Brooklyn Borough President

BROOKLYN CELEBRATES RUSSIAN HERITAGE WEEK

In photo: Two young members of the singing group the Golden Rooster celebrate Russian Heritage Week at Borough Hall.

Photograph by Laura Geiser

In photo: Two young members of the singing group the Golden Rooster celebrate Russian Heritage Week at Borough Hall.

On Thursday, June 9, Borough President Marty Markowitz along with the Daily News and the Russian American Arts Foundation hosted a reception in honor of Russian Heritage Week.

“The number of Russian speaking Brooklynites has swelled in the recent decades. Russian culture, food and customs enliven Brooklyn neighborhoods more and more every year,” said Markowitz. “And of course Brooklyn is proud to be the Russian speaking capital of America!”

The reception featured the vocal talents of Golden Rooster and the music of the Heritage Band. Brighton Beach resident and restaurateur, Tatiana Varzar was honored for “representing the best of Brooklyn moxi and chutzpah, not only through her determination and resilience in rebuilding the restaurant, Tatiana’s, less than one year after a devastating fire, but also for her tireless efforts on behalf of Brighton Beach through her service on Community Board 13, and as co-founder of the fabulous Blini Festival.”

Other events of Russian Heritage Week included ballroom dancing at Coney Island, the 7 th annual New York Association for New Americans (NYANA) Cultural Festival, Golden Gramophone, Russian Music Awards, A Fashion show, the Hebrew Immigrant Aids Society (HIAS) children’s exhibit: “To Be a Citizen.” For more information on Russian Heritage Week contact the Russian American Arts Foundation at (212) 687-6118.