WHO: Winston’s Wine Cellar, Savannah’s newest wine bar offering an elegant atmosphere with a sophisticated wine list and small plate menu.

WHAT: French Wine Tasting. Winston’s Wine Cellar is pleased to welcome special guest Debra Lewis, East Coast sales manager of the French wine importer Vintage ‘59 Wines. This exclusive event will include a special presentation by Lewis and a selection of Vintage ‘59 wines paired with different cheeses. Lewis will discuss the rich history of French wine and her enthusiasm for winemaking. If you’re a fan of Vintage ‘59 wines, this event is not to be missed!

Featured wines include:

• Marc Tempe Pinot Blanc Zellenberg, 2008 – Alsace
• Merlin Cherrier Sancerre 2011 – Loire Valley
• La Garreliere Gamay Sans Tra La La 2011 – Loire Valley
• Coupe Roses Minervois Cuvee Bastide 2011 – Minervois
• Haut Monplaisir Cahors Cuvee Tradition 2009.10 – Southwest France

WHEN: Thursday June 20, 2013 

            6:30-8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Winston’s Wine Cellar

              Located on the lower level of Churchill’s Pub & Restaurant

              13 W. Bay Street

               Savannah, Georgia

COST: $25 per person (includes tax and tip)

TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased online at www.thebritishpub.com

ABOUT VINTAGE ‘59 IMPORTS:

Based out of Washington D.C. and established by Roy Cloud in 2003, Vintage ‘59 Imports specializes in cutting-edge regional French artisan wines. A market leader in imports, Vintage ‘59 works with all regions of France with a focus on Champagne, the Loire Valley, Burgundy and the Languedoc-Roussillon. The importer’s portfolio includes wine from small estate growers dedicated to biodynamic and organic farming practices. For more information, please visit Vintage ‘59 online at www.vintage59.com.

ABOUT WINSTON’S WINE CELLAR:

Winston’s Wine Cellar, Savannah’s best wine bar, is located the heart of historic downtown Savannah, Ga. on the lower level of Churchill’s Pub & Restaurant at 13. W. Bay St. Offering a blend of modern glamour and Old World elegance, Winston’s Wine Cellar offers guests a sophisticated wine list with more than 100 domestic and international selections. Named after the late British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the wine bar also features a special small plate menu that’s perfect for mixing and matching. Winston’s Wine Cellar is open from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. daily. For more information, please call 912.232.8501 or visit Churchill’s online at www.thebritishpub.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/savannahpub?fref=ts. 

Launched in February 2013, Operation Hero House is a special community-wide project was created to honor the thousands of brave men and women military service members who willingly sacrificed their lives and the more than 30,000 wounded warriors left disabled due to combat actions during the War on Terror.

Savannah’s very own Paula Deen of The Lady & Sons restaurant will preside as emcee and provide catering for the evening. Guests will enjoy exclusive raffle prizes including a brand new 2013 Nissan Versa four-door sedan donated by Vaden Nissan of Hinesville, Ga. The car and other prizes will be given away in a “reverse-raffle” style until the last ticket remains. This special event will also feature live entertainment.

Lamar Smith and more than 135 independent vendors and businesses are working together to build a custom home uniquely equipped to help a specially selected Wounded Warrior live more independently and have a greater chance at facing the difficulties and challenges ahead.

Tickets cost $50 each and can be purchased in advance by visiting www.operationherohouse.com or by calling 912-663-4775. Tickets will also be sold at the door until 7 p.m. All proceeds will go to Operation Hero House.

ABOUT LAMAR SMITH SIGNATURE HOMES:

Lamar Smith Signature Homes has a sterling reputation as one of Coastal Georgia’s leading land development and home builder companies. Under the leadership of founder and president Lamar Smith, the company has developed a number of successful, high-quality residential communities including Richmond Place and Main Street in Richmond Hill; Parkside at Rice Hope in Port Wentworth, Ga.; Rice Creek in Port Wentworth, Ga.; Lost Plantation in Rincon, Ga.; Covington Pointe in Brunswick, Ga.; Mill Pond in Ludowici, Ga.; and Timberlands in Ludowici, Ga. Headquartered in Richmond Hill, Ga., Lamar Smith Signature Homes creates family-friendly, amenity rich communities with plenty of green space and reverence for the natural beauty of the coast. For additional information, please call 912.445.0932 or visit online at www.lamarsmithsignature.com.

The contest features four age categories: Pre-K, elementary school grades 1-5, middle school grades 6-8 and high school grades 9-12. A panel of judges representing the Savannah Sand Gnats and Telfair Museums will select a grand prize winner and a winner in each category. The grand prize winner and category winners will be announced on July 1, 2013.

To participate in the contest, applicants must download and complete an application at sandgnats.com or pick up a hard copy at the Jepson Center, located at 207 W. York St., or at Savannah Sand Gnats Visitor Services, located at 1401 E. Victory Dr.

Final entries must use two-dimensional media such as crayon, pencil, marker, paint, or digital software. Participants may either submit digital designs as high-res PDFs or 300 dpi JPG files measuring (8.5 by 11 inches) at telfaircontest@sandgnats.com. Designs can also be submitted at the Jepson Center or the Savannah Sand Gnats Fan Assistance Center.

For more information about the 2013 Cover Design Contest, please email telfaircontest@sandgnats.com.

ABOUT TELFAIR MUSEUMS:

Founded in 1886, Telfair Museums is the oldest art museum in the South and features a world-class art collection in the heart of Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District. The museum includes two National Historic Landmark Buildings—the Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House—and the contemporary Jepson Center. With three unique buildings housing three distinct collections, Telfair Museums bridges three centuries of art and architecture.

The Telfair’s hours are Monday 12-5pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 am- 5 pm; Thursday 10 am- 8 pm; and Sunday 12-5 pm. Admission is $20 (includes a one-time visit to Telfair Academy, Jepson Center and the Owens-Thomas House for a week-long period). Group fees are available for groups of 10 or more.

Jepson Center hours: Sunday & Monday 12–5 pm; Tuesday & Wednesday 10 am–5 pm; Thursday; 10 am–8 pm; Friday & Saturday; 10 am–5 pm

Telfair Academy hours: Sunday 1–5 pm; Monday 12–5 pm; Tuesday–Saturday; 10 am–5 pm

Owens-Thomas House hours: Sunday 1–5 pm; Monday 12–5 pm; Tuesday–Saturday; 10 am–5 pm (guided tours only – last tour leaves at 4:30 pm)

For more information, call 912.790.8802 or visit www.telfair.org.

Jepson Center – 207 W. York Street

Telfair Academy – 121 Barnard Street

Owens-Thomas House – 124 Abercorn Street

In his new position, Cook oversees the development, implementation and use of technology throughout the financial institution

Terry Cook

including information systems, telecommunications and daily operating procedures.

Prior to joining The Coastal Bank, Cook served as the vice president and director of technology for The Savannah Bancorp. In his previous position, he oversaw all IT activities, item processing and facilities management. He has also worked as the network administrator for Martin-Horizon Engineering, data system/network engineer for King Finishing and computer switching technician for the U.S. Air Force.

Cook studied information technology at Air Force Community College and Armstrong Atlantic State University, where he is currently enrolled. He is actively involved with the Georgia Bankers Association, GBA Operations and Technology Roundtable and the Information Technology Professionals Group of Savannah. He also volunteers his time working for Meals on Wheels, which delivers meals to area seniors.

ABOUT THE COASTAL BANK:

Locally owned and operated, The Coastal Bank provides a full range of financial services, specializing in small business, consumer banking and real estate lending. Headquartered on Johnson Square in Savannah, this successful community bank has been serving the greater Savannah area since 1954. The Coastal Bank has an operations center in Pooler and branches throughout coastal Georgia. For more information about The Coastal Bank, please call (912) 201-4934 or visit www.thecoastalbank.com online.

Just a few months after it was released, Vine became the most popular video-sharing app on the market. Often described as the “Instagram of video,” the app is praised for its simplicity and easy-to-use format.

According to Vine Labs, Inc., “Vine is the best way to see and share life in motion. Create short, beautiful, looping videos in a simple and fun way for your friends and family to see.”

The good: The app seamlessly integrates with Twitter, so your Twitter feed followers can instantly watch the six-second videos on their mobile phones. The videos can also connect to Facebook and the Vine app itself, reaching an even larger audience.

In today’s world of convenience and short attention spans, Vine may be just the answer for PR professionals wanting to increase their clients’ social media presence. Instead of sending out a link to a longer video that takes people to a separate webpage, users can easily watch the video in the same window. People are also less likely to turn off a video that takes six seconds, rather than one that takes three or four minutes to watch.

The bad: The six-second time constraint may be a bit of a challenge. Like Twitter’s 140-character limit, Vine users have a limited amount of time to capture exactly what they want to broadcast.

Here are 5 benefits of Vine for PR professionals and consumer brands:

1. Put a face to your name: Vine allows viewers to see a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes life of company employees or their clients.

2. Share news in a visual format: Vine has the ability to capture and hold people’s attention and encourage them to seek more information.

3. Stoke anticipation for upcoming events or products: Vine can encourage followers to attend company events or lead them to the point-of-purchase.

4. Demonstrate creativity and brand innovation: Vine’s video format demonstrates a company’s willingness to be both quick and creative and embrace new technology.

5. Utilize a powerful storytelling tool: Vine is an effective, interactive method to tell a story visually and engage followers on a more personal level.

Here are a few examples of companies integrating Vine to increase brand engagement:

1. Dove: http://vine.co/v/b52z6ljw1F1

2. Ritz crackers: http://vine.co/v/b5QFe3WeHbP

3. ASOS: https://vine.co/v/bJ9dTgx3wJt 

Check out this Vine Infographic HERE  and let us know how you’re using Vine to enhance your social media efforts!

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Chess Club at Bethesda Academy, a leading residential and day school for boys in grades 6 through 12, recently placed 14^th in the nation at the U.S. Chess Federation’s SuperNationals championship tournament in Nashville.

“Our chess team truly distinguished themselves at this top tournament, where they faced some of the best high school chess players in
the country,” said Bethesda Academy presidentDr. David Tribble. “We’re delighted with their performance and are impressed by all their hard work preparing for this major chess tournament.”

Bethesda Academy’s 2013 championship chess team featured Alex Casey, Kearston Berksteiner, Joshua Wilkin and Chance Carroll. Top Bethesda players Londen Berksteiner, Jabari Gaston, Tyler Gregory, Khalief Kelly, Antonio Dukes, Donte Curry and Jonah Eckmann also competed in the SuperNationals.

The school’s Chess Club is coached by middle school science teacher Jean Delgado and volunteer coach Barrett James. Annette Young and Althea Clark serve as the team’s teacher volunteers.

“This was the first time Bethesda students competed at the SuperNationals tournament,” said coach Jean Delgado. “Our chess players performed extremely well. Most of our players will graduate before the next tournament in 2017, which makes it a particularly memorable experience for the students.”

With 5,335 participants, the 2013 SuperNationals is the world’s largest over-the-board chess tournament. Held once every four years,
this three-day event attracted competitors from kindergarten through 12th grade to compete at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville April 5-7. Participants came from 47 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Top prizes included university scholarships and spots on the U.S. chess team, which will compete at the World Youth Championships in the United Arab Emirates in December.

Last year, Bethesda Academy earned 11^th place at the U.S. Chess Federation’s 2012 National High School Championship in Minneapolis. In 2011, the team earned 16^th place at the national tournament.

ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY:

Originally founded in 1740,Bethesda Academy is the oldest child caring institute in America. A successful school for boys, Bethesda Academy emphasizes a love of God, a love of learning and a strong work ethic. Bethesda Academy features a curriculum designed specifically around the ways boys learn most effectively and offers a supportive environment. The school, which serves students in grades six through twelve, features a wildlife management program, an on-site video production studio, an organic farming program and a nationally-ranked chess team. Bethesda is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and features a wide range of academic, athletic, vocational and spiritual development opportunities. For more information, visitwww.bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.351.2061.

SAVANNAH, Ga. – The Coastal Bank, a locally owned and operated community bank headquartered in Savannah, Ga., recently hired experienced banker Bobby Crow as a mortgage originator.

In his new position, Crow is responsible for guiding new and existing customers through the mortgage and re-financing process. He is based at the bank’s Operations Center in Pooler, Ga.

“We’re delighted to welcome Bobby to The Coastal Bank,” said John J. Stahl, mortgage director at The Coastal Bank. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our accomplished mortgage team.”

A banking industry veteran, Crow previously served as a branch manager and assistant vice president at SunTrust Bank, where he was the top local producer for mortgage lending revenue in 2012. Over the years, he also worked as a personal banker at Bank of America and was the owner/sales manager of an outsourcing firm representing Fortune 500 companies. He is a proven achiever with 14 years experience in direct sales, marketing and customer service.

Crow graduated from Georgia Southwestern State University with a B.A. in Business Administration in 2006 and currently resides in Savannah.

ABOUT THE COASTAL BANK:

Locally owned and operated, The Coastal Bank provides a full range of financial services, specializing in small business, consumer banking and real estate lending. Headquartered on Johnson Square in Savannah, this successful community bank has been serving the greater Savannah area since 1954. The Coastal Bank has an operations center in Pooler and branches throughout coastal Georgia. For more information about The Coastal Bank, please call (912) 201-4934 or visit www.thecoastalbank.com online.

WHEN:          Through Monday, September 2, 2013 (During regular museum hours)

WHERE:       Jepson Center – 207 W. York Street

Telfair Academy – 121 Barnard Street

Owens-Thomas House – 124 Abercorn Street

COST:            Admission is free to active duty U.S. military members or any bearer of a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), a DD Form 1173 ID card, or a DD Form 1173-1 ID card. Free admission applies to up an individual serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserve, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps as well as up to five family members.   

ABOUT TELFAIR MUSEUMS:

Founded in1886, Telfair Museums is the oldest art museum in the South and features a world-class art collection in the heart of Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District. The museum includes two National Historic Landmark Buildings—the Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House—and the contemporary Jepson Center. With three unique buildings housing three distinct collections, Telfair Museums bridges three centuries of art and architecture.

The Telfair’s hours are Monday 12-5pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 am- 5 pm; Thursday 10 am- 8 pm; and Sunday 12-5 pm. Single-site adult admission is $12 to the Jepson Center, $12 to the Telfair Academy, and $15 to the Owens-Thomas House. Admission to all sites is $5 for K-12 students and free to children 5 and under. A three-site admission pass is $20 for an adult or $40 for a family of four (includes a one-time visit to Telfair Academy, Jepson Center and the Owens-Thomas House for a week-long period). Group rates are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, call 912.790.8802 or visitwww.telfair.org.

Jepson Center – 207 W. York Street

Telfair Academy – 121 Barnard Street

Owens-Thomas House – 124 Abercorn Street

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Telfair Museums, one of the South’s premier art museums, recently launched a successful new Family Day program, offering the opportunity for adults and children of all ages to enjoy hands-on art projects, story time, gallery exploration activities and more.

The free events are held one Saturday each month from 1-4 p.m. at Jepson Center, located at 207 W. York St.

“We invite area families to visit the Jepson Center monthly to enjoy a wide range of activities,” said Lisa Grove, director at CEO of Telfair Museums. “Each month will feature a different theme, inspired by the changing exhibitions at the Telfair.”

The inaugural Family Day event on Saturday, May 11 featured the theme “Inside a Portrait” and offered the opportunity to explore the people and stories told in portrait photography. The event included a room-sized camera and the opportunity for children to build their own pinhole camera.

Telfair Family Day 2013 Schedule

June 15 | Juneteenth Celebration

Performances and storytelling celebrating the emancipation of African-American slaves.

July 13 | Making Connections

Discover the Telfair’s connections to New York and learn how to use personal elements to make connections to the world at large.

August 17 | Near East Family Day

Middle Eastern music concert and workshop.

September 14 | Shiny Shapes and Detail

Look to the Rizza Silver collection to explore ideas of shape and script in drawing and sculpture.

October 19 | Sketch Crawl

Explore the world with a sketchbook.

November 23 | Spanish Family Day

Studio activities, flamenco performance and workshop.

December 14 | Holiday Special

DIY cards, printmaking and wrapping paper how-to’s.

ABOUT TELFAIR MUSEUMS:

Founded in1886, Telfair Museums is the oldest art museum in the South and features a world-class art collection in the heart of Savannah’s National Historic Landmark District. The museum includes two National Historic Landmark Buildings—the Telfair Academy and the Owens-Thomas House—and the contemporary Jepson Center. With three unique buildings housing three distinct collections, Telfair Museums bridges three centuries of art and architecture.

The Telfair’s hours are Monday 12-5pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 am- 5 pm; Thursday 10 am- 8 pm; and Sunday 12-5 pm. Single-site adult admission is $12 to the Jepson Center, $12 to the Telfair Academy, and $15 to the Owens-Thomas House. Admission to all sites is $5 for K-12 students and free to children 5 and under. A three-site admission pass is $20 for an adult or $40 for a family of four (includes a one-time visit to Telfair Academy, Jepson Center and the Owens-Thomas House for a week-long period). Group fees are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information, call 912.790.8802 or visit www.telfair.org.

Jepson Center – 207 W. York Street

Telfair Academy – 121 Barnard Street

Owens-Thomas House – 124 Abercorn Street

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The 16 winners were selected based on traveler feedback and industry research. Criteria for consideration on the list of America’s Top East Coast Beaches included spectacular beaches, access to restaurants, high-quality attractions and breathtaking coastal scenery.

“Tybee Island features a historic lighthouse and excellent restaurants in addition to beautiful beaches,” the FlipKey.com article raves. “An important port during the Spanish-American War, Tybee Island is also home to fascinating war museums, offering unique ways to spend a summer day.”

Tybee Island has been honored by Southern Living as one of America’s Perfect Little Beach Towns, by Fodor’s as one of America’s Best Family Beaches on the East Coast and by Parents magazine as one of the Best Beaches for Families in the U.S.

Tybee Island offers a wide range of lodging options for travelers including hotels, inns, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts and campsites. A prime vacation rental destination, Tybee Island features a selection of nearly 1,000 privately-owned vacation homes, charming historic cottages and modern condominiums. Overnight guests enjoy experiencing all the comforts of home during their Tybee Island vacation, often returning year after year and  bringing with them extended family and friends to relax among the locals in their favorite laid-back beach town.

The island boasts plenty of fresh seafood, sunshine and family-friendly fun all year-round. With miles of public beaches and plenty of outdoor activities, Tybee is the kind of place where visitors can kick off their shoes, kids can ride bikes to a local ice cream parlor and families can spend precious quality time together on and off the beach.

The island is also home to several notable Civil War forts, informative museums, a historic lighthouse complex and the award-winning Tybee Island Marine Science Museum. Rich in relaxed style, Tybee offers a blend of eclectic art galleries, charming shops and exceptional restaurants.

FlipKey, a TripAdvisor company, is an online vacation rental marketplace featuring more than 135,000 rental properties in more than 7,000 locations worldwide. FlipKey helps travelers find and book vacation rentals from all over the world and has won awards from Travel & Leisure, Sunset Magazine, New York Post and others.

ABOUT TYBEE ISLAND:

Tybee Island, Georgia, an island paradise located just 20 minutes east of historic downtown Savannah, stands apart as one of America’s most authentic Southern beach towns. A laid-back year-round vacation destination, Tybee Island is home to fascinating forts, informative museums, a historic lighthouse complex and miles of sandy beaches. Rich in relaxed style, Tybee Island also features a blend of eclectic art galleries, charming shops and exceptional restaurants. For more information about Tybee Island, please visit www.VisitTybee.com online or call 912.786.5444.

Tybee Island’s Most Recent Accolades:

• “Perfect Little Beach Town: The All-American Hamlet” – Southern Living
• “America’s Best Little Beach Towns” – Travel + Leisure
• “Best Family Beaches on the East Coast”  – Fodor’s
• “Best Beaches for Families” – Parents Magazine
• Top 10 Vacation Rental Hotspots for 2010 – TripAdvisor
• Top 10 City Beaches in America – AOL
• #1 Healthiest Beach in America – Health Magazine
• “Readers’ Choice Best Beach” – Georgia Magazine
• “Best One Tank Trip” – Atlanta Journal Constitution
• “Best Beach Retreat” – Creative Loafing Atlanta
• Bicycle Friendly Community – League of American Bicyclists
• Best Day Trip and Most Fun Place to Take the Kids – Savannah Magazine

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SAVANNAH, Ga. – Historic Savannah Foundation, a leading preservation organization committed to protecting Savannah’s heritage, officially announced the winners of the 2013 Preservation Awards earlier today.

Ten awards were presented at the Preservation Award Luncheon held at the Chatham Club in Savannah in conjunction with the 2013 Savannah Preservation Festival. In addition to recognizing individuals and organizations demonstrating excellence in historic preservation, the ceremony also included the presentation of the inaugural Lee and Emma Adler Award for Preservation Advocacy and the Nichola Parker Coe Volunteer of the Year Award.

“The 2013 Preservation Award winners share a common commitment to the spirit of revitalization and demonstrate a deep respect for Savannah’s historic character,” said Daniel Carey, president and CEO of Historic Savannah Foundation. “From high-profile commercial projects to creative residential renovations, these architectural achievements serve as tangible reminders of the value of historic preservation to our community.”

Historic Savannah Foundation Preservation Awards recognize outstanding local projects completed within the last three years. The general evaluation criteria include quality of work, degree of difficulty and the positive impact the project has on the surrounding community.

Winners of the 2013 HSF Preservation Awards include the following:

ABOUT HISTORIC SAVANNAH FOUNDATION:

HistoricSavannahFoundation is a non-profit historic preservation organization supported by a strong and dedicated membership. HSF was established in 1955 in order to save the 1820 Isaiah Davenport House from demolition. From this initial project, Historic Savannah Foundation launched a Revolving Fund which has since saved 350+ buildings. The mission of Historic Savannah Foundation is to preserve and protect Savannah’s heritage through advocacy, education and community involvement. For more information, visit www.myHSF.org or www.DavenportHouseMuseum.org.