No movie theater? Rent, download, or watch one on cable or satellite with your family. Go to the movies with a group of friends or your parents.

No skating rink? Not many around due to the fear of injury or lawsuits. No bowling alley? There are a couple of enterprising businessmen exploring the possibility, and I hope they get enough customers to be successful.

Nothing to do? We have two wonderful swimming pools. Go outside and play -- we have beautiful, wellmaintained parks. Find a Girl Scout or Boy Scout troop, get involved in 4-H or join almost any kind of sport during or after school. Nearly every church has an active youth program. Boys and Girls Club entertains many young people, and the public library is a hive of active readers. Many, many adults in Lampasas make the effort and take the time to entertain local young people in a productive learning environment.

Entertainment in larger communities does not stop underage drinking and driving or misbehavior. Supervision by caring parents does that.

Dianna Hodges