the holidays, why not take advantage of

the time spent in the kitchen and talk to your children about food.

Talking about food with children can be fun. Ordinary moments

can provide a great chance to teach children about making healthy

food choices - and to spend time together.

Try some of these conversation

starters with your children:

In the Kitchen:

• Can you help me find the ingredients we need for this recipe?

• Let's make a rainbow salad with colorful vegetables!

At the store:

• Sweet potatoes are my favorite food because they remind of

when....

• On our shopping list there's a fruit that red, shiny, crunchy and

round. Will you help me find it?

• Let's look at the labels to check which cereal has less sugar.

Healthy Food on a Budget

You can make healthy cost-friendly choices one small step at a

time.

• Make a shopping list. Keep the list in a place that's easy to see

so you can add to it any time. Children can help write or draw the

items on the list and check things off while shopping.

• Shop for generic or store brands

• These usually cost less than name brand and taste just as

good.

• Start the day with a healthy breakfast. A healthy breakfast

gives the whole family energy to stay focused all day. It can also

be the most affordable meal of the day, weather you make it at

home or participate in a public school breakfast program. You

can get creative with breakfast too—try a breakfast burrito with

beans, salsa, low-fat and a whole-wheat tortilla.

• Buy fruits and vegetables in season.

• Buy in bulk and stock up on sale items.

• Create a weekly menu - by planning ahead you save money and

make food last longer.

• Buy frozen and canned fruits and vegetables. Pick canned

foods that are labeled "in its own juice", "no sugar added", or "low

sodium."

• Choose low-cost sources of protein. Dried beans, peas, and lentils;

canned fish, eggs, and peanut butter are healthy, inexpensive

sources of protein.

Whether you are preparing food, sharing a meal, or

shopping together, you can make food a part of

happy family memories.

Heidi Lanes, WIC Nutrition Coordinator

Page 16

Isleta Pueblo News

December 2012