OC FOUNDATION MEMBER M.C.'s SUCCESSFUL OLYMPIC TORCH RUN THROUGH OXNARD
Oxnard College Foundation member Flo LaManno found herself in caught up in a whirlwind of Olympic excitement Jan. 16 as the inextinguishable torch traveled through downtown Oxnard as part the historic 2002 Olympic Torch Relay.
LaManno, president of DFD Enterprises and owner of Entre Computers, was picked to serve as master of ceremonies at the community celebration that welcomed the official torch runners to Oxnard’s historic Plaza Park pagoda.
“This is when my Toastmasters training really comes into play,” joked LaManno, who was given the challenge of introducing an endless stream of VIPs — including Mayor Manuel Lopez and Oxnard city council members — and the official sponsors of the torch relay — Coca Cola and Chevrolet.
Thousands of Oxnard residents, schoolchildren and visitors packed the park, cheering the patriotic tunes provided by the Oxnard Union High School Marching Band and chanting “USA! USA!” when the Oxnard Fire Department unfurled a huge American flag over the intersection of B and Fifth Streets. When the relay is completed, the Olympic flame will have traveled 113,500 miles through 46 states to its final destination in Salt Lake City, Utah where the 2002 Olympic Winter Games begin Feb. 8.
LaManno said she was honored to greet runner Theresa Schulze of Los Angeles as she held her Olympic torch high and headed west on Fifth Street for her one-fifth mile trip.
“I may not be able to carry the flame, but I consider myself fortunate to be a part of this wonderful ceremony,” said LaManno. | 