Peace, love, rock and profit

Walking through the Batten Center on the afternoon of Sept. 17 people could hear an audio event taking place. The building was filled with rock music as the Student Environmental Awareness League, also known as S.E.A.L., hosted a benefit concert that featured the bands Steady Silence and No Talent Show.

Junior Tim Hahn said, “I love live shows and that’s why I came.”

“I liked the bands. No Talent Show has played for us before. I love those guys,” said junior Sheena Hill.

The purpose of the concert was to raise over $25 which is needed to save a half an acre of Amazon rain forest in Brazil. Through donations, chips, cookie and drink sales, S.E.A.L managed to raise $15.

In addition to the music, there was a hippie contest, a cake, Mardi Gras beads, No Talent Show stickers and CDs.

Junior Michelle Rowe applauded the bands for their support.

“The bands were enthusiastic about S.E.A.L.’s attempt to help save the rain forest,” she said. This enthusiasm Rowe mentions was heard loud and clear.

“Supporting the Student Environmental League is a valuable time-worthy commitment,” and Rowe. “More students and staff could see the benefit of supporting a club like this.”

The event was a good start to this year for the service club members, who hope to gain a bigger reputation on campus and host more fund raising events. They consist of a small group of students, mostly females, who are also active in other clubs.

In addition to saving acreage in the rain forest the group has planned a waterway cleanup of Lake Smith on Nov. 6 and plans to invite members of Christopher Newport University’s ecology club.

Also wanting to get on board with S.E.A.L.’s campus-wide objective of recycling is the First Year Leadership Council. Some of the blue bins have already been relocated, and the ongoing process of collecting the recyclable has begun.

Dr. Maynard Schaus of the biology department has helped the club make a website. It contains all the information about meeting times, upcoming events, officers and interesting environmental links.

S.E.A.L. president, junior April Gallagher, was very pleased with her club’s first fund-raising attempt of the year.

“I really enjoyed the benefit concert and would like for S.E.A.L. to put on similar events in the future,” she said.

No Talent Show plays many local venues and enjoyed its second engagement playing for a Wesleyan audience. The concert was Steady Silence’s first on campus.

Bead-clad students, band members and anyone walking past the Grille area ended the fund- raiser with smiles and a piece of cake.