Since schools across America are welcoming their exchange students for the year, it really made me wonder what the greatest cultural adjustments are for these guests.

The other thing that got me thinking about it was my daughter doing her physics homework over the weekend. We were discussing conversion factors between the English system of measurement and the metric system, and I’m quite sure that if my life hung in the balance, I would not get out alive if my survival instructions were based on the metric system. In fact, there would most likely be collateral damage involved as well. So there’s at least one drawback for European students who are coming to a nation that thoroughly rejects this method of measurement.

The other thing that sticks out dramatically is the American obsession with football.  (Actually, this might be more concentrated in Texas per a conversation I recently had with a Colorado native.) Anyway, it’s always a major milestone for all newly-minted honorary Texans to watch their first football game, not to mention the cheerleaders and the band.  This isn’t just a game, it’s a celebration.

We are so accustomed to seeing big, shiny things in America, and plenty of them. Pick-up trucks, white sneakers, disproportionately large jewelry – it can be a huge mind-scramble to any foreigner. And what must they think when they go into a store where dog clothes are sold?

I truly admire someone who steps out of the safety of their life-long community and moves thousands of miles away to experience a different way of life. I’m hard-pressed to commit to spending months away from my home country where I can buy a giant burrito at almost any hour of the day or night.

The entire first month of life in America is a lesson in cultural immersion for exchange students, right down to the plumbing and electrical sockets.  I can’t imagine I would be too happy if I got to Europe and realized I couldn’t use my flat iron.

SMITHVILLE WELCOMES EXCHANGE STUDENT

The Bastrop County Rotarians are sponsoring Gael Garitte as an exchange student this school year at Smithville High School. He will be splitting households for the school year, spending the first semester with Mike and Jean Helmick and the second semester with Kent and Joan Bohls.

Gael is from Belgium and speaks French, as do all the Belgians in the south near France.

He will be turning 18 in November and has already graduated from high school in Belgium.

He is spending time in America to learn about the culture, practice his English, and especially to indulge in the food.

Prior to arriving in the United States, he had never seen a football game but he is on the soccer team in Smithville and hopes to play golf as well.

LITTLE BUMPERS STILL REGISTERING

It’s volleyball season for the younger set (third graders through sixth graders) starting mid-month on Sunday afternoons at the Recreation Center.

Registration for Little Bumpers is open through tomorrow (Sept. 3) at $35 for the first child and $30 for each additional child and increases to $45 per child after Friday.  Late registration will remain open through Sept. 9.

Mandatory skills assessments will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 6:30 p.m. for third and fourth graders, and on Thursday, Sept. 16 at 6:30 p.m. for fifth and sixth graders.  Volunteer coaches are still needed.

For more information or to register, call the Smithville Parks and Recreation Department at 237-3282, ext. 7.  You may also visit them on the web at www.ci.smithville.tx.us or on the Facebook page for Smithville PARD.

RETURN OF LOSS SUPPORT GROUP

A*Med Community Hospice and Roberson Counseling Center are holding another series of “Living with Loss” support group sessions for the month of September. Meetings will be held through Wednesday, Sept. 29.

These free sessions are designed to offer a safe, confidential and structured place for people to meet and share their experiences of loss, learn to confront and process grief and express their feelings in a meaningful way.  “Loss” can be defined as death, divorce, unemployment and change in life circumstance or reduction of income.

Sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Roberson Counseling Center, located at 665 W. Loop 230 in Smithville.  For more information or to sign up, call Debbie Roberson at (512) 496-7724 or A*Med Community Hospice at 323-6500.

PEACE, LOVE AND PAWS FESTIVAL

Unleash your spirit at the “Peace, Love and Paws Festival” on Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Smithville Bark Park on First Street in Smithville.

This fundraiser for the Friends of the Smithville Animal Shelter and Adoption Center will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include pet-related activities, vendor booths, contests and more.

The organization has partnered with Emancipet to provide much-needed spay and neuter services on Oct. 11, and a booth will be available at the event to register eligible dogs and cats for this service.

Aside from increasing awareness about the need to provide a new local animal shelter and the importance of spaying and neutering, the organizers are hoping to raise funds for food, cat litter, flea and tick treatments, flea shampoo, vaccinations and treats.

Community members can help by sponsoring a pet for $100, purchasing vendor space at the festival for $35 or donating items on the club’s wish list.

All donors and sponsors will be listed on the event program for attendees to take home. They will also be acknowledged in The Smithville Times.

Wish list items include pet food (canned and dry), treats, shampoo, cat litter and vet services.

For more information about how you can help or to rent a vendor space, call (512) 496-7724.

FRIENDS OF LIBRARY MEET

The Smithville Public Library is an active library for its size, as demonstrated by its many programs like the summer reading program, the Senior Citizens Lunches and the Little Bookworms.

These programs and more are made possible by the Friends of the Smithville Public Library.

Join the Friends for their quarterly meeting tonight (Thursday, Sept. 2) at 5 p.m. at the library to learn how you can help.

FESTIVAL TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE

Tickets are now available for the Second Annual Smithville Music Festival featuring Jimmie Vaughan on Saturday, Nov. 6.

Tickets may be purchased at the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce office for $20 for general admission and $100 for VIP tickets. If you prefer, you may obtain tickets online at www.frontgatetickets.com with a service fee added.

The event is expected to sell out this year, so get your tickets as soon as possible.

For more information, visit www.smithvilletmusicfestival.org.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

We must be approaching autumn because the high temperature has only been about 95 this week.