May 2005

MADD and Odyssey recognize volunteers with a Potomac River Cruise
More than 100 volunteers and supporters of the Northern Virginia Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving were treated to a cruise on the Potomac Saturday, May 14th to kick off the 25th year of MADD. The lunch cruise onboard the Odyssey was made possible through the generosity of the Odyssey Cruise Lines. Attendees enjoyed a delicious buffet, live music and a beautiful afternoon on the river.

"The purpose of the cruise was both to thank our volunteers and to demonstrate that people in MADD can have fun even though our mission is very serious," said MADD Northern Virginia president John Pinckney. Volunteers ranged in age from teenagers to octogenarians. Pinckney said that the spread of ages on the cruise" shows just how diverse a group MADD really is. The problems of drunk driving and underage drinking affect all of us. And our volunteers, just like the victims of drunk driving, represent all segments of the community."

New Chapter Officers
Congratulations to the 2005-2006 chapter officers, all of whom were elected at the chapter meeting on March 17th, 2005, and will take office on July 1, 2005.

President: Pat O'Connor
Vice President: Jeff Levy
Secretary/Treasurer: Jessica Wexler
State Organization Rep.: Steve Talpins

Chapter President's Letter
THE MISSION REMAINS THE SAME AND SIGN-OFF
As I write this, MADD is on the precipice of some of the greatest changes ever seen in its field structure. Indeed, after joining MADD in 1994, I've not seen any single subject stir so much discussion! However, the Mission remains the same! MADD will continue to work to prevent drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and work to prevent underage drinking. These changes are far-reaching, and still evolving to some extent.

This is not the first time that MADD has made changes in its governance structure. Like any human endeavor, MADD is always striving to bring out the best in both the people and the organization! We must keep in mind that while MADD NOVA had its roots in people's kitchens, basements, and garages, there are still many chapters operating under such circumstances. Yes, MADD NOVA is fortunate to have the staff, facilities, and capabilities that we provide to our community. However, it must be remembered that all charities are under more external scrutiny than ever before. The most recent example of this was the passage of legislation mandating changes to the tax code regarding automobile donations to charities. These changes came about, in part, for two reasons: First, most taxpayers were deducting the "fair market" value of their donated vehicle while the charity receives only whatever the vehicle sells for at auction; Second, some charities acquired a promotional image where fundraising became more prominent than their mission. One impact of this climate is that all charities will have to live with increased oversight from Federal, State, and private agencies. When I served as State Chair for MADD Virginia, part of my training included a session on the oversight subjected to all charities. And where the trend was going. An example of that trend can be found on the chapter's website where you'll see a link to MADD's State Fundraising Disclosure Notices.

For MADD NOVA, we should be proud that we are reaching out to serve as many communities and interests as chapter resources permit. More importantly, this chapter has provided a consistently high level of Victim Service, whatever the circumstances, need, financial or social status of the victim of a DWI happens to be. Not all charities can say that. There have been some charities where a victim who is rich or "well-connected" and seeks advice or assistance above that which an "average" person would receive. In others, these victims have actually been exploited by either the charity itself, or by a group within the charity (a "clique", if you will) for their own self-interest. Sometimes, this exploitation is done with the willing culpability of the victim as a "favor" to those who may have previously rendered service! It gets even uglier when fundraising gets mixed into the mission of the charity. Thankfully, I can say that as I write this, I know of no currently serving MADD chapter officer (in any chapter) who falls into this category. MADD has been very careful and lucky over the years in attracting talented volunteers to serve in many capacities. Many of MADD's most effective volunteer leaders have been average folks without great professional or business experience. Or, with "connections".

The reason for this is clear: The least suspicion of a conflict of interest or favoritism (or other inequality) in the offer or provision of services has been the undoing of more just one charity! That is why MADD's Policies and Guidelines are very strict about the roles of Staff, Contractors, and Volunteers, And, because the exercise of any kind of influence with the slightest degree of impropriety is simply not tolerated, we can all be assured that if there were the slightest deviation from this high ethical and moral standard were to occur, the proper corrective measures would be expeditiously taken. We should all be very proud that MADD has always been open and equal to all that it serves. This is because none of us involved with MADD would have it any other way.

Signing off: There are those who may wonder at the change in subject that's coming up! And, why I was not a candidate for re-election as chapter President for the 2005-2006 term. Actually, I was a candidate until February 7, 2005, when some serious and unforeseen events occurred in my personal life. Events, which due to their uncertain nature at the time, convinced me that there might be a possibility that I would not have the free time or schedule flexibility which I felt necessary to serve confidently as your chapter President. Because of that uncertainty, I felt it incumbent upon me to immediately withdraw my candidacy, so that the nominating committee would have sufficient time to evaluate the Letters of Intent that may have been submitted by other chapter members who were interested in serving the Northern Virginia community as President of MADD NOVA. In a nutshell, that's why MADD NOVA will have a new chapter President beginning July 1st!

However, as my situation continues to evolve, I also realize that it is time to step aside at least for a while! I have served MADD NOVA in every elective office for almost a decade. For a number of years this involved concurrent service with MADD Virginia first as Public Policy Liaison and subsequently as State Chair. I am the last serving Board member of MADD NOVA who served with many of those who founded the chapter. As it was with the last of that generation, it is now my turn to acknowledge the passage of time (and the dust on my ham radio gear!) and welcome a new "generation" of leadership to MADD NOVA.

As a night owl when TV stations would usually sign off from the air every night, it is now my turn to "sign-off". Where a TV station would give its "vital statistics" (Ownership, studio and transmitter locations, operating power, etc.), let me leave you as MADD NOVA's President by quoting what I consider to be "vital statistics": The people who have given me their encouragement, support, constructive criticism, and in some cases much more, in my work with MADD. Because the list would be so long, it cannot be all-inclusive. But, I wish to acknowledge: Our talented and hard-working staff, Tom & Brenda Altman, Dottie & Jerry Vazzana, John & Kathy Cerio, Cliff Litzil, Carolyn Reith, Sharon Waters, Lisa, Kathryn Falk, Rebecca, Sherry Platt, Dan Ingram, Madeline Morgan, Tania Hindert, Ed Kunec, Kay Robinson, Sy Holtzman, Penny, Catherine Bonner, Peggy, David Kelly, Christie, Alex Horwitz, Scott Broyles, Tekisha McWilliams, Susan Cleveland, Melissa Wilson, and Marcie Anderson. (This was inspired by the sign-off of WIS-TV in Columbia, S.C. which ran a list of its staff captioned with "People Make it Happen" between the sign-off and the National Anthem.) I chose this format, as it's truly people that make MADD happen. I apologize to those whom I left out, or only gave first names. I only have so much space. And my aging memory has failed me on some last names!

In closing, for those that may be wondering as to my future involvement in MADD, I assure you that my commitment to the mission is unwavering and steadfast. I will continue to be active in MADD. Just to a different degree than before! Now, it's time for me to push the button marked
"Plate Power OFF"

-John Pinckney-

3rd Annual MADD NoVA Golf Classic
Date: September 13, 2005
Tee Time: 8:30am
Place: Bull Run Golf Club,
Haymarket, VA

Per Player: $175.00
Foursomes: $650.00
Hole Sponsors: $500.00

To make your reservation or learn how you can help call
Terry McCarthy at 1-888-500-MADD

MAGNETIC RED RIBBON CAMPAIGN
Thanks to the efforts of some of our volunteers more than 6,000 magnetic red ribbons have been distributed in our area and beyond. Ten car dealerships have committed to making a donation each month for a box of magnetic red ribbons. The ribbons which have the official MADD logo on them along with the slogan "Drive Sober Drive Safe" will be distributed to new car buyers.

You'll soon be recognizing the red ribbons on cars everywhere!

PARENTS: HELP YOUR TEENS PARTY RIGHT AT GRADUATION
GRADUATION is a time to celebrate. But before your graduates party, take the time to talk with them about alcohol it just may save a life. IT'S ABOUT YOUR TEEN A teenager's brain is still developing and it is very sensitive to alcohol's effects on judgment and decision-making.

ALCOHOL CAN BE TRICKY If your graduates drink, they may temporarily feel elated and happy, but they should not be fooled. Ask them to consider these risks: Their inhibitions and memory soon become affected so they may say and do things that they will regret and possibly will not remember doing at all. Their decision-making skills are also affected. They may become restless and aggressive. They may be more at risk for having an alcohol-related traffic crash, getting into fights, trashing a house, or making unwise decisions about sex. Then there is what happens to their physical control loss of balance, slurred speech, and blurred vision.

TOO MUCH ALCOHOL BECOMES A DEADLY POISON If your graduates drink enough, they will eventually get sleepy and pass out. Reflexes like gagging and breathing can be suppressed. That means they could vomit and choke to death or just stop breathing. They may even be at risk for alcohol poisoning.

THINK ABOUT IT! If graduates drink too much, it can mean trips to the emergency room, arrests, and I sexual assaults. They could put themselves and their friends in real danger. Ask them to consider this: Is that any way to celebrate?

TALK WITH YOUR GRADUATE Research shows that parents do make a difference. Talking with your graduate about alcohol now could prevent serious problems later.

REMEMBER Tell your graduate to play it safe and party right at graduation.

(Source: NIH Publication No. 05-5641, May 2005)

Crash Car Trailer On the Move!
The MADD NoVA Crash Car Trailer has been in constant use, visiting high schools in Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington and Prince William County. Other venues have included George Mason University, the Pentagon and the Mid-Atlantic DUI Conference in Virginia Beach.

Posted below is the trailer's current schedule.
6/1 Herndon High School
6/2 Marshall High School
6/3 Teen Driving Summit, Fairfax Govt Center
6/6-10 Westfield High School
6/10-12 Fairfax County Fair
6/13-14 Mount Vernon High School
6/15-16 West Potomac High School
6/17 Yorktown High School
6/20-22 Madison High School
7/9-10 Reston Festival
8/1 Manassas Park National Night Out


School Multi-Media Shows
6/1 Osbourne High School, Manassas
6/1 Wakefield High School, Arlington
6/2 Grace Metz Middle School, Manassas
6/7 Westfield High School, Chantilly

Volunteer Profile:
Laura Dawson

Memorial Day Weekend 1999 was a busy one for the Dawson family of Chantilly. Laura, the mother had been out of town most of the weekend returning Sunday evening. She saw her 18 year old son, Matthew, for only a few short moments before he left to attend a party with friends.

Matt didn't drink that night and he didn't drive, but he made two fatal errors: he accepted a ride home from a friend who had been drinking and he didn't use his seatbelt. The driver lost control of the car less than a mile from Matt's home. Matt was ejected from the vehicle and died instantly.

After a highly publicized trial and some time had passed, Laura decided to contact the local MADD chapter and get involved. First she attend chapter meetings, then slowly she began to accept invitations to speak about her son's crash. Soon Laura became the MADD Chapter Representative on the Alcohol Safety Action Program Board and received training as a Victim Advocate. Now Laura is one of our most active volunteers working with police officers, school groups, offenders and victims - - all with the aim to stop drunk driving, support the victims and prevent underage drinking.

Thank you Laura. You are truly making a difference in many lives.

2005 MADD National Conference
MADD Celebrates Life
Sept 29 - Oct 1
Hilton Washington / Washington, DC

Victim Impact Panels Expand
When a DUI defendant is found guilty and sentenced, the judge often will make participation with the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program (VASAP) mandatory. One part of this program requires the offender to attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel. These panels are made up of victim speakers who relay their experience with drunk driving and how it impacted their lives. The hope is that upon hearing such personal tragedies, the offenders will never again get in a car when they are drunk. Recently, Prince William County inaugurated their first Victim Impact Panel. MADD NoVA now sponsors Victim Impact Panels in 3 locations: Manassas, Fairfax and Alexandria.

Victim Speakers Needed
MADD Northern Virginia currently has a number of volunteer victim speakers who do a tremendous job. Upcoming venues include Bolling Air Force Base, Fort Belvoir, Victim Impact Panels, Fairfax Recidivist Program, Fairfax Teen Driving Summit and Lorton Community Center.

New victim speakers are welcome at anytime. Victims or survivors who are interested in speaking on behalf of MADD will receive some training and guidance and observe a number of Victim Impact Panels or presentations before they become active speakers.

If you would like to share your drunk driving crash experience with others, please call the MADD office at (703) 379-1135 for more information.

MADD 2005 Victim/Survivor Tribute: A Celebration of Life
On September 30th, MADD National will host the 2005 Victim/Survivor Tribute at the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. This will be a time to honor, remember and celebrate. Victims/survivors are encouraged to submit photos of loved ones for the Tribute Ceremony slide show presentation and/or the Wall of Honor photo board. The deadline for submission is Friday, August 26, 2005. For more information and consent forms, contact Noreen at (703) 379-1135 or admin-asst@maddnova.org.

MADD NoVA 2004-2005 Officers and Directors
John Pinckney - President
Steven Hill - Vice President
Jessica Wexler - Secretary/Treasurer - Webmaster
Jeff Levy - State Organization Representative
Dan Ingram - Immediate Past President
Laura Dawson - ASAP Policy Board Rep.

Victim Advocates:
Steven Hill - Jennifer Cipolla
Teresa McCarthy - Terry McCarthy
Noreen Dinndorf - Nichole Barta - Laura Dawson
Sherry Platt - Consultant
Noreen Dinndorf - Administrative Assistant
Jennifer Cipolla - Program Manager
Mike Green - Executive Director

Advisory Board
The Honorable Tom Davis - United States Representative
The Honorable Jim Moran - United States Representative
Gail Pennybacker - Channel 7 News
William H. Pierce - Past President, MADD NoVA
Chief M. Douglas Scott - Arlington County Police
Dr. Robert G. Smith - Arlington Public Schools
The Honorable John Warner - United States Senator
Tony Wells - SFX Sports Group
Gary Yacoubian - Myer-Emco


Donate your vehicle to MADD Just call 1-888-500-MADD