Hello Harlem

Hello Harlem! Friday, February 14 is St. Valentine’s Day. Hope you spend the day with someone special! Perhaps if we focus on the important things this Valentine’s Day: love, friendship, companionship, faith, family, friends, goodwill– we can create so much good will in Harlem that it will melt the snow!

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.

Attention all Harlem and Fort Belknap residents: you’re invited to the next Community Heart & Soul Meeting on Tuesday, February 18 at the Harlem Public Library from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Heart & Soul is a resident-driven process that engages the entire population in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it. Our local area has been selected to join 120 other communities across the nation in helping to make our region a better place now and in the future. Everyone is 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 Civic Group on Monday, February 17 at 6:00 pm at City Hall. St. Thomas Church Altar Society monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 18 at 5:00 pm. Don’t forget that Monday, February 17 is President’s Day. The post office will be closed as will many banks, schools and government offices.

Parting Words: The winter season in Harlem brings cold weather, shorter days, and a shift in our daily routines. It can be hard to stay active leading to decreased energy levels and the lack of sunlight can affect our mental health. Changes in routines and social interactions can also contribute to feelings of isolation and stress. That is why it is important to prioritize self-care and take some basic steps to maintain our mental and physical well-being during this time of year. Today we will continue our look at ways to survive and thrive during the winter by looking at some ways to stay active, positive and motivated. Here are some great wellness tips: Practice mindfulness by incorporating 10 to 15 minutes of meditation into your day. Get enough sleep by aiming for 7 to 8 hours per night. Staying hydrated is essential, especially in our dry climate. During winter, we tend to drink even less because we are not as thirsty. Exercising regularly is important for both physical and mental health. While winter exercise can be more difficult, try finding time for even a short 20 minute workout to boost your mood and energy. A cold snap can be tough on our skin. Make sure you are using a moisturizer that works for your skin type, and don’t forget to apply a lip balm to avoid chapped lips. Getting outside during the winter season can have numerous benefits for our mental health. Exposure to natural light and fresh air can improve mood and energy levels. Even a short walk or spending time in the snow can provide a refreshing change of scenery and help us connect with nature. Incorporating comforting foods into your diet can help you feel cozy and warm during the colder months. Aim to include nourishing foods such as soups, stews, and healthy carbs. During the winter season, it can be especially beneficial to limit social media use. Instead, try to prioritize activities that you enjoy during this season. Engage in winter hobbies like reading by the fireplace, baking, or spending quality time with loved ones. Incorporating relaxation time into your day is essential for reducing stress and enhancing well-being. Whether it is taking a relaxing bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music, finding activities that help you unwind is crucial. By dedicating time to relaxation, you can effectively manage stress and improve your overall health. Hope you are all finding these tips for winter survival in Harlem helpful. 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.