SCHOOL NEWS

JOAN’S JOY 8TH ANNUAL CHILD SAFETY FEST SEPT. 24

BY JOHNSNYDER

OF PASCACK PRESS

HILLSDALE

The Joan Angela DʼAlessandro Memorial Foundation is looking forward to its Eighth Annual Child Safety Festival, Saturday, Sept. 24 at the Joan Angela DʼAlessandro White Butterfly Sculpture and Garden at the Hillsdale Train Station, on Broadway.

The schedule of events, according to Rosemarie DʼAlessandro: • 2 p.m.: Come together in a circle to stand up and do something for social justice. • 2:30: Speakers. • 3: Butterfly release. • 3:30: Entertainment: professional singers and dance company. •4:30:Raffle winners are announced. (There are more than 57 raffle baskets in the mix so far.)

Thereʼll be a fun area for kids, with face painting and balloon twisting. And of course a tricky tray and raffles.

This year, local Girl Scouts will be out in force, running an Internet safety table and handing out back-to-school kits.

Rosemarie told Pascack Press on Sept. 7, “This is the most Girl Scout involvement we have had! I think a lot of scouts will attend.”

Rosemarie and her family formed the foundation in 1998 in memory of her daughter, who was sexually assaulted and murdered by a neighbor on Holy Thursday in 1973. Joanʼs body was discovered that Easter Sunday in a sepulchre-like space in Harriman State Park inNew York.

The killer was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes. He died last summer while serving out his term at the South Woods State Prison in Cumberland County.

DʼAlessandro has put much symbolism in a white butterfly, which she has said greets her at the site on visits.

Joanʼs 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.

Safety Fest is free to attend. Proceeds from the raffle and sponsorships will help at-risk children shelters impacted by COVID-19. To contribute “in any way” or for more information, visit joansjoy.org

Rosemarie D’Alessandro, center,is a fierce advocate of victims’ rights,and a champion in the cause of standing up for oneself,a message she says children need to hear. File photo

or write rosebd@email.com.

PARK RIDGE

Borough, Elks Oktoberfest Oct. 15

The Park Ridge Recreation and Cultural Committee is excited to host a joint Family Fun Oktoberfest with the Park Ridge Elks at their lodge, at 13 Sulak Lane, on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 3 to 8 p.m.

There will be great live music, delicious Oktoberfest food/beverages, games, balloon animals, face painting, prizes, and much more. Rain date is Oct. 16 from 1 to 6 p.m.

For the flyer and sponsor form visit parkridgeboro.com. Make your check payable to Park Ridge Recreation Committee and mail it to Recreation, 53 Park Ave., Park Ridge, NJ 07656. (You also can put your form and check in the white mailbox marked “Recreation/Oktoberfest” in front of Borough Hall by Oct. 1.)

Organizers say, “Thank you for making a difference for our community by helping our Park Ridge Elks help so many! Proceeds go to the Park Ridge Elks who support vets and children with special needs.”

Letters:

FROM PAGE 2

in a position to leave where they were without putting themselves in harms way, like a bathroom or storage room. Again there is not a way to call 9-1-1 or alert others to mitigate any harm!

From what I understand, there is equipment available that can pick up the cell signal and boost it, then re broadcast it stronger and make cell phone use possible.

David Morton Hillsdale

Editorʼs note:For more, see our news story “District working to improve cellular service at PVHS,” Noah Schwartz, June 9, 2022.

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