Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 129, Number 29, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 20 July 2006 — Page 32

Page 22

Explore Wa-Nee • July 27,2006

City’s brand suits its just fine

By Merrie Chapman Correspondent Reflections of the city logo "Embrace The Pace" cao be found each day all over Nappanee. An image portraying the logo is currently being branded on everything from T-shirts and stationary, to actual products produced within factories and businesses boasting a Nappanee-address. The true meaning of the phrase "Embrace The Pace" is displayed in all four corners of the city. Those efforts are seen in everything from schools to city parks, and historic buildings to newer additions paying tribute to Nap pa nee's rich heritage. Those who have grown up in the community can recall the days of one stopftght. Now the city has grown into three as a result of "Embracing The Pace" of more and more traffic needs. Some may recall having attended classes at Nappanee High School on North Main Street. When enrollment numbers grew the high school moved four blocks east on Van Buren Street in 1956. Later still the community grew so large that North Wood High School

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Embrace the Pace was built on the city's northern edge. As the community "Embraced The Pace" of providing the additional space needed, they also preserved the history of the community. The school's first location, at 451 N. Main Street, housed elementary and junior high school students as upperclassmen moved on to the building at 755 E. Van Buren, the current Nappanee Elementary School. Elementary students remained there for many years

to come. Grades 6 to 8 moved on to the East Van Buren Street address when Nappanee High School became North Wood High School in 1970 and moved to 2101 N. Main St. That is when Wakarusa teenagers joined in the local education process. Today elementary students too have vacated the 451 N. Main Street address, as they moved on to the East Van Buren Street location in December of .1994. Grades 6 to 8 now attend school in Wakarusa where

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a combined middle school reflects the blended high school between the two communities. These younger students now have three years to bond friendships before the tumultuous teenage years begin. Inside the original Nappanee High School building the Boys & Girls Club of Nappanee, Nappanee Area Chamber of Commerce and Lee Anne Dance Studio can all be found, having moved there in 1999. The upper floor of the eastern section of the building, as well as a two-story wing that has been added on, act as senior housing. These tenants all make good use of the building and keep history alive and well as the structure remains cared for and in use. The result is a daily reminder of how Nappanee truly does "Embrace The Pace" of an ever-evolving community and its needs. More personal outreaches also reflect the new city branding. Regularly fundraisers are held to assist costs for those experiencing medical traumas. Daily neighbors are visiting neighbors. Not a week goes by that someone, somewhere within the community, doesn't recognize a need to carry in a dinner, drop by to check on the welfare of a local resident, or any number of other personal outreach opportunities. None providing, or receiving, these personal connections see it as a job to be done. All see it as neighbors "Embracing The Pace" of needs within their hometown. Residents all seem to share fond memories of the city. Some grew up here and can recall the one stoplight days, or early locations of the high school. Others have transplanted to the community and have now experienced, or witnessed, the personal outreaches done each day. Whatever the memories, all have grown with the community in both number and emotions attached to its people and many changes. This article marks the first in a series to be done on the community and its efforts to "Embrace The Pace."