Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

10 Reasons Why New Castle is Lucky to Have Dawn Greenberg as a Resident

December 1, 2019 by Beth Besen

Whether you’re a morning person or a never-ever-before-noon (or at least two cups of coffee) type, this is one Dawn you can’t help but notice! And not just notice, but truly and deeply admire.

Like her daybreak namesake, Dawn Greenberg lights up the New Castle community in many wondrous ways. She is a regular and visible presence in town, as well as the founder and ongoing contributing member of many renowned local organizations. Creative, savvy and hard-working, Dawn is a shining example of how one individual can turn great ideas into actionable realities.

Here, Inside Chappaqua’s top ten salute to Dawn Greenberg:

Wife: Paul Greenberg is yang to Dawn’s yin, the sometimes frustrated (so many projects in their home!, so much demand on her time!) but always supportive and proud husband!
Mother: It’s a job/title/hat many proudly wear. But that doesn’t mean it’s any less noteworthy–cheers to the moms in all our incarnations! That said, when your particular incarnation includes a special-needs child, there’s usually some extra sacrifice and work along with the usual growing pains. Dawn has worked tirelessly with both the Chappaqua PTA and Special Education Committees to help enrich the educational experience for her sons,11th grader Jackson who has autism and 8th grader Ben, and their Chappaqua classmates.
Retailer: From 2011-2014, Aurora, Dawn’s name-derivative boutique was many a shopper’s first and last stop for one-of-a-kind gifts. From moms looking for their gal-pal’s perfect birthday present to dads and kids in search of something unexpected for Mother’s Day, the shop offered a treasure trove of options. Aurora inspired Dawn to become more involved with the town–fellow townspeople and merchants alike. When Dawn closed the shop in 2014, she promised it was going to be much more of a “see you later” than “goodbye”.
Founder of The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival: Seven years ago, Dawn heard that one of her favorite seasonal activities, Tarrytown’s Sunnyside children’s book fair, was going to be discontinued. Saddened by what it would mean for her own boys and the countless other young book-lovers, she decided better to embrace this particular closing door by opening an even bigger window. That was in March of 2012 and by September of that very same year, Dawn had put together the inaugural Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival with 60 authors. Although generally very self-effacing, Dawn allows that this was “one of my proudest moments.” This past October 2019, the Festival grew to include some 145 authors, patrons from far and wide and a reputation as one of the pre-eminent book fairs in the country.
Co-Founder of One Book Westchester: Dawn’s newest book-centric project takes reading, literacy awareness and community to the next level. Working with the Westchester County Executive’s Office, the Westchester Library System and BOCES, she expects the concept to unite people through a shared literary experience; from schools and libraries and bookstores, to bookclubs and dinners and historic re-enactments, every community is invited to put their spin on the theme and share with others. While the concept isn’t new, most places have done it with just a single adult-level book. At Dawn’s suggestion, One Book Westchester is also amping up the idea to include elementary-aged story books by Eric Velasquez, a middle-school-level book, The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani and an adult-level book, Dear George, Dear Mary by Mary Calvi.
Founder of…: shhhh – you heard it here first – Not one to rest on her laurels, Dawn’s plans include creating a Children’s Book Festival for Manhattan, perhaps as early as next spring!
National Literacy Award Recipient: As mentioned, Dawn is never one to toot her own horn. So, it is only through word of mouth that this reporter learned of her Daughters of the American Revolution first-place National Literacy Award acknowledging her dedicated years of work. Brava, Dawn!
Co-Founder of (914) Cares: Originally known as Chappaqua Cares, this grassroots organization has expanded to include a fulltime team of directors and officers. The mission is to provide help throughout Westchester to all those struggling with the basic needs of food, clothing, shelter, education and medical care.
Feed Me Fresh Award Recipient: Another well-deserved nod of recognition, this time from the Mount Kisco Childcare Center, which honored Dawn at its fall gala for her part in community affairs.
Political Activist: A member of the Democratic Party, Dawn is also a known local activist. She was instrumental in helping to organize the many local Hillary Clinton supporters into a cohesive campaign strategy grassroots group know as Chappaqua Friends of Hillary back in 2016. And, when things didn’t go the way they’d hoped, the group (in keeping with Dawn’s “turn lemons in to lemonade” philosophy”) expanded their platform and rebranded themselves.

Up2Us now has more than 4,000 members and expects to canvass and work tirelessly for the 2020 Democratic nominee. Asked how she became interested in politics, Dawn recounts that her family has always been involved as far back as a grandfather who ran for Governor of Georgia.

More importantly, and coming full circle to her roles as wife/mom/community member, Dawn says that it’s important to model engagement for our kids. They need to see–not just hear lip service to–that “one person CAN make a difference.”

Meet Madeline Finesmith

Like many who move to town, Dawn and Madeline became friends via their children during a Mommy and Meclass, and it is a friendship that has blossomed over time through many mutual interests. It also helps that Madeline, like Dawn, is energy personified. A former Ernst & Young consultant, with a law degree to boot, she knew the rigor and risk-taking aspects of her former corporate life would be a good fit for a start-up festival. So, when Dawn sent an email lamenting the demise of the Tarrytown Fair and suggesting a Chappaqua reboot, Madeline was quick to reply she was “all in” to help make it happen. Her logistics and financial skills were invaluable to the start-up process, and, thanks to those early efforts, more recent festivals have seen sponsors clamoring to participate. Not only did Madeline help to grow the festival, but the festival helped her growth toward a new career path: Volunteer Recruitment and PR Manager for JCY-Westchester Community Partners, one of her early philanthropic research connections for the festival. Sharing “this Book Festival has given me a lot, and I’m very happy to be a part of it.” Madeline, again much like Dawn, is quick to also point out that she’s “just a piece of it, but there are lots of pieces!”

Discovering the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

November 13, 2019 by The Inside Press

The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) takes place annually in downtown Chappaqua on a Saturday in the fall. Over 140 prominent and beloved children’s book authors and illustrators come from all over the United States to attend and meet fans, sign books and participate in panel discussions and story time. Visitors arrive from throughout the tristate area. Sponsors providing literacy-themed children’s activities fill the blacktop and church field at Church of St. Mary, the Virgin. Five different food trucks offer snacks and lunch. The Great Chappaqua Bake Sale provides sweet treats for a good cause.

CCBF, which turned seven in 2019, is a purely volunteer effort and requires hundreds of volunteers during the festival and on the days beforehand. Local scout troops, community organizations and individuals are encouraged to get involved.

More information about CCFB can be found at ccbfestival.org and on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. No admission charge. Books are available for purchase. A list of its annual sponsors and information about becoming a sponsor are available at the website or by calling 914 263-5566.

Courtesy of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival 2019: What a Day!

October 26, 2019 by Grace Bennett

Under sunny, bright blue skies, and with some 8,000 attendees and 152 authors gathered in downtown Chappaqua on October 5, the 2019 Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival had “its best day ever,” said founder Dawn Greenberg, “And we can’t wait to do it again.” The ‘literary loyalty’ on hand,” she said, included Ce Ce Bell who travelled from Virginia, Jarrett J Krosoczka, Nikki Grimes, and Dan Gutman. “All were lovely and so thrilled to meet so many excited readers in one place.” The event is possible due to the creative and hardworking efforts of the CCBF’s Board of Directors Greenberg, Madeline Finesmith, Amy Kaiser, Joanna Segal, Lori Morton, Cheryl Fisher, Arianna Grassia and Sally Cook, plus many generous sponsors. Behind the scenes, a village of volunteers work everything from author hospitality and panels to costumed characters and downtown decoration, and more! Visit CCBFestival.org to stay abreast of 2020 plans.

Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival Returns Bigger and Even Better: New and Exciting Guests, Panels & Activities On Tap

August 24, 2019 by Gillian Hand

A new story for your bookshelf. A photograph with your favorite author. A signed copy of a book you love. On October 5th, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (“CCBF”) returns to Robert E. Bell Middle School, offering area children and their parents the opportunity to meet the writers behind the most popular children’s stories and find or foster a love for reading. With a record 145 authors scheduled to attend and a wide selection of special events and activities, the 7th annual Festival is primed to build on prior years’ great success, expected to attract over 8,000 visitors.

Voted the Best Annual Festival by Westchester Magazine, the CCBF is proud to host a variety of esteemed authors in October, including big names in children’s literature such as Kate Messner, Dan Gutman, David Kirk, Padma Venkatraman, and Tiffany Jackson. A number of these authors will participate in themed panels throughout the day, offering visitors a chance to hear the voices behind their favorite stories and learn about the writing process at large. Kicking off the author panel will be a keynote address from New York Times bestselling author and illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka, whose more than 30 published books include the Platypus Police Squad middle school series as well as his popular graphic novel collection titled Lunch Lady.

Exciting New Panel Presentations

While visitors will have ample opportunity to meet writers and purchase books at the individual author tables, new panels will offer a deeper look into the values and objectives behind the creation of children’s literature, exploring a variety of themes and topics intended to engage both young readers and their parents. Author participants on the “Keeping it Real” panel will discuss their experiences with nonfiction writing, while those on “All the Feels” will examine how their books help children make sense of their feelings and emotions. “Girls in the World” contributors will explore how their books depict the empowerment and growth of young girls throughout the complex issues faced during their developmental years.

Additionally, this year’s panel series will welcome Project LIT Community, described by founder Jarred Amato as a “national, grassroots literacy movement” through which dedicated authors empower young people “as readers, writers, and leaders” by sharing books that “make them feel seen, heard, affirmed, and valued”. Project LIT unites educators and students through books that teach youth about current events and culture, helping them become leaders who can make their voices heard.

Growing Every Year

The Chappaqua’s Children’s Book Festival has become one of Westchester County’s signature and largest events, garnering national attention and growing immensely in size and scope to accommodate larger numbers of both visitors and authors. Outreach efforts extend to schools and libraries in Westchester, Connecticut and New York City, welcoming families from well beyond the Chappaqua community and making this year’s festival likely the largest yet.

To ensure the safety of the growing number of visitors, CCBF organizers have arranged for the town to close off lower Greeley Avenue during the event, creating an easier path for families arriving by train or parking in the train station lot. The closed road, as well as the Bell soccer field, will allow more space for sponsors and food trucks, accommodating the anticipated attendees as well as abundant activities and refreshments.

Also appearing at the Festival will be KidLit TV, a website that connects parents and educators with authors, illustrators, and their work. The station will be broadcasting from the Festival with live interviews from the many visiting authors taking part in the event. Author readings, always an integral part of the CCBF, will now take place in the gazebo on the Recreation Field, and various activities involving art and music will add to the festivities. With a dedication to the principles of community and literacy, a portion of book sale proceeds will go to local literacy programs, encouraging area schools to invest in their reading programs and ensuring that the values of CCBF reach far beyond the Festival itself.

As a community-based event, CCBF is proud to engage both local organizations and families for this highly anticipated day that connects writers and readers in a shared love of literature.

Financial Asset Management of Chappaqua (FAM), one of the festival’s sponsors will be supporting a variety of lead-up events throughout the month of September, including window decorations of local businesses, an art show by author and illustrator Mara Van Fleet and a Storywalk created by the Chappaqua Public Library.

So clear your calendar for October 5th to attend the 7th Annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. ccbfestival.org for more information or to sign up as a volunteer at the event or become a sponsor.

Building Connections with the New ‘Chappaqua Reads-Chappaqua Includes’

November 29, 2018 by Inside Press

In the 1970s a little girl contracted meningitis. After a long recovery she began to feel better, but something was clearly wrong. While much of her health returned, she was profoundly deaf. Advances in science brought this girl a hearing device called the Phonic Ear which helped her hear! But the Phonic Ear was far from the small, discreet cochlear implant many people today are familiar with. It was a heavy, bulky box strapped to her body, with wires that ended in earpieces inserted into the ear. And it was far from seamless in its operation. Consistency, volume and the ability to separate out background noise were still being refined. Thus armed, this little girl was sent into the wilds of public education.

This is El Deafo, a graphic memoir written by Cece Bell and it’s the springboard from which Chappaqua Reads -Chappaqua Includes was launched.

Chappaqua Reads – Chappaqua Includes is a joint partnership between the Chappaqua PTA and the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. Its goal is a year-long conversation about empathy and inclusion which celebrates a love of reading and a desire to build connections through a community read. To date, Chappaqua Reads – Chappaqua Includes has given 2,000 copies of El Deafo to teachers, administrators, community members and families within the Chappaqua Central School District.

While it’s fun and exciting to get a free book, the question remains — what’s the point?

It is hard to read the news today and not feel sad. Division is everywhere. Community values feel like something out of Our Town, quaint and distant, like hand-churned butter. Solipsism and selfishness are on the rise. In the face of all this, the creators of Chappaqua Reads – Chappaqua Includes asked, what if you could turn the conversation. Use the platform of the Chappaqua PTA (with well over 80 percent of Chappaqua Central School District families in membership) and the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (in its seventh year welcoming over 7,000 visitors and growing), to talk about community, empathy, inclusion and to foster a love reading at every age.

Empathy. Inclusion. Community.

Three simple words. Easy to look up in the dictionary. Easy to believe that they are part of a shared and agreed upon lexicon. Chappaqua Reads – Chappaqua Includes seeks to challenge that easy assumption. Like most things worthwhile, putting the concepts of empathy and inclusion in action and building community around them is hard work, full of second guesses and disagreements. It is only together, talking about these values, how they work in our home, our schools and in our community and, yes,about how they sometimes fail, that we can find a way forward to a greater community, that values empathy and is always expanding inclusion.

Photo of Maggie Mae by Ronni Diamondstein

Stepping beyond the pages of El Deafo, Chappaqua Reads-Chappaqua Includes has teamed up with the Chappaqua Library, the Chappaqua Central School District, Scattered Books Bookstore and the Town of New Castle Recreation Department to create programming throughout the community to enhance and deepen that conversation. After a kick-off at the Chappaqua Rotary Club’s Community Day, programs have included: the Chappaqua Library and Town Rec Department’s StoryWalk® in Gedney Park; the Chappaqua PTA’s guest lecturer Michele Borba author of UnSelfie, who discussed the importance of raising empathetic children in a self-obsessed world, the PTA’s follow-up book discussion group, and a community- wide “Find Cece” scavenger hunt for middle and elementary school students hosted by Scattered Books Bookstore.

In December, the Chappaqua PTA will welcome Addy and Uno, a family musical about disability, The TSA Youth Ambassador program, where kids talk to kids about tics and tourette’s syndrome, a screening of Intelligent Lives hosted by Horace Greeley High School’s Ambassador’s Club, and classes to introduce kids to American Sign Language. The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival will host a skype conversation with author Cece Bell. Across classrooms throughout the Chappaqua School District teachers at every level will discuss themes in El Deafo and highlight values of inclusion and empathy. In late winter or early spring the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival will host a create your own graphic novel program. The Chappaqua Library will lead third and fourth grade students in book club discussion featuring El Deafo and lead younger kids in a “What’s your Superpower” arts and crafts activity where kids are asked to dig deep and find the superhero within themselves. Finally, in the spring, any books families would like to donate back to Chappaqua Reads – Chappaqua Includes will be shared with neighboring schools to inspire their own reading programs.

In the end, after all the celebrating, reading and fun, we hope that everyone comes away knowing that empathy is a superpower that can combat loneliness. It’s the strength to see beyond the surface and make a connection. While it is so easy to ruin someone’s day with a snide remark or a mean word, with empathy and sincerity, we each have the power to truly see other people, recognize their humanity and extend empathy, kindness and inclusion.

The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. Storywalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

Cece figures are hidden throughout town as part of a scavenger hunt. Photo courtesy of Whispering Pines.

News about Chappaqua Reads-Chappaqua Includes was provided as a courtesy to The Inside Press by the program’s founders and collaborators: The Chappaqua PTA and The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.