The Catskill Chronicle

MONTICELLO – The Sullivan County CARECORPS Anti-Drug Coalition held a press conference on December 3 at the Government Center in Monticello to announce the Safe Holidays STOP Sticker Campaign. Coordinators of the organization are Carolyn Massey and Bob Korabik of the Recovery Center.

Restricting sales of alcohol and tobacco products to underage youth in Sullivan County and promoting a Social Host Ordinance and Mandated Servers’ Training Ordinance are the main environmental strategies of the coalition. The latter two regulations would educate parents and retail establishments to be responsible and not provide alcohol to underage youth in private parties in people’s homes and in bars and taverns. Ordinances would bring the support of law enforcement and the larger community into helping prevent the tragedies brought on by abuse of alcohol among our young people.

Chair of the CARECORPS group, Larry Schafman, welcomed parents, students, and residents as well as members of the media. He explained the importance and timeliness of this campaign as the holiday season begins. He introduced the following speakers who reinforced the message; State Trooper Sergeant Michael Rushanski, Sullivan County Undersheriff Eric Chaboty, Fallsburg Police Chief Simmie Williams, Catskill Regional Medical Center CEO Steve Ruwoldt, students Jose Lemus from Fallsburg High School and D.R.E.A.M. Tank (pictured here at the podium in the government center lobby), Christina Neist from Tri Valley High School and the Catholic Youth Organization, Judge Josephine Finn and student Matt Sze from D.R.E.A.M. Tank, Rachel Lewis from Sullivan County Youth Alliance, Sullivan County Family Court Judge Mark Meddaugh, and District Attorney Elect Jim Farrell. Also Mr. Schafman read a letter of support from Terri Ward, President/CEO of the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce.

Student volunteers are actively meeting with businesses throughout the County to place the STOP stickers in their windows and to create a consciousness of not serving alcohol or tobacco products to anyone they suspect of being under age.

If you would like to support the program and volunteer your service as a youngster or member of a youth group, please contact Larry Schafman at Fallsburg High School, 434-6800, ext 2213.