WORLD AIDS DAY EVENTS SET

With the slogan "Red Ribbons Aren't Enough Anymore," Laura Walz, president-elect of the Cape Girardeau-based AIDS Project of Southeast Missouri, announced events for the seventh annual World AIDS Day slated for Dec. 1.

APSEMO, along with the University AIDS Advisory Committee, the Missouri Department of Health and the American Red Cross, are sponsoring activities throughout the day to educate area residents about HIV and AIDS.

"AIDS will eventually affect every person in this community," Walz said. "That is why it is so important that every age group, organization and business come together and work to see an end to this disease."

To date, there have been 5,442 cases of AIDS reported in Missouri, resulting in 2,948 deaths. More than 900 cases were reported in rural areas, including 31 in Cape Girardeau County.

World AIDS Day events locally will include:

8 a.m. -- Lowering of the Southeast Missouri State University campus flags.

9 a.m.-2 p.m. -- Information tables dispensing booklets about HIV/AIDS and how to protect oneself from them.

12:15 p.m. -- The World AIDS Day proclamation read by Councilman Melvin Gately at the Cherry Hill Shelter, Capaha Park, followed by a Native American pipe ceremony.

6:45 p.m. -- Candlelight ceremony on the steps of Academic Hall.

7:30 p.m. -- A theatrical production about AIDS at the Kent Library Little Theatre.

8:15 p.m. -- An informal discussion of HIV/AIDS at the Kent Library Little Theatre.

Other events surrounding World AIDS Day include a fund raiser at Fazoli's from Dec. 1-7. A dollar from each all-you-can-eat spaghetti or fettuccine will benefit APSEMO.

On Dec. 4, the Cape Ministerial Alliance will conduct a day of prayer for people with AIDS.

Finally, on Dec. 9, Big Al's nightclub will conduct a fund raiser for APSEMO, with the total $2.50 cover charge going to the organization.

The AIDS Project of Southeast Missouri works to educate area residents about HIV and AIDS prevention. It also provides direct services to those living with the disease.

For more information, call APSEMO at (314) 339-9588.