May 1 Tri-Gear Report

Posted by June Bertini 
on May 06, 2015
 
5-1-15 CLUB MEETING AT THE COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT
 
Flag Salute: Bob Bustard
 
Invocation: Ray Falcon
 
Members Present:
June Bertini, Bob Bustard, Irma Chazotte, Bernie Cohen, Whitney deBordenave, Ray Falcon, Steve Fox, Steve Hopper, Lester Kempner, George Sherman, Nancy Swales
 
Visiting Rotarians and Guests:
Lois Kempner
 
Photo Fines:
Lester Kempner
 
Late Fines:
June Bertini
 
Photo Fines:
In a reversal of tradition, everyone who did not have a photo in the news was fined $1.  Bob Bustard, whose photo was in the news, also contributed.
 
Sunshine:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are currently contending with adversity of one type or another.
Bernie Cohen and Steve Fox reported that their wives were still recovering from recent surgery.
 
George Sherman met Ann Kilmartin’s daughter, Nancy, who indicated she might be able to bring Ann to the next meeting at the Marriott Courtyard.
 
Happiness:
by J. Bertini
​
Nancy Swales was happy about a great family reunion in Texas on the occasion of her granddaughter’s wedding.
 
Steve Fox was happy that his daughter made a commitment to attend the University of Tampa and that Park Ridge Rotary would be granting 5 scholarships to local students in amounts ranging from $600 to $1,500.
 
Bernie Cohen was happy that his grandson got a scholarship to Suffolk University in Boston and that the stock market was rebounding.
 
Ray Falcon was happy and proud to have the first Stigma Free law firm.
 
George Sherman was happy about all the great events recently held at the Pascack Historical Society.
 
Steve Hopper was happy to have helped with the Park Ridge Car Show and Town Picnic.
 
Announcements:
by J. Bertini
 
Ryan Cangialosi reported that the Nikki Franco Scholarship Fund Beefsteak is set for Saturday, June 13, 2015 in the evening at the Park Ridge Elks. This is the same date as the Park Ridge Town Picnic. It will take place between the picnic and the fireworks, but will also be in a prime location to view the fireworks. The $70 cost includes unlimited beefsteak from Nightingales, French fries, salad, beer/wine/soda, and dessert from the Cakeboss. Checks should be made payable to 'Park Ridge Rotary Charitable Foundation'.
 
Our 50/50 Cash Raffle will be here before you know it. Drawing is set for Friday, June 5. Each member is asked to take responsibility for selling 5 tickets.
 
The Governor's Installation Dinner for District Governor Elect Peter Wells will be June 25 at Season's - make sure to mark your calendar as our club is the host.
 
Our Third Annual 5K is scheduled for Sunday, September 20! Mark your calendar and begin to think about friends and family to invite out and businesses who can be great sponsors for our growing event. At the installation dinner in June for President-Elect Vlad and his slate of officers, every member will be provided with a folder containing all the information needed in regards to the 5K and signing up runners and sponsors.
 
Mark Your Calendar with These UPCOMING EVENTS:
by J. Bertini
​
Th., 5/7 – Club Meeting – Domani (6:30) – 387 Washington Ave., Hillsdale – Guest speaker: Amanda Missey (Bergen County Medical Initiative)
 
Fri., 5/15 – Club Meeting – Courtyard (12:15) – 100 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Montvale – Guest speaker: Michael Mulholland (Ciel Power: Energy Star Whole House Solutions)
 
Tues., 5/19 – Board Meeting – Pascack Historical Society – 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge, NJ – Dinner at 6:00; meeting at 6:30.
 
Wed., 5/20 – Presidents’ Ball – The Venetian – 6:30-11:00 – 546 River Drive, Garfield - $110 p/p.
 
Mon., 5/25 – Memorial Day Parade – 10:30 in Woodcliff Lake.
 
Sun., 6/7 – Montvale Street Fair – Paragon Drive, Montvale – 10:00-5:00 (Set up begins at 7:00)
 
Sat., 6/13 – Park Ridge Town Picnic
 
Sat., 6/13 – Nikki Franco Scholarship Fund Beefsteak – Park Ridge Elks Club - $70 p/p
 
Th., 6/25 – Governor’s Installation - Seasons
 
Program:
by J. Bertini
 
Get to Know Park Ridge Rotary Members, Irma Chazotte and Steve Hopper
 
The club’s May 1 meeting at Marriott Courtyard provided members the opportunity to learn more about two of our colleagues, Irma Chazotte and Steve Hopper.
 
 
Irma talked about her life in the context of how her early experiences affected the person she became.  She is committed to live life to the fullest, to which she added “You don’t get back a day you don’t live well.”
 
Irma grew up in Paramus in the 1940’s and 50’s, on a property surrounded by farms that her parents purchased for $4,000 in 1939. Paramus was so rural at the time that there were few playmates.  She recalled that Route 17 was a dirt road that farmers used to get their produce to market.
 
Irma was a member of the first graduating class from Paramus High School.  She met her husband while he was attending Bergen Catholic. Irma went on to graduate from St. Elizabeth’s in Convent Station with a degree in English and Elementary Education.  She taught second grade for a year and then retired to raise a family.  They made their home in Woodcliff Lake for 38 years.  Sadly she lost her husband six years ago.
 
When Irma returned to the workforce, she left teaching and entered the field of Public Relations. She joined Rotary through Bob Gill and also became involved in New Hope of Englewood, which provides resources for first time single mothers.
 
 
Steve was born and raised in Montvale. His family roots in Bergen County date back to 1660.  His work ethic and commitment to service began at an early age.  Steve overcame dyslexia in school and taught himself to play the piano by ear. He was a Boy Scout and became an Assistant Scoutmaster of a High Adventure Troop.  Steve also was a fireman for 10 years in both Montvale and Park Ridge.
 
Steve was married in 1991 and enjoys spending family time with his wife, Ann and his children, Amanda and Tom.  Steve and Ann enjoy supporting their children’s activities, including scouting and sports.  Currently, Steve owns and operates Pratt Plumbing Heating & Cooling, a family business since 1927.  In addition he is a State home remodeler and New-home Builder contractor.
 
Currently, Steve serves on the Park Ridge Council and continues to dedicate his time to helping others as liaison to the Park Ridge Green Team, Recreation Committee, Access for All and Lehmann Gardens.
 
Steve loves being a member of Rotary for many reasons, but especially because it is a group that gets things done. An active Park Ridge Rotarian since 1993, Steve is a Past-President (2003), was recipient of a Walter B. Head Award (1995) and was named a Paul Harris Fellow in 2006.
 
Clearly, both Irma and Steve reflect the best qualities and tradition of Rotary.