On October 20, 2011 President Barack Obama will posthumously award the Cultural Gardens former India Cultural Garden delegate as well as Cultural Gardens Federation executive board member, and treasurer, Ms. Vijaya Emani, the 2nd highest civilian honor:  the 2011 Citizen’s Medal for exemplary service to fellow citizens.   Chosen from among 6,000 applicants, Vijaya’s life of service to the community in behalf of diversity, peace, and battered women within the India-American community.  While not listed, her irrepressible optimism and smile will surely be remembered by all who knew her, too.  How appropriate that this recognition comes as Dawali approaches, for Vijaya certainly shared her inner light with all of us.

Join Hawken Middle School for the dedication of the restored Mark Twain bust and pillar in the American Cultural Garden on Friday, October 7.

Free on street parking at both the school’s Gries campus and at the Garden.

Click on the invitation below for details:

Invitation to Mark Twain bust dedication on Friday, October 7, 2011