Roundup #2: Help Has Arrived! Free WiFi — And AC! And Much More …

Contractor electric crews arrived today. White bucket trucks with Pennsylvania plates and the name “ABEL” on the doors, with half a dozen or so crews, are working on circuits in Greens Farms, which originate in the Sherwood substation. These supply power from Sherwood Island to the Fairfield border, up to Long Lots over to the lower part of Roseville and just past the Fire Department headquarters.

Around 1 p.m., power was restored on the Post Road toward Southport, as well part of Greens Farms Road.

As of 2:15 p.m., Westport was down to 84% without power (from a high of near 98%). Fingers crossed …

Work on Bulkley Avenue. (Photo/Eoghan Scully)

Want free WiFi? Air conditioning? Plenty of space?

It all comes with a membership to MoCA Westport. In fact, this could be the best deal in town, In addition to those Isaias-related perks, you get early access to tickets and event registration, preferred seating and invitations to members-only events, discounts for the Museum Shop, and much more.

In short, there’s no reason not to join. Click here for details; then click “Join & Support.”

Speaking of free WiFi: Everyone loves the Westport Library’s. But as they sit on Jesup Green, by the Riverwalk or in their cars in the parking lot, some Westporters wonder: Why isn’t the building open?

Because it has no power, besides a generator. The generator is enough to power that free WiFi, and keep a few lights on. There’s no air conditioning, and virtually no outlets that work.

For that reason, the Library will remain closed tomorrow. With COVID-19 restrictions, it’s uncertain how “open” it can be even when power is restored.

But that’s a minor issue. Right now, the generator-powered WiFi has keep much of Westport occupied — and sane — since Tuesday afternoon.

Crowds are much larger on Jesup Green than when this photo was taken. (Photo/Samuel Wang)

Among the places open, and doing quite well: Rye Ridge Deli. Almost like Europe!

(Photo/Larry Untermeyer)

Longtime “06880” reader Bart Shuldman is one of many Westporters using the Westport Library’s WiFi, and has a great idea: Someone should come around selling food and drinks. Area restaurants and teenage entrepreneurs: Go for it!

A small part of the large WiFi crowd. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

Meanwhile, there is still a primary election on Tuesday (August 11). Pippa Bell Ader notes:

“The Town Clerk prefers people drop off their ballots in the ballot box, at Town Hall’s (at back, left entrance — see photo below), rather than mail them. Yet streets to Town Hall are closed (Avery Place and Myrtle Avenue).

“I parked my car on Main Street (legal parking on southbound side only) and walked across Veterans Green. I saw others driving down Myrtle the wrong way.”

Pippa notes that there is legal access to Town Hall in the back, through St. John Place.

(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

Andrea Cross has a great suggestion: using “06880” to crowdsource which roads are opening up.

Trees across major arteries on (for example) South Compo and Imperial Avenue are causing delays and turnarounds. If you see a recently opened road, click “Comments” below. Check back frequently!

How are things on Hales Road? (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library have postponed this Friday’s “Supper & Soul” with Mystic Bowie – Talking Dreads,  from Friday until this Sunday (August 9). The Saturday show is still on. There are new start times for both: 5:30 p.m.

Gates to the Imperial Avenue parking lot open at 4 p.m., for the socially distant tailgate.  

Concert attendees can order takeout from local restaurants and bring it to the show. No food are beverages will be sold at the event.

For more information, click here.

Mystic Bowie