The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

children

A Literary Event Like No Other: The Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival

by

By Sarah Jane Weill   

little-girlBooklovers, rejoice! On October 5, 2013, the Bell Middle School parking lot will be filled with more than 70 children’s book authors all armed and ready to meet their readers. It will be an event never before seen here in Chappaqua, and is definitely something to get excited about!

The idea for the Chappaqua Children’s Book Festival (or CCBF) stemmed from Tarrytown’s Sunnyside Book Day, an annual event lasting 15 years during which 50 to 60 children’s book authors and illustrators gathered at Washington Irving’s house to meet their fans. The beloved event was a great opportunity for writers and young readers to mingle in a unique environment. However, this past year Sunnyside announced that it would no longer be continuing the event. This unfortunate announcement had one positive effect: it led to the inspiration to bring about something similar to New Castle.

Come One, Come All

The premise of the CCBF is to create an event that will attract a wide spectrum of readers throughout Chappaqua as well as surrounding towns. With an impressive goal of around 3,000 attendees, the CCBF will be a strong community event. “We want this to be an event when everyone comes out,” commented Dawn Greenberg, one of the event’s volunteer organizers who helped bring this idea to life. The event will be a great place to meet people and a chance for the long-time Chappaqua families and the newer families to meet.

The schedule for the event is casual, flexible and accessible to all. Authors and illustrators will have their own tables and be available for book signings and conversations with fans, along with having books for sale. Some authors will be partaking in readings that are open to everyone; there will also be arts and crafts activities to enjoy. Local restaurants and food trucks will provide the food; in addition, all desserts will be literary-themed and sold by the Great American Bake Sale. Admission is free, so families are encouraged to come and go as they please, enjoying as much as they want in the fashion they want to.

Coming Together

The most exciting part about this event is the list of authors and illustrators expected to be in attendance; to name just a couple, Tony Abbott, author of the Secrets of Droon series, and Victoria Kann, author and illustrator of Pinkalicious, will both be there. With 70 authors already signed up and more on a waiting list, a wide range of books from all genres will be represented. All of the authors on the list are from around the area; a great number of fantastic children’s and Young Adult authors who live in Chappaqua are attending the event.

Many of the authors were originally a part of the Sunnyside Book Day; other authors have either been recruited by friends already planning on attending or by relatives living in the area who heard about the event. Most of these authors work from home, and are therefore thrilled to get the opportunity to interact with their fans. Their enthusiasm, coupled with the excitement of young readers, will make the CCBF that much more thrilling and rewarding.

A Group Effort 

Getting an event like this up and running is no easy task. The entire preparation for the CCBF has been run completely through no-pay volunteer efforts, as the CCBF is run by a non-profit organization. All of the money needed for the event has been acquired through various fundraisers such as a special tea with some of the authors and an art auction that sold off pieces created by some of the illustrators.

People from all parts of the town have come together to help out with the preparations; Greenberg recalled that once she got the idea for the festival, she called her friends and immediately got positive responses. “This job is only possible because of the enthusiasm,” she remarked. The organization of the CCBF has largely been a group effort; the community’s excitement over this upcoming event clearly shows how hard people have worked to make the event a success.

Adding to the event’s remarkableness is its great efforts to give back to the literary community in the area. Three charities that work to promote literacy and encourage reading and writing–LitWorld, Behind the Book, and Pace Literary Center–will have their own spaces at the event. These charities are all crucial in the literary community, and the mutual support between them and the CBFF will come to benefit everyone.

Looking forward, if all is successful, those responsible for the CCBF are hoping to make this an annual event. This would not only make our town stronger, but it would also connect Chappaqua to the outside literary world; it could become a huge aspect of the fall festivities in town.

“October is the perfect time of the year, as it’s the lull between back to school and Christmas,” added Greenberg. It is an event that is very much needed in our community; it can be something that readers, writers, and people from all throughout Westchester can look forward to. So, book lover or not, mark your calendars and get ready for a new, exciting event here in Chappaqua!

mouse cookie bookSarah Jane Weill is a senior at Horace Greeley High School. Growing up, her favorite book was If You Give A Mouse A Cookie. 

This is Their Moment. Make It Last.

by

weezee-karokeBest of Westchester Winner for “Best Party Place” and “Best Indoor Playspace,” WeeZee offers a complete Bar/Bat Mitzvah party package, including: party planner, invitations, thank you notes, decorations and favors, photographers, videographers, DJ or band, transportation, Kosher catering, full gym access, dancing, countless party themes, and venue space for adults and children.

Families will have full access to an 18,000 sq. ft. indoor play space, complete with more than 150 activities. Sports enthusiasts will go wild for exergames, such as: virtual football and soccer, Makoto, a mechanical bull, and a mini zip-line. Music fans can compose their next hit single in the music room, complete with karaoke machine and a wide range of musical instruments. Families can compete in the latest board and computer games in the Brain Games Room.

Families can also choose an Integrated Mitzvah-Event Package in which pre-teens will gain the unforgettable experience of working with children on the autism spectrum. WeeZee’s experienced leadership team will work cooperatively with each child to develop a Mitzvah project customized to meet children’s interests and talents. Working in a nourishing environment that emphasizes experiential learning and confidence-building, each child will work side by side a special needs child and help them improve their cognitive capability, athletic coordination and social relationships… all the while, your burgeoning adult will be improving his/her own sensory processing skills!

Give your child skills that she/he will use for life! What a Gift! A Send-Off! A Legacy!

For parents interested in learning more about our Bar/Bat Mitzvah packages, please contact Madison Lee at 914-914-752-2100, ext. 5006 or email her at MLee@WeeZeeWorld.com. For information on our Integrated Mitzvah-Event Packages, please contact World Director, Kelly I. Harned at 914-752-5008 and kharned@WeeZeeWorld.com.

Remarkable Individuals

by

By Sarah Ellen Rindsberg

Joseph D’Adamo
Joseph D’Adamo

Outsiders are often unacquainted with the world inhabited by special needs children. Tomes on the subject are few and far between. Eager to shed light on their rewarding lives, several local families graciously shared their perspective.

Debra Marino spoke of the way in which siblings explain their brothers’ and sisters’ differences to others. When her son, Dylan Bower wanders over to greet his sister Alana and her friends, Alana says, “This is my brother.  He has autism.  He can’t speak too well.”

For Dylan, being among typical kids–which he enjoys immensely– brings its own set of challenges. One day when he was at a pool, talking and splashing to his heart’s content, one of the other boys asked Marino:  “What’s wrong with him?”  “His brain works differently from yours,” she responded. The next question posed was:  “Is it catching?”

Max Krooks’ energy is amazing. On vacations in La Quinta, California, his days include swimming, biking and shuffleboard. “I don’t get tired,” he  related.  Having cerebral palsy and being developmentally delayed diminishes neither his pace nor his desire to remain active.  After a busy day, he craves muffin tops from Stew Leonard’s.

Max Krooks
Max Krooks

At home, Krooks is always on the go. Every week he smiles from the saddle when he participates in the Pegasus Therapeutic Riding program. Volunteers surround Cinnamon, his usual horse, as Krooks posts and trots around the ring.  His proud mother, Robin Krooks, watches each session and revels in his success. “He’s an equestrian when he’s on a horse,” she said.  In a magical dance, the riders follow the gait of the horses. This practice translates into dramatic improvements in posture and movement in their daily routines.

Another important facet of Max’s life involves–you guessed it–more sports.  His long list of activities includes playing VIP soccer (AYSO’s program for kids with special needs) and competing in the Special Olympics as part of North East Westchester Special Recreation’s swim team. He often asks his mother whether she will be attending his activities.  “He loves when people cheer him on,” his mother related.

Lee Block is an advocate for people with Asperger’s, like himself. He eagerly answered a reporter’s questions. “I can share my experiences and hope people will learn from them,” he said.

Attending a talk by John Elder Robison, the author of “Look Me in the Eye,” was a pivotal moment for Block. Robinson’s memoir focuses on his life with Asperger’s. “I felt very connected. That’s exactly how I felt. I understand his predicament,” Block said.

Lee Block
Lee Block

Block described his comfort level when he is with his Aspy friends. “Most boys my age like to play sports and talk about girls,” Block explained. “We stick to our own little world and that’s how I like it,” he continued.

His mother, Toddi Gutner, added further insight into this aspect of Block’s life.  After deciding that public school was not a good fit for her son, she and her husband enrolled him at the Winston Preparatory School.  Here, they found a compatible environment, one that eschews loud music, lockers and bells.  Gutner explained the way in which this setting meets her son’s needs:  “I’m not different there,” he told her. “That’s human nature,” Gutner mused.  “Everybody needs their own people.”

Lori D’Adamo’s son Joseph, who is classified as multi-disabled due to the effects of a seizure disorder, benefits greatly from his participation in North East Special Recreation. He enjoys a slew of fun activities including bowling, field trips and dances at the American Legion Hall.

Joseph’s parents nurture his passion for Broadway musicals by taking him to the theatre once a month. His happiness radiates during the shows. When Lori looks at him sitting beside her, she sees him “beaming from ear to ear.”

Dylan and Alana Marino
Dylan and Alana Marino

At home, Joseph often bursts into song spontaneously, singing one of his favorite tunes. His mom is often treated to a rendition of “Luck be a Lady” from “Guys and Dolls.”

The inspiration for this article came from Sarah Ellen Rindsberg’s fond recollection of the baby’s voice in “Look Homeward, Angel.”

Activities & Resources Abound at the Chappaqua Library

by

Article and Photo by Ronni Diamondstein

A public library is a strong reflection of its community and the Chappaqua Library is no exception. Catering to the entire community and in particular to those with special needs, the Chappaqua Library is in the forefront of services in Westchester.  “We’re the only library in the county that provides a special program for children and extensive resources,” says Pamela Thornton, Library Director. “For me and the library staff, it is a basic service for us to provide for our patrons.”

Lifelong Chappaqua resident Elizabeth Garrigue browses The Learning Center collection with Library Assistant Chin-Say Edrich.
Lifelong Chappaqua resident Elizabeth Garrigue browses The Learning Center collection with Library Assistant Chin-Say Edrich.

One of the special needs activities that Thornton applauds is a monthly program sponsored by the Children’s Room, Saturday Specials.  Miriam Budin, Head of Children’s Services, started the program three years ago when she saw that some parents felt uncomfortable bringing their children to the library’s regular children’s programs. “I wanted them to feel welcome at the library.  I wanted to get to know their children better so that I could provide better library service to them going forward,” says Budin.  “We’ve had children with hearing loss, cerebral palsy and autism.” Families must register for these thematic programs that include stories, songs, sensory activities, schmoozing and surprises. “The program is open to all,” says Budin “and provides a fun environment for the whole family.” Such fun includes puppets and sensory activities like painting with shaving cream, stringing beads and playing with balloons.

Frequently parents come in to the library with a particular concern and they can find a wide selection of books at all levels to deal with difficult topics. The Parenting Collection includes picture books on tough topics from divorce and bullying to toilet training. The regular library collection contains many books for older children that deal with a wide range of topics like death, disabilities and other special needs. One of the many knowledgeable library staff members will happily help patrons find just the right book.

Another source of Thornton’s pride is The Learning Center, a wide-ranging collection of materials that provides resources on all aspects of human learning. “It started as a collection of materials for vision and hearing concerns,” explains Deb Donaldson, the head of Technical Services who oversees The Learning Center. “The collection is quite extensive and covers topics from ADHD, Autism and Asperger’s to Executive Functioning,” says Donaldson whose own child had Learning Disabilities. “The collection has branched out as things come up,” says Donaldson. There are now over 1900 materials–books in English and Spanish, DVDs, CDs, books on tape and periodicals–on a wide range of topics from Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia and Borderline Personality Disorder to Gifted Education. Information on popular therapies such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy is also available. “There are resources for kids who are not necessarily on the spectrum, but may have some sensitivity. We’re looking for solutions,” says Donaldson who works closely with the Special Education Committee of the Chappaqua Parent Teacher Association.

Materials from The Learning Center are frequently inter-library loaned to other residents in Westchester. Thornton, a board member of Westchester Institute of Human Development, is proud that her staff offers these services to the community.  “There are 17,000 developmentally disabled people living in Westchester County,” says Thornton “and we’re here to help.”

Ronni Diamondstein, owner of Maggie Mae Pup Reporter, is a Chappaqua based freelance writer, PR consultant, award-winning photographer and a School Library Media Specialist and teacher who has worked in the US and abroad.

Theater Helps Children Rise Above

by

special needs theatre“My Favorite Things” and “Getting to Know You” might be big hits, but for a group of children at the Rosenthal JCC on Wednesday, Apr. 17, singing these songs on stage was the biggest hit of all. The Rise Above theater group, a new program this year for children with special needs, performed these and other songs in front of an emotional audience. “It was the culmination of an amazing effort by these very special children,” said Jennifer Ruoff, Director of Programs for Enhancing Potential at the Rosenthal JCC.

This theater group is the brainchild of two local 7th graders–Michelle Morgenthal and Noah Silverman–who love theater and have themselves been in many local and NYC performances. “We wanted to help these children sing, dance and perform, but also work together and gain self-confidence,” said Michelle and Noah. “This has been such a rewarding experience.”

The Rise Above program is part of an expanded roster for children with special needs at the Rosenthal JCC, enabled by a grant from the J.E. and Z.B. Butler Foundation through UJA-Federation of New York. Other new programs this year have included Trailblazers at the JCC (a one-of-a-kind after-school social skills/childcare program with the option for mainstreaming), social skills classes for K-2nd and 3rd-5th grades, Saturday Night Chillin’ for tweens and teens, and daytime and evening parent support groups. The RJCC has been running Trailblazers at Camp Discovery for dozens of years for high-functioning children who can be mainstreamed, along with many other programs.

Anyone interested in these or other programs should call (914) 741-0333, x29 or email JRuoff@rosenthaljcc.org.