
It's a Change of Watch for Clearwater Sail & Power Squadronby Sandi Fahy
Photo by SANDI FAHY CLEARWATER - Over 50 members and guests of the Clearwater Sail & Power Squadron gathered at Clearwater Country Club on January 24 for the organization's annual Change of Watch dinner and ceremony. United States Power Squadrons District 22 commander Thomas Krupa, AP, and his wife, P/C Sandy Krupa, P, were guests of honor. Other special guests included Cdr. R.T. Chamberlain, AP, Joann Chamberlain, P, R/C Kenneth Beckman, SN, StfC Constance Beckman, JN, and Lt/C Marilyn VanGoey, JN, of the St. Petersburg Sail & Power Squadron and P/D/C Alta M. Mullens, SN, and P/C George J. Martin, AP, of the Tampa Squadron. Representatives of the Boca Ciega Sail & Power Squadron, Peace River Sail & Power Squadron, Ft. Myers Power Squadron and Sebastian Inlet Sail & Power Squadron were also in attendance. The Change of Watch Ceremony, which began with a Call to Order by P/C Wayne Lipe, P, was followed by presentation of awards. Lt. Rush Dozier, S, and Lt. Dana Herbst were recipients of meritorious service awards. Lt. Edward O'Brien, AP, was recognized for his 25 years of service to the organization. He received a pin. The "Instructor of the Year" award went to Lt. David Loucks, AP. Outgoing commander Mildred Nasta, AP, was presented a plaque by the incoming commander and Lt/C Karen Torok, AP, was honored for her past service as an officer. D/Lt. Stanford Detert was installed as the new squadron commander during the ceremony conducted by District Commander Krupa. Other members of the 2009 bridge are P/C Wayne Lipe, P, Executive Officer; Lt/C William Moretti, AP, Educational Officer; Dorothy Martin, AP, Administrative Officer, and Lewis Lederer, S, Secretary/Treasurer. Those who will serve on this year's Executive Commitee are Lt/C Karen Torok, AP; JIm Porter, AP; Marcia Freeman, S; Gerry Calve, P; Mike Koch, P; and Harry Bickford, S. Officers for the Clearwater Auxiliary Power Squadron are Marcia Freeman, S, president; Connie Hein, vice president; Josephine Detert, secretary; and Florence Queen, treasurer. The Clearwater Sail & Power Squadron is a unit of the United States Power Squadrons. It is one of some 18 squadrons in District 22, which encompasses the west coast of Florida. There are more than 400 squadrons with over 50,000 members across the country who are committed to community service and promotion of boating safety through safe boating classes. Over three million people around the world have completed a squadron boating course.
![]() Representing District 22 at the event are (l-r) Cdr. Tom Krupa, Sec. Sheila Gurr and Exec. Officer Greg Scotten
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