Kristin Ryan Beirne — a superb Staples High School athlete, and a highly respected longtime Bedford Middle School teacher — died Saturday, after a long illness. The Southport resident was 47.
Born in Norwalk in 1978, Kristin was a member of Staples’ Class of 1996. A star on the soccer and basketball teams, she received the prestigious Albie Loeffler Scholarship, awarded for academic excellence, athletic achievement, integrity and strong family values.
Kristin played Division I soccer at the College of William & Mary. She earned All-Conference honors, and set a school record for most games played (93, including 89 starts). Her 1997 team was inducted into the William & Mary Athletics Hall of Fame.
Kristin Ryan Beirne
Kristin began teaching physical education in Virginia, before returning to Connecticut in 2002.
Over her 23-year career at Bedford, she touched thousands of lives through her work in the classroom, and interscholastic and intramural coaching. She also volunteered with the Westport Soccer Association.
In 2015, Kristin was inducted into the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Kristin enjoyed summer days at Longshore, Compo and Southport beaches, and winter days ice skating and skiing at Mohawk and Killington.
Kristin was predeceased by her father James Ryan. She is survived by her husband, Christopher Beirne; children Alexandra and son, Grayson; her mother, Joan Ryan; siblings, Kim (Bill) Constantino and Kellie (Paul) Ouimette, and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Sunday (August 10, 2 to 6 p.m.,Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield). A memorial Mass will take place August 11 (11 a.m., St. Pius X Church, 834 Brookside Drive, Fairfield). To leave online condolences, click here.
In the summer of 2020, Westport was in a dark place.
COVID ravaged the country. Thousands of people died each day. We wore masks, and kept 6 feet apart as much as possible. Most entertainment venues were closed. Parks & Rec had removed the grills from Compo Beach.
Then came literal darkness.
On August 4, Hurricane Isaias roared through town. Power was out for over 5,600 customers.
Grove Point Road (Photo/John Kantor)
Without air conditioning or internet, Westporters gathered — socially distanced, of course — all around Jesup Green, to use the Library’s Wifi.
(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
It took over a week for some residents to get back to what, in the summer of 2020, passed for normal.
The National Guard rolled in. (Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
Today, it all seems like decades ago.
But anyone who lived through that summer will never forget it.
Hales Road. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
Saugatuck Shores (Photo/News12 Connecticut)
Richmondville Avenue.
Saugatuck Avenue.
Compo Beach kayaks (Photo/Sandra Long)
Several days later, on Charcoal Hill Road. (Photo/Pat Blaufuss)
A welcome sight — finally.
Longshore golf course. (Photo/Brian Sikorski)
Pumpkin Hill Road at Colony Road, a few days later. (Photo/Christie Stanger)
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Westport’s ever-expanding outdoor art collection dedicates its newest addition on August 13 (5 p.m., Eloise Ray Park: Riverside Avenue at Lincoln Street),
It’s a celebration of Marc Zaref’s “Enso: The Magic of Every Moment.” The sculptor will be there, to explain the piece and his process.
Aarriving here after a 2-year solo exhibit at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, Massachusetts, it was installed yesterday.
“Enso” is the 4th sculpture that the Westport Arts Advisory Committee has installed in Westport parks since last year. The Parks and Recreation Department have helped with the initiative.
“Enso” by Marc Zaref, at Eloise Ray Park.
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There’s always something going on on Church Lane.
Last night, it was another Wednesday of free music:
Then yesterday, Dairy Boy promoted its “lifestyle brand” that “blends New England charm with modern fashion,” with an old-fashioned ice cream giveaway.
IYKYK.
(Photo/Roger Leifer)
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Speaking of music: Borboletta brought their high-energy Santana sound to the Levitt Pavilion last night. A large crowd rocked the amphitheater.
(Photo/Sean Bernand)
The Levitt and the band collaborated on a limited run of t-shirts. They’ll be sold at the box office throughout the weekend (while they last).
(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
The weekend schedule includes:
Tonight (Friday): Lulada Club: New York City’s All women Salsa Orchestra (free; dance lesson and dance party, 7 p.m.; show, 7:30).
Saturday: Adrian Quesada’s Boleros Psicodélicos (free; 7:30 p.m.).
Sunday: The Wood Brothers, with Mason Via (ticket purchase; 6 p.m.).
But athletes are deep into training. And Positive Directions is busily promoting it.
Westport’s prevention, counseling and peer supports center for individuals and families struggling with mental health or substance use disorders will benefit from the fundraising of 3 local runners.
Cam Gaylord, Brian McGarvey and Gianna Affi have set goals of raising $3,000 each for the non-profit. Click here to read their stories — and donate.
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Speaking of sports: Congratulations to the winners of Westort Country Playhouse’s 2nd annual golf tournament, held recently at Birchwood Country Club.
They’re shown below: Jonathan Levy, Glenn Levinson, Alex Krug and Justin Brunwasser.
Speaking still of sports: Congratulations to our young neighbors to the east.
The Fairfield National 12U All-Star Little League team won the state championship. Now they’re competing in the Metro Section for a spot as one of 10 US teams in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
What makes this “06880”-worthy is that outfielder/pitcher Ben Herbst is the grandson of longtime Westporters Mickey and Candace Herbst.
Ben is the younger son of David Herbst (Staples High School Class of 1992), and the nephew of Westport phys. ed. teacher Jon Herbst (SHS ’96).
The Metro Section championship game, against New York, is today at 7 p.m. It will be played in Bristol, Connecticut, and televised by the big network right down the road: ESPN.
Speaking of kids: Adam J. Lewis Academy — the life-changing Bridgeport school co-founded by Westporter Julie Mombelloo — had quite a year.
Their first-ever class of 6th graders moved into a sparkling new facility, complete with STEAM lab and maker space.
Music Theatre of Connecticut helped stage 2 big productions.
Now, as teachers prepare to welcome pre-K through 7th graders, they’re sharing an important wish list.
From arts and science equipment to books, calculators and many other classoom needs — the kind available without a second thought in a district like Westport — each request is important. Amazon gift cards are welcome too.
Click here for the full list. All items can be shipped directly to Adam J. Lewis Academy, 500 State Street, Bridgeport, CT 06604.
Westport native Sherri Manuel died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday. She was 52
She graduated with typical excitement and enthusiasm from Staples High School and Camp Hill Soltane in Pennsylvania, a program for adults with intellectual differences. S
She had a successful career at Village Market in Wilton for over 25 years.
Sherri enjoyed many activities and field trips with Star Inc. of Norwalk, a full and active social life with Our Vision of Westport, and an independent residential lifestyle provided by CLASP Homes of Westport.
Sherri was an accomplished Special Olympian, earning many medals. Her greatest achievement was a gold medal winner in equestrian riding.
Highlights of Sherri’s life include a cover story in Westport Magazine (“A Day in the Life of Sherri Manuel”), being a runway model for CLASP Homes fundraisers, and the opportunity to meet her hero, Micheal J. Fox, at a show taping, which resulted in a long friendship.
Her family says, “Above all else, Sherri brought joy, happiness and humor to all who knew her.”
She is survived by her parents, Tom and Julie McNamee, siblings Charlie (Becky), sister Christina Parker (Dan Parker) and Mandy, nephews Max, Benny, Bennett, Logan, John and Elliot, niece Morgan, stepbrothers Ryan McNamee (Taylor), Andrew McNamee (Stephanie), nephews Logan, John and Elliot, and many friends from CLASP Homes, Star Inc. and Our Vision.
A wake will be held tomorrow (Saturday August 9, 2 to 6 p.m., Lesko Funeral Home, 1209 Post Road, Fairfield).
And finally … in honor of Dairy Boy’s popup yesterday on Church Lane (story above):
(No milk today. But donations are always accepted at “06880,” to keep this hyper-local blog healthy and strong. Please click here. We appreciate your help!)
Posted onAugust 8, 2025|Comments Off on Connecticut/Donetsk “Sister State” Alliance Signed. Westport/Lyman Led The Way.
Governor Ned Lamont and Governor Vadym Filashkin, his counterpart in Ukraine’s Donestk oblast, signed a historic “sister state” agreement yesterday.
No other US state has a relationship with an oblast in a war-ravaged section of that country.
And it all started in Westport.
Brian and Marshall Mayer — brothers who grew up here — created Ukraine Aid International, shortly after the 2022 Russian invasion.
The non-profit quickly earned a reputation for its ability to deliver much-needed supplies — food, medical and communications equipment, pellet-burning stoves, water filtration devices and more — directly where it is needed.
Marshall Mayer (left), and Donetsk Governor Vadim Filashkin.
Soon — with the backing of 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker — Westport and Lyman, Ukraine became sister cities.
The Donetsk town is close to Russian front. Generous Westporters raised $250,000 for Lyman during the 2022 holiday season. The funds provided shelter, warmth and water.
Another $50,000 was raised the following spring. Tooker and then-Police Chief Foti Koskinas visited their counterparts in Lyman, raising spirits there and driving home the urgent need for help here.
A recent fundraising effort helped send Lyman youngsters to a therapy camp in the Carpathian Mountains.
An apartment building in Lyman.
Westport’s other sister city, Marigny-le-Lozon, added important aid too. The French village has shared a relationship with our town since World War II.
After the Westport-Lyman relationship, Ukraine Aid International helped 6 other Connecticut towns and cities establish sister city friendships.
Lamont’s proclamation binds our state with their oblast.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, Representatives Rosa DeLauro and John Larson, State Senator Ceci Maher, 1st Selectman Tooker, UAI president Katya Wauchope and UAI executive director Marshall Mayer were all on the call with Lamont yesterday.
Governor Lamont (top row, right), Senator Blumenthal (bottom row, left), and others on yesterday’s Zoom call.
“Westport led the charge,” Marshall Mayer told “06880” yesterday. “Then other cities and towns came together.” Together, over $2.5 million — all in private donations — has been raised in Connecticut for Donetsk since the invasion began.
UAI notes, “What began as a local movement of compassion has grown into an enduring public partnership rooted in solidarity, resilience, and shared democratic values.”
The “sister state” agreement will promote cooperation at the state and local levels — including both public and private groups — in areas like healthcare, education, culture and sports.
With the partnership in place, Ukraine Aid International has turned to 2 immediate needs.
They’re raising $40,000 for a large water filtration system for Kramatorsk, Stamford’s sister city. It will help the entire region — including a hospital that serves Lyman.
They hope to secure a vital MRI machine too. Any “06880” reader with access to one — perhaps through connections in the healthcare industry — can email marshall@ukraineaidinternational.org.
Meanwhile UAI is also seeking a “sister state coordinator,” to help with fundraising, collections and more. If interested in the paid position, email Marshall Mayer at the address above.
Westport’s interesting race for 1st selectman just got even more intriguing.
David Rosenwaks will be the town’s first-ever Independent Party-endorsed candidate. Having secured more than enough signatures, he’ll have his own line on the November 4 ballot.
He joins Democratic-endorsed Kevin Christie, and Don O’Day, the Republican-endorsed candidate who is now unaffiliated.
Rosenwaks, 48, spent 25 years as an unaffiliated voter. He became a Democrat less than a year ago, but is now joining the Independent Party.
David Rosenwaks
Party politics is one of the reasons Rosenwaks is running for the town’s top job. A first-term member of the non-partisan Representative Town Meeting, he says, “I want to change the tenor of town government. As an Independent, I’ll answer to one entity: Westport and its citizens.
“A lot of decisions have been made before weighing all views. A lot of people feel unheard and undervalued.”
Rosenwaks envisions a return to former 1st Selectwoman Diane Farrell’s “Brown Bag Lunches.” A member of the RTM’s Information Technology Committee, he also hopes to “modernize and digitize” the town’s technology system.
Rosenwaks and his wife, actor Liz Fye, moved to Westport from New York at the beginning of COVID. They felt “blessed” by the school system, Library, beaches and rich arts heritage.
Rosenwaks dove into all aspects of the town. He attended commission and TEAM Westport meetings, Westport Library events, the Senior Center, the Westport Country Playhouse and more. He is a member of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, joined the Citizens Police Academy, served on the PTA Council in a technology role, and coached recreation soccer.
“I learned a lot from the people who have been here for years,” Rosenwaks said. “They helped me understand how this town grew and evolved into what it is now.”
At the same time, he says, “Westport is at an inflection point. The average age is 39 to 45, depending on the data you use. We’re ready for the next evolution of the town. I’m confident I can be the bridge between those who have been here for decades, and the more recent arrivals.”
His RTM District 6 race was very competitive: 7 candidates for 4 seats. He knocked on 700 doors, and heard a diversity of viewpoints on a variety of topics.
David Rosenwaks
In the past 5 years, Westport has grappled with some major controversies.
Rosenwaks — a Long Lots Elementary School parent — was disturbed by the overcrowding and neglect at his children’s school. At the same time, he says, “the Community Gardeners should have been handled differently. They deserved a more honest approach up front.”
Redistricting 30 children “across the river, at 2 of the worst times of day” was an example of decisions being made “piecemeal, not holistically,” he says.
Rosenwaks was also disturbed at the Board of Education’s handling of Staples High’s soccer coaches.
“Over 100 kids sat in Town Hall for 14 hours,” he says. “Their voices were not heard. They were disilliulsioned. That’s a problem for their future, and the future of the town.”
As for the Hamlet, he says, “the majority of people in Westport want some development. But not to the extent of what was proposed. How did we get here, held hostage by a developer that doesn’t connect with what most people want?”
after graduating from Dartmouth College, Rosenwaks joined Salomon Smith Barney/Citigroup as an investment banker.
He then co-founded a multi-billion dollar asset management firm, StoneCastle Partners. After selling it a decade later he pivoted to singing, songwriting and art collecting.
He’s recorded with Paul Shaffer and Phil Ramone. Rosenwaks’ original music has appeared in independent films. He headlined shows at the Public Theater, Joe’s Pub, and BB King’s.
Now, he says, “I spend most of my time dedicated to the town.”
Which brings him back to the reason he is running.
“I want what’s best for my family, my neighbors, and the town of Westport,” Rosenwaks says.
“I want everyone to feel involved. Whether it’s Jesup Green or a parking lot, every decision should be about what’s best for Westport.”
To run on the Independent Party line, Rosenwaks needed signatures from 1% of the number of people who voted in the previous selectperson’s race: 85 registered voters.
He submitted 132.
Now he awaits official certification, from the Independent Party.
He is running solo for the top spot. According to the Town Charter, if a person elected 1st selectman “has not been nominated by political party, the 2 defeated chandidates for First Selectman having the high number of votes shall be elected Selectman.”
It is unclear if that means the 2nd and 3rd selectmen would be the 2 other candidates for that position (Christie and O’Day, in whichever order they finish), or if the candidates of the runner-up party with the most runner-up votes would serve as 2nd and 3rd selectpersons, respectively (Christie and Amy Wistreich, or O’Day and Andrea Moore).
Either way, Rosenwaks says, “I will be happy to work with any combinatiion of ‘defeated candidates. Leadership comes from the top.”
Make way for “The Alliance for Saugatuck Housing Opportunity.”
ROAN Ventures – the developer of the Hamlet residential/hotel/retail/event space project, whose application was denied last month by the Planning & Zoning Commission – is moving forward with an 8-30g proposal.
The plan includes 400 to 500 residential units, in the same general Saugatuck footprint as the Hamlet site. As an 8-30g, 30% would be deemed “affordable” under a state formula.
ROAN hopes to file its new application by the end of the month.
The 8-30g application will be as controversial as The Hamlet. Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing regulation gives municipalities little say in areas like density, parking, public amenities, walkability and waterfront access.
An earlier sketch of a possible 8-30g housing development in Saugatuck. Railroad Place is at the bottom, and bisects the buildings at the left and center; Luciano Park is the green area at top left. Riverside Avenue runs to the right of the building on the right.
In a statement, ROAN calls the Hamlet denial “a significant missed opportunity for Westport.” As a result, the developer has shifted to another use for the site.
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) upheld the original P&Z text amendment by a 33-1 vote, ROAN notes, “citing the possibility of a state-mandated affordable housing development” if they did not affirm the rezoning.
Chris Smith, zoning attorney for ROAN, says the developer is “very disappointed with the Commission’s denial of the Hamlet, especially after working with the Commission and town over a long period of time.
“However, my client understands that Westport has been receptive to residential communities with housing opportunity components in the past.”
ROAN “looks forward to working with the Commission and town in moving forward with a comprehensive proposal that promotes housing opportunities for the citizens of Westport in the Saugatuck neighborhood,” Smith adds.
The P&Z’s denial vote “triggered significant interest from many developers who were following the special permit process,” ROAN tells “06880.”
“At the moment the plan is for ROAN to develop the property, potentially with some partners who have shown interest in the new business plan.”
Noting that the Hamlet proposal included 57 residential units, 57 hotel rooms and building heights up to 62 feet, ROAN says their goal was to “provide a vibrant village atmosphere with public waterfront access, retail, dining, and diverse housing options.
“Architectural plans were created to integrate seamlessly with Westport’s charm, and contribute to local economic growth and modernized infrastructure.”
“06880” is reaching out to town officials for comments on the Alliance for Saugatuck Housing Opportunity plan, and the Superior Court appeal.
Less than 2 weeks after its rejection, The Hamlet is back in the news.
ROAN Ventures — the developer of the proposed residential/ hotel/retail/event space Saugatuck project — appealed the decision.
In a filing late yesterday in Bridgeport Superior Court, ROAN alleges that Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission acted “illegally, arbitrarily and in abuse of discretion,” in its 4-0 vote (with 3 abstentions) on July 28.
ROAN asks the court to direct the P&Z to grant approval, and pay the developer’s legal fees.
The appeal was expected by many town officials.
Aerial rendering of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
ROAN’s project began with a text amendment allowing development at the site bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles Street, and along the Saugatuck River.
It continued through many iterations, and hundreds of hours of meetings.
In its appeal, filed by attorney Eric Bernheim, ROAN says it complied with all applicable regulations, including “height, lot area, setbacks, building coverage, total coverage, building spacing, floor area, density, public waterfront access, architectural design, signage, parking and loading, traffic, public health and safety, and landscaping.”
Throughout the process, ROAN says, they worked with the P&Z’s consultants to address concerns, including building height, density and coverage.
The denial was “unreasonable, arbitrary and illegal,” the appeal says. The reasons for the decision were “inadequate, insufficient, and/or not supported by substantial evidence.”
Further, the P&Z decision “exceeded (its) jurisdiction and authority.”
The appeal alleges errors by the P&Z in incorrectly including a parcel not under contract in the total waterfront frontage, and referencing an “outdated and superseded rendering” of the waterfront buildings.
Furthermore, the court document says, the commission “ignored and disregarded all expert testimony and uncontested facts, from both Roan and the Commission’s own staff and … consultants,” in areas including traffic and the waterside garage entrance/exit.
There will be 2 more candidates on the November 4 ballot.
Democrats Steve Shackelford and Jodi Harris collected — and the town clerk certified — over 400 petition signatures.
He is a former Representative Town Meeting member; she is a former Staples High School PTA co-presisdent.
They’ll join Democratic Town Committee-endorsed candidates Lauren Karpf (RTM deputy moderator) and Abby Tolan (incumbent BOE member), and Republican Town Committee-endorsed candidates Dorie Hordon (incumbent), Michelle Hopson, TEAM Westport member Andy Frankel, and Kaitlin Zucaro.
Shackelford and Harris say, “We are honored to have the opportunity to earn the trust and support of our fellow Westport residents. We look forward to engaging with the community and sharing our vision for a thoughtful, effective and forward-looking board that puts students and families first.”
Steve Shackelford and Jodi Harris.
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The Westport dining scene is about to change.
And “06880” is eating it up.
Today (Thursday) at 6 p.m., Dan Woog and Dave Briggs bring our popular “Dave & Dan” Instagram Live camera to Don Memo. Our Instagram is @06880danwoog.
The popular Mexican restaurant in the middle of downtown will soon become a popular Italian-American spot: Massi Co.
We’ll chat with owner Massimo Tullio about the new concept, his own career, and Westport’s ever-evolving culinary scene.
Also today — like every Thursday, from May to November — the Westport Farmers’ Market comes alive, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
But this day is extra special. It’s part of National Farmers’ Market Week, celebrated every first week of August.
Check out the 36 vendors — along with live music, informational tables, a great community vibe, and much more.
In other Farmers’ Market news, the Young Shoots photo contest — for photographers ages 5-18 — has been extended one week. The new deadline is August 15. Click here for details.
Happy National Farmers’ Market Week! And if you’re a young photographer: Celebrate with your camera.
See you at the Farmers’ Market! (Photo/Marcus Slomich)
Speaking (still) of food: Quietly but deliciously, Field Trip has helped make Westport the jerky capital of the Northeast.
The company’s headquarters are at 153 Post Road East, opposite Design Within Reach.
Now they’re adding a sister brand there.
DefenderBar will be the first bar ever — and one of the first snacks in the US — to use functional ingredients like psyllium husk (to support gut health) and dandelion root (for the liver and gut), while also fueling the brain and heart with chia, flax and hemp seeds.
There are 3 flavors: cinnamon churro oatmeal, peanut butter chocolate chip and coconut almond chocolate.
To support the launch on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, founders Matt Levey, Tom Donigan and Scott Fiesinger invite any “06880” reader to come in to the store, and show you’ve followed the brand on any of those platforms.
You’ll get 25% off the entire store, including Defender and Field Trip.
The first 100 people in (and following on social media) will receive a free Defender bar. The promotion begins August 13, and runs through August 20.
Levey explains, “we realized we’re not 25 anymore. But we’re still pushing ourselves — on the trails, in the gym, at home with our wild kids — and we needed a better way to fuel that lifestyle.
“As longtime friends who have spent half our lives in the better-for-you food industry, and as adventurers and dads, we looked for something with functional macros, real ingredients, and satisfying.
“We were tired of bars that were all sugar and no substance, or ones that claimed to be ‘healthy’ but left us crashing mid-hike. So we got to work. We kept it simple, with nutrient-dense ingredients.”
Defender bars are definitely worth a field trip!
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Speaking of local businesses: The Gig Center (next to Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids) is now The Music Collective.
It offers the same services: private music lessons, rock band programs, instrument repairs, music books and instrument accessories. It’s also still the home of Westport Musical Instrument Rentals.
The new phone number is 203.292.3077.
Jamming at the Gig Center.
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Nature, memory, abstraction and form are the basis of 3 new art exhibits at the Westport Library.
The artists and their works are Steve Moen (“Circling Back,” in the Sheffer Gallery), Tom Kretsch (“A Symphony of Color,” South Gallery), and Linn Cassetta (“Eggcentric,” Jesup Gallery).
Each exhibit will have a separate reception (6 p.m.) and artist conversation (7 p.m.), with Artists’ Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs. Moen’s is set for August 13; Kretsch’s is August 27, and Cassetta’s is September 17.
What’s new in the world universe of amateur telescopes?
Wesetport Observatory Bob Meadows is just back from the 89th annual convention of amateur telescope makers. He’ll describe all the innovations at the Westport Astronomical Society’s next lecture: August 19 (WAS classroom, 8 p.m.)
The event will also be livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube.
Seen at the Westport Observatory. (Photo/Frank Rosen)
And finally … on this date in 1789, The Department of War was established.
(Politics, food, art, entertainment … just another day on “06880.” If you learn about your town — or anything else — from our daily Roundups, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In a school filled with high achievers, Luca Caniato stood out.
Before graduating in June, he played violin in the orchestra; served 3 years as president of the Italian Club; founded the Photography Club and Aquatic Habitat Alliance; was elected to 4 Honor Societies; played varsity soccer, and was one of 2 seniors chosen by his classmates to turn the tassel at graduation.
Luca Caniato and Alex Hackett get ready for the finale, at Staples’ June graduation. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
It sounds like Luca had no time for anything else.
But the teenager — who heads soon to the University of Colorado, where he’ll be one of just 50 new students in the elite Leeds Scholars Program — has one more passion. It challenges him,calms him, and feeds his soul.
And — because he is on the go, even when relaxing — it’s been both a summer job, and a way to give back to others.
Luca Caniato (Photo/Melissa Alves)
Luca is an avid, and very accomplished, fisherman.
It started in 8th grade, when Bedford Middle School language arts teacher Steve Rexford taught Luca’s friends Josh Ginsburg and Preston Siroka how to tie flies and cast rods.
Intrigued by the “cool, unique” sport, Luca joined them. He got a fly rod and waders.
When Rexford met him at a Pennsylvania river — both families were vacationing nearby — Luca caught a 4-inch bass.
“I was hooked,” he says (pun fully intended).
Fishing is “so different from anything else. How you choose the right fly, tie it, cast a rod, engage the fish, land it — the whole approach is magical.”
Luca has fished with some very big fish: 3-time world champion fly fisherman and former French national captain Bertran Jacquemin, and Yannick Rivière, another world champion.
His mentor is Antoine Bissieux, 2025 Orvis Guide of the Year.
Luca fishes in Connecticut’s Farmington River — and far beyond, in Wyoming and Idaho.
Two summers ago — using money saved from painting and mowing lawns — he spent 2 weeks in Montana with former soccer teammate Ryan Thomas, who worked in a fly fishing shop. It was a great experience, including fishing off a boat at 3 a.m.
“Trout don’t live in ugly places,” Luca notes.
Luca Caniato, in the Italian Alps. (Photo/Luigi Mautino)
Other scenic spots are more local: the Saugatuck River at Ford Road, Compo Beach and Long Island Sound.
This winter, Fairfield students Matt Menozzi, Ryan Leavay and John McCloskey — who ran a fishing camp there — reached out to Luca. They wanted to start a Westport branch. Would he be interested?
Do fish swim?!
The Faifield camp supplied all the rods and equipment, and taught youngsters to fish in a safe, fun environment.
Luca marketed the camp through flyers, videos and social media.
It was fully booked. Through last week, 60 kids ages 7-14 (10 or so each week) fished with Luca and his counselors — his friends Josh and Preston, who first got him into fishing — at Burying Hill Beach, Old Mill, and their favorite spot, Compo.
Josh Ginsburg, and a happy camper.
They met weekday mornings, from 9 to noon. Some were already experienced; they’d take a rod, and run off. Others had to learn how to cast, lure a porgy and more.
“They may not be as big as a striper or bluefish,” Luca notes. “But when they catch even a porgy or sea robin, kids go crazy.”
He and the counselors make sure to celebrate every achievement, no matter how small.
One day, with the tide particularly low, few fish were biting.
Suddenly — at 11:40, as they all got ready to pack up — the boys started hooking fish.
Luca texted the parents to pick them up there, so they could keep angling to the end. “That was so much fun,” he says. “It was awesome!”
Casting on the Compo jetty.
(Yes, all the campers this year were male. Luca hopes girls will join next year, but notes, “guys are generally more interested in fishing.”)
Already a patient fisherman, Luca says that running the camp has helped him realize the time it takes to learn a new skills.
He adds, “Everyone learns differently. But fishing is hands-on. We have to do a lot of demonstrations.”
He’ll be back at the beach next year, introducing another group of boys (and girls?) to one of his many passions.
Just as he got hooked on the sport 4 years ago, Luca Caniato will reel the next generation of fishermen in.
(To learn more, email lucagcaniato@icloud.com, or click here. You can follow Luca’s fishing and photography adventures on Instagram: @lgcflicks.)
(“06880” regularly highlights the achievements of Westport’s great young people. If you enjoy stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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To run on the Independent Party line, Rosenwaks needed signatures from 1% of the number of people who voted in the previous selectperson’s race: 85 registered voters.
Noting that the Hamlet proposal included 57 residential units, 57 hotel rooms and building heights up to 62 feet, ROAN says their goal was to “provide a vibrant village atmosphere with public waterfront access, retail, dining, and diverse housing options.
