News from Patrick Flynn

If you’ll indulge me a moment I’ll briefly step away from Assembly matters and offer some kudos to a terrific neighborhood effort.  It started during the winter with a Clark Middle School counselor, Dustin Hawes, who happens to be an ardent runner, dreaming up the idea for a spring run in Mountain View.  Thus was born the “Faster Than a Falcon” 5k.

This being the inaugural edition of the race, as opposed to the long-established Heart Run, most expected a relatively small crowd.  Instead, according the the local paper, the enthusiasm of the neighborhood and the Clark community produced more than 300 runners and more than $6,600 raised for the Mountain View Boys & Girls club, where quite a few neighborhood kids gather before and after school for positive opportunities.  And further kudos to Mr. Hawes for taking a moment to acknowledge the clubhouse director, David Barney, for his tireless efforts on behalf of Anchorage’s youth.

Adding to the fun, Mr. Hawes convinced one of his runner buddies to wear the Clark Falcon mascot costume in the race.  Hence the name of the run – all those who finished ahead of Falcon, which turned in an impressive 25-minute time, received a blue commemorative wrist eco-band proclaiming them as “Faster Than a Falcon.”  Beyond that, Governor Parnell stopped by to sign legislation sponsored by Mt. View’s state representative, Max Gruenberg.

It was a great day for the neighborhood, a lot of fun and nice to see positive results for a good cause.  And, in case you’re curious, I’m wearing my eco-band as I type.  (Okay, you may not be impressed, but my wife was surprised so I figured it was worth mentioning.)

Regards,

Patrick