Published: November 12, 2008 02:22 pm      

Local World Aids Day events set for Dec. 1

Submitted by the North Georgia Health District



Local World AIDS Day events on Dec. 1 will be at Dalton State College and will include an art exhibit and a performing arts event for which volunteers are urged to register.

Registered volunteers may:

• Display artwork (their own or others), writings, crafts, photography, needlework, sketches, poetry, paintings, sewn clothing, jewelry, etc.

• Display a photograph taken by the exhibitor illustrating or depicting what it is like to live with HIV. The photograph can be black and white or color and must be at least 4 by 6 inches or larger.

• Perform a reading, a vocal song, an instrumental song or a dance.

• Monitor the art exhibit.

Volunteers are also needed to:

• Set up the event prior to Dec. 1.

• Help on Dec. 1 with general assistance throughout the day.

• Serve on a discussion panel.

To participate, complete the registration form at www.nghd.org and either fax the form to (706) 281-2390, e-mail it to mdockery@dhr.state.ga.us or mail it to the Whitfield County Health Department, 808 Professional Blvd., Dalton, GA 30720, ATTN: World AIDS Day 2008.

Events at DSC on Dec. 1 are:

• HIV testing, Pope Student Center, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Arts exhibit, Pope Student Center, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Performing arts, Pope Student Center stage, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.

• HIV update, Memorial Hall Auditorium, 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.

• Panel discussion, "Living with HIV," Memorial Hall Auditorium, 5:15 to 5:45 p.m.

• Reception with light refreshments, Pope Student Center, 6 to 7 p.m.

• Memorial Service and Candlelight Vigil, Pope Student Center and Bell Tower, 7 to 8 p.m.

The North Georgia Health District and the Northwest Georgia AIDS Task Force (the regional Ryan White planning consortium) announced the details of the 20th anniversary World AIDS Day commemoration. The emphasis is on the arts since the purpose this year is to promote awareness of the absence from the cultural community of all the artists who have died of AIDS. This event will serve as a memorial and as a reminder of the empty space in the culture of the arts, as well as in every community throughout the world, due to the HIV epidemic.

The task force chairman is Billy Nimmons. Local consortium co-chairs are Bob Angle and Gene Perkins.

For more information or to participate, call the task force at (706) 281-2360.