Mud balls made with EM (Essential Microorganisms) are known locally as genki balls. They will be tossed for bioremediation into ponds and rivers around the world including Hawai`i. Participating countries include Belgium, France, Italy, Russia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Croatia, Myanmar, and Japan. Locations in Japan include Okinawa, Miyagi, Tokyo, Shiga, Yamaguchi, Aichi, Mie, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Kochi and Niigata. In Hawai`i, genki balls will be tossed into the Ala Wai Canal and Waihonu, the traditional fish pond at the heart of Lili`uokalani Gardens. If you are in Hilo, come join in the fun or

The six Lions Clubs of East Hawai`i maintain the Lions Legacy Project at Lili`uokalani Gardens (under the big shade trees on the corner across from Suisan and Hilo Bay Cafe). Please wear closed toe shoes. Bring your favorite garden tools and gloves. Tasks include weeding, thinning, raking, hauling, and possibly even power washing the sidewalk from the south torii toward the two benches by a big banyan tree). Meet at the small pavilion in the southern quadrant. Cold beverages will be provided. There is a water fountain nearby for refilling personal containers.

Phil Hulbert, garden designer, will teach this hands-on session. He retired to Honomu after 50 years in the Pacific Northwest designing, installing, and maintaining Japanese-style gardens. He is expert in niwaki and bonsai techniques to prune and train trees. Participants should meet at the east torii gate. Bring your favorite tools and gloves. Please wear closed toe shoes.

Submission deadline of entry forms for the Banyan Drive Art Stroll: deadline for email submission is 5:00 p.m. Details are in the “Call to Artists” available from Banyan Gallery in advance of this deadline.

Monday 12/22 is set up day for the 9th annual illumination of the park — Garden Enchantment. Help will be needed to outline pathways with light stands and strands; to set up curtain lights at the tea house; to decorate a tree on a small surfboard and secure it to the island; to set out traffic cones; to assist astronomers or Lions Clubs as needed; and a host of other chores. Please wear work clothes and closed toe shoes. Lunch and cold beverages will be provided.

The 26th annual celebration of the Queen’s birthday — He Hali`a Aloha No Lili`uokalani — is set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 6, which is the first Saturday after the Queen’s birthday (September 2). Free family fun is set throughout the park including children’s games, cultural demonstrations, information and craft booths, mass hula, flower drop, food trucks, Hawaiian games, live entertainment and more. Overflow parking will be available at Aunty Sally’s in the Civic Center with shuttle service to the park

Help clean the gardens to prepare for the Queen’s birthday festival in September. Every Saturday in August from 8 to noon. Please wear closed toe shoes. Bring your favorite garden tools and gloves if you have them. If not, we have some to lend.

Join local astronomers on the flat lawn area near the east torii entry in the early evening to learn more about Hawaiian skies.