Cowbell launches Peters-inspired beverage in service of new scholarship
BY SHAWN LOUGHLIN
Next Friday, Cowbell Brewing Co. is hosting the launch of a new ready-to-drink beverage made to honour a Blyth native that the village lost far too soon, all in the name of creating and supporting a new scholarship.
The brewery’s team has worked with a number of familiar faces to create a canned Moscow Mule in honour of Brittney Peters, a Blyth native who passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer last spring. The crew includes Jeff and Janice Peters of Blyth, Brittney’s parents, as well as another Blyth native, Jeff Elliott, who has spearheaded the creation of the “Face the Storm” scholarship fund, which will aid Avon Maitland District School Board students who plan to pursue post-secondary education in the healthcare field. The scholarship is being created under the umbrella of Cowbell’s Greener Pastures Fund.
When Brittney was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer several years ago, her friends, family and nursing colleagues in North Bay, at the encouragement of her Uncle Mike, adopted the Indigenous parable of the buffalo, which faces the stirring storm, for Brittney as she stared down a long and challenging road to remission. This then became the mantra for the family and the buffalo became the figurehead to which they looked for strength in such a challenging time.
In May of last year, Brittney passed away, surrounded by the love of her family, and Elliott, a long-time family friend, thought that a healthcare-oriented scholarship in Brittney’s native Huron County would be the ideal way to honour such a compassionate and dedicated nurse.
The award will honour the same characteristics that Brittney exhibited both in her personal and professional life: strong character, perseverance, community involvement and a genuine desire to care for others.
Since then, the concept has continued to grow, with an Amazing Race-style cycling event being planned for June in Blyth to raise funds for the scholarship. When Cowbell came aboard, bringing former MS Bike Team Cowbell captain Anita Trusler to the table, discussion began with Jeff and Janice about perhaps producing a signature drink that could help fundraising efforts. As an avid Moscow Mule fan, and even more avid Moscow Mule maker for her family members, according to Jeff and Janice, Cowbell got to work on creating a ready-to-drink Moscow Mule. Jeff and Janice, Elliott and a handful of Brittney’s closest friends then helped with some tastings to ensure the formula was just right and what they thought Brittney would enjoy.
Now, to launch the beverage and honour Brittney with a fun night of community, the event is set for Friday, Feb. 27 at Cowbell in Blyth, beginning at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. The Face the Storm Moscow Mule will be available to taste, along with some appetizers, with money being raised for the to-be-created scholarship.
Hannah Aerts, Cowbell Marketing Manager, says that the beverage will be available for purchase at the Cowbell General Store by the end of the month. She added that being able to work with the Peters family has been an honour and is part of the continuum of trying to remain committed to its home community of Blyth and supporting its residents, much like the brewing of a special beer for the Lions Club anniversary celebration last year.
For their part, in speaking with The Citizen, Jeff and Janice say they have found it heartwarming to have the support of their friends and family and community members and organizations to honour Brittney and to tell her story.
They said they enjoyed the process of creating the cocktail to what would have been Brittney’s exacting specifications (known throughout her family as a heavy pourer) and have been touched by the care and attention to detail that those who are involved in the project have brought to the table to honour the legacy of their beloved daughter.
More information on the Feb. 27 event can be found on the Cowbell Brewing Co. Facebook page or on the brewery’s website.