Global Experience offered in Westport - Rotary Exchange!

My son, Chris just graduated from Staples High School in Westport a few months ago.  Rather than go straight to college, he was fortunate enough to be sponsored by the Westport Rotary to spend a year in Brazil.  There, he will take classes with the local students in their native Portuguese (here's Chris with his Physics teacher), stay with 3-4 host families, take sightseeing trips to see the country, and immerse himself in the culture, language, food, climate and lifestyle of  that country!  What a wonderful experience!  I encourage all parents and students to look into this program.  The students are sponsored by their local Rotary Clubs from Westport, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk, Stamford, Ridgefield and others.  Parents, you don't have to reciprocate by hosting a foreign student, unless you want to.  The application process begins in the fall for international travel the following summer/fall.  Students pick from over 46 countries in Europe, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, South America, Asia and Africa.  Parents pay a small fee ($300?  I can't remember), as well as the one plane ticket, health insurance and optional side trips.   Rotary pays for schooling abroad, room and board, trips with host families, and even a monthly spending allowance - FOR 10+ MONTHS.  What a fantastic experience!  Why aren't more students doing this?  I have no idea!!!  Details about the Essex Exchange Program can be found at http://www.exchangestudent.org/.  Also, visit the blogs of Westport's 2  2010 exchange students at http://www.sledgenobrasil.blogspot.com/ and http://www.alexinvenezuela.wordpress.com/

"Cyndi Lopper" Speaks Out

Are you a property owner in Connecticut?  A significant portion of your property could be in grave danger, right under your very nose!!  What is in danger?  YOUR TREES?  Invasive plants and vines are taking over large swaths of our local landscape and smothering our 100 and 200 year old trees.  This photo is of a tree in Winslow Park in Westport, before the vines were cut  (now you know how I got my nickname "Cyndi Lopper"....)   Driving around the area, I have identified several invasive vines including Asiatic Bittersweet,  with yellow/orange berries - a vine that grows woody trunks that can get as thick as your thigh around the trees; or Asiatic Bittersweet with red berries, an especially nasty one because of its vicious thorns; and of course, the infamous Mile A Minute Vine, another Asian import which is taking over our native trees.  We can help a number of ways.  First and foremost, we need to WALK OUR PROPERTIES, especially the perimeter of our land and take a good look at our trees.  Not only do we stand to lose our 100 and 200 year old trees, but when they fall, we have a potential liability.  So really check your own property, even on the margins.  If you see your trees covered in vines, cut them down and keep them down, especially if your house is on the market. 

People come from all over the world to witness something we might take for granted: the glorious colors of fall foliage, spectacular reds and golds, and warm hues of orange which provide a stark contrast against a blue autumn sky.   Let's keep an eye on this precious resource while we still have time, and don't let these vines kill our valuable trees. 
Here are some helpful resources:
http://www.westportct.gov/agencies/landuse/conservation/invasiveplant.htm - Westport site
http://nbii-nin.ciesin.columbia.edu/ipane/ctcouncil/CT_Invasive_Plant_List.htm - list of invasive plants in CT

Marketing a lifestyle

Hi all you sellers! Despite the press saying the market is soft, there are still people looking to buy real estate! Have you noticed lately the number of buyers coming from urban areas, especially New York? I have. One thing I think they are attracted to, is the Fairfield County lifestyle, which combines sophistication with healthy and wholesome living. What do I mean by that? Organic markets, top quality restaurants, wonderful shopping, lots of 'happening' events in the arts, and a thriving commercial base all contribute to an environment of sophistication. But we also have our simple, wholesome pleasures not found in the city: pick your own apples, hayrides, harvest festivals, pick your own halloween pumpkins, real trick or treating where neighbors meet neighbors on the street to exchange greetings and treats, nature walks, local volunteer efforts, booster club car washes, scout popcorn and cookie sales, and parades where half of the town children are participants. Westport has a Halloween afternoon parade just for the toddlers and young children. Main Street is blocked off and shopkeepers dress up and pass out free candy.Fall is the perfect season to highlight the "lifestyle" of living here: get out those fall decorations for the house, pumpkins, and candles redolent of apples and spice. Change up the minor decor using warm colors of the fall. Anything that evokes of nature, harvest, family, neighbors, thanks-giving (not just Thanksgiving) will strike a note that will resonate!