Brighton, Massachusetts Projects

This was the funnest day
I’ve ever had in my life!

Foster Child

The Mayfly Project Mentee

Project Location

Brighton, Massachusetts

 

Year Project Founded

2024

Project Lead Mentor

Beck Cyr

 

Mentors on this team

 

Children mentored to date

 

 

Children to mentor in 2025

10

Local foster care partners

Currently searching for local foster care connections and programs.

Local companies that support this project

Bear’s Den Fly Fishing Company. Currently searching for more local sponsors and partners!

Apply to Mentor

For more questions about this project,
contact Beck Cyr at:
info@themayflyproject.com

Support the Brighton, MA Project

Beck is thrilled to bring The Mayfly Project to foster children in Massachusetts and as lead mentor, bring other anglers together to cultivate a meaningful and invaluable experience for these children.

Beck Cyr, Lead Mentor

Brighton, Massachusetts Project

Project Mentors

Beck Cyr, Lead Mentor

Beck is the lead mentor and founder of the Boston/Brighton Chapter. Beck is a CT-native-turned-Boston transplant, who is proud to live and work as a social worker in The Bay State. They’ve been a fly angler since 2023, but an angler since they were practically a minnow themselves. Beck also enjoys fly tying, birdwatching, hiking and all-things outdoors. Their go-to fly pattern is Jim Finn’s iconic Golden Retriever. Beck is looking forward to bringing such an incredible program to Massachusetts.

Paul Kenney, Mentor
I grew up spin fishing for bass and panfish in small ponds on a golf course south of Boston. Currently the western suburbs are home. A fly fishing mentor and neighbor took me under his wing in 2016. In the time since I have fished in nine states. Fresh and salt water fly fishing is now a passion. Professionally I have a 40 year career in technology sales and service. I’m blessed with a wonderful wife of 40 years, two children and two grandsons. I am excited to be one of the first mentors in the Boston Mayfly Project!
Hong Chin, Mentor
I have volunteered for the Angler Ed program since 1981 on family Saturday fishing events and small Rec. Dept. & after school clinics. Tied flies for fresh & saltwater since 1980’s, learned fly fishing then as well. I volunteered numerous hours every year, mostly with closed face reel (Zebco) spinning outfits. For the past couple of years have helped out with several Marine fisheries events. I have helped out with several Rhode Island Fly Fishing events for several years. I live in Arlington MA. Have been catching Striped Bass in RI April – December. Head out to the Swift River for trout occasionally. Try for Landlocked Salmon in the Fall as they run up the rivers
Alicia Marsh, Mentor
Originally from Eastern Connecticut, Alicia moved to Boston for school and fell in love with the Greater Boston area. While not a fly-fisher at all, she is a lover of the great outdoors, a hike with a good view, crafts (I’m looking at you, knitting!) and is reliable to always have snacks on board. She also carries her NREMT, EMT-B in both Massachusetts and Connecticut, ACLS, and hopefully her PA-C come May 2025. She is excited to be the medical liason and spending some time river side.
Dennis Michaud, Mentor
Dennis began fishing the brooks in the northern Maine not long after he learned to walk. Switching to fly fishing twenty years ago, he appreciates any opportunity to play in the water (or on a kayak) with a fly rod, including for trout, bass, stripers, and anything else that swims! A fairly avid fly tyer, he loves the relaxing creativity of making fake creatures that trick fish. His indoor life is spent with his wife, daughters, dog, cat, rabbits, and chickens… or at work helping people build affordable, energy-efficient homes. He is thrilled to be part of the Brighton, MA Mayfly Project!
Nick Pavlovsky, Mentor
Born and raised in Florida, Nick developed a love for the outdoors fishing the flats of the Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon with his dad. In 2012, he moved to Pittsburgh for his graduate studies. There, he discovered the rivers and streams of Pennsylvania, balancing his studies with chasing wild trout. After graduating in 2019, he relocated to Massachusetts for a career in computer software. He now spends much of his free time outdoors with his wife and dog, fly fishing for trout, smallmouth, pike, and carp across New England. He looks forward to sharing his love for the outdoors with all those participating in the Boston Mayfly Project.
Jon Becker, Mentor

A Vermont native, Jon grew up in spending much of his time in the mountain rivers of the beautiful Green Mountain State. Work and Life brought him to Massachusetts where he still seeks the adventure and lessons of the outdoors. Passionate about conservation, hunting, fishing, and hiking, Jon is excited for the opportunity to be involved with the Mayfly Project. Knowing firsthand about the benefits of connecting with nature, Jon hopes to be able to share what he loves about fly fishing and conservation with the next generation!

Tony Vinciguerra, Mentor

 As a third-generation, lifelong fly fisher, Tony firmly believes that fly fishing is good for the soul. Because his work life requires sitting in front of a computer, in his personal life, Tony has enjoyed teaching his nephews, friends, and colleagues to fly fish. Tony was drawn to The Mayfly Project because his father was in foster care. The highlights of his father’s foster care experience were when he was able to be outdoors. Tony’s experience as a mentor for Casting for Recovery coupled with his time as a volunteer with Mass. Fish & Wildlife’s Angler Education program has convinced him that fly fishing is a good way to teach patience and the value of the outdoors. He is convinced that TMP will be a rewarding experience for all involved.

Michelle DeLateur, Mentor

A California native and former resident of the fly fishing mecca of Sun Valley Idaho, Michelle started fly fishing with her family on the Stanislaus River in Northern California in 2020. What began as a family outing turned into a cherished weekly tradition. Now, Michelle is passionate about getting others on the water to experience the beauty of fly fishing. With a background in video and a passion for cameras and lenses, Michelle is a videographer, social media manager, and writer focusing on telling impactful stories through video and online platforms. She’s excited to join the brand new Boston chapter of The Mayfly Project!

Karen Martinez, Mentor

Karen Martinez grew up inspired by the adventures of her stepfather, a deep-sea fisherman, who shared his love of the ocean and its mysteries with her. Those early experiences instilled a sense of wonder and a deep appreciation for the water and all it has to offer. Karen’s journey into fishing has been shaped by the tales, lessons, and resilience of her stepfather, fostering her own love for connecting with nature.
Today, Karen is dedicated to sharing that passion through her involvement with The Mayfly Project in Massachusetts. Her enthusiasm for fishing isn’t just about casting lines—it’s about casting hope and opportunity for the children she mentors. For Karen, fishing is a way to embrace mindfulness, resilience, and joy.

Keith Newins, Mentor

Began fishing in California bays and streams for bass and trout. Learned fly fishing from many friends and family. During college worked as fishing guide and bush pilot in Alaska. Favorite waters are quiet spring creeks and favorite flies include black ants, woolly buggers, and whatever is hatching on the water right now. See you soon to have some fly fishy fun!

Jon Becker, Mentor

A Vermont native, Jon grew up in spending much of his time in the mountain rivers of the beautiful Green Mountain State. Work and Life brought him to Massachusetts where he still seeks the adventure and lessons of the outdoors. Passionate about conservation, hunting, fishing, and hiking, Jon is excited for the opportunity to be involved with the Mayfly Project. Knowing firsthand about the benefits of connecting with nature, Jon hopes to be able to share what he loves about fly fishing and conservation with the next generation!

Tony Vinciguerra, Mentor

 As a third-generation, lifelong fly fisher, Tony firmly believes that fly fishing is good for the soul. Because his work life requires sitting in front of a computer, in his personal life, Tony has enjoyed teaching his nephews, friends, and colleagues to fly fish. Tony was drawn to The Mayfly Project because his father was in foster care. The highlights of his father’s foster care experience were when he was able to be outdoors. Tony’s experience as a mentor for Casting for Recovery coupled with his time as a volunteer with Mass. Fish & Wildlife’s Angler Education program has convinced him that fly fishing is a good way to teach patience and the value of the outdoors. He is convinced that TMP will be a rewarding experience for all involved.