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Historic Hotels of Europe Awards 2020: Winners Announced

For the seventh year running, Historic Hotels of Europe (HHE) have announced the winners of its prestigious annual awards ceremony.

Honouring historic hotels across the continent, the awards this year go to properties delivering unique, superior and deeply cultural experiences.

Votes have been collected from in-the-know travellers and hotel lovers - nearly 90% of which have stayed in the properties themselves (the rest of those surveyed plan to).

The award winners were announced on Monday 24^th of February 2020 at Hotel Stefanie - the oldest hotel in Vienna - during a gala dinner.

The event also coincided with the fourth annual hotelier’s meeting - a valuable gathering of minds in the hospitality sector, with day-long talks and learning opportunities to bring more value to this exciting industry.

“This is by far my favourite time of the year - championing the very best of the very best of Europe’s historic hotels,” says Historic Hotels of Europe chairman Ken Healy. “From immaculately preserved castles to romantic spa stays, this is our chance to crown those one-of-a-kind places that have made a real impact on guests. These well-deserved winners and finalists preserve rich history, tell soulful stories, and deliver perfect hospitality in their own truly unique way - and I think that deserves celebrating.”

The winners in the 8 award categories are as follows:

Historic Hotel Castle Award 2020

Topping our strong collection of historic castle hotels, Castello di Gargonza stole the crown. It's no wonder - this medieval Tuscan village in Italy, complete with magical castle, ultra-luxe rooms and heavenly atmosphere feels like you’ve been transported back in time.

Second finalist: Chateau Liblice in Liblice, Czech Republic

Third finalist: Roch Castle in Roch, Wales

City Historic Hotel Award 2020

Hotel Stefanie has delivered warm welcomes to guests since 1600, making it the longest-standing hotel in Vienna, Austria. With a truly personal service, soulful atmosphere and impressive antiques, Stefanie is a worthy winner of the city historic hotel award.

Second finalist: Hotel Restaurant Schwarzer Bock in Ansbach, Germany

Third finalist: Hotel Flanders in Brugge, Belgium

Historic Hotel Countryside Award 2020

Irish stay Renvyle House was the country lovers’ choice for 2020. Set in beautiful private parkland on the shores of the Wild Atlantic Way, the historic hotel has been looking after guests for more than 130 years.

Second finalist: L´Unicorno near Lake Garda, Italy

Third finalist: Hotel Alte Goste in Pustervalley, Italy

Historic Hotel Gourmet Award 2020

You can always rely on Greece to deliver the gourmet - and Hotel Aigialos in Santorini is pretty much the poster boy of the country’s cuisine. Former guests and diners loved the food so much, they took it all the way to the top-spot.

Second finalist: Dalen Hotel in Dalen, Norway

Third finalist: Avli Lounge Apartment in Reythmno, Greece

Historic Hotel Spa Award 2020

Receiving the award for the best spa experience, Rübezahl-Marienbad Hotel & Spa in Czech Republic is our voter’s best spot for blissful relaxation. This stay provides the perfect scenario to unwind, reset and connect with yourself or the one you love.

Second finalist: Hotel Royal Palace in Turčianske Teplice, Slovakia

Third finalist: No.1 Pery Square Hotel & Spa in Limerick, Ireland

Historic Hotel Wedding Experience 2020

In a quiet and noble corner of Poland, hugged by four hectares of parkland, Sierakow Manor is the natural choice to tie the knot. The proof is in the pudding - guests voted it the number one venue for getting married in.

Second finalist: Hotel Restaurant Schloss Wartegg at Lake Constance, Switzerland

Third finalist: Ghan House in Carlingford, Ireland

Best Historic Hotel With “A Story to Tell” 2020

We’re obsessed with the stories of our historic guardians. This year, Antiq Palace in Slovenia has been awarded the extra-special honour of best historic hotel with ‘A Story To Tell’.

Second finalist: Kyrimai Hotel in Mani, Greece

Third finalist: Hotel Falken in Wengen, Switzerland

Most Romantic Historic Hotel 2020

Balancing the perfect harmony of luxurious and laid-back, Kasteel Sterkenburg in the Netherlands spoils its guests in romantic ambience. A much-deserved winner.

Second finalist: Villa Astra in Lovran, Croatia

Third finalist: Relais Antico Monastero San Biagio in Nocera Umbra, Italy

View all Winners and Finalists 2020 on the Historic Hotels of Europe Awards page: https://www.historichotelsofeurope.com/award.html

-Ends-

About Historic Hotels of Europe:

Registered in Dublin, Ireland, Historic Hotels of Europe is an exclusive collection of unique independent hotels, castles, palaces, country houses and other properties of historic importance in Europe

Each property within the association has been handpicked for its historical authenticity, exceptional quality and unique story. Whether you’re living like a king or queen in a 16th-century castle, or a spa-based bliss in the Med, the aim is to give guests that ‘something special’ - an unforgettable experience that goes far beyond expectations.

We see ourselves as guardians of heritage - cherishing each property as a historic treasure within its nation. With your support and dedication, we continue to preserve and improve every property - and keep their stories alive.

For more information, high-resolution images or information about any of our hotels, please contact Ms. Claudia Buscher

Phone: 0039 335 5363405

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

www.historichotelsofeurope.com

HHE Winners Finalists1

New leader named at nearly 100-year-old Philadelphia-area camp; Terry Dougherty takes the helm at College Settlement Camps

Horsham, Pennsylvania - February 26, 2020 – Horsham-based College Settlement Camps announced today that Terry Dougherty has been named Executive Director of the non-profit organization. College Settlement is devoted to delivering a unique camp experience to more than 950 young people annually in the greater Philadelphia area, without regard to economic circumstances. The organization is in its 98th year of delivering camping programs.

Dougherty is a distinguished non-profit leader with over 20 years of experience in academic recreation and youth programs, including seven years as Executive Director of Philadelphia City Rowing.

“College Settlement is thrilled to have Terry Dougherty at the helm,” said Heather Farber, President of the College Settlement Board of Trustees. “We are at a unique point organizationally, with almost a century of camp history behind us, and our sights set on ensuring we continue to deliver impactful and affordable camping experiences to Philadelphia-area children.”

College Settlement has served more than 100,000 children at its 234 acre Horsham campus since 1922. Camp tuition is subsidized for 100% of campers, and 50% receive additional assistance through camp scholarships funded by donations.

“It is an honor to be leading College Settlement,” Dougherty said. “I know that camp can be a transformative experience for young people. I’m proud to work at College Settlement, because without this organization the majority of children we serve would not have the opportunity to experience the magic of camp.”

Evidence of the benefits of attending camp is not new. In fact, camp researchers have demonstrated for almost 90 years that camp promotes valuable outcomes, especially in areas such as social skills, personal responsibility, and self-esteem.

Summer Camps at College Settlement will be holding information Open Houses with tours for campers and their families on April 18 and April 19 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Open Houses will be held at College Settlement’s Overnight Camp campus on Witmer Road in Horsham. Details may be found at www.collegesettlement.org.

About College Settlement Camps

College Settlement is a non-profit organization dedicated to delivering a unique camp experience to young people concentrated in the greater Philadelphia area, without regard to economic circumstances. Programs foster personal growth and provide a safe, affordable, and nurturing place for young people to enjoy the outdoors while learning about themselves, others and the environment. More than 950 children per year learn to respect themselves, others, and the natural world by participating in Summer Camp at College Settlement day and overnight programs as well as through College Settlement’s Outdoor School program run during the school year. College Settlement’s core values are centered around five key areas: 1) a supportive, safe and healthy environment; 2) a sense of community; 3) respect and diversity; 4) equity and affordability; and 5) connection to the natural environment. The organization traces its roots back to 1892 when College Settlement of Philadelphia was founded to provide social, cultural and educational programs for the immigrants of South Philadelphia. The first camping programs were offered 98 years ago in 1922.

Media Contact: Terry Dougherty, 267-474-0437

College Settlement Camp

Andrew Jones first ever Collections Curated by Designers of Distinction auction totals nearly Dollar 2M

The auction was held online and in the downtown Los Angeles gallery; 97% of all lots sold.

Downtown Los Angeles, CA, USA, February 26, 2020 -- The results of Andrew Jones Auctions’ first-ever auction of Collections Curated by Designers of Distinction were nothing short of phenomenal, as 97 percent of lots found new owners in a sale that totaled just under $2 million. The event was held February 23rd, online and in the downtown Los Angeles gallery at 2221 South Main Street.

The sale comprised nearly 500 lots, pulled from six California collections assembled by legends of interior design: Kalef Alaton, Craig Wright, Henrix Allardyce, Therien & Company, Inc., Steven Volpe and James Lumsden. Luxuriously upholstered chairs, elegant occasional tables, Chinoiserie decoration, fine art selections and exquisite objects struck a chord with bidders.

"We seem to have turned back the clock to a time when richly appointed interiors were the paradigm,” said Andrew Jones, president and CEO of Andrew Jones Auctions. “It was exciting to see so many decorators, collectors and grand millennials – many of them new clients – battle for each lot. It’s a great shot in the arm for traditional quality works with important provenance.”

A busy three-day preview in a gorgeously presented gallery led to a packed room on auction day with over 100 in-room clients, a full bank of phone bidders and two active online platforms bringing in buyers from around the world. Approximately 2,500 people registered to bid online.

Following are some of the major highlights from the auction. Internet bidding was facilitated by LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Also, 430 in-house registrations for absentee, phone and in-room bidding were recorded. All prices quoted include a sliding scale buyer’s premium.

The top lot of the sale was a beautiful ebonized Bosendorfer grand piano from the estate of Yasuko and Maury Kraines that fetched $46,250. From the same collection, a spectacular Victorian glass 24-light chandelier by Perry & Co. reached $40,000. The estate of Francis A. Martin III included a chic pair of Louis XVI bronze and marble étagères that achieved $45,000.

A wonderful collection from a Beverly Hills residence was highlighted by a colorful North Italian Rococo japanned commode in the manner of Pietro Massa, Piedmont that gaveled for $27,500, and a sinuous Chinese huanghuali armchair knocked down for $37,500. Also, Craig Wright’s stylish pair of Regence style bergères by Maison Jansen changed hands for $12,500.

Andrew Jones Auctions’ next big event will be a double-header of UnReserved on Main St. and DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles) Collections & Estates auctions on Saturday, March 21st and Sunday March 22nd, also online and in the gallery. Featured will be antique furniture, fine jewelry and silver, fine art and decorations. The preview begins on Thursday, March 19th.

To learn more about Andrew Jones Auctions and the UnReserved on Main St. and DTLA (Downtown Los Angeles) Collections & Estates auctions planned for Saturday, March 21st and Sunday March 22nd, online and in the gallery, please visit www.andrewjonesauctions.com. You can reach the firm by phone at 213-748-8008, or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

About Andrew Jones Auctions:
Andrew Jones Auctions opened in summer 2018 and is the only full-service fine art and antiques auction house in downtown Los Angeles. The staff has a wealth of knowledge and international experience, having worked for many years at major auction houses in America and Europe, scouring property from across North America. The firm’s auctions are diverse and eclectic and feature fine items in many collecting categories spanning the 16th through the 21st centuries. To learn more, please visit www.andrewjonesauctions.com.

Media Contact:
Aileen Ward
Andrew Jones Auctions
2221 South Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
213-748-8008
http://www.andrewjonesauctions.com

Courageous Parents Network Addresses the Clinical Trial Option

Boston, MA, February 25, 2020 -- Courageous Parents Network (CPN), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and digital platform bringing educational resources to families and medical providers caring for seriously ill children, today announced the release of a new digital unit, “Evaluating the Clinical Trial Option.” Timed to mark the observance of worldwide Rare Disease Day on Saturday, Feb. 29, the new unit employs documents, podcasts and video interviews to help families navigate consideration of clinical trial participation.

Great Hope of Treatment--With Potential Pitfalls

According to CPN Founder and Executive Director Blyth Taylor Lord, a bereaved parent whose child suffered from a fatal disease, the fast-evolving landscape of potential new therapies and associated clinical trials offers great hope of treatments. Rare Disease Day, she says, will celebrate the many accomplishments and promise of new innovations in the pipeline. At the same time, she notes, “these new developments come along with potential for grief, if the child is not accepted into a trial or if the new treatment does not perform as hoped.

“Not understanding the process, with all of its implications, can leave the family vulnerable to new heartbreak. While every parent will be thinking about what participation may mean for their own child, the trial process is about advances for the greater good--the benefits to many. One of our goals is to

present a clear-eyed picture, through the lens of families and medical professionals, to empower parents
and their children to make choices that work with their values.”

“Evaluating the Clinical Trial Option” Content
Sample content from CPN “Evaluating the Clinical Trial Option” unit includes

Video excerpts from parent interviews, revealing the hopes, dreams and fears of families
Video excerpts from interviews with a principal investigator, trial coordinator, and a family services director—and “sound stories” (podcasts) that explain the process, along with potential risks and rewards
Blog posts
Supplementary downloadable guides, providing reference information specific to family questions, needs and concerns

The unit, which is available free of charge, 24/7, to families and providers, is funded in part through the support of Sanofi Genzyme, Bridgebio, Aspa Therapeutics, AveXis, BioMarin, bluebird bio, REGENXBIO and Amicus Therapeutics.

Meeting a Critical Need

According to National Tay-Sachs and Related Disease (NTSAD) Director, Family Services Diana Pangonis, [We must be prepared to] “guide those families that face the challenges of participating, and comfort those families who are reliving the enormity of grief as they learn their child will not be included in a trial. We are pleased that CPN has taken on the task of creating an entire unit devoted to the social-emotional aspects connected to clinical trials in the rare disease space.”

Dawn Mariano, mother of Vayle, added, ““These resources remind you that there are others going through this journey with you, navigating life with a medically fragile child. Hearing other parents’ stories, their hopes and fears, you know you’re not alone, and you can be comforted knowing there is a network, a community, working so hard for you and your precious child.”

Available Free of Charge, 24/7

To view and explore “Evaluating the Clinical Trial Option” visit https://courageousparentsnetwork.org/topics/clinical-trial

About Courageous Parents Network

CPN is a 501(c)(3) whose mission is to empower, support and equip families and providers caring for children with serious illness. CPN’s vision promotes the family's journey as one in which they have confidence in their ability to be the best caregivers they can possibly be, resulting in minimal regret and maximal healing; and that pediatric medical providers feel increased success in delivering family-centered care. For more information visit CourageousParentsNetwork.org.

American Window Film Window Films of Premium Quality

The following press release is written to provide information about the American Window Film firm. They specialize in installing best glare protection films on the windows of homes and vehicles.

It is often seen that the cars and other vehicles with the plain colored windows appear so boring, even when the vehicle is of a big or expensive brand. Rest than adding aesthetic beauty to your car, tinting of windows brings in multiple other long-lasting functional benefits to you. For example, tinted windows provide you privacy in your car on the road. People won’t see what is happening there inside the car and the insiders could enjoy their travel or journey to the fullest. It also reduces the risk of snatching or robbing from the prying eyes looking for valuables inside the vehicle. So, if your tinted window car is parked in some parking lot, you may easily leave your belongings in it for a longer time.

There are lots of vendors in the market who provide window tinting services. You always need to choose the best of them. To get the best quality window films, you may contact us at American Window Film. We have experience of over 40 years in installing window films. You may contact us for getting the installation of tinted films done at your site. We will install the best quality and classy UV blocking films based on your requirements. You may get those installed on the windows of your cars, homes, and even your business place. We offer a wide range of window film Manchester from which you may choose those based on your requirements.

We ensure to use the films of the highest possible standards to provide the first-class finishing to your car or home windows. Other than the installation, we also sell window films of different varieties. We offer a free estimate for the project that we would take up. Our films ensure to maintain the temperature within the buildings and cars to save power. Those lower down the bright exposure of sunlight for making you experience the beautiful views outside. The tint in the films come with various shades. Our manufactured films are well-certified for effective use. Be assured that our prices are very nominal and affordable as compared to those offered by our competitors.

Contact Us

American Window Film

71 Elm Street Unit 10
Foxboro, MA 02035

Phone: 508.549.0300

Email-: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Website: https://americanwindowfilm.com/

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