Reflections of Johanna Giannone on The Morning After
LANE TOUR DAY - April 28, 2001*

Hi Warren,
     I imagined that you were going to surprise us and come to the gathering.  That was my "wish" that you could be part of this experience.  Can't express the emotions that were experienced.  Mr. Pedota & Mr. Heumann were so gracious and kind to us.  First we took pictures on the steps - there were so many spouses snapping our pictures at the base of the steps.  This was truly an occasion!  Then a tour was planned which was executed with efficiency and consideration of our time schedule.  
     We went through the auditorium and learned the history and architecture of this magnificent structure.  I just had to ask someone to take my picture by the piano as memories flooded my mind of the times I played Chopin on the piano for assemblies.  Up to a short time ago, the original piano was being used, but a new one was recently purchased.  I even found a picture of myself with the dress I wore during the assembly program.  We saw the swimming pool, which brought back many memories from all.  Maxine Heumann said she was getting so much pleasure from seeing our reaction as we entered all these wonderful spaces and remembered our past.
     The library was huge - larger than I remembered.  At home I remembered I first discovered the world of books in the corner of Franklin K. Lane library where I began to read "Little Women" and for many years read quite a bit.  We saw the picture of Franklin Knight Lane and our group was photographed beneath his picture.  
     The most amazing thing happened to me as we took the elevator to the third floor.  I really didn't know where we were going but as we exited the elevator I was immediately drawn to a room that was down the hall a distance away and I said, "This was my typing class".   Mr. Heumann said that was indeed the typing room (of course there were no typewriters there any longer).  How that happened was a mystery.   
     I saw and remembered the office where I worked for Mr. Batt.  Right now I am in tears remembering events in Lane and putting my life together in its present form.  I had forgotten what contributions Mr. Batt, Dean of Boys, gave to the students, and as I am reading his Dedication - In Memoriam, I am filled with gratitude, along with sadness that he died during 1953.  His story is on Page 8 of the June Senior Echoes.  He must have been a strong influence in my life as he reached out to hurting boys with love and compassion and made a difference in their lives.  
     Later on when I worked for the Sewanhaka School District, as secretary to the assistant principal, the students would serve detention in my office, and I began my life's ministry in helping the hurting and lost.   As you once said in your E-mail Warren, "Those were tough times for many of us".  I know there was no help for my family but, as learned from Mr. Batt, there is hope in the kindness of people who extend themselves with love.
     Sorry if I have been rambling, but yesterday's experience seems to be an explanation of a large part of my life.  While I worked for H. Frank Carey H. S.  in the Sewanhaka District, I started a Work-study Program where I taught office skills to special education students.  I have many reference and thank you letters from the students themselves as well as administrations.  I really see how Mr. Batt was a real and powerful influence on my life.  And today, I work with the deaf community, helping them with services and encouragement and tutoring.  I guess God places us here on earth for His special purpose and I am finding mine!
     Thanks folks for listening.

-Johanna