Hello Harlem!

It’s almost Halloween here in Harlem – a time for ghosts, jack-o-lanterns and lots of candy. But where did Halloween come from? Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. The church incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain into All Saints Day. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats. Halloween will be celebrated in Harlem with several activities including:

The annual Trunk-or-Treat takes place on Thursday, October 31 in the Elementary School parking lot from 12:30 to 2:30 pm. Local businesses, churches and organizations will be giving out candy and goodies to our kids.

Mary Kate French, high school art teacher, is sponsoring a costume contest for students and staff in the high school. Awards will be given for best homemade costume, best make-up and best costume for staff member. All are encouraged to participate by dressing up on Halloween. *Reminder: no masks during class time.

The Warriors for Families group will be providing a Movie Night and Costume Contest at the High School little gym on October 31 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The movie will be “Goosebumps” and free popcorn, snacks and slushies will be available. A costume contest will be held around 8:00 pm and a Halloween photo booth will be available. Doors open at 5:30 pm and youth must be accompanied by parents/guardians. Door prizes and grand prize will be awarded (must be present to win).

We remind residents and youth who will be trick-or treating to be respectful of resident’s property and to only approach well-lit or decorated homes. Have a safe and enjoyable Halloween everyone!

The Harlem American Lutheran Church has changed their regular worship time to Sundays at 9:30 AM with the exception of November 10 when services will be at 11:30 am and a potluck meal will follow. All are welcome to attend.

Speaking of churches, regular worship times for Harlem Churches include: St. Thomas Catholic Church - Saturdays at 5:00 pm, Harlem Presbyterian-Methodist Church - Sundays at 9:00 am, Harlem N. Amer. Evangelical Church - Sundays at 10:00 am and Harlem Assembly of God - Sundays at 11:00 am. All are welcome to check out our local churches who work for the spiritual and practical support of those in our community.

A Family Fun Night will take place at the High School on Wednesday, October 30 from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm to mark Red Ribbon Week. There will be bingo, a Glo-Walk around the neighborhood, games and fun activities for the kids and a guest speaker will present on drug prevention in the community. A free homemade meal will be served. All are welcome to attend.

Harlem Public Library will be celebrating National Native American Heritage Month. They are seeking star quilts to display during the month of November. Please call the library at 406-353-2712 if you would like information or to participate.

The Junior High Lady Wildcat Basketball team is participating in the Harlem Jamboree on November 2 beginning at 9:00 am. Come out for some great basketball and support our kids.

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.

Daylight savings time begins at 2:00 am on Sunday, November 3. Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour. Be sure to change all devices such as coffee makers, microwave, stove and vehicle clocks and anything pre-programmed such as indoor/outdoor automatic lights. It’s also a good time to double-check those batteries in smoke and fire detectors throughout your home.

The Friends of the Library annual membership meeting was a huge success. New officers include: Libby Kuntz and Teresa Cornell, co-presidents, Valerie Van Voast, treasurer, Jim Kobeski, secretary, Louise Nissen events coordinator and members at large: Patsy Shelhamer, Eva English, Candus Sheffelmaier, Helen Schroeder, Ethel Moore and Amber Harris. The Friends also welcomed new members and enjoyed a delicious soup supper. Plans were made for the upcoming Wine and Cheese Fundraiser, which will be held on Wednesday, December 4 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This year’s event is being held in memory of Karolee Cronk and will be called “Karolee’s Kandy Kane Kristmas.”

Speaking of the Wine & Cheese Fundraiser….if you have donated to this event in the past, please consider donating again. Organizers are looking for silent and live auction items, food items and wine donations. The Friends of the Library are grateful to the many residents and businesses who have supported this important fundraiser in the past and look forward to your help this year. Please get in touch with Louise Nissen, event coordinator, or Colleen Brommer, library director.

Congratulations to the Harlem winners of the Blaine County Health Coloring Contest: 3rd Grade - Braiylee Stiffarm, 2nd Grade - Penelope Tincher, 3rd Grade - Presley Vauthier, 1st Grade - Alimeda Horn. The students each won an art kit for their great work.

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!

Some upcoming meetings to attend: Harlem Heart and Soul Revitalization Group on Monday, November 4 at 5:30 pm at the Harlem Library. Harlem City Council on Tuesday, November 12 at 6:00 PM at City Hall. Harlem Civic Association on Monday, November 18 at 6:00 PM at City Hall.

Parting Words: “Harlem’s greatest asset is her people.” This is a sentiment shared by both the Heart and Soul Revitalization Group and the Harlem Civic Association. Both feel there was a very strong sense of community pride, support and cohesiveness that has dwindled in the past few years. Both groups are now working together to restore that here in Harlem. One of the annual events many probably remember was the Christmas Stroll. Members of these groups are working hard to bring this yearly event back to downtown Harlem. The event will take place on Thursday, December 12 beginning at 4:00 pm. Now for the important part: these groups need YOU to make this event a success. They will be reaching out soon to local churches, businesses, organizations and vendors. They will NOT be asking you for a donation, just for your participation. Please consider helping in some way. Harlem residents and our neighbors are asked to mark their calendars now and spread the word – this is the kind of event that needs to be successful if it will continue. Let’s restore the pride in Harlem – plan to support the Christmas Stroll. Have a great week everyone! See you next time.

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