On average, a Montreal garbage bag contains as much as 40% of biodegradable material, material that could easily be composted. Through composting, millions of living organisms (from microscopic bacteria to worms) decompose our waste, thus creating rich compost. When added to a garden, this compost enriches the soil and greatly improves its texture. Through the act of composting, we perpetuate an important cycle: we feed the soil which will in turn feed us, the citizens! Come and learn all about composting! Free workshop on Wednesday, May 7, from 7-9 p.m. at MUCS 2020 Northcliffe #219 (Bilingual, but mostly in English).

As part of Fair Trade Weeks, running nationally from May 1-15, the NDG outlet of Ten Thousand Villages will be hosting a variety of interesting events to raise awareness of Fair Trade and to explain how our consumer habits impact the lives of others all over the world. Acting locally, the Monkland business will be working with Cooperative de la Maison Verte for one activity and will be donating funds from another event to Action Communiterre. On Friday, May 9, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. a Coffee House Night (with live music, story telling, poetry and comedy) has been organized. On Thursday, May 15, at 7 p.m. The Story of Stuff will be presented. The film is a terrific opportunity for parents to educate their children about how to save the planet. On Sunday, May 18, a spring cleaning of NDG Park has also been organized. Lots more of events have been planned. For a detailed schedule, drop by the store at 5674 Monkland Avenue or log on to: www.tenthousandvillages.ca

Are you a transit user or interested in seeing public transit play a larger role in assuring the mobility of Montrealers? The Customer Service Committee of the Societe de transport de Montreal will be holding a meeting in the CDN-NDG borough on May 14, at 7 p.m. at the Intercultural Library, 6767 Cote des Neiges.The meeting will focus on improved bus service in the borough and how to make public transit more attractive to users and more competitive with the private automobile. Presentations to the Committee may be oral or written or indeed both. The public's participation at this meeting would aid in helping transit planners better understand the experiences of transit users in CDN-NDG and surrounding boroughs.

Popular 1970s singer/songwriter and rock pioneer Shawn Phillips - "I Took a Walk (Through the Fields of America)" - will hit the stage at Decarie Square's Dollar Cinema on June 6, brought here by CJAD talk show host Sol Boxenbaum. Unfortunately, tickets are not a buck, but they're still pretty affordable, just $23 tax included if you pick them up at the venue and $26.50 through the Internet. E-mail lastcallwithsol.com for more info.

All Swiss and their partners are invited, on Thursday, May 15, at 11 a.m., for musical entertainment by the baritone keyboardist, Greg Innis. Followed by a luncheon and meeting at the Restaurant Monkland Grill, N.D.G. Info: (514) 481-2928.

On Sunday May 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rosedale-Queen Mary United Church (6870 Terrebonne corner of Mariette) a super book sale will take place linking families, schools and communities with an amazing range of award-winning books for over 15 years in Canada. Affordable choices in French and English for all ages, as well as fun activities for the kids (entrance: 2$ per child). A tea room in the backyard for the adults while the kids are busy with the animators (coffee or tea and pastry: 2$) Open all day from 10am to 5pm. A garage sale will also be available with only kids stuff (toys, puzzles, clothing, very affordable items). For more info, call 514-486-1486 or check www.centreforliteracy.qc.ca for more on the Centre for Literacy.

On Saturday May 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. a book and bake sale will take place in Montreal West. Fresh baking just in time for Mother's Day, plus used books (children's books too), CDs, videos, puzzles and more. It's all taking place at St. Philip's Church, 7505 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal West. For more info, call 514-481-4871.

A Chamber Music Concert will take place on Wednesday, May 14, at 2:30 p.m. at the Montreal West United Church (Westminster at Curzon).This brass concert will feature music from Bach to Joplin, from Brahms to Bernstein. The performers are Trombone: James Box & Vivian Lee, Bass Trombone: Pierre Beaudry, and Tuba: Dennis Miller. They are members of the Low Brass section of the OSM. The concert is a benefit for MWUC’s Extra Miles Senior Visiting Program. Extra Miles matches up volunteers to be a friendly visitor with an isolated senior in NDG, Montreal West and Cote St-Luc. For tickets, call 514-482-3210 or log on to: www.mwuc.org

L'Auberge Transition, NDG/Montreal-West CLSC, NDG Food Depot, Extra Miles (friendly visiting program), Richardson Hospital, Mab-Mckay Rehabilitation Centre and the Lev-Tov Seniors Residence are some of the NDG/Montreal-West community organizations who are looking for volunteers. For more information, please contact Edward Edward Cho at 514-484-7878, extension 3146.

A women’s shelter in the West End is looking for volunteers to plan and animate activities for children aged 2 – 10 years; also to spend time with the women. Prior experience with children preferred; knowledge of conjugal violence an asset. Métro Vendome. Please contact The Montreal Volunteer Bureau at 514.842.3351