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.

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.”

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

Click here to view the embedded video.

Click here to view the embedded video.

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.

Fast forward many years later and little has changed. I still have that love affair with books. I am surrounded by them all the time – in my office, lining my tote bag, tucked in the door of my car, on the bookshelves in my home office, sitting in piles by my bed, in a basket in the washroom, as part of my ever growing kitchen library, and on practically every surface in the living room.

The ideal outing for me is a trip to a bookstore, a great cup of coffee and that moment when you hear the distinctive cracking of the cover of a new book for the first time, the scent of freshly printed pages escaping from within.

What I know about learning is that integration is the key. It is only when we take what we have read or researched and lived it again and again that it becomes infused in the essence of who we are – body, mind and spirit. Otherwise, it is nothing more than trivial data.

My books also serve as the source I turn to for my creative endeavours. A writer and teacher, I know that I bring forth true creativity only when I draw from a cup that overflows. To guarantee that I have an abundance of knowledge from which to draw, I adhere to a daily practice of reading and researching as a way of depositing into my bank account of learning. That is why I always read several books at the same time. Inevitably, there’s a cookbook that I am working my way through recipe by recipe. I am currently reading a plethora of books related to collective consciousness. Then there are the business books that always peak my interest, especially those related to mastering communication in the workplace. I love a well written book of fiction that takes to me a different place and time; and there is sure to be a book in my current collection on experiencing other cultures through travel.

These are tools that enhance my conversational skills. I draw on them when I am teaching, I reference them in my coaching practice, and I love to share what I am learning with friends and family. Books bring me joy and comfort and assurance and get my creative juices flowing. They are who I do be with and, as a result, mirror who I have become as a person. That, for me, is the essence of learning to be.

The founder of Abundant Living Personal Coaching, Debbie Lawrence is a life, business & career coach and author of “Standing In Your Light: Women and Entrepreneurship” and “Dancing in Your Light: 6 Steps to Attracting A Life That Makes Your Heart Sing”.

The former Director of the Professional Ethics Review Committee for the International Association of Coaches, she has been an adult educator and business coach for the past two decades.

Check out her website at: www.abundantliving.ca or call 895-6987.

I have had very bad experiences at other schools and I can admit I was very apprehensive about trying out yet another school program! I am 35 yrs old and all truth be known should be in the work force, but this is what The Gap Program is all about! The participants here in the program have all had a gap in their work history that needed some working on. I personally haven’t held a fulltime job since 2001.

Through this program we have taken many certificate programs such as CPR/First Aid, WHMIS, Peak Performance, Occupational Health and Safety, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and Super Host as well as the Phoenix Seminar. For the past 3 weeks I have been volunteering at the Colchester food Bank and having a blast doing so. I know I have done something right when the clients walk out of there with smiles on their faces instead of a frown. There is no prejudiced there and everyone shouldn’t feel as though they are lower than everyone else because they have to come to the food bank.

We have done a couple of tours which have opened my eyes to what is really out there. We have travelled to Andre’s wines, Sugar Moon Maple Farm, and also Truro Water Treatment Plant. One day we were all given $50.00 and told to go out and find clothes at thrift shops get our hair done and get make up, it was a day set up so we were on a budget but yet we could be dressed for success. I personally had a blast and now my self esteem is a lot higher because not only do I look better but I feel better about myself.

Another course we have been taking is Anger Management. I always heard of it and was scared to enquire about it. I have been through a lot in my life and our instructor has taught me that not only do I have the right to be angry but why I shouldn’t feel bad when I do get angry!

In closing I would like to thank Tom Falle, Matt Taylor and Debbie Farrell for allowing me to be part of the Gap Program!

S. Pratt – Spring 2009

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.

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