The Nation: Up a Tree

Mrs. Penny Stebbins, 34, of Branford, Conn., took special joy from the giant copper beech tree on the vacant lot next to her home. Majestically soaring 60 feet, the century-old tree had become a landmark for the area and a meeting place for lovers. A common boast around the neighborhood was that such trees live as long as 500 years. So when the lot's owners decided to build a house on the property and began cutting down the tree, Mrs. Stebbins launched a valiant holding action. Perhaps taking a hint from the premiere episode...