I’ve never been squeamish around worms. In fact, I remember hauling a poor wiggler out of my worm bin during a party and regaling my guests with stories about my new pet. I’ve developed a mild case of Scoleciphobia, however, after reading the section on vermicomposting in Composting for Canada by Suzanne Lewis. The description of how worms mate, if you can call it that, was particularly disturbing.

That said this is one of the best books I’ve read on vermicomposting with clear, detailed instructions on everything from setting up and maintaining a bin to troubleshooting tips and information on worm pests and friends. The author has a decade's experience in educating Edmontonians about composting and waste reduction, so the book should be worth its ... dirt.

When I vermicomposted my worms suffered a mould infestation. According to Lewis, mould is simply another decomposer, and is not harmful to your bin. She says mould grows when food is left on the surface of the bedding instead of being worked in. Maybe the mould didn’t kill them after all; maybe I just forgot to feed them. I’m going to re-read it very carefully before I decide to try vermicomposting again.

I was all excited on Sunday morning to get my bike out of storage and hit the pavement. After locating my helmet, my biking gloves, my reflective jacket and searching fruitlessly for my pant protectors (yes, I know they look geeky) I arrived at my bike fully decked out, slightly sweating and eager to feel the wind in my hair (er, on my face) once again.

My bike had other ideas. Both tires were flatter than a prairie highway, the gears grinded like my teeth in my sleep and the chain drooped with an evil smile. I was deflated.

Don't let this happen to you. Bring your bike to Central this Wednesday at noon and learn how to tune it up with the help of the good folks from the Good Life Community Bike Shop. Yes, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. you can bring your bike into the library and learn how to get it back on the road.

There are 10 spots left - register today and see you there!

The folks at the Arusha Centre and Calgary Dollars want to give you money. Come up with a plan to create social and/or environmental justice in Calgary, apply for a Take Action Grant and you could walk away with the funds to make your plan a reality.

Past TAG recipients have created projects to promote bike transportation, to increase awareness of climate change issues, to promote pesticide-free parks, and to create a cookbook designed for organizations and businesses to distribute to those who are reliant on food hampers.

You can learn more about how to apply for a TAG, meet past recipients and learn from their success stories at the next Calgary Dollars Potluck, Wednesday, May 12 from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association.

Calgary Dollars Potlucks are a fun (and tasty!) way to meet others who are involved in the local green community, while plugging into the local currency scene at the same time.