Russian Day a Wonderful Afternoon at Tatiana's

OCTOBER 9 -- TWU's Russian Day at Tatiana's on the Brighton Beach boardwalk was another display of diversity and union power. Line Equipment Signal Chair John Chiarello worked closely with Executive Board Member Grigory Dunichev of Car Equipment to bring 1200 members from all over the Union to the event. Besides huge turnouts from CED and MOW, members from TA Surface and Private Lines -- Quality Bus -- were represented. "Russian Day began during horrible weather conditions," Chiarello said, "but even with a massive storm outside we filled Tatiana's to capacity." Grigory Dunichev praised the 20-member Russian Heritage Committee for their outstanding work in arranging the event. "They put out a very good effort. As a result, it went very smoothly and was a big success based on feedback from the membership." Dunichev noted that the gypsy dance troupe Danchenko got President Samuelsen down onto the dance floor where he proved equal to the task.

Top Union officers including President John Samuelsen and Secretary-Treasurer Earl Phillips greeted members and received prominent public officials, including Comptroller Scott Stringer, who President Samuelsen encouraged to step up to run for the Mayoralty, and New York State Commissioner of Labor Roberta Reardon. Local political leaders including Councilman Alan Maisel also attended. There was dancing, great food, and of course spirits to keep everyone in a festive spirit. Enjoy the slide and video show!