Burnaby resident Robert Edwards was awarded a Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal for his volunteer work helping children. Edwards is a semi-retired businessman who volunteers with World Vision.
"I've been really proactive. I have 10 sponsored children. I am going tomorrow (March 7) to Cambodia to visit four of my sponsored children. I can't tell you how excited I am," Edwards said. "I've been to Mongolia with World Vision, and it just really opened up my eyes, how little it takes over here . and how much you can do in these other countries. It's just awesome."
Edwards also does lectures in schools, talking to young people about how they can help.
He writes articles on World Vision and has written 10 self-published books.
"I don't watch much TV," he said, laughing.
Edwards was awarded the medal at a special World Vision ceremony on Jan. 27 in Toronto.
Snowy owl
Local amateur wildlife videographer Bruce Causier shot some footage of a snowy owl, perched atop a garage in South Burnaby on March 6.
"The crows were not pleased that this owl was in their territory.
The crows were constantly trying to chase away the snowy owl and were quite vocal about it," Causier wrote in an email to the NOW. "Nearby residents looked out to see what the constant chatter was about and got to observe this rare sighting of a snowy owl in an urban area."
According to the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C., snowy owls tend to prefer open areas like South Delta, and if they are seen in Burnaby, they are probably just passing through.
"They don't come in very often," said Yolanda Brooks, spokesperson for the wildlife association.
"They are almost always down near the Reifel bird sanctuary in Ladner and Boundary Bay."
Brooks wasn't sure if a snowy owl would take on a crow, per se, but crows perceive them as predators and don't like larger birds in their territory, she explained.
Causier specializes in catching urban wildlife on tape, including aggressive coyotes and the infamous snakehead fish that was dumped in a pond in Central Park.
To watch his snowy owl video, go to Youtube. com and search for Bruce Causier.
Lego play time at library branches
The Burnaby Public Library is encouraging kids to come out and play with Lego to help boost their reading skills. According to the library, playing with Lego helps children develop organization, planning, concentration and patience - all helping kids become better readers through creative play.
The Lego play-dates are Saturday, March 16 at the McGill branch, from 2 to 3 p.m., Monday, March 18 at Cameron, from 2 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 20 at the Tommy Douglas branch, from 11 a.m. to noon, and Friday, March 22 at the Bob Prittie Metrotown branch, from 2 to 3 p.m.
The library is also looking for donations of Lego and Duplo, which can be dropped off at any library information desk.
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