Printer Friendly Version - Ukrainian Pride Shining Through at Guilford Town Hall

These products of Ukrainian culture are currently on display at Town Hall and were organized by two town employees, Darka Lindgren and Gloria Nemczuk, who want to remind residents of the struggle for freedom occurring in Europe. Photo by Ben Rayner

The display case at Town Hall features items and objects from Ukraine thanks to two employees who wanted to keep a focus on the plight of their friends and family still under threat by the current invasion. Registrar of Voters Gloria Nemczuk and Health Department Administrative Assistant Darka Lindgren are united in, and proud of, their Ukrainian heritage. They erected the display to bring awareness of the struggles of their homeland.

Nemczuk, who is “half Ukrainian and half Italian,” said she simply asked the town clerk for permission and it was set up within hours.

“The display is always there and pretty much anyone can arrange to put anything they want in there,” said Nemczuk. “The 4-H Club will come in and display, the Seniors will put up displays for their sales…so, a couple of days ago I thought, ‘Gee, there’s nothing in there’ and I knew that Darka was Ukrainian so we combined our collections…and set it up. I really thought it would be a great to display some Ukrainian artwork for residents. Everybody has commented on how bright the display is, so we hope people will take a look and see it.”

Lindgren has extremely strong Ukrainian roots and was as eager as Nemczuk to seize the opportunity to shed some light on how deep and powerful the Ukrainian culture is for Ukrainians.

“I’m a proud Ukrainian and it was actually Gloria’s idea, so I ran home and got whatever I could. Ukrainians are really proud of our heritage, and so is my family. It is a deep part of my life—I didn’t even learn English until I went to kindergarten,” Lindgren said. “It is really hard to see what is happening to our beautiful country, killing innocent people. In this day and age this simply should not be going on. But it’s overwhelming for us to see how much support and how everybody is united in support. At one time, no one even knew where Ukraine was, so to feel that support is wonderful.”

Anyone wishing to suggest a display for the case at Town Hall can contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 203-453-8001 for submission criteria or stop in to request info.