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ELLISVILLE – In a year that is anything but normal, the Jones College Maroon Typhoon Marching Band has welcomed its first known service dog member this fall. Laurie, the three-year-old Golden Retriever is baritone saxophone player, Sara-Beth McKellar’s service dog. The Vicksburg native was diagnosed with epilepsy as a sophomore in high school after her first seizure. McKellar was preparing to lift the barbell during a powerlifting competition when she passed out and began seizing. She started taking medication for epilepsy to try to control the seizures, but they were happening almost weekly.

“It always seemed to happen at the most inconvenient time,” said McKellar. “I fell down the bleachers and herniated a disc, and I had a seizure in the bathroom and somehow locked the door,” said McKellar. “My mom (Kiely) is a nurse and she was very relieved when we got Laurie, especially when I decided to come to Jones for college.”

Having her sister, Anna Claire on campus her freshman year helped to ease mom’s concerns. Last April, the family decided to launch a fundraising campaign to get a service dog, for additional reassurance. The day before McKellar’s birthday, the family drove to Madison, Virginia to pick up Laurie from Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers. This life-saving addition to the family has changed Sara Beth by providing her more independence.

“I’m a pretty shy person and the last thing I wanted was to draw more attention, especially after having seizures,” said McKellar.  “Having Laurie has certainly attracted more attention; however, she has also helped me to become more sociable and independent.”

McKellar is also happy to report she has been seizure-free since adopting Laurie six-months ago. There have been a couple of close calls she admits, but Laurie was there ready to help.

“I have learned to take more breaks while working on the computer,” said McKellar. “Hopefully, I will grow out of the seizures like my dad, who inspires me, too.” Sara Beth’s father is Dr. Jason McKellar, the principal for the Academy of Innovation in Vicksburg.

Also inspired by Sara Beth and Laurie, is Director of Bands at Jones College, Dr. Ben Burge. This is the first time in his 21 years of teaching that he recalls having a service dog in the marching band. Laurie is also reportedly the first canine in the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band’s history.

“I’m grateful Sara Beth has Laurie to provide that very special service. The puppy has added a lot of smiles to the band! She is adorable. However, we know we must let her work and not disturb her, but after practice, Laurie gets some love from band members,” said Burge. “We gladly welcome our first ‘marching’ service dog and Sara Beth. We are glad they are both members of the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band!”

Sara Beth said her freshman year in the Maroon Typhoon was a lot different than this year with COVID-19 and social distancing protocols. Yet, her sophomore year has been special because of Laurie.

“Thankfully, Laurie enjoys band too. She does not like Walmart!” said McKellar. “I also hope as people who are intrigued by Laurie and want to get to know her, they will also want to get to know her handler and learn how Laurie provides medical help, protection and loves her ‘person’ while continually working.”

The Maroon Typhoon Marching Band’s next performance will be Thursday, October 29, during the home football game where the Bobcats host the Wildcats of Pearl River Community College.

ELLISVILLE –Members of the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band, including the Touch of Gold dance team at Jones College were not able to learn their routines in August, like normal. Practices for the 10-members of the Touch of Gold dance team were all held virtually in accordance with CDC guidelines to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Despite the challenges, the team danced together on the Sim Cooley Stadium/Bobcat Football Field for the first time together in person just before the stadium filled with spectators for the first home football game.

Under the direction of long-time director and JC alumna, Lora Davis, the team will continue to expand on the show in preparation for the next home football game on Thursday, October 29, against Pearl River Community College for the annual “Cat Fight.”  Members of the Touch of Gold include Abbey Dodd-Petal; Ollia Boykin-Lucedale; Madyson Bounds-Lucedale; Annalee Dumas-Petal; Ivana Bishop-Waynesboro; Morgan Breland-Ellisville; Erin Buckley-Crystal Springs; Kenzie Drinkard-Lucedale; Caylen Burge-Richton and Karmen McNatt-Petal.

ELLISVILLE –Jones College sophomore, Amanda Bozeman of Foxworth bravely gave her first pint of blood during Jones College’s Fall Blood Drive as part of a personal challenge. After successfully making it through the process, she is now contemplating whether it could be a new habit for her.

“I always wanted to give but I couldn’t in high school because I didn’t weigh enough and I couldn’t get past the idea of blood leaving my body,” said Bozeman. “I decided to give it another try because you only live once and I like helping people.”

The future pharmacist’s friend, Emily Callender of Gulfport, helped to ease Bozeman’s fear of the process. However, she ultimately wanted to join Bozeman and donate blood.

“I’m glad my friend can give blood, but I didn’t pass the pre-screening. Helping her is another way I can support the cause,” said Callender.

Jones College sociology instructor, Stacy Ruth said she has been supporting the cause for more than 30 years. She said she gladly gives her “O+” blood at every possible opportunity. Ruth said Vitalant often calls her to donate because of her “universal” blood type which most people can receive, despite their blood type.

“They come to campus making it convenient. There’s no reason not to come and do something that is simple, that I can do,” said Ruth.

Vitalant collected 103 units of blood during the three-day blood drive on the Jones College campus with 130 students attempting to give.  Donor Recruitment Representative, Sara Dyess said more than 300 lives will be saved with the donations.  As an extra incentive to donate, everyone who gave blood was given the test for COVID-19 antibodies. For more information about Vitalant and its services check out the webpage, https://www.vitalant.org/Home.aspx

LAUREL – A colorful collaboration between Jones College’s Visual Arts Department Chair and instructor, Mark Brown, and the Education Outreach Coordinator for Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, Kelly Rosa, produced a beautiful rainbow for downtown Laurel to enjoy. Along with Brown’s daughter Maddie, the three painted a rainbow mural for the Social Club of Laurel which is a place for individuals with sensory and social sensitivities.

According to Social Club Director, Crystal Phillips, “The mission of the Social Club is to provide a community-based outreach center that hosts ability inclusive recreation and socialization, while also serving as an educational and networking hub for both caregivers and professionals. With the artist’s help, the center will be a little brighter to enjoy.”

The Brown’s and Rosa said they were happy to provide their services to render a rainbow-themed mural for the waiting area of the center.

“I genuinely enjoy helping out within our region and community and try to model the importance of community involvement for my children and students,” said Brown. “I have always valued the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art and was very grateful to Kelly Rosa for lending her talents.”

The three artists spent a Saturday drawing and painting the 12-foot-wide mural inside the Social Club Center, hoping it will be enjoyed by many for years to come.

“It’s always a pleasure and a privilege for me to be involved in a community project, especially murals and other forms of public art; it’s a great way to share art with many people and to offer enrichment and inspiration,” said Rosa.

For more information about the Social Club of Laurel, contact Crystal Phillips at 601-342-5247.

ELLISVILLE – In the “band world” at Jones College, the August Band Camp is vital. Before working on the show, the band’s marching and performance techniques are perfected, ensuring everyone is in sync. Because of the Covid-19 virus, the 2020 marching season was in limbo when the camp was canceled. Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge, the assistant directors and the 180 members of the Maroon Typhoon Marching Band have since learned how to “march on” and adjust to the daily challenges to not only ensure the health and safety of the group but to also ensure the show would be ready.

“Instead of our students working together as a band family on music, marching, drill, and choreography, the Typhoon met for the first time virtually, via ZOOM! The administration approved for us to meet in small groups of 15, for the first few weeks of the semester with the physical distancing and mask protocols in place. Band students could only work for 45 minutes in sections, one day a week compared to our usual two-hour group practices, four times a week,” said Burge.

In addition to rehearsal changes and safety protocol, the staff is diligently disinfecting the practice areas and equipment daily. Adhering to the guidelines is important to Burge because it is important that one of the largest groups on campus, the marching band does its part to help slow the spread of the virus.

“The students are eager to return as a group, as soon as possible so that we can once again work together,” said Burge who before September 21, had not practiced with the entire band at one time because of COVID-19 protocols. “The Touch of Gold, feature twirlers and the Bobcat Colorguard has been working on choreography by audio/video. The four drum majors have been coming in to work in the office preparing music, folders, and organizing everything for the show with the goal of performing at the first home football game, Thursday, October 1.”

As most performers know, the show will go on despite the myriad of modifications, including a change in band staff. Brass instructor for the past 12 years, Dr. Patrick Richards returned to his home in Virginia over the summer. The Maroon Typhoon has since welcomed high brass instructor, James Jenkins and low brass instructor, Allen Parrish.  Also, this year the Maroon Typhoon will have a more casual look to address the concerns with costuming and adhering to COVID-19 restrictions. The “summer uniform” look allows the Maroon Typhoon to have some fun with energetic music like, “Blinding Lights” made popular by the band, The Weekend and the hit song, “Rain on Me” from the pop icons, Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga. The marching band will also perform the Grammy Award-winning artist and producer, Chuck Mangione’s classic, Latin groove and big brass chart, “The Children of Sanchez.”

Adding some continuity on the field will be returning sophomore drum majors, Graeme Forrest of Richton, and Danielle Beech of South Jones. Freshman, Emma Burge of Oak Grove, and sophomore, Katelyn Powell of Petal, will be joining Beech and Forrest on the podium as new drum majors. The glitzy and fiery, feature baton twirler, Kayla Webb of D’Iberville will be back on the field with freshman, Kaia Taylor from Vancleave.

Assistant Band Directors include flute instructor, Dr. Lindsey Keay in her seventh season, with percussion instructor, Dr. Josh Frans in his second year, and woodwinds instructor, Michelle Graham is in her third season at Jones.  Lora Davis, the Touch of Gold advisor and Jones alumna, returns for her 27^th season.

Upcoming performances of the Maroon Typhoon include the first home game, Thursday, October 1, with the JC Bobcats facing the Warriors of East Central at 7 p.m. in Bobcat Stadium/Sim Cooley Field. The Hall of Fame Game and the annual Cat Fight between Pearl River and Jones will be held, Thursday, October 29, at 7 p.m. Maroon Typhoon Alumni are also encouraged to attend Homecoming festivities on Thursday, November 12, when the Bobcats face the Co-Lin Wolves. For more information about the Jones College Fine Arts Department, contact 601-477-4203. For more information about the Maroon Typhoon, contact Dr. Ben Burge at 601-477-4095.