The Villages Daily Sun

THE VILLAGES The Harris Chain Sail & Power Squadron welcomed in a brand-new year at its Change of Watch banquet Saturday night at Lake Miona Recreation Center.

The banquet signified a change in bridge staff.

“It’s a passing of the old and the coming in of the new,” said Kerry Kline, the squadron’s commander. “It’s a new year for the squadron.”

At the event, new members were sworn in and seasoned members were recognized for their hard work.

“It was a wonderful opportunity to thank our members in The Villages in their backyard,” Kline said of the meeting in the community.

The group also welcomed Lake County Sheriff Gary Borders, who came to speak about boating safety and the new Citizens Marine Patrol Unit, which works in conjunction with the squadron.

Borders said the unit is similar to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office’s Citizens on Patrol Academy, which is a 13-week course that trains residents to assist law enforcement.

“We want to promote ownership in the community,” Borders said. “The more eyes and ears helping us, the safer we are.”

Village of Santo Domingo resident Mike Garvin and his wife, Carole, have been a part of the squadron for four years. Mike also joined the marine control unit.

“We have the opportunity to go on the lake with deputies,” Mike Garvin said. “It makes you feel good when your helping others. (Deputies) aren’t out there to nail people, they’re just trying to get them safe.”

Linda Manson joined the squadron after attending their expo in The Villages last year. She and her husband, Michael Manson, who was in the Navy, had their own sailboat and have always been fond of the water.

“It’s really important for the general public to know about safety, proper equipment and the legal requirements for boating,” said the Village of Duval resident and the squadron’s membership chair.

The Harris Chain Sail & Power Squadron meets monthly. The next Boat Smart class will be from 8:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 9 at the Cultural Arts Building in Leesburg. For more information, contact Kline at 589-8108.

Azia Li Forrest is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 9069, or azia.forrest@thevillages media.com