AFoCR celebrated the 30th anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution

On Saturday, November 16, 2019, AFoCR celebrated the 30th anniversary of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, when Czechoslovakia liberated itself from communist control, with a gala award reception in La Grange, Texas, known as the "Cradle of Czech Immigration."  The event was attended by more than 130 guests at the newly renovated Historic Casino Hall. The program, led by AFoCR President Tom Dine, included music by the famed Czech-born pianist Dr. Karolina Syrovátková, a video depicting the 1989 revolution, and remarks by Czech Ambassador Hynek Kmonícek and AFoCR benefactor Michaela Bakala, who took part in the revolution at the age of 18.

The highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the AFoCR Civil Society Vision Award to honor the founders of two major Texas-Czech institutions: Retta Slavik Chandler, a teacher by education and profession, who founded the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center in La Grange, and the late Effie Rosene and her husband Bill, who founded the Czech Center Museum Houston.

The Czech-themed food for the event, in the form of delicious, hearty hors d'oeuvres, was prepared by acclaimed local chef, the Czech-born Pavla Vandivar.  Other guests and participants of note included Astronaut Andrew Feustel and his wife Indira, Marlene Malek, the AFoCR board of directors, the Zdenĕk Bakala family, and Brian and Joan Vanicek.

https://www.mzv.cz/washington/en/culture_events/news/index.html