Joan’s Joy:

FROM PAGE 20

“Hope” by Natasha Bedingfield.

The story of the heart of hope rock found on June 5, 2021, the day it was learned that Joanʼs killer died

C Caasse e h i s t o or r y

ON THURSDAY, April 19,

1973 Joan DʼAlessandro, a joyful, brave, 7-year-old Brownie Scout, was delivering Girl Scout cookies to her neighbor when she disappeared. A high school chemistry teacher who lived three doors down later pled guilty to her murder. After Joan was sexually assaulted and murdered, the Girl Scouts changed their rules for all children to prevent another such tragedy.

When Joanʼs killer became eligible for parole in 1993, mother, Rosemarie DʼAlessandro organized a letter writing, green ribbon campaign that led officials to deny the parole. Green was Joanʼs favorite color. The ribbon symbolizes “Remember Joan Today So Tomorrowʼs Children Will Be Safe.”

The idea that a child murderer could be released from prison spurred Rosemarie to work for a mandatory no parole sentencing law.

After three years of lobbying, a bill denying the possibility of parole to offenders who murder while committing a sex crime was passed by the NJ Legislature in April 1997.

Following that victory, Rosemarie spearheaded a successful campaign for a federal version of Joanʼs Law, which was signed by President Bill Clinton in October 1998.

All the while her daughterʼs killer continued to file appeals to his sentence paid for by a sizeable inheritance. This led Rosemarie to protect victims by designing a bill eliminating New Jerseyʼs twoyear statute of limitations on suing murderers, which passed in November 2000.

Joanʼs Law became the law in New York State in 2004. Rosemarieʼs sons Michael and John, born after Joan was murdered, were advocates for the legislation.

In addition to her legislative efforts, Rosemarie reaches out to abused and neglected children through The Joan Angela DʼAlessandro Memorial Foundation she established in 1998. In 2004 she received the Attorney Generalʼs Special Courage Award for her efforts.

Via Surviving Parents Coalition

(in prison) was told by Ernie Van Den Heuvel.

There were lighted display tables at the anniversary event, including one that showed photos of some of the major happenings in the case and related efforts during the past 50 years.

Of the crowd and energy at the vigil, Rosemarie told Pascack Press, “Do you see what the people are starting to do? Theyʼre starting to understand about their light. Joan is doing a lot.”

She reflected on Galganoʼs remarks about Joan in ballet:

“Joan would go — the first one to be in line, because [her view was]

ʻLetʼs go, everybody, weʼve got a lot to get done!ʼSo they can see a lot, between me and her.”

Video of the vigil is posted at https://youtu.be/SCBwnZrq-cg

Yard Sale

Donations Sought

After holding the event annually since 2007, the foundation is planning its final yard sale, June 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a rain date of June 25. Donations of new and gently used items, espe- cially newer clothes, are sought. Write rosebd@email.com

Rosemarieʼs New Book

At the yard sale, pre-orders will be taken for “The Message of Light Amid Letters of Darkness,” by Rosemarie Birri DʼAlessandro, which will be available to look at in prototype form.

The book includes 325 letters written by Joanʼs murderer to a pen pal that Rosemarie says “will leave the reader spellbound by the intrigue.” This unique book tells the parallel story of Rosemarieʼs experiences and the challenges she had to go through.

“The book, which is a combination of true crime and memoir, has lots of areas that the reader can relate and connect with. It is expected to ship in August and proceeds from the sale of the book will benefit the foundation,” Rosemarie says.

Child Safety Fest

Sept. 30

The Ninth Annual Joanʼs Joy child Safety Fest is planned for Sept. 30 at The Joan Angela DʼA- lessandro White Butterfly Garden. The date is significant as it will be exactly 30 years since the noparole vigil was held at Veterans Park and the child safety movement began. The event will feature a tricky tray raffle, balloon twisting and face painting along with live music and special surprises.

Related News

Recently a law to expand Joanʼs law was introduced in New York State.

The Joanʼs Joy Relaxation and Kindness Program is now in five schools. The program helps reduce stress for children and can even prevent bullying.

The third Joanʼs Joy Stand Up and Do Something scholarship was recently awarded to a Pascack Valley High school senior recognizing them for standing up for someone in need — finding strength in their own voice to speak up even if it was hard for them to do.

For the latest info go to J oansJoy.org and click on the Facebook page link. The foundation seek volunteers who would like to help prepare for the yard sale or help promote the book.