Five months and counting. The chapter is still holding together. I hope that some of you will read this and realize that you too can make a difference. I’m only a sole practitioner and have spent the last six months leading a very well respected and recognized chapter in New York state. If I can do it, many of you can as well. For an immigrant, off the boat in ’57, growing up in the Bronx (“Go, DeWitt Clinton”), I’ve come a long way.

I’m sure there are many of you who are also part of “the 20 percent.” What 20 percent are you thinking? It’s a small group of volunteers; in professional organizations, in charities, Little League, school boards, etc. They are always the same people. Ask any of us if we are active in another organization; the answer is always yes. Many are involved in more than two or three. We are the ones who work hard for the other 80 percent of you. Of course, we have families like you and could make excuses why we don’t have time to volunteer, but we do volunteer!

Those of you who do not volunteer are missing out on a big part of life. You’ll never get to experience the feelings, which are so hard to put into words. When I look out over an event that is well attended, I get this wonderful feeling of accomplishment of having had an impact over so many lives. It’s incredible! There is great satisfaction in knowing that you are benefiting your fellow man! What I want is for some of you who haven’t tried it, to step forward and give it a shot. Volunteer! It doesn’t have to be with the Westchester Chapter of CPAs; there are many worthwhile causes. If you need help finding one, call me.

January has only one event planned, and it’s free! The Local Practitioners Committee is trying something new, an evening event. We are going to present the next slate of officers and board members that night. The event is planned for Thursday, Jan. 22, at Merrill Lynch. Call Steven Franciosa at 718-885-9191 for a reservation.

The Officers Visitation and Ethics CPE event was very well attended; over 200 CPAs enjoyed the food and camaraderie. The only complaints were with the registration. We had only two people at the door when we needed at least six to comfortably accommodate that many people. The open bar settled a few nerves. Next year we may get it right. Thanks again to Jeff Schwartz, Tom Ingram and my own daughter Nicole for manning the registration table. Remember, we’re all volunteers!

Thanks again to those board members, committee chairs and members who have supported me during the past months.

Z. Joseph Tax can be reached at 914-948-7660 or at zjtax@aol.com.