Roundup: Coming Up: Town Farm, Farmers’ Market, Playhouse Events …

Posted on August 22, 2026 | 4 comments

School starts soon. And Wakeman Town Farm is wasting no time rolling out its fall programs. They include:

  • Curious Sprouts Farm Class (Ages 3-5)
  • Little Farmer Parent & Me
  • Neurodiverse Farmer program
  • Kids Cooking (Grades K-2, 3-7)
  • Teen Cuisine
  • Plein Air Painting (Ages 6-11).

Click here for details and registration,

Plein air painting

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The Westport Farmers’ Market is 20 years old this year.

Beyond providing hundreds of shoppers with fresh produce and herbs, meats, seafood, breads, ice cream, lunch, Thai food, pet food and knife sharpening each week, they feed over 50,000 people a year through partnerships with the Gillespie Center, Homes for the Brave, Norwalk Arts Space and Cardinal Shehan Center.

To celebrate — and raise funds — they’ve planned a special, intimate event. “Fork It Over” (September 17, 6 p.m., Terrain) features several Big Names (and friends of the Market): Jen Bengtson (Terrain Café), Dan Kardos (Café Melba), Hoodoo Brown Team, John Nealon and Christian Wiki (Crust Issues) and Piereluigi Mazzella (Fatto a Mano).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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In February, Rob Simmelkjaer and his daughters traveled to Kenya.

They visited Tirop’s Angels, a non-profit created after elite runner Agnes Tirop was murdered by her domestic partner. The Simmelkjaers spoke with many victims of gender-based violence, an importand issue in the country.

This week Julia — a rising Staples High School senior — announced a “Back to School 5K.” The virtual race will benefit Tirop’s Angels.

Julia is getting many Staples cross country teammates to run, and invites anyone else interested — anywhere in the world — to join them, for a $25 donation.

The race is open through September 13. Runners can race individually, or as part of a team.

Need more incentive than helping a great cause? Runners with the fastest men’s and women’s times get complimentary entry into New York Road Runners’ United Airlines NYC Half Marathon in March.

To register, download the MoveZenGo app here, and use the link. Follow @juliasimmelkjaer on Instagram; she explains each step.

In Kenya, Tirop’s Angels is building a safe house for abused women. Above (left to right): Annika, Rob and Julia Simmelkjaer, with Viola Cheptoo. She founded the Angels, and is an elite runner who will compete in the New York Marathon this November.

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Last December, “06880” reported that the building next to Five Guys — which old-timers still think of as IHOP, and newer-comers know as the Westport Pancake Shop and/or one of many nail salons — would have a new tenant.

JetSet Pilates — the Miami-based “market leader in Reformer Pilates.” with 100 locations open, or in development — would open there.

“In mid-summer,” we said.

Well, that’s come and gone. And here was the scene yesterday:

(Photo/Colin Livingston)

We have no clue whether it’s still the future site of JetSet Pilates.

And if so, when the Jet Setters will move in.

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The Westport Country Playhouse has just added 2 new — and very different — shows.

Coming up next in their Barnstormer Series: “The History of a Brief Time” (September 8, 7 p.m.).

Written and performed by Bill Williams, it tells the very personal story of the loss of his son to opioid addiction. Called a “vividly, beautifully and painfully described experience,” it’s one family’s journey through struggle, grief and, ultimately, healing.

Tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

On September 19 (1 and 4 p.m.), the big red dog Clifford–bounds onto the stage. The new musical comedy adventure (named for him) celebrates friendship, imagination, and the magic of unconditional love.

It’s a show for Clifford’s young fans — and nostalgic parents who remember him too. Click here for tickets, and more information.

For the full fall Playhouse schedule, click here.

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Matthew Mandell reports: “The crowd was Comfortably Numb as The Machine — the internationally touring Pink Floyd tribute band — returned to Westport for an exceptional show at the Levitt Pavilion last night.

“They first played here during COVID at the drive-in concerts hosted by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and the Westport Library on the Imperial Avenue parking lot.”

This weekend at the Levitt:

  • Tonight (Saturday): Frank Mastrone & Friends (7:30 p.m.; free)
  • Sunday, August 22: Andy Frasco & the UN, and Kitchen Dwellers with special guests Magoo (5 p.m.; tickets).

Click here for more information, and tickets. 

The Machine, at the Levitt. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

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Recently, while visiting the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum in Boston, Staples High School Class of 1967 graduate Ron Berler bought a copy of a book he had last read in high school: “Profiles in Courage.”

He was struck, he said, by its currency. “The same issues that tempered brave acts in some members of Congress when Kennedy published his book in 1956 apply today: The fear of losing their next election. Of being tarred as traitors by their party. Of submitting to power. Of forfeiting pride and honor.”

It made him appreciate all the more “those few in Congress who have demonstrated true courage – even if just once.”

As he thought about the type of person he’d like to see in municipal, state and national offices, he wrote an essay. It was just published in Washington Monthly, under the headline “What is Political Courage?” Click here to read Berler’s piece.

Ron Berler

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Congratulations to winners of the Longshore Women’s Golf Association’s Invitational: Sarah Kim, Sally Rogol, Debbie Thron and MarthaLee Taylor.

Lnnch followed the competition, in the newly (and beautifully renovated) Inn at Longshore ballroom.

Members and guests donated food and money to Homes with Hope, this year’s designated charity.

The LWGA — going strong since 1960 — is open to all women golfers from Westport and surrounding towns.

From left: Sarah Kim, Sally Rogol, Debbie Thron, MarthaLee Taylor, and Longshore head professional Jon Janik.

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Next Saturday’s “Movie Under the Stars” — a Weston tradition — is a double feature.

Local band Good Godfrey open the show (August 29, 6 p.m.; free) at the Weston Middle School Field.

The 8 p.m. film is “National Treasure,” starring Nicholas Cage. It is an apt choice, as the country celebrates its semiquincentennial.

Tony’s Pizza Truck will be on hand, at the Weston Commission for the Arts and 250th Advisory Committee event.

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One of the (many) pleasures of walking around the Compo Beach neighborhood are the gardens bordering lots of homes.

This one caught our eye, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image:

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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And finally … on this date in 1902, the Cadillac Motor Company was founded.

(“06880” is the Cadillac of local blogs. But you don’t have to support us at that level. A Ford, or even Yugo level is fine. Please click here to donate what you can. Thank you!)

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Online Art Gallery #332

Posted on August 22, 2026 | Leave a comment

Every week is different, here in our online art gallery. Nature — and nature-ish — works highlight this one.

Remember: This is your feature. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.

“Gracious Grace Salmon” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)

“Under the Sea” — encaustic wax small series (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)

“Below the Surface” (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)

“Early Morning on the Grand Jette” — oil on linen, 24×30 (Joanne Leaman — Available for purchase; click here)

“Mirror, Mirror on the Wall” — analog collage (Amy Schneider)

Photographer Mike Hibbard asks, “Does this country believe in strength, freedom, and independence for everyone? Is this land for all of you and me?”

“Clownin’ Around” (Martin Ripchick)

“Help — Is it a Flower or a Weed?” (Steve Stein)

“Beating the Heat” (Lawrence Weisman)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Students Return To School; Cops Renew School Safety Campaign.

Posted on August 22, 2026 | 2 comments

Westport schools reopen on Tuesday. (No, you’re not imagining things. Yeah, it’s pretty early.)

So even though the fireworks were, like, 3 days ago, students may have forgotten some basic rules of the road.

And (ahem) parents too.

The Westport Police Department has already begun targeting traffic violators in school zones, with their annual “Back to School” enforcement and education campaign.

They’ll keep doing it. Officers will watch for distracted drivers and speeding in school zones. They’ll also monitor bus stops and routes, citing people who disregard school bus signals.

This bus driver makes sure no one passes illegally. (Photo/Bob Weingarten)

Police suggest commuters allow extra time. School buses will be on the roads, making (very) frequent stops. There will be children walking and on bikes too (including those powered by more than feet).

The WPD offers these specific tips:

Drivers

  • Watch out for children walking in the street, especially if there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood.
  • Be alert! Children arriving late for the bus may dart into the street without looking for traffic.
  • Yellow flashing lights indicate that the bus is preparing to stop to load or unload children. Slow down, and prepare to stop.
  • Red flashing lights and extended stop arms mean that children are getting on or Motorists on both sides of the roadway must stop, and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the extended stop sign is withdrawn, and the bus begins moving before starting to drive. (“06880: adds: Violators face big fines. Deservedly so.)

No matter who — or what — is crossing, STOP when you see the school bus’ flashing lights! (Photo/Paul Delano)

Children

  • Get to the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
  • Stand at least 6 feet from the curb, and line up away from the street.
  • If you must cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to at least 10 feet ahead of the bus before you cross. Be sure the bus driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
  • Getting off the bus, be sure that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps are not caught in the handrails or doors.
  • Never walk behind the bus.
  • Walk at least 6 feet away from the side of the bus.
  • If you drop something near the bus, tell the driver, since he or she may not clearly see you.
  • Listen to crossing guards!

To students and drivers alike: Slow down!

A few extra seconds of patience can make the difference between a safe arrival and a tragedy.

Kings Highway scene will be repeated at every Westport school. (Photo/Nicola Sharian)

(“06880” looks out for everyone in Westport. We hope you look out for us too. Please click here to support this hyper-local blog, with a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #2411

Posted on August 21, 2026 | 1 comment

Seabury Center, Church Lane (Photo/John Maloney)

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Friday Flashback #517

Posted on August 21, 2026 | 7 comments

We’ve posted this image of Main Street before. It’s from the 1962 Staples High School yearbook.

But never with this color, or computer-enhanced graphics.

Eric Bosch — who moved here with his family in the fall of 1963 — sent it along.

To orient yourself: Klein’s department store (far right) became Banana Republic, then (briefly) Oka furniture. Brooks Brothers will soon move in, from its current location a few yards north.

The Townly Restaurant featured a Jazz Age-era mural. It was lost when Klein’s expanded into that space, then rediscovered and hung by Banana Republic. No word yet on whether Brooks Brothers will keep it.

The Mobil gas station — once the site of an annual Christmas party, where food was served on the lowered hydraulic lifts — is now Vineyard Vines.

The hardware store was one of 3 on Main Street.

And of course, traffic flowed in both directions, all the way to the Post Road (aka State Street).

What else do you remember from that era? Click “Comments” to share.

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Dog, Art, Music …

Posted on August 21, 2026 | 2 comments

On Wednesday, our Roundup reported that a couple of days earlier, a Westporter had found a large, heavy sign at Schlaet’s Point. It honored a dog, and had apparently been placed on Cockenoe Island. The man who found it figured it floated away during last weekend’s storm.

He hauled it to the benches near where Soundview Drive meets Hillspoint and South Compo Roads. He hoped someone connected to the sign would see the “06880” item.

Someone did!

Yesterday, the Bell family wrote, “To the reader who found Ollie’s sign: From the bottom of our hearts, our utmost gratitude for spotting and then dragging our memorial to the top of the beach.

“Oliver enjoyed all things Westport and for the sign to float from Cockenoe to Compo Beach, another favorite Ollie place, is nothing short of a miracle. If it wasn’t for ‘06880,’ we would have never known!

“When we picked our memorial up last evening, we stood in awe at the stones – even a purple gemstone – that were perfectly placed on top in his honor.

So to those who read Ollie’s’ memorial and placed stones – purple and plain – on top, and to the ‘06880’ reader who gave it a second home, Oliver’s story of life in Westport truly has a perfect epilogue. He couldn’t have lived in a better place.”

That’s the whole idea of this blog: to bring our community together, in ways both planned and serendipitous.

To our readers and neighbors: Keep doing good things, no matter how small.

Your deeds can ripple far and wide. Even beyond Cockenoe Island.

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Westport’s newest outdoor artwork is already drawing attention — and praise.

“The Couple” was installed this week at Riverside Park. It was donated to the town by longtime Westporter, arts patron and philanthropist Susan Malloy, who died in 2015, at 91. Sculptor William King died the same year, at 90.

For 10 years, “The Couple” lived at Earthplace. Malloy’s family, and the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, felt it would be more visible and accessible on Riverside Avenue.

Malloy’s granddaughter Meredith, son Timon, and niece Ann Sheffer and her husband Bill Scheffler made the conservation and relocation of the sculpture possible. The Parks & Recreation Department helped with the installation.

Sheffer said, “I love the idea of weddings in front of ‘The Couple.'” A public dedication of the sculpture will take place in October.

“The Couple,” at Riverside Park.

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If you have an inefficient — but still working — dehumidifier, Eversource will recycle it, at no cost. Plus, you’ll get $30 bck.

The date is tomorrow (Saturday, August 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Home Depot, 90 Monroe Turnpike, Trumbull). Click here to register. (Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)

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Last night’s free Levitt Pavilion concert, featuring Borboletta’s tribute to Santana, has been rescheduled to September 17. Click here for details.

The rest of the weekend lineup remains the same (and sounds like fun):

  • Tonight (Friday, August 21): The Machine Performs Pink Floyd (7 p.m.; tickets)
  • Saturday, August 22: Frank Mastrone & Friends (7:30 p.m.; free)
  • Sunday, August 22: Andy Frasco & the UN, and Kitchen Dwellers with special guests Magoo (5 p.m.; tickets).

Click here for more information, and tickets. 

Frank Mastrone

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Speaking of music: Sure, the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition is 3 months away.

But — as the name says — it’s an international event. So the Museum of Contemporary Art\Connecticut wants you to know about it now.

Plus, this year marks the 50th annual showcase of virtuosity, artistry and musical expression.

Three exceptional pianists from across the globe have been chosen to compete. The winner receives $20,000, and a solo recital engagement. Second and third prizes are $10,000 and $5,00o respectively.

This year’s finalists are Matthew Figel, Juhee Lim, Daria Podorozhnova. They hail from the US, South Korea and Russia, respectively.

Each will debut a commissioned work by composer Samuel Adams. To learn more about them, click here.

For ticket to the final competition, and more information, click here.

From left: Matthew Figel, Juhee Lim, Daria Podorozhnova.

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Wasp nests can be both frightening, and cool.

Just look at today’s “Westport … Naturally” image below.

And if you think it resembles someone, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Marie Gross)

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And finally … on this date in 1959, President Eisenhower signed an executive order proclaiming Hawaii the 50th state.

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. Wherever you are — here, Hawaii, or any other spot — if you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Young Photographers Capture Farmers’ Market — And Prizes

Posted on August 21, 2026 | Leave a comment

“Young Shoots” may be the most underrated contest name we’ve ever heard.

The annual Westport Farmers’ Market event offers ribbons, prestige — and cash prizes — for images taken there, by young photographers in 3 age groups (5-9 years old, 10-14 and 15-18).

So: They’re young shooters, shooting (among other things) produce with shoots.

Yesterday’s weekly market honored the winners of the 14th annual contest. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are below.

A new prize — the “06880 Honor Award” — was given. Rising 1st grader Ziggy White earned the inaugural honor. “06880” founder and executive editor said his shot — which also won first prize in the 5-9-year-old division — “captured the essence of the Westport Farmers’ Market. It shows its appeal to all ages, along with the wonders, colors and joy” that draw hundreds of people to the Imperial Avenue parking lot every year.

Also cited: Juliana Rosenoer. This is the International Year of the Woman Farmer. One of her photos showed a WFM vendor hefting a pair of cucumbers, like weights.

(Photo/Juliana Roseoer)

Yesterday’s ceremony was overseen by Farmers’ Market director Lori Cochran-Dougall, and contest organizers Anne Burmeister and Miggs Burroughs. Badass Bagels — a regular WFM presence — provided treats.

And the winners are …

AGES 5-9

1st place: Ziggy White, “Fruit Flower” (“06880 Honor Award” winner too)

2nd place: Ayla Coulombe, “Rosie Ripples”

3rd place: Matthew Cuffaro, “A Great Day at the Market”

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AGES 10-14

1st place: Juliana Rosenoer, “Summer Mist”

2nd place: Aria Hayley Bell, “Sunny Center”

3rd place: Jackson Boyd, “Avalanche”

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AGES 15-18

1st prize: Rachel Pontoriero, “Behind the Silk”

(“06880” reports regularly on the environment, arts, young people — and, like today, their intersections. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pics Of The Day #3410

Posted on August 20, 2026 | Leave a comment

On a usual night, readers send 5 or 6 sunset photos to “06880.”

Last night, we got a few dozen.

We can’t post them all. But here are 3:

Saugatuck River, downtown (Photo/Jay Petrow)

Nyala Farm (Photo/Jay Walshon)

Fairfield County Hunt Club (Photo/Ellen Pastifio)

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Roundup: Lifeguards, Main Street, Levitt …

Posted on August 20, 2026 | 1 comment

Effective today (Thursday), there are no lifeguards on duty at Burying Hill Beach. The beach remains open, with swimming at your own risk. Beach emblems are required at Burying Hill through Labor Day (September 7).

Compo Beach lifeguards continue their regular schedule through September 7. Beach Emblems are required at Compo through September 30.

Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Drew Coyne)

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For over 25 years, “Holiday Time, Main Street, Westport CT” — a festive Main Street. by internationally known folk artist Kathy Jakobsen — has been a favorite of Westporters. Many business names are clear (though most are long gone).

Now Westport River Gallery is offering a few signed and numbered unframed 23×17 serigraphs. The prints were originally $450. These are just $25.

Jakobsen’s works are part of the permanent collections of the American Folk Art Museum in New York and the Smithsonian in Washington. She is a former Weston resident.

Email westportrivergallery@gmail.com, or call 203-226-6934.

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Longtime Levitt Pavilion favorite Frank Mastrone returns to the Levitt Pavilion stage this Saturday (7:30 p.m.).

The Broadway artist’s repertoire — show tunes and American Songbook classics, with a few pop and classical selections thrown in — appeals to a broad crowd.

The Levitt says he’ll be joined by “friends.” We’re not sure who they all are, but we do know 2: Dodie Pettit and Rex Fowler.

After singing and dancing in “Cats,” Dodie performed in “Phantom of the Opera” —  on Broadway, and the national tour. That’s where she met Mastrone.

Fowler — co-founder of Aztec Two-Step — and Pettit are now married. They perform as Aztec Two-Step 2.0.

It should be a great show. And tickets are … free! Click here for more information.

Frank Mastrone

Also on the Levitt calendar:

  • Today (Thursday): Barboletta, Tribute to Santana (7:30 p.m., free)
  • Friday, August 20: The Machine Performs Pink Floyd (7 p.m.; tickets)
  • Sunday, August 22: Andy Frasco & the UN, and Kitchen Dwellers with special guests Magoo (5 p.m.; tickets).

Click here for more information, and tickets. 

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Earthplace welcomes fall with 2 of its favorite events.

The Fall Festival (October 3) and Woodside Bash (October 17) are great ways for friends and newcomers to gather and celebrate nature, while supporting environmental education, conservation, wildlife care and scientific research.

The Fall Festival includes the reopening of Earthplace’s renovated Birds of Prey Exhibit, with new and expanded habitats for raptors, and a more engaging and accessible experience for visitors. .

As always, there are live animal encounters, hayrides, pumpkin-themed activities, food trucks and games, Fpr Fall Festival tickets and sponsorship opportunities, click here. 

The Woodside Bash, meanwhile, transform Earthplace into an adult celebration with live music, a seasonal dinner menu, cocktails, entertainment, and opportunities to support Earthplace’s mission. For Woodside Bash tickets and sponsorship opportunities, click here.

Earthplace serves thousands of children, families, students and visitors each year through its nature center, animal ambassadors, nature-based preschool, Harbor Watch water quality program, summer camps, community programs, and 62-acre wildlife sanctuary.

Hanging out at the Woodside Bash.

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Westporters are great supporters of Mercy Learning Center.

They serve on its board, volunteer at and donate to the Bridgeport non-profit, which impacts countless women’s lives — and those of their families — through education and support services.

So it’s no surprise that MLC’s annual benefit (September 27, 5 p.m., Shorehaven Country Club) has a strong Westport flavor.

The event honors Allison and Tony Allott. Former Westporters and Staples parents, they introduced their Green’s Farms Church congregation to the non-profit. Congregants (including the Allotts) volunteer with MLC on Service Sunday.

Allison has been an ESL and citizenship tutor since 2014. She is also a board and event committee member.

The Mercy Learning Center board chair is Tammy Barry. The event committee includes local residents Gina Beranek, Sara Connolly and Theanne Feldman.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Rach’s Hope — the non-profit honoring the memory of 2015 Staples High School graduate Rachel Doran, which provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care — is as active as Rachel herself was.

On Sunday, October 4 (3 p.m., Compo Beach), everyone is invited to join the 5th annual “Walk the Extra Mile … For Rach’s Hope” event.

It’s a fun, community-wide beach walk, with live music, a gourmet pizza truck, wine and beer, dessert and special Rach’s Hope swag.

Click here to buy adult and student tickets.

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The contributions, struggles and sacrifices made by Native Americans during the Revolutionary War are often overlooked.

On October 4 (2 to 4 p.m.), Pocomoke Indian Nation member Drew Shuptar-Rayvis brings his outdoor demonstration station — including artifacts, reproduction pieces and traditional clothing — to the Weston History & Culture Center. He’ll answer questions too, about Native American life.

The free event is is part of the History Center’s “America 250: The Revolutionary Spirit Lecture Series.” For more information, click here.

Meanwhile the Weston History & Culture Center will be open for exhibits, guided tours, children’s activities and more on 3 Sundays this fall: September 27, October 4 and October 25 (1 to 4 p.m.).

Attractions include the interactive “Weston at Work,” the 1940s-era Coley House, and stories from the American Revolution. Click here for details.

Drew Shuptar-Rayvis

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between August 12 and 18.

A 49-year-old Stamford man was charged with breach of peace, following an investigation into a July incident in which a cyclist became irate about an automobile driver’s driving. The cyclist yelled, used profanity, made obscene gestures and spat on the vehicle. Video did not support his claim that he had been unsafely passed. He was released on a $1,000 bond.

A 31-year-old Oxford, Ohio man was charged with stalking and violation of a restraining order. He allegedly traveled from Seattle to Connecticut after learning from social media that the business he was arrested at was affiliated with a relative of the victim. He was held on a $250,000 bond.

A 45-year-old Holyoke, Massachusetts man was charged with failue to appear, stemming from a previous arrest for felony charges. He was held on a $10,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
  • Improper use of markers: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 2
  • Violation of town ordinance (dogs): 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Speeding: 1
  • Illegal operation by a motor carrier: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1

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With exactly 14 weeks left before Thanksgiving, John Karrel’s Muddy Brook photo is perfectly appropriate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/John Karrel)

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And finally … in honor of Mercy Learning Center’s upcoming benefit (story above):

(If you learn about upcoming events on “06880” — or anything else — we hope you’ll click here to support our work. We rely on support from readers like you. Thanks for showing us a little love!) 

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Red Oak On Hickory: A Tree For The Ages

Posted on August 20, 2026 | 8 comments

David Stalling grew up in Westport, and graduated from Staples High School in 1979.

After forestry school in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, and serving in a Marine Corps Force Recon unit, he moved to Montana in 1986. he has spent most of his career protecting and restoring wild places and wildlife, with an emphasis on and fondness for grizzly bears.

David lives in Missoula, close to his 26-year-old son Cory. He is a writer and photographer. Click here for his Substack page, “From the Wild Side.” David writes:

Some trees are more than just trees.

They become landmarks, witnesses, and quiet members of a family’s history. For me, that tree was the enormous red oak that stood in the middle of Hickory Drive.

For those of us who grew up in that neighborhood — Including my sister Sue and my brothers Ed, Bob and Tim — the “tree in the middle of the road” was part of our lives.

I do not know teh exact age of that tree, but it’s safe to say it was likely 300 years old. Which means it was already roughly 230 years old when my parents (Ed and Barbara Stalling) bought our house in 1956. By the time I was born in 1960, it had already stood there for generations — long before our family arrived, and long before most of the houses and families we knew moved in.

It stood about halfway down Hickory Drive, at the top of a little hill. You would go down one hill, climb another, and just as you reached the crest, there it was: the big red oak, planted by nature likely long before the road was built around it.

So it ended up smack dab in the middle of the road, between the Doland and Deluca houses. Beyond it, the road dropped downhill again.

Red oak tree, smack in the middle of Hickory Drive.

That tree was part of our childhood geography. If you were giving someone directions to our house, you said, “Pass the big tree in the middle of the road, then start downhill, and and when you get to the bottom of the hill we’re the little red-and-white house on the left.”

Everyone knew exactly what you meant.

That tree saw its share of our childhood adventures — and misadventures.

I snuck out in my brother’s 1967 Mustang convertible before I was old enough to drive. One winter night I hit ice, slid, and introduced the Mustang to that great old oak.

I’m sure there were other scars near the bottom of the tree from encounters like mine, although the tree undoubtedly regarded them as little more than scratches from passing generations.

We came close to hitting it in our homemade go-karts, too. We nailed tires onto those things, but had a tendency to fall off at exactly the wrong moment. Add a hill, lack of brakes and youthful confidence, and that big oak became a very important obstacle.

Bicycles on ice. Sleds in winter. Flying downhill with considerably more enthusiasm than judgment. The tree was always there.

I climbed it once, too, almost to the top — a fairly remarkable achievement, considering how enormous it was.

There was even a sign on the tree warning drivers, “Caution — Children.” Another sign said, “Slow — Children.”

Mr. Marshall, a teacher and football coach at Long Lots Junior High, once gave me a ride home and noticed the sign. He looked at it, then me and, smiling, said, “Slow children? That explains a lot.”

The tree was not merely something we had to drive around. It was part of our lives. It was a meeting point, a landmark, a warning to slow down, and a silent witness to all the ordinary things that make up a childhood.

And now it is gone.

The beginning of the end.

My brother Ed recently heard from our old neighbor, Anna DeVito, that the tree had been cut down. We don’t know exactly why. Perhaps it had begun to rot. Perhaps there was concern that a tree that enormous and

old could eventually fall onto the wires, a house, or the road.

Trees, even magnificent ones, eventually grow old and die. Sometimes cutting one down is the safest and wisest thing to do.

But knowing that doesn’t make it any less sad.

That oak probably stood there for 2 or 3 centuries. It survived storms, winters, hurricanes, droughts, countless cars, generations of children, and all of us who thought we were invincible.

It was there through my childhood, my teenage years, and when I graduated Staples High School in 1979. It was there while I served in the Marine Corps in the early 1980s, and it was there when I moved to Montana in 1986.

It was a giant, beautiful old tree. In a strange way, it belonged to all of us who grew up around it.

Another view. (All photos/Anna DeVito)

I can still picture that hill. I can still see the road rising toward the tree, then falling away again. I can still imagine the Mustang sliding on the ice, the go-karts careening downhill, the bicycles and sleds, and a kid climbing as high as he dared into those enormous branches.

That red oak is gone now, but it left behind something that cannot be cut down.

Memories.

For those of us who grew up on Hickory Drive, the big red oak will always be there — standing in the middle of the road, just over the hill, waiting for us to slow down.

(“06880” is a bridge between the Westports of yesterday, today and tomorrow. If you enjoy this hyper-local, all-community blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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