Jones College’s Resource and Referral Center open to the public
ELLISVILLE-After nearly two years of waiting because of COVID-19 restrictions, the Resource and Referral Center at Jones College officially opened to serve the community. The ribbon-cutting and Open House celebration allowed daycare providers and community members to see everything the new Center offers for childcare professionals to family members and college students.
“I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” said Gina Carr, Director of the
Resource and Referral Center at Jones College. “We are thrilled to finally be able to share with the community these much-needed resources. Having the Resource and Referral Center on the campus of Jones College brings awareness to the importance of high-quality early childcare and education in our community.”
The mission of the Resource and Referral Center Network is to provide technical assistance, professional development, including a lending library for childcare providers and families, to support a nurturing learning environment in the home and the classroom. Ultimately, the goal is to promote healthy growth and learning for all children.
“So much happens in a young child’s brain early on. It is so critical that we capitalize on those formable years and that is what this new Center is about. In a perfect world, every kid entering kindergarten would be prepared socially and educationally, but sadly that’s not true. So, that is what this center is about, preparing kids both socially and educationally,” said Jones College Executive Vice President, Chief Academic and Financial Officer, Rick Youngblood.
The Center offers free resources, like books, toys, and educational materials
including math and math manipulatives, science and STEM kits, language and literacy kits, curriculum enhancement materials, resource books for parenting and curriculum development and dramatic play items. Also, the Ellison Die Cut machine and lamination services are available for early childcare providers, elementary education students, parents, grandparents, and community members. By offering these resources and services free of charge, it allows providers the opportunity to invest back into their programs. Partnering with families and the community creates stronger families and a stronger community. The Resource and Referral Center also offers technical assistance for directors and classroom teachers and hosts training workshops for families and childcare providers.
“We work in conjunction with a different college throughout the state of
Mississippi and come together monthly for training and professional development. We are one large network of resource and referral centers that functions together,” said Carr.
The materials provided in the Center are developmentally appropriate and are available to residents in Clarke, Covington, Greene, Jasper, Jones, Smith and Wayne Counties. Additionally, the new Center offers students in Jones College’s Early Childhood Education Technology program a wealth of resources to enhance not only their educational journey but also their student teaching experience, free of charge.
In addition, the ‘R & R’ Center provides a one-stop-shop for families and childcare providers, which includes assisting families to find and choose childcare settings that meet their children’s needs. Sensory sensitive toys and resources which parents can try out for two weeks to ensure their child benefits from that toy or resource are also available.
“We do believe that what we’re doing here is very special. Everything matters. What we are doing here is focused on education and our community,” said Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith.
Resource and Referral Center Networks are part of a federal law, required in all 50 states and are funded with federal dollars through the Mississippi Department of Human Services Division of Early Childhood Care and Development. Jones College’s Center is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. except when Jones College is closed for holidays. For more information about the JC Resource and Referral Center, call 601-477-4139 or email at, eca@jcjc.edu
Jones College presents, “Madrigals & More” at Laurel’s First-Trinity Presbyterian Church
ELLISVILLE –Jones College’s Fine Arts Department invites the public to enjoy an evening of Renaissance music with the JC music department at its annual “Madrigals and More” concert, free of charge. The various small ensembles of JC students and faculty will be performing at First-Trinity Presbyterian Church in Laurel, on Tuesday, October 26, at 7 p.m. This special event spotlights a diverse group of performers, from student ensembles and solos to faculty solos, and faculty-student collaborations, featuring music from composers such as Claudio Monteverdi, Francesco Landini and Johann Sebastian Bach, to John Dowland, Thomas Morley, Domenico Cimarosa, and Georg Philipp Telemann, to name a few.
Concert hosts, JC Voices, under the direction of Dr. Susan A. Smith will perform a variety of selections from the Renaissance period. Additionally, various small vocal groups and solos will be featured throughout the evening including a performance by Assistant Director of Bands and percussion instructor, Dr. Josh Frans. He will add a new dimension to the evening with his performance of the fourth movement of J.S. Bach’s, Sonata No. 1 in G minor for marimba.
Dr. Michael Boyd, JC guitar instructor, will accompany JC students, Chicago Collins of Brookhaven and MacKenzie Lacy of Pass Christian as they sing the beautiful duet, Pur ti miro from Monteverdi’s LIncoronazione di Poppea.
Also accompanying JC Voices on two instrumental and vocal selections will be Assistant Band Director and flute instructor Dr. Lindsey Keay, and piano instructor, Dr. Theresa Sanchez, and Drs. Boyd and Frans. JC students, Emily Valentine of Taylorsville and Hanna Grace Wood of Laurel will perform the stunning Antonio Caldara duet, Benedictus Deus, accompanied by Dr. Sanchez on organ. Darcy Beech of Ellisville, Savannah Greene of Sumrall, and Jalen Poindexter of Jackson will sing the very complex and intriguing trio, Whither Away So Fast, by Thomas Morley.
The trumpet ensemble, conducted by JC’s new, brass and music instructor, Caleb Owenby, will play a stately fanfare on the newly purchased, “Herald Trumpets.” The audience will also hear performances by Dr. Sanchez and Dr. Boyd, on somewhat rare instruments like the harpsichord and the lute. Additionally, the Flute Choir, Saxophone Ensemble and Brass Ensemble will perform a variety of early music selections, led by instrumental conductors and the Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge, Dr. Keay, and Owenby.
Faculty members Drs. Keay, Sanchez, and Boyd will each play solo selections, continuing a long tradition of collaborative performances hosted by JC Voices and Dr. Susan A. Smith. The concert will be narrated by JC voice instructor, Gregory Wascoe.
For more information about “Madrigals and More,” or to find out how to support JC Voices call 601-477-4203.
2021 Members of the Chamber Choir and Madrigal Singers
Conductor, Dr. Susan A. Smith
Accompanist, Dr. Theresa Sanchez
Darcy Beech, Ellisville
Chicago Collins, Brookhaven
Savannah Greene, Sumrall
Madison Lanier, Laurel
Kambri Pippin, Laurel
Jalen Poindexter, Jackson
Mackenzie Lacy, Pass Christian
Anna Leigh Ragsdale, Magee
Jaylon Sims, Raleigh
Jacob Strickland, Ovett
Josiah Raine, Picayune
Emily Valentine, Taylorsville
Hanna Grace Wood, Laurel
“Treats in the Streets” at JC on the Plaza on Tuesday, October 26
ELLISVILLE- Jones College’s Office of Student Affairs and Student Government Association along with campus clubs and organizations will host the annual “Treats in the Streets” night of activities on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, from 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The trick-or-treat trail event will be held in front of the C.L. Neill Student Center Plaza, the place where the event 
originated 22 years ago. Admission is free unless otherwise noted, and the public is welcome to attend all events. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
From 5 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., JC clubs and organizations will have treats and games available beginning at the Student Center Plaza. The trick-or-treat trail continues around the A.B. Howard Gymnasium, and around the Hutcheson/Hubbard Administration Building ending behind the Terrell Tisdale Library and beside the Humanities building. This event is for children ages 0 to 12 years, and all children must be accompanied by an adult to attend.
The costume contests will begin at 5:30 p.m. on the stage area beside the
Visual Arts building and the Library Lawn, for kids ages 0 to 12. At 6 p.m. a costume contest for JC students will begin. D.J. Dace will be set up on the stage before and after the costume contests.
Also, the Jones College all-you-can-eat cafeteria will stay open for dinner until 7:30 p.m. The cost for children ages 4 to 9 years of age is $4.75 and for children ages 10 to adults the cost is $8.25 (tax included).
The annual Treats in the Streets celebration is an outdoor event and may be canceled or modified if it rains or if the weather is not conducive for children. For more information, contact Dr. Tessa Flowers at 601-477-4845 or email: tessa.flowers.jcjc.edu.
Jones College Concert Choir performs, “News Season, New Songs”
ELLISVILLE-Jones College’s Concert Choir will begin the fall performance season with the first concert on Sunday, October 17, at 6 p.m. at West Ellisville Baptist Church. The public is invited to attend this free event which is also the first public performance with Dr. Imgyu Kang as the new Director of Choral Activities. Jones College music and piano instructor, Dr. Victoria Johnson will accompany the group on piano.
The 30-year veteran vocalist, conductor and instructor earned his Doctoral Degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Alabama. He earned his master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Georgia State University, and his bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Seoul. Dr. Kang previously served as the Director of Choral Activities at Oral Roberts University and Western Nebraska Community College. Dr. Kang also taught Advanced Conducting at the University of Alabama from 2009-2012 and was the assistant conductor of the University of Alabama University Singers. His love of music and talent won him the Korean American Scholars Award in 2003 and 2010 and the Korean American Embassy Award in 2010.
Dr. Kang opens the fall concert choir season with the 71-member Jones 
College Concert Choir’s, “New Season, New Songs” themed concert. The group will perform a variety of music including, “Come to the Water” arranged by Lynda Hasseler with soloist, Darcy Beech of Ellisville. Bonner Welch of Moselle will be the featured soloist for “Prayer of St. Francis” by Allen Pote. The song, “Order My Steps (In Your Word)” arranged by Jack Schrader will feature soloists, Lazarius Shelby of Laurel and Jaylon Sims of Laurel. Other musical selections include “Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood and “William Tell Overture,” arranged by Julie Eschliman.
The next JC Concert Choir performance will be Sunday, November 7, at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Laurel. The final concert of the semester will be a Christmas Concert with the JC Fine Arts Department on Thursday, December 2, at 7 p.m. in the M.P. Bush Fine Arts Auditorium. For more information contact the JC Fine Arts Department at 601-477-4203 or email joneschoir@jcjc.edu
JC Concert Choir
Soprano
Natalie Dewitt, Laurel *
Bayleigh Hill, Laurel
Charity Miller, Brooklyn
Bralynn Newell, Newton
Anna Pickering, Laurel
Abigail Thrash, Laurel
Madison Windham, Mize
Ashley Allee, Oak Grove
Victoria Ball, Laurel
Sabrina Turner, Vinegar Bend, AL
Rachel Carlino, Waynesboro
Mackenzie Golemon, Moselle
Gracee Green, Laurel
Amberlyn Holifield, Leakesville
Destiny Lewis, Laurel
Abby Nix, Ellisville
Laiklynn Roberts, Waynesboro
Darcy Beech, Ellisville
Savannah Greene, Sumrall
Abigail Smith, Richton
Trinity Williams, Brooklyn
Kamaya Hutton, Hattiesburg
Alto
Sarah Ables, Laurel **
Virginia Fortenberry, Lawrence County
Lily Hendrix, Sumrall
Samantha Bishop, Florence
Hannah Manning, Quitman
Mackenzie Lacy, Pass Christian
Kathryn Hyatt, Laurel
Hannah Johnson, Laurel
Madison Lanier, Laurel
Bailey Rowell, Wayne
Molly Waldrop, Laurel
Natalie Walker, Laurel
Hanna Wood, Laurel
Annaleigh Ragsdale, Magee
Jennalyn Purvis, Petal
Payton Voge, Laurel *
Morgan White, Laurel
Jaelynn Peak, Foxworth
La’Lexia Murrell, Laurel
Kristen Jordan, Laurel
Tenor
Jaylon Sims, Raleigh
Michael Decou, Chatham, LA
Petara Jo’i Jones, Hattiesburg **
Jalen Poindexter, Jackson *
Josiah Raine, Picayune
Elijah Gray, Heidelberg
Jacob Strickland, Ellisville
Lazarius Shelby, Laurel
Bonner Welch, Moselle
Tellas Smith, Laurel
Wesley Carmical, Ellisville
Bass
Judah Capers, Laurel
Vincent Brown, Moss Point
David Ishee, Laurel
Alejandro Jarillo, Laurel
Donovan Williams, Laurel
Cameron Beech, Laurel
Cameron Glenn, Ellisville
Colby Marsh, Petal
Samuel Rodgers, Petal
Jarrett Darden, Seminary
Xavier Porter, Laurel
Marcus Sims, Laurel
Isaiah Spradley, Laurel
Damarie Windham, Laurel
Rayshawn Gamblin, Waynesboro
Jonah Holland, Ellisville*
Conner Smith, Ellisville
Dylan Waters, Laurel
*Section Leader
**Director’s Assistant
Sean “Star Wars” Stewart’s “Art Talk” inspires JC students
ELLISVILLE – When artist, Sean “Star Wars” Stewart first visited with Jones College students eight years ago, before being featured in HGTV’s Season 2 of “Home Town,” he had just moved to Laurel from New Orleans, before Hurricane Katrina. Since his TV appearance, some things have changed. During his “Art Talk” with Jones College art students, he was being documented by Mississippi Public Broadcasting for a “Mississippi Roads” segment. Also, his family has grown from him and his wife and one child to five
kids with one son beating Leukemia. During the three-year battle with cancer, Stewart emphasized to students, his art didn’t change because life got serious.
“I didn’t want to think about important things like cancer research. If you are concerned with serious things OK. But I wasn’t making artwork about leukemia. Not everyone can have this much fun and that’s OK too,” said Stewart. “The cure for cancer is not going to come out of printmaking. I want to make people smile. I do what makes me happy and I’m glad people also like what makes me happy,” said Stewart.
While discussing his art, Stewart explained downtown Laurel’s popularity has grown to the point he couldn’t grow. The only option left for him was moving his studio to New Orleans to expand his art business and include offering art residencies.
“I was glad to be able to be on the (Home Town) show and share what I think printmaking is to a totally different audience. Working with Erin Napier was super great too!” said Stewart. “I also know when the show airs because I always sell a Robert Johnson print at some weird hour of the night.”
Stewarts’ nuggets of wisdom to Jones students were not all specifically art-related. Besides “making art” he encouraged students to also connect with their audience, other artists and supporters of their work in order to get their work in galleries. Early in Stewart’s career, after an art festival, he told students he didn’t sell much, and he was disappointed. However, exchanging artwork with the guy in the next tent turned out to be beneficial, beyond his dreams.
“This artist at the art festival 12 years ago, was a teacher at MSU. I still have his piece hanging and he has mine. I got an email from him, explaining he’s now the art director for an ad agency in Dallas and he thinks my work would be perfect for a restaurant company with 20 franchises. After meeting the CEO, they are going to use my imagery for advertising in different regions of the country. None of this would have happened if I hadn’t made that connection at an art festival that day. Something to remember me by for the last 12 years, turned into something super big for me. Always reach out,” said Stewart.
Social media allows artwork to be shared with a global audience faster than ever before and students should be taking advantage of these platforms Stewart also offered. Probably the most impactful for freshman, graphic
design major, Jashawn Huddleston of Bay Springs was Stewarts’ advice, “Just have fun!”
“I like his style and the freedom he has in creating. I overthink, but I am beginning to realize I can be an artist and have fun too,” said Huddleston.
Sophomore, Aryn Cox of Laurel also said she can get overwhelmed with art
ideas and what to create. Stewart’s free, fun-loving art has inspired her to step out of her comfort zone.
“I also think too much while trying to create art. I’m going to try to go with the flow more and be more creative,” said Cox.
The whimsical Sean “Star Wars” Stewart exhibit that was on display at Jones College’s Eula Bass Lewis art gallery recently, showed off his uniqueness. The use of bright colors, quirky pop culture characters and items, displayed on thick, large pieces of wood is purposeful. Stewart’s goal is to enjoy what he’s creating and to stand out. From “Tangy”
orange whales to color-themed robots and alligators taking a bath, Stewart’s artwork is a collection of quirky, colorful images of pure, childlike fun. However, Stewart told students the most important thing every artist should do is to spend time in front of their work.
“I’m not great at drawing but I enjoy carving, so I draw what’s easy. I like the shapes of guns, robots, and animals. The wood carving adds texture to my
work, giving it dimension, almost inviting the viewer to touch my art. I want people to engage in my work and enjoy it as much as I do,” said the former Virginia Beach native. “I didn’t want the fact that I couldn’t draw that well to keep me from having fun. What you draw is the fun part. That’s what I talk about. I don’t share the process of printmaking with audiences. They want to know why I have an ice cream cone smoking, with a drink in hand, wearing heels and carrying a purse. I laugh at my work because it’s funny! At this point in my life, I make whatever I want to make. I love it when people give me ideas too.”
Different artists are featured monthly at the Eula Bass Lewis Art Gallery which is open to the public and can be viewed from Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. through 3 p.m., and Fridays, 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. For more information call 601-477-4148.
