Westchester reception colors the Night

By Stephanie R. Myers

Members of the Westchester Chapter were seeing things in black and white at the chapter’s annual President’s Reception, held at the Leewood Country Club on May 25.

The reception’s theme was “Black and White Night,” and attendees were encouraged to wear black-and-white attire. Big-band music rounded out the event’s classic theme.

“It was terrific,” said Don Kiamie, Westchester’s outgoing President. “It was the best one I’d ever seen. Everybody stayed, and people socialized. I think it went well from a networking standpoint and a social standpoint. I think everybody was really happy.”

Chapter Appreciation Awards and a Presidential Appreciation Award were also given out at the event. Recipients of the chapter awards were members Matthew Kuchinksy, of Citrin Cooperman and Company LLP, who, Kiamie noted, “helped get the chapter’s young CPAs going again,” and Debra Marello.

Kuchinsky added that “over the past year we have worked hard to bring life back to the organization and help facilitate young CPAs in the community to get involved in committee service, get exposure to their peers as well as other networking contacts and, most importantly, have some fun.”

Marello, of D’Arcangelo and Company LLP, is active on the Accounting and Auditing Committee and set up several technical sessions.

“I received the award for three years of service on the Chapter Accounting and Auditing Committee,” Marello said.

Paul Katz and Thomas Linehan received chapter awards that are given to nonmembers for their assistance.

The Presidential Appreciation Award went to Joe Tax, Kiamie said.

“Joe Tax also gave a speech about my year, and (incoming President) Jeff Schwartz gave a speech about his focus in the coming year—he wants to focus on young CPAs and keep them involved and try to establish a scholarship fund for a young person,” Kiamie said.

In addition to the Presidential Appreciation Award, Tax also won a Chapter Appreciation Award given by the Board of Directors.

“I had a great time, and I think the people who were there had a great time,” Tax said. “Don’s mandate for the event was to go through the official business so people could enjoy themselves. We started (the business matters) a quarter after 7 and we were done at a quarter to 8. Everybody stayed until about 9 and people weren’t even rushing home to see American Idol. It was a wonderful time, a great evening. I thought Don did a great job as president, and I’m sure Jeff will continue.”

Kiamie said he has mixed feelings about the end of his presidency.

“Most people say they’re glad to end their presidency, but I’m happy and sad because I’d still like to stay,” Kiamie said, adding that he plans on staying active within the chapter.