******************************************
MADD Meets for the Holidays
7:00 PM, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29th
You are invited to our next quarterly chapter meeting and holiday party. This year, we are trying something new. We want an opportunity to have a casual meeting with as many MADD members as possible.
So, we have reserved a meeting room at the Woodrow Wilson Library (6101 Knollwood Drive, Falls Church, VA 22041 – From Leesburg Pike, West on Glen Carlyn to right on Knollwood, enter the parking lot from Knollwood) for 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 29th. We will have a guest speaker and light holiday treats.
We would love to have you attend but we need to know how much food to have so please call us at 703-379-1135 or email us at office@maddnova.org by November 22nd to let us know whether you will be coming.
Renew Your FREE Membership
Since MADD went to a FREE membership system, we have had a hard time keeping track of who wants to continue their membership in our chapter. If you are getting this newsletter, we think that you are a member and want to continue, but we are not sure.
You can help us to keep our membership rolls up to date. There is a return envelope in this newsletter. Please fill it out and return it. If you have one, please include your email address. And, while it is not necessary to maintain your membership, please consider a year-end donation. It is only through the generous contributions of our members and supporters that MADD is able to have a presence in Northern Virginia.
Red Ribbon Run
AT GEORGE MASON
Help Wanted!!!
It’s Red Ribbon Run time again and we need your help. This is the eleventh consecutive year that we have sponsored this 5K race on New Year’s Eve. But this year is different. We have moved from Alexandria to the Fairfax campus of George Mason University.
We need volunteers to help with the run. We especially need two Red Cross-certified first aid volunteers to be on hand in case they are needed. So, if you can help in any way, please call the office at 703-379-1135.
We also need every person who gets this newsletter, if you are not using the flyer yourself, to please give the enclosed flyer to a friend or post it at your office. This race is a major fundraiser for the chapter and we need as many runners as we can get.
Chapter President’s Letter
I thought it might be useful to update you on two subjects that have been attracting a lot of attention in our area – a Fairfax County judge who is dismissing DWI cases and Washington, DC’s policy of zero-tolerance.
The situation in Fairfax County is serious! A General District Court judge has turned loose at least 17 drivers who were arrested for driving while intoxicated on constitutional grounds. Several had blood alcohol levels more than twice the legal limit, and in at least one case it was the driver’s second offense.
The judge bases his conclusion that Virginia's DWI laws are unconstitutional on an obscure 1985 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that dealt with jury instructions that shifted the burden of proof from the state to the defendant. The case had nothing to do with drunken driving, but the judge had used it to find that Virginia's blood-alcohol standard violated a defendant's presumption of innocence. He has been dismissing almost every case brought before him, and has limited the Commonwealth Attorney’s efforts to avoid his courtroom by obtaining indictments in circuit court. Because a decision by a General District Court judge that the DWI laws are unconstitutional cannot be appealed to a higher court, the judge is denying the Commonwealth any opportunity to have his decisions reviewed or overruled. This creates an extremely dangerous situation where drunk drivers are not getting the punishment they deserve or the treatment they need as indicated by the laws of Virginia. The judge’s decisions undermine the efforts of the police and prosecutors to enforce the DWI laws; put drunk drivers back behind the wheel; and potentially deny justice to victims of drunk drivers.
MADD NOVA is working with local officials in Northern Virginia, with the intent of clarifying and solidifying the laws that are so critical to effective DWI enforcement and deterrence. Given that last year 343 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in Virginia and that nationwide nearly one person per half hour dies at the hands of a drunk driver, we need to take this very seriously.
Meanwhile, D.C. has been in the news because of its policy of zero tolerance. A single drink or a blood alcohol level of .01 could lead to arrest. MADD’s position on this is very clear. MADD supports the .08 law, which is the level at which virtually all are significantly impaired. There must be zero tolerance for people who drive with BACs at or above the 0.08 limit. But it is important to remember that impairment begins at the first drink. The proposed amendment to the D.C. law would create a presumption that drivers with BACs below 0.05 are not sufficiently impaired by alcohol to be held criminally responsible. MADD is comfortable with the proposal because the presumption is not conclusive.
If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to contact me at PresidentMADD@aol.com.
-Pat O’Connor-
MADD Celebrates 25th Anniversary on the Hill
On Thursday, September 29, 2005 in the shadow of the U.S. Capitol Building, MADD National President Glynn Birch addressed hundreds of drunk driving victims, survivors and activists from all across the country to celebrate MADD’s 25th Anniversary.
In 1980, “two heartbroken and determined mothers” stood inside our nation’s Capitol to formally announce the launching of the MADD movement. The nation, it’s citizens and government were called upon to eliminate the “neglected national disgrace” of drunk driving. These were the early beginnings of MADD. Victims, survivors and concerned citizens driven by grief and the desire to rid the nation’s roads of drunk drivers gave birth to MADD chapters across the country.
Since that time, alcohol-related traffic deaths have declined by 44 percent and more than 21,000 lives have been saved in the 21 years since the 21 minimum drinking-age law was enacted. Every state in the nation has now enacted .08 percent BAC as the illegal drunk driving level. Countless numbers of drunk driving victims have received much-needed support while efforts continue to educate the nation on the dangers and consequences of drunk driving and underage drinking.
Twenty-five years after MADD’s founding, MADD National President Birch announced a new goal of cutting drunk driving deaths by an additional 25 percent by the end of 2008. At the heart of this plan is a focus on research-based solutions that work: checkpoints, comprehensive plans for high-risk drunk drivers and primary seat belt laws.
The MADD strategies to accomplish these goals include:
forming stronger alliances with every level of law enforcement, including police, sheriffs, prosecutors and judges;
achieving maximum seat-belt use because buckling up, along with choosing the safest motor vehicles, is the best defense against a drunk driver;
supporting the development of technology to prevent drunk driving, such as advanced ignition interlock devices;
improving the performance and accountability of the DUI criminal justice system; and
promoting alternative transportation strategies to keep drug and alcohol-impaired persons from getting behind the wheel.
After a number of rallying speeches, MADD supporters visited with their members of Congress. A contingent from MADD Northern Virginia met with Senator John Warner, Congressman Frank Wolf and Congressman James Moran. Two important issues were discussed:
Congressional protection of the Crime Victims Fund. The proposed FY2006 Federal budget would wipe out VOCA funds that provide critical funding that helps millions of crime victims every year. The money in this fund comes from the collection of Federal criminal fines; not taxpayer revenues. In the past, Congress has repeatedly expressed its commitment to keeping these funds available for victim services. Removing $1.267 Billion from the Crime Victims Fund means that there will be no funds available to support victim services at the start of FY2007.
Support of the STOP (The Sober Truth on Preventing) Underage Drinking Act. Introduced by Senators DeWine and Dodd and Representatives Roybal-Allard, Wolf, Osborne, Wamp, and DeLauro, this act would create an Interagency Coordinating Committee chaired by the Secretary of HHS to coordinate efforts to stop underage drinking. A National Media Campaign against Underage Drinking would be authorized. Funding would also be made available for coalition grants and research.
For 25 years, MADD has been the voice of the victims of drunk driving. MADD Northern Virginia wants your voice to be heard! Please become active in your local chapter by donating your time, your dollars, or both. Call us at (703) 379-1135 to find out how you can help.
Volunteer Profile:
Pat Brown
Thirty-six years ago, Pat Brown, like many an 18-year-old, was looking for some fun on a summer evening. It was a warm Friday night in August 1969. He met up with two buddies he’d just graduated with from high school. One of them had a brand new sports car he was anxious to show off. Somewhere along the line, a decision was made to add alcohol to their mix of excitement. Later that evening, a fourth friend climbed on board the tiny 2-passenger sports car. Not long after, the car sped around a sharp corner, jumped the curb, and headed straight for a tree. Miraculously, no one was killed that night, but lives and families were changed forever.
Pat, who was seated in the back ‘luggage area’ behind the driver’s seat, lost most of the vision in his left eye and sustained many other injuries, including a broken right leg and a severe shoulder injury. He underwent numerous surgeries to repair his damaged eye and spent months in traction and a body cast before his broken leg finally healed. Instead of starting college as planned, he spent the entire next year in a hospital or in therapy trying to regain his mobility and his strength. To this day, Pat suffers permanent disabilities and health problems resulting from that one night of drinking and driving so many years ago.
Pat’s close friend, a champion high-school wrestler who was riding in the front passenger seat, fared far worse, suffering severe and irreversible brain damage. He lived for another 33 years in an infant-like state lovingly cared for by his aging parents. He died at age 51 of pneumonia, never recovering from the massive head injuries he sustained in the crash. The driver and the fourth passenger were both injured, the driver seriously, but both eventually recovered.
A few years ago, Pat learned that his neighbors had lost their daughter to a drunk driving crash and were active in MADD. Pat decided to put his tragic experience to good use and volunteered as a Victim Impact Speaker addressing DUI offenders and other community groups.
MADD has become a family activity for Pat, his wife Diane and their son Patrick. Diane is one of the main organizers of our annual MADD Golf Tournament and helps run the MADD Vehicle Donation Program. Their son Patrick is an enthusiastic volunteer at annual events like the Red Ribbon Run on New Year’s Eve.
The great sacrifices this family has made in time and effort are making a difference. More people are learning the long-range effects of drunk driving and how they can stop this preventable tragedy.
MADD’s Number One task
MADD’s Number One task is to support the bereaved and injured victims of drunk driving crashes. If you know of someone who has suffered at the hands of a drunk driver, please contact the chapter office at 703-379-1135. There are trained Victim Advocates ready to help.
“The Spot” Now Playing at a School Near You
MADD’s new Multi-media show was presented to area high schools in October 2005. These shows were funded by Fauquier CADRE and MADD Virginia State. MADD Northern Virginia will have another opportunity to present “Backstage Pass,” “The Spot” and “Super Hero” during the spring of 2006.
Using the fast-paced imagery of slides and motion pictures, MADD’s multi-media production of music, drama, visual images, student interviews and powerful messages on three 10-foot by 43-foot screens demonstrates the dangers of underage drinking and wrong decision making. The programs clearly and positively communicate with young people on their level, conveying powerful age-appropriate messages on the legal, health and academic consequences of making bad decisions. Each show focuses on alcohol and other drug prevention, cutting-edge brain research outlining alcohol’s effects on the adolescent brain, and the need for student leadership and activism.
Current shows available for Middle and High Schools: “The Spot” and “Backstage Pass”
Current show available for Elementary Schools: “Super Hero”
For more information about these dynamic presentations,
Please contact Jennifer Cipolla at (703) 379-1135
or visit www.schoolassembly.org to get a complete tour schedule or to preview a show.
3rd Annual MADD Northern Virginia Golf Classic
On September 13, 2005, the 3rd Annual MADD Northern Virginia Golf Classic was held at the Bull Run Golf Club in Haymarket, Virginia. The food was delicious, the weather was beautiful and the event was a huge success.
We had many special guests in attendance, including Wendy Hamilton, former MADD National President. Pat O’Connor, MADD NoVa’s Chapter President, was the Keynote speaker, and Mark Moseley, a former Washington Redskin, was the Master of Ceremonies. While the stunning silhouettes of the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding the Bull Run Golf Club took everyone’s breath away, the most captivating views were certainly of two Redskin Hogettes: Howie and Mikey T.
In addition to great a day of golf, the players were treated to a Mexican Fiesta from Moe’s Southwest Grill, delicious finger foods from Whole Foods Market and a Chocolate Fountain from Party-A-Go-Go. There were also brief remarks by Mike Green, MADD NoVA’s Executive Director, and Chris Konschak, MADD VA State Executive Director.
MADD Northern Virginia extends special recognition to the support and generosity of our Corporate Sponsors: Cox Communications, GEICO Direct, Auto Trader Magazines, Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park, WAVA, Virginia Reality Group, Comcast, WMAL, Dulles Sports Plex, Sandra Swann at Star Power, Best Hands, the Dene Team, Advertisement Delivery Service, Imagine This and the Sue Baldasarri Team (which includes the Life Saving Super Heros from the Fairfax City Fire and Rescue Squad). The many gifts and services donated by these and many other MADD sponsors ensured that the tournament was a great success and that every player left with a bag of valuable prizes and great memories.
If you are interested in playing in or volunteering for next year’s Golf Tournament please contact Jennifer Cipolla at 703-379-1135.
Hispanic Outreach
In the past 10 years, the Hispanic population in Northern Virginia grew dramatically, doubling in Fairfax County and almost tripling in size in Arlington County. Along with this population growth came a dramatic rise in the number of DUI arrests and underage drinking within the Hispanic/Latino community.
MADD's new public service campaign aims to increase awareness among Hispanic parents about the consequences of underage drinking. The campaign gives parents both information and advice on how to talk to their children about underage drinking.
In a recent survey, Hispanic students (38.3 percent) were significantly more likely than Caucasian students (30.2 percent) to have ridden with a driver who had been drinking alcohol.
Alcohol use contributes to the three leading causes of death among Hispanic 12 to 20- year-olds: unintentional deaths (including car crashes), homicide, and suicide.
34% of high school students who drank before the age 13 were Hispanic.
MADD Northern Virginia wants to change these statistics by making our services more available to the local Hispanic community. Through reinforcement of safe driving messages and outreach efforts in the Hispanic community, MADD seeks to reduce thenumberof impaired drivers and alcohol-related crashes, injuries and deaths in our area.
Spanish Speakers Needed
Are you fluent in Spanish? Has a drunk driver hurt you or hurt or killed a member of your family? Do you want to help stop drunk driving? If you answered “yes” to these questions, please call our office at 703-379-1135.
