[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 26 (Thursday, February 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             IN RECOGNITION OF MR. CHESTER ``CHET'' ZABLOCKI

                                 ______


                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 9, 1995
  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge an exemplary 
citizen who has earned the moniker of Mr. Polka in my northwest Ohio 
district, Mr. Chester ``Chet'' Zablocki. Chet has been an active leader 
in our community for many years and in the polka music industry since 
1947. Allow me to share with my colleagues just a few of this 
remarkable and fine gentleman's accomplishments. His voice and name are 
synonymous with Toledo.
  Chet became active in his community at the age of 15 by forming a 
polka band to entertain his family and friends. After serving in the 
Air Force, he married his childhood sweetheart, Helen Zdawczyk in 1942. 
Sharing his love for music, Chet and Helen began the ``Polish 
Festival'' radio show on the new local radio station, WTOD. In 1951, 
Chet recorded his first record for Continental Records, which featured 
him as the vocalist on ``Johnny from Poland.'' In 1963, Chet began a 
local polka newspaper called the Polka Star to inform the local patrons 
about the polka music and dance industry.
  In 1968, part of the heart of the ``Helen-n-Chet's Polka Party,'' as 
the show was known then, was lost with the death of Helen. Chet 
continued to broadcast the show alone the next 5 years, with the 
occasional assistance of his sister, Carol. Chet was remarried in 1973 
and the show became ``Sharon and Chet's Polka Party.'' The show 
continues to air every week over northwest Ohio's airwaves reaching 
into the hones of thousands of listeners.
  Along with the radio show, Chet unselfishly conducts benefits for the 
American Cancer Society, the WTOD Penny Pitch, the Diabetes Foundation 
and the Polish American Festival. He also serves as the executive 
director of the Central Lagrange Senior Center. In August, Chet was 
inducted in the International Polka Association's Polka Hall of Fame in 
Chicago for his extensive work in our community and in the polka 
industry.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my collleagues join me in recognizing the efforts 
of Mr. Chester Zablocki, a truly devoted individual who has enriched 
our lives with his love for his community, family, and the music which 
has lightened our hearts in northwest Ohio for nearly 50 years.




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