Laverne Hurd (center), who recently celebrated her 98th birthday with NCO Direct Care Supervisor Tina Equitz (left) and NCO Direct Support Professional Priscilla Davidson (right).
By Andrea Bruner
The spirit of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll was alive and well at Lyon College on Friday, Jan. 9, as the Network of Community Options, Inc. (NCO) hosted a high-energy sock hop that drew attendees from across North Central Arkansas.
Held on Friday, Jan. 9, on what would have been the day after Elvis Presley’s birthday, the event attracted NCO clients, families and staff from as far away as Mountain View, Salem and Ash Flat to attend.
Chris Collins, a Memphis-based Elvis tribute artist, brought the spirit of the King, performing a set of classic hits and meeting with fans for photos afterward.
“The night was an absolute blast! Our rock ‘n’ roll theme photo booth was a hit, and it was wonderful to see so many clients and families leaning into the theme with 1950s costumes and Elvis shirts. To top it off, our Elvis impersonator brought the house down and made the evening truly unforgettable,” said Lisa Pinkston, NCO Executive Director.
One of NCO’s longtime clients, Laverne Hurd of Salem, celebrated her 98th birthday the following week, and Elvis led the crowd in a rendition of “Happy Birthday” to her.
“Our employees do such a good job of ensuring these events are successful for all participants,” Pinkston said. “NCO is very client driven, and our team is all about making sure all clients receive the services and care they need and deserve. We are building relationships every day, and it is very inspiring to me when we see our employees going out of their way to support and empower individuals with disabilities to achieve goals, find personal fulfillment, and live their best lives as active, engaged members of their local communities.”
Founded in 1974, NCO, Inc. is a non-profit organization providing services and support to individuals with disabilities in 23 counties throughout Arkansas, including Baxter, Clay, Cleburne, Craighead, Faulkner, Fulton, Garland, Greene, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Lonoke, Marion, Poinsett, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Sharp, Stone, Van Buren, White and Woodruff.
For more information about NCO, call Executive Director Lisa Pinkston at (870) 612-5900 ext. 101 or email lisa.pinkston@nco-inc.com or visit networkofcommunityoptions.org.
Clark Emery spins mom Jennifer Emery on the dance floor.
Latasha Epperson with mom Cindy Green in full costume.
Alex Roberts on the dance floor.
Elvis (impersonator Chris Collins) with Doug and Angie Burrow.
Eysiah Hegenbart with Loreena Hegenbart at right and Direct Support Professional Andrea Wood.
Anna Shults with Elvis impersonator.
Mark Hatter at left and Layne Cathey on the dance floor.
James Howard
Elvis with Jeffrey Smith.
Julie Sperry and Billy Newman with Elvis.
Layne Cathey in foreground Jeff Smith in red shirt and Julie Sperry in blue.
All images via NCO
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