The Smith-Schmidt-Krawiec family held their 59th reunion on Aug. 7 at the home of Joshua and Stephanie Woods on 911 Hurlburt Road in Forestville. Joshua is the great-grandson of George and Phyllis Smith.

Arriving at the home one would see the flags, American, Polish and Canadian, flying and welcoming the 63 guests.

Nick Smith, Joshua and Ian Woods put up a huge tent, donated by John Smith. Soon the tables and chairs were set in place and covered with red and white tablecloths, all under the leadership of Colleen Schmidt and her committee: Susan Styborski, Norm, James and John Schmidt, Angie Leone, Grace Ameno, Joe and Stella Granata.

The registration table was set up with displays of lottery, 50/50, beauty and two children’s baskets. To sign in, each member chose a different color tag, which indicated the family they belonged to.

Also at the table were Polish sour cream coffee cakes, made by Julie and Alexis Granata. They were packaged separately in ziplock baggies and sold for $3 each.

Colleen Schmidt made Polish Krupnik. Legend has it that this elixir was invented by Benedictine Monks to cure emotional bitterness and promote forgiveness. Those sold for $10.

The attendees provided a delicious buffet of Polish and Italian sausage, stuffed cabbage (golumpkie), lazy pierogis, tossed salad, green bean casserole, baked beans, green bean salad, cucumber salad, burdocks, deviled eggs and homemade pickles. The desserts included pineapple delight, cherry cobbler and cake pops.

Games were played after dinner. The water balloon toss was most enjoyable with the temperature in the 80’s. A scavenger hunt was also held.

The family of Andre Smith/Schmidt and Angeline Krawiec were remembered. The memorial featured everyone holding a sparkler and listening to Colleen read off the names of the deceased. To end, “Amazing Grace” was sung by Donna Smith.

A photo of the original family of nine children included Michael Smith, Paul Smith, George Smith, Peter Schmidt, Catherine Smith, John Schmidt, Joe Smith, Stella Smith and Josephine Smith was located on the registration table.

Out of town guests came from Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Deaths recorded were: Roger A. Bull of Sheridan, who died on Jan. 21, 2021,who was the father of Kimberly Granata; and Sophia Urbanik of Dunkirk, who died on May 9, 2021 and was a long-time caregiver of Phyllis Smith.

Weddings recorded: Michael J. Granata and Jessica Calderon on Nov. 8, 2020.

Births: Michael J. Granata II was born on April 18, 2021 to Michael and Jessica Granata.

The oldest person there was Joseph C. Granata at 85. The youngest person was Michael J. Granata II at four months old.

Photos of the event were taken by Stella Granata.

Winners of the raffles were: Michelle Lang, the lottery tickets; Joshua Woods, the 50/50; Donna Smith, the beauty basket; and the chidren’s baskets were won by Zachary Smith and Lorelie Smith.

Co-chair women for the 60th reunion are Collen Schmidt and Stacy Dillenburg. Stella Granata will be an advisor. Aug. 6, 2022 is the date and the place is yet to be determined.