She Was Killed In Bergen County At Age 7. Her Safety Fest This Weekend Will Help Others

BERGEN COUNTY, NJ — A free safety fest near the Hillsdale train station for Sept. 28 is still on, rain or shine, the organizer said Friday night. "We have tents," she noted.

See the 70 baskets being raffled off here.

An investigation led to the conviction of a chemistry teacher who lived across the street, Joseph McGowan. Over the decades since then, Joan's mom, Rosemarie, fought tirelessly to keep him behind bars when he came up for parole.

She also advocated for other children, with her husband and two sons supporting her.

This coming weekend, her organization, Joan's Joy, will hold an annual "Safety Fest" that includes fun activities for families and kids, while also imparting safety lessons.

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A documentary, “Daughter of Mine," was released last year about Rosemarie's efforts, and she has also published a book, sharing letters McGowan had written to people from prison.

McGowan died in prison in 2021.

Safety Fest

The Safety Fest, taking place in the garden in front of the Hillsdale Train Station on Hillsdale Ave., is free to attend. This will be the 10th annual event.

It will run from 2-5 p.m. at the White Butterfly Sculpture and Garden.

Rosemarie said, "Join us for a very special Safety Fest as we mark the 10th time doing this very special community event . Over 60 raffle baskets, [and] an expert child safety speaker. The free event will feature fun children’s activities; including face painting and balloon twisting as well as a professional dance group, butterfly release, and a singer from American Idol."

The tricky tray raffle will include 12 eight-foot tables full of baskets with major label gift cards. There will also be snacks from a local cafe, and child safety t-shirts.

Gelato will be sold at the site.

"There will be a large photo collage highlighting the impact of the 10 child safety events that Joan’s Joy has held," said a release. "The foundation appreciates the significant impact of everyone who took part in the effort, we got to this day together."

The theme this year will be "Stand Up For Child Safety."

Email rosebd@email.com or go to Joansjoy.org for more info or to contribute.

Find out about more about events and the cause at this website: Joan's Joy.