LAWRENCE — Financial assistance is still available to businesses effected by a 7-alarm fire on Parker Street on Jan. 21.

Businesses have until Oct. 27 to file for disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, said Frank Skaggs, local SBA spokesman.

Loans are available for $1.5 million for small businesses that suffered substantial economic injury from the fire, which displaced hundreds but did not result in any major injuries.

These loans can used to pay debts, payroll and accounts payable that would have been paid had the disaster not occurred. The loans are not intended to replace lost sales or profits. The interest rate is 4 percent, with a maximum term of 30 years.

To apply, call the SBA customer service center at 1-800-877-8339 or e-mail the center at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov.

Mill girls' story on stage this weekend

LAWRENCE — Players from Acting Out Theater Company perform scenes from, "Millies: Playing With A Movie" at their Stage, 60 Island St. on Sept. 26 at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sept. 27 and 28 at 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.

Filmmaker Lorre Fritchy will answer questions after each performance. Also after each show on Sept. 27 and 28, members of Lawrence Heritage State Park will conduct a walking tour of strike-related sites in the historic Canal District.

Millies tells the story of a troubled group of mill girls who return from 1912 to convince a bankrupt mill owner that their future is the key to their past.

Workshop scheduled for landlords

LAWRENCE — The city's Community Development Department is hosting a landlord-tenant workshop Oct. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Lawrence Public Library, 51 Lawrence St.

Participants will learn about fair housing law, lead paint law, occupancy permits, security deposits rental notices and screening tenants.

Speakers include city inspectors, specialists from the Northeast Housing Court and real estate attorneys.

The city offers down-payment assistance to first-time buyers who are buying a home in Lawrence. Details, call 978-620-3510.

Tsongas accepts military academy applications

Looking for a career in the military?

A forum for students from the Fifth Congressional District, who are interested in attending one of the service Academies, will be hosted by Congresswoman Niki Tsongas on Oct. 1 at Chelmsford High.

Each year, Tsongas nominates outstanding students for admission to one of the four academies: the Military Academy at West Point, N.Y. (Army); the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.; the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.; and the Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y.

Following a nomination from Tsongas, the students' eligibility will be evaluated by the academies based on their academic and extra-curricular record, leadership skills, physical fitness and more. The academies provide a first-rate education and teach leadership, discipline and communication skills necessary to become an officer.

The forum is open to students in grades eight through 12 and their parents. Those who attend will also have an opportunity to learn about the Coast Guard Academy, Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Norwich University, which do not require a congressional nomination.

Representatives from the service academies and Tsongas' nomination committee will be available to answer questions about the academies and the nomination process.

The forum takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The school is at 300 Richardson Road, Chelmsford.