Living

Dexter Sunrise Kiwanis learns about an experience emigrating from Ukraine

DEXTER — Stanislav Kostyukov was the guest speaker at the Dexter Sunshine Kiwanis Club meeting on Aug. 25, talking about his experience immigrating to the U.S. from the Ukraine in 2000.

Kostyukov’s mother is Russian and his father is Ukrainian. He was 15 at the time and his family settled in Philadelphia. A couple years ago his wife Paula, who’s from Florida, moved to Garland. They operate a small farm called the Happy Place Farm, and Kostyukov offers his services as “Stan the Handyman.”

He explained the reason his family gave up their apartment and left most of their belongings back in the Ukraine with all their money spent on getting here. “When the Ukraine split from the USSR, there was no money,” Kostyukov said. “Crime increased and some people went without pay for a year.” There were difficult times and the country was divided, and still is.

A few experiences provide insight into the situation in the Ukraine during this period of history. Kostyukov’s grandfather was sent to prison for three years for holding unofficial church services in his home. They were Baptist and held services at home which was not allowed. The KGB watched everyone and only registered groups could meet. Kostyukov explained that his great-grandfather had been shot and died for practicing his faith as well. As is true for many immigrants, they sought freedom in America.

Kostyukov said he was surprised by the breakdown of the family he has seen here, and the lack of respect that students have for their teachers. He expected to see more community. “America was not like we saw on TV, ” he said.

He and his wife moved to Maine to get away from the city,“I wanted to be able to see the stars at night.”

Kostyukov is a dual citizen of the U.S. and the Ukraine. He provided club members with a window into a part of history few members know much about.

Photo courtesy of Dexter Sunrise Kiwanis
FROM UKRAINE TO GARLAND — The Dexter Sunrise Kiwanis heard from Garland resident Stanislav Kostyukov on his experiences since immigrating to the U.S. from Ukraine in 2000, during the club’s Aug. 25 meeting.

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