Sullivan County is number one.

We're number one in New York State (excluding New York City) in youth alcoholism, teen pregnancy, teen suicide, AIDS, and drug abuse.

Judith Maier, Commissioner of Health and Family Services, raised this ugly statistic in committee once again, on December 13, 2001, which opened a discussion of what the county can do to reduce this statistic.

Robert Kunis, District 8 Legislator, stated that there are not enough recreation programs for kids. Mr. Kunis continued that, although the problem has been identified, we need to take action to solve it.

Rodney Gaebel, District 5 Legislator, stated that various government entities need to come together, including schools, towns and the county, in a cooperative effort to fund programs.

I say this county should not spend another dime on youth programs! Does anyone realize how many programs we currently have? Just about every town and village has a parks and recreation department or is annexed to programs through the school district or an organization.

For example, countywide we have hundreds of parent volunteers, teachers, and coaches who run Little Leagues, soccer, and basketball teams. They spend countless hours reviewing rules and regulations, going to meetings, organizing the activities, getting plaques and certificates for the kids, making phone calls, and sometimes baking cupcakes.

Judy Essex of Cornell Cooperative Extension delivered her monthly report at the General Services Committee meeting that afternoon and mentioned no fewer then seven youth programs affiliated through her agency, including the county 4-H clubs.

We have Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Local resident Stan Raiff launched Catskills' IDEA to teach kids dramatic arts and even circus technique. By using the school facility, students don't have to commute to the activity. This program is expected to expand to almost every district in the county by next year.

Monticello has Pete Tweed, who's been training local gymnasts for years. This program is open to the entire county, although preference is given to village residents. The village has a host of other activities, as well.

We have ski programs through the schools for a nominal cost. Privately, Holiday Mountain's season's pass is $209 for approximately three months of unlimited skiing. Tubing is $7-$9 per day. The ski club provides group lessons and competitive skiing and snowboarding.

Bob Whipple, who privately owns the ski shop, sells used equipment, when available, to help the kids out, buys it back when they outgrow it and sells them another trade-in.

There are karate schools and music schools.

There are summer programs, including the County DPW summer job program for teens.

Almost every church and temple has after school and preschool programs.

Most public libraries have story hours and other activities. The college and Forestburgh Playhouse offer inexpensive children's theatre.

The school bus companies will take children to any after school activity within the district without hesitation.

Almost every activity is free or inexpensive. Most will discreetly waive fees for families with hardships.

I can't even mention every program available in one column. When we have to start turning children away from existing programs for lack of space, then the county should discuss more youth programs.

In the meantime, we're number one; we're the parents. Get your kids involved and get involved with your kids.

We can be number one for good.