GREENVILLE — Nine acts were featured at the Greenville Veterans Memorial Park and Digital Library’s (GVMPDL’s) That 70s Talent Show on Friday night.
Three of them were winners, and another person was presented with the Citizen of the Year award.
Emcee Rob Jones said recipient of the most original act and the people’s choice award winner would win $500 apiece, while the Best Overall Show would receive $1,000. Named most original was Daphne Kies, who was given her prize money from Peggy Black, and the Blue Brothers, comprised of Robb Grim and Scott Kies, were presented their monetary winnings as the People’s Choice by Kim Manalo, president of the VFW Auxiliary. Recipient of the $1,000 for the Best Overall Show as were Alex Stewart and Trevor DeSchepper. Presenting the latter award was Don Dietrich, chairman of the GVMPDL.
Kies was sponsored by the VFW 7262 Auxiliary. She is a freshman at Ansonia High School, where she participates in Spanish club; Quiz Bowl; pep, marching and concert bands; choir and track. She plays the piano, guitar, flute and piccolo, and she hopes to add more to that list. She returns from last year being the People’s Choice award winner.
The Blue Brothers were sponsored by the Harless family in memory of Jack Harless in their entertaining act. Performing were “Joliet’ Jake E. Blues, also known as Robb Grim, and Elwood J. Blues, also known as Scott Kies.
The film by Alexander Stewart, sponsored by Interactive Media/Wave Channel, was dubbed “22 — The Internal War.” Stewart’s passion for film-making began as a student at Greenville High School. Now, 23, he is pursuing a film degree at Wright State University. He said the project he entered in the competition was enjoyable to produce as it pushed his skills by attempting things he hadn’t done up to that point. He received support from many local businesses and the community to help bring this project to life. “The Internal War” showcases the talents of Trevor DeSchepper, who works closely with Stewart in the production of his films.
Additional contestants were:
• Taylor Bowers, sponsored by the Peggy Black family in memory of Doug Black. The 18-year-old, 2016 Franklin Monroe graduate has been pursing her music career since seventh grade and sings at church and is in the choir. She works at the Brethren Retirement Community as a dietary aid. She will be moving to Guatemala for three months on Jan. 28 to pursue her dreams in mission work. Afterwards, she will possibly be studying for an STNA license or becoming a Spanish teacher.
• Jim “The Country Jukebox” Chrisman, sponsored by the Stauffer family in memory of Robert Stauffer. Chrisman is called the “walking jukebox” by family and friends. He is always singing and has a passion for classic country music. He sang two songs in the contest.
• Don “Double D” Dietrich, sponsored by the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 57, who sang “Margaritaville. He is one of the most well-known and respected veterans in Darke County, and has held a long list of leadership positions in many different service organizations, including commander of VFW Post 7262, DAV Chapter 57, Darke County Veterans Services and American Legion Post 140. Most recently, he accepted a leadership in the Park and Digital Library Mission.
• Marty C. [Christman-Jim’s wife], sponsored by VFW 7262 Sunday Bingo, who sang. She is also an avid fan of classic country music, with musical influences being Loretta Lynn, Norma Jean and Tammy Wynette.
• Donna Key, sponsored by the Stauffer family in memory of Harold Stauffer, who sang in her act. She hails from Greenville and won Most Original Show last year. She is also supportive of the GVMDPL.
• The Dennis Maloney family in memory of Jim and Ruth Maloney presented “Star Trek: The Fat Generation,” featuring Capt. Jim Maloney; his science officer Mike Maloney; and his communications officer Cynthia Phungrasamee.
Mike Maloney, vice chairman of the GVMPDL, presented the Citizen of the Year Award and it went to educator Lori Hoover of Greenville High School. She has taught school for 30 years and was praised for her work with the GVMDPL.
Judges for the talent show were Hoover; Chief Eldred and Lt. Kuehner of the NJROTC at Greenville High School; 2016 Miss Annie Oakley Katie Hurd; Keith and Peggy Foutz; and Lori Denniston.
The talent show followed a dinner prepared at the VFW.
