For those looking for some fun and also looking out for their health this fall, Roosevelt Middle School, A. Montoya Elementary School and San Antonio STEM Elementary School are hosting the East Mountain Extravaganza Oct. 19 in Tijeras.
Santana Torrez, the school nurse at Roosevelt Middle School has experience working in the ER, and said that she has seen firsthand the lack of access people have to resources and providers.
“I really wanted to bridge that gap because preventative health is key to keeping our kids in school and it’s key to keeping people out of the emergency room.”
For the past two years, Bernalillo County Fire Rescue has taught hands-only CPR to the community at the East Mountain Extravaganza, and this year a mental health crisis team will be in attendance. Torrez said that the demonstrations by first responders at these events literally prevent people from dying.
“I really want the community to see them in that different light,” she said. “I think we have an idea of what our first responders do, but we really don’t know the depth that they go to.”
In addition to health education, the East Mountain Extravaganza will have entertainment like live music from Roosevelt’s youth jazz band and others, a performance from East Mountain Dance, food trucks, and a National Guard obstacle course. The event will feature martial arts demonstrations by local jiu-jitsu and karate schools teaching basic self-defense techniques and there may even be some fun challenges with prizes. Art teacher Brian Baker, who has a kung fu club at Roosevelt, will be giving some basic tai chi training. Torrez said that no prior knowledge or martial arts training is required to participate.
The event will help guests with Medicaid/SNAP enrollment and host the Vitalant blood drive. The American Red Cross, and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office will be in attendance as well as Blue Cross Blue Shield and local health care providers like Sandia Family Dentistry and Blue Feather Healing.
The event will have a free vaccination clinic including all required Albuquerque Public Schools vaccines and flu and COVID vaccines for all ages. Those who are interested in getting vaccinated should bring their shot record.
The Bernalillo County Animal Care and Resource Center will have pets available for adoption. All adoptable pets have been vaccinated for rabies, spayed or neutered and microchipped, and according to their website, there is no adoption fee.
HifasHaven house and pet sitters will have a meet and greet with their sitters and some treats for your fur babies.
“You don’t have to be part of APS, you don’t have to be part of Roosevelt, it is a community event for all,” Torrez said. “There’s gonna be a great variety, and everybody’s welcome.”
East Mountain Extravaganza
Sat. Oct. 19
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Roosevelt Middle School
11799 Highway 14 S, Tijeras
Free
