Birmingham Rising.

by:  Trent Pickle

Birmingham, affectionately known as the “Magic City,” boomed to metropolis status seemingly over-night.  The city was an economic powerhouse of the south for over seven decades.  The iron ore and steel industries brought jobs and wealth to the area.   It was locally-owned department stores such as Pizitz, Loveman’s, Black’s, as well as, theaters such as the Alabama, Empire, and Majestic that brought people into the city.

The city began to descend rapidly in the 1970’s.  Locally-owned department stores were bought by larger national chains, which closed the doors of down-town stores and relocated them to the suburbs.  The curtains closed permanently in theaters like the Lyric, Majestic, and Empire.  By the 1980’s and 90’s, the city was a no-man’s land after 5pm.  

Then, in the early 2000’s, a small spark was rekindled in the city.  Developers and private citizens began to purchase abandoned buildings and convert them into lofts and apartments. The abandoned City Federal Building, once one of the tallest skyscrapers in the U.S., was one of the first historic buildings converted into condominiums.   Bars like the Metro Bistro and the Wine Loft opened their doors nearby. 

Birmingham began to wake from its thirty year slumber. 

Fast-forward to today and the city continues its awakening.   The 1^st  and 2^nd  Avenues North are home to popular establishments like Rogue Tavern, Pale Eddie’s Pour House, Urban Standard Bistro, and Steel Bar.  One can lose themself for hours browsing through the antiques and collectibles at What’s on 2^nd Antiques.

The Five Points South area of the city also continues to grow.  The area serves up some of the city’s haute cuisine from restaurants like Highlands Bar and Grill, Bottega Italian Bistro, and the Veranda.  Dave’s Pub, Black Market Bar, and the recently opened World of Beer are amongst the most popular watering holes. 

The UAB area has also seen an influx of activity in recent years.  Several hotel chains have opened along with more restaurants serving business travelers, students, and employees of the hospital and university.

Even with the tremendous growth Birmingham has seen over recent years, there’s still much to be desired.  “There needs to be more infrastructure – parking isn’t so easy to come by in the city,” states Stephanie Cunningham.  Cunningham also says, “There also needs to be conveniences like pharmacies or a neighborhood market.  It’s inconvenient to have to venture out to the suburbs in order to get groceries or pick up a prescription.”  

Railroad Park, which opened in 2010, has been a magnet of activity for the city.  The 19-acre green space offers fantastic views of the city and provides a venue for recreation, concerts, and cultural events.

The next phase of invigoration for the city includes the construction of Regions Park – the future home of the Birmingham Barons baseball team and the Westin Hotel and Uptown entertainment district, located at the BJCC.  Regions Park is slated to open in time for the Baron’s 2013 season.  Meanwhile, the Westin Hotel opened its doors in February.  Construction on the Uptown entertainment district is on-going and hopes to attract high-end restaurants, bars, and boutiques. 

For more information on Birmingham’s calendar of events, visit www.Birmingham365.org

Coach Young's Decade at U.M.

By Jordon D. Semien

      Imagine what you could accomplish in ten years on a job. You could stay the course, stick to the original plan and settle for the mundane, or you could set a new standard for diligence and respectability while making everyone around you consistently better.

    For the past 10 years, the University of Montevallo’s Men’s Basketball program has been ran by a man that defines those qualities: Coach Danny Young. In his decade at Montevallo, Coach Young took a fledgling Division II program, and transformed them into a National contender almost over night.

Coach Danny Young

    Coach Young arrived at U.M. to find a program searching for an identity. Being just the sixth man to hold the position in 45 years, Coach Young was hired not just due to his outstanding track record, but because he posses all the qualities a Coach needs to succeed at such a high level.

    The honor of being the sixth head coach in program history was never lost on Coach Young. Coach said that “In the time of people coming and going, with the coaching carousel goes every year, it’s been a great honor to stay on and be at one place so long”.

    Coach’s resume is lengthy one to say the least, with stops across the country, including a stay at Salem International University in Salem, West Virginia, where he served as Head Coach and A.D. before deciding to help rebuild Montevallo’s Athletic Department.

    Athletic Director Jim Herlihy, who has held the position for the last six of Coach’s ten years, said that not only has Coach generally improved the Men’s program, but he has forever changed the culture of the University, not only improving the G.P.A’s and graduations rates of the Men’s team, but showing everyone that you don’t have to sacrifice a improved academic standings for a wining program, or vise versa.

    But no matter the accolades, the titles, or the notoriety, Coach Young will forever attribute his success to the teachings from his former coach, NBA All Start Paul Westphal, and his love for the sport. “I think I’m one of the fortunate people that get to come to a job that they love to do every day. Not everybody gets to do that, I don’t think. But I love basketball, I like being around the guys, I like trying to help them. It’s big for me to get to do something I enjoy everyday…”

   For all your U.M. Falcons news, be sure to check the Men’s Basketball homepage, and tune in to Falcon Fever and Falcon Weekly.

Sigma Tau Delta's Bi-Annual Chili Sale

By: Madison Jones

Sigma Tau Delta’s bi-annual Chili Sale was this past week. Students involved with the University of Montevallo English Honor Society sold chili to raise money for Sigma Tau Delta Conferences and expenses.

The flavor of the chili changed each day, with options including chicken, venison, beef, and vegan. On Monday, the chili was so delicious that it sold out completely after only two hours. Each year the chili sale draws crowds from all departments to taste what the Sigma Tau Delta members have cooked.

Each homemade bowl of chili comes topped off with cheese, sour cream, chips, and other options. At only $4.50 a bowl, it really was an affordable way to escape from eating the same meal, lunch after lunch. Sodas were also available for only fifty cents.

According to Kathleen Kryger, the money from the chili sale benefits students in the organization who plan to go to national Sigma Tau Delta conferences, across the nation. This year’s conference is in Portland, Oregon and a Montevallo student is attending, thanks to money raised during the sale. The money also funds the organization’s initiation.

The chili sale is now over for the semester, but when cooler weather rolls around in the fall, the Sigma Tau Delta members will be back in the kitchen to cook up some helpful profits. 

Alpha Gamma Delta hosts "He's a Lady"

Story by: Savannah Kidd

Pageants are no longer limited to women. Last Thursday, Alpha Gamma Delta hosted their annual He's a Lady pageant at LeBaron Hall.

Seven male contestants participated in the competition for the crown. They not only showcased their feminine beauty, but also showed off their talents and shared their opinions in a questionnaire.

Extended footage of the ladies' talents and questionnaires. 

Jesilyn Loggins, who is an "Alpha Gam" sister, shares how the pageant is helping others. All of the proceeds go toward Alpha Gam's philanthropy, which is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 

Though it was a very tough competition, the pageant winner was Derek Kennedy, a.k.a "Mckenzie Kennedy." As the winner of the competition, Derek also won money toward a philanthropy of his choice.

For more information about Alpha Gamma Delta, you can visit their Montevallo chapter website. You can also visit the Alpha Gamma Delta national website. For more information on the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, you can visit their website.

If you have a story you would like us to cover, email us at UMFalconNewsNetwork@gmail.com.

Falcon Fever: Highlighting UM Sports

STORY BY: FALCON FEVER CREW

For more Falcons sports news, connect with Falcon Fever on Facebook and Twitter.

Falcon Fever is produced by University of Montevallo Mass Communication students.

Social Justice Movie Night

By: Margetta Thomas

The University of Montevallo hosted a Social Justice Movie Night that was sponsored by the Environmental Club

On Monday night, students gathered in Comer Auditorium for the screening of "Eating Alabama," a documentary by Andy Grace.

"Eating Alabama is about a year that my wife and I spent eating only food sourced and grown here in the state of Alabama," says Grace. After the movie, the Environmental Club helped to serve refreshments made from home-grown ingredients.

One of the students that helped prepare the food, Dylan Colburn, says that "students went to either their own gardens or family gardens and got everything."  In addition to soups and chili, the desserts and drinks were even made with locally grown ingredients.

If you're interested in joining the environmental club, feel free to attend their meetings on Wednesdays, at 3:30 in Harman.

McChesney Fitness Center

Story by: DeMarcus Catchings The McChesney Fitness Center located right here on campus is a world class facility that is available to all faculty, staff, and students, tune in as I take you on a tour to show you all it has to offer. Hi I’m Alex Hughes I’m a manager at the student activity center, here we have the site for all the athletics, we have a weight room that is open to students, members of the Sacc and athletes. We have a great strength and conditioning program headed by Ed Lingam. We also offer classes like Zumba and water aerobics and we have a pool that is open to our members, students and athletes. “THEY SAY EVERYONE IS CREATED EQUAL, SOME JUST WORK HARDER THATN OTHERS, HARD WORK BEATS TALENT, WHEN TALENT DOESN’T WORK HARD, SUCCESS IS NOT JUST A MATTER OF CHANCE, IT’S A MATTER OF CHOICE” I got the chance to catch up with Antoine Davis, a former UM Basketball National Championship player as he prepares himself for overseas play. The weight room gets you prepared for the summer and for the ladies, gets everything right, start off with some cardio running, then hit the triceps to get right for when I go overseas, we’re going to get this money. Next thing got get all this type, this is for the ladies, the abs. AFTER INTERVIEWING FORMER TEAMMATE ANTIONE DAVIS AND SEEING HIM ENJOY HIMSELF AS HE WORKED OUT, I COULDN’T HELP MYSELF BUT TO JUMP IN ON THE ACTION Up Next World of Wings..

Falcon Weekly - Feb. 25, 2013

STORY BY: FALCON WEEKLY STAFF

Here is this week's Falcon Weekly, the online campus newscast for the University of Montevallo. It is produced and crewed by Mass Communication students in the MC 333, 411, and 433 classes.

This week's show includes a look at the looming nationwide budget cuts and how UM students can get involved with Higher Ed Day.

Also find out how children in Newtown, Connecticut, are having Christmas in February.

We'll also take you behind the scenes of Unrendered, a student-produced podcast.

Kyle Jones and Madison Jones (no relation) preparing to anchor the newscast.

(near-far) Devan, Kayla, Lauren, Nick, Abbey, and Tyler in the control room preparing for the newscast.

Another view of the students at work.

Senior Night Preview

Story by: DeMarcus Catchings

Senior Night is self explanatory, senior night not only honors the seniors for the work they’ve put in through the years but it gives them one last chance to showcase their skills at home. Our goal is to get back to the national championship this year. The most memorial thing about me being a senior this year is us basically trying to get back to where we were last year, you know senior night is March 2nd which is my last night being on the court of Montevallo and Which is the most important night to me because its my last time ever being on the floor and ever playing on the floor again so I just want to go out with a bang and you know finish my year out strong with my teammates and hopefully make it back to the National Championship Game. Senior Night has been many of peoples topics in the past so I wanted to do it a little different so I interviewed Jarrid Schroeder, a Junior, to see what Senior Night meant to him and who his favorite senior is. Considering I’m a Junior, Senior Night is kind of special but I like to see my teammates enjoy it that are actual seniors, they played a good season last year and we’re going to try to make it the same this year as much as we can. My favorite senior is probably Jeff because he’s really funny and I like hanging out with him and we have probably the same personality. I’m real excited that Jarrid chose me as his favorite senior I think that shows how close we are. We became brothers over the summer on and off the court, we’re very close, it’s a pretty cool deal he chose me.

Spring Theatre Festival

 

 Spring Theatre Festival
 By: KB Avery

    The University of Montevallo's Directing 3 class gives students the opportunity to strengthen their directing techniques. The class teaches students how to successfully transition from the acting role to the directing role and combine different techniques from the two. Every year the department allows students to showcase these techniques in the Chi- box (located in Reynold's), in it's Spring Theatre Festival.
       This year amongst one of the three one act plays, student Director Micheal Tallon, and cast members of  Let me Hear You Whisper, a one- act about a science experiment involving a talking whale ( played by Johnathan Evans), give us a sneek preview of what to expect from the festival.
Tickets prices and sale times are available on the school's website http://www.montevallo.edu/cfa/EventsCalendar.shtm.

CBS visits Montevallo

By: Sloan Gibby

      Falcon Fans piled into Trustmark Arena Saturday, February 16th to see the men's basketball team...and CBS. The game marked the first-ever nationally televised game, during regular season play, in any sport on Montevallo's campus.

The house was packed to see the Falcons battle visiting Clayton State. Montevallo spirit was at an all-time high. Mass Communications student and Falcon Fever Correspondent Dan Cook hopes the energy continues throughout the season  Cook said, “A lot of fans came out and supported the team. I would like to see that happen more often..not just when it is a nationally televised game. They supported them really well."

With all the cameras and fans, the Falcons got off to a bumpy start. They struggled to find their rhythm at first. Going into the half, the Falcons led only by two, 26-24. Falcon Fever Correspondent Jordon Semien says the team seemed nervous, but came back as a new team after half-time.

The Falcons gained their momentum in the second half, winning the game 63-50.

The University worked very hard to publicize the big game. They hosted several events including a pep-rally bonfire, family day, a picnic, and a tailgate for alumni prior to the game.

Though not all of Montevallo's games are nationally televised, fans still have many opportunities to stay on their A-game. Mass Communications students stream many of the home games live and also produce Falcon Fever each week that highlights past games. MontevalloFalcons.com also provides live stats and updates for the games.

Public Relations Minor

The University of Montevallo has recently added Public Relations to the curriculum for students.
The minor has been received with open arms by many students who feel it will be beneficial for their careers in the future.
A variety of students have taken on the minor including Business majors and Communications majors.
Public Relations and Communication Studies Professor Dr. Raymond Ozley is one of many faculty members who have started offering the classes to the student body. He believes that the minor will only make more oppritiunties available to students who take it on.
Public Relations student Ryeshia Albright thinks that having the minor under her belt will only help her in the long haul as well.

For more on P.R requirements visit http://www.montevallo.edu/mc/PublicRelationsMinor.shtm
Any story ideas? Let us know!

UM Baseball

Story By: Ryeshia Albright

The University of Montevallo Baseball Team started their season on February 1^st with a win against Saint Leo.  Now the Falcons are 6-5 in the season.  Vinny Rodriguez said that the team needs to keep up their drive this the season for the wins.  Will Fulmer and Austin Dubberly thinks the team can improve, but can still make it the Peach Belt Conference tournament.  The Falcons next game is a double-header, at UM, on February 23 at 1:00 and 4:00.  Their full schedule is on the Baseball page on the Montevallo Falcons website.                                                                                                                       

Go behind the scenes of "Unrendered"

By: Andrew Hardy

Unrendered is a new nerd-o-sphere podcast emceed by Cameron Riddle and Michael Artress. With topics that vary from comics and movies to music and pop-culture. Brought to you with a very laid back tone, this is a popcast that you will not need to fight to pay attention to. Cameron and Michael keep you glued to your speakers or headphones by delivering all of the nerd news by way of excitement and humor and occasionally parody. With episodes uploaded every Thursday night you will never be behind in your news. You can find Unrendered on iTunes or on Player.fm or you can follow them on Tumblr or on Twitter

Falcon Fever: Highlighting UM Athletics

BY: FALCON FEVER STAFF

In this week's edition of Falcon Fever, we recap tennis, women's golf, men's and women's basketball, and baseball. 

Baseball correspondent Sydney Fields talks with Will Fulmer from the baseball team, and basketball correspondent Dan Cook joins us for some in-depth analysis of men's and women's basketball. 

We also preview UM's first track and field meet with Coach Tommy Barksdale, and reporter Stefan Vaziri takes a look at the men's soccer team during the off-season. 

Danny Cummins from the men's basketball team is our Player of the Week, and Amos Hollinhead is our Fan of the Week. Congrats, guys!

Also, stick around to the end of the show to see the Zooperstars' halftime performance during the men's basketball game. 

Samford v. Alabama Men's Tennis 2013

By Lauren-Nicole Altaffer

On Wednesday February 6^th 2013 Samford University Men’s Tennis Team made history. Samford headed to Tuscaloosa for a matchup with The University Alabama number 52 in the nation. The Samford bulldogs took down the tide. Bulldogs earn their first win over Alabama In 51 years.

In just its third match of the young 2013 spring season, Samford University Men's Tennis Team knocked off a ranked opponent on the road. The Bulldogs registered a historic 4-3 victory against the number 52 Alabama Crimson Tide at the Roberta Alison Baumgardner Tennis Facility.

With the triumph, Samford 2-1 in their season ended a 31-match losing streak against Alabama 7-2 in their season. Samfords losing streak against Alabama dates all the way back to May 5, 1961, when the school was named Howard College. Therefore, it was the Bulldogs' first win over the Crimson Tide in nearly 52 years.

“I am extremely proud of our team today," said Samford head coach Rahim Esmail. "I am happy that we were able to get this win, but I am also proud of the way we fought and competed tonight. Win or lose, every single person on our team put in a gutsy performance and left it all out there. Alabama is a very good team, and is very well coached. We had to come up with some of our best tennis today to get this win."

Despite losing the doubles point, Samford pulled out four key victories in singles to earn the momentous 4-3 team win. Austin Akers and Zac Dunkle quickly set the tone in singles by flying into straight-set victories on courts Number five and Number one.

Samford's third key victory in singles play occurred on court Number two where junior Elliot Barnwell overcame a 6-0 loss in the first set to come back for a 0-6, 6-4, 6-4 triumph against Alabama's Becker O'Shaughnessey. Barnwell, the Bulldogs' talented native of the United Kingdom, moved to 1-2 in singles play this season.

The Samford University men's tennis team will next be in action this Saturday February 24^th at 10 a.m. The Bulldogs versus Kentucky in a nonconference duel, held at the Samford University Tennis Complex.

Click here to check out the full team roaster and schedule of the Samford Bulldogs.

Montevallo Parks Trail

 By: Madison Jones



The City of Montevallo may not be the most well-known city in Alabama. However, our hidden-away city and University brings unconventional experiences and comes with many benefits that students may not even be aware of.

The City of Montevallo’s Parks Trail is one of the many hidden amenities that our city possesses. The trails are both safe and conveniently located. The trails begin at Orr Park with the paved walking circuit and follow along King’s creek, behind the University’s Intramural fields.

The trail continues toward the University Lake and cross a beautiful overflow waterfall. Then the primitive loop passes through the woods and comes out at Stephens Park.

The entire length of the trail is two and a half miles, making it the perfect length for an afternoon outing or a quick run. Crossing bridges, roads, and most of the city is a great way to get in shape or to simple relax for an afternoon stroll.

Maps and pamphlets are available in front of the University of Montevallo Student Activity Center and in front of Carmicheal Library.

 

Harbert writing center 2

Written by: Jasmine Hawkins

All students are welcome to come check out the Harbert Writing Center! The center is under the direction of Glenda Conway Professor of English.

The writing center is designed to help any student in developing their writing skills ranging from a basic research paper to a portfolio. The student workers are trained to be able to help with formulating ideas, or helping with the final product.

The Harbert Writing Center is open Monday- Friday. There will always be a student worker on duty during working hours.

Also for any student attending the University of Montevallo who may be interested in becoming a student worker for the writing center. Stop in and learn more about the process.

There is no need to be shy the writing center has a very calm and welcoming atmosphere. They are just waiting to assist you!

Stop by today.

Inaugural Track & Field Season

By Jordon D. Semien

   

   For all the big events happening on the campus of Montevallo so early this year, a special date has gone almost unnoticed. On February 23^rd, the University of Montevallo will field it’s first ever Track and Field team, headed by Cross Country Coach, Tommy Barksdale.

   The first meet will be held in Columbus, Georgia, on the campus of Columbus State University. After a year of hard work and preparation, Coach Barksdale is ready to see the fruits of his labors: “It’s a great thing, it’s exciting. The girls are very excited …but to see it go from the ground up…it’s a very exciting time”

   It’s a team mixed up with freshmen recruits, and Junior College transfers, lead by the second year coach out of Mississippi St. Expectations my be high, but Coach knows that this being the first season, it might take a while to get some traction, but they’re ready to hit the ground running: “We always have high expectations…We are a true start up program, and we are trying to build up from scratch. That makes it kind of tough to begin with, but we’re making it”

   Cross Country Star Kaley Glover may not be competing on the Track and Field team, but from her time under Coach Barksdale’s tutelage, she’s sure that the program is in excellent hands: “I think it’s going to be great. He knows a lot about coaching, he knows a lot about the science behind coaching. So I really think it’s going to help the program out. They have such a good coach”.

  As for now, the team uses the intramural fields on campus and training facilities in Calera for practice, lacking an official training facility of their own on campus. Coach hopes that within the next year or two, they’ll have enough funds to build on campus facilities: “A lot of that is going to be trying to get some donations and things. But the way things are going now, if we can pick up something, it could be in year”.

   Coach also pointed out that in his mind, there’s a big advantage to training on the Cross Country course, saying that he believes that if you practice on grass, you’ll be that much faster on the track.

   After their first meet at Columbus State, the Falcons will then travel Birmingham Southern on March 8^th and 9^th, followed by a visit to Samford University on March 15^th and 16^th.  To keep up with the team, check out the Women’s Track and Field homepage and stay tuned to Falcon Fever and Falcon Weekly for more updates

Montevallo Men's Soccer Spring Update

By: Stefan Vaziri

 The Montevallo men's soccer team is training hard this off season which will see them play a number of exhibition matches in preparation for fall 2013.

Former assistant coach Bruce Dietterle, who recently finished a six month assistant coaching stint with Stetson University, has returned to the falcons after departing last August.

Another addition to the team this spring is Appalachian State transfer Bruce Mbamala. Mbamala joins current falcon and Appalachian State transfer Ricky Davey, and will look to replace the departing Pierre Omanga who tallied the most goals last fall for the falcons.

The spring exhibition schedule is highlighted with two division 1 match-ups where the falcons will face UAB and the University of Belmont.

There is no official spring 2013 schedule out at this time but you can check back for updates at their official team site.

Montevallo Honors Organization to present Trivia Night

By: Samuel Phillips

MHO Trivia Night - Samuel Phillips

(Forgive the watermark, I'm not entirely sure where it came from.)

The Montevallo Honors Organization (MHO) is teaming up with Dr. Patton to put on a fundraising trivia night. The event is modeled on Eclipse's monthly trivia events and will raise funds for MHO and the Montevallo Organization of Gaming (MOG). Students can purchase tickets for three dollars each and form teams of up to seven to compete against Dr. Patton. The event will be held March 7th in Comer Auditorium at 6 pm.

Freedom Week 2013

By: Kaleigh Grefseng


27 million. That's how many men, women, and children are enslaved around the world today. That is more than ever before in history. Slavery makes $17,500 anually. It's a 32 billion dollar industry. It happens every single day in our own back yards and many people aren't even aware.

Montevallo students are taking a stand and raising their voice against slaver. Students involved in the campus ministry, Ecclesia, are gearing up to hold the second annual Freedom Week. Ecclesia leader, Jeremy Maxfield says that this is a time for them to stand up and say that this isn't okay.

April 8-12, Ecclesia will be holding different events to raise awareness as well as taking donations. Be on the look out for more information regarding Freedom Week and how you can get involved.

Saving Man's Best Friend.

by: Trent Pickle

     They make us laugh and cry.  They keep us company when we are feeling alone.  They provide  unconditional love and support us in many ways.  In most cases, we return the love and attention they crave.  After all, dog has been man’s best friend for ions. 

In particular, the Golden Retriever is one of the most revered breed of dogs.  The Golden Retriever is known for its intellect and gentility.  It’s also known to be one of the most kid-friendly and loyal breeds.  Unfortunately though, the Golden Retriever is one of the most widely neglected and abused breeds in the state. 

Lorraine Donald – a life-long dog lover, especially of Golden Retrievers – says, in most cases, Golden Retrievers are neglected because the owners don’t realize the amount of attention and responsibility a Golden Retriever requires.  “Parents buy a Golden Retriever puppy for their kids, thinking it will be the perfect play-mate.  Soon after, they grow frustrated with the pup when curtains are torn, pillows are destroyed, and the trash is turned over. The pup ends up being relegated to the back yard and almost forgotten,” says Donald.  Donald believes training is the key to a well-behaved Golden and once you have a properly trained Golden, you have the perfect family dog.  Donald also cites a more sinister reason for the abuse of Golden Retrievers, “bait for training fight dogs.”

In an effort to curtail all forms of abuse and neglect of Golden Retrievers, Donald founded Adopt-A-Golden Birmingham.  The not-for-profit organization opened in 2011 with a group of passionate volunteers and one purpose – to rescue any Golden Retriever from the area and place them in a loving home.  

“We do not turn down any Golden Retriever, regardless of age or medical issue,” says Donald.  According to Donald, once a Golden Retriever is delivered to Adopt-A-Golden, whether it’s an owner surrender or an actual rescue, the first step is to perform a wellness check on the dog.  Adopt-A-Golden is affiliated with several veterinary clinics in the area that perform these checks.  After the wellness check, a photo of the rescue is posted to the foundations website, along with a biography of the dog.  Adopt-A-Golden does not own its own kennel facility, so the organization relies on volunteers to foster the rescue until an adoptive family is found. 

At first, the adoption process seems rigorous.   There’s an online application to fill out, coupled with a $20 application fee.  Then there’s a phone interview.   References are interviewed.  A home inspection is performed.  “Our adoption process is strenuous.  We want to be sure these dogs will not be placed back into a neglectful environment,” Donald explains.  Once a prospective adopter passes the adoption process, a donation fee is charged for the dog.  This fee is dependent on the age of the dog and goes towards helping offset the cost of medical training, behavioral training, and boarding facilities.

Cheryl Hutcheson recently adopted Buddy, a Golden-Retriever-Mix.  “The adoption process was strict, but the entire experience reinforced this organizations passion for Golden Retrievers,” states Hutcheson.  Hutcheson was so impressed by her experience with Adopt-A-Golden Birmingham; she decided to volunteer with the foundation. 

It’s volunteers like Hutcheson that keep the momentum going.  Adopt-A-Golden relies on a passionate team of volunteers to perform home inspections, mediate the adoption process, temporarily foster rescues, transport rescues, and fund raising.  Adopt-A-Golden Birmingham relies heavily, if not completely, on monetary donations from kind people everywhere.  One hundred percent of the donations go towards the rehabilitation of rescued Golden Retrievers. 

Since operation began in 2011, Adopt-A-Golden Birmingham has rescued over 200 Golden Retrievers throughout the state and surrounding areas. 

For more information or to make a donation visit Adopt-A-Golden Birmingham.

Community School of Music gives back

by: Margetta Thomas

For forty years, the Community School of Music at UM has been teaching music lessons. This year, they are able to reach out to even more people in the community after starting the Montevallo Music Connection program.

"This is a program that we designed especially for children in our community who are at risk or financially disadvantaged," says Lauren Morgan, CSM Director

There is also a free music class each week called the Musicianship Class. It's taught by Music Education majors.

"What we go over is basic music readings, being able to tell the notes on the staff, rhythms, teaching basically skills or lessons quicker," says Emily Merrill, Music Education major

CSM provides lessons to people of all ages in different instruments, including voice lessons. To register for lessons, visit montevallo.edu/music/CSM

Gold Side Wins College Night 2013

Story by: Savannah Kidd

The students at Montevallo are crazy for College Night. It is a tradition very unique to our school, and individuals put their heart and soul into it for a life-changing experience.

Though both sides put on a wonderful show with great effort, the Gold Side came out victorious, with this being their third win in a row. College Night takes a great amount of dedication from both sides, and this year's competition was very entertaining and enjoyable.  

For more information about College Night, visit the Montevallo College Night page.

If you have a story you would like us to cover or post, email us at UMFalconNewsNetwork@gmail.com

Interview with Gold Side College Night Leaders

STORY BY: FALCON WEEKLY STAFF

Falcon Weekly's Megan Roberts interviews Gold Side leaders Clark Maxwell and Mechay Rush after the Golds' victory in the 2013 College Night competition.

Congratulations to the Gold Side on their GV3 victory! We reached out to the Purple Side leaders; however, they were unavailable for interviews.

We look forward to next year's competition!

Falcon Fever recaps Montevallo Athletics

STORY BY: FALCON FEVER CREW

Join Savannah Kidd and Sloan Gibby for a recap of this week's University of Montevallo sports news. Jolyn Hannah also introduces us to our Featured Athlete of the Week, Zena Nasiloski.

You can find Falcon Fever on Facebook and Twitter to get the latest UM sports news.

Falcon Fever is produced by students in Mass Communication program.

WoW Wing Eating Contest

by:  Jolyn Hannah



On January 31, 2013 World of Wings (WoW) held its first wing-eating contest.  WoW was packed with people and there were more than a dozen contestants.  The evening marked the debut of WoW's new wing sauce called, This Falcon is on Fire.  Contestant Gerald Cunningham said, "Those were the hottest wings ever!" He also went on to say, "It felt like I was eating fire!" and speculated as to what different types of peppers might be in the sauce.  A special mention does have to go to Sammy Schiffman, though he did not win the contest due to disqualification given the fact that all wings eaten must stay down,  did however eat twice as many wings as any other contestant.  The winner of the contest was Jacob Robertson.  Jacob says that he, "Really likes spicy food," and eating spicy food is one of his hobbies.  Unlike Gerald, Jacob says he would definitely enter a contest like this one again.  As the winner Jacob received a trophy and is entitle to free wings from WoW everyday for the next year. 

Behind the Scenes of Falcon Fever

Story By: Andrew Hardy

Have you ever wondered who makes Falcon Fever tick? Well today I will take you behind the scenes to meet a few of the Mass Comm students that make Falcon Fever possible. And the students share what Falcon Fever has meant to their college carrer. You can follow Falcon fever via the Falcon Fever Facebook, the Falcon Fever Twitter, the Montevallo Youtube, or keep up with Montevallo sports on the athletics website.

UM's Homecoming

Story By: KB Avery

   Students here at the University of Montevallo are stoked about this year's homecoming festivities. College Night is the longest running tradition at UM, and every year students and many alumni come together to celebrate both the Purple and Gold sides, through various competitions. Students Becca White and Michael Tallon share why College Night is so important to students at the University.
 This week students prepare to wrap up this year's Homecoming games with the final round of competitions. This involves two competitive plays from both sides written, produced, and performed by members of the student body. Students will perform their original productions on the stage of Palmer, where they will find out on Saturday night who will win this year's overall competition.

Wavering Montevallo Weather Conditions

Story by Irene Cardenas

At the start of this spring semester students have endured various weather conditions. Students never know what to expect when they wake up every morning before class. Because of these conditions the University has delayed class and closed the school multiple times so that the roads may clear up for the faculty and the students who drive.

Students find the weather a big inconvenience. Getting to and from class is sometimes a challenge for some. Especially at this time with college night just around the corner. With rehearsals going till the early hours of the morning, students who don't live on campus face a less than pleasant drive back home.

Student Jolyn Hannah is a commuter. She finds the weather dangerous at times while driving back and forth. The rain and cold weather make the roads slick and difficult to drive on at times. Extra caution is necessary at times like this.

Until the weather lets up and allows us to enjoy some warm weather make sure to layer up. Student Sierra Barder plans on wearing large coats and scarves meanwhile. She also advises fellow students to wear rain boots and carry umbrellas. Always be prepared for inclement weather.

Trying to stay warm, dry, and safe is key. With school being interrupted because of the weather, students can't afford any more time outside of class.


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