2019 February Paso Robles Magazine

| San Miguel Reflections
reflections
By Lynne Schmitz
T
h he month of February is noted for
hearts and flowers and candy, and in
San Miguel, for Hornets. The 19th
annual Buzz Marathon will be held this
year on February 16 on the beautiful course
running through Camp Roberts. Due to
some construction the course has been redesigned.
With help from Paul DeMatteo it has
been recalibrated and recertified by USA Track
and Field to maintain entrants’ eligibility for
other races including the prestigious Boston
Marathon. Current Lillian Larsen Athletic
Director Larry Halderman is race director.
Course volunteers are needed.
For all information and to register go to
buzzmarathon.org. All participants, including
volunteers, must respond by February 10 in order
that the military can do security checks. It is suggested
that mailed entries be posted by February
1 to ensure they are received on time. Entries
close on February 9 at runsignup.com.
Get Buzzed! Run for Lillian Larson
For all information and to register
go to buzzmarathon.org
The Buzz Marathon began in 2000 as a
way to raise funds for sports programs at
Lillian Larsen School. Eighth grade teacher
and Athletic Director Eileen Rogers had
personally funded an athletics program for some
fifteen years. In brainstorming ways to find an
independent way to help the program become
self-sustaining, the marathon seemed ideal. It
started slowly but with much encouragement it
grew. Since the Lillian Larsen Mascot is a Hornet,
it was named the ‘Buzz Marathon’ and Eileen
was dubbed the ‘Hornet Queen’, an appellation of
which she is justly proud. Year by year it became
better and better until achieving its present status.
Although retired from teaching at San
Miguel, Eileen keeps very busy, still greatly
involved with sports. She firmly believes in exercising
both mind and body. Thus, six years
ago she established the Rogers Family Fun
Run which is held at the end of October.
The course runs through San Miguel from
the school to the Mission and back and also
benefits Larsen Athletics. This success story certainly
shows how one person with a good idea,
determination and contagious enthusiasm can
make a big difference!
Meanwhile also in February, the sport of
football culminates in the Super Bowl which
will be played on February 3 in Atlanta.
San Miguel Seniors will continue their
tradition of a community Super Bowl Party
that afternoon at the Senior Center on east
12th Street. Friends and neighbors are invited
to bring snacks to share and enjoy the game
in good company. Game time is 3:30 p.m.
out here in the west. Doors will be open from
1 p.m. at the Center. Come root with us.
14 | pasomagazine.com PASO Magazine, February 2019