Watch full briefing HERE.
During the weekly Westchester briefing, Jenkins discussed:
- Jenkins was joined by Westchester County Office of Tourism & Film Director Natasha Caputo
- Jenkins was also joined by Westchester County Director of Programs and Policies, Childcare & Education Roseanne Finizio to discuss Park & Read program
- Jenkins was also joined by Director of Policy & Programs, Small Business and Chambers of Commerce Shari Rosen Ascher to discuss the County’s Downtown Improvement Grant (DIG) Program
- Upcoming County Parks Events
PARK AND READ PROGRAM RETURNS TO WESTCHESTER COUNTY PARKS, BRINGING LITERATURE TO THE WINTER SCENERY
(White Plains, NY) – Following a successful summer, the Park and Read Program, a captivating read-aloud initiative dedicated to instilling a passion for reading in young children, is back for the winter season in the picturesque Westchester County Parks.
Organized by Westchester County Director of Programs and Policies, Childcare & Education Roseanne Finizio, in collaboration with Chappaqua Children's Book Festival Executive Director Dawn Greenberg, this engaging Program promises an enriching experience for children aged 3 to 6.
Running on specific dates, the Park and Read Program will feature interactive storytelling sessions. Renowned storytellers will once again bring stories to life, creating a vibrant and immersive environment for children and families to revel in the joy of reading.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “As we embrace the winter season, the Park and Read initiative returns to weave the magic of storytelling with the tranquility of Westchester County Parks. This Program provides a wonderful opportunity to foster a love for reading in the hearts of our young ones. I commend Roseanne and Dawn for their fantastic idea and I am proud to be a part of this engaging Program.”
Finizio said: “Having witnessed the transformative impact of reading to children as an educator, I am thrilled to continue the Park and Read Program and provide an opportunity for children to experience the wonder of books in the winter chill. Our aim is to cultivate a warm and welcoming space where every child feels the magic of storytelling and discovers the endless possibilities within the pages of a book.”
Pre-registration for Park & Read is encouraged, walk-ins are welcome if space allows. Pre-registration link can be found HERE. The winter schedule for the Park and Read Program is as follows:
- Fridays, December 1, 8, 15 & 22 from 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. at Lasdon Park and Arboretum, Main House Living Room, 2610 Route 35, Katonah, NY.
- Thursdays, January 4, 11, & 25 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. at Cranberry Lake Preserve, Nature Center/Fire Pit, 1609 Old Orchard Street, North White Plains, NY.
- Mondays, February 4, 12, 26, and March 4 from 11 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. at Muscoot Farm Activity Building, Route 100, Katonah, NY.
The Park and Read Program continues to welcome children accompanied by a guardian, and admission is free. Pre-registration is not required; however, participants must adhere to Westchester County residency rules.
Dawn Greenberg of the Chappaqua Children's Book said: “The Chappaqua Children's Book Festival is thrilled to partner with Westchester County Parks for this winter edition of Park and Read. By bringing literature to the heart of the winter landscape, the Program aims to create a memorable experience for children, encouraging the practice of shared reading at home during the festive season.”
For more information about the Park and Read winter Program, please contact Roseanne Finizio at or call (914) 995-2501.