|
Remember those men and women who are serving
and protecting our freedom so proudly. Because of them,we can all enjoy
the wonderful things our great country has to offer.
Thank you to Darlene Perez for this online web
site award.
www.darlingpresley.com
| |
A Special Award Ceremony
On Sunday July 2nd Follow That Dream Productions and Reflections
of the King 2006 honored a very special gentleman...Alex Aaron Cushenan, an
Elvis Tribute Artist from Brantford ON Ca. Alex has been very ill this past year
and hasn't been able to sing, which is what he loves to do. He was nominated for
the 2006 Reflections of the King award by Wayne Curtis, an ETA, from Tully NY .
This is an award given annually at the Reflections of the King Competition, to the ETA who best exemplifies the Spirit of
Elvis both on and off stage. With grace and dignity this person carries
himself in a way as to always honor Elvis's memory in a positive light . So this year we
have two recipients....... the first is Alex Aaron Cushenan and then another will be voted on
by all the ETA's competing at this years competition in September.
With the help of Margaret, Alex's wife the stage was set for a surprise for Alex. It was held in
Brantford ON CA at the Best Western at 6p. Wayne Curtis contacted as many
artists leading up to the weekend and at the
Windsor competition. With fellow ETA's, friends and family the gathering was
close to fifty people. When Alex and Margaret walked into the room ,Alex was
taken back and surprised by the out pouring of love and caring in the room. A
little shaken , Alex sat and was able to regain his composure from all that was
happening. Along with Wayne, the winner of the 2005 Reflections award, we
presented the award to Alex, an ETA who deserves these accolades. Alex then spoke of his
career and his gratitude to everyone. He told stories about his meeting with
other ETA's, especially a story of a young ETA just really getting started and
that was Gino Monopoli, who was also there. The artists that were there sang one
of Alex's favorite song for him "If I Can Dream"! The stories continued and the
mood became a party one in which everyone celebrated a man so deserving of this
award.
A buffet dinner was available to those who wanted to eat and drink and a beautiful
cake was brought in to help celebrate this event.
Footnote from Bobbie owner of FTDP and Event Producer for Reflections
I have been very privileged to have met some of the most incredible artists
since starting my company... but no one like Alex. When you talk with Alex the love
he has for Elvis just comes pouring out. After he suffered a heart attack, which
destroyed 80% of the left wall of his heart, he says Elvis helped him "Rise like
a Phoenix from the ashes" to start over and to sing again.
Alex being the humble man he is does not realize how he impacts the young
tribute artists of today. All you have to do is be around Alex for a few minutes
to know this gentleman exemplifies Elvis in all the positive ways that was Elvis
and honors him in all his performances.
Thank you Alex...On behalf of all the Elvis Tribute Artists that you have
touched with your love of Elvis and your talent ; your old friends, and your new
ones ,we love you and may God bless you and Margaret always.
Alex Aaron Cushenan
|
|
|
|
Alex telling some stories about being a tribute Artist
|
|
|
|
Reflections of the King Award 2006 given to Alex July 2nd
Plaque designed by B. Arnold and crafted by B&N Trophy Olean NY |
|
|
|
Alex with Gino Monopoli
|
|
|
|
Wayne Curtis(ETA) Cathy Mack (PR for FTDP) and Alex
|
|
|
|
Artists serenading Alex and his wife Margaret with one of Alex's favorite songs "If I Can Dream"
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some of the guests waiting for Alex's arrival
|
|
|
|
Wayne, Alex , and Bobbie owner( FTDP) and Event Producer for "Reflections 2006"
|
|
|
|
Marcus Wells
Listening intently |
|
|
|
Alex's cake
|
|
|
|
John Cigan listening intently
|
|
|
|
|
|
ETA's, Event Producer Bobbie, Margaret and Alex
L-R John Cigan,Will Ganzon,Gino Monopoli,Margaret,Alex .Bobbie Wayne Curtis,Marcus Wells, Brycen & Brenen Katolinsky |
|
|
|
Alex telling of his career as an ETA
|
|
|
|
Alex
|
|
|
|
Gino listening to Alex
|
|
|
|
Will G and Nancy D
|
|
|
|
07/06/08
