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Call us 877-451-9251Water Damage Restoration in Bridgeport, CT
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from University of Bridgeport in Bridgeport to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Bridgeport, CT is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Bridgeport. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
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Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Perry Memorial Arch Bridgeport in Bridgeport, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Bridgeport.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Bridgeport, CT
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to The Watermark at 3030 Park in Bridgeport for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Bridgeport, CT, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Bridgeport?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Seaside Park in Bridgeport. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Bridgeport, CT, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to Tongue Point Lighthouse in Bridgeport, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Bridgeport restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Bridgeport, CT, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Bridgeport, CT
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Bridgeport, CT, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Joseph's Steakhouse in Bridgeport. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Bridgeport rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Bridgeport, CT
Construction worker trapped for hours after home foundation collapse in Bridgeport
ABC7 New Yorkhttps://abc7ny.com/post/worker-trapped-inside-newly-constructed-home-after-wall-collapse-bridgeport-ct/15450114/
BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut (WABC) -- A worker was rescued after being trapped for hours at a home under construction in Bridgeport on Monday morning.It happened at a newly constructed home in the 1000 block of Stratford Avenue just after 9 a.m.Officials said the 35-year-old worker was trapped in the basement of the home after a wall collapsed, causing him to suffer injuries to his legs.A secondary collapse happened after first responders entered the home to rescue him."His lower extremities up to his knees were ...
BRIDGEPORT, Connecticut (WABC) -- A worker was rescued after being trapped for hours at a home under construction in Bridgeport on Monday morning.
It happened at a newly constructed home in the 1000 block of Stratford Avenue just after 9 a.m.
Officials said the 35-year-old worker was trapped in the basement of the home after a wall collapsed, causing him to suffer injuries to his legs.
A secondary collapse happened after first responders entered the home to rescue him.
"His lower extremities up to his knees were buried in debris from the foundation that collapsed and also under the secondary collapse as well," said Bridgeport Fire Department Chief Lance Edwards.
That made a difficult rescue even more challenging because it now required firefighters to shore up the foundation -- for their protection and the trapper worker as well.
"We were essentially building new pillars and columns underneath the existing rafters to prevent further collapse," said Bridgeport Fire Department Lt. Gregory Prior. "He was fully underneath the foundation.So he couldn't move anything. He couldn't help us out. It was just a slow digging process."
The worker was rescued just before 1 p.m. His injuries are considered serious, but not-life-threatening.
Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim said workers had the proper permits to renovate the empty multi-family building, which caught fire several years ago.
The home does not have a certificate of occupancy and now with OSHA investigation a pair of collapses in the home's basement, there won't be tenants there any time soon.
"As serious and as somber as this whole thing is, it is at this point a very happy ending to what could have been a very terrible tragedy," Ganim said.
The exact cause of the collapse remains under investigation.
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The Downtown Cabaret Theatre Proudly Presents "In The Heights"
Bridgeport, CT Patchhttps://patch.com/connecticut/bridgeport/downtown-cabaret-theatre-proudly-presents-heights
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Arts & EntertainmentThe Downtown Cabaret Theatre announces the much-anticipated production of In The Heights!Nancy Sasso Janis, Patch MayorPress releaseThe Downtown Cabaret Theatre an...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
The Downtown Cabaret Theatre announces the much-anticipated production of In The Heights!
Nancy Sasso Janis, Patch Mayor
Press release
The Downtown Cabaret Theatre announces the much-anticipated production of In The Heights!
The Downtown Cabaret Theatre (DCT), under the leadership of Executive Producer Hugh Hallinan, is excited to announce their highly anticipated production of In The Heights opening Friday, November 1, 2024. Created by Lin Manuel Miranda, also known for the smash hit Hamilton, In The Heights is the winner of multiple Tony Awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2008. In the vibrant New York City neighborhood of Washington Heights, bodega owner Usnavi and his friends dream, hope and work for a bright future. In the Heights tells the universal story of community – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures, where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.DCT's production runs from November 1 to November 24, 2024 with performances on Fridays at 7:30 PM, Saturdays at 3:30 PM and 7:30 PM, and Sundays at 3:30 PM.For ticket information and purchases, click here or contact the box office at 203-576-1636 from Tuesday through Friday.
Cast
Usnavi De La Vega Manny Gonzalez, New Haven, CTVanessa Juliana Rivera, Milford, CTNina Rosario Olivia Rivera, Fairfield, CTBenny Everton George, Bridgeport, CTCamila Rosario Cintia Maio, Stratford, CTKevin Rosario Martin Garcia, Wilton, CTAbuela Claudia Jane Prieto, West Haven, CTSonny Nick Nuñez, Stratford, CTDaniela Heather Abrado, Stamford, CTCarla Karina Brea, Norwalk, CTGrafitti Pete Jose Albino,Bridgeport, CTPiragua Guy Jay Reyes, Stamford, CT
EnsembleAna Rosa Sforza, Westport, CT; Kelsey Senteio, Bridgeport, CT; Monique Castillo, Stamford, CT; Ness Baracui Milford, CT; Zully Ramos, Stamford, CT; Brenden Maverick Martinez, NY, NY.
Creative Team
Executive Producer Hugh HallinanDirector Ben TostadoChoreographer Olivia RiveraMusic Director Mark CeppetelliCostume Designers Thomas Gordon, Krista RoccoScenic Designer David KievitSound Designer Holly RybnickProp Master Kaitlyn HerrCompany Stage Manager Lauren Elise Fisher
Receiver: Bank balance for Bridgeport's Success Village accounts is 'mind-boggling'
Daniel Tepferhttps://www.ctpost.com/news/article/bank-balance-success-village-bridgeport-knott-19811035.php
BRIDGEPORT — Despite collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in co-op fees every month, Success Village has less than $4,000 in the bank, according to court documents and testimony.During a court hearing Wednesday afternoon Superior Court Judge Dale Radcliffe ordered Pierre-Yves Kolakowski, a lawyer for Bank of America, to put the name of the apartment complex's receiver, Stratford lawyer Barry Knott, on the co-op’s two bank accounts so that Knott would have access to the co-op’s funds and bank records.&ld...
BRIDGEPORT — Despite collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in co-op fees every month, Success Village has less than $4,000 in the bank, according to court documents and testimony.
During a court hearing Wednesday afternoon Superior Court Judge Dale Radcliffe ordered Pierre-Yves Kolakowski, a lawyer for Bank of America, to put the name of the apartment complex's receiver, Stratford lawyer Barry Knott, on the co-op’s two bank accounts so that Knott would have access to the co-op’s funds and bank records.
“Mr. Knott is the receiver, so put his name on the accounts and we are all done,” the judge ordered.
Kolakowski quickly left the courtroom and in five minutes was back to announce that it had been done.
“I conveyed your order to the bank and the bank will follow your order,” he told the judge.
And for the first time Knott was provided by Kolakowski with the total deposits in the accounts, $243 in the escrow account and $3,400 in the operating account.
Upon reviewing the information, Knott threw his hands in the air.
“This amount of money in the accounts is mind-boggling to me,” Knott told the judge.
Last Tuesday, following a four-day trial with 20 witnesses, Judge Radcliffe found by “clear and convincing evidence” that a receiver is necessary to prevent the complex from plunging into “financial chaos.”
“Based upon the evidence presented Success Village apartments have been mismanaged, necessary expenses have been unpaid and the complex is effectively insolvent despite a revenue stream in the form of common charges and fees paid by the residents,” the judge stated. “It is therefore found that the extraordinary relief, and it is extraordinary relief that is asked for, requested by the city of Bridgeport and the town of Stratford should be granted and a receiver should be appointed.”
The city and the town had sued the 924-unit co-op complex to have a receiver appointed because according to testimony presented during the trial the co-op owes $241,597 in back taxes to the town of Stratford and more than $2 million in delinquent taxes to Bridgeport. The 924 households each pay around $500 a month in co-op fees to cover the complex's expenses.
There was also a concern that the co-op, without heat since May when the only working boiler was ordered shut down for safety reasons, would result in residents having to be relocated at the expense of both municipalities.
Richard Buturla, the lawyer for the city and Stratford, filed a motion to have Bank of America found in contempt of court after a bank manager refused to give Knott access to the co-op’s accounts.
“It is imperative that the receiver get access to those accounts, there is money that needs to be deposited and payrolls that have to be paid,” Buturla told the judge.
“The bank put an order on the accounts that no money was to go out,” Kolakowski responded.
Former CT Post reporter, 'jack of all trades' John Burgeson dead at 71
Staff Writerhttps://www.ctpost.com/news/article/john-bergeson-ct-post-death-19884271.php
The Connecticut journalism community lost a veteran writer of many decades, “a renaissance man” and a “jack of all trades” over the weekend, according to several friends and former colleagues.John Burgeson, 71, died on Saturday after a six-month battle against lung cancer.Burgeson, a Bristol native and 40-plus-year veteran in the journalism industry, graduated from the University of Colorado in 1975. From there, he went on to become a news editor at KHAS in Hastings, Nebraska, and later an editor at the ...
The Connecticut journalism community lost a veteran writer of many decades, “a renaissance man” and a “jack of all trades” over the weekend, according to several friends and former colleagues.
John Burgeson, 71, died on Saturday after a six-month battle against lung cancer.
Burgeson, a Bristol native and 40-plus-year veteran in the journalism industry, graduated from the University of Colorado in 1975. From there, he went on to become a news editor at KHAS in Hastings, Nebraska, and later an editor at the Windsor Journal.
In 1979, Burgeson landed a gig with the Connecticut Post, then called the Bridgeport Post. There, he remained for over 45 years, covering beats including science, technology, and local news for Stratford and Milford.
Former Post editor Michael Daly, who worked alongside Burgeson as a reporter before becoming his supervisor, remembered Burgeson as “a renaissance man.” Daly said Burgeson had the rare ability to write “knowledgeably” about a wide array of subjects.
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“He was a great reporter, he covered all different types of things and could write knowledgeably about many things,” Daly said on Sunday. “He could do anything.”
In particular, Burgeson had a penchant for writing about stories involving complicated science and distilling it into terms that the average reader could understand, Daly said.
“If there was something like an eclipse coming, that was like the Super Bowl to him,” Daly said.
Burgeson lived in Stratford with his wife Marilyn.
"John was a very patient person," she said. "He was an avid reader; he was always talking to everybody and could talk about just about anything."
Marilyn Burgeson said her husband was a dedicated humanitarian who cared deeply about conservation and social justice causes and often rode his bicycle for short trips. She said he was knowledgeable about virtually any topic, and at home he was handy and also a great cook.
Burgeson's son Ben said his father was a teacher by nature. He recalled going on a ski trip with his father and a friend, the latter of whom did not know how to ski and intended to snow board.
"My dad taught him how to ski that day," he said. “He had never skied before and at the end of the day my friend knew how to ski.”
Ben Burgeson said he recalls when he was 4 years old his father explaining the earth's iron density as calculated by its orbit, and that he was able to comprehend based on his father's ability to synthesize the information.
"He talked about it so simply that I understood it. He could talk to a 6 year old and explain high-level physics. He was very much a teacher,” he said. “We definitely lost a lot of information in that head.”
Former Hearst group managing editor John Alcott remembered Burgeson as "an exceptional writer with his own easily recognizable and unique voice."
"When you read a Burgeson story you could hear that distinctive, slightly whimsical but compelling voice in every sentence. He had an easy, elegant conversational style that was fun and could not be resisted!" Alcott said.
Hearst photographer Ned Gerard recalled how Burgeson became a mentor of sorts for him when he first started at the Post, even though Burgeson didn’t oversee the photo department. Gerard called Burgeson “a jack of all trades,” someone who could do everything imaginable at the paper — “everything but cover sports,” Gerard said with a laugh.
“He was always there for advice,” Gerard said. “He was the guy who always had the answers.”
Gerard said Burgeson was the type of old-school reporter that you don’t see anymore. While colleagues made the switch to computers, Burgeson could be heard click-clacking away on his typewriter, as he wore his trademark bowtie.
“He was an analog guy living in a digital world,” Gerard joked.
Burgeson's eccentricities extended beyond his dedication to the typewriter and bowties, according to Alcott. He said Burgeson also had a "singular fashion" taste, featuring "madras jackets, skinny ties and snap-brim hats that recalled the Frank Sinatra-era, circa 1963."
"He cut quite a figure around the newsroom with his jaunty bonhomie and retro attire," Alcott said.
Veteran Hearst reporter Dan Tepfer said he started at the then-Bridgeport Post about a month after Burgeson in 1975.
“He took me under his wing and gave me a tour of downtown Bridgeport,” Tepfer said. “He was always there for support and I found him to be a wealth of knowledge.
Tepfer said he has fond memories of Burgeson “sitting at his corner desk in the office, his headphones on listening to a recording of some interview he had done that day.”
“I will miss his sage advice and world perspective,” Tepfer said.
Above all else, inside the newsroom and out, it was Burgeson’s kindness and ever-present willingness to help that set him apart from others, his former colleagues said.
“He was the definition of a gentleman, he was a sweet gentle guy,” Daly said. “He was universally liked and well respected for his ability and knowledge. And he wasn’t the kind of guy who lorded it over you.”
Over the decades, Daly and Burgeson connected over several shared interests outside of work— tennis, books and their love of the outdoors. And when Bergeson got married, Daly served as his best man.
In addition to decades in journalism, Burgeson also taught night classes as science instructor at Bridgeport’s Central High School — a job that blossomed into a passion for him over several decades.
“My students have to overcome an incredible amount of adversity to attend night school. Most have one or two jobs and children to take care of as well. Plus, they have to go off to class at night in the dead of winter when most day high school kids are warm in the homes, eating dinner and watching TV, etc.,” Burgeson wrote of his teaching job.
Even after his cancer diagnosis in May, Burgeson remained “in good spirits.”
“He was not doing well, but in all his text messages to me, there was never any ‘Woe is me,’” Daly said.
Despite the diagnosis, Daly said Burgeson’s death was “sudden” and came as a surprise.
“The world is a lesser place without him,” Daly said.
Nov 4, 2024
Reporter
CT's Beardsley Zoo Launches Fall Fundraising Initiative
Alfred Branchhttps://patch.com/connecticut/bridgeport/cts-beardsley-zoo-launches-fall-fundraising-initiative
The Bridgeport-based zoo is looking to revitalize its 32-year-old World Tropics Building, an immersive South American rainforest exhibit.Patch StaffInformation from Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo:BRIDGEPORT, CT — Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo announces its fall appeal with a major fundraising initiative to revitalize its beloved World Tropics Building, an immersive South American rainforest exhibit that has captivated visitors since 1992. Originally opened as the Bird and Mammal Building, the exhibit wa...
The Bridgeport-based zoo is looking to revitalize its 32-year-old World Tropics Building, an immersive South American rainforest exhibit.
Patch Staff
Information from Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo:
BRIDGEPORT, CT — Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo announces its fall appeal with a major fundraising initiative to revitalize its beloved World Tropics Building, an immersive South American rainforest exhibit that has captivated visitors since 1992. Originally opened as the Bird and Mammal Building, the exhibit was reimagined three decades ago, offering guests a glimpse into one of the planet’s most diverse and vital ecosystems. The Zoo seeks to raise $200,000 to update and enhance this iconic space, ensuring it remains a premier experience for visitors and a supportive environment for nearly twenty endangered and threatened species, including Golden Lion Tamarins, Two-Toed Sloths, and Howler Monkeys.
The revitalization project aims to meet the evolving needs of both the Zoo’s resident species and its visitors by creating an even more engaging and immersive exhibit experience. “Our rainforest exhibit has been a central feature at the Zoo for over 30 years, inspiring guests to appreciate thediversity and beauty of tropical rainforests,” said CEO Jim Wharton. “With community support, we can make upgrades to enhance habitats and improve both animal welfare and guest experience, ensuring the rainforest remains a vibrant educational destination for years to come.”
Funds raised will be allocated to a series of critical improvements:
Many enhancements will improve animal welfare in ways unseen by the public, but are vital for the exhibit’s health and longevity.
The World Tropics Building is also home to important conservation milestones, including the births of endangered ocelot kittens through artificial insemination, the care of the oldest known Howler Monkeys in the country, and successful breeding programs for Golden Lion Tamarins. Each milestone highlights the Zoo’s commitment to conservation and animal welfare, as well as the importance of preserving biodiversity.
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Rainforests are beautiful places where plants and animals work together to maintain the delicate balance and beauty of their habitat and offer guests a unique chance to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations of these vital habitats. “This project demonstrates the Zoo’s continued commitment to improve and advance animal welfare practices as well as our guest’s experience,” added Wharton.
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo invites the public to join in this effort to refresh and renew the World Tropics Building, making an impact on wildlife conservation, and creating an unforgettable experience for generations to come. Donations can be made online at beardsleyzoo.org/appeal by contacting the Zoo directly.
For more information, visiting hours, and other zoo attractions, please visit beardsleyzoo.org.
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