For the first time in years, the Y’s Men did not win the Memorial Day float competition.
There’s a good reason: The parade was canceled, due to weather.
Like many organizations, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston spent weeks preparing their float.
Unlike many, they filmed the process.
So, disappointed parade-goers: Take heart. Just click here or below, to see what you missed.
And — this being the Y’s Men — the video is as intriguing as the float itself.
Credit goes to photographer Ted Horowitz; videographer Rick Godin, who created the finished product very quickly; John Brandt and Dick alt.
The voiceover was done by noted actor and Weston resident James Naughton. He’ll be honored Thursday at the Y’s Men’s annual meeting (Compo Beach pavilion, 9 a.m.).
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Summer is (almost) here.
Time for warm weather! Outdoors! Ticks!
No sweat. The Westport Library has you covered.
On June 10 (7 p.m.; free), Andrew Wilk’s Medical Series continues with “Ticks, Mosquitoes and Sunburn, Oh My! The Hazards of Summer.”
Longtime local internist Dr. Robert Altbaum will discuss how to prevent and treat mosquito bites, bee stings and sunburns. If time allows, heat-related illness will also be reviewed.
Infectious disease specialist Dr. Zane Saul will focus on tick-borne illness like Lyme disease, as well as babesiosis and anaplasmosis.
Lyme disease tick.
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Clarence B. Jones — Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. advisor and speechwriter, who helped plan the March on Washington and drafted part of the famed “I Have a Dream” speech — died Friday in California. He was 95.
Jones inspired Westporters 2 years ago, when he was the keynote speaker for the town’s Martin Luther King Day celebration. Click here or below, for that memorable speech. Click here for a full obituary.
And finally … on this date in 1864, Montana was organized as a US territory.
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world … including Montana. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 hyper-local coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
A nasty weather forecast has forced the cancellation of tomorrow’s Memorial Day parade.
Thousands of Westport civic volunteers, musicians, young athletes, politicians — and veterans — can now sleep in.
But not too long. An indoor ceremony has been set for 10 a.m., at Town Hall.
Patriotic music will play. An honor guard will present a wreath. Brief speeches will commemorate servicemembers who gave their lives for our country.
And grand marshal Herb Podel — a 101-year-old longtime Westporter and World War II veteran who served with the Seabees in the Pacific Theater, as an aviation and electronics specialist — will be saluted.
It’s not a parade. But it’s well worth going to.
There’s plenty of time — after honoring our fallen heroes — for (soggy) cookouts and parties.
We’ll miss this solemn Veterans Green scene. But a similar event will take place across Myrtle Avenue, in Town Hall. (Photo/Harris Falk)
At 9 a.m. Westport’s annual parade begins, at Saugatuck Elementary School. A couple of thousand folks — from the 101-year-old grand marshal to infants in wraps — ride, walk, march, amble, bike, and otherwise make their way up the Post Road and onto Myrtle Avenue.
A couple of thousand other folks line the streets and bridge. They cheer, take videos, clap, socialize, and have a great time. It’s an annual ritual they wouldn’t miss.
Too many other folks sleep in.
What a shame. They miss one of the best Westport days of the year.
Cub Scouts hold a giant flag, as they round Riverside Avenue onto the Post Road. (Photo/Swapna Podlich)
If you’re a “marcher” (an admittedly loose term) or a spectator, you know what I mean.
If you’ve never been, what might convince you to spend Monday morning doing this very cool community thing? Try:
It’s a parade! That’s obvious — but who doesn’t love a parade? For an hour you watch an ever-changing cast of marching bands, first responders, fifers and drummers, local organizations, politicians, young Little Leaguers and soccer and lacrosse players and gymnasts and Suzuki violinists — and of course, veterans — parade past. They smile, wave, and occasionally toss goodies into the crowd. Seven-year-olds pull the fire truck horn. All you have to do is clap.
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
People put tons of work into their floats.This is a parade (see above), so there are Memorial Day-themed floats. The Y’s Men will win for Best Overall — that seems to be a town regulation — but there are other categories too. After all that papier-mâché, the least you can do is clap for it.
Y’s Men float. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Happy birthday, America! What better time to watch a parade than on our 250th anniversary? And if you don’t have a little flag to wave, no problem. Many of the marchers — and some of the local businesses along the route — are happy to hand you one.
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Those World War II veterans aren’t getting any younger. At the end of the day — and especially, that morning — Memorial Day is really about honoring our vets. They gave years of their lives so we could enjoy our lives. The least we can do is clap as they ride or walk by. (NOTE: If your kids are young, this is a great chance for them to see our last World War II heroes. I still remember a Spanish-American war veteran in Westport’s parade. As a child, my father saw Civil War vets.)
2023 grand marshal Ben Pepper, a World War II veteran. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
The ceremony after the parade is meaningful too.After the last marchers finish at Parker Harding Plaza, there’s a half-hour event at Veterans Green, opposite Town Hall. You’ll hear from the World War II grand marshal, listen to a couple of patriotic songs, watch the honor guard place a wreath, see a 21-gun salute — and reflect for a brief moment, in whatever way you wish, on both our little town, and our vast nation.
(Photo/Harris Falk)
Kids! If you want a look at our town’s future, the Memorial Day parade is it. You’ll be gobsmacked at the number of youngsters in town — and the variety of activities they participate in. It takes a village to raise a child. Our entire village should be downtown on Monday, supporting the boys and girls who will support us in our old age.
Suzuki violinists entertain the crowd (Photo/Doris Ghitelman)
It’s a true community gathering. (The fireworks is another.) Sitting or standing on the sidewalk, you’ll meet random interesting residents. If you’ve been here a while, the Memorial Day parade is a chance to catch up with old friends. And if you haven’t been here long enough to have old friends, you’ll enjoy seeing new ones, and feeling “hey, this really is my town!”
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
It’s a uniquely American holiday. Nothing else on our calendar combines history and reverence with fun and spirit. You’ve got the rest of day for cookouts, parties, the beach, whatever. Kick it off in style at 9 a.m. Monday morning. See you downtown — and then on Veterans Green!
Once again, the Memorial Day parade is honored to honor a World War II veteran.
Herb Podel is this year’s grand marshal, for the May 25 event.
The 101-year-old longtime Westporter served in the Pacific Theater. He was attached to a Seabee unit as an aviation and electronics specialist. Their primary focus was preparation for the planned invasion of Japan.
A resident here since 1965, Herb spent decades contributing to the community through volunteerism, leadership and civic engagement. The father of 2 daughters, Alison Bricken and Jacqueline Podel, he owned a company that manufactured recreation equipment for many years.
Herb has received 2 awards from the town of Westport recognizing his volunteer efforts. He served for many years as president of the Saugatuck Senior Cooperative board. He founded and facilitated the longtime Cultural Salon discussion group in Westport, and held numerous roles at Temple Israel.
Herb now lives at The Residence at Westport. He continues to be an active member of the Westport Center for Senior Activities, where he regularly participates in classes, discussion groups, special events and community lunches.
In February of 2025, Herb Podel celebrated his 100th birthday at the Senior Center with director Wendy Petty (right) and then-2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore.
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Speaking of the Memorial Day parade: Westport groups, civic organizations and businesses interested in participating in the community event should register here. The deadline is May 17.
(Photo/Kelly Freitag)
All ages, and all kind of groups, “march” in the Memorial Day parade.
Hard to believe, but the Westport Pops Concert is now 10 years old.
From its first performance in 2016, the Staples High School-meets-Levitt Pavilion event became a beloved (and quickly sold-out) tradition.
This year’s show is Friday, June 5. Featured musicians include the nationally recognized Staples Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble One, Choralaires, Sonora, Orphenians, Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, and small group ensembles.
James Naughton returns as emcee.
The Levitt lawn opens at 6 p.m. (BYO chair); the concert begins at 7. Tickets are free, but a donation of $15 per ticket is suggested to help offset production costs.
Tickets are available at wpsarts.org/staplesmusic on Friday, May 22 at 9 a.m.; first-come, first-served.
Westport Pops poster graphic inspired by senior Connor Yuan.
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Another great Westport tradition is also near. And it too celebrates a milestone.
The 20th annual Taste of Westport returns Wednesday, June 3 (6 p.m., Fairfield County Hunt Club). As they’ve done for 20 years, the area’s top restaurants and mixologists will host an evening of great food, drinks and community — all for a wonderful cause.
The fundraiser benefits CLASP Homes. All proceeds help provide group homes and 24/7/365 services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.
Restaurants serving up their favorite dishes include Gabriele’s, The Bridge, Nômade, Massi Co, The Whelk, Artisan and Dandelion — and many others.
Guests will also enjoy signature cocktails, a Champagne and caviar bar, and a bourbon tasting experience. A silent auction adds to the fun.
One more event of note: A few foursomes remain for the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 10th annual Golf for Good tournament (May 18, Aspetuck Valley Country Club).
he Westport Weston Family YMCA is proud to announce its 10th Annual Golf for Good Charity Golf Tournament, taking place on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Aspetuck Valley Country Club.
Proceeds support the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, enabling individuals and families to participate in programs regardless of financial circumstances. Funds also support youth sports and camp, Parkinson’s wellness and independence programs, cancer survivorship support, and access for veterans.
We’re not sure how many Westporters follow the Library of Congress on Twitter (aka “X”).
But it’s a good thing for “06880” that Josh Berkowsky does.
A recent tweet celebrating National Cartoonist Day (May 5 — we all missed it) gave several examples of cartoons drawn on letters by soldiers in World War II.
Two very colorful ones were sent from a Sgt. Duquette in San Francisco, to Mrs. Gerald Duquette, on Sturges Highway here.
They are not the work of Sgt. Duquette. Josh says that the Library of Congress website credits the art to his friend, Technical Sgt. Samuel Lionel Boylston of South Carolina.
The recipient is Duquette’s wife, “Mrs. Gerald Duquette.”
One more local connection: Tom Duquette is a frequent “06880” commenter. He always adds “SHS ’75” (Staples Class of 1975).
Tom: If you’re reading this, please click “Comments” to let us know the connection!
And finally … in honor of 2 World War II stories today (Herb Podel and Sgt. Duquette, above):
(We don’t want to toot our horn, but since our first “06880” in 2009, we’ve posted over 20,000 stories — and haven’t missed a day. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Tonight’s main event — a public meeting about next steps for the Cribari Bridge, with representatives of the state Department of Transportation — begins at 6 p.m., in the Town Hall auditorium.
Can’t be there? It will be livestreamed at www.westportct.gov, and aired on Optimum channel 79.
The Cribari Bridge leads from Saugatuck (above) to Greens Farms. (Photo/John Videler for VidelerPhotography.com)
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Meanwhile, Saturday’s main event will be the state high school basketball championship.
The Staples boys team — already 2-time FCIAC champions — competes for their first Connecticut crown since 1937.
Tip-off is 8:30 p.m., at Mohegan Sun.
Sure, it’s late — and at the other end of the state. But it’s been nearly a century since Westporters have been able to cheer the Wreckers on in a state boys basketball final.
Go Wreckers! And go Westporters — see you Saturday night at Mohegan Sun!
The Staples boys basketball team. (Photo/Diane Lowman)
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Looking ahead: The theme for the Memorial Day parade float contest has been announced.
And — looking back — it’s a great one: “250 Years of Honor and Service.
Certificates will be awarded in 6 categories: Best Development of Theme, Best Youth Organization Float, Most Creative, Best Community Organization, Most Colorful, and Best Overall Float.
Of course, we already know the winner in the Overall category.
It’s the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.
After all, they’ve won for the last 250 years.
Another Y’s Men Memorial Day parade float winner. This one won in 2021. (Photo/Dan Woog)
In their continuing effort to UnPlastic Westport, Sustainable Westport will show “Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics.” The documentary explores the alarming spread of microplastics throughout our planet — and our bodies.
The event — following a sold-out showing at SXSW — is April 9 (6:30 p.m., Greens Farms Academy). A panel discussion will follow the screening.
Westport Professionals Network co-founders Lisa Fedorchak and Katie Gervasio, analyzed the current job market, at Tuesday’s Westport Rotary Club meeting.
The WPN connects local college students and young professionals with job and networking opportunities. Volunteers offer mentorship and advice, in person and online.
“Right now, this is a tough time,” said Fedorchak. “The young professional unemployment rate is 10.5%.”
Lisa Fedorchak (speaking) and Katie Gervasio, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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Westport resident Vivek Kanthan wants to end the drought of Americans ascending to the top of Formula 1.
“06880” last checked in just over a year ago, when he signed with the Formula 4 team Griffin Core by Campos — the top-ranked team in that division.
Since then, Kanthan won his first F4 race, captured Rookie of the Year honors, and set several records, including the single lap speed mark in Mexico City.
Last weekend, the 15-year-old placed 1st at the Spanish Winter Championship.
For more than 4 decades, The Susan Fund has provided college scholarships to Fairfield Country residents who have been diagnosed with cancer at some time in their life, and attend (or plan to) enroll in an institution of higher learning.
The Fund was established in 1980 in memory of her Susan Lloyd, a Staples High School graduate who lost her battle with cancer. Since its founding, the organization has provided over $2 million in scholarships to more than 300 students.
The deadline is near — April 1 — for applications for the 2026 school year. To apply or to learn more about the Susan Fund, click here.
On May 2, the Nolan Team at Compass is sponsoring a town-wide tag sale. It will likely be Westport’s biggest ever.
Residents can participate by hosting a sale at their own home.
It’s a great way to get plenty of publicity. The Nolan Team handles all promotion (including a sign for your lawn or driveway). Your address will be included on a map, and all publicity.
Shoppers can plan their own route, and visit multiple sales all day.
To participate, and for more information, click here.
300 years of passageways in Weston is the topic of an April 19 book talk at the Weston History & Culture Center.
Artist Julie O’Connor will discuss her 2008 book, “Doors of Weston.”
The lecture is free, but registration is required. Click here.
doors are accessible “portals” to understanding the evolution of Weston and its people over the last three centuries, as we celebrate America and Weston since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Center says, “doors are accessible ‘portals’ to understanding the evolution of Weston and its people over the last 3 centuries, as we celebrate America and Weston since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.”
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between March 11 and 17.
A 44-year-old Woodside, New York man was charged with 2 counts of larceny, following 2 shoplifting incidents at Walgreens. Both involved allergy medications. One was of $2,659 worth of merchandise; the other was $1,964. He was extradited after being incarcerated for an unrelated matter in New York.He was held on a $40,000 bond.
A 50-year-old Redding man was charged with sexual assault, after a complaint by a restaurant employee that a customer had used his hand to pinch the victim’s buttocks.
A 44-year-old Plymouth, Massachusetts man was charged with failure to appear. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 9 citations
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 6
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
Failure to obey stop sign: 5
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to renew registration: 4
Failure to obey traffic commission regulations: 4
Distracted driving: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 2
Skies were blue, and the temperature perfect, for today’s Memorial Day parade.
On the way to the parade, at the Saugatuck Church.
A couple of thousand military veterans, first responders, band musicians, young athletes, older Y’s Men, plus a wide range of others — including the grand marshal, Judge Edward Karazin — marched, ambled, danced, rode and scootered, from the start at Saugatuck Elementary School to the end in Parker Harding Plaza.
Vietnam veteran and grand marshal Judge Edward Karzin, with his wife Renee. (Photo/Tom Feeley)
A couple of thousand more spectators — like the parade-goers, of all ages — cheered them (and their favorites) on.
Then, the largest crowd in memory filled Veterans Green for the annual ceremony honoring the reason for the day: the 1.35 million Americans who have given their lives for our country, from the 1770s to now.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker noted that the diversity of America’s military is one of its strengths.
Nick Rossi sings the national anthem. From left: 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Brig. Gen. (ret.) Brien Horan.
Grand Marshal Karazin recounted his years growing up here — including riding his bike in the Memorial Day parade, and graduating from Staples High School in 1957 — and called the day “a living, loving tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.” He urged Westporters to reflect on their lives, and “give back to the town, to help it and others.”
Connecticut National Guard Brigadier General (retired) Brien Horan — a Westporter — gave a ringing address.
He noted that, unlike in other countries, American servicemembers swear allegiance not to a leader or political party, but to the Constitution. That means, he said, allegiance to core principles like freedom of speech, and due process under law.
To loud cheers, he encouraged young people to think about the military, and its adherence to those important values.
The Fire Department’s traditional early morning ceremony. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
Veterans remember POWs and MIAs.
Westport Police were out in force.
The Y’s’ Men’s float is always a winner. This year, it honored the USO.
It’s a family affair.
Clowning around.
It’s not a parade without a fife and drum corps.
Former Representative Town Meeting member Harris Falk.
The sentiment of the day.
Honor guard.
Staples trumpeter Gargi Karve plays the mournful “Taps.” (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
Posted onMay 25, 2025|Comments Off on It’s Memorial Day! Send Your Parade Photos!
The Memorial Day parade — one of Westport’s favorite events — returns tomorrow.
If you’ve been here a while, you know it’s Westport at its small-town best. If you’ve just arrived from Manhattan or Brooklyn: You may not know it, but this is one of the reasons you moved here.
(NOTE: It steps off Monday at 9 a.m., from Saugatuck Elementary School. Be sure to stick around at 10:30, for the ceremony at Veterans Green, opposite Town Hall. And bring the kids!)
Everyone has a favorite spot to watch from: the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. A Post Road sidewalk. The stone walls in front of Myrtle Avenue homes.
Everyone has a favorite band, float or marcher to photograph too.
But why share them only with a few hundred dear pals, casual acquaintances and random how’d-they-get-on-my-list Facebook “friends”?
Tomorrow, let all of Westport see “your” Memorial Day parade. Send a few (not all!) of your photos to “06880” (email: 06880blog@gmail.com). Deadline: noon. Please include brief identification, if needed, and of course your own name.
I’ll post some (not all!) in the afternoon.
And be creative! We want special photos, for our special parade.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
(Photo/Charlie Scott)
(Photo/Diane Yormark)
Comments Off on It’s Memorial Day! Send Your Parade Photos!
A well-known and longtime Westporter will lead the Memorial Day parade as grand marshal: Judge Edward Karazin.
Shortly after marrying in 1965, he joined the Army. Deployed to Vietnam as a civil affairs officer, he served as a MACV advisor in the Pacification Program. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.
Following his service, Karazin returned home to pursue his passions for law and community. He was a lawyer and judge, providing pro bono legal work for veterans, and continues to support Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 in Westport.
He has spoken regularly at schools about his military experience, leads the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Stamford courthouse, and is an active participant in veterans’ events and local parades
Judge Karazin has also been a Little League coach and board member, Pop Warner board member, lector at Assumption Church, and instructor for in-service training with the Westport Police Department. He was also an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University, teaching legal writing and family law.
The Memorial Day parade is May 26. It begins at 9 a.m. on Riverside Avenue, continues on Post Road East to Myrtle Avenue to Main Street, and ends at Parker Harding Plaza.
A special program begins immediately after the parade, at Veteran Green across from Town Hall.
Judge Edward Karazin
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The Board of Education meets tomorrow (Thursday, May 15, 7 p.m., Staples cafeteria).
Among the key agenda items: a recommendation from superintendent Thomas Scarice on smartphones and wearable technology, and a redistricting update.
The meeting begins with 15 minutes of comment by the public, on non-agenda items.
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The Sanity Podcast — Westport journalist Dave Briggs and Alisyn Camerata’s extremely educational and entertaining podcast — dropped its most sizzling episode ever this week.
Senator Richard Blumenthal came to the Content Studio on Saugatuck Avenue. He said that “no other scandal in American history” compares to President Trump’s crypto dealings, meme coin scams, and foreign cash grabs.
“Is America sliding into autocracy?” Dave and Alisyn ask. “Discover how $300 million was made in 100 days, and what Congress refuses to stop.”
At the age of 96, Tom Lowrieis resigning as Westport’s pickleball ambassador.
The new ambassador — selected by USA Pickleball — is Brandon Osterhout. A native Westporter, Staples High School graduate and local business owner, he is as active a player has Tom has been for years.
Brandon will continue to promote the sport, through tournaments, social events, exhibitions, and new courts.
“Thank you for your years of friendship, and your shared love of pickleball,” Tom says. “You will still see me around the courts, waving from the sidelines.”
Thanks for all your service, Tom. This would not be a pickleball paradise without you!
Tom Lowrie (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
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Westport has plenty of talented young artists.
But they get lots of help from their art teachers. And those instructors are very talented too.
The Westport Art Teacher Exhibition features work from educators across the district, including Stephanie Sileo, Mark DeRosa, Paula Morgan, Timothy Soper, Cecily Anderson, Carla Eichler, Cameryn Robinson, Denise Cuccia, Angela Simpson, and Danilo Sierra-Giraldo.
Seen downtown: L’Occitane on Main Street is closed for renovations. They’ll reopen later this month.
Meanwhile, around the corner on Church Lane, Fig Linens is closing. “Everything must go,” the sign says.
(Hat tip and photos/Sal Liccione)
Just a few yards away, Mrs. London’s finished with her/its loadout. The final day was Sunday. New York-based Maman takeks over soon.
The final item in the truck: the cappuccino machine.
(Hat tip and photo/Matt Murray)
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It’s cool that Leo is the first American pope.
But he’s from Chicago — 840 miles from here. We can’t really claim him as one of our own.
Still, he’s got at least one connection to this area. Check out Pope Leo XIV singing “Feliz Navidad” — the jangly, popular, not-very-religious-at-all Christmas tune written and performed by Weston’s own José Feliciano.
The Westporter is a 5-time Emmy Award-winning executive producer and director of network television. He has worked with Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Renee Fleming, Audra McDonald and Kelli O’Hara.
He is also a noted stage director and writer. But symphony conducting remains his first love. He is a frequent musical director and conductor at the Paper Mill Playhouse, and been involved with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra and New Jersey Symphony Orchestra.
This Saturday (May 17), Wilk will be at Waterbury’s Palace Theater. He will conduct the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra for a night of music and memories, celebrating 20 years of Broadway musicals.
The show will include musical numbers from “The Phantom of the Opera,”
“Ragtime,” “Evita” and “Dreamgirls,” plus “Over the Rainbow,” “Memory” and “Tomorrow.”
Pianist/composer Ted Rosenthal headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, May 15, VFW Post 399, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows, dinner at 7; $20 music charge, $15 veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by trumpeter Josh Bruneau, bassist Martin Wind, drummer Tim Horner and saxophonist Greg Wall. Tickets are available here.
Steven Lewine died peacefully on April 13. He was 67, and had been diagnosed with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease just 10 days earlier, and spent that time surrounded by his many loved ones.
At age 15, the Great Neck, Long Island native was hit by a truck while walking to school. Hespent several weeks in a full body cast. Doctors told him his survival was due to strength and luck. He often referred back to this experience to tap into a deep well of resilience and optimism.
He became the first person in his family to go to college. Steve studied Spanish and business in New York, Mexico, Canada, Arizona and Spain, earning 2 master’s degrees. He married Blandine in 1984. He had a career in investment banking, working across Latin America and spending 5 years in São Paulo, Brazil.
In 2013 he married Julie. He built a second career as a financial advisort. In 2021 he endowed the Lewine Global Engagement Fund at his alma mater, SUNY Brockport, to facilitate international experiences like the ones that shaped him.
He was passionate about the Rotary Club, through which he organized fundraising and service trips to schools and nonprofit organizations in Latin America.
Steve is survived by his wife Julie; their children Chris (Natalie), Nico (Pallavi), Gabby (Jimmy), Cara Miller (Cory) and Cody Wright (Laura), and grandchildren Leonardo, Jaya, Isabelle, and Owen, and siblings Julie, Bob and Barbara. Steve was also a father figure to his late brother Danny’s eldest daughter Patricia (Jason), and counted her daughter Rosalie among his grandchildren.
A memorial service is set for May 29 (2 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). with a celebration of life to follow that day from 5-7 p.m. at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” shows a rhododendron. Photographer Bob Weingarten notes that it flowers from the bottom up.
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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And finally … Happy National Night Shift Workers Day!
(“06880” works 24/7 — including the night shift — to bring you all of Westport’s news, events, photos and more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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