In the early 1980s people began getting sick and dying. Doctors couldn’t diagnose what was wrong. Then the disease became known as AIDS. In 1988, December 1 was designated as World Aids Day. This year, the Rogue Valley will join others around the world in remembering those who have died and supporting those who continue living with the disease thanks to medical research. The World AIDS Day Candlelight Observance takes place Sunday, December, 7-8:30pm., at the Medford Congregational United Church of Christ, 1801 E Jackson St., Medford. Admission is free.
Lexi Sylvester, Care Coordinator for HIV Alliance in Medford, will give a talk. HIV Alliance was founded In 1994 in Eugene and now has offices in several Oregon communities. The agency is committed to addressing clients’ needs for HIV-specific care as well as offering prevention and care programs to support and protect people living with and at risk for HIV.
The Rogue Valley Peace Choir, under the direction of Rob Griswell-Lowry and accompanied by Mikkiko Petrucelli, will offer support through its uplifting songs. Now in it’s 22 year, the RVPC is a secular community choir dedicated to creating peace in ourselves, our community and our world through song. Songs, which are submitted by choir members, are chosen to inspire listeners to act in ways that promote peace, social justice and responsible stewardship of the earth.
Pastor James Matichuk will represent the Medford UCC Church, a church that values inclusion, commitment to standing with the vulnerable and marginalized in the community and joining hands with others in the work of justice, care and the mutual flourishing of all. Dr. Mark Angle-Hobson, the church’s music director, will offer piano pieces.
The World AIDS Day observance is organized by William Coyne. Coyne is a retired administration assistant and HIV educator at On Track, Inc. He also is an actor who has performed at the Randall Theatre and Collaborative Theatre Project.
At the close of the formal presentations, audience members will have a time to participate in a candle lighting ceremony.
