Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 130, Number 49, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 6 December 2007 — Page 3

MIRACLES, continued from front page Rappanee depot plaza, complete with iMckens-era characters, a live Nativity, a real-life reindeer named Prancer and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus. Holiday music drifted gently from speakers plotted throughout the downtown area. Carolers huddled outside of Pages and Ivy, serenading the crowds awaiting the parade. The North Wood High School Red Regiment led the parade, not seeming to mind that their uniforms did little to keep out the cold. Local dubs, groups, businesses and organizations added to the cheer with brightly-lit floats, costumes and the occasional sheep, cow, donkey and llama Festivities continued at the depot plaza with a word from Mayor Larry Thompson to the community about what many consider Nappanee's real-life miracle of surviving the Oct. 18 tornado. Victims of the Oct. 18 tornado were asked to stand in the front like guests of honor. Thompson read the Biblical Christmas story to all gathered. Following a group singing of "Silent Night," and a candle lighting ceremony, the Christmas tree in the plaza was lit. Thompson and his wife, Linda, handed out spedal ornaments to each tornado victim. The ornaments were shaped like angels with the inscription: "The angels watched over us; Oct. 18,2007." It was the Thompsons who came up with the idea of handing out the ornaments. "We just wanted to do something for them that they would always have; a reminder," Linda Thompson said. " Members of the Christmas committee feel the event was more than successful and already look forward to next year. "We're really pleased with die effort everybody put into it," committee member Evidene Graber said. Graber and fellow committee member Jan Tobias helped to coordinate the live Nativity in one of the buggy sheds at the plaza. Wakarusa Elementary School choir students made the trek to Nappanee to serenade the chilly crowds from the steps of the depot plaza. Following the festivities, community members visited around cozy fires sipping warm beverages and chatting. The plaza itself seemed almost alive with candle lumiaires surrounding the perimeter. The Nappanee Home and Garden Club sold similar luminaires both as a fundraiser and as a way to unify the town through its Christmas decor. Nov. 21 Francisco Esqueda, 36, Goshen, speeding, $125.50 Amy L. Hall, 34, Nappanee, failure to register, $115.50 Jared L. Hochstetler, 26, Etna Green, trespass, $170.50 Ortie D. Leemon, 30, Nappanee, driving while license suspended (prior), $210.50 Rebecca L. Thornsberry, 27, Nappanee, expired license plate, $115.50 Nov. 26 Michael L. Eash, .19, Nappanee, expired license plate, $115.50 Crystal Faulkner, 26, Elkhart, speeding, $124.50 Erica G. Garl, 24, Nappanee, seat belt violation (driver), $25 Nov. 27 Fern J. Hoffer, 76, Nappanee, speeding, $126.50 Patricia L. Teifert, 25, Plymouth, driving while license suspended (infraction), $185.50 Kenneth L. Tener, 59, Nappanee, child restraint violation, $25 Harriet L. Wilson, 83, Bremen, seat belt violation (driver), $25

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(Front, left to right) Mary (Rachel Hochstetler) and Joseph (Justin Yoder) sip warm beverages as they try to ward off the cold. Behind them is an assortment of shepherds, wise men and angels, played by (left to right) Keith Yoder, Mark Hutsell, Jay Huber, Mike Riley, Cody Anglemyer, Reese Huber and (back) Harlan Eagan.

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Mayor Larry Thompson watches as the Christmas tree in the depot plaza is lit for the first time. Thompson and several volunteers were dressed in Charles Dickens-style clothing.

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Advance News • Thursday, December 6, 2007 •

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ADVANCE NEWS PHOTO/MANDY MCFARLANC Nic Bontrager, 8, checks to see if it is OK to pet the donkey at the live nativity scene. The scene was set up in the buggy shed at the west end of the depot plaza and included donkeys,

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