By, Alyssa Mathis

If one was looking for mystery, murder and the madness created by a cast full of incredibly colorful characters, then the Panic at the Poolside – Murder Mystery Event was the event for you. What began as a nice evening at the pool on July 9, soon delved into a barrage of clues, character unraveling and finger pointing. The cast included Mieke Slaba as swim coach Sunny Shinewell; Zach Schoenfelder as the pool lifeguard; Lisa Tolliver as surf instructor Uvi Raze; Presley Slaba as the Olympic Gold Medalist Bella Beaches; paperboy Ray Sonley was played by Cody Juffer; Kamlin Nedved starred as salon owner Tanny Waters; Monster Truck owner/driver Micky Hollmann played by none other than Micky Hollmann; Alyssa Mathis played the part of annoying Sunblock Chemist, Sally Surfton; Speed O. Blue, the Recreation Center Manager, was played by the one and only Scott Alderink and finally Sue Isebrands played the role of Sun Valley heiress, May Flowers.

The event featured a Hawaiian/beachy themed meal, yummy beverages and a wonderful crew of ladies who did a fantastic job of putting the event together. The Wagner Pool Fundraising Committee members including Ericka Kotab, Jamie Tjeersdma, Darcy Kaberna and Carly Schoenfelder who worked tirelessly to put the fun event together for the community.

After three rounds of the cast talking to one another revealing clues about themselves, spreading rumors in front of guests and a murder that happened under the most baffling of circumstances, the audience and cast were asked to weigh all of the evidence, conversations, and coroner’s report to pick the identity of the assailant. Not even the cast knew who the murderer was until it was revealed to the audience. Only three people were able to guess the correct identity of the murderer, who ended up being paperboy Roy Sonley. Roy had been terribly bullied by the victim Speed O Blues and had finally had enough. The three who guessed correctly were Mel Juffer, Sue Isebrands and Lisa Tolliver. Best costume was won by Michelle Hollmann and Best Actor went to Presley Slaba.

It was a wonderful night full of laughter, making new connections, fun, and most importantly honor. The Wagner Pool Committee honored Mel Juffer as this will be her last season coaching the swimming team after 20 years. Knowing how special Mel is and how many lives she has touched over the years, including their own children, they wanted to recognize and thank her for all of her service and love she put into helping her swimmers grow both in and out of the pool.