Mirror - Vol. 31, No. 15 - January 26, 2006

              WEEK OF JANUARY 26,2005
Vol. 31, Iss. 15-20 pages
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Sour Grapes Students anxious for reopening of popular beach bar closed for
renovations; rumors of health violations dispelled
BY KELLY SHEEHAN
When Kristen Peirano '06
heard rumors that the popular
Fairfield beach bar, the Seagrape,
was closed until its owners could
get rid of a mold problem, she
was less than happy.
"The Seagrape is a huge
part of seniors' social lives," she
said. "When I heard that, I im-mediately
thought of the worst.
I imagined that the bar would be
closed until we graduated and
we'd miss out on a big part of
our senior year."
But the Fairfield Department
of Health said they have not
closed down the bar for health
code violations.
"But I haven't heard of any
of these things," said Director
of Health Arthur Leffert. "The
Seagrape is undergoing their own
renovations and upgrades and
opted to do them at this time for
their own reasons."
The owners of the Seagrape
declined to comment about the
bar's temporary closing but said
that they expect the bar to be re-opened
by this weekend or next.
First Selectman Kenneth
Flatto said although he is un-aware
of the Seagrape's situation,
the Department of Health cannot
force a private business to close
due to mold.
"Any closing would totally
be up to the property owner," he
said. "Active mold is due to leaks
and water damage, so my guess
is the building truly needs repairs
to be able to operate safely for
the future."
Flatto said that many of
Fairfield's schools have had se-rious
mold problems. McKinley
Elementary School was torn
down and rebuilt after dozens
of children and teachers became
sick from mold.
"But that was a truly un-usual,
extreme situation," Flatto
said. "The Board of Education
SEE "GRAPE" ON P.6
Mirror file photo
Gate closed: The Seagrape, a bar on Fairfield Beach popular with
many Fairfield students, hasn't opened its doors since students left for
winter break.
HIGH TIDE FOR THE "RED SEA"?
Mirror file photo
Let's go Stags!: During the 2002-2003 basketball season, Fairfield students poured into the Arena at Harbor
Yard to show their support (above). Now, a group of students is trying to revive Fairfield spirit with the "Stags
in the Stands" club. For more on these superfans and their quest for the return of the "Red Sea" see p. 19.
Alcohol 101 attendance on the rise
BY ALEXANDRA WILSON
You attend a party at the townhouses, play too
much beirut and end up being written up by your RA
for the third time this month. Now you are sitting in
Alcohol 101, one of two rehabilitation classes that the
Office of Student Conduct requires students to take
when they are issued alcohol and drug violations.
"I have to take Alcohol 101," said Robert Gulati
'06. "But I don't think the class will affect my drink-ing
habits because it's only an hour class and that's
not going to make me stop partying. That's the reason
we come to school."
More students are showing up at Alcohol 101 and
202 because they are establishing drinking patterns at
an earlier age, according to Director of Wellness and
Prevention Jeanne DiMuzio.
"Students drink to get drunk more now then
ever," she said. "It's not just about getting together
with friends and having a couple beers. It's about
'how fast I can get drunk?' which is a very danger-ous
practice."
SEE "STUDENTS" ON P.4
Students to FUSA:
Spring forward with
spring concert prep
BY JESSICA MITCHELL
It is said that April showers
bring May flowers, but most
Fairfield students are simply
hoping for a great spring act
from FUSA.
Concrete plans for the
spring concert have not yet been
made and FUSA has not re-leased
any specific band names
they have in mind.
"We are looking into great
programming options to pro-vide
students with, and that
process is currently underway,"
said FUSA President Jessica
DiBuono '06.
According to DiBuono,
FUSA explores a variety of
different options but ultimately
looks for "a well-known, col-lege
rock band" that is fun to
listen to. They also consider
comedians.
"We look all over the spec-trum
in order to fit the tight
spring schedule," said DiBuono,
who recognized Dane Cook
and Dave Chapelle as two of
the most successful shows in
recent years.
FUSA received extremely
positive feedback regarding
"The Roots" concert last spring,
DiBuono told The Mirror in
May.
DiBuono also said that
judging from the number of
student tickets sold, Guster was
a "huge success." At least 2,000
people attended the sold-out fall
SEE "FUSA" ON P.6
irror file photo