~ D. Stephen Collins, born in 1937 in Galveston, Texas, served on the U.S.S. Henley (DD-762), earned a degree in mechanical engineering, and eventually made his way to Maine with his wife, Sandra, in 1969. The couple and their two children settled in Bridgton, where Steve became chief engineer of a small manufacturing firm. ~ Steve made lasting contributions to Bridgton, including on the Planning Board (15 years); Select Board (three years); founding president of the Bridgton Community Center, and as a 30-year member of the Lions Club. He was a 50-year member of the Lakes Environmental Association and the town moderator for 46 years. ~ Steve came late to the world of endurance athletics. He was about 40 when his jock pals shamed him into running, then cycling and then rowing. He quickly attained his level of mediocrity in all three sports. He now rows his ergometer – slowly – as he reaches for his eleven millionth meter at his home in Exeter, New Hampshire.