Edgewood man returns after 35 years

Posted 12/28/16

To the Editor: Russell Calkins wore many hats in his 65 years - soon he will be 66 - stockbroker, owner of a thriving business in New Orleans and Jupiter, Florida. Russell also has been an Elvis Presley fan since he was a little boy, hence his nickname

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Edgewood man returns after 35 years

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To the Editor:

Russell Calkins wore many hats in his 65 years – soon he will be 66 – stockbroker, owner of a thriving business in New Orleans and Jupiter, Florida. Russell also has been an Elvis Presley fan since he was a little boy, hence his nickname of Elvis. He went on to be a successful singer, winning number one in gospel in Nashville, Tennessee. Inspired by Elvis, he became well known in New Orleans and Jupiter, Florida. Being an Elvis fan myself, I can tell you that his voice is very close to Elvis. Russ was also a very good tennis player. He played tennis with Amanda Player, the daughter of golfing great Gary Player, at the Jupiter Ocean and Tennis Club.

Russell loves to reminisce of the old Edgewood neighborhood. Like the time circa 1958 when Joe Cavanaugh, now an esteemed Providence lawyer, came to Russell’s house to tell him he made the Miami Diner baseball team. Being a fan of Mr. Cavanaugh’s and one of my heroes, I loved the story.

Russell and his father were more than father and son, they were soulmates. Russell thought that his father was the greatest dad and friend that God put on this earth. Russell is working on his voice and getting better and better. One thing that is for sure, Edgewood has one of her sons back. Russell “Elvis” Calkins lives in the family home on Norwood Avenue he calls Graceland. Norwood Avenue looks like a Norman Rockwell painting with its stately homes and beautiful lawns. Russell’s family has so much compassion and empathy and love, all starting with Lillian and Russell Calkins Sr., and I for one have been touched by all of that: game, set, match! God Bless.

Danny McGovern

Edgewood, R.I.

P.S. “Memories pressed between the pages of my mind, memories sweetened through the ages just like wine.”

–Elvis Presley

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