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AUTUMN AROMAS

By Barbara Haberman and Maureen Klein -- B/S/H/ Experience and Design Center cooked up a great event on the 7th Floor of the A&D building on November 14th for the NKBA Manhattan Chapter. With cocktails and crudites in hand, guests were able to meander around the beautifully renovated showroom, which featured the latest in smart appliances, watch Chefs Eric and Eran prepare a mouth-watering menu of slow-roasted filet mignon, cavatelli with mushrooms, and more; and attendees even got to play. 

Over at the cookie station, cake, and cookie decorating expert, Carolyn Falbee gave tips on decorating cookies. The excited students then applied their new or reborn skills to adorn plain oak leaf and acorn cookies with an array of autumn colors. It made for a fun and delicious evening long to be remembered. Thank you, B/S/H/, for the delightful, delicious, and informative evening.

Left: Chefs Eran Derma and Eric Morales prepare a delicious meal for NKBA guests.

Right: Lillian O’Bourke, District Sales Manager for B/S/H/ shows off the camera feature of the new Thermador 48” built-in refrigeration. So easy now to check your phone to see what’s needed.

Photos: Barbara Haberman.

Felicitas Oefelein intensely works on decorating her cookie and then she and Barbara Haberman proudly shows off their results. Photos: Jeff Siegel

Left: L to R: Marcela Medici (Ornare), Laura Santana (B/S/H/), Nicole de Amicis (B/S/H/), Sandra Mora (B/S/H/) and Douglas Stonecipher (B/S/H/) with Carolyn Falbee, cookie decorating instructor. Photo: Barbara Haberman.

Right: Toni Sabatino tells a good one to textile designer/ manufacturer Chaz Williams. Photo: Jeff Siegel

Left: Wes Lind of True Residential, Bianca Olsson of Sub Zero, Jamie Keel of Cambria and Douglas Stonecipher of BSH gather for a Bosch moment.

Photo: Barbara Haberman.

Right: New member Zak Ali| of AJ Madison watches as Kent Brasaloff puts his fashion foot forward.

Photo: Jeff Siegel

Left: Barbara Roth. Ann Cohen and Richard Segal enjoy catching up. Photo: Jeff Siegel

Right: Friendly neighbors Frederick Frank and Sandra Singh from Miele drop by too. Photo: Jeff Siegel

🎉 ✨ SEASON’S GREETINGS FROM THE MANHATTAN-NYC CHAPTER! ✨

CHEERS TO A JOYFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A BRIGHT NEW ERA!! 🎉 🎄 

As the year comes to a close (faster than ever, it seems!), it's the perfect time to reflect on all we've accomplished—personally and professionally. Together, we've tackled challenges, celebrated triumphs, said sad farewells to several colleagues & friends, and embraced growth in countless ways. 👏

This season, amidst the celebrations and festive cheer, let's take a moment to express gratitude—for our families, friends, and vibrant community that keeps us inspired. On behalf of the NYC Chapter, I want to thank our incredible members, sponsors, and the National Kitchen & Bath Association for their support, camaraderie, and unwavering commitment, especially as we navigate the ever-changing world.

Excitingly, our Manhattan-NYC Chapter is stepping into a brand-new era! We're thrilled to celebrate this milestone at December's gala at Porcelanosa's stunning NYC flagship showroom. Let's toast to the year behind us and the bright future ahead! We hope to see you there.

We leave 2024 with several spectacular events. The last chapter meeting for the year was at the newly renovated Thermador Showroom, which Maureen, our ad hoc editor, reports in this newsletter. Maureen also summarizes the joint event with sponsor Crestron at the new NY Experience Center Showroom with the Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association (CEDIA) – The Association of Smart Home Professionals.

We look forward to continuing our partnership with Daryl Friedman, Global President & CEO.

Diana Mosher, our 2025 incoming Membership chair, summarizes the Kohler Experience Center & Best Plumbing Supply- Hosted “A Spooky (And Sustainable) Halloween Soiree.” The costumes were fun, as was the event. Diana recaps the NKBA Manhattan Chapter Inspire Awards—sponsored by aspire design & home magazine—at Boutique Design New York! Our Sponsor Runtal, hosted chapter members for breakfast. Read her recap and see the winners.

🎉 Ringing in a New Era: The Manhattan-NYC Chapter's Vision for 2025 🎉

As we step boldly into 2025, the Manhattan-NYC Chapter is proud to celebrate remarkable achievements while setting the stage for an even brighter future! This year, we've expanded our reach to encompass the entire NYC Metro area and embraced affiliated niche industries, positioning ourselves as a dynamic hub for designers, architects, builders, home remodelers, and more.

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to strengthen our partnerships with organizations like CEDIA and NHAB and welcome an ever-growing membership. Under the exceptional leadership of Membership Committee Chair Jeannine Price, our chapter has seen a remarkable 32% increase in membership. We sincerely thank Jeannine for her dedication and service over the past two years and warmly welcome Diana Mosher as the 2025 incoming Chair. Diana is already hard at work, ensuring our membership continues to thrive!

Our Advocacy Committee, spearheaded by outgoing Treasurer Rose Ott, has made meaningful strides in our community. Rose, alongside Pattie Carpenter with the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders), has laid the groundwork for a Career Day Grant to inspire future talent. Rose also established a volunteer program at God’s Love We Deliver (GLWD), exemplifying the spirit of service that defines our chapter. We deeply thank Rose for her outstanding four years of service as Treasurer and her continued leadership on the council.

Excitingly, under the guidance of Past President Julie Schuster, our Student Relations Committee will launch an innovative Student and Intern Outreach Program in 2025. This initiative will connect the next generation of professionals to our chapter's vast resources and mentorship opportunities. 

Our chapter’s success in 2025 would not be possible without the extraordinary efforts of our dedicated leaders and volunteers. Past president Toni Sabatino, the sponsorship chair, has achieved an incredible milestone by doubling our sponsorship—a 100% increase! Her collaboration with our incoming Treasurer, Tony Monteleone (the chair of the 25th Anniversary Gala), has set a solid foundation for the year ahead, ensuring robust support for our growing initiatives.

Meanwhile, our Communications Committee, led by Jamie Keel, has elevated our online presence, driving record-breaking engagement across all our social media platforms. Their work ensures that our members, sponsors, and followers stay connected and inspired. And let’s not forget our Programs Committee, which has delivered an extraordinary lineup of educational and social events. Under the visionary leadership of Joan Ravasy, these events rival the very best in the industry, combining professionalism with the unmatched style and panache that have become hallmarks of the Manhattan-NYC Chapter. Their efforts educate, inspire, and leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

These outstanding committees embody the innovation, collaboration, and excellence that define our chapter as we reach new heights! It is truly an honor to serve as President of the Manhattan-NYC Chapter—an organization brimming with passion, talent, and vision. As we embark on an exciting new era, I invite you to join us in shaping the future. Whether through volunteering on our committees or attending our events, there are endless ways to get involved and make a difference. Here’s to 2025—a year of growth, connection, and boundless possibilities for the Manhattan-NYC Chapter! 🚀

Wishing you and yours a joyful holiday season filled with love, laughter, and inspiration. Here's to all we've achieved—and all that's yet to come in the New Year! 🌟

Charlé-John

President, NKBA-NYC Chapter

NEW MEMBERS OF THE CHAPTER

Architect Designs–Aakash Tripathi, Serene Darwish, Ernie Wohlleben; 

Atmosphere Kitchen & Bath LLC–Dina Fried; 

Batliboi Studio–Hormuz Batliboi, Ida Tam; 

CIOT NY–Indira Dopson, David Bryant; 

DNB Renovations–Danielle K; 

Enhanced Home–Alpesh Patel; 

Genova & Company–Joann Genova; 

Home Depot #1248–Neria Leander; 

Lo Chen Design–Lo Chen; 

LS Carburne Fine Cabinetry Ltd–Laurence Carolan; 

Maddy Varno-Polishuk; 

Nobilia North America, Inc.–Cheryl Fenelle Dixon; 

Nornes Huset–Bernice Twigg; 

Scavolini USA Inc–Keri Yang, Maria Ines Da Silva, Daniele Busca, Vittorio Renzi, Zeynep Kurtoglu; 

Sedal Group–Danilo Crestejo; 

Tri-State Marble & Tile–Luis Rubio, Jose Gonzalez, Joseph Maldonado.

PERFECT TIMING

By Maureen Klein -- Grit and determination, confidence and caring, are some of the positive Jersey Girl qualities that you’ll see certainly rubbed off on Sharon L. Sherman. You’ll learn why she started her own design firm, along with a few other goals she set for herself and has successfully attained. 

So Sharon, tell us about your early years. 

I’m a Jersey Girl, born and raised there until High School, when we moved to Florida. We were a working-class family and at times money was tight. My mother was an amazing seamstress and we would find furniture that needed repair or refinishing and she showed me how to make slip covers, sew window treatments and more. 

You say you were a creative kid- examples?

I remember taking all of the sheets in the house and fashioning dresses and hats with safety pins. Fortunately, my mother encouraged that creative play. While in Charlotte HS, in Punta Gorda, I loved working on sets for school plays, so I guess I was always on a track to do something with furnishings. 

How about after High School?

Being a “cradle” interior designer, I decided to get my Bachelor Degree in Interior Design and attended Marymount College, Tarrytown, NY. I interned at Bloomingdale’s in the interior design department, back in the day when they were a big influence in home design. 

And your next move?

I joined a luxury design-build firm, specializing in Kitchen and Bath. After working for a large firm, learning everything from multi-family housing to high end luxury design, I realized as a woman I was never going to rise to a position above being a staff designer. Believe me I was very successful, won multiple design awards, had been featured in regional and national publications, but didn’t feel I was truly appreciated and the culture of the firm was changing. 

So what did you do about that nagging reality?

I decided it was “time to have my own place” so Thyme & Place Design was born.

I wanted to provide personalized, truly client focused design, creating environments which promote, health, wellness and well being, using carefully curated details and materials crafted specifically for that client. 

You mention designing with wellness in mind, can you expand on that and how this also started a new branch for Thyme & Place? 

I approach design trying to create energetic balance in the home. I use chroma-therapy, aromatherapy, sound, sight, natural materials to create home environments that embrace the people and animals that inhabit them. I look at how families live and interact in their homes, how they want to live and how their home can be their sanctuary, a place to close out the stresses of the day and center themselves, reconnect and rejuvenate. To that end, I delved into Reiki (a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing) and created a wellness business, Thymeless Well Being, where I work with clients as a Shamanic Reiki Master.

Wow, you are so enterprising, do you have any time left for hobbies, sports, travel or other activities?

I do play golf, and love to be outdoors, walking/hiking. I also like to make jewelry and knit. I enjoy cooking, but as my husband is winding down his career, he has found a renewed interest in culinary arts, so I indulge him. I am traveling a lot more, presenting at conferences and NKBA chapters across the country on all things design, marketing and the future of interior design. 

And joining NKBA, how did that come about?

A number of years ago, I was talking to Bill Darcy (NKBA Global President & CEO) and he suggested that I would really enjoy being a member and thought I could not only benefit from the activities, but also bring something to them. He was right. The venues and sponsors provide amazing experiences and the vibrancy of the members, the quality of the learning and experiences provided are fantastic.

And for down time?

I do have 2 grown children– Ryan, and Kristoph who will be getting married in 2025, so down time will probably be limited. And of course the beach, which is my sacred place, especially off season.

Spoken like a true Jersey Girl!

Thanks Sharon. 

For more info: thymeandplacedesign.com

Left: Oh, and did we mention the 15 triathalons she has completed? Here Sharon crosses the finish line of the famous Disney race.

Right: Sharon double-checks plans with the contractor during a ground-up renovation.

Left: Crestron host starts the smart house tour at the front door. Maureen Klein photo.

Right: Open floor concept shows dining and kitchen area and family theater room beyond. Crestron FB photo.

Left and Right: A lot of networking went on throughout the home. Tony Monteleone Photos

Left: Designer and IFDA President David Santiago is followed by Sandra Singh, wondering where to start- such a great selection of dishes. Tony Monteleone photo.

Right: In front of the swirling Crestron logo, NKBA Manhattan-NYC Chapter President Charlé-John, center, is flanked by L-R: Daryl Friedman, CEO of CEDIA, Crystal Watts, NKBA Mktg. Dir., Christine DeJoy, CEDIA VP Communications & Kelly Buchsbaum, NKBA Sr. Mngr. Chapter Relations.

Jamie Keel photo.

Left: L to R, Panel moderator, Tony Monteleone, poses a question to the panel Daryl Friedman, David Frieda, Sandra Sherman, Rose Ott and Rex Aguirre. Jamie Keel photo.

Right: Behind the ever-changing Crestron backdrop Tony Monteleone’s quick-witted snippet brings a chuckle from Daryl Friedman. Jamie Keel photo.

Left: A big thank you to all who made the evening so memorable. L to R:

1. TBD

2. Crystal Watts, NKBA Mktg. Dir

3.  NKBA Sr. Mngr. Chapter Relations

4.  Tony Monteleone / moderator

5    Rose Ott, designer /panelist

6    Daryl Friedman, CEO of CEDIA/ panelist

7.   David Frieda, sound expert/panelist

8.   Sharon Sherman, designer /panelist

9.   Rex Aguirre, integrator /panelist

10. JoAnn Arcenal, Crestron Business Development Manager

Jennifer Mirsky photo.

CELEBRATING OUR 25th YEAR

Colette Whitney, First Sub-Chapter President 1999

Nicole Hough, 2^nd Sub-Chapter President and 3^rd Chapter President, 2000

Mark Rosenhaus, 1^st Chapter President, 2001

Florence Perchuk, 2^nd Chapter President, 2002

Kevin Goldman, 4th Chapter President, 2003

We Weren’t Always a Chapter, but We Were Leaders from Day One.

Originally, NKBA New York was a metro-wide organization that comprised the five boroughs of New York City, the whole of Long Island, and most of Westchester County! Times were different. For the most part, we were a confederation of “mom & pop” appliance dealers; designers, both independent and with firms; and a healthy mix of cabinetry, hardware, and plumbing supply showrooms.

All of the chapter meetings were held out east, typically in a hotel with a “rubber chicken” dinner, the latest dishwasher or stove innovation on display, and everyone standing to say the Pledge of Allegiance at the start (That is, the pledge to the USA, not to NKBA!). These meetings were not a “member benefit.” Everyone paid.

Ester Kloc, 5^th Chapter President, 2004-2006

Roberta Kravette, 6^th Chapter President 2009-2011

Michael Catania, 7^th Chapter President 2012

Kent Brasloff, 8^th Chapter President, 2013-2016

Renee Riddick, 9^th Chapter President, 2017

Toni Sabatino, 10^th Chapter President, 2018-2020

Julie Schuster, 11^th Chapter President, 2021-2023

Charle-John Cafiero, 12^th Chapter President, 2024

STAY CONNECTED! Get Social with the Manhattan Chapter

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

The Communications Committee seeks a co-newsletter chair or editor for outbound marketing to supply or report on relevant industry news. We'd love you to join our team if you have social media or writing skills. Please contact Communications@nkbamanhattan.org.

• Membership Questions: Ask Jeannine! 
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• Learn more about our Sponsor Opportunities. Toni can help!
• Join our Advocacy committee to give back to our local community. Talk with Rose
• Our Manhattan Chapter exists to serve you, our members! Give some love to our social media accounts—the best way to stay in touch. 

THANK YOU to the sponsors of NKBA Manhattan Chapter

25th ANNIVERSARY SPONSOR

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NKBA Manhattan Chapter | nkbamanhattan.org

The mission of the NKBA is to inspire, lead and empower the kitchen and bath industry through the creation of certifications, marketplaces, and networks.

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