The 50h annual Smith-Schmidt-Krawiec family reunion was recently held at the home of Joseph and Rene Granata, 1881 King Road, Forestville, with more than 125 family members in attendance.
The first reunion was held 50 years ago when Joe was 1 year old. It was then that the families of Andrew Smith and Angeline Krawiec got together at Point Gratiot, Dunkirk for a picnic. In attendance at the first reunion were Chairwoman Jeanette Bishop Meadows, Angeline Smith Leone, Stella Smith Granata, Lillian Smith Giambra and Rose Marie Jakubowski Licata.
This year's reunion was hosted by the children and grandchildren of George and Phyllis Smith. George was the second child born to Andrew and Angeline. The other family members were Michael and Paul Smith, Peter Schmidt, Catherine Bishop Frost, John Schmidt, Joseph Smith, Stella SanGeorge and Josephine Jakubowski.
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The Smith-Schmidt-Krawiec family reunited in Forestville.
Lillian and Paul Giambra and her family chaired the registration table, and Laurie Leone Siracuse and Julie Granata were in charge of the Chinese auction. Kerry Leone was in charge of children's games along with Theresa Smith DeRush, who organized the cupcake eating contest. Madison Granata did face painting. Blaine Burgess bought a small pony and gave rides to small children. Vinny Granata gave adults and children hay rides around the farm. Corn hole toss was provided by Ron and Laurie Siracuse. Horseshoes was played throughout the day. Jennifer Schmidt Heisler sent out the invitations. David San George mae a three-story, five room birdhouse which was the door price, and last, Joe and his father Joe and brother John Granata built a wood play gym.
Stella, Angie and Louis Leone organized a slide show of all the pictures taken from ten albums. Polish music and a variety of other music played during the two-hour slide show.
George and Matthew Smith brought a snow cone machine and made snow cones for everyone to cool off. Musical entertainment was provided by "Heard of Buffalo."
A pig roast and Steamship round with an assortment of Polish foods were enjoyed by all. John (Andy) Granata was the master chef in charge of all the night roasting and slicing of the meat. He was assisted by Vinny, Joey, Lisa, Michael Granata, Jenna Reeder and Jashue Woods. The roasters were donated by Joe Smith and John Schmidt.
Vinny Granata was in charge of the corn roast.
Joe and Rene greeted everyone and Angie led the business session. The oldest family member was Lillian Giambra and the youngest was Liam Woods. Weddings since last year were: Joey and Lisa Granata, married on Sept. 3, 2011, Keshia and Nathaniel McCloskey, married on Sept. 10, 2011, Jennifer and Matthew Laurito, married on June 9, 2012 and Debra and Paul Giambra, married on July 21, 2012.
Deaths since last year were: John J. Granata died on April 25, 2012 and Gloria A. Borrello died on July 15, 2012, wife of Anthony P. Borrello of Silver Creek.
A memorial service was held where all the names of the deceased were read and red and white balloons were released at the end.
Out of town guests came from: California, Oregon, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, Minnesota, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Toronto, Canada.
Members of the family have welcomed volunteers and new ideas for the 2013 reunion.
The next reunion will be held on Aug. 3, 2013, at the residence of Joe and Rene Granata.
