Nappanee Advance-News, Volume 135, Number 47, Nappanee, Elkhart County, 24 November 2016 — Page 3

Around, from front

contact the academy via Facebook at All American Wrestling Academy, e-mail at allamericanwrestlingacademy@gmail. com, or call 574-536-6782. CHRISTMAS THEMED RACE NAPPANEE - The 2016 edition of "Rim, Run, Rudolph" is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3 at 9:30 a.m. The event is sponsored by the National Honor Society of North Wood High School, and all proceeds will benefit the Christmas Jubilee of Family Christian Development Center. The SK/3K run/walk will begin at McCormick Creek Golf Course, and there will be a prize for the runner with the best Christmas costume. Also, dogs who register will receive a special prize. For more details, visit the group's Facebook page, e-mail [email protected], check out the North Wood High School website via www.wanee.org, or stop by the high school for a registration form. 2016-17 basketball preview Panthers basketball ready to defend titles

By Stf.ve Sutler Correspondent NAPPANEE Prior to the arrival of head coach Aaron Wolfe in the 200708 season, the North Wood Panthers had captured just three sectional titles in school history. Now, however, the tables have turned, as Wolfe's charges are coming off a sectional three-peat and have won four titles in just the past five seasons. Despite going from the hunter to the hunted, Wolfe's consistent approach to the game remains steadfast. "In order to continue our success, we need to value our standards," said the lOth-year mentor following an early-season Saturday practice. "We will always work to represent our community in a first-class manner and develop the skills to compete at the state level." North Wood returns three starters from last year's 24-3 squad, which set a school record for victories, all of whom are seniors. Leading the way will be 6'l" shooting guard Vinny Miranda, whose 16.1 points per game (ppg) average led the Panthers a year ago. Also back are seniors Trey Bilinski and Luke Zurcher, both two-year starters who played complementary roles last season but will be asked to step up to provide more scoring in 2016-17. "Those three are definitely going to start and carry the load for us," said Wolfe. "They all sharpened their individual skills and improved their basketball athleticism over the summer." Expected to play key roles in the paint are juniors Caleb Lung, who played significant varsity minutes as a sophomore, and 6'5" Luke Holland, a standout on last year's JV squad. Juniors Jordan BeMiller and DeAndre Smart also will battle for playing time on the front line, along with junior swingman Terrell Pratcher, a transfer from Elkhart Memorial. In the backcourt, the talented junior trio of Caleb Glick, Jared Hoffman, and Brad Delio and sophomore Kaden Gongwer will all factor into the mix, with Glick having the slight edge to start initially primarily due to his size and ball-handling ability. "We won't play

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12 guys every night," said Wolfe, "but all 12 guys can play, and I expect to have different rotations throughout the year." Due to the success of the North Wood football team, the start of the season will almost certainly be delayed, with the scheduled games against Lakeland and St. Joseph's during Thanksgiving week likely postponed to a later date. Consequently, the season opener will probably be on Friday, Dec. 2 at home against Triton. In addition to the usual early-season opponents such as Fairfield, Jimtown, and Westview, North Wood will play in the Marion Classic on Dec. 22 against defending 1A state champion Liberty Christian. The Panthers also will host a new holiday tournament .this year in The Pit on Dec. 29-30, welcoming Mishawaka and South Bend Clay along with a third team to be determined. North Wood has also been invited to play in the Hoosier Gym shootout on Jan. 14, where they will battle Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger. As usual, Warsaw will be team to beat in the Northern Lakes Conference (NLC), according to Wolfe. "They are loaded and continue to be the standard not only in the NLC but for this area. The rest of the conference will be chasing them," he said. In the sectional, which will be played at Wawasee in March 2017, the threetime defending champion Panthers are a strong favorite heading into the season, but Fairfield and Lakeland both have "good teams with experienced returning starters" stated Wolfe, and would like nothing better than to dethrone North Wood. NORTHWOOD PANTHERS Nov. 23 Lakeland A Nov. 26 SB St. Joseph’s A Dec. 2 Triton H Dec. 8 Westview H Dec. 10 Fairfield A Dec. 13 Jimtown A Dec. 16 Plymouth A Dec. 22 Liberty Christian , A (Marion Classic - Varsity only) Dec 29-30 Holiday Tourney H Jan. 6 Wawasee H Jan. 10 New Prairie H Jan. 13 Northridge A Jan. 14 FW Bish. Dwenger A (Hoosier Gym - Varsity only) Jan. 20 Goshen H Jan. 27 Warsaw A Feb. 2 Concord H Feb. 7 West Noble A Feb. 10 Elk. Memorial A Feb. 11 Bethany Christian A Feb. 17 Elkhart Christian H Feb. 21 Manchester A

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Community

VOTE FOR A FAVORITE BOOK WAKARUSA - The Grey Spider Club will be meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 2:30 p.m. Students in grades K-5 are invited to join in the fun at the Wakarusa Public Library. Participants will be asked to read books from one of the nominee lists so that they are eligible to vote in April 2017 for their favorite. At this meeting, "Carnivores" by Aaron Reynolds and "The Zoo at the Edge of the World" by Eric Kahn Gale will be highlighted and attendees will do a craft or activity. CHRISTMAS AT THE COMMONS NAPPANEE - Mark your calendar for the weekend of Dec. 9 and 10, then head on over to Coppes Commons for "A Coppes Christmas." The hours will be 5-9 p.m. on Friday and 10-4 on Saturday. There will be a live Nativity walK

Celebration held for Doc Abel

By Amy Lant-Wenger Assistant Editor WAKARUSA There was a hushed and humble manner to the way "Doc" Abel spoke among the crowd that had surrounded him at the occasion of his 92nd birthday on Thursday, Nov. 10. Dressed in a most dapper fashion, it was perhaps the twinkle in his eye that spoke greater volumes, for he was certainly funny, he was a little bit flirty, and he was a great deal flattered. "There are others who probably deserve this more than me," he said softly. "Wakarusa is a great place to grow up, work, and raise a family." The venue was Miller's Senior Living, and a sprawling luncheon awaited the guest of honor. While it was no particular surprise that Dr. Robert Abel was going to be lavished with attention on his special day, he appeared to be caught unaware that the room in which many guests would be dining would be the very space that would henceforth

Season, from front

Babies in carriages were escorted by family members as participants in the parade. Area students from elementary through high school representing music, sports, special programs, and other interests proudly marched, walked and danced their way through the darkness on city streets. Local businesses Offered floats tffeniselves which Were ffjfelled s \vith employees sending out to everyone sincere greetings and best wishes for a wonderful upcoming holiday season. Among the larger entries were fire trucks featuring members of the Nappanee Volunteer Fire Department semis and other modes of transportation. Children all along the

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bear his name. The celebration took place in what would furthermore be called the Dr. Robert Abel Gathering Room. Several representatives from the community, including members of the Wakarusa

parade route eagerly gathered up candies being thrown to them from various parade participants. Throughout the parade procession lights could be seen highlighting everything from floats to vehicles and even individuals wrapped in colorful bulbs. It all ended at the covered downtown pavilion, located at tjhg; ddmer Qf W. Market and S. Clark Streets, and drew the crowd together. In that location the audience was treated to Christmas songs and dance performed by Younger Generation singers from Wakarusa Elementary. Then the stage opened a screen with a greeting from Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins addressing the crowd as if he and they

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free refreshments, live music, and a chance to win S3OO in Coppes Commons gift certificates, to be given away on Friday. An artisan/antique market is also planned with children's activities both Friday and Saturday. For more details, call 574-773-0002 or visit www.coppescommons.com. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA NAPPANEE - Now is the time for youngsters to plan on enjoying breakfast with Santa, right in Nappanee. Amish Acres will be welcoming everyone's favorite Christmas visitor on Saturday, Dec.lo at 9:30 a.m. Children of all ages will enjoy Christmas carol sing-alongs, games, story time, and a ride on the "Candy Cane Express" around the farm's pond. Every child will also have a chance to personally share with Santa their wish list. The cost is $lO per child and sls per adult. To make reservations, visit the box office at Amish Acres or call 800-800-4942.

Doc Abel reflects on his charmed life in Wakarusa as Cindy Hill, Marketing Director for Miller's Senior Living, listens intently. Just behind Doc Abel is the room which bears his name, the "Dr. Robert Abel Gathering Room." Doc cut the ribbon for the new room the same day as his birthday luncheon, Nov. 10.

were all gathered together in one room before a warm fireplace offering calming flames and a warm glow to comfort the audience amid the frigid temperatures around them. The mayor welcomed everyone before reading a Biblical account of the Christmas Story. He ended his talk with well wishes for a wonderful Christmas season sent out to each person and family. All present joined in song and bonded through Christmas melodies. In its ninth year, Miracles

Advance News • Thursday, November 24, 2016

Town Council, the Chamber of Commerce, and Wa-Nee Community Schools, convened with family members and guests to partake of a lavish luncheon, a jovial birthday serenade, and a splendidly decorated cake.

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at Main and Market Streets is a cherished tradition for the greater Nappanee Community. Created by former Nappanee Mayor Larry Thompson it is still alive in hearts of many, and continues on through Mayor Phil Jenkins. The annual event occurs each November, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, and serves as the start of a treasured and meaningful Christmas season. Visit the Advance News on Facebook to see more photos and information regarding this event.