From the warm shallows of the Sea of Azov to the rocky shores of the Black Sea, a Ukrainian newcomer in Crowsnest Pass shares memories of family holidays, healing muds and seaside food, and describes how Russia’s war has shattered many of these once-peaceful coastal towns.

Piikani Nation Spiritual Elder and Knowledge Keeper Eric Crow Shoe shared Blackfoot teachings on honouring Mother Earth at the Crowsnest Conservation Society AGM, urging Crowsnest Pass residents to see care for the land as an everyday responsibility rooted in love, generosity and kindness.

For decades, Crowsnest Pass Santa visits have sounded like Lions Club volunteer Norm Hanson. From helicopter arrivals to Meals on Wheels fundraising, the 82 year old has used the red suit to support seniors and spread holiday joy.

From a teen immigrant in a Saskatchewan coal mine to cutting props on Crowsnest Mountain and building early logging roads, the Juhlin family story traces how Magnus and Grace carved out a self sufficient life in the backcountry above Coleman.

The Crowsnest Pass Food Bank is seeing more families, seniors and working residents turn to hampers as costs rise, with demand up over last year and donations under pressure even as community events and volunteers work to keep shelves stocked.

From the historic Pepsi mural to the rebuilt neon sign and front canopy, the Roxy Revival is all about process. Don Budgen explains how careful research, skilled trades and community fundraising are bringing Coleman’s landmark theatre back to life.

When hackers took over my Pass Herald email and targeted local seniors with a cruel gift card scam, Rogers left me on hold for 77 minutes. The experience exposed how vulnerable rural small businesses are when giant telecoms stop caring about customer service.

A 39-year-old contractor from Hosmer has died after a workplace incident at Elkview Operations near Sparwood, prompting investigations by RCMP, the B.C. Coroners Service and provincial mining authorities. Elkview has been temporarily shut while probes continue.

On Nov. 11, I attended all three Remembrance Day ceremonies in the Crowsnest Pass to lay a wreath on behalf of Member of Parliament John Barlow. Each service was distinct and deeply moving, and together they showed how strongly this community still honours those who served and those who continue to serve today.

Registration is climbing at the Crowsnest Pass Skating Club as its Pre CanSkate and CanSkate programs welcome everyone from three year old beginners to teenagers and international students. With certified Skate Canada coaches, trial lessons and a focus on footwork that supports both figure skating and hockey, the club is working to keep more local families on the ice.

From a folk proverb to the korovai wedding loaf, this feature traces wheat and bread as symbols of prosperity, hospitality and identity in Ukraine, honouring bakers, inclusive workplaces and family traditions that keep the craft alive.

The Crowsnest Pass Public Art Gallery is showing David Harrison’s solo exhibit, Works on Paper: A Retrospective, through Dec. 7. The art educator and conceptual painter reprocesses urban graffiti into geometric matrices that explore decay and abstraction.

Tickets for Northback’s 10th Australia Day fundraiser sold out in under a week. Matching donations return as the event supports Crow Snow Riders and SARSAR, with about 264 seats at MDM Community Hall and strong backing from local donors.

Castle Mountain Resort is tracking for an early December start as temps drop for snowmaking. A new Stagecoach Express Quad and several hundred acres of lift accessed terrain are planned. WOW Card savings and a Dec. 5 to 7 food bank drive return.

Starting Nov. 15, Puzzleneck in Frank will wrap gifts by donation with all proceeds to the Crowsnest Pass food and toy hampers. Drop off at 14701 14 Ave. Wednesday to Friday noon to 5 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Service runs to Dec. 24 at noon.

A column condemns the Supreme Court of Canada’s Oct. 31 ruling that struck down a one year mandatory minimum for child sexual abuse material possession. It calls for tougher laws and use of the Notwithstanding Clause, arguing courts are failing victims.

CNP Allied Arts Association will host a community visioning workshop on Nov. 9 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. as it plans a new community art hub after Alberta Transportation purchased the gallery building for Highway 3 widening. The gallery remains open in Frank with a Nov. 8 exhibit launch.

A local couple donated a Sara Plus patient lift to the Crowsnest Pass Health Centre to support safer sit to stand transfers. Troy and Carmen Linderman gifted the near new Arjo unit after her 46 day stay, working with the Health Foundation and staff to place it where it will be used most.

Alberta unveiled Bill 7 to modernize water law and ease sharing and transfers. Treaty 6, 7 and 8 chiefs opposed the plan, warning it risks treaty rights and northern rivers. The bill adds a quicker path for lower risk transfers and new measurement rules, with consultations to follow.