SHOUT OUT: It was a long time coming, but the celebration opening for a sculpture and garden dedicated to the memory of a 7-year-old Brownie Scout Joan D’Alessandro is set for later this month at the Hillsdale train station.
Both will serve as “lasting symbols of the need to protect our children while remembering Joan,” who was killed by a neighbor 41 years ago, Rosemarie D’Alessandro told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.
The June 27 event, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will feature an original song called “Joanie,” a table display and remarks by several attendeees, along with commemorative white butterflies, “Joan’s Joy” cards and ice cream for children.
Although the sculpture was unveiled in April, the garden now has a custom-made bench, and its perrenials are in full bloom. Lighting is also being installed by Raymond Brothers.
Joan D’Alessandro
The 5,670-pound monument joins the flagpole and sign in front of the train station and has a carving of a white butterfly and a plaque with Joan’s photo. The white butterfly was chosen because it symbolizes Joan’s “joyful and free spirit, giving hope to many,” D’Alessandro said.
It was inspired by one that then-grieving mother said she found at the site where Joan’s body was found.
The side that faces the street says: “Remember Joan today so tomorrow’s children will be safe.”
Besides referring to the “heinous crime” responsible for Joan’s death, the side facing the train station lists the laws passed that guarantee life in prison for those who kill children 14 or under during a sex crime — with a space left for what is hoped will be a measure to extend the law to victims under 18.
“Her life and death inspired a movement to keep her killer in prison and spurred law changes,” D’Alessandro told CLIFFVIEW PILOT. “Joan’s legacy is more alive today than it ever was. It is a force for good in today’s society.”
Joseph McGowan, a former high school science teacher, was convicted of raping and murdering Joan on April 19, 1973 (Holy Thursday), before dumping her body in Harriman State Park, where it was found on Easter.
The youngster had come to McGowan’s home, three doors down, looking to sell her last two boxes of cookies.
Her murder prompted the passage of Joan’s Law, signed by Gov. Christie Whitman in 1997 and by President Clinton in 1998. It mandates life in prison for the killing of children under 14 during a sex crime.
Because it was adopted after McGowan was sentenced, the law doesn’t apply to him. But he remains in prison for his crimes, having repeatedly been denied parole.
Meanwhile, Rosemarie D’Alessandro has made helping other parents and abused children her life’s mission.
The project is funded by the Joan Angela D’Alessandro Foundation — also known as “Joan’s Joy” — which she established to help youngsters and raise awareness of child safety issues.
Sponsors and donors have contributed $22,000 to the foundation, D’Alessandro said this week. Others have contributed goods and services. They include:
Alpine Monuments (Closter)
Raymond Brothers (Hillsdale)
Mystical Gardens (Dumont)
Victoria’s Nursery (Paramus)
Charlie Winters Supply (Paramus)
Galaxy Gardens (Woodcliff Lake)
Bel Fiori Greenhouse (Woodcliff Lake)
Mike Goble Trucking and Landscape Products (Livingston)
Bruce Hawkins Landscape Architect (South Orange)
MRC Recreation (Spring Lake)
JF Exteriors (Califon, NJ)
Spruce Mountain Granites (Barre, VT)
Rock-It Creations (Council, ID)
Chimera Communications (Durango, CO)
This summer, the Foundation’s “Fun, Educational and Safety Program” will be sponsoring trips that include day excursions for the youth of the Passaic Teen Center and a dream adventure to Great Adventure for approximately 65 children of the YCS Holley House in Hackensack.
TO CONTRIBUTE: The Joan Angela D’Alessandro Foundation, 45 Florence St., Hillsdale, (201) 664-9140 OR: Rosebd@email.com
INFO: www.Joansjoy.org