WEST YARMOUTH – [HN PHOTOS, NOTES & MULLINGS ON THE MATTER] – What are foreign “J-1” exchange students and why are they here?

According to the U.S. Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services website, “The J-1 classification (exchange visitors) is authorized for those who intend to participate in an approved program for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training.” The program is designed to promote the interchange of persons, knowledge, and skills, in the fields of “education, arts, and science,” the website points out.

“In carrying out the responsibilities of the Exchange Visitor Program, the Department of State designates public and private entities to act as exchange sponsors. J-1 non-immigrants are therefore sponsored by an exchange program that is designated as such by the U.S. Department of State…” blah, blah, blah.

The website goes on to list different examples of J-1 foreign “exchange visitors,” such as: “professors or scholars, research assistants, students, trainees, teachers, specialists, Au pairs, and camp counselors…”

But they forgot to mention “party animals!” As the Yarmouth Police Department had complaints about these “exchange partiers” all weekend long!

At around 2:00 a.m. Saturday morning, the entire Yarmouth Police Department’s midnight to 8:00 a.m. patrol shift was called to the Town ‘N Country Family Resort for what was initially described as a “disturbance.” According to radio transmissions, there were about 200 young revelers in the rear parking lot of the family resort. The decision was made to call in all cars to help disperse the crowd, which consisted of J-1 students residing on the premises, along with their guests and other early morning merrymakers looking for a little after-hours fun.

For the most part, the large group dispersed peacefully without there being any arrests.

But the Yarmouth Police had to responded again early this morning (Sunday, 8/20/2023), at two separate times, for two separate complaints of loud partying. Things were quiet when officers investigated this morning, but not so on Saturday morning…

When HN arrived on scene Saturday morning, the large crowd had mostly dispersed. There was, however, a woman visiting from Dartmouth, who had wandered onto the property after an evening at a nearby watering hole. She was mouthing off at the cops when HN first arrived, and her friends were trying to keep her from being arrested, and from being hit by a car! In the following HN photos, the mouthy Dartmouth woman – dressed all in black – is seen walking down the middle of Route 28 while her friends yell at her to get the hell out of the road! Police arrived and told her to move on or else go to jail. She still mouthed off while walking away… but did manage to stay on the sidewalk. Her friends turned toward officers and apologized.

I’d personally like to see these J-1 “students” doing a little more “camp counseling” and whatever else they’re supposed to do here… and a little less partying and howling at the moon! It appears the entire Town ‘N Country Family Resort is currently being used to house these students, who have special permission to be here, in order to exchange their “education, arts, and science.”

It’s quite an operation! But why? Are these students here to collaborate in developing a better beer bong? I don’t know. I can’t figure it out…

But seriously, nothing wrong with a little howling at the moon once and while – in moderation! – but our police officers have much better things to do, kiddos! They, unlike those here on a J-1 visa, are not out there all night to be your personal Au pairs or babysitters. They’re out at night to protect and serve the entire Town of Yarmouth!

So, smarten up!

P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is a brought to you by Hugh Masekela… [CLICK IT/CRANK IT!]

Business Card Directory

Add your business card click here