Council to Celebrate World AIDS Day 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007 is World AIDS Day. Join the greater Glens Falls Community and local volunteers from the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York with support from the HIV/AIDS Coalition of the Saratoga Region for a World AIDS Day Memorial.
The memorial program will begin at 3:00 pm at the Bandstand in Glens Falls City Park. Mayor Le Roy B. Akins, Jr. will read the World AIDS Day Proclamation, followed by a candlelight walk to The Hyde Collection. Those who do not wish to walk can meet in the Hyde Collection’s Helen Froehlich Auditorium at 4:00 pm, where a musical performance and program in memory of those in our community who have died from AIDS and those who are living with the disease will begin.
The Hyde Collection will display a local panel from the AIDS Memorial Quilt. The AIDS Quilt began in 1987 as a memorial to those who died of AIDS. The AIDS Quilt has grown to a 54-ton tapestry that includes more than 45,000 panels dedicated to more than 88,000 individuals. It is the largest piece of community art in the world.
The guest speaker is photographer and activist, Dona Ann McAdams. McAdams will present a slide show and discuss her experiences at the onset of the AIDS epidemic in New York City, as well as her link to the nonprofit group Visual AIDS, that came up with the idea to create a Red Ribbon as what is now the global symbol in the fight against AIDS. Maria Zemantauski, one of the world’s few heralded female flamenco guitarists, and one of even fewer female flamenco composers will perform. Mezzo-Soprano Gisella Montanez-Case, will provide vocal entertainment. NYSMA Soloist Kelsey Finley, a 16 year old Fort Ann High School Junior will also perform. The evening will close with a selection played on bagpipes by Allan Clugston, a member of the Galloway Gaelic Pipes and Drums.
Donations of personal toiletry items will be accepted at The Hyde Collection for distribution by the AIDS Council to those affected by HIV and AIDS in our community. Light refreshments will be served during the meet and greet reception after the program.
The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York’s mission is to reduce the risk, fear, and incidence of HIV infection, encourage the independence of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS and promote understanding of their Established in 1988, World AIDS Day raises awareness and focuses attention on the global AIDS epidemic. The red ribbon is an international symbol of AIDS awareness that is worn on World AIDS Day and all year round to demonstrate care and concern about HIV/AIDS, and to remind others of the need for their support and commitment. The ultimate goals are to prevent the spread of HIV and improve the lives of people living with the disease. Nearly 40 million people throughout the world are living with HIV, including 2.3 million children. 4.3 million people were infected with HIV in 2006 – the highest ever in one year.