Hello Harlem!

Harlem is welcoming a new business to Main Street! The MAPS Media Institute, 73 S. Main Street, will be holding their Grand Opening on Sunday, February 2 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The opening will feature student presentations, a free community meal including Wildcat burgers and smoked ribs and also have live music featuring Jim & Jaime Fox. The MAPS Media Institute is an afterschool multi-media program serving students from Harlem, Hays/Lodgepole and Dodson. Everyone is welcome to come out and tour the studio, meet the staff and students and learn more about the classes and activities being offered.

If you are interested in being part of the conversation to help re-image and build community in Harlem, the Montana State University Extension is hosting a “Re-Imagining Rural” series on Tuesdays during February at the Harlem Public Library from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. February 4: Trends in Rural Montana. February 11: Small town success stories. February 18: Turning civic apathy into community pride. Each evening will feature specialist guest speakers on a live and interactive zoom. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Fort Belknap Mid-Winter Fair is almost here. There will be lots of activities for the entire family including (apologies if any event was accidentally omitted):

Quilt Show, February 3 – 6 at the Bingo Hall. All blankets welcome.

Mourner’s Feed, Tuesday, February 4 at the Ft. Belknap Bingo Hall at 5:00 pm.

TERO Department Open House, February 4 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Information available for CDL training, construction projects and workforce expo.

Native Bread and Pie Contest, February 5 at the Bingo Hall beginning at 10:00 am.

“Chopped” Contest, February 5 at the Bingo Hall from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Only 6 teams!

Eatable & Medicinal Plants / Traditional Wellness presented by Buster Moors, February 6 at the Bingo Hall beginning at 11:00 am.

Youth Day, February 7 at the Bingo Hall beginning at 10:00 am. Lots of activities for the kids and free hotdogs and drinks.

3 on 3 Tournament, 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.

Powwow, February 8 at the Bingo Hall with Grand Entry beginning at 1:00 pm.

The Harlem Public Library will be celebrating “Love your Library” month with a “Love Chocolate, Love Your Library” event on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The event will feature a chocolate temptations tasting, a photo booth, chocolate baked goods contest, chocolate fondue, a Valentine’s craft and vendors selling confections. Everyone is welcome to attend to get their fill of chocolate and celebrate Valentine’s Day and the Library.

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.

Fort Belknap Fish & Wildlife is sponsoring a Coyote Hunt from 6:00 am on February 15 to 6:00 pm on February 16. An information meeting will be held in front of the Bingo Hall on February 14 at 5:00 pm. Monetary prizes will be given. All are welcome.

Looking for ways to give back to your community? The City of Harlem is accepting letters of interest for a vacant seat on City Council, Ward 2. Letters are due by February 1. The City is also accepting letters of interest from volunteers for the Harlem Fire Department. All volunteers must pass a background check and physical examination as well as complete provided annual training. Send interest letters to Mayor Chris Green, City of Harlem, PO Box 579, Harlem MT 59526.

Upcoming Meetings to attend: Harlem City Council on Monday, February 10 at 6:00 pm at City Hall. Harlem Civic Group on Monday, February 17 at 6:00 pm at City Hall.

Parting Words: Winter in Harlem – what can I say….it is cold and snowy and we’re often stuck at home feeling that cabin fever itch and dreaming of springtime. We might feel that there is little we can do to overcome those wintertime blues, but in reality, there’s plenty to do. Start a new book. Make that recipe you’ve been hanging onto and wanting to try. Invite friends over for a card night. Clean out your cupboards. Start a new craft or hobby. Form an informal club with people who share your interests – who knows, it might lead to something great in your life. There’s not always a lot going on in town during the winter, but check out the events that are happening – learn something new, become involved, help others. Wintertime blues are not always easy to overcome, but remember, you have a lot to do with how you feel – you control that. Keep a positive perspective and outlook. Stay active and keep your mind, body and soul fit and ready for warmer days ahead. We’ve made it over the hump and the days are starting to get longer. It won’t be long now before the birds start flying north again and the buds start forming on the trees. Stay active Harlem, so we can enjoy the days ahead. 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.