Courtesy photo Cast of “Murder at the Funeral Home” includes (from left): front row –– Susan Stoudnour Arnold, Robin O’Neal Smith, Jennie Baughman and Sonya Miller Browell; second row –– Lester Meck, Chuck Elder, Alecia Masood Addink and Lisa Figard Meck; back row –– Suzanne Boka, Michael Smith and Samantha Mervin.

More than 300 people attended the Changes in the Parkway fundraiser and enjoyed the cast’s antics as they performed the comedic murder mystery, “Murder at the Funeral Home” in Saxton.

The CHIP committee hosted two shows March 14 and 15, with a different ending each day. (Two different murderers.) There was a sold-out crowd for both days.

The scene was at a funeral home complete with casket, flowers and a body in the quiet town of Saxton.

As the show began, the Four Roses Quartet, portrayed by Sonya Browell, Susan Arnold, Jennie Baughman, Robin O’Neal Smith and pianist Clara Blackwell (Alecia Masood Addink) were practicing to sing at the funeral of Eddie Wannawoman. Clara was married to the funeral director, Henry Blackwell portrayed by Chuck Elder. Eddie died in the bed of Beatrice Bumfelt, played by Lisa Figard Meck.

In the plot, Detective Nolan Peck, portrayed by Lester Meck, was in town for Eddie’s funeral. They had been college roommates.

Matilda Weaver (Suzanne Boka) wanted to sing at the funeral, but she couldn’t carry a tune.

Meanwhile, Eddie’s sister, Agnes Crowley portrayed by Samantha Mervin was concerned that Eddie had cut her out of his will. And Calvin Williams, (Michael Smith) the funeral home custodian had a crush on Clara and was tired of cleaning up Henry’s messes.

The plot thickened as all the members of the Four Roses Quartet realized they had all been involved with Eddie.

Before Eddie’s funeral began, Henry was murdered with a syringe of embalming fluid injected into his neck.

All of the characters were suspects. They all had a motive.

Through questioning by Detective Peck and the audience, the murderer was eventually determined. On Saturday, Beatrice Bumfelt (Lisa Meck) and on Sunday, Matilda Weaver (Suzanne Boka) was the murderer.

This year, CHIP had 19 co-sponsors for the mystery dinner. They helped provide decorations, props, appetizers, programs, door prizes and other items. The co-sponsors were Miller’s Sanitation, Mountain Land & Sea Travel, Harvey’s Flowers, Raystown Wellness, H&R Block, Saxton Market, Akers Funeral Home, Bedford County Chamber of Commerce, Tiffany’s Notary and Tax Service, Martin’s General Store, Zimmerman’s Tree Service, The Roundhouse Tavern, Homewell Mountain View Guest Home, Addink Law PLLC, The Bill and Hannah Thomas Family, Things and More Things Discount Store, T&C Excavating and Trucking, Fisher’s Excavation, LLC, and David Edwards.

A roast beef and chicken dinner with all the trimmings was served by the Saxton Volunteer Fire Company during the show.

Attendees also had the opportunity to purchase chances on a lottery tree, basket raffle and 50/50 drawing each day. Jennifer Skipper reported, “The community support for this year’s event was outstanding. We had 47 baskets each day.”

The mystery dinner planning committee included Robin O’Neal Smith (chairperson), Kathy Barton, Samantha Mervin, Jennifer Skipper, Suzanne Boka, Susan Arnold and Alicia King.

Joe Hall and Lester Meck handled sound and tech, and Joe Hall, Lester Meck, Kathy Barton and Cindy Baker dealt with the stage, set building and decorations.

Many others contributed behind the scenes and as helpers for the mystery dinner. Robin Smith said, “Successful events like this are not created by one person, but by a team of dedicated individuals all using their talents and skills for a great cause.”

“Murder at the Funeral Home” is the seventh murder mystery dinner sponsored by CHIP. Previous mysteries included Murder on the H&BT Railroad, Murder at the Chalfonte, Murder at the Aldine Theater, Murder at the Coffee Shop, Murder at the Power Plant and Murder at the IGA.

Robin O’Neal Smith, a Saxton resident, CHIP committee member and freelance writer, wrote the script for “Murder at the Funeral Home.” This is the fourth mystery dinner script she has authored.

Joe Hall, president of the CHIP Committee, noted, “The mystery dinner is our largest money-making event we hold each year. It is obvious the community looks forward to this annual event and it is wonderful to have so much community support.”

CHIP is a nonprofit group dedicated to making community improvements and holding events in Saxton.

Upcoming CHIP events include:

Saxton Street Scene — Aug. 1

Chili Cookoff — Sept. 19

Halloween Parade — Oct. 31

Christmas in the Parkway — Dec. 3.

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