September 15, 2024

Takapuna’s Got Talent

We tried something different when Family Home Evening planning fell to the Hafens

Haha.  Someone snapped this photo and added the caption.  The entertainment was great, every presentation.  We serve with talented missionaries.

Elder MacLennan filled the role of Emcee.  He’s quick on his feet and hilarious in such an intellectual way.

The panel of four judges proved to be terrific.  Kurtis Farrell played the role of Simon – complete with a British accent.  Julie Smith showered contestants with specific fine qualities about performances.  Gina Truman comes from a performing family so this is second nature to her.  Rex Miller spread happiness all evening.  Only two judges commented on each talent – that kept the night moving along quickly.

Rick started with “I’m an Old Cowhand”.  He’s known as the silent, studious, hard-working attorney.  The crowd roared with excitement to see this different side.

Karen and Doyle Garner presented a reading with beautiful accompaniment. 

 

The Shaw brothers, and their wives, ended up in the same mission (unplanned).  They all have musical abilities and sang, “Peanut Butter Medley”.

Amy and Jeremy Jaggi sing beautifully together.  As a counselor in the Area Presidency, he is often out of town.  Amy opted to whistle a show tune.  Wow!  She truly showed a new talent.

Merrill Dayton served as a Mission President.  He wrote new lyrics to existing music for every Zone Conference.  He shared a few selections that everyone enjoyed.  I’d always look forward to Zone Conference if he were my President.

OGC did a lip sync to “We are Family.”  Irene Rytting choreographed simple steps to the music.  Notice the unusual mics.  Mine is a hairbrush while Paul holds a flashlight.  The audience roared with laughter, clapped their hands, and danced in the aisles.  This proved to be a favorite number.

 

Many commented that Rick really looked like a teenager.

Carl Mose, friend of Ryttings, sings at hotels and other venues.  He focused on selections from the 70’s and 80’s.  The crowd wouldn’t let him leave.  He played four songs and loved every minute of it.

Sherrie Smith and Linda Miller performed a piano duet, “Bouncin’ Boogie”.  I especially liked to see their hair ribbons bounce up and down.

The front view is awfully cute of these energetic sisters.

Duane Baldwin recited “Jabberwocky”, by Lewis Carroll.  He had every word memorized.

Jim Archibald sang, “You’re No Good”, by Linda Ronstadt.  He encouraged the crowd to join in singing the chorus.  With only a few words, we all knew it.

Sister Missionaries:  One from Tahiti, the other from St. George.  They performed a tame Tahitian dance.  This was a surprise number.

The General Relief Society Presidency introduced the Women and Children initiative a few months ago.  This is a multi-million-dollar project spread over five years.  They include a list of 25 things anyone can do to support their cause.  Item 15 suggests serving something besides sugary treats at church activities.  We jumped on the idea and prepared fruit kebabs and homemade bread.  Our revolutionary refreshments were received with joyous praise.

Takapuna's Got Talent, a fabulous success.  We wouldn't be surprised to see the idea repeated again among senior missionaries.