Joan has worked in the medical community as a staff nurse anesthetist at the Veterans Hospital in Erie, Detroit, and Tampa. She has also affiliated with Wyandotle General in Michigan and Annapolis Hospital in Wayne, Michigan. She was also on staff at Warren General Hospital in Warren, Pennsylvania.

She was the Co-founder and Director of School of Anesthesia for nurses at Hamot Medical Center in Erie. She was the Chief Nurse Anesthetist at Tampa, Florida VA. Hospital. In 1975 she became certified as a hypnotherapist.

Tragedy struck. In 1987, after working with the Federal Government for 25 years, Joan was diagnosed with cancer of the pancreas and was given three to

six months to live. She "retired" and beat the cancer using conventional radiation therapy and alternative macrobiotic lifestyle. She warns, "Don't ask me about macrobiotics unless you are really interested and have the time to listen."

After working with the Federal Government for 35 years, Joan finally retired. She sees herself as a "modern day Gypsy," traveling full-time in her R. V.

When asked about high school, Joan said, "I really liked spectator sports: Water polo, basketball, football, and the walk down State Street after the game with Academy. She also admitted that in high school she was too shy, frightened, and unsure of herself, but she secretly "wished" to be popular.

Her favorite teacher in high school was Mrs. Milloy. Her best friend was Mary Ann Malinowski. She admits to having a secret "crush" on Ed Kormos when she was in high school. She remarked, "In days of old, knights looked handsome and daring in shiny suits of armor, but Ed Kormos looked just as handsome wearing his band uniform."

When asked how she wants to be remembered by her classmates, she said, "I want to be remembered simply as a good person."

(Ed: Joan Bujnowski, the Class of 1951 applauds you. We are indeed proud of your accomplishments. We Warriors stand and salute you and your achievements, Joan.)n

In the early morning, right after having our pictures taken, we were walking to school. I don't remember who's idea it was, but we decided to "skip" school. We were walking West toward State Street when a car pulled over to the curb. When the man rolled down the window we discovered it was Mr. Leberman, the Principal. He asked, "You girls want a ride to school?" All four of us were blushing and of course we got into the car. I have been forever grateful that he did not ask us why we were heading West, rather than East to go to school. I've often thought that he knew that we were going to "ditch" school.n

_____________________________

Around two o'clock we got crazy and parked on Atkins Street at the side of Wayne Park. We were sitting under the shade of a large tree laughing and joking around. We were waiting for everyone else to get out of school. A group of students came by and someone said, "You guys are in deep trouble."

After some pleading for answers we were told, "Mr. Bannister spotted you guys with his binoculars. He recognized you and turned your names in to Mr. McDonald.

They were right. The next day we were in trouble with Duke Detzel and Bob Arrowsmith. The heat was on for the day, but oddly enough we were almost heroes with the kids at school.n

_____________________________

Although we never handed out Academy Awards back in 1951 at East High, it might be fun to look at all of those special people who earned special recognition. There was a lot of talent rolled into one senior class.

Hollywood never discovered Carol Dietz's smile, but they should have... Wherever you heard laughter, you looked for Ding Bartos in the center of the group and see him cutting up... If you ever needed moral support, there was always Sandy Federoff willing to help.

Ron Lucas was an artistic genius, and his art work was creative and beautiful. He was powerful on the basketball court as well... Mary Jane Lee had the finest walk of any girl in school. She and Shirley Chessario wore angora sweaters that set them apart from other girls... The jitterbug was designed for Gladys Leshko. On the dance floor, Steve Kowalczyk could bring out the best in Gladys. People gazed in amazement.

Sometimes Mr. Burger would let Ed Kormos direct the band for assemblies. Somehow Ed could get the band to do things that were musically thrilling.

Ruthie Cagara had that distinct smile that always made you feel good... When Chuck Cassano stood to play a trumpet solo, everyone seemed to take notice... Ed Abramoski was probably the friendliest guy at school.

How many times did we walk by the auditorium and hear great jazz being played on the piano. Even if you were in a hurry you would take a minute to catch a few bars from Norbert Figurski's piano jazz.

Skip Herrington was always busy doing something for the class. He could get groups working together. Skip really made school more fun and enjoyable for everyone. Mary Ann Januleski was the female version of Skip. Mary Ann seemed to be a driving force behind the senior class.

Mary and Hedy Karpinski were the dynamic duo before Batman and Robin. They seemed to be involved with everything... Bob Latina had a sporty car and was secretly the man about town.

Helen Leto seemed to be the quiet spirit of the cheerleading squad. Jack Mauerer was probably her counter part. Jack seemed to be the backbone and spirit of much of what went on at school. Where would the world be without silent heroes?

Joyce McFadden could count cards in pinochle and could draw all of your trump with the ease of a skilled pick pocket...Without Richard Morrison directing the stage crew, there would have been no performances. We forgot to thank you, Richard. Thank you very much.

Who could forget the ease and grace of Sina Morris tagging second base and completing a double out with his throw to first base? Or Thad Droast starting his graceful wind up on the mound?

Chuck Harrington was the vital spirit of the 1951 football team. If the line opened up the smallest hole, Chuck was through it and gaining yardage... Don Bartos was poetry in motion and he maintained a quick sprint as he glided over the high hurdles.

If we had to pick a poster girl for the East High Class of 1951, it would have to be Maryann Osiecki. She typified the All American Girl of the 50's. She and Bernie what's-his-name were a great looking couple.

Nestor Pancerev was the musical genius of the Class of 51. He later played with top bands around the county: Duke Ellington and Count Basie, to name only two.

George Sachrison was an exceptional athlete, but he always had that special friendly smile that made you glad you came to school that day.

Bill Schuler was probably one of the most industrious guys at school. If there was ever a student who was liked by everyone, Bill was the person liked by all.

Janet Sonney had the sexiest voice on the P.A. System...Golfie Szparaga had that special personality that was liked by everyone... Tac Taccone had that same special quality too. He had an infectious laugh.

If they ever would have given awards for the Most Friendly, Audrey Wyant should have been given the award. Her gentle laugh lightened everyone's load. Moose Passerotti was a paradox. He had the aggressiveness of a ragging bull and the gentleness of a friendly lamb. He had enormous physical power, yet his tender heart was seen in his artistic paintings. How nice it would be to have him at the reunions today.

There are so many special people that it is impossible to list them all, but our minds seem to see them now. Although we never gave out Academy Awards, we all appreciate those special classmates that enriched and added to our school experiences so long ago. Thank you, gang.n

______________________________

Bill was the first classmate to return his Active Membership sheet. Bill is a widow and lives in Albion, PA. He and his wife Norma Kathleen had six children and 13 grandchildren. Bill says, "I have been doing a lot of traveling lately. I enjoy fooling around with my PC computer. When I get the time I love going to auctions. I would like to know what happened to some of our teachers. I think the idea of a newsletter is great! I am enclosing a check to help defray costs. I am looking forward to the directory."

Audrey worked as a mail handler for the US Postal Service for twenty-two years before she retired. Audrey is widowed and lives in Downey, California with her youngest daughter Terri. Her life has been touched by personal tragedy. An auto accident in 1981 took her oldest daughter Brenda, and one year later her 49 year old husband Charles died of a heart attack.

Audrey says, " I go back to Erie as often as I can and enjoy visiting relative and friends. I love to go to Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada whenever possible. I am crazy about Bingo, crossword puzzles, and doing all kinds of crafts." When asked what she would like to see in the "51 Warrior" she said, "..Just more interesting articles like what I've read in the first one. I thoroughly enjoyed it!"

Mary Ann Dolak

Mary Ann now has a Real Estate License. She lives in Erie where she has been working for Lord's Corporation as a Quality Control Inspector for the past sixteen years. Mary Ann said, "I plan to retire in about two years. I then plan to devote more time to my favorite hobby--"Duplicate Bridge". I hope to hit the tournament circuit and win enough points to achieve "Life Master" status. My favorite bridge partners are Rose Milewski Jaskiewicz '52, Bill Schuler and Mrs. Bea Shevick who taught at East. I plan to walk "The Appalachian Trail", take a cruise to Alaska, travel and spend winters in Florida." "By the way. In school I had a secret crush on Bailey Herrington." Mary Ann made a $50.00 contribution to her older brother upperclassman Andrew Dolak.

Jean says, "My husband and I are now living with our granddaughter who has seven children. It keeps us busy and they are the joy of our life. With seven children there is always something going on." "High School was a good part of our life, not like it is for the kids today, with drugs, Aids, and shootings. We had the best four years. I wasn't popular, but I loved to sing. The memories are wonderful. I would love to go to the next class reunion."

Richard and his wife Dorothy live in Erie. Richard said, "I was a crew chief for National Fuel for 37 years before I finally retired. Now I enjoy woodworking and making gifts for family and friends. My favorite activities include fishing and taking walks. I am really enjoying my retirement years. I want to be an Active member of the Warrior '51.'"

After high school Norma attended college. She and her husband Don live in Louisville, KY. They have five children and one grandchild. For a number of years she worked at GE before becoming a homemaker.

Dorothy Mahon McEnnis

Dorothy and her husband Frank McEnnis live in Orlando, FL. They have three children and two grandchildren. Dorothy has worked in her husband's business for a number of years. When asked what embarrassing thing happened to her in high school she said, "I remember how embarrassed I was giving a lecture on how to grow tomatoes to the entire assembly for Mrs. Spetz's Horticulture Class."

She said, "After serving three years in the USAF and doing a lot of traveling afterwards and living in various cities and states, I have finally shaken the wanderlust from my feet and have settled in Florida. I still miss Erie though, especially when it is 98 degrees and 100 per cent humidity here in Florida."

Joe lives in Erie and is now retired from the US. Postal Service in 1988 after working for 32 years. He explained that he would prefer to be an Inactive Member for the '51 Warrior.

Marilyn Horak Greenman

Marilyn is now retired from Hill's Department Store where she was the head of the Houseware Department #37, for twelve years. She and her husband James Greenman have four children and four grandchildren, with one new grandchild expected in May. Since retiring, Marilyn says, "We have been camping and have a trailer at Harecreek Camp ground in Corry, PA." When asked about high school memories, she recalled, "Our choir picnics at Waterworks Beach were wonderful. We always had so much fun."

Marilyn would like an update on our former teachers. "I think the Newsletter is a wonderful idea, and it would be great to start a Class of '51 newsletter. Reading about former classmates at East is very interesting and brings back many happy memories of our class and teachers. I remember so well the bonfires before the "Big Game"! Mr. Leemhuis and the fun we had in Choir 5th period. Those were wonderful days and great memories for me. By the way, I still keep in touch with some of my classmates such as Audrey Wyant Harriger in Downey, California and Pat Trude Stephenson in Cary, North Carolina and several in Erie: Bernice Johnson Mantsch and June Pappas Panos."

Mary Ann received her RN at Hamot Hospital. Presently she and her husband Lynwood live in Fort Collins, Colorado. They have two children. Mary Ann is now semi-retired, but does work as a RN medical transcriptionist. She has worked in various hospital settings over the past twenty years. She has particularly enjoyed her worked in medical records departments.

Patricia Orzechowski Honopka

Pat lives in Erie. She enjoys traveling to Houston, Texas. In the winter she visits with her family in Florida. She is now widowed. Pat said, "Recently I have taken up golf. It is great! What I remember best about high school was the good times we had in Miss Parker's home economic class, driver's education, and cheerleading. What I would like to see in the newsletter is news about classmates."

Pat explained, "In high school my best friend was Mary Ann Januleski. Would you believe that after all of these years we are still close friends. We have a special bond--our first born children were born exactly one day apart. I would love to be on the newsletter committee and receive newsletters in the future."

Rosalie and her husband Bobby Gothard live in Durham, N.C. They have two sons and now have four grand children. Rosalie enjoys college basketball, both ACC and NCAA. She plans to be taking some classes at Duke University. She said that one of her most memorable moments from high school was Driver Training Class with Mr. Pomeroy. The idea of a newsletter is a wonderful idea. I enjoyed the Special Edition."

Edward is still single and lives in New Smyrna, Florida. After high school he went into the US. Navy. He explained, "I went to Penn State for four years. After graduation I became an Account Manager and Sales Representative for Armstrong World Industries, where I worked for 30 years before I retired three years ago. Now days I enjoy loafing and reading. I spend a lot of time at the beach and the golf course. The thing that comes to my mind when I think about East is the Friday night Football games at the stadium, hitting golf balls around the football field, and Friday morning assemblies."

Dolores and her husband Thomas Hayes live in Erie. They have one child and two grandchildren. Dolores says, I am a member of the Retiree's Club from work and I really enjoy traveling. We have a hunting camp and I enjoy spending time there. Our grandchildren are delightful and I enjoy my time with them. Whenever I think of high school, I remember all my friends, footfall games, and singing in choir.

Although Joan is still working at Erie Plastics as an Assistant Traffic Manager, she finds time to sing in the Corry Area Singers. She said, "We entertain at nursing homes and retirement centers. I am an active member of the Faith Evangelical Church which keeps me very busy. Besides singing, I do a lot of gardening and church work. When I think about East High, I remember my best friend Jackie Jones. I remember when she tried to color her hair and the next day she showed up at school with orange hair. It was a sight to behold. What I would like to see in the newsletter will be a list of friends and classmates and their present locations. The idea of a newsletter is great and I applaud those who are responsible.

Dorothy Bindeman Larner went to Edinboro State University after high school and received her BA degree. She lives in Erie and has been a Head Start teacher for the past ten years. She has five children and thirteen grand children.

______________________________

The Special Edition was really great. It brought tears to my eyes! Dan, you are doing a super job! It was really good to see a picture or read a name and the memories came flying back! It was like a trip back in time. Where has it all gone?

By the way.. Neat story about Bill Schuler and Harriet. I'm sending my newsletter to my sister--Class of '53. She'll enjoy it.

I think a joint reunion of 51 and 52 is great. We'll have to start including more as the years (and the classmates) pass on and the numbers begin to dwindle. I'm already planning to be there in '96, Chuck, so let's set a date so we can make plans. It'll be here before you know it. I'm anxious to see if Chuck Harrington's eyes are still little slits that twinkle when he smiles! Gotcha!

Love and Peace to all.

Joan

Dear Joan,

Apparently Jeff Pinski from the Erie Times likes the articles in our Warrior. He has written to get permission to publish them in his "Flash Backs" articles he publishes. The article "Happy Harbold and 51 Crosley" is to be published soon.

I agree with you about eventually combining the re-unions. Howard Mischler was the guest speaker for the Class of '52's Reunion, and he said at his age of 84 they have reunions every year. Out of necessity, they have combined five classes.

I have heard a rumor that the Class of 51 and 52 are planning a joint picnic in the near future (1994 or 19 95).

______________________________

I can't wait for the first regular edition of the newsletter. The Special Edition was great! I probably won't be a great contributor (of articles), but I sure do like reading about my classmates and will support it financially to whatever extent is necessary.

Ed Kormos

Dear Dan and Classmates,

Now about this dancing crap! I wasn't real good. Steve Kowalczyk was really "good." He was voted the best dancer in the senior class with Gladys Lesko Shimek.

But ballet slippers? No way! Combat boots, maybe.

In all honesty, lately the last five to six years we have been going on "Polka Weekend" bus trips. Good fun. Steve and his wife Marie joined us about five years ago. Good music, good food, lotsa open bar, lotsa extra activities. Dance till you drop.

In closing Dan, let me say this. I don't remember you having curly hair at EHS, but your picture in the Warrior shows that you do. It needs help, Dan. Go stick your finger in a light socket and turn on the power and save the beautician's fee.

And talking about dancing like a sissy, with your bowed legs, you must be a real sight on the dance floor.

See ya,

About my bowed legs and dancing, Ding? Well the year after you graduated from East High School, Ruthie Staynoff DiMichele and I were voted the best dancers in the senior class.

About the curly hair. Your right, it use to be straight. I was acting in a play that required me to have curly hair. I was instantly flocked and pursued by beautiful women who loved the curly hair.

Don, you have no idea how many thousands of women are attracted to men with curly hair and bowed legs. (Gotcha!)

See ya.

______________________________

If the graduating classes from the 50's decide to fill a Time Capsule with East High School memorabilia, I want to be the first to secure forever the tall broken string bass that sat in the corner of the band room. It was not only the most used musical instrument at East High, but sometimes the most abused. The almost six foot broken string bass was used by any hacked, dead eared, would-be musician who wanted to join the dance band, jazz group, or anyone fooling around during the Eastcapades rehearsals.

I never heard how the bass got broken. Maybe it slipped off the back of the bus after a concert at Slippery Rock College and was dragged behind the bus for a hundred miles back to East High. It was broken beyond repair. Almost the entire back and side was broken out of the bass. Offering little resonation at all, it never revealed that the enterprising player was plunking "wrong" notes. The four thick strings when pulled would only grant a faint reminiscent quality of a tone. It could only make a "thud". It was a labor of love to get it to thud loudly enough to be heard when the real musicians played. I remember the blisters all so well.

The broken bass was never used for concerts by the orchestra. Even Junior High members of the String Class refused to play it. Come to think of it, I never saw any school musician play it. The musical virtuoso Nestor Pancerev ('51) could play more than a dozen instruments, but he never played the broken bass.

· It was only played by non-musicians.

It was the only instrument that Mr. Burger allowed to leave the band room without signing out for it. Maybe he secretly hoped that someone would lose it. Mr. Burger often threatened to pitch the deteriorated bass into the trash. Finally one day he did toss it out. Chuck Cassano and Sammy Raica retrieved the bass from the large trash container near Atkins Street. The clandestine duo took it home and furtively returned it to school before sunrise the next morning. They concelaed it in the back of the instrument room adjoining the band room until it was safe to bring it out again for the next Eastcapades.

but probably not.

Different dance groups played for the Noon Day Dances and school proms. The broken bass, standing like a loyal sentry, stood ready for at least a dozen non-musicians who took turns playing the bass to the rhythm of "Mona Lisa" or "Autumn Leaves". A trip by Duke Detzel's office would get you five inches of athletic tape that you could wrap around your "strumming" finger. It would attest to anyone that you were a bona fide professional bass player.

To an untrained ear, sometimes it was hard to distinguish the thud made by Dick Oless's bass peddle drum and the thud made by the bass. Maybe a thud is a thud, but probably not. The broken bass had an unmistakably "heavenly" thud.

The scratched and dilapidated bass probably held some record for its appearances in the Eastcapades. Every master of ceremonies, before and after Joe Kelly ('50), played it or used it as a prop during Eastcapades.

Any non-musical person who sensed that deep within them was a creative musical genius, yet unfulfilled, could not fight the urge to pick up the battered bass and plunk its magical strings. Not only students "played" it. One night at a 1951 Eastcapades rehearsal, our biology teacher Bill Bannister could no longer contain his musical urges. Holding the long neck of the wintry bass, he spun the body of the bass at whirling and dazzling speeds that brought cheers from the students.

Several years later when I was in the US. Air Force on a military troop ship headed for Korea in 1953, I tried out and got to be in the ship's dance band as the drummer. One evening just off the coast of Hawaii I was tired of playing the drums. I suddenly eyed the bass ! Heck, if I could play the East High broken bass, I certainly could play one that was "not" broken. I nodded to the bass player, pointing my sticks to the shiny new bass. He nodded back and we switched instruments at the end of the set.

By the time we got to Japan I had learned to play the bass, but I have refused to play the bass since then. I do not want to play a new bass; I want our old broken bass that plays angelic music.

I have been waiting for a long time to hear what happened to Mr. Burger's string bass. Maybe it was never thrown away. Maybe someone will find it tucked away in the dark instrument closet in the band room. Maybe it is under the dusty stage floor patiently waiting to appear in just one more Eastcapades.

If we find it, we can bring it to the next reunion and give other non-musicians a chance to play it. If we have a Time Capsule let us make sure there is room in it for the bass. With reverent words we will retire it, and we will safely keep our broken bass forever.

The Warrior '51 is made available free to all classmates by the generous contributions of fellow classmates.

Contributions of $15.00 or more:

· Bill Gustafson

· Norma Barbrow

· Joan Bujnowski

· Steve Kowalczyk

Golden Contributions

In Memory of Deceased Classmates

$50.00

· Mary Ann Dolak

In fond memory of my brother, upper-

classman Andrew Dolack

· Dan Conley

In memory of my fraternity brother

Nestor Pancerev

______________________________

**Current Deficit $280.00

The '51 Reunion Committee is looking for:

Robert Adair, Harry Eggleston, Joseph Erdley, William Johnson, James Lutz, Edward Pelinsky, George Sachrison, James Otis Sherrel, Ronald Snyder,

Thomas Stadler, Paul Wysocki, Anne Aleksandrowicz Lipinski, Doris Brown Gerrtson, Myrna Bryan Geertson, Lilly Dunston, Pauline Jones, Betty Kane, Mary Jane Lee DiCarlo, Kathleen Loney Frey, Theresa Mikolajczyk, Neysa Muffie, Marjorie Pyle, Jeanne Robins Revell, Mary Schrode Robers, Delores Trott, Mary Ulrich Farley, and Marian Zawistowski Overocker.

DECEASED

V V V V V V V V V

mates:

Shirley Chessario Custer, Julius Domowicz, Beryl Clark Hetrick, Fred Falkenburg, Geraldine Herrick, Kay Hovis Finster, Norbert Lubak, Richard Lukazewski, Sophie Markiewicz, Fred Sina Morris, Richard Passerotti, Nestor Pacerev, Ralph Rogers, and Robert Voorhis.