World AIDS Day: December 1, 2007

CAPITAL REGION, NY (11/30/2007)(readMedia)-- Media Advisory: World AIDS Day

Capital Region Memorial Program: Saturday, December 1, 2007

Time: 3:00pm

Location: Bandstand at Glens Falls City Park, Maple & Ridge Sts, Glens Falls 12801

What: 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 memorial program beginning at 3:00 pm at the Bandstand in Glens Falls City Park.

Mayor Le Roy B. Akins, Jr. will begin the program by reading 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.

World AIDS Day in New York:

Established in 1988, World AIDS Day (and the first week of December) 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.

Although many people associate HIV/AIDS with third world countries such as in Africa, the United States is deeply affected. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recently found that the number of new HIV infections to be as high as 58,000 to 63,000 cases per year. New York State has the highest number of people affected by HIV/AIDS with 170,000 cases. In Upstate New York over 3,700 people are infected. Every day 48 teens contract HIV. In New York 6 people die each day from AIDS. It is important to note that the CDC states that 25% of those infected are unaware of their HIV status and that is why it is so important to get tested.

For more information: Mary Anne Fratelli – cell: 518-495-1257

For interviews on Saturday: Julie Harris – cell: 518-366-4141

For interviews week of Dec 1st: Brian Tromans – 518-434-4686 ext 2415

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