Hello, fellow lovers of all things green. I never imagined being accused of murder on a Sunday afternoon, much less discovering I was guilty! Fortunately, the crime was fictional, the laughter genuine, and the cause behind the festivities profoundly important.
My singing partner, Ken Roberts, invited me to Samaritan Inn’s 22nd Annual Grape Expectations fundraiser, featuring an “I Love the ’80s” murder mystery at Lake Mohawk Country Club. Ken and I sing together through our connection with Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice. His late wife, Genie, supported Samaritan Inn by donating clothing, and he continues to contribute financially, making the afternoon especially meaningful.
Ken Roberts and I were ready for an afternoon of ’80s nostalgia, laughter, and a little intrigue.
Big Hair and a Murder Mystery
Of course, there was the matter of what to wear. I resurrected my electric hot rollers for iconic ’80s big hair and donned a gold-sequined jacket with shoulder pads—really wide shoulder pads—unearthed from my after-five wardrobe. The foam securing the jacket to the hanger disintegrated when I removed it, proving its age! Paired with a short black velvet skirt, glitzy belt, and cowboy boots, I was perfectly dressed for the occasion. Ken sported aviator sunglasses and an ’80s-inspired ensemble.
The ballroom was filled with colorful decorations, balloons, and reminders of the era, including old-fashioned roller skates and a television set. Remember those enormous televisions? The afternoon included a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, dinner, and, of course, the murder mystery. Then came an unexpected twist.
One of the actors handed me a purple hat, glasses, and a binder of clues. Suddenly, I was Professor Vic Violet, one of several suspects in a murder investigation involving musicians battling to become headliners. I hadn’t expected to be part of the cast! Frankly, I tried recruiting someone else at our table, but nobody would take the role. And so, there I was.
The Plot Thickens
The mystery unfolded with plenty of clues, unexpected suspects, and laughter during Samaritan Inn’s Grape Expectations fundraiser.
The plot included a stabbing, a missing guitarist, squandered investments, and even cyanide poisoning involving New Coke. Remember New Coke? That short-lived attempt to reinvent a familiar favorite became part of the murderous mayhem.
The characters had names that made me laugh, including Mr. Greenback and Dr. Doogie, along with musicians competing for the coveted headliner spot. Apparently, Professor Vic Violet had invested a substantial sum of money that had gone missing. My hopes of recovering the investment hinged on the success of a musical production. At least, that’s what I gathered from my binder!
The Verdict Is In
Between acts, guests interrogated suspects, exchanged play money for clues, and tried to solve the mystery. Initially flustered by my complicated role, I was grateful when my tablemates enthusiastically helped me navigate my newfound theatrical career. That is, until they began suspecting me!
Professor Vic Violet faces questioning during the murder mystery.
As it turned out, they were right. Professor Vic Violet was the murderer! Who knew I had such a sinister side? The verdict came at the end of the event, leaving me no opportunity to plead my innocence! Fortunately, everyone survived the afternoon, aside from the three fictional fatalities.
But the most memorable moments had nothing to do with solving crimes.
Samaritan Inn Helps Families Rebuild
Before the theatrical festivities, a father stood before the gathering to thank Samaritan Inn for helping his family rebuild their lives. He had hoped his wife and young son would join him at the podium, but the little boy was too shy. Later, his wife stepped forward to express her gratitude.
Their words were simple and heartfelt.
By embracing the organization’s guidance, structure, and support, they had regained their independence. Now, they were living together in their own place, building a future for their son.
What a gift.
Client Voices of 2026 shares heartfelt accounts of families and individuals finding stability, independence, and hope through Samaritan Inn.
Founded in 1977, Samaritan Inn provides emergency shelter, food assistance, counseling, and practical life-skills training for Sussex County individuals and families facing homelessness. The organization does far more than provide a temporary roof over their heads. Families in its shelter program live in private apartments where they practice everyday responsibilities, including budgeting, preparing meals, maintaining a home, and caring for their children. They receive support as they build the skills and resources to move forward.
In 2025, Samaritan Inn’s Family Shelter Program provided 10,948 nights of shelter to 38 families, including 52 children. Those numbers represent far more than statistics. They represent children sleeping in safe surroundings, parents regaining confidence, and families discovering that difficult circumstances need not define their futures.
The organization also honored Shawn Stinnett of iHeartMedia as Samaritan of the Year for her longstanding commitment to helping local nonprofits and businesses.
Finding Belonging in Nature’s Community
As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us look forward to gathering around familiar tables with family and friends. Yet not everyone has a home to return to, and even those with roofs overhead may face loneliness, uncertainty, or struggles invisible to others.
A few years ago, I shared a story about the Insights and Interdependence of Trees, featured in Episode 88 of our podcast, about the remarkable relationships beneath the forest floor. Trees form relationships with fungi that connect with their roots, creating underground networks through which nutrients and other resources can move. These relationships contribute to the health of trees and the surrounding forest.
As a landscape designer, I’ve learned that establishing a garden requires more than placing plants in the ground. Healthy roots need suitable conditions, nurturing, and time. Plants can recover from difficult circumstances when given the opportunity to flourish.
People deserve that opportunity, too.
But the forest offers another lesson.
Not every tree grows straight. Some lean toward the light, others bend around obstacles, and still others bear the scars of storms they’ve weathered. Yet they remain part of the woodland, each contributing to the life around it. As we explored in Lessons from Spiderwort and Crooked Trees, I’d rather be a crooked tree!
We don’t always know the storms another person has endured, and we can’t assume that everyone’s path toward stability will look the same. The most meaningful thing we can offer is the opportunity to begin again, along with encouragement and a sense of belonging.
Growing Hope Through Everyday Kindness
I left the murder mystery smiling at my unexpected acting debut, grateful for the compassionate people helping neighbors find their footing. By organizing events like Grape Expectations, the Samaritan Inn brings awareness to services that are especially important in rural communities, where homelessness can be less visible.
Giving back doesn’t have to involve organizing a fundraiser or making a grand gesture. Donating household goods or clothing, sharing a meal, offering encouragement, or helping someone navigate a difficult season makes a difference. Every little bit helps.
After all, the greatest headliners aren’t necessarily those standing beneath the brightest lights. They’re the people who open their hearts and open doors for others.
What a beautiful way to grow our Garden of Life.
Garden Dilemmas? AskMaryStone@gmail.com or tune in on your favorite podcast app.
Prefer to listen? 🎧 Join me for Episode 275 of the Garden Dilemmas, Delights & Discoveries Podcast:
Related stories and podcasts:
Lessons from Spiderwort and Crooked Trees – also featured in Episode 256 – Another reflection on resilience and embracing our differences.
Insights and Interdependence of Trees – the garden story featured in Episode 88.
· Samaritan Inn – Helping individuals and families experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives.
