Red canoe No. 6 has been dedicated to the staff of Miller’s Merry Manor’s Syracuse location in recognition of their dedication and quality care.
Pictured are Miller’s Merry Manor’s staff members: Michele Stutzman, Tracy Fites, Linda Yoder, Angel Troyer, Shawna Chamblin, Tammy Shepherd, Julianna Sherman, Chelcie Kieler, Tania Olivas, Joni Cook, Phyllis Knisley, Tana Parson, Melissa Berkes, Sarah Reimer, Todd Drake, Lillian Wallace, Emanuel Reese and Kelly Kaase. Also pictured is Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Renea Salyer. InkFreeNews photos by Sarah Wright.

By Sarah Wright
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — On a crisp Monday, Nov. 2, the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce dedicated red canoe No. 6 — located at Miller’s Merry Manor, 500 E. Pickwick Drive — to the staff at Miller’s with a plaque recognizing their “dedication and quality care.”

Red canoe No.6’s plaque thanks Team Syracuse and recognizes Miller’s Merry Manor staff members’ dedication and quality care.

The Sea Nymph canoe, which was donated by Scott and Julie Laughner, currently features a planting of red twig. The Kaase family donated funds for its placement at Miller’s Merry Manor, while the number adorning the canoe was donated by Kevin Neal.

“It was placed about two weeks ago,” Renea Salyer, the chamber’s executive director, said, noting so far all of the canoes, except for the one located by the post office, have been dedicated.

The numbers on the canoes have been a recent development, with Salyer stating it helps people know there are several canoes in town to view.

“If someone is new to town, they will know there is more than one,” Salyer said.

The chamber plans to create a map for the red canoes so residents and visitors alike can find all six.

Roxann Arnott placed the first red canoe at the Syracuse sign on the south side of town along SR 13. Arnott would then approach the Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber of Commerce about starting the Red Canoe Fund through its SWCC Foundation, and the beautification project grew from there.

Red canoe #6 currently features a planting of red twig.