Michael Adams, Special Correspondent

I had a chance to get back to my roots on Friday.

Thanks to Bastrop playing on Thursday, and the Smithville Tigers being the only area team home this week, I got to experience lower classification football for the first time since I got my start in this business when I covered Palestine-Westwood (3A) in 2005.

Class 3A-and-below football is often overlooked thanks to the glamour and pizzaz of the upper classes with their multi-million dollar stadiums and future college starts.

And in being overlooked, those small things you don’t get in upper classification football are under-appreciated.
In small towns like Smithville, the game is still pure.
There is still that attachment the community has with its team.
In the upper classes, especially in the bigger cities, there is a level of detachment that grows between the fans and the teams.
As stadium-envy grows every year and the race to get a bigger and badder one than your rivals, the community gets more and more detached.
In Class 3A and below, the game has a level of intimacy that makes high school football in Texas such a special thing.
One thing I forgot about lower classification football is the smell of hot dogs and nacho cheese coming from the concession stand. (And how unhealthy concession stand food really is!)
Also, it is rare to find any football players marching with the band at halftime. Smithville had three.
The big stadiums are nice with their luxurious press boxes, large stadium bleachers and artificial grass, but one thing about most of these massive stadiums that is missing is that level of connection the fans have with the game.
I was sitting at the top row of the stands at Barry Field and was still able to feel like I was on the field.
You can’t get that at BISD Memorial, Burger or Chaparral Stadium. You can’t even get that at Wildcat Stadium in Elgin.
And like in Bastrop and Elgin with the Bears and the Wildcats, the entire town came out to support their Tigers.
Most of them in black, some of them in orange, but all of them wore their Tiger pride for everyone to see.
As Wharton took the lead, the fans didn’t stop cheering or believing.
The crowd at Barry Field cheered for their team as loud as they could as the 11 young men in black and orange carried the spirit of their town with them to a near victory.
Wharton did win and Smithville is still looking for its first win as it heads to Class 3A No. 4 Wimberley for a date with the Texans.
While the Tigers have their backs against a wall, a town of about 5,000 will stand behind those 50-plus young men every Friday night and cheer them in victory, pick them up in defeat and support them as they battle the toughest of challenges.
That is what Texas high school football is about.
Yes, Class 5A and 4A football is glamourous and exciting with their spread offenses, college scouts in the stands, future college all-stars  and their luxurious stadiums.
But its the intimacy that comes from small towns who’s hopes and pride is carried onto a 120-yard slab of grass by a team full of teenagers who give their all not just for school pride, but also for their town.
And while there may be that same thing at Bastrop and Elgin, it’s nothing compared to lower classification football in very small towns.

Lolie McCorquodale: Paige News

Looks like a couple of strangers rode into town this week. Gracie Johnson and Sarah Fischer had their picture taken last Friday with a Texas Longhorn in front of the Old Frontier store on their way to the Giddings high school football game. Good picture Girls. 

Little Cooper “Bronc” Mitchel has picked a horse to go riding with his dad. Cooper will be celebrating his first birthday this September with family and friends here in Paige. His proud parents are B.J. and Melissa Mitchel, grandparents Billy and Linda Mitchel, Lester Barton and the late Rosie Martinez and great-grandmother Lupe Martinez.

Community Center Founders Day

The Paige Founders Day celebration will be on Sept. 11, at the Paige Community Center.

The ladies from the Bastrop Extension Office (EE Club) will have a moonwalk and games for the children. Please bring the kids out for a good time with family and friends and visit our museum here in Paige too. The Paige 4-H will be selling cold bottled water and soda’s.

The Live Music will be inside, because of the heat. There will be outside booths and the museum will be open at 10 am 

The barbecue starts at 11:30 a.m. and will be served until they run out. The fixings will feature homemade noodles by Lillie Mae Voight, beans by Betty Light and potato salad by Eleanor Berger. Yummy.

The Paige 4-H will also be selling Raffle Tickets for a queen size quilt on the front Porch.

Tickets are $1 each or 6 for $5.

The reunion of Paige students is held in connection with Paige Founders Day each year. We hope to have a lot of our Paige students show up. They are asking  the ladies in town to bring cakes or cookies for the dinner. 

Volunteer Fire Department Gives warning

Chief Troy Kunkle want the residents of Paige to remember to be very cautious about your fires. Sunday afternoon they had a 9-acre grass fire in the area. Please make sure your fire’s are put out, It’s very dry now with the heat and no rain – so if you think you put it out, just for the heck of it make sure, so the volunteer fire department won’t be at your place at supper time.

Crackers for Vets.

Kate Johnson, owner of the Old Frontier, has offered the store as a drop off in Paige for crackers for veterans. Bring your donation so Brenda Potter or Pat Abell can pick them up.

A little history of Crackers for Vets

Brenda Potter and Pat Abell met with Sid Hull, the Volunteer Coordinator at the Austin VA Outpatient Clinic on Montopolis Rd awhile back. Hull told them of a special need the clinic had: Many of the veterans arriving there are homeless or have gotten up early to travel to the clinic and arrive without eating. Hull asked if we could provide crackers in the individual packs such as cheese and peanut butter. Our volunteers took on that challenge and are making this project a major success. Brenda and Pat will personally make all the deliveries.

Paige Dates to Remember

Oct. 9, Paige Volunteer Fire Department fifteenth annual benefit, 4 p.m.

Oct. 9, Sons of Herman ‘Make a Difference’ fundraiser, starts at 7 a.m.

Thought

More than an end to all war, we want an end to the beginnings of all wars.
- Franklin Roosevelt

LeaAnn Goertz Lee

The weather was perfect for the 20 annual Rockne Homecoming parade on Saturday, with overcast skies giving a reprieve from the late summer heat.

The participants rode horses, motorcycles or floats of all types.

Two clowns from the Austin Shiners came out and entertained children while the grown-ups were entertained by floats such as Lee Ann’s Salon’s Grease- themed “Beauty School Dropouts,” which won Best in Show.

This float had the music, the girls with silver curlers, the Pink Ladies and the singing talent of Teri Meuth as Sandy and Steve Meuth as Danny.

Cook-off Winners

To keep the festivities going, many gathered at Leon’s after the parade to visit and several also participated in a barbecue cook-off.

Tim Nicholas won first place in ribs and Kathy Nolte won second. Two other Rockne natives won big, with Melissa Voigt winning first place in chicken and Robert Henderson winning first place in the open meat category.

Successful Bazaar

The Sacred Heart Catholic Church Homecoming Bazaar on Sunday afternoon was a success, with hardly an empty seat in Holtman Hall for the fried chicken dinner.

Many stayed around after the meal to play bingo or try to win something at the country store, bear stand or other booths.

Two new additions this year were a covered area for the auction and an arts and crafts booth, featuring homemade items made and donated by parishioners.

Annabelle Kincheloe, left and her sister Amber are happy with the giant stuffed poodle they won at the bear stand Sunday at the Rockne Homecoming Bazaar.

Locals Win Big in drawing

After the auction at the Homecoming Bazaar, a drawing was held with the first prize of $1,000 going to Jeffrey Hanna.

The second prize of $800 donated by Claude Wilhelm went to Woody Chapman.

Third prize of $200 donated by Leon’s went to Albert Klinkovsy of Austin and April Bartsch also won $200, donated by the Rockne-String Prairie Knights of Columbus.

Fifth prize of $150 donated by Bobby Friske went to Minnie Bartsch and sixth prize of $100 donated by Melvin and Flora Mae Beck went to Daniel May.

Stephen Klaus won $100 donated by Catholic Life Insurance and representative Gerri Martinez.

Leon Grohman also won $100, donated by Kathy Bartsch. Ninth prize of $100 went to Judy Yunken.

Kerry Goertz won a $100 Walmart gift card and Ronnie Wolf won a $100 H.E.B. gift card.

Barbara Seidel won $100 in lottery tickets donated by Rockne Grocery and Clayton Hoffman won $50 in lottery tickets, also donated by Rockne Grocery.

Tournaments

The bazaar also features a horseshoe and washer tournament each year.

In the horseshoe tournament, Roy Eakins and Pat Lopez won first place.

Nancy Goertz and Susan French won second place and Curtis Hancock and Charlie Ray Kirk won third place.

In the washer tournament, Adam Meuth and Clay Ingram won first place. Cole Goertz and Chad Goertz won second place and Ben Higgs and Justin Klaus won third place.

In the horseshoe ten pitch, Pat Lopez won first and Jeff Meuth won second in the men’s division. Kristine Goertz won first and Kallye Nutt won second in the women’s division. Brendon Cockrell won first and Cody Goode won second in the junior division. In the washer ten pitch, Aaron Grohman won first place and David Meadows won second place.

Kerry Goertz and his wife Nancy were both winners at the Rockne Bazaar. Kerry won a $100 Walmart gift card in the raffle drawing and Nancy won second place in the horseshoe tournament.

Last Chance Cookoff at Leon’s

On Sept. 25, a “Last Chance” cookoff will take place at Leon’s with the proceeds going to the Bastrop County Go Texan Scholarship Fund.

The categories are pork ribs, brisket, margaritas, pinto beans, Tolbert chili and open meat.

A live and silent auction will take place that day and there will be live music by  the Roadhouse Band.

For more information, contact Debbi at (512) 284-4097.

Jo Watts: Watts New in the Arts

Many of you may remember Smithville’s first annual music festival at Riverbend Park last year. 

It was an all-day festival with several varieties of music and musicians, including Jimmy Vaughn, Hannibal Lokumbe and the Watts Brothers Band. This event, under the giant oaks on the Colorado River, was such a success that Smithville has no choice but to do it again this year.

An addition to the 2010 festival will be the inclusion of the First Saturday Arts Festival at the Gazebo downtown, which has always been sponsored by the LPAA.

This year, the artists will be moving to the park and I predict a great day for them, the musicians and the public attending the event on Nov. 6.

There will be only a dozen spaces for artists, all under cover. The fee for a space for this one-time event is $75. It will be a long day: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., but there will be great music in the air the whole time.

Three to five thousand people are expected to attend, so this is a real opportunity for artists to show and sell.

For more information or applications call P.K. Scott at (512) 633-9972. You can also get more information at the website at www.LostPinesArtisansAlliance.org or email SmithvilleFirstSat@LostPinesArtisansAlliance.org.

Group Show for LPAA

The LPAA is hosting a group show at the Mary Nichols Arts Center, 301 Burleson in Smithville, for the months of September and October. 

The reception will be on Friday, Sept. 10 from 5-8 p.m. or whenever everyone gets tired. Come by to see the work and meet the artists while enjoying refreshments.

New artsy Cowgirl

There’s a new cowgirl in town. Portrait artist Karen Raidy has recently moved to Bastrop County from Santa Barbara, Calif., and she already loves it here. 

Well, what’s not to love?  She’s another naturalized citizen of our great state. 

I’ve seen some small prints of her work and I’m very impressed with her talent as a portrait artist.

Karen Raidy's has recently moved to Bastrop County bringing her potrait talents to the area. She is seen here woring on a piece Titled “Mom and Louis.”

I’m impressed with her enthusiasm too as she has jumped right in and joined the BFAG, the LPAA and is meeting and talking with other artists every chance she gets.

Karen will soon be teaching a four-week session titled “How to Draw People” at the Mary Nichols Arts Center in Smithville. She has studied with master teachers nationwide, spending two years in the Chicago atelier, School of Representational Art.

Her passion is to pass on her education to others.

Karen tells us, “If you’ve been afraid to do figure drawing, this is the class for you.”  It’s taught with the beginner in mind and will cover proportion, construction, movement and gesture as well as the figure in perspective and in a long pose.

The classes will be on Mondays, 7-9 p.m. Sept. 27, Oct 4, 18 and 25. The cost is $85 plus supplies and will help to support the LPAA.

Contact her at (512) 635-7521 or email petsketch@charter.net. 

Visit her website at www.karenraidyportraits.vpweb.com/

So Smithville Regional Hospital has entered an agreement with the Seton network.

The initials could actually remain the same – SRH.

The long term health of the hospital and its associated groups are so important for our community, and I commend the leadership of the Smithville Hospital Authority and the SRH leadership for making a tough decision. 

The jobs and the health care provided by these assets are vital. 

As this blending of the two groups emerges, we look forward to a win-win situation for our community.

Seton, welcome to Smithville. You have already recognized our assets. You bring along your strengths and we encourage you to continue to grow.

We will support your efforts to continue to bring quality medical care to our area – thanks for becoming our new community partner.

Now if someone could just invent the totally painless shot.

T-Shirts change fashion, expression

Does anyone out there remember life when the only T-shirts were white ones? 

I actually Googled to see when the T-shirt took over our daily wardrobe – especially that of the under-30 crowd. 

According to Google, decorated T-shirts were first introduced in Miami in the early 1950s to advertise Walt Disney characters. In the 1960s tie-dyeing and screen-printing T-shirts emerged. Since the 1980s, T-shirts have flourished as a form of personal expression.

Another interesting fact about T-shirts: A life cycle study shows that the total CO2 emissions from T-shirts is about 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds) – including the growing of the cotton, manufacturing and wholesale distribution. The loss of natural habitat potential from T-shirts is estimated to be 10.89 square meters (116 square feet).

Now that is really more than you wanted to know about T-shirts.

But to my point, we don’t visit a unique place, have a special event or support our team of choice without the purchase of a T-shirt. We collect them, we wear them and we enjoy them.

Companies thrive on selling T-shirts and many businesses and non-profits enjoy the benefits of selling shirts. You have probably never heard of Tropix Togs, but thanks to their decision to decorate those first T-shirts, you now have a drawer full of them.

For most of us, a T-shirt is a staple in our wardrobe and for many of us wearing a T-shirt means it’s time for fun and relaxation. T-shirts are like computer keyboards – there are millions of people who can’t remember before keyboards existed.

School + community = recognized

One T-shirt in particular has caught my eye recently – actually it took my breath away.

Sitting in the stands at Barry Field, I noticed the Smithville ISD faculty and staff wearing new orange shirts.

When I saw the backs of the shirts, I saw this phrase: “Schools + Community = Recognized.” 

Seeing that message on the backs of those hard working professionals was not only a thank you for the work that has been done and the accomplishments gained, but also a challenge to continue.

We do all work together to encourage and support our students not only during the school days, but also throughout the year.

I challenge all of us to make plans for next summer’s long, hot days.

Our community’s programs for our students are great, but we need to do more.  We need to keep those minds, hearts and hands engaged.

Let’s continue to work together to “= accomplishment.”

This week I was alerted to a very special day that may or may not apply. 

International Bacon Day is traditionally celebrated (and by “traditionally,” I mean since it was created by University of Colorado graduate students in 2004) on the Saturday before Labor Day. During years where Labor Day falls on Sept. 1 or 2, Bacon Day will occur in August. 

According to Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia and source for information on popular culture, Bacon Day celebrations “typically include social gatherings during which participants create and consume dishes containing bacon, including bacon-themed breakfasts, lunches, dinners, desserts and drinks.”

Hmmm, seems more appropriate to celebrate it on Super Bowl Sunday. 

Wikipedia also tells us that as a courtesy to our more health-conscious friends, Bacon Day gatherings may also include the consumption of soy bacon or turkey bacon.

Forgive me, but what is the point in that?  Why don’t you go ahead and serve eggnog made only with egg whites at your next holiday party while you’re at it?

I’m a little leery on the whole “drinks” aspect of Bacon Day.

I’m perfectly aware of the scientific theory that bacon improves almost anything with which it makes contact, but I don’t think I’ll ever be convinced that bacon grease would make an acceptable beverage. 

Grandmothers across the nation, rejoice. There is finally a use for that jar of bacon grease you’ve been keeping next to the stove all these years.

You had the foresight to realize that one day, you would need perfectly-aged bacon grease for party cocktails.

SISD CONSIDERS COMPOSTING

Rebecca Ponders of Compost IT, met with a group of local representatives regarding the implementation of a waste stream process that takes composting to a more efficient, high-tech level.

The presentation was made to Smithville library director Judy Bergeron, Mayor Mark Bunte, Smithville elementary principal Ana Murray, city grant writer Jill Strube, and local business owner Sam Blasco for consideration in Smithville.

Ponders described a system in which the school district’s cafeterias would empty their food scraps into a large metal vessel that rotates, creating heat of 131 degrees for three days to kill pathogens through microbial activity, which then produces a rudimentary compost after a curing process is completed.

The entire process takes five to seven days and uses minimal electricity.

The process not only utilizes food scraps but it also consumes carbon sources such as paper and yard scraps, preventing them from ending up in the landfills.

In addition, local restaurants would be invited to participate by recycling their food scraps with the overall benefit of lowering the costs of waste disposal for business owners.

Once the initial process is completed and simple compost is produced, it can be transferred to a worm bin where, over the course of 30 to 40 days, a more refined vermicompost can be harvested.

According to Ponders, the compost produced from the worm bin is valued at about $2 per pound as compared to the value of the initial compost of $0.02 – $0.03 per pound.

The final product can then be sold or used on city or school property.

Prior to the meeting, Ponders was given a tour of the recycling facilities in Smithville and was very impressed by the progress the city has made, especially considering the limited resources we have. 

Discussions turned to investments and resources that would be needed in order to implement such a system.

Funding is being investigated while further research is being done on the possible benefits, effects, and sustainability of the system.

FRIENDS STAYING BUSY

The Friends of the Smithville Public Library have booked plenty of activities over the next couple of months. 

The fall edition of their semi-annual book sale will take place starting on Thursday, Oct. 14, beginning at 1 p.m. and run through Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Smithville Public Library.

On Friday, Oct. 15, the Friends will be selling baked goods of all types (including some sugar-free items and homemade doggie treats) starting at 9 a.m. in front of Texas Associates Insurors (formerly Saunders Insurance) at 305 Main St. 

Get there early for the best selection as they routinely sell out within a couple of hours.

The Friends will be hosting a booth during the City-Wide Garage Sale on Saturday, Oct. 2 starting at 10 a.m. next to the chamber of commerce office as part of their membership drive.

Drop by, grab a cookie, complete a membership form and find out more about how you can become part of one of the most important groups in the community.

If you’ve ever been a member of the Friends and are not sure of your current status, you will be able to renew your membership there as well.

Stop by the library on Tuesday, Oct. 5 for a Texas Night Out gathering featuring a street dance and a bicycle registration drive.

The registration program helps support the “Safe Routes to Schools” program and helps to curb the theft of bicycles.

Finally, save the date – Thursday, Dec. 9, for the Smithville Public Library’s Open House. This year’s party will include food, fun, and, of course, the Clydesdale carriage rides.

LPAA WELCOMES NEW EXHIBIT

The newest Lost Pines Artisans Alliance exhibit at the Mary Nichols Art Center for September and October is “Artists’ Choice.” This show will feature some of our local artists’ favorite works of all mediums.

The public is invited to an artists’ reception to be held on Friday, Sept. 10 from 5-8 p.m.  The Mary Nichols Art Center is located at 301 Burleson and Loop 230 in Smithville.  

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT SEEKS DONATIONS

Last week, The Times reported on the upcoming annual event “Texas Night Out” on Tuesday, Oct. 5 from 7-10 p.m. in neighborhoods throughout Smithville. 

To be a success the event requires a good deal of planning and some financial backing. 

Any help that’s contributed is a direct investment in your community.

The Smithville Police Department is soliciting donations of money, supplies (food, beverages, cups, plates and other party supplies), and “goodies” (door prizes, giveaways, gift bags and coupons to present at the various locations where people will be gathering). 

This is an excellent opportunity for area businesses to get their names out into the public by branding their donations.

Donations need to be turned in no later than Saturday, Sept. 25 and can be dropped off at the Smithville Police Department located at 105 NW Fourth St. 

If donors are unable to drop off donations at the Smithville PD, they are asked to call for a pick-up at 237-3228. 

Questions may also be directed to this phone number.

COMMUNITY ACTION TEAMING UP WITH KOMEN

The local Community Action group is combining resources with Susan G. Komen for the Cure to offer free mammograms for area women who otherwise may not receive them.

The program has several criteria for eligibility.

In terms of physical requirements, the candidate must not have breast implants, cannot have had prior breast cancer treatments, and cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding. Candidates must also be between the ages of 40 and 64.

In addition, there are family income guidelines that must be met.

Eligible women include those who are uninsured or underinsured (high deductible for mammogram screenings). Women who have Medicaid or Medicare are ineligible to receive this service.

For more information or to make an appointment, contact Keri Worthy at (512) 392-1161, ext. 307 or email kworthy@communityaction.com. An alternate contact is Lydia Perez at (512) 392-1161, ext. 322 or email lperez@communityaction.com. This endeavor is funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure. For more infromation see their website at www.komenaustin.org.

New counselor for All Faiths

All Faiths of the Pines Funeral Home recently welcomed Nina Stagner as their new pre-arrangement counselor.

Nina was born and raised in the Houston and Rosenberg areas and moved to Smithville in 1983 with her two children, David and  Leah.

Nina changed careers and moved to Gonzales where she worked  in the funeral and pre-arrangement industry. That is where she got reacquainted with a friend from  years back, Joe Solansky, owner of All Faiths of the  Pines Funeral Home. Joe expressed his desire to  have a stronger pre-arrangement and after-care program and Nina was eager to accept the responsibility and to move back to her home in Smithville.

   “There are so many advantages to pre-arrangement such as:  locking in at today’s cost, choosing your own plan, and taking the financial burden off of your family,” Stagner said.  “As most people know, the grief of losing a loved one is unbearable and if our loved one had not made any pre-arrangements, you are left to do so without knowing what their true wishes might have been.“

Stagner will meet with you to answer any questions or if you are ready to pre-arrange a funeral or cremation and can also help you in selecting headstones or markers. You can reach Nina at (512) 237-3836.

Hikers above the clouds in Glacier National Park, Montana, brought along The Times. From left are John and Jill Lube, Ann Miller, David Neyses, Kathy and Don Bertram, Judy Bettes, Justin and Jennifer Bezner and Tom Bettes.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

Don’t forget about the Smithville Community Gardens Second Annual Dinner Fundraiser this Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Smithville Recreation Center starting at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce office and area banks.

You’ll get a delicious, freshly prepared dinner while also helping a grassroots community organization.

Also, on Sunday, Sept. 12, tickle your funny bone at the Smithville Music and Film Commission’s free session “Improv 101″ at the 1st ACT! Academy at 301 Whitehead from 2-4 p.m.  

Learn and practice techniques that will help perfect your comedic reflexes and timing.  Make sure you call ahead and reserve your spot at (512) 216-2645.

“Hooray,” they think, “now the state of Texas and its minions can keep my fool kids out of my hair. And maybe learn them something useful, like how to give the cat a bath or clean the coffee maker without making the house smell like vinegar.” In some ways, this whole dumping your kids on the state thing seems un-American, but folks are all for it. 

The legal and philosophical premise behind the role we place on the educational system in the raising of our kids, namely the Latin phrase “in loco parentis,” is the foundation of our whole society.  

This old Roman fancy talk loosely translates as the school is “in place of the parents,” or maybe, “Tuesday is Sloppy Joe Day.”  I can’t remember which, but, obviously, both concepts are integral to the school system.

Being both a daddy and a school teacher, I have to give this discipline stuff a lot of thought. Usually, if it involves philosophy, controversy or having to deal with other folks, I prefer to ignore it and hope it goes away. 

But the muckity-mucks and grand poobahs of the school system (they hate when you call them that) force you to codify and post your discipline system, and no, “Don’t act like a durn ol’ fool” won’t cut it.

So I thought I would give you all a peek behind the exciting and lucrative world of public education.  I should first explain, before we start shoving learning into the kids’ heads, we spend five days doing “in-service,” a word I can’t figure out. What is, and to whom, is the “service” we are doing? Is there “out-service”? Will it count as community service hours with our probation officer?  

I notice when we get to the “does anyone have any questions” portion of in-service, I never get called on, which is a shame because I have a lot of questions.

Let’s begin with the fact that discipline is a lot different than when you were in school. I’m comfortable in making this generalization because no one under the age of 40 reads newspapers anymore, so I know I’m talking to you, gramps.

But back in our day, discipline was handled by the barrel-chested coach with his “board of education.”

In retrospect, you realize he was really just a mentally impaired sadist, always in a bad mood because his shorts were too tight, but his cricket bat drilled with holes (“the holes help the aerodynamics? Really?  Yeah, you’re always being confused for a Boeing engineer”) kept you in line.

There’s not a lot of pummeling in educational discipline these days, which is good, I guess.

The down side is that there is a lot more paperwork, which is about as bad as a good beating.  But to make our bad kid paperwork more palatable, teachers will spend an entire day talking about and shaping our classroom’s discipline plan. 

All right! Discipline with a “plan!” Everyone knows when you have a “plan” with the proper adjective attached, things are under control.

With an escape plan, you can break out of a Nazi POW camp; a diet plan, lose 400 pounds and not have EMT’s cut a hole in your bedroom wall to get you out; retirement plan, save and invest wisely for 30 years, have the market crash and your company’s pension plan destroyed in bankruptcy court, and live behind a truck stop dumpster fighting One Ear Bill for the expired honeybun with the fewest rat bite marks.

So maybe not all plans work out for the best.  What’s that famous Robert Burns’ quote?  “The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray.”  We all know that couldn’t be more true.  It’s so universal, John Steinbeck got the title of his classic novel, “The Grapes of Wrath,” from this quote. 

But even if your discipline plan is going to go astray, it’s better than using a blunt object.

These plans all pretty much have the same steps. First, have a few, very easy to understand, posted rules for your room, I usually go with “1) No miming.  2) The pencil sharpener is for pencils only, not for making sausage. 3) No waking the teacher during his special “nap time.”

Then you list the consequences for those wisenheimers who can’t follow these easy, highly visible rules.

First offense – verbal warning – preferably with positive, non-threatening language redirecting the behavior: “Billy, I need you to return Mr. Calhoun’s stroke cane and stop using it to shove pork leavings into the pencil sharpener. The cafeteria is not looking for extra sausage income.”

Second offense – parent call.  Truth be told, about 80 percent of the time, this does not help.  About 20 percent of these calls, you’ll get, “We’ll talk to Billy about his unprovoked miming.   He’s just going through a stage” which is helpful. 

The rest of the time, you get, “Hey, it’s during school hours. He’s your problem” (bad); or “that idiot boy of mine acting the fool again?  Well, when he gets home, I’ll just beat him until his grandchildren will still be feeling it” (worse); or “Who’s Billy?” (worst).

Third offense – extensive, legalistic paperwork so the kid becomes the assistant principal’s problem.

For the most part, I like passing off my problems, but the reason most teachers leave the house in the morning is not the perks (you mean I can have the empty copier ink cartridge for free), privileges (I believe I’ll cut the queue in the cafeteria), and prestige (you need a red pen? Luckily, I’m a teacher and have one right here), but because they are hoping to help make something cool happen in a kid’s life.

So the only thing worse for a teacher than beating a kid is telling him to go away, even when it is obviously and patently necessary. That’s why I’m thinking of pulling back my sausage/sharpener rule. 

But I draw the line at miming.

Lee Ann Goertz Lee: Rockne News

Come join in the fun this Saturday, Sept. 4, at the 20 annual Rockne Homecoming Parade.

The Ben Hur Shriners will be there and a cook-off is planned for later that afternoon.

Parade participants should be there by 9 a.m.

Please contact Carol Jenkins at (512) 321-7346 for more details.

Rockne Bazaar

The Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Rockne will have its Homecoming Bazaar this Sunday, Sept. 5.

A meal of homestyle sausage, fried chicken and dressing with all the trimmings will be served from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Plates are $7 for adults and $4 for children under 10.

Horseshoe and washer tournaments will start at noon (register by 11 a.m.) and an auction will begin at 2 p.m.

There will be bingo inside and games and activities outside, such as the ring toss, fish pond and country store, so bring the whole family!

Rockne resident gets curves

Rockne resident Beth Ane Osborn is the proud new owner of Curves, a fitness center designed for women, located at 1001-A Chestnut St. in downtown Bastrop.

Beth Ane Osborn of Rockne is the new owner of Curves, a fitness center designed for women, at 1001-A Chestnet St. in Bastrop.

Years ago, Osborn worked out at Curves and after about a year and a half she lost 70 pounds and five dress sizes.

She dreamed of owning her own Curves, but that dream did not become a reality until earlier this summer, when she heard that the previous owner, Mary McMillan, was selling the business.

Since her initial experience with Curves, Osborn has had two hip replacements.

She knows all too well how difficult it can be to find a fitness program that suits the needs of everyone.

That is one point she stresses, that the Curves regimen is great for any age and level of fitness.

She is currently working towards her own fitness goals and since starting Curves again on June 1, she has lost two dress sizes.

Osborn also stressed that there will always be a trainer on the circuit.

In July, she and her daughter, Heather Osborn, went to Curves Training Camp at their headquarters in Waco and were both certified.

The mother and daughter team will be busy, since they both hold down jobs at the Hyatt as well.

Beth Ane has worked as an overnight PBX phone operator for about three years now and Heather works in In-room Dining.

Osborn also mentions that anyone who is interested in finding out more about Curves may come in and receive a free trial week.

Sam Brown Band Plays at VFW

The Sam Brown Band will play at the VFW in Rockne on Sunday, Sept. 5, from 8 p.m. to midnight.

The cover will be $5.

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.

Joan Bohls welcomes Belgian exchange student Gael Garitte to Smithville. Gael, who is being hosted by the Bastrop Rotary Club, has completed high school in Belgium but is continuing his education in the United States to learn more about American culture and to practice his English.

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.

Rose Pietsch, left, and her husband Ronnie, right, visited Las Vegas with their daughter Courtney for her twenty-first birthday. Pietsch said everyone had a wonderful time but they came away without winning a jackpot.

UNTIL NEXT WEEK

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

Congratulations to Hollie Supak, Troy Streuer, Sheila Tamble and the many volunteers who made Chic Beat, the Smithville Music and Film Commission’s first fashion and music festival, a huge success.

The event was well attended, the models were fabulous in the fashions from area merchants and the evening was great fun.

I would also like to send a special thanks to The Pickett Fence for donating balloons, Grandma’s House for the beautiful plants, Kitchen Divas for providing a free buffet, Playhouse Smithville for their entertaining band and the crew of the Smithville Parks and Recreation Department for their support.

Our vendors were busy selling their great items to ready buyers. Another new event has been created for our community calendar. We’ll start looking right away for the spring show date!

Businesses should prepare for change

I wish it were raining outside of the window as I write this column. A change in the weather would almost be as good for us all as a change in the business climate.

There is no question that we are all looking forward to cooler days (and nights) and stronger business numbers.

I keep thinking about those Tiger band members, cheerleaders and football players  (and their adult leaders) who are putting in those hot, hot hours of practice. Sometimes for them the reward might seem as hidden as the dollars in the cash register after a slow business day.

But, just like the player on the sidelines who must be ready to put on his helmet when the coach calls his name, our businesses must be ready, regardless of how hard the last hit was, to have our “game face” on and be ready to give a 100 percent effort.

Businesses are made up of service, merchandise, service, price, and did I mention service? Everyone remembers the service, sometimes even long after the merchandise is worn out and certainly after the meal is eaten.

Local story

goes national

I have a problem with my new phone.

It’s really not the phone itself, but for the last week it has been overworked by Google alerts.

When Smithville is mentioned in anything that is posted on the Internet, I get an alert and a copy of the posting.

Thanks to the Austin American-Statesman’s article about J.W. Breeden and LiveAir Networks, my phone has been going crazy.

The Associated Press picked up the story and it has been posted in newspapers and websites all around the country. People from as far away as New England have been reading the story about our own small-town entrepreneur business that has made a huge difference in the face of rural technology.

Our chamber pegged LiveAir as our Business of the Year in 2009 and I guess we were right on.

Thanks LiveAir for bringing all of this publicity to our community.

Citywide Garage

Sale soon

If you’d like to clean it out, don’t forget to sign up for the Citywide Garage Sale on Saturday, Oct. 2.

Sign up forms are available at the Smithville Area Chamber of Commerce.

For you bargain shoppers, we’re just a month away from another fun and exciting day around the neighborhoods in Smithville.