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.

“I didn’t come to get honoured. It’s a real shock and yes, I guess I do feel proud,” said Mason, 60, of Bible Hill after receiving a special certificate Friday night at the Nova Scotia Community College, where a celebration honouring CALA students, volunteers and supporters took place.

“We wanted to honour him for his many accomplishments, including his long-term employment with a single employer (Stanfield’s), his commitment to upgrading his academic skills through the CALA program, all while working full time and supporting his family, and freely giving his time to canvass for local charities,” said CALA volunteer tutor Pam Haldane.

“He’s a sweet, down-to-Earth man. It’s nice to see good things happen to good people.”

Mason has been employed at Stanfield’s for 41 years, he helps whenever he can in the community, and attends CALA two nights a week. He’s currently in the process of attaining his GED.

“I’m determined. I have confidence in myself … I wish I had done it years ago,” said Mason.

Mike Henderson, vice-president of manufacturing at Stanfield’s, was on hand to help with the presentation. Henderson said Mason was more than deserving of the special recognition, not only for academic reasons, but because of Mason’s caring nature.

“He was (like) a security blanket,” said Henderson of Mason’s eagerness to help him when Henderson started at Stanfield’s about 10 years after Mason.

“And he astonished me with (his) ability to remember dates and events. He’s a very spiritual man and has a wonderful singing voice,” added Henderson.

Mason was one of the night’s entertainers. There were about 100 people at the event. Students provided musical entertainment, and their written work, presentations and photographs were also highlighted during the event. Guest speakers were also former CALA students who are enjoying success after the program.

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