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Volunteers
Keep this Ship Afloat
Visitors often express their delight at the diligence
of a tour of the S.S Willis B. Boyer - and describe
the tour guides as “well trained professionals.”
Visitors from out of townoften remark at the quality
of the preservation of the ship and its cleanliness.
But they are even more impressed to learn that the
guides and workers aboard the S.S. Willis B. Boyer are
volunteers.
The year-round staffing of the historic ship consists
of a director and a part-time maintenance person. There
is also a seasonal employee to accept admissions and
run the gift shop.
“Without volunteers, the Boyer would not stay
afloat at all,” says Ray Jex, treasurer of International
Park of Greater Toledo, Inc., the parent organization
of the S. S. Willis. B. Boyer.
The Boyer is always looking for volunteers - as tour
guides, greeters, and for maintenance work. Tour guides
and greeters are invited to offer from two hours of
their time and talent a day on a regular basis, or,
once trained, to be “on call” for pre-arranged
guided tours.
There are “work parties” the first Saturday
of each month, year round. Volunteers gather for ship
maintenance projects about 9 a.m. and then singly or
in teams get involved in painting, cleaning, repairs,
and other jobs. The ship provides lunch at noon. Clean
up starts about 2 p.m. and everyone is gone by 3 p.m.
or so. Come even if you can only stay for an hour or
two. You are needed!
Tour guides and maintenance volunteers come from all
walks of life. Included among them are a retired librarian,
a University of Toledo professor, a refinery worker,
a plant manager, a welder, and an insurance agent.
Additional volunteers for the upcoming season are being
recruited. For information about volunteering aboard
the Boyer, just visit the ship or call (419)-936-3070
anytime. |
