Page 61 - Wallingford Magazine Issue 47 Spring 2024

VAULTING INTO The PNA 513 was originally on Prince yielded the Trail of Terror month and

St. It was formed in 1900, where all its November was the Polish Heritage
“POLE” THE FUTURE members congregated until 1932. The month, food service by Czapiga’s from
Meriden.
PNA then purchased its first proper-
by Bev Sniegowski ty from a local farming family on No
Plains Rd, the current site of the club In August of 2023, Ed’s journey con-
today. The alliance approved plans for tinued with the 49th Annual National
the renovations to the hall and expan- Convention of the Polish National Al-
sion of its outdoor facilities in 2016, liance, hosted in Rosemont, Il. along
with the intention of constructing a with nearly 100 delegates from across
clubroom and bar in the lower space the country. These delegates repre-
of its rental hall. The outdoor pavilion sented PNA councils and were to make
was completed in 2019. The Prince important changes and decisions for
Street clubhouse was forced to close the betterment of the organization
due to the 2020 pandemic which be- The culminating moment of the con-
gan in March of that same year. The vention was the election of officers to
club was able to use the outdoor pa- include the election of BOD. Our own
vilion for meetings and events which Edward Zavaski proudly raised his right
kept the doors open until this tragedy hand to be sworn in as one of five del-
vision to build and develop commu- passed. In 2021 the original building egates honored this day, who were
nity growth within the association. Ed on Prince Street was sold. The grand elected by the delegates from across
Amazing teamwork by the PNA Members regaining the use of PNA Park in the recent years has a larger- than- life personality, a opening of the newly renovated mem- America to be on a National Board of
wonderful sense of humor, and he has bers only space was attended by digni- Directors.
a true commitment to the things he taries from CT to include Lt Governor
Susan Bysiewicz, (our newly elected Since 2013 the Wallingford PNA An-
It was 1971, and the place to be on a Friday night was the PNA Park. Hot summer nights, cool cars, throngs of teenagers chooses to accomplish. mayor) Vinny Cervoni, Craig Fishbein nual Service Award is given to a de-
eager to dance the night away. We all looked forward to a great night out. The dance floor was packed, no A/C, but no and numerous other attendees at this serving member each November. It is
one noticed or even cared. Kids were out with friends and that was all that mattered. Ah, how many years have gone I was invited as a guest to a Rotary lun- auspicious occasion. based on their years of unselfish ser-
by? Egad! Too many! cheon with my Editor, Tarn Granucci vices to the PNA and decided upon by
and had my first encounter with Ed. He
dward Zavaski, Jr. PNA President, tionwide Insurance Training Center in had an immediate presence, his smile the Wallingford executive board. This
Ebusinessman, industrious friend Columbus OH. His agency achieved nu- and laughter you could not help but year’s recipient was John Zielinski,
to the working man and his family, is merous “Champion Awards” for their notice. He was very cordial and pro- who is also Vice President. John is fol-
focused on the future. So, to repeat, sales production and in 2007 achieved fessional asking about my association lowing his late father’s footsteps going
focused on the Future………. Nationwide’s prestigious President’s with the magazine. He has the special above and beyond for the PNA and for
award. Another change was in the qualities of charm and warmth that that they are truly grateful Congratula-
He was born in Hartford, and raised in midst. SIG (Stamford Ins. Group) ac- carries over into his dedication to the tions John!
Rocky Hill. He attended Nichols Col- quired his agency and made him Di- PNA and its members. This past New
lege in Dudley MA. He received his BS rector of Sales and continued to leave Years brunch gave us a chance to enjoy In October of 2023, Ed Zavaski was hon-
in Business Admin in 1976, majoring the reins in Ed’s hands to lead this meeting so many of the members and ored by the Mayor of Meriden, Kevin
in Economics & Finance. After gradua- new venture onto bigger and better Andy Abbagnaro, John Zielinski, Ed Zavaski, Alex their families. Scarpati with the “Man of the Year”
tion he began a career in the insurance growth. Ed was fond of saying “I am a Penczynzyn, Elizabeth Lechowicz award. It was an extremely proud time
industry, a lifelong devotion. Just ask people person and love helping to find missioners seat for the EDC, a former All the members, Trustees, and Direc- for Ed as he was recognized by the
his many numerous clients and friends ways to protect and secure their finan- Hubcap BOD, former Midstate Cham- tors were doubly happy as the space Polish American Business and Profes-
who are sure to agree. cial futures”. We all wish we had this ber of Commerce BOD and he is now for this very special occasion had just sional Association as their Man of the
When Ed began as a sales rep, it was same “magic wand”, but Ed seems to entering his 26th year as a member of been completed. Their dream of tak- Year. This organization was founded in
for a very well- known agency, Metro- have successfully achieved that for so the Wallingford Rotary. He is also pres- ing an empty large dated space and Kenny Marshall 1912 to promote the interests of the
politan Life in Middletown. Promoted many. BRAVO! He is currently Senior ident of the Polish National Alliance turning it into a “family room”, was Polish American Business Community,
to manager in 1979, he was moved to a Risk Advisor with the Relation Insur- district 2 State of CT. something that had been on the draw- and it provides scholarships to deserv-
district branch in Meriden where sub- ance Group, SIG in Cheshire CT. ing board for a very long time. It was For the members, a culinary delight of ing students looking to further their
sequently it was given the prestigious On the lighter side, he is a professional now a dream come true, to be enjoyed weekly guest chefs add their talents formal education after high school.
“Branch office of the Year” award in musician! He is proud that for eleven by families and their friends. Ed was to the table with amazing food. On He also received accolades from then
1984. A very proud accomplishment years he played accordion in his late very proud to show us every nook and Sundays, members are treated to a Mayor Dickinson stating “Ed, you with
after taking over an almost bankrupt father’s Polka band. They recorded al- cranny. wonderful brunch as well. Sports fans Lodge members have taken on the re-
operation. An achievement well worth bums, performed on cruise ships and will enjoy hot dog specials on Saturday sponsibility of completing major facil-
recognizing within and beyond the toured throughout the Northeast. In Members were eager to show me and wings on Sunday. There is some- ity improvements and reorganization
realms of Hartford, which is still the 2002 his dad, Edward Zavaski, Sr, was their hallway of fame, lined with or- thing for all to enjoy. Last year an enor- with the sale of the Prince Street prop-
“Insurance Capital of the World”, a re- inducted into the Polka Music “Hall of nately framed pictures of the history mous Easter egg hunt was organized. erty. These are singular achievements
cord that still holds that time honored Vincent Cervoni, Mayor of Wallingford, Sam Carmody, Town Councilor, Susan Fame” in Chicago. The passion of fifty of past presidents, all the way back to At least 700 eggs were hidden and which benefit Lodge members and our
platform today. Craig Fishbein-State Representive, Kevin Scarpati, Mayor of Meriden years of finding one’s way not only in the original picture of Peter Werper- hunted that day! July was truly 2023 larger community. I join with all oth-
Bysiewicz-Lt. Governor of CT, Eddie Zavaski-This is his story,
the music world, but also in the insur- howski, first PNA Group 513 President highlight of the grand opening. Sep- ers who are awed by your energy and
In 1993 Ed began teaching for the Na- During Ed’s career, he held the Com- ance industry gave him the path and in 1889. tember brought in a festive pig roast commitment to the PNA”.
catered by the members and October

60 Wallingford Magazine - Spring 2024 WallingfordMag.com 61