Hello Harlem!

Welcome to the first weekly article about everything Harlem: news, important events, ways to get involved and hopefully something that will bring the community together. If you have something you think would be of interest to the community, get in touch and we'll help get the word out.

Friday, September 18 was a beautiful day for a parade! The Harlem School District, joined by groups from the Harlem and Ft. Belknap communities, conducted the annual Homecoming Parade. The streets were lined with people, especially the youngsters looking for all that candy. The floats were really well done and the Freshman Class took first prize. Many thanks to everyone who helped put on the Homecoming Parade, and a special thanks to Mrs. Mary Kate French, high school art teacher and her art club students for decorating town with paw prints painted all around town.

Kuddos to the Harlem Civic Association for sponsoring such a wonderful Fall Festival on Sunday, September 28. The food, fellowship and music were great. The Civic Association also did a great job decorating the street poles along Main Street for the autumn season. The next Harlem Civic Association meeting will be Monday, October 21 at 6 pm at City Hall. All residents are encouraged to consider joining or helping the Association in making our community a better place to call home.

The Harlem Heart and Soul group is probably new to most of you. They are a community revitalization group that has been meeting since this past summer. Citizens who want to make Harlem a better place get together and look for ways to help turn things around. Right now, the group is looking at securing grants for various projects around town, ways to increase housing availability and different means to bring the community together since they feel the people here are our greatest asset. There's been quite a bit of talk lately in the group about reviving a Christmas activity downtown. Let's see what happens when people come together to make things better. Their next meeting is Monday, October 7 at 5:30 PM at ANC. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Altar Society of St. Thomas Church will recite the Rosary every Wednesday at 6:30 pm at the church in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary. All are welcome to attend.

Jack Siemens is running the annual Harlem Food Bank donation drive. Donations are welcome any time of year, but right now, the Food Bank has a chance to win a matching grant from Town Pump. Remember, this is a 100% completely local effort – all donations stay right here to help our community. Consider dropping your monetary donation in the mail to Jack – any amount is greatly appreciated.

City Council will be holding their monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 15 at 6 pm at City Hall. All residents who would like to know more about what's happening with your city government or have any issues they want addressed should attend.

A Workforce Expo will be held on Tuesday, October 15 at Ft. Belknap Bingo Hall at 6 pm. Everyone is welcome to come and learn about the benefits of a workforce expo, what it can do for our community as well as your own career plans. Contact Nancy Boushie (nboushie@ftbelknap.org ) or Cheryl Horn (cheryl.horn@ftbelknap.org) for more information.

Harlem Schools will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week October 28 to 31. Families: encourage your children to participate in the special dress-up events and other activities in an effort to stamp out drugs in our community.

Mrs. Wendy Maratita, social studies teacher at the high school will be bringing some of her students to MSU Bozeman on October 28-29 for "Econoquest," an international economic literacy program that looks at real-life economic issues and helps develop career opportunities for our students. The program is sponsored by the "Montana World Affairs Council." Best wishes for an educational and enjoyable trip.

Harlem will be holding their annual Trunk-or-Treat on Thursday, October 31 in the Elementary School parking lot from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. There are still a few open spots left for any business, church or organization to reserve and give out candy and goodies to our kids.

The Harlem Wildcats and Lady Cats have been very busy this season, and I might add, breaking some records! On October 12, football will be at Belt (JH 10 am / HS 1 pm). The Lady Cats volleyball team will be on the road on October 10 at Glasgow (4:30 pm), October 12 at Wolf Point (1 pm) and at home on October 14 against Rocky Boy (4:30 pm). Cross Country teams will be competing at Malta on October 12 (10 am). Go Cats! Your town is very proud of you!

Parting Words for this week: Old man winter will be here before you know it. For now though, enjoy the beauty of our area, especially during the Fall season. Let's also make an effort to clean up outdoors before winter sets in – clear away junk and trim those weeds, especially by the curbs and in the alleys. If your neighbor is unable to work on their yard, lend a hand. Let's make Harlem shine during this season of crisp nights, changing colors, football and pumpkins. Take pride in your community and take the initiative. See you next week.

If you know of an upcoming event or have an interesting story to share from our community, please submit it to helloharlem21@gmail.com.