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.