Joan’s Joy marks 50th with vigil, festival, and a new book

During this 50th anniversary year of Joanʼs passing and the beginning of her child safety legacy, a great deal is going on with the Joan Angela DʼAlessandro Memorial Foundation.

On April 19 a 50th anniversary vigil drew more than 100 people to the Joan Angela DʼAlessandro White Butterfly and Sculpture and Garden, which was lit in Joanʼs favorite colors, green and orange, by JVS Christmas Lighting.

The event highlighted how the spirit of Joanʼs legacy “is more alive today than ever through Joanʼs law and the many ways Joanʼs Foundation helps children to live in a safer, more supportive society. The message of standing up and doing something to help vulnerable children has spread and continues to resonate today.”

Local musician Tom Clancey played “Over the Rainbow” and emceed the event.

Free LED candles and 50th anniversary logo stickers were given out to all attendees.

The evening was broken up into five decades. For each there were speakers who were involved during the period represented, and a song was played from that decade that Rosemarie said “conveyed the energy that was felt during the events that occurred.”

For example, “When You Believe” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey was played for the

1990s to convey how Rosemarie never gave up despite insurmountable challenges when Joanʼs killer unexpectedly became eligible for parole in 1993.

Rosemarie then spoke about how a grassroots movement began and her advocacy work for Joanʼs law in New Jersey and on the federal level.

The foundation honors the memory of 7-years old Girl Scout Joan. It promotes child safety via programs its provides and legisla- tion it advocates. The foundation moreover provides support to neglected and abused children through fun and educational excursions, and it helps victims of crime by way of consultation. Joanʼs story has brought hope through awareness and prevention. The lives of thousands will continue to benefit from the impact of her legacy.

Speakers included Olivia Galgano, Joanʼs ballet teacher, who discussed Joanʼs special leadership qualities and her talent in dance.

Jim Tobin was on the Hillsdale police force when Joan disappeared in 1973. He was one the first responders and he told the audience many details about how law enforcement came to arrest Joanʼs killer — and the townʼs involvement in the search for Joan.

Two of Joanʼs friends were at the vigil: Richard Shoop and John Moralishvili.

The last song played was

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