The Jozwiak family and friends met at St. Stanislaus Community Center in Chappell Hill, Texas the afternoon of September 11, 2010 for their 49th annual family reunion. The large crowd enjoyed fun, food, music and fellowship throughout the evening beginning with a special reunion Mass celebrated by Msgr. Ben Zientek and held in the beautiful old St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.
After Mass, Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz narrated a great educational slide show presentation with many photos of his recent trip to Poland along with some old photos and family history of the Jozwiak family. After the presentation, a delicious catered barbecue brisket and sausage dinner was served with lots of beer, soft drinks and homemade desserts. The children played musical chairs and there were numerous door prize and raffle drawings for the adults and children along with prizes for the oldest, youngest and longest married family members. Late in the evening there was a special event where participants blew up colorful balloons in memory of their departed loved ones, released them all at once and watched them head to the heavens.
One of the highlights of the day was an impromptu auction by Brian Marshall for a large poster of Jozwiak reunion president Brian Wisnoski sitting in a long stretch limo, dressed as Sw. Mikolaj.
The dancers in the crowd were kept busy with good old Polish music by Brian Marshall and the Tex-Slavic Playboys with as talented a bunch of musicians as you’ll ever find. Brian Marshall, Sonny Janczak, Kevin Syzdek, Ronnie Dutka and Chuck Bolin were the main musicians but they were joined at various times by Brian’s two sons Jakub and Michal, Dr. Jim Mazurkiewicz and his son James, Frank Motley and Charlie Brossman.
Below are a few photos of the fun and there is a slideshow of more photos on page 2 and music videos.
James Smock has always held an interest in his Polish ancestors and heritage. He is a native Houstonian with Polish roots in Bremond, Marlin and New Waverly, Texas.