Fresh after the darkest day in our nation's recent history, Montevallo and the rest of the nation are facing a time of uncertainty and fear. In need of a means to unite and heal as a community, Montevallo received just that. A place to gather and call home.
Michael and Cheryl Patton are the proud owners of one of Montevallo's most popular establishments. Eclipse offers milkshakes, cocktails, live music, a bookstore, and a wide range of food.
Flash forward to 2015 and Eclipse's 14th Birthday was one to remember. Having survived and flourished through fourteen years of business, Eclipse Coffee and Books only continues to sour. Every year the popularity grows and it does not seem to be slowing down, much to the Patton's liking.
When you hear the word "swamp", you imagine slimy green water, foggy atmosphere and spooky folklore, but it is actually a beautiful, peaceful environment to visit as well as an educational gold mine for biologists and students to observe and learn about.
Ebenezer Swamp- Montevallo, AL
Located about six miles from the University of Montevallo, lies Ebenezer Swamp.It is a comforting sanctuary to almost an endless amount of diverse plant and animal species.
The North American beaver is not only found in these swamps, or wetlands, but are helpful to a swamp's health. Beavers spend the majority of their time collecting sticks and mud to create dams;
which prevent water from flowing and allowing bodies such as swamps to flourish.This forms a still climate for nutrients, minerals, bacteria and fungi to collect and grow into a rich wetlands.
Boardwalk in Ebenezer Swamp
Other animals such as turkeys, opossums, raccoon and a variety of bird, snake and insect species share this dense and quiet ecosystem.
Ebenezer Swamp is a healthy, nutrient-enriched home for many plants including a rare Eared-Coneflower, Red Maple, Tulip Tree, Sweet Bay, Loblolly Pine, Sycamore and dominantly the Tupelo Gum Tree.
Dragonfly scrap metal sculpture in Ebenezer Swamp
The swamp has been here for over 10,000 years, and is kept trash free and thriving by clean up crews in Montevallo?
I have made it my goal to make swamps such as Ebenezer a miraculous and interesting place and put an end to its cinematic reputation of being scary and intimidating.
To learn more about Montevallo's own Ebenezer Swamp Click Here
To learn more about swamps/wetlands in general Click Here
Everyone has that one place they go to, to get away from the stresses of everyday life. It may be a restaurant, a friends house, the gym, or even the comforts of your own room. The point is to find a place that just lets you escape.
A place that is growing in popularity is the University Lake. Located just a short drive from the school, students are finding the lake gives a certain calming feeling when dealing with the stress of school.
Many are coming up to find a nice spot to read a book and study, gather friends to eat on the picnic tables or go on the Fit Trail. But the newest thing students are enjoying is renting out kayaks and canoes.
Students, along with faculty and staff, are able to rent out these kayaks for free as long as they have their ID cards. Many students didn't know you were able to rent out the kayaks, " I had no idea you could rent out a kayak and take it out on these beautiful waters." said student Austin Crafton.
The kayaks are available to rent; Mondays during the hours of one and five, Tuesdays during the hours of one and 4, and Wednesdays between the hours of one and five.
Story By: Courtney Boyd Every fall the Purple and Gold sides come together and have the College Night mixer at the Student Activities Center. The mixer is an event for new students to explore the two sides and sign up for college night activities. The activities range from hair and make up for the show to sporting events such as basketball and volleyball. During the mixer, the two sides do their separate chants and circle up while singing their side songs. Both sides have a male and female leader. The leaders give speeches about how proud they are of their side and how much they love them. The leaders of Purple side are Hannah Stephens and James Powers. The Gold side leaders are Michael Cleary and Natalie Bonifay. The leaders help their side throughout the hectic months of January and February. Purple side is changing things up. They have started their purple recruiting earlier than normal this year. Along with this, Purple side has also changed up their side song. They have slowed down a part of it, so the words can be heard easier and understood better. January and February are the main months of College Night festivities, however Purple side embraces College Night love and energy year round. The Purple and Gold sides are more than just a portion of the Homecoming tradition at Montevallo. The two sides create new memories and everlasting friendships every year during the College Night season.
