Welcome to Uniontown

by Charmella Williams

Arrowhead Landfill map

In 2009, the Tennessee Valley Company began shipping coal ash to the Arrowhead Landfill in Uniontown, AL. Despite protests from the citizens and never-ending complaints, the landfill continues to be filled with waste from 33 states.

Not far from the center of town, the landfill quite literally sits in the residents' backyards. Since its arrival, residents have complained of rising health problems including respiratory issues and headaches.

According to Physicians for Social Responsibility, prolonged exposure to coal ash and the hazardous chemicals may lead to serious health defects such as heart damage, lung disease, reproductive problems, and even impaired bone growth in children.

Esther Calhoun, president of activist group Black Belt Citizens Fighting for Health and Justice, argues that this attack on human rights is occurring mainly because the majority of Uniontown is black and poor.

Black Belt Citizens

Adam Johnston, another activist who works closely with Calhoun, states "It is a story of an
overburdened town with a racist state government that is not doing their job to protect the people that they are sworn in office to protect."

To learn more about the Black Belt Citizens' ongoing fight for justice, or to get involved, visit their Facebook page.

Montevallo Casino

By: Jordan Ashley Fore

Savannah Humphryes playing a hand of poker.

There is stress in the air now that this semester is coming to an end. Finals leave students mentally exhausted and physically stir crazy.

Tuesday, November 29th, 2016, students could take a couple hours after dinner to break from preparing for finals by gambling.

The theme of the event is Casino Night which can only mean Vegas styled games, such as: Poker, Black Jack, and slot machines along with several more.

Donnie Bennett
UPC Coordinator

A few years ago the University of Montevallo's UPC saw there was a need to break up study hours. Thus, Casino Night was born.

Casino Night has been making an annual appearance ever since.

Students of all classifications enjoy this event whether seniors or freshman like Savannah Humphryes.

UPC Coordinator, Donnie Bennett, excitedly encourages everyone to join UPC. For more information on The University of Montevallo's UPC, click here!

UM Hosts Annual Midnight Breakfast

By John Wilson 

The university of Montevallo’s SGA hosted its annual Midnight breakfast. This event gives students a chance to kick back and take a break from the monotony of studying.

 This year, the event was on December 4 and began at its usual time of 10:00 p.m. Students spent the next two hours enjoying food, music, dancing and free prizes while enjoying each other’s company.

“I really look forward to this event every semester. I get so caught up in studying that I sometimes forget I need a break as well…” said Junior Alexus Turner.

Midnight breakfast offered gifts to students such as printed bags, customizable snapback hats and “Montevallo” cellphone stands, along with the chance to win several door prizes. These served as great souvenirs for students to keep for a lifetime.

For more information on upcoming SGA events, be sure to follow the SGA Facebook page.

Four Generations of Fashion

By: Hope Finley

It all started with a $1,000 loan, some sample dresses and a woman with a dream. 52 years ago Dulcie Roberts started The Clothes Tree in Center point, Alabama, as a boutique for women.

Mother Daughter Duo Deborah and Tori

Specializing in sportswear and work attire, Dulcie didn’t know then, her small entrepreneurship would turn into a family business that would be passed down through four generations.

Deborah Wiggins is the current owner of The Clothes Tree by Deborah and is the granddaughter of Dulcie Roberts. Her daughter, and Dulcie’s great granddaughter, Tori Chappell, is the co-owner.

Deborah grew up in the store. “When I was 12, I started serving customers, and then I started going to market with her and buying when I was 14.  I’ve been doing it all my life, and I just love it.”

The Clothes Tree by Deborah remains true to their beginnings and carries women’s sportswear and work attire, but has expanded and now specializes in prom, pageant and formal wear.

Tori, Ruth, Deborah, Mandy and Chloe

A proud sponsor of the Miss America and Miss USA pageants, The Clothes Tree dresses Miss Alabama, Miss Alabama USA and Miss Alabama Teen USA among many other title holders.

With over 7,000 square feet customers are sure to find an outfit and accessories that will make them the belle of the ball.

Carrying designers like Sherri Hill, Jovani and Tony Bowls for prom and pageant, Cameron Blake, Mon Cheri and Daymor for Mother of the Bridal Party, and brands such as Michael Starrs, Drew, Joseph Ribcoff and many others in sportswear.

The Clothes Tree by Deborah is located at 2880 Old Rocky Ridge Road in Vestavia Hills. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To book an after-hours appointment, call Deborah at (205) 337-4515 or Tori at (205) 337-4341. For more information, visit their website at theclothestreebydeborah.com. You can also check out their Facebook and Instagram.

Main Street Shops Prep for the Holidays

By Danielle Stallworth

A Christmas-themed spread at Lucky Penny Boutique.

It's holiday season in Montevallo once again. No matter rain or shine, the various stores and businesses of Main Street can be counted on to whip out the Christmas decorations and make any patron feel like they're walking in a Winter Wonderland.

Lucky Penny is one of three new boutiques to open on Main this fall. This store, with its lit up windows and snowy tree, is the perfect stop for stocking stuffers like candles and jewelry.

Just across the street is Falcon Art Supply, the hub of all things art in downtown Montevallo. The store manager, Becky Cox-Rodgers, explained that the store will be hosting a holiday party where attendees can win door prizes and test out art supplies.

"We have our Holiday Blast Sale on right now,"

Smitherman's stocks a variety of tree ornaments.

Rodgers said. "Canvases are buy one, get one fifty percent off, and we also have considerable savings on colored pencils, markers, and coloring books."

Smitherman's Pharmacy, a popular spot for students and locals alike to shop for their various needs, has a variety of holiday decorations and personalized gifts.

For more information about Main Street shops and their holiday plans, click here to like Montevallo Main Street on Facebook.

Final Exam Blues

Story by: Brianna Rose

Carmichael Library Exam Week Events

Here at the University of Montevallo, students of all classifications are preparing for the same thing...final exams.

Despite the long and stressful week, students, as well as helpful websites, have great advice for students to help them get through such a hectic week.

Some students alleviate stress by the comical final exam memes posted on social media websites. Other students pack the Carmichael Library and cram as much and as fast as possible.

The Carmichael Library has extended their operating hours for finals week. Tuesday and Wednesday the library will operate from 7:30 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. the next morning. Thursday and Friday the library will resume its regular operating hours.

For helpful final exam tips, click here, and for more information about the Carmichael Library, just visit their Facebook page.

Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra performs at Riverchase Galleria

By Courtney Soumeillan
  
On Sunday, December 4th, a crowd began to gather in the food court of a local shopping mall as the sounds of Christmas music filled the air.

Dr. Blake Richardson leads holiday concert

Dr. Blake Richardson and his group of young musicians ranging in age from 13 to 22, entertained shoppers at the Riverchase Galleria with their delightful renditions of classic holiday songs.

Richardson has been the music director for the Alabama Symphony Youth Orchestra for three years now, and this annual holiday concert is something he looks forward to every year.

Although Richardson says some of his students have been with him since the beginning, quite a few of them are newcomers.

Students performing classic holiday songs 

"Believe it or not, this was on one rehearsal that they did this," Richardson said. "And the rest of they year (they) were playing standard, more involved symphonic works like you would hear the Alabama Symphony play."

Richardson says the symphony is always looking for new, talented young musicians.

"We would love to have you at any of our concerts," he said. "If you're a young musician interested in finding a group to play with, we would love to have you come and audition to join us. The more, the merrier."

UM Reinstates Men's Tennis Program

Story by Wyatt Hall

University of Montevallo recently added
its nineteenth intercollegiate sport after
reinstating the Men’s Tennis Program.
The program began initially in 1959
but was discontinued after twenty one years
of history, in 1980. The program won three
championships in 1964, 1966 and 1970
going undefeated in 1966.

After thirty six years in hibernation UM President John W. Stewart III announced
the program's reinstatement and introduced Adam Albertsen as the next Coach. Albersten
is the current Women’s Tennis Head Coach.

 “This is very exciting. We had great history
in this sport and now we get
another opportunity” says Albersten. Reinstatement of the program was in the
works since Albersten was hired two and a half years ago. “My first day on campus President Stewart mentioned to me about bringing
back the men’s program one day.” 

Despite challenges Albertsen will face he is
excited for the opportunity. “It’s twice the
recruiting and scheduling but I’m looking forward
to it.” Montevallo received a recent upgrade in the
current tennis facilities just in time for the Men’s
program. Recruiting is now in full force for the
                                                      new program to start in 2018.

University of Montevallo President Attends SGA Town Hall Meeting

By John Wilson

Last week, students, members of SGA along with the president of the University of Montevallo met in Farmer Hall for the semester’s second and last town hall meeting. The meeting brought in almost twenty Montevallo students and a President that was ready to hear their concerns.

Briefing students with his “State of the School” address, Dr. John Stewart III went over the current status of the university as far as its ranking among other college campuses along with a few of the future plans the university hopes to put into action.

Dr. Stewart spent over an hour presenting ideas and proposals on a variety of topics ranging from possible additions to residence halls, weekend extracurricular activities for students and additions to the school curriculum.

Students expressed concerns about not having a wider range of living options, especially student athletes attending school at Montevallo. 

Many students felt pressured into living on campus in order to receive scholarships, which to some, is more expensive than living on campus.

 “I feel like if you’re going to make us stay on campus, you should at least give us a scholarship large enough to cover housing and tuition,” said April Lee.

Other items discussed at the meeting options for more afterschool activities, specifically on the weekends and the school’s partnership with “Be the Match” which is a national bone marrow registry. The organization will host a campus drive in January. For more information on “Be the Match”, click here.

Chili for Sale!

By Charmella Williams

English student prepares chili mac

From November 14 to November 17, Sigma Tau Delta, UM's English Honor Society, hosted a chili
and book sale on the bottom floor of Comer Hall. All profits from the sale went toward funding a trip to an international convention in Kentucky next March.

From 10:30 to 1:00 PM each day, the English department offered students a variety of different tastes, including vegan chili, chili mac (which included macaroni noodles), turkey chili with beans, and chili without beans. Students could also purchase soft drinks for $0.50 and books for $1-$2.

Lunch is served!

The ever popular vegan chili was an important inclusion to the menu. Senior Ali Jenkins says it's
important to Sigma Tau Delta that everyone be able to partake in their sale, and that someone's diet restrictions shouldn't prevent them from enjoying a nice hot cup of homemade chili.

STD is an honor society with over 800 active chapters nationwide. To learn more about our own affiliation, click here.

Montevallo Residents Share Their Blessings

Story by Courtney Soumeillan 
  The holidays are a time for being thankful and for thinking of others, and two Montevallo residents have found a way to do just that.

Brian Gandy demonstrates how the Blessing Box is used

While scrolling through Facebook, Brian Gandy's wife found an interesting idea: a "Blessing Box".

The idea is for those who are willing and able to donate, to leave food and other items in a specified location so that those in need can help themselves to at anytime.

Gandy immediately got to work setting up his own Blessing Box next to his produce stand right off Highway 25, and the community responded immediately.

"Once it starts getting empty," Gandy says,"People come here, whether I'm here or not, and fill it right back up."

Vincent Davis poses next to his Blessing Box

Gandy's idea even inspired six-year-old Vincent Davis to put up his own Blessing Box outside of his grandmother's salon. He's been excited to help those who need it.

"Yeah, a lot of people like this," Vincent said.

Ultimately, everyone seems genuinely happy that the town of Montevallo has come together to help one another.

"The idea is that if we're all standing together doing what we should be doing," Gandy said, "We can uplift the people in our community."

Brian Gandy's Blessing Box is located next to the Suds-R-Us laundromat  at 4449 Highway 25, and
Vincent Davis' Blessing Box is located at 4670 Highway 25 in front of Mitchell's Beauty Salon and Barber  Shop.

Prom with a Twist

Story by: Brianna Rose

Tacky Prom flyer

University of Montevallo's Panhellenic Council gave students a second chance at fulfilling a high school dream on Tuesday night. Panhellenic sponsored Tacky Prom, which was an event that was a part of their philanthropy.

Tickets were sold the day of in the cafeteria for $3 and were $5 at the door. All proceeds benefited the Circle of Sisterhood.

Senior Elementary Education major, Amanda Swift, said, "Sorority women across the country raise money to send girls from third world countries to school. Circle of Sisterhood built schools in third world countries and we pay for these girls to go to school for an entire year."

The night kicked off with lots of laughter, picture taking, and dancing. Students made their way

Circle of Sisterhood website

through the crowd to cast their votes for Prom King and Prom Queen.

At the end of the night, students gathered around to cheer for Kyle Parker and Cameron Stewart,
Tacky Prom King and Queen winners.

Click here for more information about the Panhellenic Council, and click here for more information about the Circle of Sisterhood.