Hot Dogs and Nachos, Step Right Up!

By: Danny Cummins

"Hot dogs and nachos-- step right up!'-- I would literally scream this-- for hours-- every Thursday-- every Friday-- and every Saturday night. And dammit it worked. Over and over and over again. It worked enough for my rent, power, water, cell phone, and car insurance to all be paid in full on a monthly basis.

I had the idea to set this up when I first came to Montevallo 3 years ago, I always knew it would be a gold mine. Then when I stopped drinking I was finally willing to sacrifice my weekend nights to make money instead of having fun. What I did not realize at the time was that I'd have more fun than I could handle selling these damn dogs and chips.

Jeff and Misty Webster (Tavern owners) have been great friends and mentors to me through all my growing pains, and when I approached them with an idea to set up a late-night hot dog stand outside their business they gave me 100% support.

I believe my stand has become a part of the community. There's not one Tavern weekend regular who I do not know on a first name basis and there are plenty of folks who come just to eat. That's right, they walk up in pajamas, buy food from me, and carry on into the night without entering the jam-packed Tavern.

I will look back on this experience as on of the greatest of my life and I will never forget the amazing memories I have at that ol' country bar. From the fights, to the puke, to the uncontrollable emotional drunken cries, to the altercations with police, to those beautiful solo guitar melodies from the likes of Hunter Lawley and musicians alike, I will NEVER  forget this place.

Thank you Jeff, Misty, Jimmy, Jim, Mchael, Momma, Big Jim, Big Dee, Julia, Maegan Pickett, and that guy with no teeth at the end of the bar who I still don't know what you are saying to me.

I love you all and thank you for the experience of a lifetime!

Joe's Italian

By: Danny Cummins

This package was difficult because it was very hard to capture the emotion of our interview in a minute and a half. I literallt held back tears as Mrs. Berteloni explained to me her father's impact on their family and his slow, painful, obvious death. I have the upmost respect for Mrs. Berteloni and her family and after spending time with her at the restaurant I hope that the business thrives and thrives.

This is my most prized package of the semester. It was this package that made me realize how difficult it would be to be a field reporter. To think that someone has roughly a minute and a half to explain these situation, and is successful at doing so, is commendable to me.

Front view of Joe's at the crossroads

This restaurant is awesome though, every recipes has been passed down from generation to generation in their family and all the recipes are original and homemade. There is a "Big Joe's" (as referred to by Mrs. Berteloni) located in Hoover. It is much larger with a bigger variety on the menu. She explained to me that after running larger restaurants in California and Hoover she could doo this one at the crossroads with her "eyes closed."

Andre McMillan, Enterprise Rent-A--Car

By: Danny Cummins

We really will pick you up. I drive around all day doing so.

Andre and I have been friend for 3 years since I got to school. Andre is one of those people who everyone knew was going to be successful. He always found ways to make extra money and get extra scholarships when he was in school. I don't remember how, but I remember one time he told me that he rec
eived $21,000 cash in form of refund money from the school.

One thing about Andre is that he always looked out for his friends. He has always helped myself and my teammats find rare shoes, or find god deals on lap tops and cars. It is safe to say that he is a natural business man.

He got me a job at Enterprise, and I currently work there with 2 Montevallo grads (1 of them is him) and 2 current Montevallo students (1 of them is me). He is a god person to have as a friend from a business stand point because he ALWAYS thinks of ways to make money and I thnk he will be a lucrative business partner down the road.

As a result of all the people he has gotten jobs that I know, work is fun and I never mind going.

Falcon Fever Before The Summer

By Amos Hollinhead

Before you leave for the summer, how about a little bit of fever! The only show capable of doing that is the University of Montevallo's sports show Falcon Fever. Falcon Fever focuses on getting coverage of everything happening in the Montevallo sports world, from events, teams, student-athletes, and staff. However, this is only the part that happens in front of Falcon Fever's cameras.

Behind the scenes are a crew of students that produce the show every week of the semester, and now that the show has become a class, Dr. Bruce Finklea is teaching those students how to construct a quality production. The students are using their skills to not only produce the show, but to also grab the content they need for the show in order to have a successful production. Not only have the students enjoyed taking this class, Dr. Finklea has enjoyed teaching it.

Dr. Bruce Finklea explaining his vision for the show

"The skill that they use to tell a story are transferable. In the real world, they have to be ready to interview the president one day, and maybe a homeless man on the street the next day. It has been a great opportunity for any Mass Comm student to gain some extra experience to go and package an event, or interview a coach or a player. So it has been a really good experience."


The skills students need to produce a show such as Falcon Fever takes much time and planning. Students have to practice and learn how to operate equipment, learn how to write stories, be able to capture footage, conduct an interview, and how to be professional on camera. The one thing special about this semester is Dr. Finklea has handpicked all of his students to take this class and produce this show. In other words, Dr. Finklea had his "Dream Team."

Graduating senior and Falcon Fever anchor Savannah Kidd has been working with the show for two years and she has learned much from Dr. Finklea about anchoring and producing. She, as well as the other students of the Falcon Fever crew, has received great experience from handling a weekly show.

Sloan and Savannah anchoring for the last time together

"From day one, anybody that comes into this department looking to better themselves and is looking to really figure out where they belong and what they want to do, Dr. Finklea will help you every single step of the way."

Falcon Fever has ended production for this semester, but if you would like to see past episodes, go the Montevallo For You YouTube channel. Also, you can follow Falcon Fever on Twitter, @UMFalconFever, and send the show a friend request on Facebook to get the latest news on Montevallo sports.

Under Pressure for Finals Week

By: John Engle

UM Senior, Nick Robinson, studies in the confides of home.

It's crunch time at the University of Montevallo and students pile into Carmichael Library to iron out the kinks for the Semester's end. For some, the comfort of their home is more suitable.

Every student has has a different method of preparation, one may stay up all night, while the other was finished a week prior. In the end, all students carry the same responsibility of tying up loose ends and finishing strong.

UM Students waiting in line for "freebies".

After tedious work a break is in order. Most students attended the Midnight Breakfast, many were lured by the promise of warm food, a live DJ set, and a free photography booth.

You were able to get a screen printed shirt done right in front you or dress up and have your picture captured on a "coozie" of your choosing.

The word "free" is a dangerous one when you are dealing with college students. We come in force and create an anaconda of lines, snaking throughout the perimeter of Anna Irvin Dining Hall. Hissing at the fact that finals are all week.

Faculty/Staff serve up warm food for hungry students.

With the immense amount of time spent on preparation the finality seems to pass in a flash. What was actually an entire semesters effort seems like a few weeks. And so goes the life of a college student.

If you put in the effort and become tenacious, you will soon see that it pays the reward of sweet rest and a chance to breath…at least for a moment. Until the next term…but we don't have to talk about that at the moment!

Is Your Car Ready For Summer Travel?

by: Haley Myers

Finals are underway and summer vacation is almost here… you know what that means? Road trip! But, is your car ready to take a long haul?

Checking oil level

Sometimes knowing how to take care of your car can be confusing and intimidating, and looking under your hood can bring an overwhelming sense of nausea if you don't understand what you're looking at.  Here's some good news: you don't have to know everything that goes on under there, but if you have basic knowledge of what your car needs, and needs often, it can save your bank account from depletion in the future.


First and foremost, if you don't change your oil, then you won't have an engine. Period. The oil in your car lubricates all the gears through your engine and prevents them from wearing down, and it also helps from it overheating, too.  It needs to be changed between every 3-5 thousand miles.

If you keep your tires set at the correct psi, it will help provide maximum gas mileage and also prevent flat tires.  If your air pressure is too low and you run over a pot hole…you may have to replace your tires, and that isn't cheap.

Checking tire pressure

If the air filter gets too dirty from all the gunk that flies through the grill of your car, it will prevent the combustion process in your engine, which helps provide maximum power.  Though it's an extremely simple thing to replace, if not replaced severe damage can happen to your engine.

As a rule of thumb, keep track of the work done on your car.  The better you're able to record what's fixed, replaced, or broken, the better your car will be, and will have a longer lifespan, too.

Physical Plant prepares for graduation

By Heather Buckner

Spring commencement has become an iconic moment in an undergraduate’s college career. So what does it take to make a day like that come together?

The Physical Plant works all year to ensure Flower Hill 
looks its best for graduation.

“The graduation, commencement, we view that as the most important time for a student in their experience with the campus,” said Billy Hughes, director of the Physical Plant. “Keeping that in mind, we keep the lawn manicured, fertilized, we treat for ants. We take steps all year long to make sure we are gearing for that one day.”

"There are a lot of different hands involved in graduation on my end, from the grounds to the carpenters to horticulture," he explained.

Each department plays a crucial role in preparation. The horticulture department, for example, brings all of the ferns and flowers for display onstage.

Location for spring commencement depends entirely on the weather. So what does the University do to prepare for rain?

Commencement will be held in the SAC if it rains.

“If there is a chance of rain or a chance of calling it off, we will have the Student Activity Center set up as well. It is the standby. It will be set up whether it is used or not,” said Hughes.

With Monday and Tuesday efforts likely thwarted by severe weather, the University Physical Plant has doubled efforts to make up for that lost time.

"I would say — the amount of hours we put in would be in to that — it would be in the hundreds, easily," Hughes said.

One thing is certain — whether spring commencement is held on Flower Hill or down the road at the SAC, the University is preparing to make May 3 perfect for its newest alumni.

The Birmingham Zoo Presents, 'Born to be Wild'

By: Kayla Hackett

 Summer is practically here, at what better place to spend it, than the Birmingham Zoo. With tons of events coming up, including 'Tails in the Trails', there is plenty of activities for the whole family.

'Trails of Africa', Birmingham Zoo

Their 'Trails of Africa' exhibit is quite the site, and is focused on animal conservation. The one of a kind elephant exhibit has put them on a nationally nominated scale for historic elephant conservation.

 As the elephants roam free, families of all ages can enjoy the exhibits from ground and aerial observation points, which provides education and entertainment for everyone. 

The 'Trails of Africa' contains more animals than just elephants, including the Red River Hogs, Rhinos, and many more. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience for all.

'Born to be Wild', Birmingham Zoo Campaign

On top of their new trails, they are also starting their new spring campaign called, "Born to be Wild", which features 7 of their new baby animals.

The animals include baby black bears, dwarf goats, a giraffe, an orangutang, and many more. To see the baby animals, you can check them out at the Birmingham Zoo's Website.

And for all of those thrill seekers out there, they have also added a 20ft high zip line, which soars across the treetops. To make a reservation for your ride today, click here. 

The Zoo is open daily from 9am-5pm, and have many events coming up, including their 'Tails in the Trails'. For a list of their events you can click here, and can also order tickets online. Don't miss out on the fun this summer!

Music Give Students Common Ground

By Devan Cooley

A Montevallo student performs

Last week the Montevallo Baptist Campus Ministry hosted "Common Ground," a night of music and coffee. The night featured a variety of local music artists playing anything from country music to Brittney Spears.

The BCM organizes Common Ground once every semester, and welcome anyone to attend or perform. The event is a great place to hear local talent from around the area's bustling music scene.

Students relax and enjoy the music

 Connor Weide, a musician and an organizer of the event, says the event's purpose was "For us to have an outreach event. We do a lot of in-reach, and thats key. We have to have fellowship with eachother... If someone loves music, we can unite with them and share the Gospel with them."

One of the fist groups performs

 The Montevallo BCM is a part of Baptist Collegiate Ministries, whose mission statement reads: "To lead college students and others in the academic community to faith in Jesus Christ, to develop them as disciples and leaders, and to connect them to the life and mission of the church."

UM Goes Green

It looks like Mother nature had other ideas for this years Earth Day Festival. The events were cancelled due to inclement weather.
Despite the rain, The University of Montevallo students still found ways to get involved with the improvement and preservation of our environment.

UM has teamed up with the recycling center of Montevallo to give students and staff the University the opportunity to help give back and better the Earth.  

Students painting the Recycling Center 

  The Recycling Center of Montevallo located of of Spring Creek road can't be missed. Its gorgeously painted murals can be seen from the road. The center accepts paper, plastic bottles, glass, aluminum cans, and even scrap metal and old textbooks. 

Haley Myers, a sophomore at the University of Montevallo, says that recycling is the key to restoring and preserving our environment. " Recycling should be something you enforce in your day to day life. We are so used to using something once and then be done with it." 

Earth Day Banner

For more information on what you can do to go green every day of the year visit the Recycling Center of Montevallo and the Environmental studies department. 

                                                                                                                                

          

Falcon Baseball Gets Broadcasted

By John Albea

Students and professors of Mass Communication
with the TV truck

Everyone is knows about Montevallo sports, but what everyone might not know is what goes on behind the scenes. Once a year, Kermit A. Johnson Field becomes surrounded by mysterious cables. This mess wires will lead you to students manning camera at the periphery of the field, and even further to a crowded truck behind the bleachers where the real magic happens.

The technological hullabaloo centers around the Mass Communication Department's seasonal Baseball online live stream. For the majority of the season, the games are shot by professionals, but for this once a year game, the game is produced by entirely by students. From cameramen, to directors, to play-by-play announcers, the whole show is run by students.

Kermit A. Johnson Field

Mass Comm professor Jerald Cofield says that these multi-camera Baseball sportscasts take about ten hours of preparation. Ordinarily, students of Mass Communication oversee the production of Basketball home game live streams in the Trustmark Arena, where a control room is more permanently set up.

The Mass Communication Department occasionally hosts other non-sports related online broadcasts, such as the Life Raft Debate. Whatever the setting is, there is an energy to these live productions, which is just one more thing that makes the Falcons as great as they are.

Dollar Bill named Co-Citizen of the Year

By: Kayla Guillot

Thousands know him as Dollar Bill on the radio. But, in the city of Montevallo he is Bill Lawson co-citizen of the year. He shares the award with his wife Mary Lawson. The catch is neither one of them knew they were receiving the award.

Dollar Bill goofing around at the radio station 

"She knew I was getting an award and I knew she was getting an award. But the joke was on us because we were both getting the same award for citizen of the year," said Bill Lawson.

Montevallo holds a special place in Lawson's heart for many reasons and his wife Marty is certainly one of them.

"The UPS delivery driver for Montevallo for years introduced me to the bank manager at the time. This was about 20 years ago and now right at 15 years later she's my wife. I owe the city of Montevallo the love of my life," said Lawson.

The same night Lawson received an additional award presented by the President of the University of Montevallo, John Stewart III. Along with being the Grand Marshall of the parade for several years he also volunteers at the university too.

Dollar Bill and Madison with Luke Bryan

"I do a lot of events at Montevallo whenever they need me. I just worked an event for the faculty picnic down at the lake and I know President Stewart really well also. So, they gave me an award that looks like a diploma from the university for helping out. I joked with my dad, who was in the audience, that I got a diploma that he didn't have to pay for," said Lawson.

Dollar Bill has been on the radio more years than he is willing to admit. His co-host on the morning show, Madison, has said he would help anyone in need without any hesitation. One thing is certain though. He didn't need the city of Montevallo but it is clear the city relies on him.

A Refuge to a Hurting World

by: Jordan Wales

Providence Elementary School

  On September 8, 2013, Pastor Jason Parks and a team of volunteers planted a non-denominational church in the heart of Madison County. Refuge Church was named after its purpose which is to be a refuge to a hurting world. Since its founding, it has been changing the lives and the opinions of the people it touches. The church is already starting to acquire a reputation for its excellent hospitality and how welcome visitors feel.

   As Parks explains, Refuge was made to be different from other churches, "We wanted to be a church that wasn't necessarily the coolest or the hippest, but we wanted to be a church that cared the most. There are great churches all over the state and all over the country and they're innovating in worship and they're innovating in technology. We wanted to innovate in the way we cared for people. And we want to care for people in the way that no other church has and that's really why we started Refuge Church."

Morning worship

  Morning worship takes place at 10:30 a.m. in Refuge's temporary home, the cafeteria of Providence Elementary School. Volunteers arrive early at 8 a.m. and start prepping the school for service. Cafeteria tables have to be rolled out and stored down the hall in order to move in all the gear to make the concrete walls feel more like home. Everything the church needs is stored in several large wooden carts which are then held in a trailer emblazoned with the orange and grey logo.

The carts get rolled out of the trailer, into the cafeteria, and then the group starts unpacking. Signs are hung, chairs are put out, and lemonade is made. A team over hospitality even makes sure that the little school bathrooms are decorated with curtains and accessories to take away that kindergarten feel. By ten, everything is complete and the group meets for prayer in what is now their sanctuary. Church members pass over every metal chair, praying for God to change the life of the people that may sit in them.

Praying over the chairs

  Refuge has big dreams and plans for the future. Parks envisions building a community center rather than a building for the church that would sit empty six days of the week. He wants to make it accessible to the public for whatever they may be facing in life. Parks hopes to have a social worker and counselors on staff to be able to truly care for people in Huntsville, AL. His goal is "to have a church that looks like the community."

  Member Vickie Wales joined Refuge shortly after it was planted and is a part of the hospitality team. For people visiting for the first time, Wales wants people to know that the heartbeat of the church is in its motto, "Everyone is welcome. Anything is possible."

  She explains how the common goal of helping others has pushed this church to new heights, "Because I know the caliber of the people that are in this building, they are broken and Christ has healed them, and we have such a drive to reach other people that are broken and struggling in life. Because if you are in that place in your life or if you do face it in your future, there's hope in Christ. And that is the direction of this church. To let everyone know, no matter what they're going through in life, no matter what they've done in their past, no matter what they come against in their future, Christ is hope."
  For more information about Refuge Church, it's purpose, and how to get involved, visit its Facebook or website, or simply show up Sunday morning at their address, 10 Chalkstone Street Huntsville,Al 35806.

Oak Mountain State Park Cycles Into Summer

by Max Greene

Summer is almost here, and with the free time and warmer weather that comes with it, students nationwide will be hitting the outdoors soon. Oak Mountain State Park is one such place people will be flocking to.

"Of course with spring, the attendance drastically rises," said David Johnson, park manager. "Plus, school will be letting out towards the end of this month, so it skyrockets this time of year."


In addition to the Xterra triathlon the park is planning this summer, they are also in the planning stages of completing the bike lanes on John Findlay Drive. Due to lack of funding, the stretch of road between the North Trailhead and the back entrance gate was the only part of John Findlay Drive that was not given bike lanes when they were initially constructed.

"That section back there is so popular, with all the curves going that are back there," said Johnson. "It just made sense to go on and finish it all out."

Oak Mountain will be completing all bike
lanes on John Findlay Drive.

The decision to complete the project seems a positive change among cyclists. "“I wish they’d repave the whole thing, because it is a little rough in places. But yeah, that would be nice.” said Lauren Wolfe, first time Oak Mountain cyclist.

With bike lanes among most areas of the park, cyclists get to have their own space. But it also a matter of safety, which is something that both the park and its visitors appreciate.


“It also helps us out with traffic accidents because now we have an extra shoulder on the road," said Johnson. "But all the bikers I’ve talked to are excited to see it come in.”

Running for Research

By: Jacob Bobst

The winners of the Men's 5K, Michael Marquardt
and his son, Will.

A sunny April day is the perfect day to get out there and run, and that's just what Montevallo students and faculty did during the Run for Research. The races, which have been held for the past nine years, raise money for undergraduate research. The money is used for things such as funding trips to conferences for them to present their research. There were two races, a 5K around campus, and a one mile walk around the Student Activity Center

The winner of the Women's 5K,
Cori Clark

 The races are known for people dressing in creative costumes, and this year was no different, with a hot dog and a construction worker participating. But the real stand out character was the winner of the Men's 5K, a one year old whose father pushed his stroller  past the finish line for the first place win. Young Will Marquardt, son of former track and field coach Michael Marquardt, made his first race win in his sleep, napping his way to victory.

Dr. Noerager noted that this Run for Research
reached an all time high for participation by
processed meats.

The winner of the Women's 5K was Cori Clark, holding onto her crown from last year. The winners of the mile walk were John Tidwell, and Coach Marquardt's daughter, Elise.
About fifty people participated in the Run for Research, and they raised almost four hundred dollars for undergraduate research. Next year, they're considering moving the competition to Fall to avoid conflict with other campus activities.

That Ol' Head Ball Coach

By: Danny Cummins

Those of us who consider him family refer to him as "that ol' head ball coach." To most other he's Jake Headrick. Coach Jake has been a very important person in my life and I consider his presence a blessing. When I was 18 years old he gave me an opportunity to play for one of the most glorified junior college basketball programs of all time, Chipola Colleg,  he even gave me a full scholarship. Coach Jake always told me that I reminded him of himself and I HATED that until I grew a little older and more mature. Coach Jake played ball at Montevallo when he was in college and he got me a scholarship to play here too. Its makes me very happy to see him so successful, and it is cool that he is right down the road at Samford because we have been able to spend some time together now that I am grown and do not play for him anymore. Coach Jake used to get pissed off at me on a regular basis and snap on me in his office (I must say I deserved it-- quite the knucklehead I was). 

Me huddling over Coach Jake during time out at Chipola

He comes from a great family. His family owns Green Top BBQ in Dora, Alabama which is one of the most famous BBQ spots in the state. His father is a strong Christian who wrote a book about how The Good Lord helped him through his struggles with drug addiction. His mother is just a sweet, down-south woman who always gave me the look like I was her own son. He met his wife, Tommye Headrick, at the University of Montevallo, she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority. 

Coacher is a great example of what can happen is you chase your dreams and he inspires me to do the same!

Upcoming Grads Celebrate the End of the Year with Popsicles and Chicken

By: Mandy Steadman

On Tuesday April 22, 2014 the University of Montevallo Alumni Association hosted Senior Day in Reynolds Hall. During Senior Day, upcoming May and August graduates were able to hangout and enjoy some free UM memorabilia. 

Zaxbys Chicken Box

Those who attended had to donate two dollars to the Annual Fund in order to receive a free UM alum t-shirt, Zaxbys Chicken and a Popsicle from Steel City Pops. The Director of Annual Giving, William Crawford, said the two dollars each student donated will go towards upcoming campus events and celebrations. Plus, this allows the university to stay in contact with their alums.

"So we can stay connected to them once they graduate so we can keep them up to date on current events once they leave campus," said Crawford. 

Reynolds Hall was packed with Seniors during this event. Unfortunately, the chicken was about an hour late arriving which left a lot of seniors hungry and anxious. When the chicken did arrive, the line for the food circled around almost half of the room. 

Senior Day in front of Reynolds Hall

What about the December graduates? Don't worry, Crawford said the December grads will have a chance to enjoy their own Senior Day with t-shirts and food as well later in the Fall semester.

For more information on next semester's Senior Day, contact Crawford in the University Advancement Office. 

A Puzzling event on Montevallo's Campus

There was a whole lot of head scratching happening on the University of Montevallo campus April 3rd; thankfully it wasn't due to bad shampoo. The cause was an event held by the Games Studies and Design students in the basement of Carmichael Library. Teams turned to compete in solving puzzles. This wasn't just any old Rubik's cube or crossword puzzle, these were dealing with anagrams, cyphers, and geometric puzzles.

Remember there is no spoon.

Competitors would solve one puzzle then get sent somewhere else on campus to continue the process. There was an air of hushed excitement in the library with teams huddled over tables as they tried to mind-bend their way through the challenges.

Once a team had solved enough puzzles, the eventually ended up in Hill House where the final gauntlet of hurdles awaited. The event lasted four hours and for some, it proved to much, as teams gave up and waited to learn who won.

For some reason no one ever wants King House.

 The team known as "Kamen Rider"
 took the prize for the night by conquering every puzzle available at the event. They all walked away with a copy of Vallo Opoly the Monopoly game themed after the university. It was an exiting moment as the team all burst out into celebratory poses and cheers.

For those that did stick around the night was made all the more enjoyable by the sharing of a large cake modeled after the Puzzle Party poster that featured a shark jumping out of a nuclear explosion with a Rubik's cube in it's mouth. It was a deliciously avant garde bonus to top off the night. Next year there may not be a Puzzle Party exactly, but the GSD students will definitely have something in the works for students to participate in.

Baking the shark is much better than jumping it.

The Falcon Is Back In Montevallo Falcons

By Amos Hollinhead

The Falcon is back, as in Freddie the Falcon is back! The University of Montevallo's favorite falcon has made this school year special. He has bought back the spirit the university has been missing for awhile. Ever since he returned through the doors back in October, Freddie has been cheering for Montevallo nonstop.

When he is at athletic games, Freddie's charm and charisma shines as he interacts with students, faculty, and fans. Whether he is dancing with the cheerleaders or photo-bombing fans taking pictures, Freddie's spirit is contagious, which makes him truly special. Mascot handler Chris Smith's says Freddie impact has been big.

Freddie video-bombing Chris Smith

"I think he's had a very good impact. We've had a lot of support from fans coming out. Freddie's done some t-shirt giveaways and there's been some games going on. We've had a lot of interaction with the fans at particular sporting events and we've been to several different events with basketball, baseball, and tennis. So there quite a few things out there."


Freddie's big beak, wings, and feet, is matched by his big heart, energy, and spirit. Now that he is back, he is leading the way for the University of Montevallo, as he encourages all falcons to keep flying and cheering. Now that the semester is almost over, everyone on campus is looking forward to a nice summer break. That is not the case for Freddie. Chris Smith says he is already looking forward to next year.

"We'd really like to get some involvement with the town of Montevallo and the entire alumni association group locally. We're looking to spread our wings and do some different things with Freddie here on campus."

Freddie asking you to follow him

If you would like to give Freddie the Falcon a shout-out or if you want to see where he is flying to next, you can follow him on Facebook at UM Freddie Falcon and on Twitter, @UMFreddieFalcon.

Tiki Night!

by: Haley Myers

The housing staffs of Napier, Lund and Tutwiler combined their creative minds and talents together to host Tiki Night.

Each month, the housing staffs in the different residence halls host events for their residents.  They have four categories: developmental, community service, community building, and diversity. This event is developmental, says Laura Poythress, the R.A. on the Phi Mu hall in Tutwiler.

R.A.'s dressed up for Tiki Night

"We wanted to teach people of Montevallo about Hawaiian culture, so that’s what this is about, actually, and we joined forces with two other housing staffs to make this a big event.”

Costume contest winners

Not only was there delicious food, which consisted of hamburgers and hotdogs, fresh cut fruit and some punch, but there was even a contest for the best costume (if you were brave enough to dress up in a grass skirt.)





The event was a success, and the students were able to relax and unwind before they kick it into high gear for finals week coming up.

Events like these are held throughout the year in the residence halls, so keep your eyes open to flyers and banners in your residence hall, and Facebook posts from your R.A.'s.

UM Alum Discusses His Journey and Experiences with MC Students

By: Mandy Steadman

The UM Mass Communications Department hosted a visit from the Alabama Press Association (APA) on Thursday April 17, 2014. The group consists of editors and publishers from magazines and newspapers all across the state. Three of the members are UM alums. One of the alums is Justin Averette, the President of the APA. 

Justin Averette talking to MC class

"I majored Mass Communications Journalism and English. I did double major. I edited the Alabamian for 3 years while I was here, I think that’s a record. And I would advise nobody to ever do that again," said Averette.

During Averette's visit, he spoke to Professor Susan Thompson's Freelance Writing Fundamentals class about what to look for when writing for online media. He also gave a few examples of some writers to take inspiration from. One of these writers he mentioned was Rick Briggs from the New York Times.


Averette graduated 9 years ago. He said he was excited to get back to his roots and to share his experiences with the MC 456 class. He said he was also excited to see the growth and changes that the university has gone through since his time at UM. 

For more information on the APA please visit their website.

Dodgeball in the Dark

by: Jordan Wales

Courtesy: Emilee Richards

 Delta Gamma held its first blacklight dodgeball tournament in Myrick gym, proving that you can play dodgeball in the dark, provided you add a little neon face paint and florescent lighting. The event was open to the entire campus and, provided you could find players, anyone could make a team to play.
Several Montevallo sports teams participated, including the Men's Cross-Country team and the Women's Soccer and Volleyball teams. Other teams were formed and comprised of more university athletes who played under the aliases the "Purple Cobras", "Thirsty Falcons", and "Tye-Dye".
 The turnout was good as the women had been selling tickets for several weeks before the event. If you bought your ticket before you got there, it was discounted and only cost a dollar. At the door, tickets were three dollars. You also had the opportunity to join in on the fun by getting your face painted with neon paint, or by purchasing glow sticks to adorn yourself in.

Courtesy: Emilee Richards

 Dee Gee set up women around the court to retrieve balls and protect the blacklights and disco balls from stray throws. This task proved more difficult than it appeared, as the men and women got competitive as the event continued. Players' throws became more like rockets and the dodgeballs turned into meteors. One light set actually did bust after a male player launched a ball towards the back of Myrick. However, the environment was positive and fun as a DJ played dubstep mixes during each match to keep the party and energy going. Jalen Thompson, a member of Fiji, gave a little advice to DG for next year. "They need to protect the lights. So I think if...I don't know if you could build something and have something like right there or just something to protect the lights because I heard they were very expensive," Thompson said.

Courtesy: Emilee Richards

  Hannah Bell played for the Panhellenic team and mentioned this was her first time playing the sport as an adult. "This definitely was my first experience playing dodgeball outside of like elementary school P.E. I actually didn't play, I was an alternate thankfully, but my team I think did...We had fun. My team had a lot of fun," Bell said. Like many others, Bell's Panhellenic team lost early in the tournament. Each round was only one game and that one game determined whether you moved on to play the winners from another bracket. At the end of the night, the Women's Soccer team and the "Purple Cobras" took home the overall victory. All proceeds from the event went to Delta Gamma's philanthropy, Service for Sight.

Montevallo Embraces Local Artists

By: Kayla Hackett

                               

Montevallo hosted its 8th Annual Arts Festival this past Saturday, April 12th.  The festival featured over 50 talented artists, and had a wide variety of art for sale. Many of the artists were all local, and even a few from the University.

Orr Park, Montevallo AL

The Festival brought the community together, and gave local artists the chance to share their work, and make a few dollars.

The beautiful day was spent enjoying live music, fun activities for the kids, and of course, amazing art. There was everything from paintings, to word works, and even golf balls with faces hand carved into them!

All of the artists set up their work throughout the park under tents, and some were even putting on demonstrations for the crowd. Thanks to all of the sponsors, the Festival was a success.

Blue Phrog Gallery, Montevallo AL

 One of the local sponsors, the Blue Phrog Gallery,
features several of the artists in their gallery that were in the Festival. They support local, and outside artists by selling their art work free of charge in their gallery.

The gallery is located on Main Street Montevallo, and is a great place to see the talented works of Montevallo's art community. The owners Phil and Suzanne Hurst wanted to open a gallery to raise Art Awareness, and show people that art is the 'spirit' of the Vallo.

They allow any artist, that they feel suits the atmosphere, to display and sell their paintings in the gallery. They have had University students, and even high-school students sell artwork and make a profit.

The 'Blue Phrog' is a beautiful sight, and they're open Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am till 4pm. The gallery also sponsors Montevallo's art events, and plans to create new events in the near future.

Calera-Troy Criswell’s watercolor and oil paintings and Becky Bolton Criswell’s pottery; Helena-Michael Johnson’s jewelry; Birmingham-Jennifer Harwell’s acrylic paintings - See more at: http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2012/09/17/blue-phrog-gallery-expands-its-business/#sthash.qcPlBlb5.dpuf

Calera-Troy Criswell’s watercolor and oil paintings and Becky Bolton Criswell’s pottery; Helena-Michael Johnson’s jewelry; Birmingham-Jennifer Harwell’s acrylic paintings - See more at: http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2012/09/17/blue-phrog-gallery-expands-its-business/#sthash.qcPlBlb5.dpuf

Calera-Troy Criswell’s watercolor and oil paintings and Becky Bolton Criswell’s pottery; Helena-Michael Johnson’s jewelry; Birmingham-Jennifer Harwell’s acrylic paintings - See more at: http://www.shelbycountyreporter.com/2012/09/17/blue-phrog-gallery-expands-its-business/#sthash.qcPlBlb5.dpuf