We've Got The County Covered
Hello Harlem! I hope you, your family and friends all enjoyed a very happy new year. For many of us, the celebration of the new year includes making resolutions for the upcoming year. This tradition stretches back over 4,000 years when the ancient Babylonians made promises for the upcoming year to their gods for health, a good harvest and peaceful times. Through the centuries, these resolutions often had a religious significance. New year’s resolutions today are a mostly secular practice. Instead of making promises to the gods, most people make resolutions to themselves that focus purely on self-improvement. Most resolutions today focus on making changes regarding our health, diet, finances and relationships. According to a recent study, almost half of Americans say they usually make New Year’s resolutions but only about ten percent are successful in achieving their goals. Despite that dismal record, we probably won’t stop making resolutions anytime soon—after all, we’ve had about 4,000 years of practice. Did you make any New Year’s resolutions? It’s never too late to make some positive changes.
The Harlem Library will be hosting a watch party for “Preserving Montana’s Oral Histories and Traditions, sponsored by the Montana Library Network. The event begins at 6:30 pm on Thursday, January 16. Everyone is welcome to attend.
A Mourner’s Feed will be held on Tuesday, February 4 at the Ft. Belknap Bingo Hall beginning at 5:00 pm. Contact the Child Support Office at 406-353-4230 for information.
There will be a 3 on 3 tournament at the 2025 Mid Winter Fair on February 7 – 9 at the Red Whip Gym. Categories include 9 and under, 11 and under and 13 and under for both boys and girls. Four players per team and 6 teams per division. Prizes will be awarded and there is a $60 entry fee. For information, please contact Myron Hoops at 406-353-4230 or email mlhoops@yahoo.com.
The White Clay Immersion School will be holding their Annual Valentine’s Bazaar on Friday, February 14 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Aaniih Nakoda College Cultural Center. Breakfast and lunch concessions will be available. Vendors can rent a table for $25 by calling 406-353-2607.
Upcoming Meetings to attend: Harlem City Council on Monday, January 13 at 6:00 pm at City Hall. Harlem Civic Group/Heart & Soul Group on Monday, January 20 at 6:00 pm at City Hall. Friends of the Harlem Library on Wednesday, January 22 at 5:15 pm at the library.
Parting Words: One of the top new year’s resolutions for many people continues to be making improvements to their health. Exercise in Harlem during the winter might seem like a daunting task. It’s dark and gloomy, there’s snow and ice and we would much rather stay snuggled up on our couches watching a good movie. But staying fit, or making a beginning at it is by no means impossible. Here’s some tips and ideas to exercising in winter here in Harlem. Tips for exercise include Dressing in layers: this allows you to adjust to changing temperatures as you warm up. Warm up thoroughly: before heading outside, do a proper warm-up to prepare your muscles for activity. Stay hydrated: even in cold weather, dehydration can occur, so drink plenty of water. Indoor options: if it’s too cold outside, consider activities like swimming, indoor cycling, yoga, Pilates, dancing, or using a home gym. Bodyweight exercises: simple exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks can be done outdoors if the weather permits. Be mindful of your surroundings: when exercising outdoors in winter, be aware of slippery surfaces and low visibility. Some great ideas for winter exercise include Walking: take a brisk walk indoors or outdoors, depending on the temperature, Stair climbing: use stairs at work, home, or in public places to get extra steps in, Swimming: a great low-impact, full-body workout that keeps you warm, Yoga or Pilates: improves flexibility and core strength, suitable for colder weather, Resistance band exercises: portable and versatile for strength training, Sledding: a fun winter activity that provides cardiovascular benefits. Just remember – take it slow when getting started. You’re not going to see a miraculous change overnight, but if you keep at it, you build endurance to keep pressing forward. Health is perhaps our greatest gift and asset, so let’s get active this winter Harlem and begin making a positive change, one step at a time. Have a good week everyone!
If you know of an upcoming event or have an interesting story to share from our community, please submit it to helloharlem21@gmail.com.