My name is Vivian Smith and I am a native of Tupper Lake, although I have lived other places, I chose to come home to raise my family.  I am a single mother of two young men, both of who mean the world to me.
Like many my life has been touched in a negative way involving alcohol in one way or another, and if you have than I think you may find it easy to understand my passion for trying to make a difference.  A very dear friend, Gisele Kress, founder of MAC’s Safe Ride, lost her son to an alcohol related driving accident and she now refers to her family as “One Less”.  This is not a way I wish to ever describe my family because of a situation that may have been able to avoid.
After a very long three year battle that my family endured with my nephew’s fight with an extremely rare cancer, and feeling so helpless and not being able to make a difference no matter how much I tried, and long conversations with Gisele, the idea for MAC’s Safe Ride Continued was born, and how fitting because her son Matthew Girouard grew up here in Tupper Lake.
MAC’s Safe Ride Continued came together almost perfectly with the most diverse group of people that share my passion for MACS’ with their own individual reason, making our Board of Directors a successful team.

My sister approached me with the idea to extend MAC’s Safe Ride to Tupper Lake back in the early summer of 2014.  I thought it was a great idea.  Having experience with how generous and supportive the people of Tupper Lake are, I suspected the endeavor would take off quickly, and quickly it did.  I am proud to be involved in such a needed project and thank our supporters and the folks of Tupper Lake who are using the service.  I hope we grow and continue to offer free, confidential rides for years to come.

Why I am a board member:  I was asked to be a board member by my sister Vivian and eagerly said yes because she was my sister, but more importantly, MAC’s Safe Ride (of Old Forge) originally was created for two young men who perished in a vehicle accident involving alcohol, one of which was a close friend’s son who grew up with my son.  A well-loved young man who lost his life too soon.   If MAC’s Safe Ride continued can save one life, than we will have done our job.

Born and raised in Tupper Lake and a graduate of TLHS class of 1994. I have been employed with Catholic Charities for 15 yrs as an assistant to the Foster Grandparent Program and recently in July 2014 I became the Director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program for Franklin County still employed under Catholic Charities.  My husband of 4 years Will Howard and  I have a 2 year old daughter Sidney. I joined Macs cont. Board of Directors and became the vice president and could not be more proud!!! What a great opportunity to give back to my community. Being a part time bartender for 10 years I was often worried about the publics safety and if they were getting a safe ride home. Now that I have a daughter who will be growing up in this small town it has changed the way I look at everything including people getting home safely after a fun night out on the town. Thank you to all the volunteers that is making Mac's successful!!!! Go Mac's!!!

My name is Judy Ramsey-Laquay and I'm a 49 years old, mother of 2 and grandmother of 3. Viv has asked me to be a part of her vision, MACs Safe Ride Continued. I would do anything she asked, but most of all I feel it is such a great service and there is such a need for it. There is no reason for anyone to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking and risk there life or the lives of others. If we at MACs can save even one life, then we've all done a great job.

 Nancy Merrihew wife of John two children Joseph and Amanda. I joined macs safe ride because I have seen people that are my friends drink and drive and would like to see an option for them to stop.
 

The reason I got involved in MAC's is my son Matthew was one of the individuals that was in the accident which resulted in the first MAC's being created in Old Forge. I think this town needs this service to keep everyone safe from DWI and make sure no more young people lose their lives unnecessarily. I'm grateful to all that are involved in this project and proud to be a member of the board.

My name is Brittany Bombard-Proulx. I was born and raised in Tupper Lake and attended college in Utica. I have been employed with the Adirondack Daily Enterprise since 2004 and currently serves as its news editor. I share my life with my husband Eric, our son Denver and Eric’s older children, Skyler and Kiersten. I also serve on the board of directors of the Tupper Lake Chamber of Commerce.

I think the idea of a community coming together to volunteer its time making sure people get home safely at the end of a fun night is an amazing gift and I’m so happy to be part of it. We have a lot of fun doing something that means a lot to the people we serve. If there’s one thing Tupper is amazing at, it’s supporting each other. And this is a great example of that.

My name is Tammie Salzman, I'm 38 years old and a native of Tupper Lake. I am married to my husband Josh, we have two great kids Emilee and Trevor. I have been a hairdresser in Tupper for 17 years. I love this community, so when one of my customers started talking about MAC's Safe Ride I knew I wanted to be involved. Not only did I feel that this community I love so much would greatly benefit from this service, but when I was in high school, a drunk driving accident greatly shook this community and a dear friend of mine. That is why I wanted to be a part of this great service. 

My name is Ben Merrihew and I am a member of MAC safe ride continued. My best freind was killed in an alcohol related motor vehicle accident a number of years ago. I joined the board in memory of him and many others that have followed. I believe that our involvement in MAC makes a huge difference in the decision making of the members of our community as well as those visiting.  Every ride given has the potential to save one or more lives so please continue your generous support.