Published on May 2nd, 2010
Monique Chiasson
TRURO – Carman Mason was astounded to be honoured Friday night in Truro.
To him, he is simply one of Colchester Adult Learning Association’s (CALA) students; the same as everyone else.
To his tutors, CALA, his peers, his employer and even the community, however, Mason was the ideal candidate for the Special Student Recognition Award.
Here are a collection of photos from the CALA Appreciation Night held on April 30, 2010. Thanks to all who attended!
Lights out – Local – News – Truro Daily News.
Published on March 25th, 2010
Monique Chiasson
CALA getting involved in Earth Hour celebrations
TRURO – Debbie Farrell knows it’s going to be a difficult hour but she’s willing to endure the inconvenience.
“It’s going to take some effort being a single parent with two young children but it’s important,” said Farrell, regarding Earth Hour.
Millions of people around the globe are expected to turn out their lights and reduce the amount of energy they consume Saturday between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.
Farrell is the program co-ordinator of Colchester Adult Learning Association (CALA). The association is taking the initiative one step further by hosting a gathering Saturday afternoon in which people will form the number 60 to represent the one hour of conservation. Everyone is invited to arrive at the ball field beside Roadside Willies in Bible Hill at 2:30 p.m. rain or shine.
“We take the Earth for granted. We have something special here and we need to take care of it,” said Farrell. “One person at a time will make a difference. If this event brings awareness or a new appreciation to one person it will be worth it and maybe they’ll make better choices and life-long choices to benefit the Earth.”
Bonnie MacDonald, an instructor at CALA, said it makes sense the association would get involved in the environmental event.
“Our motto is bringing learning to life and this is a way of doing that,” said MacDonald. “The Earth is our baby … many people in Truro have never heard of Earth Hour so we want to help bring it to the public because this is only going to grow; it’s not going away.”
CALA student Theresa Allison is excited to turn off her lights Saturday night, especially if she can be a role model for the younger generation.
“I have grandchildren and I need them to grow up with clean air,” Allison said.
“It’s just important to maintain the Earth and a lot of people take that for granted. This one event should make a big difference because we are getting more information out there.”
CALA Supports action on Climate Change!
On March 27 at 8:30 p.m., hundreds of millions of people around the world will turn off their lights for an hour to demand action on climate change. But that’s just the beginning. Every hour, Canadians are taking small steps to lessen their impact on the environment. From hanging your clothes to dry to taking transit to work, those small steps add up to huge changes for the better.
For more information please visit the WWF website at www.wwf.ca/earthhour.
Big Brothers Big Sisters has become an annual fundraiser the students of CALA have taken on. This being our third year, students from various classes get together and raise money for the community. There are many topics besides academics that take place at CALA; an essential skill best taught by doing , by giving back to the community. Congrats to Lynn Burns who initially took on this endeavor of fundraising for Big Brother/Big Sisters, and reaching our all time best last year by raising over $800.00.
Thanks to those who came out to join the fun, as well as raising money for the community.
Debbie Farrell
CALA Program Coordinator
#3 in a series of videos with CALA Students – telling their story and talking about their experience with CALA.
#2 in a series of videos with CALA Students – telling their story and talking about their experience with CALA.
by Debbie Lawrence – founder of Abundant Living Personal Coaching
Debbie Lawrence
I have this saying – you are who you do be with. It is a simple universal truth. In my case, I know I have been shaped by the intense relationship I have with the written word. I have always dedicated time to learning, whether it is through reading, researching, or applying what I have learned. An avid student, my lifelong love affair with learning began early with books. As a young girl, nothing held more appeal than the Nancy Drew series. I remember begging my mother to drive me to the neighboring community where our regional library was housed so I could feast on the newest releases.
I am so proud to have been one of the chosen few to be accepted in the Gap Program here in Truro. When I first came into this program I was thinking (What am I getting myself into)? The very first day I met Tom Falle and told him I was very nervous and hoped there was someone in the class that I knew! Low and behold I did know 2 or 3 of the other students!
Every year Colchester Adult Learning Association sponsors an exciting intergenerational Family Literacy Day celebration. This gala event in January sees families in our region coming together to share unforgettable stories, music, and magic.
A wonderful time is guaranteed.
For more information on Family Literacy Day please visit the ABC Canada website.
Munsch at Home Contest
Every year, in celebration of Family Literacy Day, ABC CANADA runs the Munsch at Home contest. This contest gives a Canadian family a chance to win a visit from renowned children’s author, and FLD Honorary Chair, Robert Munsch!
It’s easy to apply! All you have to do is tell us how you will celebrate Family Literacy Day. Winners are chosen based on creativity, originality and involvement of the whole family.
