December 1, 2008 is World AIDS Day, a national day of remembrance of those who left us too early and of those who will leave us too early, whose contributions we will never know. World AIDS Day is a reminder that we have more work to do to prevent more unnecessary illness and death and others from succumbing in the future. World AIDS Day is a call to action to our community.

Please join the greater Glens Falls Community and local volunteers from the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York for a memorial program beginning at 6:00 pm at the Bandstand in Glens Falls City Park. Mayor Jack Diamond will begin the program by reading the World AIDS Day Proclamation, followed by a candlelight walk to The Charles R. Wood Theatre at 207 Glen Street. Those who do not wish to walk can meet at the Charles R. Wood Theatre at 7:00 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.

Guest speaker for the World AIDS Day remembrance is Corey Day, a Hebron, NY (Washington County) native. Corey will discuss his life – from childhood to young adulthood – as a person born with HIV, his adoption into a loving family, and how we lives fully and responsibly with the disease.

Vocal performances at the World AIDS Day remembrance will be given by opera singer Gisella Montanez-Case and actress, singer, comedienne and cabaret star Laura Roth. New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) soloist Kelsey Finley, a Senior at Fort Ann High School, will also perform. Piano accompaniment will be provided by Douglas Bischoff. The evening will close with bagpipe selections performed by Allan Clugston, a member of the Galloway Gaelic Pipes & Drums.

The Charles R. Wood Theatre will display a panel from the AIDS Memorial Quilt. The AIDS Memorial Quilt was conceived in 1987 as a memorial to those lost to AIDS; since 1987, the quilt has grown to a 54-ton tapestry including more than 45,000 panels dedicated to more than 88,000 individuals. It is the largest piece of community art in the world. Donations of personal toiletry items will be accepted at the Charles R. Wood Theatre for distribution by the AIDS Council to those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in the greater Glens Falls community.

Light refreshments will be served at the event, which is free and open to the public.

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