MICHIGAN CITY | International Friendship Gardens is hosting training sessions for potential volunteers on July 16 and Aug. 5 at the gardens, 2055 E. U.S. 12.

Volunteer are the heartbeat of Friendship Gardens, according to Executive Director Marti Pizzini. Volunteers are responsible for keeping the flowers blooming and the gates open, Pizzini said.

Potential volunteers of all types are invited to attend an orientation session from 1 to 3 p.m. July 16 or Aug. 5. Then from 3 to 5 p.m. each day, there is additional training for volunteers wishing to become garden hosts.

Garden hosts tend the visitors' cabin, assisting visitors and answering questions about the location of special gardens within the grounds and the availability of group tours, among other things.

"It's a fun training day, and the hosts provide a service that is truly needed," Pizzini said. "We cover garden history and organization. We take a comprehensive tour of the garden, learning interesting facts along the way. At the end of the day, a garden host can give directions, offer a simple walking tour, collect admissions and sell pop."

Friendship Gardens also is looking for volunteers who can help with special events, handyman projects and office work.

To register for the class, call the Friendship Gardens office at (219) 878-9885.

-- For The Times