Con Ed Reacts Quickly to Oil Spill, But Concerns Linger

In the days before Thanksgiving, dozens of workers in hard hats and orange and yellow vests trudged along the banks of the Bronx River sopping and scooping up the last remnants of a Nov. 4 oil spill from a Consolidated Edison substation in Yonkers.

Conservation experts heralded Con Edison's quick and diligent response but wouldn’t go so far as to give the river’s ecosystem a clean bill of health.

“We're watching very closely for harm to wildlife,” said Linda Cox, who heads the Bronx River Alliance, a non-profit that works to restore and protect the river. “Our concern is more about whether there would be more subtle, longer-term effects.”

More here.

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EVENTS & ANNOUCEMENTS

Toys and Coats Wanted

The Bronx Zoo is hosting its annual holiday toy and coat drive with the help of Bronx BP Ruben Diaz, Jr. Those wishing to donate can drop items off at the Zoo Center, 2300 Southern Blvd. The zoo will collect toys and warm winter clothes until Dec. 31. Those who donate will receive a free pass for their next visit to the zoo. For more information, call (718) 220-5182/5189.

Census Jobs

The US Census Bureau needs local residents for a variety of opportunities, including interviewing, office administration, and supervision. Both full- and part-time positions are available. Hourly wages range from approximately $14 per hour to over $20 per hour. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. To apply, call (866) 861-2010, or call the Bronx Southeast Headquarters at (718) 679-9030. For more information, visit http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/.

Shopping Discounts on Fordham Road

Seventy-six businesses on Fordham Road are offering shoppers special discounts this holiday season. To obtain the 10 percent discount – which is valid through Dec. 20 – shoppers must present either a Fordham Road Business Improvement advertisement (which is appearing in this newspaper and others), a MetroCard, or an online coupon, at the time of purchase. For more information, call the BID at (718) 562-2104.

Apply for a Bronx Artist Award

The Bronx Recognizes Its Own (BRIO) Awards, hosted through the Bronx Council on the Arts, awards local artists for their work each year in dozens of fields. The deadline for submissions is Jan. 22, 2010. Applications can be found online or at any Bronx public library, the BCA Writers Center or BCA’s Longwood Art Gallery at Hostos Community College. Applicants are urged to attend one of several free workshops offered before the deadline. For submission guidelines and application assistance, visit www.bronxarts.org or call (718) 931-9500. Eligible applicants must be 18 years or older.