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Have I got a tale to tell you now! One weekend in February, I was kidnapped by the two Sue’s, aka Sue Lorenz and Sue McCasland. They said they were taking me to Arizona! I wondered why … After a 6 hr drive from Vegas and past Phoenix we ended up in Apache Junction, Arizona. And then I remembered -- this is where I filmed ‘Charro’. I liked making this movie because I could grow a beard, play a bad guy cowboy trying to make good, and I was away from Hollywood. Wow, what a pretty place this still is, but it sure has grown since I was here in July 1968. That was a hot place to be in for summer time, I tell ya for sure! That first night, they just took me into town to get our bearings. I couldn’t wait for the next day because they said it would be Really Special.
Back to Las Vegas to stay with Sue Lorenz for the second time. This time she takes me along with her on vacation To Arizona. FE returns to Apache Junction, the location of Charro!	The next day was beautiful. Great weather compared to my last visit! The first place they took me was the Elvis Presley Memorial Chapel at the Superstition Mountain Museum. I remember the chapel getting blown up by cannon shot in the movie. Look how pretty it is now! The Sue’s told me that the Apache land movie ranch had burned down in 1969 and in 2004. The chapel was one of 2 buildings that survived the fire. The owners, the Birminghams, had named the chapel after me in 1977. (Mrs Birmingham was named Sue, too! I remember meeting her.) The locals have had a real sweet feeling about the building all these years. Aw, now that’s really nice to hear. Well, it seems that after the fire, they wanted to rescue the buildings somehow. So with fundraisers, donations of money, and even more donations of labor, the chapel was moved and reconstructed. It was rededicated on Feb 14, 2007, 3 years to the day of the fire. We had arrived a few days after the ceremony. OK, ladies, now I know why ya kidnapped me! I was taking in all the scenery of the desert and the mountains. What a place! Outside the building were desert garden spots, footsteps of movie stars who had been to the ranch, and dedication bricks. I was told there were more things to come! The museum has lots of plans. It was one thing to stand outside this building, but to be inside was something else. The walls displayed other movies that had been made here. I didn’t know that! The place has a font area, an organ, and pews. They have weddings in there!
	The Sue’s then told me they now had something important they wanted to do. First, they set up a vase of flowers from the ‘Viva Las Vegas’ Club. I found out their club had donated money and energy into making the chapel what it is today. They played some gospel music for me on a portable CD box and said a prayer. Well, by the time ‘Sweet, Sweet Spirit’ was sung by the Stamps, we were all sitting there with tears in our eyes. I can’t find the words to say how honored I am that ya’ll made such a nice place to remember me by. It was so beautiful to sit there peacefully and appreciate the surroundings. This means a lot, thank you very much.
Checking out the front entrance We went upstairs and I gotta tell ya, these girls are GOOD. They found my old suite, #624. It was really neat to be back after all these years. Here’s where my bed was. We looked out the windows and I told them how it used to look like back then: just a lot of open desert with the beautiful Superstition Mountains back there, filling up the sky We came up these stairs, and my old room was right around the corner. The view from the suite.	Ok, enough about that! The girls then showed me all the new things in the chapel, a beautiful painting, scenes of the old ranch, and look at this: special things made to sell. Those 2 just HAD to dress me up in the new things. So if you’re interested in a Charro t-shirt, ball cap, and even this nice Chapel Token, make sure you stop by the Superstition Museum! Speaking of that, they took me to the museum. Nice shop inside and a fasinating museum of local history. If you like geology, mining, or the old west, this is the place to check out. There’s even a diorama, a mini version of the old movie ranch where Charro was filmed. Outside, they took me to props saved from the ranch. I don’t know what you girls are thinking … I am eye balling that jail and gallows saved from the movie ranch and wondering what the hell ... ! Oh, they were just funning me that they wanted to lock me up. Well, I am glad I didn’t have to sing ‘Jailhouse Rock’! After some lunch, our next stop was the Grand Hotel in downtown AJ. The 2 Sue’s told me I used to stay there. Hmmm, back then it was called the Superstition Inn. Ok, yeah, I remember this place. I had fun staying there on the 2^nd floor. I and my guys and the movie staff took over the whole floor. I remember the times we partied in the saloon downstairs. I had even sung a few times for the movie cast and crew. We walked around the building and found the outside stairway up to the 2^nd floor. I remember using this all the time to get up to my room. It looks exactly the same. Sue L said she was so thrilled to have the chance in walk in my foosteps. And here I am again, too! The building has been due to be demolished, but look at this: we got inside! They had found a door that somehow became open. The girls told me that they had scavenged here before, trying to collect something, anything, of the place since I had stayed here. I said, “Oh, you ladies, you are crazy as squirrels!” Sue M said,’ yes, we are guilty of trespassing, breaking & entering, and stealing – and it’s been fun!’ I couldn’t help myself, I said, “You girls should be more careful!” but I was laughing when I said it! We went upstairs and I gotta tell ya, these girls are GOOD. They found my old suite, #624. It was really neat to be back after all these years. Here’s where my bed was. We looked out the windows and I told them how it used to look like back then: just a lot of open desert with the beautiful Superstition Mountains back there, filling up the sky. After standing there awhile, reminiscing, we knew it was gonna be pitch black soon, so we went back downstairs. I could remember how nice it all used to be, the saloon, the lobby, the coffee shop, all the nice people. When we got down, we headed over to the Waffle shop for some great food and called it a night. What a great day I’d had. The return trip the next day was really nice.	Me in 1968! Climbing up the back stairs. And I’m back in 2007. The view of the sleeping area of my old suite. Checking out the partition. This is the view from inside where I used to sleep. I’m so glad those girls kidnapped me to Arizona! Thank you Sue M and Sue L of Las Vegas!
Saint Stephen, South Carolina Visiting Lt. Robert T. Jeffcoat, Sr. Here I am with my buddy Robert Well, on Saturday, April 28, 2007, I arrived at Wren Road in Saint Stephen, South Carolina. It’s really about 12 miles from the rural town of Saint Stephen, and about 45 miles from Charleston, South Carolina. This is farm country out here. Hangin' out with Trey, & Terry Lt. Robert T. Jeffcoat, Sr., his wife Sandy, their son, Terry, and Terry’s son, Trey were there to greet me. As you can see from the picture, Trey and his Dad were glad to make my acquaintance. On Monday, April 30^th, I went with Robert to Bilton Ford in Moncks Corner, S.C. He bought a 2007 Ford Expedition from a salesman named Craig. I thought I’d seen Craig before. Turns out that in 1966, he was in the Navy and was in charge of giving tours of Pearl Harbor. I took some friends and went on the tour on a Sunday and he was our guide. I had a great time. Small world after all. Robert took my picture with Craig as we stood by the new car.	Here is Patty, Sandi & Shelia, I'm hiding On Tuesday, May 01^st, I went to work with Sandy. She works as Doctor Dennis’ nurse and personal assistant. I met Patty and Sheila. Nice ladies indeed. Sandy forgot to take me home with her so I wound up raiding their office refrigerator to get some supper. I also got to check out all the rooms and played around with some of the medical instruments. Do you know that if you put a Stethoscope on and beat on your chest, you can beat out the rhythm of “Rock-A-Hula Baby” ? Tuesday, May 01^st 1967, I got married. It is also Robert’s birthday. Being left at Palmetto Orthopedics in West Ashley, S.C., I missed Robert’s birthday. He turned 54. Man, he got older than me. Sandy renewed his Elvis Insiders membership as a gift. Wow This is one big cat Robert and I are pen pals starting back in the 1960’s. He was glad to see me. They have another family member named Mr. Kit-Kat. He’s a Russian Blue and he thinks he owns the house and everyone in it.	On Wednesday, May 02, 2007, I’m still at Palmetto Orthopedics when Doctor Dennis comes in. He said I look a little stiff, and checked out my back. He’s a nice guy and let me stay with him and Sandy as they worked all day. Wednesday night, May 02, 2007, I’m back at Sandy and Robert’s house. I’m kinda tired. The time is flying by and it’s almost time for me to get back on the road. Thursday, May 03, 2007, Robert and I went outside to see if the neighbor was going to let his cows out in the pasture beside the house. It’s 93 degrees out and there isn’t a cow in sight. I asked if we were gonna have steak for supper. Robert said, “Man, El, meat prices are so high that the closest we get to steak is to go to the grocery store and lick the steak wrapper in the meat case.” Well…on that note it’s about time to leave my friend, Robert and his wonderful family and head to my next destination. I’m gonna miss all of them, but I’ve got to travel on. So long Robert, Sandy, Terry, Trey, Mikey, Miranda, & Mr. Kit-Kat. I had a great time. Thank ya, Thank ya very much. THANK YOU FOR SHOWING ME A FUN TIME!
Omaha, Nebraska Back to Albuquerque, NM to be hosted again by my dear friend Margaret Freisinger, but this time she took me on a trip to Omaha. When Pam Hancock heard I was going to Omaha, NE, she was eager to meet me. Friday morning we went to the Omaha Civic Auditorium where I last performed in Omaha on June 19, 1977. Took pics of the outside and when I saw people going inside, Margaret couldn't resist trying to see if she could get inside to take pics. Students were there for graduation practice and the workers were busy preparing the place for the ceremony. We stopped by the security table and asked permission to go inside to take pics and immediately we spotted photos of me on a commemorative plaque on the wall. I think we all know the feeling of "hurry feet....get me there!" The Elvis pull is so evident, no mistake about it. :)	Once we got permission to go inside to take pics of the auditorium, we were pointed to where the stage was located for the performances where I would have been on stage. No need to explain the feeling in being there! Elvis fans know!! Commemorative plaque displayed at Omaha Civic Auditorium Margaret was touched, thrilled, happy, proud of and for me, ....you name it! The "Elvis Lives On" Fan Club deserves HUGE thanks for this plaque. It reads: In Loving Memory of Elvis Aaron Presley January 8, 1935 - August 16, 1977. Thanks for the Memories you gave us Omaha Civic Auditorium appearances May 20, 1956, June 30, 1974 (2 appearances) July 1, 1974, April 22, 1976 Presented to The people of Omaha By The "Elvis Lives On" Fan Club 6-18-83	The Elvis fan Pam that I met while in Omaha, brought her scrapbook for me to see and here I am with the newspaper article reviewing my performance and her ticket stub. 10,000 Adore "Spangled God" How lucky and proud can a man be? When I see things like this Commemorative plaque and the many other things that my fans have done in my honor as well as the love they still show me today, I can only get on my knees and thank GOD for the best fans in the world and for making me a lucky man. Thank you Margaret for another wonderful trip down memory lane. OFF TO MY NEXT DESTINATION
Las Vegas, Nevada Back to Las Vegas to visit my friends.		Here I am at Sue McCasland's beautiful home for a book signing with Sonny West, Sandi Pichon was here to help also!
Fresno, California Back to Bev's house for a day or two. She invited me to a Neal McCoy Concert. (See my photo with Neal McCoy on the celebrity page on this web site.) Before the concert started Bev spotted the Fresno Mounted Police. She took me over to introduce them to me and asked to pet the horses and asked permission to have their photo taken with me.		I talked to Sargeant Carlos Frausto, he told me that they have a K-9 police dog named Elvis. I asked him if I could arrange a meeting with officer Elvis (K-9) to take a photo. So I am waiting to hear from him.
Charlotte, NC Visiting Rita Cutini in North Carolina Rita takes me to California on vacation o meet up with her friends.. I was so excited to be back in Charlotte NC. Rita must really love me. She has a room dedicated just for me. I couldn't believe what all she had. We're getting ready for our big trip to California and getting to meet Barb.	It was so much fun getting to see my old friend Rockin Robin again. MA BOY MA BOY I was blown away with her collection. She has a whole house dedicated to me. I knew she loved me but until now I didn't know how much. I couldn't believe that she actually had letters etc that I wrote so long ago. Thank you Robin for loving me so much. Wow Rita even has a life size cutout of me...really cool to be staring at myself.	Those girls are really crazy man....Rita went nuts when she saw my pants that I wore in my movie Frankie and Johnny....She had to try them on..Man were they long on her. We had a lot of fun at Robin's but it was time to move on with our day. We are off to Santa Cruz We finally had to stop and get some lunch. Here we are in Santa Cruz and boy was the food good and the wine was extra good. We ate at Gilda's...It's a family owned restaurant and I couldn't believe that Gilda herself took us to our table. She is 82 years young and still going. Well time for us to leave. I had so much fun with Rita and Barb. I just want to thank them both for showing me such a good day. I know I'll see them again.
Effingham, Illinois Visiting Cyndi Turner		Here we are at Jailhouse Rock, Trenton, IL with Scott Wattles, Cyndi & Me.
Hilo, Hawaii Here I am in Hawaii visiting Kathy Antonio I arrived at Kathy's on May 15, 2007. She took me to meet Shirley Kawamoto, the Secretary of my fan club. Then the girls showed me the ELVIS room. Boy O Boy, there sure is a lot of memorabilia in that room. She even has a cat named after me. Then Kathy left me with Shirley for the night. Shirley took me to Hale Anuenue, which is a Restorative Care Center for the Elderly. Shirley introduced me to some of the lovely ladies. I met Annie and was told she is a big fan of mine and that her room had lots of pictures of me. I was told that there was a Elvis Tribute Artist (Dan Nix)coming to sing for these nice people. All of a sudden I heard "The Odyssey" playing and this guy coming in wearing a "Eagle Jumpsuit" and started singing my songs. Shirley introduced me to him and we talked for awhile. After that it was picture taking time. I joined Shirley, Dan and some of the residents of course Annie was in the picture. Well that ends my visit with Shirley. Kathy will be picking me up and taking me to her place of work tomorrow. Thanks a lot Shirley for spending the day with me. I love being back in Hawaii	My Rock-A-Hula Baby Fan Club officers Paula Agrigado-President, Kathy Antonio-V.P, Yvonne Kutsunai-Treasurer and Shirley Kawamoto-Secretary, took me to see the giant statue of Hawaii's famous King Kamehameha. Queen Lili'uokalani Japanese Park We had a nice walk around this beautiful, peaceful Japanese Park that was named after Queen Lili'uokalani The ocean is right next to it and I could see the big cruise ships come in toward the island. I always loved Hawaii.. Volcano National Park Here I am standing next to a spectacular picture of the erupting Kilauea Volcano and Madame Pele's image in the lava. It was so awesome and I could even smell the sulfur fumes.	Kathy took me, Shirley and Yvonne to see her grand daughter Shelbi perform with her Halau Hula O Kahikilaulani at the Volcano National Park. It was such a beautiful day and there were a lot of tourist who came to see the performance. I enjoyed myself that day and the hula keikis were so happy to see me. Mac the Nut and REESE's Peanut Butter & Banana Creme Candy On my second day in Hilo, Kathy took me to visit her work place Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp. I met the ML Experience Manager, Gary Carlson. He and some of my fan club members, Kathy, Shirley and Flo took pictures with Mac the Nut and the new 'REESE's Elvis standup' made especially in honor of my 30th Anniversary and to promote the new 'REESE's Peanut Butter & Banana Creme Candies'. I feel so honored to have these products named after me and to have my picture on the limited collector's edition candy wrappers.
Cordova, Tennessee and Hawaii Visiting John and Margaret Beach I arrived at the home of John & Margaret Beach in my hometown of Memphis, TN just in time for the first snow of the year. I could not pass up the invitation to go on a cruise around the islands of Hawaii with them and their friends. We flew from Memphis to Hawaii and arrived on Oahu February 17, 2007 to get an early start on viewing some of the sites, visiting with friends and getting ready for our departure on Monday, aboard the "Pride of Hawaii". It was good to stay at the Ilikai once again. It's been a long time since I was there. I went to my old suite # 2225 while there. This is where I stayed during the filming of "Paradise Hawaiian Style", in August 1965. The Ilikai is next door to the Hawaiian Village, where I stayed when I filmed "Blue Hawaii" and "Girls, Girls, Girls". On Sunday I went sight seeing at Diamond Head with John and Margaret and our friends.	Here I am slicing sand at Hanauma Bay, where the beach shack from "Blue Hawaii" was located. Monday February 19th was the big day. We boarded the cruise ship and met up with our friends. Here I am with Angie Simpson, Darwin Lamm, Debbie Jeffery and Terry Mike Jeffery. We are finally underway and one of our stops is the Island of Hawaii, where parts of "Girls. Girls, Girls" was filmed. You remember where I sang "Earth Boy"? This is what's left of the house. John and I are standing where the porch used to be. Upon leaving we met Raymond, who had a bit part in the movie. At each new island we would dock, rent a car and check out the local sights. One such adventure was with Randy and Angie Simpson.. We visited the Arizona Memorial.	It was great to re-visit the island of Kauai. Here we are at the Coco Palms Hotel, which is where the ending of "Blue Hawaii" was filmed. The bungalow in the background is where I always stayed when visiting Kauai. It was also used in the movie. We met up with old friend, Larry Riveria and his lovely wife. I got a kick watching Larry and John sing "Ku-u-i-po". While on the island of Maui we also went whale watching. Here I am with John and Terry Mike, on the bow of the boat. Before saying good-bye to a fun cruise we had to have a group shot make at breakfast, our last day aboard the ship, before heading back to Memphis.... But we also had time to do lunch.... at Hooters. You know I love the girls, girls, girls. Upon our return to Memphis, Terry Mike and Debbie Jeffery wanted me to spend some time with them in Paducah, Kentucky. After a short visit I returned to John and Margaret's house. They put me on a plane back to California. It was great seeing old friends, making new friends and spending time on the Islands.
Portland, Oregon Traveling to Portland with Susan Graham Man, it sure is good being back here in Portland. It’s been a long time, baby! In fact, it’s almost a cool 50 years since I performed here on Labor Day in 1957. I guess I’m surprised that the Multnomah Hotel, (did I pronounce that right?), the hotel I stayed at is still around. Look! It has the same logo emblem.	It’s still here! I remember hanging out here before the concert. Really nice place. I remember that a girl tried to climb up the Pine Street façade in an attempt to get into a second-floor window. At first I thought I remembered playing at the Memorial Coliseum, so I met with David to have a look at the place. But it turns out I really played at the Multnomah Stadium which is now PGE park. Oh well, at least I got to see the hotel I stayed at. That’s not always possible in my travels.	I had a nice chance to visit with Susan and her nephew’s family. That little Kaitlin – she sure is cute. And she insisted that Susan take her picture with me at the Multnomah hotel. Nice visit!
North Carolina Visiting Betty Edmonds HELLO EVERYBODY *I AM IN NORTH CAROLINA* I was so glad to finally arrive in Monroe, N.C. I was lost somewhere between California and North Carolina. My trip took me a week and a day. My Hostess for my trip, Betty Edmonds, President of the "Elvis Presley Fan Club of the Carolina's" was waiting and really worried that I may have gotten off of the plane in the wrong state. Sat. June 2nd, we took off for "Yesteryears" Restaurant located in Charlotte to see ETA Davis Taylor perform his tribute show to me. Boy, does he have the energy and a fantastic voice. He was all over the place, up on chairs, tables and getting down the aisles to make sure every lady received a scarf and a kiss on the cheek. Davis is multi talented, he writes all kinds of stories and poems about me. Wait till he releases the story about my home "Graceland". He has my home telling the story of all the years that "Graceland" has been standing on the 14 acres. *Betty always gets tears in her eyes when he reads the story, so did I. The story brought back many beautiful memories to me.* *I want to thank Davis for caring so much about me.*	Here is a picture of Davis with some of his and my fans. From left to right, back row__June Rowell, Terry, Davis Taylor holding me, Flat Elvis and Betty Bazemore. Front Row Cathy Ellis and Susan Keelyn. *More of the fans attending the show.* *Standing_ETA, Wayne Brockwell and his wife Martha.* *Front row Donna Eubanks and Susie Braswell.*	*A few more fans sitting at the table with me.* *Susan Keelyn, Betty Bazemore, Barbara Sloan, Libby Privette, Betty Norton, and Cathy Ellis.* *Davis had guest from his hometown, McKeazie, Tn. Left to right__Susie Braswell, Guest, Katherine and Joe Anderson, and Barbara Sloan.* We could not stay for the second half of Davis' show because we had to leave and head off to another ETA show. I am sorry we could not see the second half when Davis would be wearing his jumpsuit.
*OFF TO MINT HILL, N.C.*
Rain was coming down cat's and dog's. Betty was driving and her friend Barbara Sloan was in charge of taking care of me. We were headed to an Out Door Festival to see ETA Tom Bartlett and his band perform. The rain started to slack off somewhat and were we glad. With umbrellas in the girls hands we headed down to the stage. As soon as Tom saw us, he motioned for us to come to the stage steps. Betty dropped the umbrella, her purse and camera___and away we went. Tom took me in hand and announced to the audience that "Flat Elvis" had arrived. Boy, this man is one good looking dude. He really does favor me and built just like me. No wonder the women go nuts when they see him. Tom was all dressed in the white"Fringe Jumpsuit", just like mine. He sang a song to us, put a scarf around Betty's neck, kissed her on the cheek while he held me in his hand. Just like I use to do. Tom and his band are really great. When he sang "Fever" like I use to do, I thought the women were going "Nuts". He did not miss a drum beat rolling his legs. WOW__he is unbelievable. Thank you Tom, for a beautiful tribute show to me.	Tom, Betty and me, Flat Elvis The members of Tom's band: *Tom Bartlett, Gene Duvernell, Tom Kuhn, Dave Mallaly and Steve Cunningham.* *Tom putting a scarf around Barbara Sloan's neck. Barbara is the one that help take care of me on this trip to North Carolina.*	*A Few Friends In The Audience (Standing in the misty rain). Janet Bennett and Betty in the front row. Back row___Brian Bradley an ETA visiting from Louisiana, ETA Marc Woodward (also known through out the "Elvis World" as the "Jumpsuit Man", his wife Dee and Roger Bennett ( Blues Bros Impersonator)* Flat Elvis, Barbara and Betty saying good bye to Tom. We left and headed back to Monroe to get a little bit of rest we knew we had 2 full days coming up.**
*Wesley Chapel, N.C.*
Monday morning, Betty said, "we have to get going, I want you to see something that is "Very Special." She said it was a surprise. We stopped by and picked up Barbara Sloan and away we headed to Wesley Chapel. Brenda Smith met us at the door and invited us in. What I saw was UNBELIEABLE__WOW___ a room Brenda calls, "Her Elvis Room". There wasn't an inch in the whole room that did not have memorabilia regarding me. *Oh, there is my home, Graceland all lit up, and many more houses that duplicates where I have been.*	*A regular size Juke Box, with only my 45 records. Boy, was I singing all my beautiful songs.* *Look closely, I am in the mist of dolls, plates, telephone and other memorabilia.*	*The weather was 90 degrees outside. I asked Brenda if I could take a shower in my "Jailhouse Rock" bath room. She said, "be my guest".* There were beautiful towels embroidered with my name and picture and other "Jailhouse Rock" memorabilia through out the barhroom. Brenda makes all kinds of embroidered things. She also makes jumpsuits and scarves for ETA'S. *Brenda is a little bashful about someone making her picture. I finally convinced her. She said ,Ok, if Barbara and Betty are in the picture too.* *As you can see, I, Flat Elvis took their picture notice the angle. Barbara, Brenda and Betty.* *We thanked Brenda for the tour of her "Elvis Room". And I thanked her for all she is doing to help keep the memory of me alive and well.*
*Monroe, N.C.*
*We headed back to Monroe. I sat in the front seat between Betty and Barbara.* *Barbara said "Now you have to visit my "Elvis Room".* *"You have one too? I am so flattered."* MEMORBILIA___ I have never seen so much. You and Brenda have so much, but each of you has so many different things. It is hard to believe that you ladies care so much about me that you have dedicated a whole room just to me. *Barbara said___"that's because we love you. Betty has one too, however, all her things are in storage at the present time."* Barbara's "Elvis Room".Just look at all this memorabilia that is in my image. Dolls, guitars,bears, music boxes, plates, pictures, cookie jars, steins, cups and saucers, just to name a few. *There are pictures everywhere. Can you see me up there?* *More pictures, dolls, books and scarves from ETA'S.* *I am standing in front of one of many decanters.*	*Barbara gave me a big hug and said good night.* *Betty and I headed back to her home to catch up on some much needed rest. Tomorrow night we will be attending a big meeting.* *THE "ELVIS PRESLEY FAN CLUB* *OF THE CAROLINAS"* BOY, OH BOY___This is a big fan club of mine. They have over 150 members and they meet once a month in Monroe, North Carolina. The members come from all over, even South Carolina. There are 15 ETA'S and a number of impersonators that belong to the club. All are fans of mine. How about that.? "The Blues Brothers" They are fantastic, Boy, they make the whole club jump when they perform. Brian Sharpe and Farther-in Law, Roger Bennett. They even have a truck and a older car all decorated with the "Blues Bros," and both are true fans of mine. Here are a few of the entertainers that attended the meeting. Steve Hackney as Neil Diamond (he is also an Ordained Lutheran Minister), ETA Roy Gaddy, ETA Joe Clough (Deputy Sheriff), ETA Davis Taylor, ETA Wayne Brockwell,(Holding me, Flat Elvis) and the Blues Bros, Brian Sharpe and Roger Bennett.	It was getting very late and so many members had to leave because the next day was a work day. Those that could stay, about 1/3, we got a picture of them. The club is very proud of 2 ladies that are in wheel chairs that are very active, never miss a meeting and always attend the Elvis Tribute Shows. What true fans I do have, and love each and everyone of them. Well, Statue Elvis, my trip to the Carolinas has been so eventful. I have met so many nice people. I never met a stranger. They have treated me with so much tender love and care. Thank you Betty and Barbara for taking such good care of me and introducing me to so many of my fans. It is hard to say good bye but I hope we meet again soon. As the old story goes: "I felt sorry for myself because I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet." This saying has taken me a long way in this world, I hope it will help you as well. *Until we meet again, all of you lovely people from the Carolina's, May God Keep You Safe And Love In Your Heart.*
Rapid City, South Dakota Visiting Cassie Zwicker Welcome to the Black Hills of South Dakota! Located near Rapid City, my friends Cassie Zwicker (from Rapid City) and Sarah Cooper (visiting from Las Vegas, Nevada) took me out on a whirlwind tour of the area in May 2007. This is a place you’ve definitely gotta try to visit folks, it was awe-inspiring and beautiful. Let me show you around a few of the highlights of the tour! Our first stop was the world-famous Mount Rushmore National Memorial. It is located 23 miles southwest of Rapid City. Mount Rushmore is host to almost three million visitors a year from across the country and around the world. They come to marvel at the majestic beauty of the Black Hills and to learn about the ideals of democracy and freedom represented by the granite portraits of a few past presidents of the United States of America, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. What a sight to behold! From the parking lot, visitors enter through a huge granite column and walk the “Avenue of Flags” pathway up to viewing terrace for the monument. The “Avenue of Flags” has flags of the 56 states and territories. A friendly Park Service Ranger was most eager to answer questions and provide a bit of history about Mount Rushmore. Some of the facts she pointed out were: * Gutzon Borglum and 400 workers created the sculpture. * Carving began in August 1927 and spanned 14 years. Only abut 6 1/2 years were spent actually carving the mountain, the rest of the time being spent on weather delays and lack of funding. * Total cost of the project was $900,000. * No carving has been done on the mountain since that time and none is planned in the future. * The presidents were selected on the basis of what each symbolized. George Washington represents the struggle for independence; Thomas Jefferson the idea of government by the people; Theodore Roosevelt for the 20th century roll of the U.S. in world affairs; and Abraham Lincoln for his ideas on equality and the permanent union of the states.	Our road trip continued in the Black Hills area with a quick stop at Reptile Gardens. We could’ve spent a whole day here--lots to see and do. Within a huge dome-shaped building, the “Sky Dome,” our walk-through included seeing many very vibrant, beautiful orchids, bromeliads, and caladiums. Even in Deadwood, South Dakota, “Elvis was in the building”! A memorabilia shop on Main Street displays an 8-foot-tall Elvis statue, right above the Elvis stuff for sale! Further down the street is Kevin Costner’s fabulous “Midnight Star Casino.” The entire 3-story building contains many of Kevin’s movie costumes. On the second floor, within “Diamond Lil’s” sports bar and pub, we found Kevin’s “Elvis” costume from the movie “3,000 Miles to Graceland.”	Finally back in downtown Rapid City, the ladies and I visited a world-renowned store, Prairie Edge Trading Co. & Galleries. For anyone visiting the area, this is another must-see place. Prairie Edge’s concept is twofold: first, to educate the public about and to preserve the heritage and culture of the Northern Plains Indians, and second, to provide Northern Plains Indian artists and craftspeople an outlet for their finest work which reflects on their heritage and culture. Prairie Edge is housed in a restored National Historic Registered building originally built in the 1800’s. We were allowed to take photos in the Native American Gallery, which features a variety of artwork including beadwork, ceremonial arts, aspen wood design, cast paper sculptors, quillwork, paintings, photographs, pottery and silver design. Outside of the Prairie Edge building is a very tall bronze Indian statue, entitled “He is, They Are.” This was made by sculptor Glenna Goodacre, whose works include the Vietnam Women’s Memorial, Washington D.C. It was tough to say goodbye to my friends in Rapid City. What a beautiful place to visit--y’all need to add this destination as one to see and do in the future!
Okemah, OK Visiting Charle Revees I arrived Back In Okemah Oklahoma one last time. Charle Who has the Elvis Presley fan club of Oklahoma wanted me to come back and attend their "Elvis In Hollywood Party". She felt I needed one last party before I head home to Memphis. Since I had a lot to do with Hollywood I thought it would be a fun trip for me. When I got to the Party another Oklahoma Fan club President Connie Tanksley took care of me for the evening. Here is a photo of Charle and Connie with me. I was passed around to so many fans, but I had a good time. A lot of people were interested in all the places I have been.	I admired all the decorations as you can see. Charle made them all for the most part. They spent a lot of time preparing for that party, and we had sure had a good time. We had a lot of people there. I appreciate my fans there for sure, and the hard work they put into it.	When it was over A group of fans wanted one last photo with me. After a long day Charle gave me a nice bed to sleep in. To get ready for my Journey home to Memphis. I'll never forget the good times i had in Okemah. Thanks again gang! Elvis Presley Fan club of Oklahoma- www.geocities.com/cmarch75 Officially Recognized by Graceland.