Swinging for the Fences

The St. Clair Jones Benefit Golf Tournament

2008-04-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

Raffle to benefit St. Clair Jones Benefit Golf Tournament

2008-04-24T07:59:00.000-07:00

All proceeds will go to the St. Clair Jones Benefit Golf Tournament
Drawing to be held at Chesapeake Golf Club on June 16, 2008
Winner will be notified on June 17

Grand Prize: Seven Day Family Vacation to Anywhere
Tickets: $5 each

Date Change: Culinary Institute: April 9, 7 PM

2008-03-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

Havana at Nimmo: March 11: 4 - 10

2008-03-11T05:03:00.000-07:00

Girls Soccer Match (March 11)

2008-03-11T04:59:00.000-07:00

Girls Soccer is hosting a scrimmage today vs. Great Bridge.
JV: 5 PM
Varsity: 7 PM

St. Clair attended Great Bridge.

Admission is free and donations will be accepted for the St. Clair Jones Fund.

Grand Slam (VaBeach) Silent Auction and Contribution: March 10 - 15

2008-03-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

A Silent Auction at Team Elite Gym

2008-03-03T05:25:00.000-08:00

A “Knight to Remember”
Silent Auction
All proceeds to Benefit Coach Jones
March 15th
7pm -11pm
Team Elite Gym
3157 Shipps Corner Road Suite 101

Tickets for $50/person $75/Couple

Admission includes dinner and dessert by Outback Steak House
There will be a cash bar.

We have a lot of great items for the auction:
4 sets of Redskins tickets
Washington Nationals tickets
Hotel at the beach with dinner
Cottage on the beach for a week in Corolla
Jewelry
Wii game system and games
Dinner Gift certificate
Clothing Gift certificates

The list goes one. It should be a fun night. Anyone wishing to attend, please contact me, Amy Leebrick, aleebrick@cox.net or 288-9871

A Patriot Challenge

2008-02-26T05:11:00.001-08:00

Let's Go Knights!
First Colonial High School has sold 250 ticket vouchers for the Tides game!
But, we want to "Pack the Park" in a sea of BLACK and GOLD!!
Tickets are still availabe - see either Mrs. Drago or Ms. Bertram to get your ticket!

Cold Stone Creamery: February 28

2008-02-22T11:45:00.000-08:00

Some BB at VWU: Proceeds for Coach

2008-02-22T07:43:00.000-08:00

Havana at Nimmo steps up again: March 11

2008-02-20T06:52:00.001-08:00

Havana at Nimmo Parkway has offered to participate in our fund raising efforts for Coach Jones. On Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Havana will donate 15% of all sales before tax and 15% of staff tips for the entire evening from 4-10 pm. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Check out their menu at http://www.havanavb.com/ and make your reservation online or call 430-8205.

Lago Mar Pizza lends a hand: Feb 26

2008-02-19T08:07:00.001-08:00

Updated Game On Information

2008-02-13T06:06:00.000-08:00

AJ Gators (Wayne Wexler): General Booth

2008-02-12T05:44:00.000-08:00

Dinner & Cuts for St. Clair Jones

2008-02-12T05:43:00.000-08:00

Malbon Bros Citgo and Carwash: Feb 7

2008-02-12T05:41:00.000-08:00

Lucky Oyster Seafood Company: Feb 20

2008-02-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

Game On lends a hand!

2008-02-08T07:20:00.001-08:00

From Mark Malbon

2008-02-06T12:18:00.001-08:00

I am having a fundraiser for St. Clair Jones, Thursday, February 7th, between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00p.m. at Malbon Bros Citgo and Carwash. Just come in between those hours and purchase an Auto wash and I will donate 10% to his fund.

We are located on 1896 General Booth Blvd.

Please come and help a wonderful Coach and Teacher.

Thank you,
Mark Malbon

More Info on Tides Fundraising Tickets

2008-02-06T05:52:00.000-08:00

Tides Fundraising Tickets will be available beginning Monday 2/11 at the following locations:
Tickets cost $9.50

Kellam High School (front of cafeteria)
10 AM to 1 PM. (CASH ONLY and EXACT CHANGE please). All are welcome.

Hall Chrysler Jeep 9am -8pm (Monday – Saturday)
3152 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Grand Slam VA Beach 12N – 8pm (Monday – Saturday)
3636 Virginia Beach Blvd.

Monarch Bank: 8:30 – 5pm M-F (check with each bank for Saturday hours)
Greenbrier: 750 Volvo Parkway, Chesapeake 23320: 222-2100
Great Bridge: 601 S. Battlefield Blvd., Chesapeake 23322: 482-2727
Kempsville: 5225 Providence Rd., Va. Beach 23464: 769-7500
Lynnhaven: 100 Lynnhaven Pkwy, Va. Beach 23452: 463-4100
Oceanfront: 3701 Pacific Avenue, Va. Beach 23451: 491-2000
Town Center: 4216 Va. Beach Blvd., Va. Beach 23452: 416-7300

Wesleyan (Coach's College) BBall, Feb 23

2008-02-06T04:18:00.000-08:00

Virginia Wesleyan announced that the ticket sales from their home basketball game on February 23rd will be donated to the recovery fund for St. Clair Jones. They are scheduled to play Lynchburg in a game that starts at 2pm.
Three former Kellam players are current members of the team at Virginia Wesleyan. Tyler Fantin & Norman Hassell play on the team this year, and Marcus Fitch is currently an assistant coach. Here is another opportunity to help our coach and see some of our Kellam graduates at the same time.
Tickets are $5.00 for general admission, $3.00 for students & military, and $2.00 for senior citizens.

Cuts & More for Coach

2008-02-06T04:16:00.000-08:00

News from Cuts & More (aka Kellam Alumni)

Just heard from Wayne Wexler of AJ Gators General Booth. He is going to offer 50% (to coach jones) of all dinner specials. One special will be $15.00 Prime Rib dinner, the others will be determined later that night. PLUS AJ Gators will match the donation. This will be held Wednesday, Feb 13th from 5-8 along with Cuts for Coach Jones at Cuts & More.Thanks,Christine

Big Sam's Inlet Cafe & Raw Bar

2008-02-05T08:24:00.000-08:00

Monday, February 11: 20 Hours: 6 AM - 2 AM
Big Sam's is the place at 300 Winston Salem Ave

Tell your waitress you are there for Coach Jones and 10% of your bill goes to the Coach fund.

Tides Tickets

2008-02-04T10:46:00.001-08:00

Kellam will be selling Tides Tickets as discussed in the Tides blogs ---fundraising opportunity for Coach. Our sales will be Feb 11- 15 in front of the cafeteria, from 10 AM to 1 PM. Tickets cost $9.50 (CASH ONLY and EXACT CHANGE please)

From WVEC 13 News This Morning

2008-01-31T09:56:00.000-08:00

Kellam coach "grateful" for support, focusing on recovery

11:50 AM EST on Thursday, January 31, 2008
By 13News

A popular Va. Beach high school coach is grateful for the outpouring of support as he recovers from an accident that has left him without feeling below his waist.

St. Clair Jones, a baseball coach at Kellam High School, was on his way to school earlier this month when his car hit black ice, sending the vehicle into a tree.

He's had back surgery and is now in physical theraphy at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital.

Jones' team has set up a fund for him at Wachovia Bank. The account is in his name and is listed as a charitable account. Donations also can be mailed to Wachovia, 1804 Princess Anne Road, Va. Beach, VA 23456.

ST. CLAIR JONES STATEMENT:

“I’m grateful for the incredible outpouring of support from my family, friends, and students and colleagues at Kellam.

As I begin this new journey, I realize I’ll need to focus all of my strength on recovering. I am requesting some private time to focus my thoughts and energy on regaining my mobility. Thank you for your support, well wishes, and ongoing prayers.”

SENTARA STATEMENT:
“Mr. Jones is requesting privacy as he begins a long road to recovery, and we’re making every effort to provide him a sheltered environment for his recuperation. He welcomes any prayers but at this time wishes to limit contact to his medical team and family. Mr. Jones has declined interviews with media as he focuses on a strict and intensive rehabilitation schedule over the next several weeks.

We hope the media and community will honor his request for privacy.”

Cheri Hinshelwood, Sentara Corporate Communications

Don't Forget Tiki Tonight!

2008-01-31T08:19:00.001-08:00

A Blanket of Thanks

2008-01-31T07:46:00.000-08:00

In this morning's email:
Word comes in that Plaza MS is fundraising, Cox HS is fundraising----and I'm sure there are many others.

That is very heatwarming. Thanks.

Shamrock Events

2008-01-31T07:31:00.000-08:00

Kellam has put together a team for the Shamrock events the weekend of March 15-16. The team has designed a "Swing for the Fence" T-shirt --- all proceeds to the Coach St. Clair Jones fund. The Kellam Sophomore class will be selling the shirts to any and all---we are encouraging everyone(here at Kellam) to wear their shirt on March 14 in Coach's honor. The Kellam "Shamrock" team will wear their shirts during the race(s).

The 1.000 will be more a batting average than a number (1,000)--- the blogmaster doesn't have a corrected image but you get the idea.
Swing for the Fence will be on the back of the shirt.
Jeannine Kinzel is leading this effort (JeannineA.Kinzel@vbschools.com) .

SCA "Pass the Ballcap" Collection

2008-01-30T09:34:00.000-08:00

News from Kathy B:

Kellam students had an opportunity to donate to St. Clair's fund this morning during 1st Block... the results are in... thanks to your generosity, we collected $1551.

Cuts for Coach Jones

2008-01-30T06:05:00.000-08:00

Community Support

2008-01-29T10:10:00.001-08:00

Pack the Park

2008-01-29T05:32:00.000-08:00

It's a "Pack the Park" fundraiser.
Kellam fundraiser heads to Harbor Park. Tickets are $9.50 with partial proceeds going to the St. Clair Jones Fund. Ticket purchase information should be available no later than Friday..
So plan ahead. The Kellam baseball team will be on the field... Kellam will be "tossing out" the first pitch....it's a Knight night!
So let's pack the park---Harbor Park attendance record was set in August 1996 with 14,263 in attendance---let's break that recored on April 19!

Fundraisers

2008-01-28T05:16:00.000-08:00

Fundraising News From Amy:

Tiki – Thursday, January 31
The Tiki Seagrille and bar is hosting a Cashola for Coach Jones on Thursday from 5-8, 20 percent of the bill will be donated to the Coach.
Address:
1993 Sandbridge Rd, Virginia Beach, VA - Next to Bloom at the corner of Sandbridge and Princess Anne

Upcoming:
Pungo Pizza – March 6th

From Friday/Saturday Pilot

2008-01-26T09:01:00.000-08:00

Kellam baseball coach begins rehab; prognosis not certain

By Jacey Eckhart
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 25, 2008

Buoyed by a parade of well-wishers, Kellam High School baseball coach St. Clair Jones has started physical therapy after suffering spinal cord damage in a car accident.

And Jones, hospitalized at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital since Tuesday, had a message about the start of baseball season next month: “I’ll be there.”

Jones, 37, was injured Tuesday morning when his car slid off an icy road in Virginia Beach. He suffered fractured vertebrae in his lower back and some spinal cord damage. He was fitted for a brace Thursday and underwent physical therapy early Friday. He expects to go through daily sessions at the hospital for nearly two weeks.

As for the extent of his injury, Jones said, “I won’t know anything till after that week and a half.”

“I’m just focused on getting better,” Jones added on Friday afternoon, flanked in his room by balloons, cards and gifts. “The hardest part is waiting. I’m ready to get going.”

Meanwhile, former and current players and their parents, and coaches from across South Hampton Roads are among those who have kept Jones busy during visiting hours. Still more are sending get-well wishes by telephone — including major leaguers Ryan Zimmerman, David Wright, and B.J. and Justin Upton — and on Internet message boards.

“I appreciate the support people have given to me,” Jones said. “It’s helping me get stronger and keep the faith and push through all this.”

Jones, a special education teacher at Kellam, has been the Knights’ baseball coach for the past seven seasons. A former player at Great Bridge High and Virginia Wesleyan, Jones guided Kellam to the Eastern Region title in 2002 and regularly runs baseball clinics during the offseason.

Those close to Jones aren’t surprised by the wave of outpouring for him.

“He’s got his roots going out in many different ways,” said Jim Moxey, Kellam’s athletic director. “Back to his home of Great Bridge and coaches from all over, from college and high school coaches to umpires. That tells you what type of person he is.”

Added Knights football coach Chris DeWitt, “I’m amazed, and it makes you really proud. People that we graduated five years ago, people who I went to high school with that have some kind of association with Saint, everybody is kind of pulling behind him and offering whatever they can to help his family.”

Moxey has said Jones will remain the Knights’ baseball coach until Jones says otherwise.

Either way, Moxey said Friday, Jones “will be involved in the decisions that are made out there.”

The Virginia High School League allows baseball teams to begin practice Feb. 25 this year, followed by the regular season about two weeks later.

“As long as he can stay mentally strong, he’s going to have as good a chance as anybody to recover from something like that,” Moxey said. “He’s a strong individual physically, for sure, but also mentally.”

A charitable account for donations has been set up at Wachovia Bank in Jones’ name. Donations can be made at any Wachovia or mailed to Wachovia at 1804 Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, 23456.

Daily Press Article this morning

2008-01-25T08:37:00.000-08:00

Here's an article from the Daily Press this morning:

Coach paralyzed; account set up for donations
BY MIKE HOLTZCLAW 757-928-6479
9:00 AM EST, January 25, 2008
VIRGINIA BEACH -
Friends and colleagues have set up a bank account to collect donations for Kellam High School baseball coach St. Clair Jones, who was left paralyzed by injuries he sustained in a car accident on Tuesday morning.
Driving on icy roads that caused dozens of accidents that morning, Jones apparently lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree. He sustained a fractured vertebrae in his lower back and had some spinal cord damage. He remains hospitalized and is recovering from surgery, but his assistant coach Eddie Duke said that the latest prognosis gives Jones very little chance of recovering the use of his legs.
Duke sent a mass email detailing the impact Jones has had on young baseball players at Kellam and in youth leagues around Hampton Roads. He noted that a fund has been set up at Wachovia Bank to help Jones with medical bills and other expenses related to his injury, including rehabilitation and the outfitting of his home and vehicle for wheelchair access.

Room 672, it is!

2008-01-25T07:28:00.001-08:00

Ms. Sykes has some info:
Coach Jones has a room --- 672.

His visiting hours are limited … no visitors will be permitted during the following times …

8:00 am to 10:00 am
2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm

To Leave a Comment

2008-01-24T18:33:00.001-08:00

Looks like we are off to a good start--- I know a number of Kellam staff stopped by the hospital today and Coach is in great spirits. He is looking forward to the move from ICU to his room on the rehab floor. And guests are quite welcome.

Every post has a comment key at the bottom. Just click there and leave your comments---it is fast and easy.

Cashola Night on Monday at Chili's

2008-01-24T18:29:00.001-08:00

Cashola Night to benefit Coach St. Clair Jones
Chili's at Red Mill Commons
Monday 1/28/08
5 pm to 8 pm
come hungry, leave happy, and help a little along the way

A BLOG For Coach Jones

2008-01-24T08:24:00.000-08:00

For many, there is a need to let Coach know that you are thinking about him and praying for his recovery.

At this time, his friends at Kellam are setting up this blog to allow that outpouring of support. Hopefully, in a short time, Coach himself will take over the blog and let you know how he is doing.

Until then, we will try to keep you updated.

Here's the text of the Pilot article:

By Jami Frankenberry
The Virginian-Pilot
© January 23, 2008

Kellam baseball coach St. Clair Jones remained hospitalized today, a day after being involved in an automobile accident.

Jones’ car apparently hit a tree during icy road conditions Tuesday morning, and he was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, said Kathleen O’Hara, assistant superintendent for media and communications for Virginia Beach Public Schools.

Jim Moxey, Kellam’s athletic director, said Jones suffered fractured vertebrae in his lower back and had some spinal cord damage. Jones underwent surgery late Tuesday night “to get everything lined back up,” Moxey said, adding that more will be known about Jones’ spinal cord damage once the swelling goes down.

Moxey visited Jones early today and said dozens of others were lined up, too.

“He’s the same old Coach St. Clair Jones, cracking jokes,” Moxey said. “He’s in very high spirits.”

Jones, a special education teacher, has coached the Knights for the past seven seasons.

“As far as I’m concerned, St. Clair Jones is our baseball coach until he tells me otherwise,” Moxey said. “With what he’s capable of doing, he’s going to have some limitations, but he will be involved with the program as much as he possibly can be.”

And the original comments from the Pilot:

Best of luck coach!
Submitted by KennyW on Wed, 01/23/2008 at 8:12 pm.
I heard about your accident Tuesday morning from a friend who received an email from another friend before any articles were published. The email briefly described the accident and asked for prayers for your recovery. I looked for an article all day afer the ice storms and didn't find an article until this morning.
God bless you coach, and here's to a comfortable and complete recovery.

Best Wishes for a Speedy Recovery
Submitted by Earl on Wed, 01/23/2008 at 8:11 pm.
St. Clair,
I'm not sure if you remember me but we went to Hickory Elementary together years ago. I have followed your career as Kellam's baseball coach in the newspaper and have been very impressed with your accomplishments. From what I remember of you as a kid and from what I've read more recently, I know you can pull through this. Hang in there and best wishes for a full recovery.
Earl Sorey

God's speed for a full recovery my friend.
Submitted by rickf99373 on Wed, 01/23/2008 at 2:44 pm.
Keep your eyes on the ball and swing for the fences. You're to strong to let this derail anything in your life. God's speed for a full recovery my friend. All your friends are praying for you. GBHS 88