Village’s Republican Club honors Stanko

The Valley Stream Republican Club presented its community recognition award to local artist, Mike Stanko, last Friday evening during their award dinner at the American Legion Post 854. It was an award ceremony more than three years in the making after the event was canceled and postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Our honoree certainly deserves to be celebrated and I’m so happy that day has finally arrived…,” club member Sharon Daly told the audience. “Thank you for hanging in there and for coming to this wonderful celebration tonight.” 

Village officials, Republican dignitaries, and Valley Stream residents came out in force, packing the banquet hall to celebrate the honoree.

Club member Sharon Daly, delivering the opening remarks, detailed Stanko’s illustrious art career from the moment his wife, Karen Zang, had nudged an “antsy” and restless Stanko to pick up a paintbrush and “paint something” on a tiny 6” x 12” canvas. And so he did, and the rest was history. 

“…he was accepted at an art show at the prestigious Elaine Benson art gallery in Bridgehampton, New York…,” Daly said. “To date, his artwork has been in over 85 art exhibits including the Empire State Building…His art has been featured quite a few times on the CBS television morning show… His work has been illustrated on book covers, album covers, and even linen covers.” 

Stanko’s passion for his art is only rivaled by his love of Valley Stream. As a lifelong Valley Streamer, Stanko’s family has roots in the village stretching back to the 1950s. And he has made his own distinct mark on the village he’s long called home, contributing to the beautification of the Valley Stream downtown area through his artwork and helping to cultivate young local artists.

“His work appears on the Chamber of Commerce banners displayed throughout our village’s downtown area, and also has his paintings on display in Village Hall…And he has served as a judge for our various schools’ poster contests,” Daly said.

Stanko also has quite a philanthropic streak. “He has been extremely generous with his work, donating so many of his paintings to benefit charitable causes over the years including Breast Cancer Walks, Art for ALS, Ronald McDonald House, The Water for People Alliance…” He even donated some of his paintings to be raffled off during the award dinner.

After a compelling presentation, Stanko was allowed to take the podium to say a few words.

“John DeGrace, thank you. Barbara DeGrace, Mayor Fare thank you for hanging my banners and giving me the opportunity to show my work all over Valley Stream,” Stanko said. “Karen and I both love Valley Stream to the max. Some nights when we’re hanging out after a glass of wine, Valley Stream will come up,” said Stanko, and before they know it, the couple is trading verbal jabs to see who can one-up the other over who loves Valley Stream the most.

Then in bold, Stanko-like fashion, he brought up his wife to do a skit, recreating one of their nightly back-and-forth rounds.

“I went to Central with Stanko and Karen…,” Daly said. “He loves Valley Stream…And so many people here tonight are Central High School district alums that traveled from all different places to be with him…” When discussing the meaning behind the award and the reason for choosing Stanko, Daly said, he has “a love of community and his paintings represent Valley Stream landmarks…It’s not political. It’s a community recognition.”

“He’s just been very active in the community. He’s always involved in different charities, and we’d figured he’d be a great honoree,” said club executive leader John DeGrace. “We have a committee that decides” and it was a unanimous decision.

But the honoree did not fail to find the irony in the fact that the local Republican Club had chosen to honor a Democrat for their community recognition award and considered the gesture admirable.

“I’m a Democrat, but this award is bipartisan, and that’s how the world should be. We should all get along in the words of Rodney King. In the words of John Lennon— peace and love.”    

6th District Legislator William Gaylor presented Stanko with a Citation.