Publication The Day
Published 6/5/2012 12:00 AM

New London — New London Main Street is inviting prospective volunteers for OpSail 2012 to attend a half-day training session on Saturday at Ocean Beach Park.

The informational gathering is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to noon at Port ‘N’ Starboard banquet hall.

OpSail leadership will be on hand to provide details of the event and training. The two-day festival of ships and marine heritage is planned for July 7-8 at Fort Trumbull State Park.

More than 200 volunteers will be needed to help with activities, visitors and media.

New London Main Street has recruited, trained, and scheduled volunteers for a wide range of community activities downtown such as Hygienic Arts programs, the spring and fall food strolls, and cruise ship visits.

“ So far, more than 100 respondents have expressed interest and excitement at the prospect of taking part,’’ said Penny Parsekian, Main Street’s chief executive officer. “We have also reached out to numerous organizations with the potential for large numbers of volunteers like the Coast Guard, Navy and local businesses known for their community involvement.”

OpSail 2012 chairman, John Johnson said the volunteers will enhance the visitor experience during OpSail.

“ New London Main Street has been playing a vital role in our efforts to obtain volunteers,’’ he said. “We can’t thank them enough for this valuable service.”

For more information contact Joanne Gibson, manager of community outreach and volunteer engagement at New London Main Street (860) 444-2489; www.opsail2012ct.org or www.newlondonwaterfrontdistrict.org.

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OpSail2012 Volunteer Needs include:

• Parking Operations Team

• Bus Greeters

• Access Controllers

• Media and Public Information Team

• Tall Ships and Crew Liaisons

• Interpreters

• Sponsor Escorts

• Talent Assistants

• Hospitality Coordinators

• Office/Clerical/Phones

• History & Heritage Guides


The Day