On Friday, Jan. 30, musicians and community members gathered for the opening of a special exhibit on the second floor of the Crowsnest Museum celebrating the 100 year history of the Crowsnest Community Orchestra. The evening featured selections by a five string ensemble and charcuterie provided by Country Encounters.

On Saturday, Jan. 31, Crowsnest Allied Arts kicked off its latest offering to the public entitled “No Particular Topic.” This annual show is a blend of artistic styles from local and area artists, and this year’s show has a lovely mixture of styles and subjects. The show will run until March 1. Be sure to drop by. The gallery is open seven days a week and is a great place for gifting or indulging in local art.

A longtime fundraiser is set to return to the Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery on Feb. 7, with organizers encouraging people to arrive early before the chili and pottery bowls run out. Curator Ryanna Kizan said the Chili Bowl Festival has run for more than 20 years, offering volunteer made chili and take-home bowls donated by the Pass Pottery Club, with proceeds supporting the gallery’s children and adult programming.

The Crowsnest Conservation Society asked Crowsnest Pass council on Jan. 27 to consider reviving a former Agricultural Services Board, exploring participation in the Waterton Biosphere region and looking at options for a new municipal park along the Crowsnest River. The group highlighted membership growth and said it brought $50,000 in grants into the community between 2021 and 2025, alongside interpretive signage, school projects and planned stream monitoring this year.

Seven year old Carter Otteson achieved what many dart players chase for years when he threw a 180 at the Bellevue Legion on Jan. 18. The score, made by hitting three triple 20s in a row, drew cheers from league members and marked a milestone for the young player, who has been throwing darts since age three.

Lisa Sygutek graduated with 55 girls in 1990. Now, eight of those women have been diagnosed with cancer and three have died. After losing two classmates in quick succession, she reflects on the fear, grief and unnerving intimacy of illness in a small community, where every number carries a familiar name.