The global community will pause for the 22nd time in a special way Tuesday, Dec. 1, to consider the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the world. World AIDS Day is a way to remember loved ones who are living with or have died from this disease, but it is also about increasing awareness, fighting prejudice and improving education.
In downtown Rehoboth Beach, the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center will host an exhibit of artwork created by George Towne, Greg Mitchell and Richard Rinaldi, artists living with HIV/AIDS, for the entire month of December, with a special reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Dec. 1.
The art work comes from Visual AIDS, a New York City organization that provides mini-grants to HIV-positive artists throughout the country. “There is a language of art that speaks to lots of people who may not be comfortable in large crowds,” said Sal Seeley, CAMPsafe program director at CAMP Rehoboth. “Here, in a private setting, people will be able to get a sense of how HIV/AIDS has played out in the lives of these artists.”
Following the reception, the community is invited to gather at the Bandstand on Rehoboth Avenue at the Boardwalk for a short program at 6:15 p.m., followed by a candlight walk through the downtown area ending at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 18 Olive Ave., with a service of remembrance and hope at approximately 7 p.m.
This service includes the reading of the names of persons who have lost their lives to
HIV/AIDS. “It’s a bittersweet experience,” says CAMP Rehoboth board President Murray Archibald. “We continue to mourn the loss of many wonderful people, but we also celebrate who they were and the impact they had on our lives.” Special music will be provided by the newly formed CAMP Chorus, among others. The service will conclude with a light supper in the fellowship hall next door, courtesy of The Taste of Italy, 33 Baltimore Ave., and the parishioners at All Saints’ Church.
Involved in planning the candlelight walk and the service of remembrance and hope were representatives from AIDS Delaware, All Saints’ Church, CAMP Rehoboth, the Cape Gazette, the Delaware HIV Consortium and Epworth United Methodist Church.
Epworth UMC, on Holland Glade Road north of Rehoboth, will be displaying four panels of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt through Monday, Dec. 7, in the fellowship hall. Also, Faith, Hope and Love Christian Fellowship, 218 North Rehoboth Blvd., Milford, will be the site of “An Evening of Remembrance: Stop AIDS. Keep The Promise.” This community awareness and educational program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the church. The community is invited to attend.
There are now estimated to be 33.2 million people in the world living with HIV, including 2.5 million children. During 2007, some 2.5 million people became newly infected with the virus. Around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and are killed by AIDS before they are 35. Currently, there are 3,568 Delawareans living with HIV disease.
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