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Elvis spotted serenading seniors at Bethany

The residents of the Lodge at Bethany recently had the chance to experience the love, joy, and nostalgia of a performance by "The King."
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Elvis (Russ Lanier) with some adoring fans, Penny Simmons and Becky Mercer

The Elvis sighting phenomenon continues! Since Elvis Presley's death in 1977, reported sightings of the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll have continued due to his enduring popularity and desire to keep his memory alive.

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Elvis performs for the crowd

On Friday, August 30, 2024 at about 2:00pm, Elvis Presley arrived at ‘The Lodge at Bethany,’ bringing a surprise program to their residents. Elvis Presley (also known as Russ Lanier), is a great friend at Bethany and shared that he was asked to come perform and graciously accepted.

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Themed refreshments were provided for the show | (L-R) Resident Dot Bogardus, Acitivity Coordinator Kim Brown, Resident Penny Simmons, and Resident Becky Mercer

“Everyone had a wonderful time drinking ‘Blue Hawaiian' slushies and listening to our favorite King of Rock ‘N’ Roll. I think Elvis loves it as much as we do,” shared Kim Brown, Activity Coordinator.

Elvis included his classic hit songs accompanied by his dance moves, making it highly enjoyable for the Bethany family. Trademark songs like ‘Are You Lonesome Tonight,’ ‘Love Me Tender,’ ‘Heartbreak Hotel,’ ‘Hound Dog,’ ‘Jailhouse Rock,’ ‘Return to Sender,’ ‘Don't Be Cruel,’ ‘Amazing Grace,' and the all-time favorite ‘Can't Help Falling in Love’ were on the setlist.

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We love Elvis! | (L-R) Visitor Bonnie Grist, Cottage resident Johnny Parrish, and Lodge resident Patricia Parrish

Russ Lanier, senior partner in the accounting firm of Lanier, Deal, Proctor & Bloser, is well known and loved among Statesboro fans for his impressive impersonation and highly energetic shows as Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll.

In the audience of the Elvis Presley concert sat Miriam Carruth Hagan, retired CPA -- and a former partner of Russ's in the accounting firm Thigpen, Hagan, and Lanier.

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Dan & Miriam Hagan with The King (and former accounting partner of Miriam's)

"It was a surprise to see Elvis Presley (Russ Lanier) performing,” shared Dan Hagan, Miriam’s husband.

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Concert crowd 

Expressions of love and heart-filled emotion filled the room for this special show. Such a great time!