HILLSDALE—Congratulations to Pascack Valley High School senior Delia Collis, inaugural Joan Angela D’Alessandro Memorial Foundation Stand Up and Do Something Scholarship recipient.
The award was bestowed by Hillsdale’s tireless activist Rosemarie D’Alessandro, who formed the foundation in 1998 in memory of her daughter, who was sexually assaulted and murdered by a neighbor, Joseph McGowan, in 1973.
McGowan was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes. He died June 5 while serving out his term at the South Woods State Prison in Cumberland County, the New Jersey Department of Corrections said.
Joan’s Joy promotes child safety via programs it provides and legislation it advocates. It provides support to neglected and abused children through fun and educational excursions and it helps victims of crime by way of consultation.
“The Joan’s Joy board members selected Delia’s essay recognizing her for standing up for someone in need — finding strength in her own voice to speak up even as she faced with a difficult situation. Standing up for someone else is empowering and spreads courage for others to do the same,” Rosemary told Pascack Press.
She said the scholarship was made possible by a donation from board member Monique Dolecki. Rosemary told Pascack Press, “Heartfelt gratitude.”
Following McGowan’s death, the D’Alessandros — Rosemary, Michael, and John — thanked a crowd of dozens who turned out in support “and all those who took part in the ‘no parole’ effort during the past 28 years. Your involvement was so important,” Rosemary said.
She forwarded photos of a heart-shaped rock found embedded at the site in Harriman State Park in Stony Point, N.Y. where Joan’s body was recovered Easter Sunday those many years ago; a Team Joan volunteer turned it up this June 5 — the day McGowan died — while preparing the area for a documentary crew.
Much moved by the find, Rosemary said, “The plan is to return it to the spot in a permanent setting. At present it’s at the Joan’s Joy Foundation room, bringing joy and amazement to whoever sees it.”
Donors step up: Charlandra Counseling Services and many more
Rosemary added that “generosity abounds this month.” Dr. Anna Flores Locke, a mother of twin 8-year-olds, has always been committed to child safety in communities, schools, and homes. After meeting Rosemary at a child safety fest, and witnessing many of Joan’s Joy’s achievements for others, Locke made a $500 donation in July to help it continue its tireless work.
Locke, owner of Charlandra Counseling Services in Woodcliff Lake, said she is proud to support local non-profit Joan’s Joy. Charlandra Counseling Services (charlandra.com) offers individual, couple, and family therapy and specializes in children, teens, infertility, depression and anxiety.
Rosemary extended “A big hug of thanks to all who have donated this year in many different ways. We are thrilled we have achieved our goal of over $4,000 raised year to date from our ongoing fund-raising efforts.”
She said, “Including our recent yard sale, Joan’s Joy T-shirt sales, and all the generous donations from near and far, big and small, we have been able to help important organizations and causes.”
She listed:
- YCS Holley Center, helping children recover from the aftershock of the pandemic.
- Covenant House Newark, delivering equine therapy to at-risk youth.
- Never Alone Again, Teaneck, providing emergency shelter to domestic violence victims.
- YCS Davis House, supplying sporting equipment for youth programs.
- Joan Angela D’Alessandro White Butterfly Sculpture and Garden groundskeeping.
Joan’s Joy Annual Child Safety Fest Sept. 25
Save the date: Joan’s Joy Annual Child Safety Fest is in person on Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Hillsdale Train Station. The event features a butterfly release, live music, speakers, face painting, and raffles. Joan’s Joy also seeks volunteers and raffle gift donations for the event. To contribute in any way, visit joansjoy.org or write rosebd@email.com.