The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

Keeping it Fun

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By Grace Bennett

I’m so dizzy, my head is spinning–with all the fun stuff we’ve packed into this edition. First and foremost, I’m super proud of having covered the Democratic National Convention together with reporter Susan Youngwood. A four-page glimpse of our experience begins on page 28. We are also delighted to deliver a “back to fun” theme–to chase away any end of summer, back to school doldrums. Matt Smith’s cover feature is a celebration of the Rotary Club members who faithfully meet every Monday at Kittle House to discuss plans–including New Castle’s much anticipated Community Day–host guest speakers and otherwise focus on “Service above Self.” Grace convention shot

We also set out to spotlight exciting plans and esteemed authors for another amazing day of celebrating books and reading and children at the 4th annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF); there’s Save the Date info and a fun memory from New Castle’s much beloved Ragamuffin Parade, the Shop for a Cause Boutique, the 2016 Dewey Election Edition at the Chappaqua Library, and this year, please save the date for and learn about “The Concert for America to End Gun Violence.”

New York Senator Chuck Schumer being most gracious at the Democratic National Convention
New York Senator Chuck Schumer being most gracious at the Democratic National Convention
For your absolute reading pleasure, enjoy a variety of thoughtful essays–one, in the nick of time, “Mindfulness in a Crazy World,” by Jodi Baretz; a painful recollection of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing by Dana Y. Wu (who wrote the CCBF story too!); the magic of playing field hockey by Greeley student Lauren Neff; and finally, a personal journey buoyed by the power of unconditional love by the Reverend Dr. Martha R. Jacobs.

Yet more articles: the shift soon to reusable bags in New Castle, the DeCicco’s supermarket coming to Millwood, the town’s Exceptional People Committee, Northern Westchester Hospital’s Junior Leadership Council and a profile of ‘Ms. Carol’ and ‘Ms. Dina’ at the much loved Dance Emotions.

Finally, we have two special reports: a story about Evan’s Law, written by our wonderful summer intern Justin Ellick; and an in-depth look at affordable housing efforts as they have played out (very, very differently) in both Chappaqua and Armonk–true community journalism prepared by Andrew Vitelli, our editor for Inside Armonk.

Due to this embarrassment of riches, we had to save other wonderful submissions, so as not to ‘break up’ an amazing compilation of essays produced by a group of local teens exclusive to Inside Chappaqua. So, stay tuned for more great reading in your next, November 2016 edition too!

Story Drawing with Rosemary Wells Planned at CCBF Fundraiser

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Rosemary Wells CCBF fundraiser May 20 2016

Kids of all ages won’t want to miss this fun and creative drawing workshop with beloved author and illustrator Rosemary Wells, of Max and Ruby fame, courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence. Additional activities, sponsored by Kiwi Country Day Camp will include games and archery, and a raffle for a basket of books by Rosemary Wells is sponsored by Chappaqua Learning Center. The event will take place at hip-kid lounge, at 77 South Greeley Avenue in Chappaqua on Friday, May 20 from 12:30 – 2:30pm, with proceeds benefiting the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF).

“The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival has grown to become one of the most anticipated family events in Westchester,” said CCBF Executive Director Dawn Greenberg. “In order to continue championing our cause to promote children’s literacy, we need the support of our community. It’s through fundraisers such as this author workshop, as well as through our thoughtful sponsors, that we are able to raise funds to keep our Book Festival as vibrant as previous years.”

COST:
Suggested donation of $20 per family. Pay at the door.

WHEN:
Friday, May 20, from 12:30 to 2:30pm (*No School in Chappaqua on Friday, May 20)

WHERE:
hip-kids lounge, 77 South Greeley Avenue, Chappaqua, NY

WHO:
The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is the only children’s book festival in Westchester County. From princesses to pups, to angst-filled tweens, and every crazy character in between, you’ll find them all at the fourth annual CCBF, on September 24, 2016. More than 85 popular authors, who bring your favorite characters to life, are expected to participate. Most will be signing their books and reading excerpts. It will be a family event with tons of fun, food, kid-friendly activities, entertainment and, of course, books! For more information, visit www.ccbfestival.org or follow the CCBF at www.facebook.com/chappaquachildrensbookfestival.

CCBF “Funraiser” is May 1; A Chance to Meet Rosemary Wells!

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A Kids’ Carnival and “Funraiser,” with activities and carnival games for kids, will take place at 586 King Street in Chappaqua on Sunday, May 1 from 1 p.m. – 4pm, with proceeds benefiting the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival. Families will have a rare chance to meet Rosemary Wells, of Max and Ruby fame, courtesy of Houlihan Lawrence, and there will be lots of carnival fun including Kiwi Country Day Camp’s gaga pit, blow-ups, carnival games, plus raffles and refreshments.

A special appearance by Rosemary Wells at is planned at the May 1 funraiser.
A special appearance by Rosemary Wells at is planned at the May 1 funraiser.

“The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival has grown to become one of the most anticipated family events in Westchester,” said CCBF Executive Director Dawn Greenberg. “In order to continue championing our cause to promote children’s literacy, we need the support of our community. It’s through fundraisers such as the Kids’ Carnival, as well as through our thoughtful sponsors, that we are able to raise funds to keep our Book Festival as vibrant as previous years.”

COST:
Admission is $20 per family.

REGISTER:
To register visit, EVENT BRITE.
(https://www.eventbrite.com/myevent?eid=24333125032)

WHEN:
Sunday, May 1, from 1 to 4pm

WHERE:
586 King Street, Chappaqua, NY

WHO:
The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is the only children’s book festival in Westchester County. From princesses to pups, to angst-filled tweens, and every crazy character in between, you’ll find them all at the fourth annual CCBF, on September 24, 2016. More than 85 popular authors, who bring your favorite characters to life, are expected to participate. Most will be signing their books and reading excerpts. It will be a family event with tons of fun, food, kid-friendly activities, entertainment and, of course, books! For more information, visit www.ccbfestival.org or follow the CCBF at www.facebook.com/chappaquachildrensbookfestival.

A Purple Pig Tales Party to Celebrate the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

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Air-Brushed Tattoos, Balloon-Twisting, Purple Hair Extension “Pigtails,” Book Reading by Jean Van Leeuwen, and the Unveiling of Purple Pig Tales Ice Cream

August 31, 2 – 4pm
hall of scoops cone

Hall of Scoops, 14 South Greeley Avenue, in Chappaqua and the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (CCBF) are hosting an afternoon of kids’ activities to launch a new custom-crafted ice cream flavor, Purple Pig Tales, to celebrate and raise awareness of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.

Free activities will include air-brushed tattoos by Kiwi Country Day Camp, balloon-twisting, purple “pigtail” extensions by Cathy’s Hair Room, and a book reading by award-winning children’s book author Jean Van Leeuwen at 3pm. Hall of Scoops will unveil its newest ice cream flavor, Purple Pig Tales – purple and white-swirled cotton-candy ice cream with rainbow confetti – which was created with the permission of and guidance from Oliver and Amanda Pig author Jean Van Leeuwen. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of Purple Pig Tales ice cream will benefit CCBF’s literacy partner, JCY-Westchester Community Partners.

All activities are free. Ice cream is available for purchase.

Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival
The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is one of the largest children’s book festivals in the metropolitan region. From princesses to pups, to angst-filled tweens, and every crazy character in between, you’ll find them all at the third annual CCBF, on October 3, 2015. More than 85 popular authors, who bring your favorite characters to life, are expected to participate. Most will be signing their books and reading excerpts. It is a family event with tons of fun, food, kid-friendly activities, entertainment and, of course, books! For more information, visit www.ccbfestival.org or follow the CCBF at www.facebook.com/chappaquachildrensbookfestival.

Hall of Scoops
Frozen yogurt and ice cream shop with everything you could dream of and more – the new innovative way of enjoying your favorite scoops and sweets. With four sections, including a wall of every candy you can imagine, 12 flavors of self-serve frozen yogurts, 16 delicious flavors of Longford’s ice cream and an amazing gift department for kids of all ages!

The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

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Popular children’s book authors arrive from all over the country.
mural artist replacement
CCBF Mural by Chappaqua artist Sophie Mendelson

Cherished author and former New Castle native Jean Craighead George once said, “Be you writer or reader, it is very pleasant to run away in a book.” Children and adults of all ages must agree with this statement, as they all flock to Chappaqua each fall, when the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival comes to life. The six-hour event brings over 80 authors (the number grows every year) from all over Westchester County, and a few from New York City and Connecticut, into town to discuss their writing, read excerpts from their books, and sign copies for eager children. Attendees may also participate in arts and crafts activities, and enjoy food provided by a local caterer. Additionally, the Great Chappaqua Bake Sale serves up sweet treats for a donation to their cause.

Book Festival-003
Dawn and her team of Book Festival Volunteers

Held in the parking lot at the Robert E. Bell Middle School, the festival enjoys a year-to-year turnout of about 4,000 people from Westchester & Rockland Counties, New York City, and Connecticut; the high response is good news to fans of the physical book, who may have thought it to be at the beginning of a gradual “phasing out” with the increase in popularity of digital media. But Greenberg, for one, isn’t giving in to the technology hype. “I fully believe books are here to stay,” she says. “They’re not going anywhere.”

The inspiration for the festival came after Washington Irving’s Sunnyside in Tarrytown announced that it was discontinuing its annual Children’s Book Day. “When I found [that] out, a lightbulb went off,” explains Dawn Greenberg, 2015 Chamber of Commerce President and the event’s Executive Director. “I thought, why not here? We have a community passionate about education and reading, and a beautiful downtown to show off to the County.”

“The work behind the festival has really been based on an ‘it takes a village’ mentality,” she continues, praising the town for its “enormous support” of the event since the very first day, “It’s truly amazing to see how much we have gotten done in such a short period of time,” states Greenberg, of the work put in every year. “We hope the Festival is something the entire community of Chappaqua can be proud of.”

book fest logo

Children’s Book Author Peter Sis
Children’s Book Author Peter Sis

For more info, go to: ccbfestival.org or search for Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival on Facebook.