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Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Chappaqua

“A Playground of Books” at the Ninth Annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

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Save the Date for the 10th Annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival:  September 30, 2023

Chappaqua, NY— On Saturday, October 15, over 150 authors and thousands of visitors gathered at the Chappaqua Train Station over a shared love for literature.  And this year, the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival, which took place on a picture-perfect autumn day, may have been the largest one yet.

When asked to compare CCBF with other book festivals, author Valerie Bolling shared that “this is definitely the largest; they’re all wonderful, but this is definitely the premiere event.” Similarly, author Sheetal Sheth shared admiration for the festival’s environment and size, saying that CCBF was definitely “at the top.”

This year’s theme was “A Walk Through the Woods” inspired by Hudson Talbott’s poster art. The festival fostered a charming environment filled with gourmet food trucks, food from the Chappaqua Farmers Market, themed tables, and of course an abundance of kids eager to read their newly purchased books. 

Some acclaimed authors in attendance included Victoria Kann of the Pinkalicious series and Dan Gutman of The Genius File series, to name a couple. Authors were thrilled to showcase their work to encourage their love for reading.

Sheth’s highlight of the festival was “meeting kids who are like ‘That book is in my school!’ or ‘I read that in my class!’”

Similarly, author Kip Wilson shared that “just meeting teenagers who like historical fiction is really awesome.”

The authors at the event expressed their gratitude for people who approached them to show interest in their work. And this interaction was not only meaningful for the authors, but even more so for the kids as they were able to put a face to the name on the front cover of a book that they love. As a current high-school student, I remember how much I looked forward to a visiting author in middle and elementary school who talked about their books; I always rushed straight home to read their work. And for kids at the book festival, this magic was multiplied as they got to meet and converse with not just one author, but up to 150. 

This excitement amongst children at the book festival encourages them to value books and reading. A third-grade girl who attended the festival with her sister and mother said that she “like[s] walking around to see all of the books and then read them later.” Her mother shared that their family had been attending the festival ever since they moved to Chappaqua, returning each year because of all it offers. Getting kids excited about reading is vital, especially at a young age, and the book festival did exactly that.

 The CCBF offered a vast array of children and young adult books that spanned numerous genres, allowing everyone there to explore and discover. Sheth captured the event perfectly, calling it a “playground of books.” 

The ninth annual Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival was a soaring success. Amidst the sunny weather, delicious food, and diversity of books, everyone could be seen with a smile on their face, appreciating the strong sense of community and connectedness the event fostered. 

Editor’s Note:  The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival is lead by its founder & executive director Dawn Evans Greenberg and her all volunteer team.  The Inside Press is proud to be an official sponsor of the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival.  Chappaqua and beyond are eagerly anticipating a milestone 10th year festival, set to take place on September 30, 2023!  – Grace

Dawn Evans Greenberg          Photo by Donna Mueller
 The 2023 Chappaqua Children’s Book festival art and save the date art are by Mark Teague, illustrator of How Do Dinosaurs Say Goodnight and dozens of other popular kids’ books.

 

 

Time to Visit Chappaqua’s Bustling Downtown Dining Scene!

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After graduating college, moving to a new apartment and starting a new job all within a few weeks’ time (#adulting), all I wanted to do when I came back home for a few days was hit my regular spots with my parents and enjoy the time off. For example, it’s a requirement to go to Old Stone Trattoria for their Zucchini Fritti (a personal favorite) and if we are hosting family and friends, Le Jardin du roi BBQ catering never fails. And Bobo’s Cafe, the relative newcomer at the train station, has become a place where I simply can’t enter to get a smoothie without seeing at least five people I know.

Between those three, and Little Thai Kitchen and Waka for my occasional fried rice and spring roll cravings, and of course, Lange’s for my fiesta salad and chicken cutlet hankerings, I’m usually all set for the few days I’m home.

To my surprise, however, there were also some exciting new restaurants and several new shops which opened up since the last time I was home. But for now, let’s focus on the main event (or in this case, main course)–the food!

Sure, the sunshine brings people out of their homes and into town a little bit more and a little bit later than other times of the year. But, it was nice to drive through town on a Saturday night and see restaurants, new and old, busy!

Tables at Basso, a new Italian dining establishment who moved from midtown to Chappaqua in the late spring, were filled to the brim, with eager eaters and conversation overflowing onto the King Street sidewalk.

Meanwhile, the very newest addition, Mentor’s Mediterranean Steakhouse, had its floor-to-ceiling window doors wide open, letting in air and intriguing curious customers. A drive by alone will have you dazzled by the sleek and beautiful décor. But don’t just gawk please. A number of rave reviews about its creative menu with plenty of options for every palate (in case you are not a steak lover) have appeared on social media pages, including one from this very publisher. Needless to say, these two new spots have been added to my go to list for the next time I’m home.

Ice cream and frozen yogurt lovers of all ages are also grateful for Frannie’s which had families pouring in for an after-dinner treat, ranging in all ages. It has been years since I was in middle school and went to get frozen yogurt at Frannie’s after seeing the Lego movie or Frozen at the movie theater in Mount Kisco. Even though my stomach was always full with buttery popcorn and blue raspberry slushies, everyone knows that there is always room for dessert.

And that still rings true. After eating dinner my parents and grandma and I went to satisfy our sweet tooth–it runs in the family. Sitting outside on a bench eating my frozen concoction (which consisted of more toppings than yogurt) was peaceful and I realized there was nowhere else I would rather be on a Saturday night than right there.

I saw someone I went to high school with there with his family along with much younger families who I hope continue to get ice cream together as the years pass. After all, you’re never too old for ice cream (or family time). Here’s to the new bustling downtown scene for the 914 food lovers!

Chappaqua based restaurants mentioned who are also 2022 Inside Press Sponsors:

Le Jardin du Roi
lejardinchappaqua.com

Mentor’s Mediterranean Steakhouse
mentorssteakhouse.com

Old Stone Trattoria
oldstonetrattoria.com

We can keep these stories coming thanks to merchant and reader support. Please visit ‘Advertise’ or ‘Subscribe’ at insidepress.com

–Grace Bennett, Publisher & Editor

A Rising Star in the White House: Meet Chappaqua’s Dhara Nayyar

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Chappaqua has had its fair share of well- known residents in the White House but there’s a young rising star there with Chappaqua roots who perhaps you’ve never heard of – meet Dhara Nayyar, a 2014 Horace Greeley High School graduate. Nayyar is the White House Regional Communications Director for the southern half of the United States. In this role, she serves as a spokesperson on the White House agenda, working with state, local and national reporters. From January 2021 to December 2021, she was on the research team in the Executive Office of the President where she worked to protect and defend President Biden and his legacy, including developing a 25,000 page opposition book on Mike Pence for the Biden-Harris presidential campaign.

A quick thinker, effective communicator and skilled researcher, Nayyar is often tasked with fact checking and issuing a rapid response when stories come out that are inaccurate or lack context. For example, if a story on high gas prices is being written, her team will provide information to the media about what President Biden has done over his career to help alleviate the problem and what harmful actions the GOP has taken that could exacerbate the issue. The job is 24/7 but Nayyar has had a passion for politics since she was a young girl. “I’ve always known I wanted to go into politics. I remember asking my parents why the president wasn’t a woman –and them telling me that it was because it was my job to fulfill! It’s actually both heartwarming and hilarious to look back and see old elementary school assignments about my dream job where I wrote about working in the White House. I still have to pinch myself to believe that I’m even here!” Nayyar exclaims.

She often attends press briefings at the White House and interacts with President Biden regularly. Working with state and local reporters, Nayyar spends time staffing interviews both in person and via Zoom on President Biden and his administration’s agenda which can include pitching stories, holding press calls and responding to inquiries. While others might find the work intense and high pressure, Nayyar says she is constantly on her toes and she loves it. “I truly live for the hustle and bustle,” she notes.

Photos courtesy of Dhara Nayyar

Nayyar developed a love for writing and communications while working on The Greeley Tribune. “It taught me the importance of always keeping a pulse on the news cycle,” she said. She was also president of Cooking for a Cause, which prepared soup for Midnight Run and held bake sales for charities. “This helped me fuel my passion for public service,” she adds. While at Greeley, she formed a close relationship with Gary Lanza, who was an audio-visual technician at Greeley and served as a mentor. “He instilled in me to always be true to myself, to chase my dreams, and the value of genuine human connection,” she commented.

After Greeley, Nayyar attended American University in Washington DC where she obtained a Bachelors in an Interdisciplinary Studies program focusing on communications, legal institutions, economics and government. Nayyar has no plans of leaving DC anytime soon. In fact, she hopes to run for office one day. “I haven’t decided when. I just know it’s down the line for me!”

As a first generation American in the White House, Nayyar credits her parents Johanna and Ajay as key influencers in her decision to pursue her dreams. “They instilled in me at a young age to find passion in the process and to never take anything for granted but rather to enjoy each moment at face value… On a lighter note–my mom always jokes I got the “gift of the gab” from my father–which certainly helps me in the communications world where I spend 98% of the time interacting with others,” she jokes. 

Nayyar, like so many of us in this town, is also in awe of Chappaqua’s most famous residents, The Clintons. She met Secretary Clinton at the Women’s Leadership Forum in 2016. “I am definitely inspired by Secretary Clinton and former President Clinton… they are embodiments of grace, knowledge, and courage,” she said. After communicating with Nayyar for this article, something tells me she’ll be following in their footsteps to a top position in the White House in the not-too-distant future. 

Seasonal Fun Galore in Chappaqua with a Holiday Parade, Magic Show, (a First Ever for New Castle!) Bonfire, and More

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Sirens rang through the air all throughout town the night of December 18, but not because of faulty carbon monoxide alarms or burnt cookies filling kitchens with smoke (admit it, we’ve all had an alarm go off at 2 in the morning, right?)

Over the course of two hours, the decorated firetrucks and ambulance vehicles lit the rainy, misty evening starting at the Chappaqua Fire House, making its way down several streets and then ending at the Chappaqua Train Station.

Photos by Grace Bennett/Inside Press

Around 6 p.m., the parade made its way to my street. It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it was Fire Chief Russ Maitland and his pup Quincy in the back of his chief truck, driving behind the first fire truck and leading the way for the rest.

“Driving through our town spreading holiday cheer is a hallmark event that is the epitome of small-town community, spirit and unity,” Maitland said.

Sure, it was pitch black outside. Sure, it was cold and rainy. But that certainly didn’t stop people from standing outside their homes to wave to Santa and the local first responders.

While waiting for the trucks to drive by, I saw families from nearby streets all come together at my neighbor’s house, forming a sort of parade watch party!

“It was an opportunity to see something different right outside my door,” Chappaqua resident Eric Alani said. “The kids loved the sirens, and especially loved catching the candy being thrown from the trucks.”

Now as if a holiday parade on Saturday was not ‘enough’ to brighten spirits this season, New Castle dialed it up a notch with an energetic magic show, followed by a holiday bonfire, a visit from Frosty, and a group of Christmas carolers, all of whom drew hundreds to Recreation field. See our Instagram coverage at https://www.instagram.com/insidepress/

On Sunday, a full moon over the fire and the firetrucks in the distance only accentuated the magic of the weekend.

“Who wants a bonfire?!!” exclaimed New Castle Town Supervisor Lisa Katz to a wide circle of excited spectators waiting to watch volunteer firefighters from both the Chappaqua & Millwood Fire Departments light up the wood as they assembled for the occasion, and after thanking the event sponsors, including the New Castle Recreation & Parks Department, Sari Shaw of the Westchester Living Team, and Bobos Cafe for hot chocolate.  “I hope you all got to see Santa come by your neighborhood!” Katz added, along with her best wishes for a happy holiday & healthy new year, full of good health, happiness, laughter and love.”

Ike Kuzio, superintendent of New Castle Recreation & Parks, extolled a “total team effort from within the fire department and parks department which took a month of planning and reaching out to local vendors.” He said the bonfire was a first for Chappaqua, and “a new great community event,” and that “it was all worth it to see all the smiles on faces.”

Kuzio said he “felt comfortable enough with it being an outdoor event. Our mantra in these times has been: ‘let’s put the programs and events out there, and make them as safe as we can make them, and let people make decisions on their own.'”

Grace Bennett contributed to this report.

 

 

Forever on her Side: New Castle Renames and Dedicates a Park to Honor Jean Craighead George, Beloved Children’s Book Author

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Neighbors, friends-and even a dog’s well timed howl!-applauded & heralded New Castle’s renaming a local park to honor and remember Jean Craighead George.

At the dedication, Jean Craighead George’s children (left to right): Twig, Luke and Craig, were also presented with a gift–George’s 1971 drawing at Grafflin of the main character Sam for children’s book treasure, My Side of the Mountain.  Photo By Grace Bennett/Inside Press

On Sunday, October 10, Douglas Park was renamed Jean Craighead George Park to honor and remember Ms. George, an award winning author of 105 books, naturalist, and beloved and influential member of the Chappaqua community. The ceremony was filled with neighbors, friends, and those passionate about nature and conservation. The speakers told stories, reflected on George’s life, read excerpts of her work, and shared their accomplishments and hopes for the park. The speakers included Jen Bounds, Erin Spira, Sue Meany, Ronni Diamondstein, Gray Williams, Wendell Minor, Mercy Garland, and the George children.

Jean George wrote books for young people include the Newberry Medal winner, Julie of the Wolves, Newberry Honor Book, My Side of the Mountain. and the last picture book, Crowbar: The Smartest Bird in the World, that was revised by her children Luke and Twig George and illustrated by her longtime collaborator, Wendell Minor.

Jean Craighead George was one of the Inside Press’s earliest cover subjects! George was interviewed in 2004 by Lisa St. John. Photo in her storybook garden by Lynda Shenkman Curtis.

When a dog howled seemingly on cue in response to Ronni Diamondstein, President of the Chappaqua Library Board of Trustees, imitating a wolf’s howl, it felt as if Jean Craighead George was there as well, and virtually everyone laughed in appreciation.

This ceremony also acknowledged the work put into the park’s restoration. Many invasive species have already been removed allowing native plants to thrive. Jen Bounds, project organizer, shared that soon after clearing the area around the stream, kids were found playing there with buckets in hand. This highlights the goal of conserving the park- to teach children to value and enjoy nature, which is what George strived to do through her writing. “This park will now serve as a memorial that enables future generations of kids to connect, enjoy, and read through a shared community,” said Erin Spira, Board of Parks and Recreation. 

While at first glance, it was difficult to view this park as anything more than overgrown plants, the speakers helped to unveil the sentiment behind this special place hidden in nature. Whether it was stories of Craig George getting stuck while caving under Douglas Road, or Luke George falling off of his bike and heading straight into the stream- the audience was able to understand the value behind this park. “I think half of you grew up with us, knew mom, knew the animals, scamperd down these woods, climbed the trees probably a little too high… this was a really magical place,” said Twig George. 

Diamondstein read Maggie Mae’s adorable story of meeting Jean George from a past edition of Inside Chappaqua; in 2004, George had graced the magazine cover after an interview with Lisa St. John.

Gray Williams, Chappaqua’s town historian, also reminisced about times he spent at the park and his hope that it “can be restored to the way it was when [he] was growing up.” With all of the progress the park has made, hopefully children in the neighborhood can escape to this wild space the same way Gray Williams and the George children used to do, and the same way Jean Craighead George encouraged through her writing.  

Ms. George passed away in 2012, but it is clear that her influence on the community as well as on future generations of children lives on. Jen Bounds shared that after reaching out to Ms. George’s children to garner support for the park dedication to present to the Recreation and Parks Commission, approximately 200 emails and letters appeared seemingly overnight.

Craig George spoke about how he had the honor of “being raised by the most interesting mom in America, in one of the most interesting houses… It was an open house, and a lot of people here I think were touched by that place.” This house can be seen from the park, and Twig said that they raised 173 wild animals there. Considering George’s love for wildlife and value of community, this park is the perfect tribute to her life. In fact, even at this one hour ceremony, a strong sense of connectedness was already felt. “Jean taught generations of children to value and conserve the wild spaces that are entrusted to us,” said Jen Bounds. “For that we dedicate this park as Jean Craighead George Park.”

 

 

 

PHOTOS BY Grace Bennett/Inside Press