Scarice Wins 2 National Superintendent Honors

Posted on October 8, 2026 | Leave a comment

Congratulations to Tom Scarice!

As reported earlier by Westport Journal, Westport’s superintendent of schools has received 2 prestigious awards.

Last night, the National Association of School Superintendents named him both Superintendent of the Year, and the honoree for Excellence in Technology and AI.

The awards were announced at the annual conference in Oceanside, California.

Superintendent of the Year Thomas Scarice.

The NASS website says: “Thomas’s distinguished career in educational leadership, grounded in instructional excellence and systems thinking, has prepared him to lead at a transformative moment in public education. …

“Under his leadership, Westport Public Schools is redefining what it means to be a high performing district — advancing a bold vision to become AI-powered and human-centered, while ensuring that innovation strengthens, rather than diminishes, the human experience at the heart of teaching and learning.”

Scarice is in his 7th year as Westport’s superintendent. NASS cited him for “a wide range of significant accomplishments throughout his career, including guiding school systems through the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing comprehensive strategic plans, and leading complex initiatives such as redistricting and long-term facilities planning.

“He has aligned curriculum, instruction, and operations to support high-quality teaching and learning, while fostering strong community engagement and building highly effective leadership teams.

“In Westport, his leadership has been marked by the development of a bold, systemwide vision to become AI-powered and human-centered, positioning the district as a national leader in the thoughtful integration of artificial intelligence in education. This work includes establishing a districtwide AI Code of Ethics, developing a K–12 AI literacy framework, refreshing academic integrity practices, and investing in professional learning to empower educators.”

Scarice noted that his work “is not about individual recognition, but about maintaining a relentless focus on preparing students for the future while preserving the humanity at the heart of education.”

In an interview with NASS, Scarice said, “One of the defining realities of the modern superintendency is its complexity. It is no longer just about managing a school system, but about leading through constant change and uncertainty. The role demands clarity of vision in a time when the future is evolving faster than ever before.

Superintendent Scarice, at this year’s opening convocation. (Photo/Dan Woog)

“In my view, one of the greatest challenges today is navigating the rapid advancement of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, while preserving the human core of education. Superintendents must not only be technologically fluent, but must also model its responsible and purposeful use, setting the tone for how systems adapt.

“Equally important is communication. Stories matter. Today’s superintendent must serve as a narrator for the system, helping the community understand not just what is happening, but why it matters. In a highly engaged and often demanding environment, building trust through transparency and clarity is essential. Storytelling is central to this.

“Ultimately, today’s superintendent must be both innovator and steward, driving transformation while ensuring that relationships, ethics, and humanity remain at the center of the work.”

Click here for the full interview and more, from the NASS website.

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Roundup: Golf Lessons, Arts Events, Haunted Weston …

Posted on October 8, 2026 | 2 comments

Mark Edwards is a familiar Staples High School name.

The 1988 graduate captained the lacrosse and ski teams. He played football and tennis too.  This summer, he revived the Compo Beach volleyball tournament.

Now a highly regarded speaker to sales teams, corporate leaders and college audiences about reading people and managing pressure, he’s written his first book.

“The Elements of Golf and Business: Reading the Green, Reading the Room” maps the Big 5 personality traits onto 5 classical elements (fire, earth, air, water and aether) to show how the instincts revealed over 18 holes are the same ones that shape a negotiation, leadership decision or client relationship.

It includes a self-assessment and an original golf game for foursomes.

On October 19 (6 p.m., The Clubhouse), Mark gives his first public talk based on the book.

He’ll discuss each trait using case studies from names like Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Scottie Scheffler and Ben Hogan, along with pop culture moments and business lessons learned over the past 25 years.

“I want my first audience to be the community I grew up in,” Edwards says.

“Golf has a way of showing you who people really are when the pressure is on. I’m happy to put myself in that seat first.”

A $10 ticket includes appetizers. For $20, you also get a signed copy of the book. Click here to purchase. After the talk, guests can stay for Monday Night Football.

Mark Edwards

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Westport Country Playhouse was buzzing on Monday.

Tom Hanks, Wendie Malick and Tony Shalhoub performed in the 100th play reading in the 20-year-old Script in Hand series.

If you missed the historic event: too bad! In any event, here’s the curtain call:

Tony Shalhoub, Wendie Malick, Tom Hanks. (Photo/Kerry Long)

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Meanwhile, coming up at MoCA\CT:

The museum’s executive director Robin Jaffee Frank, artist Rick Shaefer, architect and urban policy leader Rick Bell and executive director of the Avon Theatre Film Center Peter Gistelinck offer a provocative conversation, inspired by Shaefer’s monumental “Colossi” drawings on exhibit now (October 24, 4 p.m.).

They’ll discuss the enduring human impulse to build walls, and what they reveal about ambition, history, borders and our relationship to the landscape.

The event is free, but registration is required; click here.

On October 29 (7 p.m.), the East Coast Contemporary Ballet Salon Series comes to MoCA, for an intimate evening of dance, discovery and conversation.

They’ll present a short excerpt from their upcoming fall season, then go behind the scenes to show their creative journey. Click here for tickets.

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Coming up at Lachat Town Farm: “Spirits of 1776: A Haunted Experience.”

The Weston farm takes visitors back to the 1770s, as the Revolution unfolded and danger lurked in every field.

In an immersive, interactive production, audiences encounter ghostly battles of fallen soldiers and rebels, along with witches, tricksters and evil spirits.

Participants walk on wooded trails and varied terrain in a 45-minute guided adventure filled with live actors and chilling surprises. Parental discretion is strongly advised, as some scenes may be too scary for younger audiences.

Performances are October 22-25, at 6:30, 6:50, 7:10, 7:30 7:50, 8:10 and 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Many Westporters supports KEYS Music.

The Bridgeport non-profit provides free music lessons and musical summer camp to public school students in grades K-12.

It fills an enormous need: Only 8 out of the city’s 34 public schools offer any type of music programming.

On November 8 (5 p.m., Fairfield Theatre Company), KEYS hosts their annual fundraiser.

It’s free — the board covers the cost. Of course, contributions are warmly welcomed.

$300 covers 15 music lessons for 1 student; $450, 1 day’s lunch for KEYS
summer program students; $600, a 1-month paid internship for a KEYS alumnus; $1,200, a 4-week summer program scholarship; $1,500, a concert at the University of Bridgeport; $2,500, a KEYS scholarship for the University of Bridgeport; $5,000, instruments, maintenance, repairs, and supplies; $7,000, 1 student for 2 years of music education; $10,000, a KEYS music program at1 school for a full year; $15,000, 1 ensemble at the Saturday program

Light bites will be served, along with an open bar. Of course, KEYS students and alumni will perform. Click here to register. To learn more and donate, click here.

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Last year, 3 New York City Marathon runners raised $19,000 for Positive Directions.

This year, 5 — George DeNoto, Doug Feinberg, Piya, Brian McGarvey and Gianna — are aiming far higher: $60,000. They’re already more than 1/3 of the way there.

Each has their own reason for running. But all involve mental health.

Every dollar raised goes to Positive Directions, which funds their counseling and prevention work. To read their stories — and donate — click here. 

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between September 30 and October 6.

A 37-year-old Westport man was charged with possession of child sexual abuse material, after 2 videos of child pornography were emailed to him. He was released on a $25,000 bond.

A 48-year-old Westport man was charged wit assault and disorderly conduct, after a verbal argument escalated into a physical one. He was released on a $7,500 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to renew registration: 9 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
  • Operating a school bus while using a handheld telephone: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Speeding: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Failure to grant right of way: 2
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1
  • Improper use of marker: 1
  • Violation of motor vehicle license class: 1

Three school bus drivers were charged recently with using handheld telephones. (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Bob Weingarten spotted this bird — today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject — sitting on a mailbox.

However, he says, when he got closer it did not move.

“Is this Halloween bird real or not?” he wonders.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … in honor of the 5 people raising funds for Positive Directions, at the New York Marathon (item above):

(You don’t have to run — or even walk — to support “06880.” Just click here, to make a tax-deductible donation that keeps this hyper-local blog running smoothly. Thank you!)

 

 

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Posted in Arts, Police, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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“No Kings”: The Song And Video

Posted on October 8, 2026 | 3 comments

Another national No Kings Day is set for October 17.

Events have been announced for Wilton, Stamford, Greenwich and Ridgefield — though nothing so far for Westport.

Yet whether there is a downtown protest or not, Scott Heckman is ready.

The grandfather of 4 3/4 kids — the 5th is due in December — moved here 4 years from Maryland.

“I’d rather watch my grandkids grow up then watch my friends grow old,” he says. (How old is Scott? He turns 65 on October 17 — No Kings Day!)

A corporate bond trader for nearly 4 decades, he’s also a longtime amateur guitar player and songwriter. “I only seem to write when I’m really happy, really sad or really mad,” he notes. “It’s pretty easy to figure out which emotion triggered this one.”

Scott Heckman

Some years ago, to surprise his daughter for their dance at at her wedding, Scott wrote and recorded “Walk Her Down the Aisle.”

The videographer posted the moment online. It quickly went viral.

“It was an incredible experience. But as a songwriter I’ve been a little blocked since then,” Scott says.

Then came No Kings.

“Given the political dissension and division in our country, I had simply had enough. I grew up proudly in the United States of America — not the divided one we seem to have become. I wanted to write something about that.”

He stresses, “I’m not anti-Republican. The song isn’t about telling people how to vote.

“I want us to get back to a country where we can disagree without seeing one another as enemies, and where ‘We the People’ still have the deciding voice. Hence, ‘No Kings.'”

Scott recorded the song in a barn/recording studio in Westtown, New York.

He played it for his friends Clinton Curtis and Geoff Countryman, classically trained musicians who worked with him on “Walk Her Down the Aisle.”

“I brought them a song written on an acoustic guitar, with a very faint pulse but, I believed, an important message. I gave them my vision for what I wanted it to become, and their talent and creativity gave it a throbbing heartbeat,” he says.

The video was created by longtime friend Alan Paley, who owns Hairless Dog Productions.

Scott explained how he envisioned the video. Alan brought that vision to life, through shots of Scott performing, news clips and images of America.

WFUV selected “No Kings” for its daily “New York Slice” feature, and debuted it last month.

Will Scott’s political song go as viral as his wedding one?

Who knows? But if it does, you may read about it somewhere.

So long as we have a free press.

(“No Kings” is available on Spotify, and other streaming platforms.)

(“06880” reports often on politics, entertainment, interesting Westporters — and, like today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3458

Posted on October 7, 2026 | 2 comments

Saugatuck River, and west bank (Photo/John Maloney)

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Unsung Heroes #449

Posted on October 7, 2026 | 5 comments

Anne Delorier writes:

I want to share a small-town story that perfectly captures why I love this community so much.

After 8 years in business, it was time to move my ELEVEN11 Accessories studio to our new location (1835 Post Road East) in Westport.

Who showed up to make it happen? 11 incredible women.

They brought pickup trucks and Suburbans, tons of muscle, and all the love. Who knew moving could be fun?!

On the move.

No professional movers. Just 11 women loading up their own cars, hauling furniture, carrying boxes, and getting it done.

We laughed. I cried (happy tears, of course). We ate PopUp Bagels. And somewhere in all the flurry of circling cars and sweat, we moved an entire business.

It was one of those moments that reminds you what small-town community is really about. Women showing up for women. No questions asked. I needed help, and they were there.

Just love, friendship, and a whole lot of heavy lifting.

During the move.

And the fact that 11 women moved ELEVEN11? You can’t make this stuff up.

I’m still overwhelmed with gratitude. Sometimes the best part of owning a small business isn’t the business at all.

It’s the people.

“06880” salutes the 11 women who moved ELEVEN11:

  • Brette Berman
  • Britt Steel
  • Catrina Hegarty
  • Jayme Martino
  • Julia Felleman
  • Kaitlyn Steffa
  • Liz Leary
  • Rory Little
  • Ryann Giannone
  • Sarah Zuckerman
  • Tara Chlupsa

Unsung heroes.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)

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Roundup: Pink Royale, Startup Pitch, Flagged …

Posted on October 7, 2026 | 1 comment

One of the biggest fundraisers of the year — Pink Aid‘s “Pink Royale” — takes place tomorrow (Thursday, Mitchells of Westport, 6 to 10 p.m.).

The Breast Cancer Awareness Month evening aims to raise $1.5 million to support Pink Aid’s work keeping patients financially afloat during treatment, with help for rent, utilities, transportation and more. The non-profit was founded in Westport. It’s now national in scope.

The guest speaker is Tina Knowles. The breast cancer survivor, philanthropist, businesswoman — and mother of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles — was diagnosed after falling behind on routine mammograms when her scheduled screening was canceled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She will speak about her journey, including the importance of early detection.

The evening will honor breast cancer survivors with the Celebration of Life Warrior Fashion Show, a Pink Aid tradition that celebrates survivorship and the people behind each journey. Breast cancer survivors will walk alongside family members and friends who supported them through diagnosis and treatment.

The event also includes a designer fashion show, silent auction, and performances by Staples High School musicians.

Unable to attend? Click here to donate.

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Over 40 startups “pitched” Startup Westport, to be part of this year’s Pitch Competition.

Sixteen — in industries like healthcare, wellness and education — from across the state were chosen to participate in an intensive boot camp. They refined their ideas, strengthened their presentation, and prepared to pitch in front of a live audience and panel of judges.

Now, the 4 finalists have been announced. They’ll compete on November 19 (6 p.m., Westport Library) for $30,000 in prizes (first prize: $25,000). They are:

Batch Global: A global sperm donation marketplace designed to make the process of finding and connecting with donors more accessible.

PayScopeMD: An AI-powered platform that helps physicians benchmark employment contracts and better understand their compensation.

Biome Botanicals: A natural digestive health company developing botanical-based products that support digestive wellness.

Starteryou: An AI-powered work-based learning platform connecting people with real-world work experiences and opportunities to build career-ready skills.

Audience registration is open; click here.

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Does our beloved American flag unite us today? Or does it divide us?

That’s the question explored by a wide variety of citizens in “Flagged,” a documentary co-written and directed by a woman who lost her firefighter husband on 9/11.

It will be screened tonight (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m., Earthplace amphitheater). The event includes snacks and beverages, a guided conversation after the film, and an appearance by singer Suzanne Sheridan.

Seating is limited. To reserve a spot, click here. 

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Where do our General Assembly hopefuls stand on environmental issues?

Sustainable Westport, the League of Women Voters of Westport and Earthplace all host a candidate debate, featuring candidates for State Senate District 26 and State House Districts 136 and 143.

It’s at Town Hall October 13. There’s a “Mix and Mingle” at 6 p.m., followed by the debate at 7.

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One of the great Staples High School boys soccer traditions — besides winning — is Quiz Night.

Varsity, junior varsity and freshman players, parents and siblings join in a fun evening of trivia (and fundraising: It’s $25 to play). There are prizes, raffles, food — and everyone learns something.

This past Sunday featured questions like “Who is the leading scorer in US soccer national team history?”

Many players confidently said, “a tie between Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan.”

Nope! The answer: Abby Wambach.

Other questions from longtime quizmaster and former head coach Dan Woog included the number of black keys on a piano (36), the artist with the hit “Birds of a Feather” and her relationship to Staples (Billie Eilish; her father went there), and the famous person with whom JK Rowling shares a birthday (Harry Potter).

Congratulations to the winners: Luke Diederich, Jack Fenn, Oliver Lynch, Charles Nivaud, Luca Roberts, Michael Roberts, Zach Selig and Harrison Welsh.

A friendly competition: Staples boys soccer Quiz Night. (Photo/Gustavo Reyna)

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Thomas Orofino died peacefully at his home on Saturday. He was 79.

A  resident of Westport for 44 years, he spent the last 13 years at his home near Compo Beach, a place that brought him great joy.

A graduate of Villanova University, Tom owned and operated his own company, Collateral Guarantee, for many years. In later years he enjoyed working as a commercial real estate agent.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Leslie; children Tom (Kelly) of Westport, and Liz Simpson (Matt) of Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Colin, Olivia and Liam Orofino, and Connor, Cameron, and Bryn Simpson.

A funeral is set for Friday (October 9, 11 a.m., St. Luke Church), with a Mass of Christian burial. Condolences may be left online. 

Tom Orofino

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Janine Scotti was struck by the clash of 2 holidays, and snapped it for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

“Too soon, Rudolph!” she writes.

(Photo/Janine Scotti)

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And finally …happy 71st birthday to Yo-Yo Ma!

(Yo! You like “06880”? Click here to support us, bro!)

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Pink Aid’s Vision: Corporate America Helping Every Woman In Need

Posted on October 7, 2026 | Leave a comment

Kaile Zagger has spent her professional career in healthcare. She has private insurance.

But after the Westport mom underwent a bilateral mastectomy last January, she was astonished to discover the many non-reimbursable costs that piled up..

And she was stunned to learn how many women without her resources — single moms, those working and living paycheck to paycheck, women lacking the time or ability to find help — are forced to choose between treatment, and paying for food, rent and utilities.

Pink Aid — the national non-profit founded 16 years ago in Westport, which provides compassionate support and rapid emergency financial assistance to patients in treatment — was a lifeline.

Kaile found a peer-to-peer mentor in Courtney Prussin, a local mom who had undergone a similar journey.

Kaile Zagger and Courtney Prussin.

Fortunately, Kaile did not need Pink Aid’s financial help. But, she wondered, what about the 180,000 women each year who do?

Pink Aid has provided $16 million in funds since 2011. Still, the organization cannot come close to funding every request.

Yet.

Kaile — and a group of determined, whip-smart, and very well-connected women — are on a mission to make that happen.

The vehicle is the Visionary Circle. Just 3 month old, its goal is audacious: to fund every woman’s needs, including utilities, phone and cable, transportation to and from hospital visits and treatment centers, car loan and insurance premiums, and much more. Grants are usually provided within 48 hours.

Then again, these are very audacious women.

“Lots of groups spend money on research grants, and those are so important,” says Courtney. “But it’s just as important to help get these women, and their families, through such a traumatic time in their lives.”

Kaile knows her way around corporate America. She also knows there are many women who have been touched by breast cancer, or knows others who were.

If they knew about Pink Aid, she thought, they could leverage their power and resources to help raise the money that would serve every woman in need.

This summer, the Visionary Circle was born. It consists of nearly 2 dozen women, in prominent positions in finance, law, business and other fields, in New York, Chicago, California and beyond.

The women meet monthly. Each is reaching out into her own circles. Soon, they hope to have contacts — and receive large donations — from the 100 top American companies.

One early call was typical. A woman who runs a billion-dollar firm, and whose own family has been touched by cancer. said, “I had no idea this number of women are suffering.”

She signed on immediately.

The timeline is “as fast as possible,” Kaile says. “The woman in the Visionary Circle know how to make a difference.”

There are many ways to help, she adds. Executives can join the Visionary Circle.

In addition, peer mentors are always needed. So are donations. For more information, click here.  To contact Kaile directly, email kailezagger@outlook.com.

From left: Pink Aid founders Amy Gross, Amy Katz, Renee Mandis and Andrew Mitchell-Namdar at their gala and fashion show. Mitchells of Westport has been a longtime sponsor of Pink Aid. 

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Pic Of The Day #3457

Posted on October 6, 2026 | Leave a comment

Greens Farms train station sunrise (Photo/Richard Abramowitz)

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Staples Players Rewind: “Urinetown”

Posted on October 6, 2026 | Leave a comment

Sure, Staples Players performed “Urinetown” a few months ago.

But they also staged it in the spring of 2017.

That’s the version we’re posting today. Thanks to Jim Honeycutt, former media teacher, for compiling the highlights of directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s show. Click here or below to see.

What have cast members been up to in the 9 years since?

Avery Mendillo (Penelope Pennwise) is a New York–based actor and singer with roots in musical theatre, and a career in film and TV. She recently filmed her first feature film.

Remy Laifer (Bobby Strong)  is a New York-based actor and musician. A graduate of Northwestern University’s theatre program, he has appeared on television in NBC’s “New Amsterdam.” His film work includes “Escape from Myrtle Broadway” and “3 Worlds, 1 Modern Romance.”

Jacob Leaf (Officer Lockstock) is a professional actor. He has appeared in “Mamma Mia!,” “Gypsy,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Eurydice” and more.

Zoe Samuels (Hope Cladwell, UGG Secretary) is an associate strategy director at Edelman. She graduated with a degree in theater and Chinese from Middlebury College.

Antonio Antonelli (Hot Blades Harry, Wiley Fred) is an actor and crew member. He voiced the character Shane in “Santaman,” an appeared as Wes in “Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow.”

Colin McKechnie (Tiny Tom) is part of the premiere of Dance With Us with DGDC. He graduated from Ithaca College g with a BFA in acting, and a minor in dance. A stage and screen actor, he is playing Tony in the film adaption of Stephen King’s “I Know What You Need.”

Brooke Wrubel (Little Becky Two Shoes, Hidalgo Jane) is a Ph.D. candidate at Columbia University specializing in Early Christian, Byzantine and Western Medieval Art, with a focus on the development of pilgrimage shrines across Italy, Greece and the Holy Land. She holds a BA in art history and Italian studies from Bowdoin College, and an MA in the history of art from the University of Pennsylvania.

Sophia Sherman (Josephine Strong, Tawny Tess) studied acting and performing arts management at the University of Michigan. Based in Los Angeles, Sophia has focused on screen acting.

Chad Celini (Shem the Shameless) is an actor and performer who works in regional theater and independent productions. He has appeared in “Godspell,” “Curtains” and holiday musical revues, and on screen in the 2025 film “Game Over.”

Nick Rossi (Otto the Spoon) is a professional singer, actor and musician. He has appeared regionally in “Master Harold … and the Boys,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Pericles,” “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Jersey Boys.”

Jackie Rhoads  (Mrs. Millennium, UGG Secretary) is a filmmaker, actor, writer and producer, who studied film at Vanderbilt University. She creates and stars in videos on her YouTube channel, which has over 20,000 subscribers, and supports the development team at Fivestone Studios, a production company based in Nashville.

Mikayla Czizik (Nurse Clackett) is a New York-based actor, singer and dancer. She graduated with a BFA in Drama from NYU Tisch and the Atlantic Acting School.  She played Ash in her UK and Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut

Mia Kobylinski (UGG Secretary) is a performer and creative visual artist. She is also a professional visual artist and filmmaker under her brand MAK Filmworks, capturing film photography and media content across the West.

Jake Watzman (Ensemble, the Poor) is a voice actor and theatre performer. He graduated with a BA in theatre from Muhlenberg College. He is recognized for his work in indie animation, visual novels, and voiceover projects.

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Disaster Aid Approved For September Flood

Posted on October 6, 2026 | Leave a comment

In the wake of last month’s flooding, the Small Business Administration will provide low-interest loans for homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits in Fairfield, New Haven and Litchfield Counties.

The declaration comes in response to a request Governor Lamont submitted to the SBA immediately after assessments conducted by SBA, state, and local officials determined that the damage from the storm exceeds the criteria necessary to qualify.

Specifically, the loans cover:

  • Homeowners: Up to $500,000 to repair their primary residence.
  • Homeowners and renters: Up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
  • Business owners: Up to $2 million to replace real property, inventories, machinery, equipment and other physical losses.
  • Businesses and nonprofits: Loans of up to $2 million to provide working capital until normal operations resume.

Businesses like The Visual Brand that were damaged in the September 13 flood, as well as homeowners and renters, can apply for Small Business Administration loans.

The application deadline for physical damage loans is December 1. The application deadline for economic injury loans is July 2, 2027. To apply:

In-person: A temporary, in-person outreach center will open at the Margaret E. Morton Government Center at 999 Broad Street in Bridgeport beginning tomorrow (October 7).

It will operate Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adjusted hours include 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. October 9, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 20 and 21. It will be closed October 12, and close permanently after October 21.

Online: The MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov allows applicants to apply online, view loan details, check balances, make payments and access statements.

For further assistance, email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or call 1-800-659-2955.

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