District 1 City Councilwoman Sherri Lightner attended the 10th anniversary of the University City Community Association’s (UCCA) Holiday Tree Lighting on Dec. 9 at Standley Park. Lightner commented that each community in her district has a special way of celebrating the season. In the case of University City, Standley Park was decked out in holiday style in front of the recreation center, with the centerpiece — a Christmas tree donated by Miramar Wholesale Nursery — shining bright. Artist Judy Bethel shared her talents and transformed the area into a beautiful sight with some help from the “elder” elves who showed up a few days before. Thanks to the hard work and planning of Darlene Ventimiglia and her co-chairwoman, Barbara Henshaw, the tradition of decorating outside the recreation center continues. Westfield at UTC brought hot chocolate and cookies, while Santa made a visit, as did Fire Station 35’s ladder truck — a joy for the kids to climb on. With the weather cooperating, Standley Middle School’s band marched from the school to the adjacent park and entertained the crowd. Peter Burch, UCCA’s newly elected president, welcomed the happy crowd, while barbershop quartet Tuesday Night Alibi sang favorite holiday songs, as did the children’s choir from Our Mother of Confidence Church. Face painting and portrait sketches kept the children and their parents busy and Santa (John Walsh) patiently lent an ear to hear what the children were dreaming they’d get for Christmas. Small town America is alive and well in University City — much like Grover’s Corners in the play “Our Town,” U.C.’s children of 2012 are making memories of holiday traditions on their main street, Governor Drive. — Sande Lippe is a 36-year resident of University City and the former president of the University City Community Association.