New Brewery Ready To Break Through the Pandemic With Quality Brews

As the province is opening up for more businesses to operate, Haven Brewing Company is serving up traditional European-style beers for the city of Peterborough.

Brothers Andrew Anker (left) and Nathan Anker (right) favourite beers of their company are the Schwarzbier and All Natural Belgian Blonde Ale respectively. Photo by David Tuan Bui

The duo official took over former Smithhavens Brewing Company back Apr. 9 last year but bought the company in October 2019.

The brewery had to face challenges after taking over the company during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic but has high expectations for themselves as Ontario is gradually opening back up.

“I think there’s a lot of opportunities right now and while it’s been a difficult year and we’re a small local company,” said Nathan Anker, Haven Brewing Company, President and CEO. “We are going to do anything we can to help other businesses out there and I’m sure that will be reciprocated too.”

Nathan Anker previously had eight years of business and brand development experience in automotive before owning Haven Brewing Company. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The brewery focuses on European-style beers that remain tried, test and true to the classics that have been appreciated over time. The company applies its own twists to their products to deliver a unique taste and style as an homage to the classic traditions.

Several of their ingredients are imported from Europe to retain that genuine flavour and style within their beer.

“They're all recipes that have existed for a really long time and there's a reason they've existed because it's really good beer,” said Nathan. “We've just taken it, refined the recipe a bit but we also try to keep as true as possible to the process.”

Some beers that were originated from Smithworks has been incorporated into Haven with slight adjustments to make it more true to the traditional European style such as the Hefeweizen according to Nathan.

Brewmaster Andrew Anker graduated from Niagara College in 2012 their inaugural brewing program beginning in 2010. Photo By David Tuan Bui.

The idea of the brothers owning their own brewery felt like a match made in heaven. Andrew had worked with several breweries for the past decade while Nathan wanted to become an entrepreneur as a change from working in the automotive business the last eight years.

“The intention that he would open his own (brewery) then I came in as the business mind and I always intended to open my own company but I never really knew what I wanted to do,” explained Nathan. “We just put the two together, he makes great beer, I’m going to do the business side of things and it was kind of a no-brainer.”

Haven Brewing Company has over 20 different Peterborough restaurants that serve their beer such as Apollo Grill, Nateure’s Plate and Shoeless Joe’s.

When permitted, the brewery plans to host indoor seating with pub snacks and events such as bingo night. During Step 2, the business has outdoor tables for patrons to enjoy their craft beers.

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Peterborough's Walk About Clown Spreads Smiles Upon the City

Carolyn Collins has been dubbed Peterborough’s Walk About Clown and is spreading smiles - and donations - to the community.

Photo Courtesy of David Bui.

When Collins began to sense that a close friend of hers was struggling with the ongoing lockdown, she took it upon herself to cheer her up.

Though she is retired, Collins worked as a clown in the past. She found her best clown outfit and took to the sidewalk in hopes that walking past her friend’s window would put a smile on her face. During the short five-minute walk, she got more attention than anticipated.

“I had at least a dozen vehicles honking and waving at me,” she said. “So I thought I should keep it going.”

Collins now sports fun outfits and hula hoop tricks on the corner of Cherryhill Road and Brealey Drive every weeknight from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. dependent on the weather.

She also leaves encouraging chalk messages on sidewalks and posters on nearby posts.

Photo Courtesy of David Bui.

“The smiles are the best part,” she says.

Fans of Collins have given her money though she does not keep it for herself.

“I’ve decided any money I’m given will go to charity,” she explained. “I was just able to drop off $365 to Community Living in Peterborough. The way I see it, somebody else needs the money more.”

She has now begun collecting money for Five Counties Children’s Centre and has decided every month she will donate to a different charity.

While clowning around is raising money for various charities around the city, Collins says she does it is to spread joy.

“One smile turns into two. Two turns into four and next thing you know we have a million smiles.”

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Community Care Peterborough Wins National Contest For $20,000

Non-profit charitable organization Community Care Peterborough (CCP) won $20,000 in the 2021 Great Canadian Giving Challenge held by CanadaHelps according to a press release on Wednesday.

Meals on Wheels deliver food from Monday to Friday between 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Photo Courtesy of Community Care Peterborough.

CCP — a charity providing services to senior citizens and adults with physical challenges — was selected from 16,611 other charities. A total of $26,218,918 to those charities were donated last month.

June is considered the month with the least amount of donations to CanadaHelps — a non-profit networking charity organization —as stated in the press release.

All last month, CanadaHelps asked Canadians for online donations to win $20,000 for their favourite charity.

Every dollar donated in June through CanadaHelps or with an affiliated charity gave an entry for the grand prize.

“We are so thrilled to win the Great Canadian Giving Challenge,” said Alicia Vandine, CCP Donor Relations and Communications Lead. “We adapted our fundraising plans, operating virtual events and improving our online presence, to make it easier for people to support this work with their donations, improving our capacity and process to make online donations easy and secure using our Canada Helps charity account.”

Alicia Vandine (left) of Community Care Peterborough speaking with Nicole Danesi (right), CanadaHelps Manager in an online interview following the announcement of the contest winner. Screenshot.

$10,000 will be used towards the Give a Meal program which subsidies Meals on Wheels. The other $10,000 is for their Drive for Dialysis program which drives dialysis patients to medical appointments.

Without this support, many Ontarians living in rural communities are left to cover the transportation costs of these regular appointments that can add up to between $8,000 and $10,000 per patient according to the press release.

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Irish Millie Brings a New Generation to Celtic Music

Ameilia Shadgett is breaking the age barrier of Celtic music and bringing the culture to people of all ages.

Thirteen by Irish Millie. Cover art done by Barking Pixel Design Co. Photo Courtesy of Irish Millie.

The 14-year-old, known as Irish Millie, released her first album titled Thirteen in May.

Recording an album has been a dream of hers for a long time but it took time to get the ball rolling.

While playing at a local farmer’s market, Gregory Pastic from LaunchPad Records approached Millie and her dad Murray with hopes to record an album. Her dreams came true when the pandemic hit and she had more time to focus on her music.

“It feels like I’m stepping up a bit and getting a little bit bigger,” she said. “When I would listen to my favourite artists on Spotify I’d think ‘I want that for myself and the fact that that has happened — I’m overjoyed.”

Now Millie and her dad spend their time playing gigs at local venues. While most of the crowd is often much older than Millie, she says her friends are a great support and she hopes that more young people will come to realize just how fun Celtic music can be.

Millie says she feels fiddle music is often directed at people older than herself and she wants to change that.

“It’s a very cool culture and a very diverse community of people that are involved in this kind of music,” she said. “I don’t think a lot of younger people realize that until they’ve heard it.”

The music Millie plays makes her feel empowered and she wants anyone that listens to feel the same.

“I want everyone to understand why I love it.”

Irish Millie is playing at The Blackhorse Pub on July 7 and 21 at 6:00 p.m.

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Kawartha TV & Stereo Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

The giant scissors were out to cut the ribbon to celebrate Kawartha TV & Stereo’s 50th anniversary on Monday morning.

(left to right) MPP Dave Smith, owner Glenn Stuart, general manager Scott Stuart and Mayor Diane Therrien holding the ribbon as it gets cut to commemorate the store’s milestone. Photo Courtesy of Kawartha TV & Stereo.

In attendance were Peterborough-Kawartha MPP Dave Smith and Mayor Diane Therrien to commemorate the event. Owner Glenn Stuart and general manager Scott Stuart — who are brothers — had the honours of cutting the ribbon with giant scissors to celebrate the store’s milestone and community involvement.

“We have been a huge supporter of local for years and years and years since day one,” said Scott. “We’ve very proud of that and we will continue that for as long as we can.”

“We all do business with each other,” said Glenn. “We buy from those businesses back and forth and that’s one of the things we do in a small-town atmosphere.”

The store has been reputable for supporting the local communities and city officials have noticed the business’s contribution to Peterborough.

Smith gave a certification to the electronics store to mark the occasion. He mentioned that Kawartha TV & Stereo was one of the first places he visited and made a purchase since moving to Peterborough in 1981.

“The service you have provided has been fantastic,” he said. “It’s a testament to what you have done to this community, the fact that you’ve been here for 50 years.”

“There’s a reason people keep coming back,” said Therrien. “I can’t wait to be here for another 50 years.”

Kawartha TV & Stereo opened in 1971 with 600 square ft. of space on Charlotte Street before moving down the same road with 800 square ft. The store moved again in the mid-1980s to its current location on the corner of Lansdowne Street and Park Street which is known as the “Bargain Corner.”

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The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton Announces New Executive Director

The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton has announced Andrea Cant as their new Executive Director on Monday.

Photo Courtesy Of The Alzheimer Society PKLNH.

As of May 31, Cant has taken over duties from retiring Leslie Parham, executive director.

Cant has been working in the non-profit sector for 16 years and previously worked for the Alzheimer Society.

She is eager to build on the legacy left by Parham and will be hard at work guiding the organization out of the pandemic which has taken a toll on both clients and their care partners.

“When the pandemic made in-person services impossible Leslie and her team pivoted the organization to include virtual education, activities and support programs,” says Cant. “Now we’re looking forward to getting back into the community in the fall and providing in-person services to community members who are disproportionately isolated and who depend on social engagement for support and to help slow the progression of the disease. They’ve had to endure a long pandemic largely on their own.”

Social connection, physical activity and barrier-free healthcare are essential for slowing the progress of dementia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many vital resources were unavailable to patients living with dementia. Cant hopes that as restrictions loosen, in-person services will resume.

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“O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge” Tourism Campaign Launched In Peterborough & the Kawarthas

As the province reopens Peterborough & the Kawarthas Tourism (PKT) is gearing up to welcome more visitors to the area.

Photo Courtesy Of Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development

Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development and the official Destination Marketing Organization for the City and County of Peterborough is launching the “O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge” an invitation for residents and visitors to promise to respect the land, waterways and communities of the region.

Pronounced “Oh-da Pee-tah-na-mawn”, this initiative was created in collaboration with Curve Lake First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation and draws on the traditional teachings of the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg.

“If we’ve learned anything from 2020, it’s the power of unity, of working together for a mutual cause,” says Tracie Bertrand, Director of Tourism, PKT. “Respect for the people, culture, and natural spaces we depend on, for future generations—for each other—has never been more important, and the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge is meant to unify everyone for whom Peterborough & the Kawarthas lives within their hearts.”

“O’de Piitaanemaan” is the Ojibway word for “respect,” and comes from the teaching “mnaadendamowin” — to give respect to all creation. It is hoped that this pledge will encourage everyone to do their part in preserving and appreciating the earth.

The O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge is as follows:

• I pledge to be light on the land and wise on the water.

• I’ll explore my surroundings with an open heart, ask for help when I need it and be kind to strangers.

• Before starting my day, I’ll gear up, make a game plan and get wind of the weather.

• I’ll remember my miigwech’s, thank-you's and merci’s.

• With every new season, I’ll seek fresh experiences and flavours, trails and friends.

• I’ll place safety before sport when pedalling, paddling, parking or powerboating.

• Be it bison, baked goods or a crafty brew, I’ll buy local where I can.

• I’ll greet new cultures and traditional teachings with curiosity, kindness, and compassion.

• After feeding my soul with authentic adventures, I’ll take fond memories with me and leave nothing but footprints behind.

To take the O’de Piitaanemaan Pledge click here.

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Local Band Returns to the Stage Opening for Big Wreck at PTBOLive Drive-In Concert

It was a long absence of playing live shows due to the pandemic for Heaps but they made a return in a big way, opening for Big Wreck on Friday.

(From left to right) Warren Frank (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), Tanner Paré (drums), Freddy Kwon (lead guitar and backup vocals) and Nathan Truax (bass). Heaps had shared stages with bands like Hollerado, The Sheepdogs and The Trews. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Both bands performed at the PTBOLive drive-in concert series at the Peterborough Memorial Centre parking lot on Friday.

The Peterborough/Lindsay-based band felt playing a live show again was a breath of fresh air since musicians and people had the urge for live concerts.

“It feels so great to be playing shows,” said Warren Frank, Heaps’s lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. “It’s been a really long time since September of 2020 when we last played.”

While Heaps has shared the stage with well-known bands like Hollerado, The Trews and The Sheepdogs, they have not taken for granted the opportunities they have been given.

“(It’s) Pretty great opening for bands bigger than us, giving us new exposure and a new audience,” said drummer Tanner Paré.

“Some nights you don’t want to play any shows but now that we’ve had a year where it was all taken away, we’re not taking it for granted for a minute,” said Frank.

The timing for the band performing live concerts could not be better since Heaps were promoting their latest album “What Is Heaps” released less than a year ago.

The album contains 11 songs with featured title tracks such as “You Were There” and “Get It Back”.

After the show, the band said they are booking shows and plan to play at Algonquin College later this month.

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Ontario Accelerates Second-Dose Eligibility for Ages 12-17

As Ontario moves to Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen, the province has accelerated second dose eligibility to anyone aged 12 to 17 beginning Monday according to a press release on Friday.

Stock Photo.

Bookings for the Pfizer vaccine can be done through the provincial booking system, directly through public health units that use their own booking system and through participating pharmacies.

“As the province enters Step Two of our Roadmap, all eligible Ontarians have the opportunity for a two-dose summer,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Vaccines are the best defence against COVID-19 and variants and I encourage everyone to get their first and second shots as soon as possible.”

During the week of June 21, the province administered more than one million doses in four days which has been ahead of schedule of expanding eligibility. To date, the province’s public health units, mass vaccination clinics, hospital sites, pharmacies and primary care providers have administered over 15 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, with more than 77 per cent of adult Ontarians having received their first dose and more than 42 per cent fully immunized.

“Expanding the eligibility for accelerated second doses to include youth aged 12 to 17 is another positive step in the rollout of vaccines across Ontario,” said Sylvia Jones, solicitor general. “With the continued support of our public health partners, we are on track to significantly increase the number of Ontarians who will be fully immunized this summer, helping to protect themselves and their community.”

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PTBOCanada Adds Angela O'Grady to the Team as New Writer

Humber College graduate Angela O’Grady joins the PTBOCanada expanding team as their newest writer on Monday.

O’Grady’s hobbies include camping, music and eating at local restaurants. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

O’Grady earned her Bachelor’s Degree in journalism in April and was born in Peterborough. She graduated from St. Peter’s Secondary School in 2016 and grew up in Douro.

“I’ve always loved everything local and very excited to be able to report on the place I grew up in,” said O’Grady.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Angela back when we did our internships together,” said David Tuan Bui, PTBOCanada Editor. “We had a great rapport then and I know we’ll have fantastic chemistry working for PTBOCanada moving forward.”

O’Grady has been an athlete her whole life playing sports such as hockey, baseball and field hockey. Photo Courtesy of Angela O’Grady.

O’Grady went into journalism since she enjoys writing. The career choice always had something to write about which made it a good fit she tells PTBOCanada.

You can reach out to O’Grady with her email at angela@ptbocanada.com.

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