Talk of the Town: Postcards from Cabot Cove, or, be glad you’re not here!

Gee whiz! One of the nice things about a three-day weekend is the rare opportunity I get to veg out in front of the television set, mindlessly watching some of my favorite classic TV programs.

This viewing was of the popular TV series, “Murder She Wrote,” (12 seasons from 1984-1996) starring Angela Lansbury as a world-famous mystery writer Jessica Fletcher based in Cabot Cove, Maine.

Jessica lived in an 85-year-old Victorian house at 698 Candlewood Lane in Cabot Cove. She played a widowed substitute English teacher who gained fame as a mystery novelist after her husband Frank died.

The fictional Cabot Cove features the exteriors of Mendocino Village on the coast of California. A Victorian bed and breakfast in Mendocino (pop. approx. 824 in the 2000 Census) was used as Jessica Fletcher’s home in the fictional town of Cabot Cove. During filming, local buildings were transformed into Cabot Cove businesses simply by changing the exterior signs. Local residents looked forward to the filming, as more than 150 were chosen to play background parts. A lucky few were cast for speaking roles.

Each week, Jessica found herself involved in the murder of some unfortunate local or visitor. She, in turn, used her mystery writing skills to deduce the killer. And even when Jessica traveled out of town, there was always a murdered body turning up to challenge Jessica’s sleuthing skills.

I have come to the conclusion that real estate agents are right. It’s all about location. With that thought I’ve decided that I most definitely would not want to live in the seaside village of Cabot Cove, regardless of how beautiful and quaint it appears on the television.

Hmm? OK! It’s a fictional town, but let’s be realistic. I just read an analysis of the murders occurring in Cabot Cove.

There were, according to the study, 286 people murdered in Cabot Cove during the show’s run. That’s the Cabot Cove total, never mind the ones murdered at other locations Jessica visited.

Although Cabot Cove was just a small hamlet, it turned out to be the “Murder Capital of New England.”

It’s remarkable that such a high murder rate hadn’t inspired a mass exodus of town citizens or, at the very least, caused a devaluation of the local real estate market.

You would think that eventually someone in Cabot Cove would notice that murders only occurred when Jessica was around. They would then either boot her out of town, or make her the next victim.

The Green Valley Recreation Board of Directors is seeking to fill four vacancies in 2009. Qualified candidates must be GVR property owners with their name listed on the title. Qualifications include being open-minded, fair, possessing pro-active leadership skills, practicing communication and listening skills, and being a team player with a vision for the future of a great organization.

The elected candidates will be required to serve a three-year term. Those elected will also need to attend a monthly board meeting as well as a study session. Board members also have the opportunity to serve on various committees with other board members and members-at-large.

If you have questions, please contact Mike Banks, nominations chair at 648-5050.

If you have interest in serving on the Board or on a committee, please join us at any of the following board candidate receptions:

Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 2 p.m. at Santa Rita Springs Anza Room;

Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 5 p.m. at Canoa Hills Saguaro Room

Wednesday, Oct. 15 ,at 2 p.m. at Madera Vista Recreation Center

An organizational meeting and auditions for FoxPaws Improv Troupe are underway. Join FoxPaws in Sahuarita on Wednesday, Sept. 10, or Thursday, Sept. 11, at 6 p.m. No charge. Call or e-mail DD Jay at 777-4478 or ddjay1@cox.net for meeting address and directions.

The improvisational troupe wants folks of all ages, especially those between 20 and 50. Parent-teen teams are welcome. The group needs about 20 wildly interested people to sustain a group. The first session will focus on learning a number of improv games and build the necessary skills to “take the show on the road.” Theater experience is not necessary, nor will it be held against you! So take a laughter break.

Jim and Norita (Garber) Nickerson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July with four generations of family in the Pacific Northwest gathering to dine on the waterfront at Ivar’s Mukilteo Landing restaurant on a beautiful sunny day. The couple also enjoyed a cruise to Alaska, a gift from their children, Neil and Jamie Robinson of Vancouver, British Columbia. Their son, Jon, resides in Green Valley. They are blessed with two wonderful grandsons, Ted, 7, and Trevor, 4, Robinson.

Jim and Norita were married Sept. 6, 1958, in Olympia, Wash., just after Jim completed his tour with the U.S. Navy. They lived in Seattle where Jim graduated from the University of Washington and Norita also earned her PHT (Putting Hubby Through), working with Safeco Insurance. Both worked in Tucson and Olympia before returning to retire in the beautiful Southwest desert. Perhaps the move was influenced by Jim’s grandmother, Vonnee Justice Allensworth, who gave them a subscription to Arizona Highways, in tribute to her childhood home.

The Green Valley life suits them very well; they enjoy music, swimming, volunteering, traveling, gardening and hiking in the desert with their beloved collie, Maggie. They attribute their successful marriage to unconditional love for each other and love for the Lord.

rford@gvnews.com | 547-9730