Mac’s Safe Ride getting ready to roll again

by Dan McClelland

After a hiatus of 18 months because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tupper Lake’s very popular Mac’s Safe Ride program is set to resume in coming weeks.

“We weren’t able to operate during the pandemic because of Center for Disease Control and state guidelines, concerns for our volunteers health, and many other reasons,” Vivian Smith, who directs the program, told the Free Press Thursday. “Like almost every other business, we were shuttered by the pandemic.”

“We are hoping to be back in operation, starting the July 4 weekend.”

For about six years the volunteer-run program has driven local residents and visitors to and from local bars and house parties, where alcohol is consumed, to make sure everyone arrives home safely at the close of every Friday and Saturday evening. It has also operated during a number of public events that aren’t on Friday or Saturday evenings.

It is widely supported by many local businesses and their logos adorn the front, sides and back of the 2015 Ford 12-passenger van, acknowledging that support and the important mission of Mac’s Safe Ride.

Each evening that Mac’s rolls, in the vehicle are two people- a driver and a navigator.

Mrs. Smith said that before their van can be put into service again, some routine repairs like new brakes are needed. The vehicle has sat idle for most of the pandemic. There are also two Ford recalls that must be addressed in coming weeks. “They are important recalls and we’re waiting on Ford for the parts!”

Mrs. Smith said their vehicle is in otherwise great shape. “Larry at LeRoy’s Auto Sales got it for us as a very inexpensive price.”

To be successful as they resume their operation the board of directors of Mac’s is going to need new and returning drivers and navigators.

“We’ve spread the word via social media that we need help and we’ve seen a nice response from people. But we always need more volunteers!”

The board of directors is comprised of 13 local volunteers. Each board member is required to recruit enough volunteer drivers and navigators for their month. -And sometimes that can be a challenge.

Vivian said the board members have decided to add some flexibility to the operation and to take some of the scheduling pressure off them.

“Before we use to keep our van on the road every Friday and Saturday and during every special event where alcohol is consumed...no matter what.”

The board members have come to the collective realization that there will be some evenings when there won’t be people to run the van. So the service may not be available to the public every Friday and Saturday.

Another change is that from now on all the responsibility for finding volunteers to fill the month will not just fall on the one board member's shoulders. Others on the board will try to help, according to the chairwoman.

Another step the board has adopted to make it easier on volunteers as it looks to resume service are shorter hours. Hours have been trimmed from 8p.m. to 3p.m. every Friday and Saturday to 9p.m. to 2p.m.

“It’s very tough on volunteers to be out there from 8p.m. to 3p.m.” Most times volunteers don’t get to their homes until 4a.m., and you don’t fall asleep until 5a.m. so it’s very tough on them the next day.”

Vivian said another rule that has been amended to help the board members is one which used to require a board member to take the vehicle out if a volunteer driver can’t be found for a certain evening.

Now they will post a calendar on Facebook when Mac’s will be running and people who anticipate calling for ride on a certain evening to first check the calendar to make sure Mac’s is in operation. “If you are planning to go out that evening, check our Facebook page first to make sure we’re running.”

“We’re not going to be so stressed trying to find drivers and navigators,” she said, admitting many of the board members and volunteers were getting burned out before the pandemic.

The bottom line is there may be some nights when Mac’s won’t run because of the lack of volunteers, she explained. “Hopefully volunteers will step up so that won't happen!”

Mrs. Smith and her board members are getting prepared for their big annual fundraiser- their golf tournament at the Tupper Lake Golf Course on August 8.

In past years the event has also featured silent auctions and other money-making events. This year it will be tailored down a bit to give the community’s very supportive businesses a break. Consequently organizers won’t be canvassing the business community for gifts and prizes for the August 8 benefit.

“People of this community are so amazing. I can’t believe how generous everyone is whenever we ask for help!”

Mrs. Smith can be contacted at (518) 651-6178.

The number to call for a ride to an alcohol-serving place or a ride home is (518) 302-3282.

The only time that number is answered is during the hours of operation. It will now go dark at 2a.m.

All rides are free but tips are always appreciated, not necessary but appreciated, according to Vivian.