University Avenue all aglow!
The trees are a Madison tradition started by Dr. Jack Kammer
(Dr. Chris Kammer's father). Since 1995, Dr. Kammer senior plays Santa to Madison by
stringing over 120,000 lights on the 228 arborvitae trees along University Avenue
outside of the Center for Cosmetic Dentistry. The trees are turned on after
Thanksgiving and stay on through February.
Dr. Jack planted the trees himself 17 years ago as a barrier
required by the railroad, thinking that the trees would look nice once grown and
covered with lights. Today, he and volunteers maintain them today to an identical
height of 6-7 feet for the impressive display each winter. This year, the display
is a little different and more energy efficient because of special L.E.D. lights
that are being used. The benefit is that they will use about 1/10 the electricity
as traditional lights use.
Dr. Jack has financed the lights and energy use for the past
decade and continues to do so, but there is also a fund set up for the trees.
Donations can be sent to:
Shorewood Hills Foundation c/o Personal Banking at Hilldale M&I
401 North Segoe Road
Madison, WI 53705.
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Center for Cosmetic Dentistry
