Hello Harlem

The Fort Belknap Clinic will be holding a walk-in Flu Shot Clinic on Wednesday, October 16 from 7:30 am to 7:00 pm. All those who receive their flu shot at this event will be entered to win door prizes. Let’s do what we can to stay healthy this season!

The Friends of the Library Membership Meeting takes place on Wednesday, October 16 at 6:00 pm at the Harlem Library. At this annual meeting, the Friends of the Library board of directors shares reports and activities of the past year, accepts new members, holds elections and announces plans for the upcoming Wine and Cheese Fundraiser to be held in December. A free soup supper will be provided and the community is encouraged to attend and consider joining the Friends of the Library. Annual dues are only $10. For more information, please call 406-353-2712.

Please join the Lady Wild Cats for the “Pink and Blue” game for Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Friday, October 25. Matches start at 1:00 pm in the high school gym. There will be free cancer awareness stickers, a free-will donation jar, silent basket auction and pop shoot out. All money raised will go to the Day Eagle Hope Project. If you are interested in donating a basket for the auction, contact Lyle Faulkinberry (lyle@harlem-hs.k12.mt.us) or Taylor Faulkinberry Richardson (taylorf@harlem-hs.k12.mt.us).

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. Contact Taylor Faulkinberry Richardson (taylorf@harlem-hs.k12.mt.us) for more information.

Mrs. Timberly Kelly, high school principal, reports that she is excited to be part of the positive work that the teachers and students have been doing. They have a shared vision that every student will set and achieve a rigorous academic, personal and social goal each semester. Setting rigorous goals involves a deep level of commitment and a willingness to change. Good work to the students on goal setting!

The Landusky Fundraiser will be held on Saturday, November 2 from 3:00 pm until finished at the Landusky Community Hall. There will be a silent auction, Italian-themed dinner, live auction, bake sale and a 50/50 raffle. Join our neighbors for lots of fun, food and visiting. For more information, please call Harold at 406-673-3590 or Darlene at 406-673-3267.

October 6 to 12 was National Fire Prevention Week. Students at Harlem schools practiced fire drill evacuations. As we get closer to the winter season and begin firing up the furnace, it is probably a good time of year to check the batteries in your smoke detectors at home. Safety first!

Come and support the Harlem Wildcats and Lady Cats. The teams will be busy this week: Football will be home this week against Cascade on Friday, October 18. Junior High game begins at 4:00 pm and the varsity game begins at 7:00 pm. Lady Cats volleyball will be away at Malta on Saturday, October 19 beginning at 1:00 pm. Cross Country will be home this week on Friday, October 18 beginning at 10:00 am. Go Cats! Your community is proud of your accomplishments!

Some ongoing reminders: The Harlem Food Bank Drive is currently going on. Help Jack Siemens continue helping our community by sending your donation to him today!

The Harlem Civic Association meeting is Monday, October 21 at 6 pm at City Hall. Consider joining to help make Harlem a better place. Show up and see what it’s all about. More hands make lighter work that result in a better Harlem for us all.

Residents are reminded that grass and weeds need to be trimmed. Let us all do our part to make Harlem shine this Autumn. If you see an abandoned property in need of a trim, especially by the street, or see some litter that needs picking up, take the initiative. In addition, do not be afraid to help our more elderly neighbors with their yardwork.

Residents are also reminded to remain vigilant and observant. Crime has been increasing in Harlem lately and in some cases, happening in broad daylight. Some helpful tips to help deter crime in our community: make sure windows and doors are locked. Store valuable yard equipment, tools and bicycles in sheds and garages. Trim the weeds in the alleys behind your house and remove junk and vacant cars where people can hide. Install sensor lights or cameras and keep gates and fences closed and locked. Parents and guardians are reminded that Harlem does have a curfew in effect for our youth. If residents see any crime, vandalism or curfew violations occurring, they should call the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office immediately at 406-357-3260.

Parting Words for this week: Before you know it, those roads will be covered with sleet, snow and ice. Temperatures will be frigid and the landscape will be white. The hard Montana winter will be here and it takes its toll on our vehicles. Here are some automobile winterizing tips to get done now so you are ready to enjoy those winter activities and travel safely. Switching to snow tires is one of the most effective ways to improve your vehicle’s traction on icy roads. A well-maintained cooling system is crucial in preventing your engine from freezing. Make sure your antifreeze levels are adequate, and the mixture is correct for winter temperatures. Cold weather can be hard on your vehicle’s battery. Have your battery tested to ensure it is in good condition and that the connections are corrosion-free. Winter-grade oil flows better in cold temperatures, making it easier for your engine to start and reducing wear on critical components. Clear visibility is important during snowy conditions. Replace worn-out wiper blades and keep your windshield washer fluid topped up with a winter blend that will not freeze. Have an emergency kit in your car. Include items like blankets, a flashlight, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit in case you are stuck in bad conditions. Prepare now and enjoy later. See you all 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.