The New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants
Westchester Chapter
E-Newsletter
December 2005
When the holidays are over, and the winter blues set-in.
Please help to make the children smile and grin!!!
The Young CPA's of Westchester
are proud to announce their
1st Annual
Toy Drive and Pizza Party
January 2006
Benefiting the children
of Maria Ferrari's Children’s Hospital
President
Jeffrey A. Schwartz Please help us lift the spirits of these sick children
President-Elect
President-
Alan G. Badey
Vice President “NYSSCPA’s
Please make checks payable to “NYSSCPA’s Westchester Chapter”
Stephen Franciosa
Treasurer & mail by January 5th, 2006 to:
Elliot A. Lesser
Secretary Dina Morabito,
Barbara Bel Uzzo & Company, CPA's, PC.,
Past President
Avenue,
287 Bowman Avenue,
Don A. Kiamie
Executive Board Purchase, NY 10577…
Anne C. Colucci 914-694-
or contact Dina at 914-694-8800
Thomas Y. Ingram
Howard Klein
Kris Krauskopf
Mark Leeds
Allan D. Rosenberg
Grace G. Singer
Denise M. Stefano
What’s Inside ….
Committee Chairpersons Accounting & Auditing Committee Page 3&5 Nominating Committee Report Page 6
Rodney Ertischek CFO Committee Page 5&6 President’s Reception Page 7
Anthony Grono Chapter Committee Listing Page 11 Schedule of Events Page 12
Matthew Kuchinsky Citibank Sponsor Ad Page 10 Tax & Estate Planning Update Page 5
Jacob Meyer
Golf Outing Page 8 Tax, Estate & Financial
John J. Pearl
Linda Shepard James P. Kelly Award Page 9 Planning Conference Page 7
William Zeboris Journal New Tax Hotline Page 3 Toy Drive Benefit Page 1
Chapter Representative Local Practitioners Committee Page 3 Young CPA’s Winter Networking Event Page 4
Robert L. Ecker
Page 1 –December 2005
It's time for a change. Fall has left us and winter is upon
us. Last month, we celebrated Thanksgiving, so I think it
is a very appropriate time to once again thank my Board
and committee chairs for all of their hard work and efforts.
It is they that deserve all of the credit for making
Westchester one of the most active chapters in the State of
New York. Without them, our Chapter would not be as strong as it is. I am
very thankful and fortunate to be surrounded by these people and to have
members that take time out of their busy lives to attend the events.
December has now arrived. As tax professionals, much of our time during
this month is spent preparing year end income tax projections. Make sure
your clients are aware of the generous IRC 179 limitations that will soon
expire and perhaps the new energy credits which will be available beginning
in 2006. And please, encourage your clients to make charitable contributions.
For the remainder of the year, the 3% itemized deduction phase out has been
eliminated, as well as other benefits, due to the Katrina Emergency Tax
Relief Act.
This is the last newsletter for a few months, so please be sure to review all of
the upcoming events for December, January and February. I hope your tax
season goes smoothly.
Thanks again to everyone who volunteers their time to this Chapter. I hope
you become active in our Chapter and I hope our Chapter can be of service to
you. Please visit "http://nysscpa.org/" and click on "find Chapters" and then
"Westchester" to register for events or see what is happening in our Chapter.
As always, should you have any questions or concerns, please contact me via
e-mail at jschwartz@blausteinllp.com or via phone @ 914-946-9650 ext. 113.
Page 2 - December 2005
Local Practitioners
5:30-
Monday, December 12th, 5:30-8:00pm, Crowne Plaza, White Plains
Execution”
Topic: “Pitfalls in Estate Planning & Execution” Charles Scott Esq.
Cost: $20 includes cold cuts and beverages, and 2 CPE Credits.
“NYSSCPA-Westchester
Make checks payable to “NYSSCPA-Westchester Chapter”. Please reserve your
advance-
seat in advance-we need to know how many are coming.
Westchester
Make checks payable to “NYSSCPA Westchester Chapter”
914-682- 914-961-
Call Tom Ingram @ 914-682-5543 or Kris Krauskopf @ 914-961-3700
Accounting and Auditing Committee
8:30-
Friday, December 16th 2005 8:30-9:30am,
Meets at D’Arcangelo & Co.
(enter
3000 Westchester Ave (enter thru Courtyard)
(914)694-
Purchase (914)694-4600
“CPE with Dean Martin”
Topic: “GAAP Accounting for Real Estate Acquisitions”
Speaker: Walter Klink, Friedman, LLP
Cost: No COST - 1 CPE CREDIT Course Code: 29111605
Attendance
“Make reservations early - Attendance is very limited”
212-536-
Call Grace Singer @ 212-536-6835 or email grace.singer@anchin.com
718-817- grono@fordham.edu
Anthony Grono @ 718-817-4970 or email grono@fordham.edu
JOURNAL NEWS TAX HOTLINE - SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2006
The Westchester Chapter, in cooperation with The Journal News, will again host an individual tax hotline. We need
volunteers to answer phones and respond to tax questions. The program will run from 9 am to 5 pm and will take
place at The Journal News, 1 Gannett Drive, White Plains.
Volunteers will be asked to participate in two-hour time slots. The Westchester Chapter appreciates your help!
If you wish to participate, please respond by email to jschwartz@blausteinllp.com and indicate which time slots
you are available. Please provide us with your phone number and email address as
the Journal News may publish transcripts of a few conversations.
For additional information please call Jeffrey A. Schwartz @ 914-946-9650 ext 113
Page 3 –December 2005
The YOUNG CPA’S OF
WESTCHESTER’S
1st Annual Winter Networking Event
At Vintage Bar in White Plains
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Time: 6-9 pm
171 Main Street, White Plains (across from Galleria Mall)
Cost: $25 in advance $40 at the door
Includes Hot & Cold Buffet and Two Drinks
“Association in Attendance”
The Westchester & Rockland Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
The Westchester County Bar Association
The Westchester Chapter of the NYS Society of CPAs
The Westchester/Fairfield Chapter of the American Society of Women Accountants
The Westchester County Bankers Association
White Plains Jaycees
Save $$ RSVP A.S.A.P Attendance will be limited to 200 people
Please mail your check & confirmation ASAP
Make all checks payable to “WCBA Special Alliance”
Mail to: WCBA Special Alliance, 300 Hamilton Ave., Ste. 300, White Plains, NY
10601
———————————————————————————————————————————
Name(s): __________________________________________________________________
Company: _________________________________________________________________
Association Affiliation: _______________________________________________________
Phone: ___________________________ #of People Attending _______________________
Email: ____________________________________________________________________
* Vintage 914-328-5803 ** No Refunds or Cancellations
Page 4 –December 2005
Accounting & Auditing Principles Committee Meeting
Friday, Jan 13, 2006 8:30-9:30 am Regular meeting
Friday, April 21, 2006 8:30-9:30 am
“CPE with Dean Martin” Topic: Employee Benefit Plans (NO COST 1 CPE)
Make reservations early –attendance is very limited
May 2006 Spring Breakfast Event
Non Profits Roundtable Including SOX Best Practices for Nonprofits
Meets at D’Arcangelo & Co.
3000 Westchester Ave (enter thru Courtyard) Purchase - phone (914) 694-4600
For more info contact Grace Singer @ 212-536-6835 or Grace.Singer@anchin.com
Or Anthony Grono @ 718-817-4970 or grono@fordham.edu
CFO and Senior Financial Officers
Wednesday, January 18, 2006 @ 8am
Wednesday, February 15, 2006 @ 8am
2006
Wednesday, March 15, 2006 @ 8am
Wednesday, April 19, 2006 @ 8am
Wednesday, May 17, 2006 @ 8am
Merrill Lynch Offices, 360 Hamilton Ave., 8th Fl.,
White Plains (muni lot across the street)
The Westchester Chapter’s CFO Committee holds CPE meetings with guest
speakers the third Wednesday of each month.
Topics covered at the meetings are relevant to the financial professional operating in industry.
Open to ALL Chapter members and their guests.
203-861-
Call Mark G. Leeds 203-861-7788 or email: mleeds@winprop.com
203-661-
or Jake Meyer 203-661-6616 or email: jmeyer8506@aol.com
Westchester Chapter Individual Tax and
Estate Planning Update Conference
Date: Monday, December 5th
8:45- (check-
Time: 8:45-5:15 (check-in begins at 8:15 am)
Place: Citicorp Conference Center, Armonk, NY
Member/non-
Cost: Member/non-member fee: $99 8 CPE Credits
for:
Designed for: Practitioners involved in tax planning and preparation
Objective: To provide practitioners with an update on Federal and State Income and Estate Tax for individuals
Topics:
Planning
Maximizing Use of Trusts ~ Federal Tax Update and Year End Tax Planning ~ Newest Developments Using Pension Planning for Tax Savings
Taxpayer
NYS Tax Update and Residency Issues ~ The Role of the Taxpayer Advocate & Tax Practitioner Hotline in Resolving Problems
Taxation of Non Traditional Investments
nominations
** Chapter nominations will take place at this meeting **
Westchester Chapter extends its thanks to Citibank for its very generous sponsorship of this program !
Page 5 –December 2005
2006-
NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT 2006-2007
The Westchester Chapter Nominating Committee proposes the following slate of Officers and
Directors for the 2006-2007 Chapter year. All candidates have consented to serve if nominated and
elected. Nominations will take place at the December 5th, 2005 Chapter tax conference. Elections
will take place at the May 5, 2006 Chapter meeting.
Officers
President Alan G. Badey
President-Elect Stephen E. Franciosa
Vice-President Elliot A. Lesser
Treasurer Barbara E. Bel
Secretary Howard P. Klein
Board Members to fill vacancies:
2006-2007: Anne C. Colucci
2006-2008: Rodney H. Ertischek
2006-2008: Matthew Kuchinsky
2006-2008: Jacob G. Meyer
2006-2008: Denise M. Stefano
Board Members continuing their 2-year term:
2005-2007: Kristin Krauskopf
2005-2007: Mark G. Leeds
2005-2007: Grace Singer
Nominating Committee: Jeffrey A. Schwartz, Don A. Kiamie and Z. Joseph Tax
CFO and Senior Financial Officers
The Westchester Chapter’s CFO Committee holds CPE meetings with guest
Wednesday
speakers the third Wednesday of each month.
Topics covered at the meetings are relevant to the financial professional operating in industry.
Wednesday,
Wednesday, December 21st 8am
Merrill Lynch, 360 Hamilton Ave. 8th Floor, White Plains
(municipal parking lot across the street)
Open to ALL Chapter members and their guests.
203-861-
Call Mark G. Leeds 203-861-7788 or email: mleeds@winprop.com
203-661-6616
or Jake Meyer 203-661-6616 or email: jmeyer8506@aol.com
Page 6 –December 2005
6th Annual All-Day Tax, Estate and Financial Planning Conference
Friday, May 5, 2006
Time: 8:45-5:15 (check in begins at 8:15)
Location: Citigroup Executive Planning Center
188 King St., Armonk, NY 10504
Fee: Members $99 Non-Members $199
Course Code: TBA CPE: 8 Hours
SAVE THE DATE - REGISTRATION NOT
YET OPEN FOR THIS EVENT!
** Chapter Elections will take place at this meeting **
*** Westchester Chapter extends its thanks to Citibank
for its very generous sponsorship of this program!***
***Save the Date***
President’s Reception
Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 6pm
Ridgeway Country Club, White Plains, New York
Join us for Cocktails and dinner
To honor
Jeffrey A. Schwartz, Westchester Chapter President
And install new officers and board members, including
Incoming President, Alan Badey
Awards to be presented
The James P. Kelly Award for Distinguished Public Service
Chapter Appreciation Awards
*** Pricing to follow***
Bankers, Clients, Staff, Friends and Family are all welcome to attend!
Contact Don A. Kiamie for information and reservations at (212)213-2112
Or mail check payable to “NYSSCPA Westchester Chapter” to
Don A. Kiamie, Windsor Management Corp.,
31 East 32nd St.– 8th Fl., New York, NY 10016
Page 7 –December 2005
WESTCHESTER CHAPTER NYS SOCIETY OF CPA’S
Announces
THE ANNUAL GOLF OUTING AND COCKTAIL AND DINNER PARTY
Monday, June 19, 2006
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!!
RIDGEWAY COUNTRY CLUB
400 RIDGEWAY- WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK (914) 948-7200
SPECTACULAR GOLF AND DOOR PRIZES, INCLUDING:
$1,000 RECEIVED PRIOR TO MAY 15TH - HOLE SPONSOR SIGN WILL BE INCLUDED
Attendance Sponsorships
Brunch, Golf, Cart, Cocktail Hour, Buffet & Dessert*, ** $250
Cocktail Hour, Buffet and Dessert Only $100 Sign near tee box area that company sponsored the hole
Hole Sponsorship $150 Table at registration desk
Reserved tables at cocktail hour and dinner
* Golf price includes greens fees and cart Recognition at dinner
** $25 penalty if paid less than two weeks prior to event Brunch, golf, drinks and dinner for one
HOLE SPONSORSHIP: $150 includes –
Sign near tee box area that company sponsored the hole
* * * RESERVE EARLY – DON’T GET CLOSED OUT ! * * *
Line up your foursome with CPAs, clients, bankers, lawyers, etc. If you cannot complete a foursome, we will do it for
you. Beginners are welcome.
The day begins with sign-in/registration/brunch at 9:30 am, followed by a shotgun start at 11:00 am. Drinks and hors
d’oeuvres are included in the Happy Hour from about 4:30 pm with open bar until 5:30 pm. Golf and other prizes will
follow dinner. Come and join us for a guaranteed good time!
Our members, area bankers, and friends have contributed prizes. We thank them for their contributions.
Clients, spouses and others are welcome to attend!
Make your reservations early. I look forward to seeing you.
Rain or Shine! * No Refunds
Jeff Schwartz, Chairman
Westchester Chapter Golf Outing – June 19th, 2006
Name (please print) __________________________________________ CPA □ NON-CPA □
Office Telephone Number ______________________________________
Firm Name and address ________________________________________
E-mail Address: ______________________________________________
Sponsorship Type
Dinner Only
Please put me in a foursome. My handicap is _____.
I have arranged my foursome (Please list other 3 names) ____________________________________ CPA □NON CPA □
____________________________________________ CPA □NON CPA □ _______________________ CPA □NON CPA □
My check for $ __________ is enclosed.
Send check payable to “NYSSCPA – Westchester Chapter” to:
Jeffrey A. Schwartz, CPA
Blaustein, Lynne & Co., LLP, 2 Gannett Drive, Suite 106, White Plains, NY 10604
Telephone (914) 946-9650 (Ext 113) Fax: (914) 946-8445
E-Mail: jschwartz@blausteinllp.com
Page 8 –December 2005
Nominees for
The James P. Kelly Award
For Distinguished Public Service
By a Certified Public Accountant
THE WESTCHESTER CHAPTER OF THE NYS SOCIETY OF CPAS PRESENTS THE KELLY AWARD
ANNUALLY TO A CPA WHO HAS DISTINGUISHED HIM/HERSELF IN PUBLIC SERVICE. PUBLIC
SERVICE IN ITS BROADEST SENSE INCLUDES CIVIC, CHARITABLE, COMMUNITY AND
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES. THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF THE CHAPTER SELECTS A CPA EACH
YEAR WHO QUALIFIES UNDER ONE OR MORE OF THESE CATEGORIES. CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP
IS NOT A PREREQUISITE. SUBMIT A NOMINATION, USING THIS FORM OR SIMILAR FORMAT, TO
NOMINATE ANY CPA YOU BELIEVE DESERVES CONSIDERATION THIS YEAR. YOU MAY EVEN
NOMINATE YOURSELF!
Return completed form to: Jeffrey A. Schwartz, CPA
Blaustein, Lynne & Co., LLP
2 Gannett Drive - Suite 106
White Plains, NY 10604
Fax: 914 946-8445
Civic, Community, Charitable, and Professional Activities:
Name of Nominee:
1. Organization
Appointment Election Other
Position
Responsibilities
Date Term
2. Organization
Appointment Election Other
Position
Responsibilities
Date Term
3. Organization
Appointment Election Other
Position
Responsibilities
Date Term
4. Please include additional information on a separate sheet. Include speeches, publications, etc.
Page 9 –December 2005
A word from one of our sponsors…………….
Page 10 - December 2005
CHAPTER COMMITTEES 2005-2006
The chapter has organized the following committees for the 2005-2006 year.
Active committee participation is one of the most important ways you can
contribute to your profession. Take a few minutes to review the committees listed
below, call the chair to sign up for one that sparks your interest. It is never too late
to participate!
** ACCOUNTING CAREERS - ** GOLF OUTING - Help organize the annual
COOPERATION WITH ACCOUNTANCY outing. Major networking opportunity!
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS - Make Jeffrey A. Schwartz, Chair, (914)946-9650
Presentations to junior high, high school and
college students. Anne Colucci, Co-Chair **GOVERNMENT RELATIONS -
(914)641-3708, and Denise Stefano, Co-Chair Coordinate activities with the State Society and
(914)517-1158 legislators. To enhance government relations
within our local region.
** ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES & Barbara Bel, Chair, (914)472-3359
AUDITING - Primary focus is to discuss current
accounting and auditing topics, conduct future ** LOCAL PRACTITIONERS - To
CPA seminars and involvement in community coordinate monthly 2-hour Sunday breakfast
and profession-related activities. programs with a goal of implementing a
Grace Singer, Chair, (212)536-6835 continuity of business plan.
Thomas Ingram, Chair, (914)682-5543
** BUSINESS INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY/ MANAGEMENT ** PROFESSIONAL & COMMUNITY
ADVISORY SERVICES - Keep informed of OUTREACH - Join a group of Business
current and emerging technology for your professionals. Coordinate 2 events per year to
business. Plan a tech expo of new gadgets or promote professional and community relations.
software. Stephen Franciosa, Chair, Howard Klein, Chair (914) 428-7733
(718)885-9191
** SOCIAL EVENTS - To coordinate young
** CFOs and SENIOR FINANCIAL CPA events (golf outing, Renegades game, etc.).
OFFICERS - A forum for NYSSCPA members Anne C. Colucci, Chair, (914)641-3708
who are senior financial executives in industry
(CFO’s, Controllers, VP’s of Finance), to meet ** SPONSORSHIPS: Coordinate with
and exchange ideas and knowledge. Monthly institutions which might sponsor our events.
informal hour-long breakfast sessions (3rd Wed.) Alan G. Badey, Chair, (914)949-2990
Mark G. Leeds, Chair, (203)861-7788
** TAX : Coordinates 2 all-day tax conferences,
** ESTATE AND FINANCIAL PLANNING - October & December, one on Individual and one
One of the chapter’s most active committees. on Business Taxes. Monthly breakfast
Annual conference, quarterly presentations and discussion meetings. John J. Pearl, Chair (914)
monthly breakfast discussion groups. 798-5970
Robert L. Ecker, Chair (914)273-0777
Page 11 - December 2005
DATE PROGRAM/ACTIVITY TIME
Dec 5 Individual & Estate Planning Conference 8:45am
Dec 12 Local Practitioners “Pitfalls in Estate Planning” 5:30pm
Dec 16 GAAP Accounting for Real Estate 8:30am
Dec 21 CFO Committee Meeting 8am
Jan 5 Young CPAs Charity Toy Drive-Checks Due
Jan 12 Young CPA’s Winter Networking Event 6-9pm
Jan 13 Accounting & Auditing Committee Meeting 8:30am
Jan 18 CFO Committee Meeting 8am
Feb 4 Journal News Tax Hotline 2 Hours
Feb 15 CFO Committee Meeting 8am
Mar 15 CFO Committee Meeting 8am
April 19 CFO Committee Meeting 8am
April 21 A&A “Employee Benefit Plans” 8:30am
May A&A “Non Profits Roundtable-Sox Best Practices “ Tentative
May 5 All Day Tax, Estate Financial Conference 8:45am
May 17 CFO Committee Meeting 8am
May 19 A&A Committee Meeting 8:30am
May 23 President’s Reception 6pm
June 19 Annual Golf Outing 9:30am
For ALL Newsletter Mailing Issues - Use This Form or Call (212)719-8333
CPA Certificate No. /___/___/___/___/___/___/ CPA Certificate No. /___/___/___/___/___/___/
Name: (Last, First, Middle Initial) Name: (Last, First, Middle Initial)
Firm Name Firm Name
Firm Address Firm Address
City, State, Zip City, State, Zip
Business Phone ( ) Business Phone ( )
Return this form to: Membership Dept., NYSSCPA, 3 Park Av. 18th floor, NY, NY 10016-5991
Newsletter Committee: Phone Fax E-Mail
Dawn McEvoy (347)293-6092 mmcevoy33@aol.com
Jeffrey A. Schwartz, CPA (914)946-9650 ext.113 (914)946-8445 jschwartz@blausteinllp.com
Fax or e-mail submissions to the newsletter committee no later than the 10th day
of the month prior to publication.
BOARD NOTES:
Chapter Budget Due December 1, 2005
Future Board Meetings Jan 17, April 18, 2006
~ NEXT NEWSLETTER - APRIL 2006 EDITION ~
Page 12 - December 2005