Kaupunkilehti Ankkuri 25.5.2018

KAUPUNKILEHTI ANKKURI INTERNATIONAL EDITION /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 THE ANCHOR WE LOVE POSSO! PH OT O: JU HA M ET SO FREE NEWSPAPER IN ENGLISH
KAUPUNKILEHTI ANKKURIN KANSAINVÄLINEN LIITE // INTERNATIONAL EDITION THE ANCHOR Päätoimittaja – Editor in Chief Petri Piipari Toimittajat – Editors Martti Linna Harri Mannonen Kimmo Muttilainen Mika Rokka Valokuvat – Photos Juha Metso Pekka Vainio Käännökset – Translations Harri Mannonen A.A. Moilanen Myynti – Sales Key Account Manager Lauri Bruce Sales Director Seija Salonen Taitto – Layout Design House ILO Oy Painos – Edition 60.000 kpl / pcs Painopaikka – Printed Lehtisepät Oy, Tuusula Finland 2018 Kustantaja – Publisher Poiju Julkaisut Oy, Kotka Finland Kiitokset – Thanks Cursor Oy Jakelusuora Oy Kotkan Kauppatie ry WWW.ANKKURILEHTI.FI TODAY, THE HIGH STANDARD of customer care is considered more important than ever. Courtesy and goodwill go a long way even when there is no mutual language with which to communicate. In Kotka you can find numerous brick-and-mortar businesses that cater to their customers with a unique personal service experience. –WE HOLD GOOD CUSTOMER service dear to our hearts and are invested in providing our clients with highquality personal service, says Tiina Koskenheimo, entrepreneur at Tamburiini, a business dealing with interior decoration and vintage. MANY LOCAL ENTREPRENEURS share Koskenheimo’s viewpoint. Tourists are now finding Kotka an interesting destination, and with it, both challenges and exciting opportunities have arisen. –Last summer we got to brush up on our English skills. Based on last year’s experiences, I now know what kinds of goods seem to interest the tourists. Last year we mostly sold souvenirs, in such a large volume that had we known the scale of demand beforehand, we could have sold even more, Koskenheimo says. SPECIALIZING IN KITCHEN accessories, Purnukka is among the brickand-mortar businesses of Kotka. Entrepreneur Anne Sjögren tells that the tourists tend to look for specialty goods. –Since Purnukka is a highly specialized business, we are heavily invested in expertise in customer service, as well. We need to know what the client is after. Often it is not the everyday items that the tourists want, instead they look for some sort of a fun souvenir to remember their trip by, Sjögren explains. KOTKAN KAUPPATIE RY is a society that works for the benefit of the brickand-mortar businesses in town. Executive Director Samuli Kansa says that the society has made a significant investment in tourism with this summer in mind. –We have compiled a map of the services offered, and for the dates the cruise ships call on port we have arranged guides to help the tourists, Kansa says. –There is a real drive for tourism in Kotka. We see it as an opportunity to create new businesses, Kansa goes on to say. WITH THE PLETHORA of languages spoken in the world, store personnel and tourists often do not have a mutual language. It is with common courtesy and goodwill that mutual understanding is established. –Of course, we all come across cultural differences, and different countries often have their own conventions in doing business. That is why it’s important to listen to the customer. I recall occasions when a customer and I communicated by drawing since we had no mutual language to work with. It’s fun, and I have never missed a deal due to a language barrier, Koskenheimo says with a smile. RIGHT IN THE CENTER of Kotkansaari you can find Kauppakeskus Pasaati, the largest shopping centre in town. The centre’s stores carry Finland’s best-known brands. –We’ve received positive feedback for being a safe and pleasant shopping centre. That is how most of our firsttime customers perceive our premises and services, says Sari Puhilas, Pasaati’s Shopping Centre Manager. IN PASAATI you have an exciting mix of old and new. It was already in the 1960s that the first shopping centre on the site opened its doors to customers. –I’m confident that some of our visitors have fond memories of the old centre, and with that, there is a plethora of stories. Some have recollections from decades ago of having visited a hair salon or a café here, Puhilas says. Kimmo Muttilainen GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE IS A PRIORITY Tiina Koskenheimo, entrepreneur at Tamburiini, a business dealing with interior decoration and vintage. Entrepreneur Anne Sjögren. DEAR GUESTS, I HAVE THE GREATEST PLEASURE TO WARMLY WELCOME YOU TO THE KOTKA-HAMINA REGION! KOTKA-HAMINA REGION – THE REAL FINLAND! The region consists of the cities of Kotka and Hamina and the municipalities of Pyhtää, Miehikkälä and Virolahti. The attractive seaside region has a laidback islander lifestyle and a strong maritime culture. This compact yet diverse area offers untouched wilderness, a breathtaking archipelago, great ?shing and rafting possibilities, urban parks and unique historical sights. The maritime Kotka-Hamina region is located within an hour’s drive from an international airport and the Helsinki metropolitan area. Vaalimaa, the nearest border crossing for visitors from Saint Petersburg, is located in the region. These aspects make the region ideal for both business and pleasure, and there will be billion-class investments, both decided and planned. EXPERIENCE THE HISTORICAL MOMENTS. For centuries, Finland was the stage for border disputes between Sweden and Russia. The Kotka–Hamina region switched hands between Sweden and Russia on many occasions, but in the heart of hearts the people always remained Finnish. For this reason, the region is still dotted with numerous fortresses and battle?elds dating from that period in history. Get to know how the Emperor of Russia Alexander III and his family spent their summer in Langinkoski by the River Kymi. Hear the stories of the seamen and get to know the history of the area in Maritime Centre Vellamo. THERE IS PLENTY TO SEE IN THE REGION. Take a walk and feel the history coming alive in the historical fortress town Hamina. The centre of Hamina is enclosed by a magni?cent star-shaped fortress dating back the early 18th century. The Salpa Line in Miehikkälä and Virolahti is a bunker line on the eastern border of Finland. There you can experience The Bunker Museum, The Salpa Line Museum and The Salpa Trail. Discover more than 60 species of ?shes and underwater animals in Kotka Maretarium. If you want to know more about islander lifestyle, visit the popular summer vacation destination Kaunissaari Island in Pyhtää. DURING YOUR VISIT, enjoy also the award-winning parks, Katariina Seaside park and Sapokka Water Garden, the most awarded park in Finland. The Cruise Port Kotka is located in the City Center of Kotka main island, i.e. only a short walk from all the experiences. Shop locally and pay a visit to small shops around Kotka city centre for some souvenirs and Finnish design. Try out some local food and drinks. Taste the local legendary Posso donut at the Kotka market square. This local delicacy has been made for over 70 years and it used to be a sweet treat for harbour workers. Visitors will be able to experience, within a few hours, the soul of Finland from the pulsating capital to the exotic nature, from pushing one’s limits to ?nding an inexplicably glorious peace of mind. THANK YOU for choosing the Kotka-Hamina region as your destination. I wish you all a memorable time in the region! David Lindström CEO Cursor Oy, Kotka – Hamina Regional Development Company P ho to s: P ek ka Va in io THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 2
KALAMAJA (Fish Hut) Fishing harbor Kuusinen (Kuusisen kalasatama). tel. +358 500 559625 Welcome to our sunny seaside terrace! Enjoy your stay with our fresh, local and homemade smoked salmon, salted salmon and soup. • Fish shop • Café to serve get local Salmon soup and Sandwiches • Sauna FLOATING SAUNA WITH GREAT SEA VIEW! @kalamajakuusinen Marimekko – värejä ja kuvioita jo vuodesta 1951. Marimekko is a Finnish design house celebrated worldwide for its prints and colours. Welcome to explore our world! Marimekko Kotka • Pasaati Kauppakeskus, Keskuskatu 10 Avoinna: ma-pe 10-19, la 10-16, su 12-16 Yli 50 € ostoksesta kukkaro kaupan päälle. (arvo 14,90 €) Over 50 € purchase you will get a purse for free. (value 14,90 €) Etu voimassa elokuun 2018 loppuun asti tai niin kauan kuin tavaraa riittää. THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 3
IN 1961, Steven Polack was born in Birmingham, West Midlands. In 2003, he came to Kotka, Finland, to coach the local football league team. –I said wow, the sea… The town centre is right by the sea. It’s because we’re actually on an island. Ever since Steven has been living in Kotka, on and off. Now we’re in Sapokka water garden, one of Steven’s favourite places in the town. It’s a warm, sunny day. We’re sitting in the shade of a wooden pavilion. The wind – often raw and biting on these shores – is just a gentle breeze. Steven Polack is here to stay. But what does he recommend his compatriots do when they moor in the Kotka Old Port for a day? –I’D GO TO THE CHURCH, Steven says spontaneously. He’s referring to the Lutheran church in the corner of Kirkkokatu and Kotkankatu, within a ten-minute walk from the Old Port . –I like the interior of the church – I don’t know why. I used to go there and sit and just look around. The construction of the church was finished in 1898, less than thirty years after the industrialization started in Kotka. The Neogothic brick building must have been an impressive sight amongst the low wooden houses. Nowadays there are about 12 000 people living in Kotkansaari, the island where Kotka’s town centre is located. Small urban areas like Kotkansaari are better suited for one-day visits than big cities are, Steven Polack thinks. –There is less to see but you can see it. STEVEN LISTS NUMEROUS PLACES to visit in Kotkansaari. –Vellamo is right there at the Old Harbour. It’s a good museum, and you can eat there too. Steven finds the Maritime Museum of Finland especially interesting. The regional museum is also located at Vellamo. The ten-year old building is a tourist attraction in its own right, the one example of WOW architecture in Kotkansaari. –Also, you can walk here in Sapokka. And they’ve got the Old Water Tower there, Steven says and points to his left, towards Haukkavuori hill. The water tower completed in 1914 functions as an observation tower. When the weather is clear, you can see all the way to Suursaari, a formerly Finnish island that now belongs to Russia. –And we’re forgetting about Katariina Seaside Park, remembers Steven. –I was there yesterday. It’s a lovely place to walk around. You can go there for a picnic. IN THE EARLY 1980’S Steven Polack played football semi-professionally for Coleshill Town F.C. He first came to Finland in 1984 when Rovaniemen Palloseura hired him to play in the Finnish league. Rovaniemi is a town in Lapland. –I was only supposed to come here for one season to get some playing experience, Now it’s too late to go back to England to play, Steven says with a laugh. The 57-year-old played 301 games in the Finnish league and then moved into coaching. Besides all over Finland, he has coached in Ghana for a number of seasons. He has two children in Finland, and he now calls Kotka home. Yet he still has only one passport, and that’s a British one. –I always remember where I was born and where I come from, Steven Polack says. Harri Mannonen INTO THE SEASIDE PARK FOR A WALK STEVEN POLACK LIVES IN KOTKA BUT REMEMBERS WHERE HE COMES FROM. Steven Polack came to Finland when he was 23 years old. In the early years he returned to England for the winter once the football season was over, but then he stopped doing that. IT WAS ALREADY IN 1990 when the task of renovating Sapokka was taken on. Heikki Laaksonen, Head of the Parks and Grounds Department and the park’s chief designer, explains that the award-winning Water Garden was inspired by four elements: water, vegetation, stone, and lighting. –ORIGINALLY, THE LIGHTING was built using runway approaching lights, but since we can no longer find spare parts for them, we need to renew the whole lighting system. The new one takes advantage of LED technology. The new lights will be of a smaller physical size, but their output remains the same as with the old system. This new technology provides us with the opportunity to use different colors with each theme, such as turquoise for Meripäivät and red for Christmas, Laaksonen clarifies. THE BEAUTY OF SAPOKKA lies in its multifacetedness. Some are drawn to the park by its diverse vegetation, while others are interested in the different types of Finnish stone on display. As the cherry on top, there is a salt-water brook and a waterfall that serve as the water cycle and oxidation system of the bay. PARKS AND GREENSPACES ARE A FIXTURE OF KOTKA THERE IS SOME 1400 HECTARES worth of greenspaces in Kotka, including some 170 hectares of carefully constructed parks. Encompassing parks in the ?xed city space has proved to be a success, with each and every one of the parks having its own character. Here are four of them. GREENSPACES SAPOKKA WATER GARDEN –I WAS THERE YESTERDAY. IT’S A LOVELY PLACE TO WALK AROUND. Ph ot o: Pe kk a Va in io Ph ot o: Pe kk a Va in io THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 4
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LAAKSONEN SAYS that what is now a versatile marine park and recreational area, once was a polluted oil harbor. Katariina Seaside Park is a 20-plus hectare ensemble with the vast open sea its most striking feature. –THIS IS A VERY UNIQUE PLACE, since it’s the only park in Finland that the sea surrounds on three sides. We have aimed at coming up with some new, interesting feature each year, and this park is a work in constant progress. The idea is to have a true citizens’ park with something to offer to every age group. Katariina Seaside Park is a project constructed on the terms of the nature, Laaksonen says. THE AREA will see its first apartment building completed this summer. There are also plans for a café in the Seaside Park. GREENSPACES KATARIINA SEASIDE PARK BYZANTINE BEAUTY WHEN NOW RETIRED ARCHPRIEST, Veikko Lisitsin, stepped into the St. Nicholas Church in Kotka as a priest for the very first time, he stopped at the door to appreciate the beauty of the colorful iconostasis. Beauty in the Orthodox Church is not purposeless, but rather a way to show respect to God. THE ORTHODOX CHURCH, along with the Evangelical Lutheran Church, is one of the Finland’s two national churches. It has a relatively small number of members – only about 60,000 people – but the church has a long history in the country. ”Orthodox Christianity originates from Bysantum, that is, from the present Greece and Turkey. From there it continued to spread to Rome, which lead to the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church,” archpriest Lisitsin elaborates. ”Orthodoxy came to Finland from the east through Kiev and old Karelia in the 12th century. The big difference was that when the Western Christian church used Latin as its main language, Greek was spoken in the east.” IN THE EASTERN, so-called Byzantine orientation, worships and other sacred services have evolved over the centuries. So has the orthodox churches. ”The reason for having gilding and beautiful icons is the desire to praise God. Their purpose is not to flaunt wealth. For the same reason, pipe organs or other instruments are not used during worships, but beauty is created with human voice instead.” THE COASTAL CITIES of southern Finland have several stunning Orthodox churches built during the Russian occupation of Finland in the 19th century. The St. Nicholas Church of Kotka was built in 1799-1801. Like many other Orthodox churches, it was built with the financial support of the Russian Emperor, initially for the Russian garrison. ”Back then, around 10,000 people lived in Ruotsinsalmi, a fortress town located on an island,” provost Lisitsin says. ”About 8,000 of them were members of the garrison. In addition to this church, Munkkisaari in Kymijoki had a small skete whose monks were fishing salmon on the river with the permission of the Emperor.” THE ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH is the oldest building in Kotkansaari. This can be seen as the deed of the British Royal Navy. During the Crimean War (1853-1856), in the summer of 1855, the British navy sailed to Kotkansaari, destroying the entire fortress of Ruotsinsalmi. Only the church was left intact, although only due to one woman’s toughness. Martti Linna // Read more: https://www.visitkotkahamina.fi/en/see-and-do/sights/churches/kotka-orthodox-church-st-nicholas Maria Purpur, a 100-year-old widow of a colonel, prevented the English from burning down the beautiful church during the Crimean War. To honor her memory, a monument has been built in front of the church. Veikko Lisitsin worked for a long time as the rector of Kotka Orthodox Church. In recent years, the Orthodox Church of Finland has again been experiencing an increase in members, thanks to immigration. At present, 15 percent of the Church members speak Russian as their native tongue. Orthodox Church icons are regarded as windows to an invisible spiritual world. Icons are usually visual representations of sacred people. Many of the icons in the Church of Kotkansaari are from the 19th century. The most sacred object of the church is its altar cloth from the 15th century. The church also obtains Slavonic sacred texts from the 17th century. P h o to s : P e k k a V a in io P h o to : P e k k a V a in io THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 6
PUBLIC CORNER _ .DXSSDNDWX .RWND _ UD DDPR @publiccornerkotka | Public Corner Kotka | #publiccornerkotka PUBLIC CORNERIN TERASSILLA TARJOILLAAN SUUREN HYMYN KERA MAISTUVIMMAT OLUET SEKÄ HERKULLISET PANNUPIZZALEIVÄT, 812+7$0$77$ /g+,78277$-$1 0$..$52,7$ ON THE TERRACE OF PUBLIC CORNER, THE TASTIEST BEERS AND DELICIOUS PAN PIZZA BREADS – NOT FORGETTING THE SAUSAGES %< $ /2&$/ 352'8&(5 $5( 6(59(' :,7+ $ %,* 60,/( NOPEASTI, HELPOSTI JA MAUKKAASTI! Pizzat, hampurilaiset, salaatit sekä kahvilatuotteet tarjoaa Pasaatin Ravintolamaailma. FAST, EASY AND TASTY! Pizzas, hamburgers, salads and café products are served by the Restaurant World in Pasaati. Pasaati Kotka Ravintolamaailma | Hesburger, Presso & Rosso Express Kauppakatu 5, Kotka | ra?aamo.? | kotkanpasaatinravintolamaailma AMARILLON TERASSILTA TAATUSTI HUURTEISIMMAT TUOPIT JA MEHEVIMMÄT BURGERIT! Avoinna joka päivä klo 12–22 1.6. – 31.7.2018 aikana FIND THE FROSTIEST BEERS AND THE JUICIEST HAMBURGERS ON THE TERRACE OF AMARILLO! Open every day from 12 am to 10 pm during June 1 – July 31, 2018 AMARILLO KOTKA _ .HVNXVNDWX .RWND _ UD DDPR FRANSMANNI Keskuskatu 21, Kotka ra?aamo.? FRANSMANNISSA NIZZAN TORILOUNAS TARJOLLA KOKO KESÄN ARKISIN KLO 11-14. NICE LUNCH IS SERVED IN FRANSMANNI FROM 11 AM TO 14 PM ON WEEKDAYS DURING THE WHOLE SUMMER. À la Carte ja viinibaari palvelee laajoin aukioloajoin säästä riippumatta. À la Carte and the wine bar serve through wide opening hours regardless of the weather. THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 7
Shopping Centre Pasaati wants to charm cruise visitors with great service. With 65 stores, Pasaati offers top-quality brands, delicious food, and friendly service that is just about guaranteed to put all patrons in a sunny mood. Sari Puhilas, Shopping Center Manager, says that Pasaati has really made a commitment to make the cruise guests feel at home. There’s even a campaign ‘Be Our Guest’ that focuses on cruise visitors. “When the cruise ships come calling in the summer, you have a lot of new people and energy in the streets of downtown – and it’s simply a great time. We want to show our appreciation for the cruise guests by giving them the best service we can,” says Puhilas. Kotka, the City-by-the-Sea, is a great stop for cruise visitors, thanks to its relaxed, smalltown atmosphere and impressive service level. Commercially speaking, the heart of the city is the shopping centre Pasaati, located right in the downtown area. THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 8
Get Connected Cruise guests – who are mostly British – are able to receive service in English, since Pasaati employees know English pretty well. Furthermore, Pasaati is accessible also for persons with reduced mobility through all its entrances. Once inside, the shopping centre’s lifts allow everyone to move easily from one ?oor to the next. As for the children, there is a spacious playroom to make sure that kids have fun, too. “In addition, our international guests have found it quite convenient that Pasaati offers all its visitors a free WLAN connection.” Pasaati patrons will recognise the network by the name ‘Pasaati Free’ on their mobile devices. No separate password is required for the network – “you can simply connect directly to it,” adds Puhilas. Remembering SuperWeek The year 2017 was a huge one for both Kotka and Pasaati as the Maritime SuperWeek was held during 10–17th of July. At this time, Kotka was the destination for international cruise guests, Tall Ships Races and Maritime Festival events – meaning, of course, that there was hustle and bustle all around town. Pasaati contributed to the festivities by launching shopping bargains and by setting up a separate Pasaati Lounge. In the Lounge, the guests had facilities available, for example, to recharge their smart phones as well as themselves – via some timely refreshments. “We were proud to be a part of the Maritime SuperWeek and received a lot of positive feedback for our involvement,” she says, adding that the cruise guests noticed and appreciated the extra attention that was coming their way. “It was just a little taste of Kotka hospitality, but we were glad to notice that cruise visitors really responded to our efforts.” Feel the Fashion But what should the cruise guests check out at Pasaati this year? – Puhilas comments that every guest is, of course, an individual with his/her own preferences, but there are a few things – such as Finnish design and fashion – that are always on demand. “We have a strong fashion focus here at Pasaati, so stores such as Marimekko are quite popular. Besides just shopping, you can go have some sushi, a cappuccino or a smoothie or even get your phone ?xed,” she says. Human Scale? – Absolutely! Having run Pasaati for six years now, Sari Puhilas has seen the shopping centre evolve in tune with the surrounding community. Kotka is becoming more and more international and services are diversi?ed. What has remained the same, is the sea and the summer: “Summertime brings the green element to downtown, thanks in part to the great parks. Walkability is also a big plus for the city: you can get a sense of the town just walking around.” Keskuskatu 10 48100 Kotka Shopping Centre is open: Weekdays 7–21 Saturdays 7–18 Sundays 12–18 Please note that some of our shops have shorter opening hours. pasaati.? THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 9
JOYFUL CHATTER CAN BE HEARD outside a bakery on an early morning. Young confectioners all are busy at their workstations. A tempting smell of fresh baked goods fills the air. ”The shift started around 3am and we’ll carry on in a good mood until all the work is done,” says Antti Muuri, the entrepreneur of Kotka’s Leisti Bakery. MUURI POURS WHEAT FLOUR and water into the mixer, and the machine starts to spin a new batch of dough for the local sweet pastry called a posso. ”I was working elsewhere when I was offered the opportunity to buy this bakery. I came to see the place for the first time and that’s when I had a chance to enjoy a warm, freshly baked posso. After eating it, I didn’t contemplate for long whether I wanted to buy the bakery or not. That was it.” POSSOS HAVE A LONG TRADITION. According to some rumors, the same recipe has been used to make possos since the 1940s and 1950s. ”However, I am not going to reveal the recipe,” the cheerful baker laughs. MUURI RAISES 15-LITER OF DOUGH onto the table and cuts it into two-kilo ”Possos are eaten warm, crisp and fresh. That’s why they are so good, says Antti Muuri, the entrepreneur of Kotka’s Leisti Bakery. THE ANCHOR IS DISTRIBUTED to homes, downtown firms and Kotka’s international cruise guests by Jakelusuora Oy. This year the Anchor will also be distributed on the opening day of the Kotka Maritime Festival. ”Handing out papers at the Maritime Festival is part of our new image. We work professionally, but with a positive attitude,” says Tanja Renlund, Managing Director of Jakelusuora Oy. JAKELUSUORA IS THE LARGEST youth employer in southeastern Finland. ”The distribution area runs from Ahvenkoski and Kotkansaari to the borders of Heinola and Simpele. The company has 15 full-time employees and 450 distributors, of which approximately 150 are in the southern Kymenlaakso region,” Production Manager Veera Lammenaho explains. MANY PEOPLE TAKE THE WEEKLY delivery of a local newspaper to their mailbox for granted. ”It is, however, a big process,” Distribution Manager Soila Nurmikumpu says. Special summer distribution further complicates the process. ”This Anchor paper is handed out to international cruise guests coming from the United Kingdom 4-5 times this summer.” The Anchor reaches Kotka’s cruise visitors as soon as they arrive at the Kantasatama harbour. THE YOUNGEST OF Jakelusuora’s 450 distributors are 14 years old. Conversely, the company’s oldest distributers are PAPERS AND FAIR WINDS FOR CRUISE GUESTS A DISTRIBUTION COMPANY IS THE FIRST WORK PLACEMENT OF MANY YOUNG PEOPLE. over 70 years of age. ”Distributing is independent and responsible. Accurate training is essential to learning the job,” Renlund points out. When new distributors enter the company, they are first given an ”old pro” to accompany them on their first shifts. This way priceless tips on bundling and distributing can be exchanged. ”Everything matters. A right bundling technique saves a lot of time in one shift,” Distribution Manager Heli Peltomaa says. FOR MANY YOUNG PEOPLE, distributing advertisements and local papers is often the first opportunity to gain work experience. ”The first job experience has a big significance in a resume,” Renlund points out. Distribution work requires responsibility. Around 170 people are involved in the making of a local newspaper, for example the Anchor, at various stages such as brainstorming, editing, printing, transporting and distributing. The distributor is the one who takes the product to the consumer’s letterbox. ”The distributor is the last and most imPOSSO, THE TRADITIONAL SWEET PASTRY OF KOTKA THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 10
chunks. With the help of a dough cutting machine, the chunks are divided into 30 parts. From this point onwards, the making of posso is pure handwork. The pieces of dough are rolled out into thin sheets, two at a time. Then a spoonful of apple jam is placed inside and finally the pastry is folded together. After letting the dough rise, the possos are then deepfried and sugared. Kotka’s traditional treat is now ready. ”People from other parts of Finland do not understand what a posso is. Many people come here to buy munkkipossu, another type of Finnish doughnut. But we do not have those on sale. What we have are possos, and you can only buy them here in Kotka.” POSSO IS THE CORNERSTONE of Leisti Bakery. Posso, along with a Finnish meat pie ’lihapiirakka’, constitutes most of the bakery’s sales throughout the year. The posso season begins when the schoolchildren start their summer holidays, and it continues until August or September. In the winter it is quieter, but possos are still sold around the year. ”How could the citizens of Kotka be without possos?” LEISTI BAKERY’S POSSO s are sold in the bakery’s own store in Sutela and in a new café opened in March this year in Karhula. Possos are also sold at the Karhula Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. BUT WHAT IS THE SECRET of possos popularity? ”Possos are eaten warm, crisp and fresh. That’s why they are so good. Possos always taste the same, although they may vary in shape. They can be rounder or longer, and that’s the way it should be. Possos are handmade treats,” the happy bakery entrepreneur concludes. Mika Rokka SIBELIUS PARK IS NOT ONLY Kotka’s most discernible park due to its location, it is also the town’s green living room. –THIS PARK IS THE EPICENTER of Kotka. It is one hectare of well cared for park that is so popular that one at times has to wait to get a seat. The statue Kotkat, featuring the town’s namesake the eagle, is the symbol for Kotka, Laaksonen says. GREENSPACES SIBELIUS PARK on ossp re e y e WE LOVE POSSO! • Please, see Juha Metso’s video: www.ankkurilehti.?/duokymitv (only in Finnish) • Katso Juha Metson possovideo: www.ankkurilehti.?/duokymitv (suomenkielinen) ”HOWEVER, I AM NOT GOING TO REVEAL THE RECIPE” portant link in the whole life cycle of a local newspaper,” Renlund says. THE ’ACTIVE MODEL’, a new Finnish policy which came into effect at the turn of the year for the purpose of addressing unemployment issues, has had its affect on Jakelusuora Oy. More and more working age people have started a new career as distributors. ”The active model has encouraged new people to apply for distributor jobs,” CEO Renlund notes. ACCORDING TO RENLUND, direct advertising and local newspapers have done well despite of the influences of digitalization in the media industry. ”Digital advertising is fast-paced. Printed advertising lives longer. Paper is still relevant and will stay that way for a long time.” Petri Piipari P h o to : P e k k a V a in io P h o to s : Ju h a M e ts o B a c k g ro u n d p h o to : 1 2 3 rf .c o m /g o ld n e tz THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 11
CURRENTLY AT THE LENGTH of some 4 kilometers and with 24 sculptures to explore, the promenade combines art with the open air. The main idea of the promenade is to bring art closer to people. –IT’S IN THE PLANS to expand the promenade towards Kuusinen and Junnu Vainion katu. While strolling this route you get to visit the most essential parks in Kotka in the process. In the scale of Finland, the Sculpture Promenade is an outstanding open-air gallery. This is Kotka, and there’s going to be art pretty much anywhere you go, Laaksonen says. Kimmo Muttilainen GREENSPACES SCULPTURE PROMENADE HUNDREDS OF YEARS AGO, sailors of the Gulf of Finland admired the small wooden boats of the coast’s inhabitants. Those small ships called Kuuttis stayed together without the support of iron nails or timber frames. Although their boards were attached to each other only by wooden rope and sinew, they well endured the rocky and dangerous waters of the Gulf of Finland. THE HERITAGE OF wooden boatbuilding is now cherished at The Finnish Wooden Boat Center in Kotka Harbor. Its boatyard building with a curved copper roof, built in spring 2008, contains a lot of traditions, craftsmanship and professional pride. ”IT HAS BEEN SAID that a wooden boat can last for the next generation if it is well taken care of,” says Jari Vanhatalo, one of the entrepreneurs working at the Wooden Boat Center. ”There are many waterways in Finland, and this is a sparsely populated country. In the past, waterways were important transportation routes. This means that boats were much needed.” WOOD HAS ALWAYS BEEN a natural material for boat builders in Finland, since much of Finnish land is covered in forest. ”The modern building methods such as gluing and screw fastening would have been used 600 years ago, if glue and screws had been available,” Jari Vanhatalo says. ”The modern methods of joining wooden components make work easier and old craftsmanship changes its shape.” IN THE BOATYARD building of the Wooden Boat Centre, one can see how a modern wooden boat is built board by board, curve after curve, screw after screw in the hands of the experts. People working in the center have noticed that many visitors wish to caress a wooden boat with their own hands, to feel it with their fingers. “Wood is a living material,” Jari explains. ”Different boards and planks, the various types of wood are all different. The ways to shave and handle each wood must be learned from the wood itself. Still, it is always warm and in a way a much easier material to handle than metal.” FISKARI, A WOODEN BOAT made of pine, has been the traditional fishing boat in the Eastern Gulf of Finland. As its raw material the builders have always chosen the slowly and peacefully grown Finnish pine which wood is dense and durable. THE MOMENT WHEN a boat builder hands over the boat made with his or her own hands to the customer can be bittersweet. Jari Vanhatalo also knows this. ”I understand well those artists who say that it is difficult to know when the work is done. An emotional connection is created to the boat. It is not just any boat, but a boat exclusively made for the customer.” Martti Linna // www.puuvenekeskus.fi The Finnish Wooden Boat Center cherishes the Finnish wooden boat heritage. At the same time, new traditions are created in the center by building new pearls for the next generation. Jari Vanhatalo comes from a long line of craftsmen. Both his grandfather and great-grandfather were blacksmiths. Jari became interested in boats as a child. “WOOD IS A LIVING MATERIAL” Ph ot os : Pe kk a Va in io Ph ot o: Pe kk a Va in io THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 12
ART SQUARE Repin institute’s spring exhibition of classical art MALL PASAATI 10 Keskuskatu street, streetlevel workdays 12.00–17.00 / sa 12.00–15.00 WELCOME! 23.5.-30.5 .18 A House Filled with Stories MAINOS This summer, Vellamo will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Maritime Centre. The word ’Vellamo’ comes from Kalevala, the national epic of Finland. In the Kalevala, Vellamo is described as a beautiful and kind goddess of water, who was worshipped in the hope of catching more fish. In Kotka harbour lies a building that resembles a massive wave. The building is designed by architect Ilmari Lahdelma, and it has a unique facade consisting of metal panels that reflect the shades of the sea. At night, the facade glows with light. Beautiful on the outside? Yes. What about on the inside? The Maritime Centre Vellamo welcomes you to take a look. There is plenty to see! Vellamo houses three museums: The Maritime Museum of Finland, Kymenlaakso Museum and Coast Guard Museum. Vellamo’s interior is decorated with wood, and the wave shape of the building is visible in the ceiling of the majestic boat hall. Here you can explore Finnish wooden boats with a waft of tar. Perhaps you also want to visit Tarmo, one of the world’s oldest steam-powered icebreakers? It is moored at Vellamo’s quay. In the main exhibitions you can dive into the past and present day of seafaring. You’ll also learn about the rough life and everyday toil of the port city. This summer, Vellamo’s temporary exhibitions include Saskia Boddeke and Peter Greenaway’s Sex and the Sea, as well as the art exhibition Harbour presenting works by local artists. The visitors of the Maritime Centre Vellamo can also enjoy tasty and varied food at the restaurant Laakonki. The name ’Laakonki’ is sailor slang and refers to a ship’s gangway. Unique souvenirs can be found at the museum shop Plootu. From the roof of Vellamo the visitors can admire the landscapes of Kotka. It is a great spot to sit down for a well-earned break. www.merikeskusvellamo.fi www.facebook.com/merikeskusvellamo TAKE A GUIDE AND EXPLORE THE CITY BY FOOT at 12.00 hrs from the Market Square on Thu 30th May and 7th June only 5 euros / person for 30 minutes KOTKA TOURIST GUIDES Live Music Taste Finland Tapas & Wine KOTKA STAGE PRESENTS LIVE MUSIC 30.5. Klo 10:00-16:00 Stella Christine, Jazz & Contemporary music 14.6. Klo 10-13 Brass Band Klo 13-16 Troubadour 6.9. Klo 10:00-16:00 Jazz & Contemporary music on Autumn fair day WWW.CAFEPAUSSI.FI LINNOITUSRAVINT OLA KAMU! FORTRESS RESTAURANT KAMU! Hamina Bastioni Raatihuoneenkatu 12, Hamina asiakaspalvelu@ravi ntolakamu.fi +358 44 728 0175 Rakkaudesta ystäviin, hyvään ruokaan ja juomaan For the love of friends, good food and drink Tervetuloa Bastionin tunnelmalliseen holvistoon! Come to the atmospheric vaulted ceilings of Bastion! ravintolakamu.fi THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 13
Hamina Tattoo kansainvälinen sotilasmusiikkifestivaali järjestetään 30.7.-4.8.2018. / Hamina Tattoo International Military Music Festival will take place from 30.7.-4.8.2018. TERVETULOA HAMINAAN KOHTAAMISTEN KAUPUNKIIN! Hamina on Itäisen Suomenlahden rannalla sijaitseva idyllinen merenran takaupunki, jonka tarina alkaa jo 1600-luvulta. Kaupungin harvinainen ympyräasemakaava, tähdenmuotoinen linnoitus, vanhat puutalokorttelit ja upeat rakennukset muodostavat ainutlaatuisen kokonaisuuden, johon ehdottomasti kannattaa tutustua! WELCOME TO HAMINA, A PLACE FOR MEETING PEOPLE! Hamina is an idyllic seaside town located beside the Eastern Gulf of Finland. The tale of the town goes back to the 17th century. The rare circular town plan, starshaped fortress, old wooden houses and other magni?cent buildings constitute a unique sight which is certainly worth exploring. TAIKAA JA TÄHTIHETKIÄ HAMINA BASTIONISSA! Hamina Tattoon marssishow-esitysten pääareena on ainutlaatuinen Hamina Bastioni. Se antaa tapahtumalle arvoisensa puitteet ja tarjoaa yleisölle mieleenpainuvia elämyksiä lähes 300-vuotiaan linnoituksen vallien suojassa. Hamina Bastionin areenalla ja sen jännittävissä holvistotiloissa järjestetään tapahtumia ympäri vuoden. Tilat muuntautuvat taianomaisesti pienistä, yksityisistä perhejuhlista yrityskokouksiin, näyttelyihin, messuihin ja tähtiartistien konsertteihin. HAMINASSA VOIT KOKEA KOKO MAAILMAN! Haminaan rakentuu lähivuosina liputukseen ja lippuhistoriaan keskittyvä kansainvälinen puistoja näyttelykokonaisuus, Haminan Lippumaailma. Lippumaailman vetonaulana Haminassa nostetaan salkoon tulevaisuudessa maailman suurin Suomen lippu. Tuo maailman korkein puinen lipputanko on nähtävissä joka suunnasta Haminaan saapuessa. Kesällä 2018 on jo valmiina Lippupuiston ensimmäiset osat RUK:n ja Lipputornin puistoissa. Lippupuistokokonaisuus sijoittuu tulevina vuosina Haminan keskustan puistoihin, joissa maailman karttaa mukaillen liehuu kaikkien YK:n 193 jäsenvaltion liput ympäri vuoden! Lippupuistossa voit kulkea maasta ja maanosasta toiseen tutustuen eri maiden kulttuuriin ja historiaan! Koe koko maailma! MAGIC AND UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS AT HAMINA BASTION! The main venue of the March Shows of Hamina Tattoo is the unique Hamina Bastion. It provides the March Shows with a worthy venue, giving the public memorable experiences amidst the ramparts of the fortress almost 300 years old. Events are arranged throughout the year in the Hamina Bastion arena and its exciting vaulted facilities. The facilities can be converted magically from serving small, private family gatherings to the needs of corporate meetings, exhibitions, fairs and concerts by top artists. IN HAMINA, YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE ENTIRE WORLD! In the coming years, Hamina will have an international park and exhibition, Hamina Flag World, focusing on ?ags and the history of use of ?ags. The main attraction of the Flag World will be the biggest ?ag of Finland in the world. That ?agpole, the tallest wooden ?agpole in the world, can be seen in the future from every direction when arriving in Hamina. In the summer of 2018, the ?rst parts of the Flag Park will also be ready in the park of the Reserve Officer School and Flag Tower Park. The Flag Park of Hamina will be located in the parks within the centre of Hamina. In the coming years, the parks will host the ?ags of all 193 member states of the United Nations in the shape of the world map throughout the year! In the Flag Park, you can move from one country and continent to another and get to know the culture and history of different countries! Experience the entire world! THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 14
At your service 0100 87227 (1,25 € / call + 0,68 € / min + lnc) www.ravintola4u.fi Kotkankatu 8 (05) 213 444 COSY SPORT PUB AND TERRACE OPEN: SUN-THU 10-02, FRI-SAT 10-03 LIVE LIVE SPORT EVENTS SPORT EVENTS ON BIG SCREENS! ON BIG SCREENS! Summer terass in midlle of the town!! erass in midlle of of Open every day! Open mon-fri 9-18, sat-sun 10-17 Raatihuoneentori 1, Hamina P. 040 199 1298 Alco hol right s A café and a restaurant Deliciou s pastries and pies! Enjoy Kotka by the sea Seaside Cafe Tulikukko at Sapokka marina /RFDO VSHFLDOLWLHV DQG ÁDYRXUV a rich selection of coffee and tea large sunny terrace by the seaside fresh and cold drinks original soft ice cream Cruises to the Kotka Archipelago and Svensksund explore former military islands Rankki and Kirkonmaa Summer Cafe Sotku (Rankki) & Knaapi (Kirkonmaa) from Sapokka 10, 12 am, return to Sapokka 12, 14, 16 pm.* * guaranteed departures when a cruise ship is in a port. Buy tickets: adults 20 € 4-12yo 10 € on the boat or Tulikukk o Spend an unforgettable day strolling along the narrow streets of our idyllic town. Experience old historical wooden buildings from the late tT BOE B HFOVJOF BUNPTQIFSF XJUI BO BSUJTUJD BJS OPU UP NFOUJPO our beautiful yacht harbour with its restaurants or Strömfors Iron Works. &WFO DPNQPTFS +FBO 4JCFMJVT MPWFE -PWJJTB ZPV XJMM UPP LOVIISA TOURIST OFFICE • Mariankatu 12 A, 07900 Loviisa • + 358 40 555 3387 • info@loviisa.fi Visit Loviisa 4NBMM 5PXO $IBSN CZ UIF 4FB WJTJUMPWJJTB WELCOME TO LOVIISA! Only 40 km west of Kotka WELCOME TO KOTKA Opening hours: On even weeks: Mon-Fri 8:30-20, Sat 8:30-18, Sun 10-18 On odd weeks: Mon-Fri 8:30-18, Sat 8:30-14 Kotkan Kauppatorin apteekki Kirkkokatu 10 (Pharmacy near Market Square) @kotkankauppatorinapteekki THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 15
Kotka Old Port KANTASATAMA CRUISE PORT Maritime Centre VELLAMO Museums, Gift shop, Restaurant/Café MANSIKKALAHTI Varissaari ISLAND Fort Elisabeth KUKOURI Fort Slava 1 m in Kotka, Sapokka Marina Æ Kukouri 5 min Æ Lehmäsaari 15 min Æ Kirkonmaa 20 min Æ Rankki 40 min FISHING HARBOUR Fish shops, cafes Local salmon soup & sandwiches! Hotel Santalahti 15 mins. by bus/car from Kotka City Center ATM ATM ATM Sapokka SAPOKKA MARINA Katariina OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL Haukkavuori LOOKOUT TOWER HERB GARDEN Yrttiredutti Orthodox Church ISOPUISTO Pu ut ar ha ka tu Ki rk ko ka tu Ke sk us ka tu Me rik at u Sa ta m ak at u Ru ots in sa lm en ka tu Ju ha Va inio n Ka tu Ka pte en in ka tu Itä ka tu Ru uk in ka tu PASAATI Church Restaurant Vaakku Lehmäsaari ISLAND Rankki ISLAND Kirkonmaa ISLAND Summer café Knaapi Restaurant Sotku Café Kalamaja Sibelius Park Prisma Amarillo Restaurant Wanha Fiskari Café Tulikukko Kotkan Klubi Restaurant For You Sports Pub MARKET SQUARE Katariina SEASIDE PARK 2,5 km / 30 mins by foot from City center Sa ta m ak at u Palotorninvuori BIKE RENTAL KUUSINEN MARETARIUM WATERGARDEN Tall inna nka tu Gu tz ei ti nt ie M u se o k a tu Ko ulu ka tu He ik in ka tu Ko tk an ka tu P u is to ti e Ta m m ik at u Ta m m ik at u Juha Vainion Katu Siltatie La ivu rin ka tu Ka up pa ka tu RESTAURANTS Restaurant Kotkan Klubi Restaurant Vaakku (Varissaari-island) Restaurant Wanha Fiskari Fortress Restaurant Kamu! (HAMINA) Rankki Island Restaurant Sotku Restaurant Amarillo Restaurant Fransmanni Rosso Express (*Pasaati, pizza) Hesburger (*Pasaati) CAFÉS Café Paussi Kotkan Torikahvila, Café Marketplace Café Presso (*Pasaati) Café Kalamaja (Fishing harbour) Kaneli Raati Café (HAMINA) PUBS Public Corner, Kauppatori Market Square ForYou Sports Pub SAPOKKA MARINA Sapokka is where the scheduled motor boats leave for the nearby islands. Kotka Maretarium Café Tulikukko Restaurant Wanha Fiskari Bike Rental (Tulikukko) PHARMACY Kauppatorin apteekki OPTICIAN Oy Prisma Ab SWIMMING Outdoor Swimming Pool Katariina Mansikkalahti Beach Santalahti Beach/Resort SHOPPING Shopping Center PASAATI* Marimekko (*Pasaati) ART GALLERIES Repin Instituutti, Keskuskatu 10 Cruise friendly Kotka-Hamina TOURIST INFO Kauppakatu 2, KOTKA 1.6.–19.8. Mon–Fri 10–18, Sat 10–15 M a p D e sig n : Ta n d e m G ra p h ic s Taxi tel. +358 100 87227 Emergency number 112 6–7 km city route Easy to explore by foot or bike, partly beautiful nature trail (from Sapokka Marina to Katariina Seaside Park) Free Wi-Fi (*Pasaati) Ke sk us ka tu Ky m en la ak so nk at u SC UL PT UR E PR OM EN AD E Café Paussi Taxi Taxi THE ANCHOR /// KOTKA-HAMINA REGION /// SUMMER 2018 16