Community Corner

Eat Pizza, Support Charity Formed After Girl Scout's Murder

Joan's Law works to keep murderous child molesters behind bars.

NANUET, NY — Joan Angela D'Alessandro was seven years old when she delivered two boxes of Girl Scout cookies to a neighbor who lived across the street from her house. The neighbor, Tappan Zee high school chemistry teacher Joseph McGowan, sexually molested and murdered her on April 19, 1973. Joan's body was found three days later on Easter Sunday in a sepulcher-like space in a large rock at Harriman State Park, New York.

Her murder and her mother's fight to keep McGowan in prison is one of the main reasons for state and federal laws about murderous sex criminals and parole.

For example, the New York version of Joan's Law was signed by Gov. George Pataki on Sept. 15, 2004 in Harriman State Park.

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The motto of the Joan Angela D'Alessandro Memorial Foundation is "Remember Joan Today So Tomorrow's Children Will Be Safe." From safety fairs to speeches to national lobbying efforts, the charity seeks to keep people informed and children safe.

Support the foundation Friday at Pizza Rev, 114 East Rout 59, Nanuet NY. The restaurant will donate 20 percent of all sales to Joan's Joy. Just mention them at check out.

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