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.

On Sunday, September 28, 2008 the AIDS Council participated in the 12th Annual Capital Region AIDSWalk in Albany’s Washington Park. Our team raised nearly $10,000! Thanks to all that participated. Special thanks to the Help Fight AIDS Through Books and Music and Ritchie’s Angels teams.

AIDSWalk 2008 raised urgently needed funds for the fight against AIDS. The money raised through this event will support the efforts of Capital Region AIDS organizations that provide HIV prevention, medical care and support services. It was a day of celebrating the lives of people with HIV/AIDS and supporting the work of local AIDS organizations.

Our Top AIDSWalk Fundraisers:
Ritchie’s Angels
Ed Pollack
Bob Willower
Mark Duffy
Karen Asher
Kelly Wheeler

Thanks to all the staff, board members, volunteers, friends and family who came out to show their support!

The AIDS Council is now accepting sponsors, restaurants and auction items for its highly anticipated annual wine celebration, Beaujolais Nouveau, to be held on Thursday, November 20, 2008. Honorary Committee tickets are also available.

This year’s celebration will be enhanced by our new location, Michael’s Banquet House in Latham, which will allow our guests more room to socialize, convenient highway access, and plenty of free parking. Guests will enjoy Beaujolais Nouveau and a variety of other wines while sampling fine cuisine from our area’s most notable restaurants and caterers. Live entertainment, dancing, and a silent auction will round out the night of fun. Last year, more than 700 guests joined the celebration and helped raise $65,000 to support the services of the AIDS Council; this year – with your help – we will raise even more!

The Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Celebration is one of the world’s great wine tasting traditions. Each year, thousands of people across the globe rush to be the first to taste the new vintage. By joining in the celebration, you also provide crucial support for people in Northeastern New York living with HIV/AIDS as well as funds to help the AIDS Council prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS throughout our region.

Please help us by lending your name and your support to the Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Celebration. Honorary Committee members and Sponsors will be featured in the invitation and program book of this highly-publicized and visible event and will also receive access to our special VIP reception and private wine tasting.

Thank you for your continued support of the AIDS Council and the many individuals and families it serves. We look forward to seeing you in November!

Tickets

If you have questions or would like information on Sponsorship/ Auction Items, please contact Richard Nacy at rnacy@aidscouncil.org or (518) 434-4686 x 2428.

Please join the AIDS Council team for the 12th Annual Capital Region AIDSWalk on Sunday, September 28, 2008. Last year more than 2,000 people participated! AIDSWalk 2008 will take place in Albany’s Washington Park.

Participants will begin the walk at the Lakehouse and continue on a short route through the park. After the walk, entertainment, food and drinks will be provided. Panels from the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt will be on display at the walk site. Awards will be given to the teams and individuals that raise the most money. AIDSWalk 2008 raises urgently needed funds for the fight against AIDS. The money raised through this event will support the efforts of Capital Region AIDS organizations that provide HIV prevention, medical care and support services. The National AIDS Fund has pledged to contribute a dollar for every two dollars raised. Please join us in celebrating the lives of people with HIV/AIDS and in supporting the work of local AIDS organizations.

September 28, 2008
Washington Park, Albany NY
1:00 PM Registration
2:00 PM Walk

Registration Forms (PDF)- Individual or Team Sign up Forms

Email: events@aidscouncil.org
Call: 518.434.4686 ext. 2428

On Thursday, August 28, 2008, the AIDS Council of Northeastern New York’s will host an Open House for Business and Community Leaders at its Albany office. It will feature free networking and wine tasting.

There are more than 2,900 people living with HIV/AIDS in the 15 counties of Northeastern New York. Their lifetime medical costs will total more than $1.75 billion. 4 people per week are diagnosed with HIV in our region, and HIV diagnosis rates have increased 10% in the past year.

So why should your company care?

5:30 PM – 6:15 PM: Networking
Wine Tasting Provided by The Wine Seller at Harmony House Marketplace

6:15 PM – 7:00 PM:
Welcoming Remarks – Joan Hayner, President, AIDS Council Board of Directors / CEO, CapitalCare Medical Group
Current HIV/AIDS Issues and AIDS Council Responses – Michele McClave, Executive Director
How – and Why – to Get Involved – Richard Nacy, Director of Development

Facility Tour (Optional)

For more information or to RSVP, contact:
Richard Nacy, Director of Development
(518) 434-4686 Ext. 2428 | rnacy@aidscouncil.org

Albany Office: 927 Broadway, Albany, New York 12207. Free parking is available on Broadway and in the parking lot on the corner of Broadway and Thatcher Street.

About Harmony House Marketplace: In the Spring of 2006, Jane LaCivita Clemente and Diane Conroy-LaCivita had an idea of creating a business that would highlight products from New York State while assisting with economic development and restoration of historic downtown Cohoes. Their motto: when you buy New York, you build New York! Their one requirement: they had to have fun in the process! Rolling up their sleeves, they became the demolition team – cleaning out three historic structures totaling more than 12,000 square feet of space. Forty-four dumpsters and several injuries later, they are still at it… On the weekends and during their free time, they traveled throughout the New York State visiting wineries and taking classes, and on November 30th, 2006, they opened their first business, the “Wine Seller” at Harmony House Marketplace which specializes exclusively in New York State wines. Their first building completed, they moved on to their next building – a bake shop. Weekly wine tastings, farm markets and special events keep Harmony House Marketplace buzzing and add to the exciting redevelopment of downtown Cohoes.

Please join us on Sunday, July 27, 2008 at the Hall of Springs for the 18th Annual Benefit in Saratoga. This year will feature a festive Luau, Hawaiian Buffet and Cocktails, Live Auction, and will be emceed by Benita Zahn, WNYT/NewsChannel 13. Tickets are now available!

Tickets can be Purchased Online or by calling 518.434.4686 ext. 2499
$150.00 Honorary Committee
$125.00 Regular Ticket
$75.00 Junior Ticket (35 years & younger)

If you are unable to attend this fabulous event, you are welcome to make a donation. We are also accepting live auction items.

For more information, sponsors and Honorary Committee, please visit http://www.aidscouncil.org/help/saratoga-benefit/

The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York is proud to host an open house on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at its Hudson office. In addition, there will be recognition of long-time supporters Frank and Maria Eigenbrodt in memory of their son, Richard C. Cowen, Jr. The open house is scheduled from 4:00pm-6:00pm with the dedication ceremony taking place at 5:30pm.

During the open house, the AIDS Council will highlight its Hudson initiatives, community services and future plans. The Hudson office has been recently renovated to provide a private space for confidential HIV testing and counseling sessions. The Council also will start a Hudson area HIV support group. For over 24 years the AIDS Council has been providing free prevention programs, testing and client services throughout Northeast New York. The Council has had a dedicated Hudson location for over 16 years.

Frank and Maria Eigenbrodt have been long-time supporters of the AIDS Council and have made extraordinary efforts in raising money and awareness for HIV/ AIDS in their hometown of Hudson. Frank and Maria lost a son, Richie, to this devastating disease and now lend their care and support to others who have lost family members to HIV/AIDS. They coordinate luncheon programs and dinners for clients served through the AIDS Council and each year coordinates a candlelight vigil in recognition of World AIDS Day in December. Further, Frank and Maria organize a team of family, friends and community members for the annual AIDSWalk. Last year their team, “Richie’s Angels”, raised over $8,000. Because of these remarkable efforts, Maria was honored earlier this year as the Father John Lysogorski Non-Profit Volunteer of the Year by the Community AIDS Partnership of the Capital Region. She graciously donated the $1,000 prize to the AIDS Council to further its projects in and around the Hudson community.

RSVP to 518.434.4686 ext 2101
Questions or Directions Call 518.828.3624

Singer-songwriter Kate Voegele joins the Capital Region for Dining Out for Life 2008. Voegele, who is currently on tour, will have a special live performance and autograph session on Thursday, April 24th at the Bayou Café in Downtown Albany (79 North Pearl Street) from 4:00pm-6:00pm. 25% of all food sales will be donated to help fight HIV/AIDS.

Kate is a singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist from Bay Village, Ohio who recently became popular playing Mia Catalano on the hit CW television show One Tree Hill. Kate has been writing music since she was 15 years old and has recorded several albums with well known producers. In 2007, she signed with a division of Interscope Records and released her hit album “Don’t Look Away”. The 21 year-old upcoming star has performed on the Early Show and her music has been featured on popular shows including MTV’s The Hills. Several singles have already hit the Billboard Charts.

Remember to Dine Out on April 24 at one of 33 Capital Region locations.
http://www.diningoutforlife.com/Albany

Dine out to fight AIDS on Thursday, April 24, 2008. The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York is proud to host the Capital Region’s fifth annual Dining Out for Life. Over 30 area restaurants, from Plattsburgh to Hudson and throughout the Capital Region, will be donating at least 25% of their sales to help provide essential services to those living with HIV/AIDS and cutting-edge HIV prevention programs throughout the region. All you have to donate is your appetite!

Dining Out for Life has received increasing support each year since its local inception. Last year raised $30,000. Restaurants in Albany, Clifton Park, Delmar, Glens Falls, Guilderland, Hudson, Latham, Plattsburgh, Saratoga, Schenectady and Troy are participating in the event. Barefoot Wine is graciously donating 100% of their wine sales at the restaurants to the AIDS Council. Diners will also have the chance to win several prizes by dining out such as a trip to Atlantic City, Lake Placid getaway or a $500.00 floral gift certificate. Dining Out for Life is an international event held in more than 40 cities that raises HIV/AIDS awareness.

Sponsors of the event include HSBC Bank USA and Total Town Health. Media Sponsors: Metroland, Fly92, WTEN and Plattsburgh Press-Republican. Additional support from Barefoot Wine, Out&About Phonebook, Yankee Trails World Travel, Mirror Lake Inn and Brendan Flanigan Design.

For a complete restaurant listing please call 518.434.4686 or visit www.diningoutforlife.com.

ALBANY
Bayou Cafe Downtown
Beff’s
BFS Restaurant & Catering
Cheesecake Machismo
DeJohn’s Restaurant & Pub
El Loco Mexican Cafe
Grandma’s Restaurant
Justin’s
Magnolias on the Park
Nicole’s Restaurant
Provence
Scratch Bakery Cafe

CLIFTON PARK
Nothing But Noodles

DELMAR
Beff’s

GLENSFALLS
GG Mama’s Restaurant & Catering

HUDSON
Ca’Mea Ristorante
Mexican Radio
Red Dot Restaurant & Bar
Vico Restaurant

LATHAM
Milano

PLATTSBURGH
Livingood’s Restaurant
Subway-334 Cornelia St.

SARATOGA SPRINGS
Beverly’s
Brindisi’s Restaurant & Bar
Hattie’s Restaurant
Longfellows Hotel, Restaurant & Conference Center
Mexican Connection
Olde Bryan Inn
Tiznow Restaurant

SCHENECTADY
Ambition Coffee & Eatery
Katz Kafe

TROY
Flavour Cafe
Tosca

The AIDS Council of Northeastern New York is pleased to announce its 2008 Special Event Schedule. Please mark your calendar and join us in battling HIV/AIDS in the Capital Region.

Dining Out For Life® - Thursday, April 24th
The AIDS Council and Subaru of America are proud to host the fifth annual Dining Out For Life® in the Capital Region on Thursday, April 24th. Participating restaurants from Plattsburgh to Hudson and throughout the region will be donating at least 25% of their food and beverage sales to the AIDS Council. All you have to donate is your appetite! Please visit us at www.diningoutforlife.com for updates.

Benefit in Saratoga - Sunday, July 27th, Hall of Springs
Be sure to join us at one of the premiere summer galas to kick off the Saratoga racing season. This year guests will enjoy a festive Luau with gourmet cuisine, cocktails and live entertainment!

AIDS Walk 2008 - Sunday, September 28th, Washington Park
Join over 2,000 Capital Region residents to help raise awareness and funds for local HIV/AIDS services. Consider getting a team together to show your support.

Beaujolais Nouveau Wine Celebration - Thursday, November 20th
Recognized as one of the most popular events in the Capital Region, join us for a fun night of food, dancing, music and wine. It is a great way to kick-off the Holiday season. Bring your friends and help make Beaujolais 2008 the best yet!

For additional information about the events, to volunteer or for sponsorship opportunities, please call or email Janet Andrade, Special Events Coordinator, at 518.434.4686 ext 2424 ; jandrade@aidscouncil.org

We look forward to your continued support in 2008!