Local Moose Chapter is a community asset

The Quincy Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 2672 is real community asset. Ths group just put on a wildly successful event that brought lots of people to the city and raised $1,600 for the Special Olympics.

On Saturday, July 23 the Lodge hosted its second annual Run with the Moose 5K Run/Walk. Building on the first race that battled bad weather and only attracted a small field of runners, the Mooose were not deterred.

They organized the event, publicized it and staffed it, assisted by volunteers from the Quincy Police Department and the Gadsden County Sheriffs Office.

And on race morning, with about 35 runners preregistered, another 65 or more showed up, along with some spectators and family members. The Moose volunteers handled the crush with patience, humor and efficiency.

The race when off smoothly, the course was safe and well marked with a high class timed finish line. And the runners were treated well with plenty of cold bottled water, fruit and snacks. Results were tabulated quickly and there was a nice awards presentation.

While some of runners were obviously surprised by Quincy's hills, I bet they are back next year.

Runners, like the rest of us will go back to where they feel welcome.