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Robin Goetz

Celebrating a Decade of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

August 18, 2023 by Robin Goetz

Once upon a time, there was a book festival that needed a new home. After searching every town, hamlet and village, a group of parents, librarians, businesses, town officials and more decided to give it a home in Chappaqua. They gave it lots of love and attention, and after 10 years, it grew to be one of the biggest and strongest in the country!

The moral of the story? It truly takes a village – a dedicated and powerful one – to connect authors and readers at this very special annual event: the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.

The 2023 Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

This year marks the 10th annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF), where thousands of visitors from near and far descend on the town to enjoy a beautiful autumn day, meeting their favorite authors and enjoying all that Chappaqua has to offer.

The fun-filled day will include author readings, special presentations, illustrator demos, book sales and signings. Gourmet food trucks, a bubble bus, live entertainment, and activities provided by local merchants, organizations and sponsors lend to the energy, and excitement. The Family Fun Zone will feature giveaways, crafts, games and more. This year CCBF will launch an app, allowing festival goers to easily find books by author, subject, age and more.

As CCBF Executive Director Dawn Greenberg puts it, “Every year it feels like a family reunion, and the family keeps growing!”

The Festival gives kids and families a chance to meet and interact with the creators of their favorite characters – another highlight of the CCBF being the costumed characters who make appearances throughout the day for photos, hugs, and high-fives, truly bringing books to life.

As always, a percentage of the proceeds and tons of books will go to literacy programs to area schools in Westchester and the New York Metro area.

Welcoming The Magical Mary Pope Osborne

This year, the CCBF is overjoyed to welcome famed and beloved author Mary Pope Osbourne as the festival’s headliner. Best known as the author of the Magic Tree House series, which has sold over 200 million copies worldwide, Osborne is revered as an author but also as a fierce advocate for children’s literacy. Geared towards new readers, Osborne has written over 65 books in the last 30 years, and still at it. Her magical adventures transport readers to different times and places, each new adventure filled with imagination and learning.

Her biggest advice? “Remember who you were at 8, because you were right: The world is filled with wonder and magic, and you have a big role to play in it.”

Chappaqua will honor the magic of Osborne with treehouses and crafts throughout the town. A recent event at the Chappaqua library invited kids to create their own “magic treehouse” and the results were incredible! More events and tributes will take place leading up to the festival day.

Many other fan favorites, including Victoria Kann (Pinkalicious), Alyssa Capucilli and Pat Schories (Biscuit), Nick Bruel (Bad Kitty) and local authors including Barbara Dee, Matt and Mara Van Fleet, Hudson Warm, Jean Van Leeuwen, and Sujean Rim will return.

The Festival Grows Up

When it began in 2013, the CCBF was geared to young readers. The festival has grown, not just in numbers but in content. The day now includes many Young Adult authors and titles, as well as graphic novels and more of interest to older readers.

This year, in light of recent book bans, the festival will showcase banned books by CCBF authors in a thought-provoking special booth.

“It is our mission to represent ALL voices,” said Greenberg. “Books teach us everything – empathy, worldview, how to live in our own heads. They entertain but more important, they can transport us. What a gift! And we believe that no one should limit that access. I am proud that we are fighting back through the festival, and every day, to get books into as many kids’ hands as possible.”

A Community Comes Together

It is no easy task to make the CCBF happen, year after year. The festival is a grassroots, all-volunteer effort, with community members working together so that children and teens can be inspired by their favorite authors. The hard working CCBF Board invites authors, works to promote the festival, and handles all logistics for an event of this size and scale from ordering books to planning all events and setup.

Town officials and New Castle Police, Sanitation and more help make the day run smoothly. Authors travel from near and far to meet their biggest fans, and community sponsors, including businesses, restaurants, stores and more, provide critical funding. And then there are scores of volunteers – hundreds in fact – from individuals to families to groups who work tirelessly throughout the day, giving their time to make the event shine.

Though this story is certainly happy, this year, of course, is not “The End” for the CCBF – and it will be exciting to see the next chapter!

FESTIVAL POSTER IMAGES COURTESY OF CCBF
CCBF PHOTOS BY GRACE BENNETT/INSIDE PRESS


By the Numbers

Authors in 2013: 45

Authors in 2023: 180

Steps Executive Director Dawn Greenberg takes on Festival Day: 30,000

Author traveling the farthest: Chris Baron / California

Visitors expected: 10,000

Volunteers: 200

Books sold: Over 50,000

Authors who attended all 10 festivals: 30

10th ANNUAL CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
10AM – 4PM
Chappaqua Train Station
*rain or shine*
Visit: ccbfestival.org

Calling All Volunteers!

The CCBF is run by volunteers – from our community and beyond! We are looking for volunteers of all ages and availability to help make this the best festival yet! Please email chappbook@yahoo.com to sign up!

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: 10th Year Celebration, Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, Mary Pope Osborne

FOCUSING ON A CURE: Following a Local Family’s Journey with Crohn’s & Colitis

September 30, 2021 by Robin Goetz

Focus on a Cure Gala:  November 13th, 2021    one.bidpal.net/fw2021gala

In March of 2007, everything changed for the Silverman family of Chappaqua when a pediatric gastroenterologist somberly said, “Your son, Josh, has Crohn’s disease.” For the five months leading up to that day, Ira and Wendi Silverman had helplessly watched their ten-year-old son grapple with unexplained weight loss and flu-like symptoms. After receiving this diagnosis, the three of them drove home in silence; scared, stunned, and confused.

(L-R): Ira, Matt, Wendi, Amanda, and Josh Silverman

That fateful day in March was the beginning of an uncertain and turbulent time for Josh and their family. Josh’s path with Crohn’s was difficult, because the disease’s onset occurred at such a young age and IBD is organically a difficult illness to manage. Now 24, Josh has dealt with an endless cocktail of medications, countless missed days of school, doctor’s appointments, two major surgeries, multiple hospital stays, and early on, nightly feeding tube nourishment to help him thrive.

Looking for a way to channel their fear into action, the Silvermans reached out to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation at the urging of a total stranger- and neighbor.

“On the very afternoon of Josh’s diagnosis, I walked through the front door of our town’s Dunkin’ Donuts and ran into a dear friend,” said Wendi.  Overwhelmed, I shared Josh’s diagnosis with her. Just as this friend was telling me about another mom in town whose son had Crohn’s, that very mom was pushing open Dunkin Donut’s back door. Then, for the second time that day, she altered my life with a few words- ‘Join me tomorrow night for a parent support group’.  And just like that our relationship with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation was born.”

The mission of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is to find cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and improve the lives of children and adults affected by these diseases. Founded in 1967, the organization has played a role in every major breakthrough in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research, investing more than $384 million into finding causes, treatments, and cures. The Foundation supports healthcare practitioners from all specialty areas that serve patients with Crohn’s and colitis, including gastroenterologists, endocrinologists, colorectal surgeons, nutritionists, infusion specialists, mental health professionals and more, and offers a wide variety of resources including education and advocacy.

“The Foundation provides resources and guidance to patients from the very moment of diagnosis.  We are often the first call patients and caregivers make in order to get information about these diseases, understand medication and treatment options and find local doctors as well as emotional support.” said Lisa Harding, Senior Executive Director of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, Connecticut/Westchester Chapter. “One of the largest roles we play is helping to educate the general public about these autoimmune diseases.  Because the symptoms can be embarrassing, patients are often left feeling alone.  We work to remove the stigma that often comes with diagnosis so that patients can feel accepted and confident as they live their everyday lives.”

Since that first phone call to the local chapter, the Foundation has supported the Silverman family emotionally and through patient education programming. And the Silvermans have thrown themselves into supporting the foundation as well. Ira’s began with the Golf committee where he’s volunteered for 14 years, serving as Chairman, a Board Member, and President, and raising over $4 million.  Wendi began as a volunteer for the Take Steps walk and then Walk Manager in three counties, and growing the chapter walk program by 121%.  Josh and his siblings, Matthew and Amanda, are also involved.  They were members of the Take Steps “Team ICure” each year where they fundraised and invited friends to attend the event.  Josh attended Camp Oasis, the one week “IBD” camp when he was 15 years old. Matthew ran a half marathon with Team Challenge in 2016 in honor of his brother and Amanda participated in Spin4 in 2020. 

Take Steps Walk: Team iCure 2016
Team challenge Las Vegas 2014

It is for this reason that the entire Silverman family, will be honored at this year’s “Focus on a Cure” Gala, the Foundation’s largest annual, fundraiser, and presented with the 2021 Modell Award.

Wendi and Ira Silverman with the 2021 Modell Volunteer Award

“We are so thrilled to be able to honor the Silverman family,” said Harding, “Their involvement, contributions and impressive achievements underscore the family’s hard work, commitment to the mission and ability to inspire others. We joke that you can always count one or more of the Silverman family to be present at Foundation events to help set up, clean up, share their story, build awareness and make other families feel welcome.”

Take Steps Walk: 2015 Silverman Family Josh, Amanda, Ira, Matt, and Wendi

Today, Josh is a thriving adult and continues to exhibit the same strength, resilience, and determination that he learned as a young child dealing with chronic illness. “With Crohn’s disease it’s hard to know when someone is suffering because the symptoms aren’t ones that can be seen, says Josh. “My parents have supported me so much and once they saw how much help was needed in the community, they stretched their efforts to helping kids, teens and adults who are struggling. Because of their commitment, and the work of the Foundation, great advances have been made- and I hope there’s a cure in my lifetime.”

_____________________________________________________________

ASK THE DR: Q&A with specialist Dr. Tom Ullman, M.D.

What are symptoms of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic immune disorders of the gastrointestinal track that most commonly give rise to a number of different symptoms including diarrhea, cramping abdominal pain, blood in the stool, weight loss, or loss of appetite.  Additionally, there are some characteristic symptoms that can occur outside the intestine including eye redness and pain, joint pain or swelling, some unusual skin issues, mouth sores, and a few other others.  Sometimes only some or even just one of these symptoms are present, or they can appear in different combinations.  In kids, in whom it often first shows up, growth issues may be the only presenting symptoms.  

What is the prognosis? 

The prognosis for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are usually excellent, but sometimes finding the right medicine to achieve that remission can be a challenge, requiring surgical therapy, whose results are excellent, but, in the case of Crohn’s disease, isn’t a curative solution as there is a high rate of post-operative recurrence. Because they are chronic and lifelong immune diseases, patients and family members have a number of concerns about living life with Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis, but in reality, I’ve had the privilege of caring of a number of patients who despite surgery or difficult treatments have gone on to a number of great professional, physical, and personal achievements. 

What are current treatments? 

Treatments in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are directed at reducing the disease-related inflammation.  We now have a number of targeted immune based therapies and other widely used medications that can be useful in treating debilitating activity.

What should you ask your GI physician? 

If you have Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, it’s always good to stay on top of disease activity and disease-related inflammation.  Your gastroenterologist should be able to tell you how that part of disease is ongoing.  You should always ask your gastroenterologist what’s the exit strategy for any time you need corticosteroids, and what vaccines and other health maintenance measures need to be taken.

RESOURCES:

https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/

IBD Help Center (1-888-MY-GUT-PAIN)

Focus on a Cure Gala:  November 13th, 2021    one.bidpal.net/fw2021gala

Filed Under: Cover Stories, New Castle News Tagged With: Colitis, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, crohn's disease, Dr. Tom Ullman, Focus on a Cure, Inflammatory bowel disease, Modell Award, Silverman Family

The RETURN of the CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

August 17, 2021 by Robin Goetz

Community, Inclusivity & History to Come Alive again this Fall on October 2

In the past year and half, COVID has caused many events and milestones to be cancelled–from birthdays to Bar Mitzvahs, vacations to family reunions. In Chappaqua, the town missed one of its most beloved events, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF), which is set to make a much-anticipated return this Fall.  

Now in its 8th year, the Chappaqua Children’s book Festival will take place on October 2, 2021 with many familiar faces and traditions, as well as some changes.

“We are beyond thrilled to be back,” said Dawn Greenberg, Executive Director of, who originally championed bringing the festival to town almost a decade ago. “This feels like a true celebration, a reawakening in this town. This event truly brings our community together–from our planning committee to volunteers, local business, and even local authors–and we cannot wait to bring something familiar and joyful to town after such a rough time.”

A Community Tradition

Each year, thousands of visitors descend on Chappaqua for the CCBF, to enjoy a beautiful Fall day meeting their favorite authors and enjoying all the town has to offer. This year, due to COVID, the day might look slightly different, with a scaled back author list (about 60) and a new location (the Chappaqua Train Station), but many of the familiar faces and activities will remain, including author signings, panels, sponsor activities, and costumed characters. The festival will follow up-to-date COVID guidelines and protocols, regarding social distances, crowd numbers and masking policies.

All guests over the age of two will be required to wear masks.

“The CCBF is an “all hands on deck” volunteer event spearheaded by the indefatigable Dawn Greenberg and others who tirelessly promote literacy, reading, and countless beloved authors while reminding us that even in the era of screens, there are few things more valuable than a good ole’ fashioned paper book,” said Jeremy Saland, Acting Town Supervisor. “The Chappaqua Hamlet and greater New Castle are fortunate to host this festival and showcase the people and spirit that makes our community so welcoming to visitors and a place we are fortunate to call home.”

Despite the reduced number of authors, organizers are working to get as wide a mix as possible, from genre to subject matter and age group. Local authors and illustrators including Matt and Mara Van Fleet, Sujean Rim and Bob Bianchini will be on hand, as well as fan favorites like Dan Gutman and Alyssa Capucilli and Pat Schories of Biscuit fame. The full roster of authors and community sponsors can be found on the CCBF site.

Focus on Inclusivity

In addition to a wide mix of genres and ages, the festival will also focus on content, with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Celebrated author Torrey Maldanado (What Lane), Mike Curato (Flamer) and Brendan Kiely (All American Boys) will participate, with special panels and presentations in the works.

“It is our mission to represent ALL voices,” said Greenberg. “We are so fortunate to be able to draw these esteemed authors, whose works can start so many important and often difficult conversations.”

History Celebrated & Jean Craighead George, Remembered and Honored

An exciting celebration will take place at this year’s fest, of famed Chappaqua resident Jean Craighead George’s 100th birthday and the inclusion of many of her books, some unpublished. This Fall marks the debut of her never-before-seen book, Crowbar, revised by her children Luke and Twig George, and illustrated by longtime collaborator, Wendell Minor, a veteran CCBF author who will attend again this year and feature many of George’s classics in his booth. 

This celebration coincides with a new town initiative, where a local park will be named after the author, a fitting tribute to the author who wrote about nature for children.

“All is decidedly not right with the world. but when young readers, authors, illustrators, and educators converge to celebrate literacy at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, all will be right with the world,” said Alan Katz, author. “The Festival is always one of my favorite days of the year, and I am thrilled and grateful that the organizers have found a safe and healthful way to bring it back. The plans to honor the wonderful Jean Craighead George make it all that more special.”

 

8th ANNUAL CHAPPAQUA CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL

Saturday, Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Chappaqua Train Station

ccbfestival.org or facebook.com/chappaquabookfestival

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, Chappaqua Tradition, Children's Book Authors, Jean Craighead George, literacy, reading, Safety guidelines, Volunteer Event

Discover the draw for paws ‘tales & tails’ initiative at the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

August 17, 2021 by Robin Goetz

draw for paws, the Chappaqua-based organization with a mission to support the welfare and rescue of animals in need, will launch its latest initiative, tales & tails, at this year’s Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) on October 2. Aligned with the spirit of the festival, the goal of tails & tales is to foster and inspire a love of reading and writing through animals.

Chappaqua’s Scarlett Chwatko founded draw for paws at just 8-years-old, a remarkable feat as she was battling brain cancer at the time. Combining her love for art and animals, the idea was simple: for every $20 donated to an animal rescue, Scarlett would draw a pet portrait. When Scarlet lost her cancer battle in 2019 her friends were determined to see her dream become a reality and took over her mission. Now the organization boasts over 200 kid (and adult!) artists worldwide, has partnered with shelters and rescues all over the nation, and raised over $75,000. 

Scarlett’s love of art was rivaled by her love of reading–and the CCBF was one of her most cherished days, starting as a volunteer at just 3 years old! She could often be found reading to her own pets–and always had a book with her–which is why it is so fitting to launch the new initiative at the festival.

draw for paws will collaborate with librarians, educators and authors to create a program including leveled books, writing prompts to encourage storytelling, and book bundles, featuring CCBF authors, that can be bought to read at home to pets or donated to shelters.

As a festival sponsor, the draw for paws booth will feature a reading space where attendees can read to (and adopt!) shelter dogs. For more info, please visit drawforpaws.org

 

 

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: animal rescue, Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, Draw for Paws, festival sponsor, reading, Scarlett Chwatko, tales and tails

ALL IN THE FAMILY… Armonk Tennis Club Serves Up Fun & Fitness Year Round

April 2, 2021 by Robin Goetz

Since it opened its doors in 1958, Armonk Tennis Club has been a staple to the community, providing a spot for tennis lovers–and learners–to hone their skills. A family business that was taken over 20 years ago, by Tim Shea, the facility is now run by Shea and  his daughter Kelsey, 28, sporting indoor and outdoor courts, a swimming pool/lounge, and two turf playing fields field for other sports like soccer, lacrosse, and flag football.The club also has a pro shop that sells tennis clothing and accessories and does racket restringing.

Tennis has been a part of Tim’s life since childhood- from playing to coaching to eventually managing and owning the clubs.The love for the sport seems to be in the blood, as Kelsey played tennis at Colgate while taking business courses to prepare for running the club, which she’s wanted to do since she was young. At just six years old, she was part of the club’s first ever summer camp class.

For Tim, working with family means knowing you can trust your business partner. “I know Kelsey always has the club’s best interests in mind, that she has the ability to run it, and that she won’t hesitate to ask questions because she is comfortable.”

In addition to being run by family, the clubs have proven to be a respite for families looking to escape the quarantine blues.The clubs closed briefly last season to COVID, but were able to open last spring and summer, taking every measure possible to keep members and campers safe, implementing temperature checks, mask guidelines, and new traffic patterns.

“Tennis is the perfect sport for for social distancing because you’re separated by the net,” said Beau Shea, Tim’s nephew who does marketing for the clubs. “Even playing doubles, one player’s generally at the baseline and the other’s at the net, so there’s a natural spacing that a lot of other sports don’t have.”

Tennis is also a fantastic family sport: Beau comments that their players and members range from 3-90 years old, so you see multiple generations on the courts together. He notes that it’s truly never too early–or too late–to pick up a racket. “Regardless of age, there’s always that physical and emotional benefit to playing and especially playing together.”

With indoor courts, Armonk Tennis os open year round offering seasonal programs and teams, private and group lessons, after-school programs, and the Armonk International Tennis Academy, a higher intensity program. In the spring and summer, memberships are available for tennis, pool, or both as well as camps for kids.

“Our members are like family,” says Beau. We have people here who started at age four taking lessons and are now playing in tournaments with their kids. It truly is a family affair.”


Pro Tips

Image copyright Jane Haslam Photography 2015
It’s important to focus on movement skills and footwork as much as stroke technique; if you can’t get to the ball on time and under control, you won’t be able to properly execute the shot.

Recognize the mental aspect of tennis. All sports have a mental component, but it’s especially important in tennis, where you don’t have a group of teammates you can rely on; if you can control your nerves and your temper, you’ll be off to a good start before even stepping onto the court.

For more information visit www.armonktennis.com

Filed Under: Cover Stories Tagged With: Armonk Tennis Club, Kelsey Shea, pool, Tennis, Tennis Lessons, Tim Shea

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