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Annual World AIDS Day service remembers those lost

CAMP Rehoboth hosts Dec. 1 event at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Rehoboth Beach
In recognition of the 35th annual World AIDS Day, CAMP Rehoboth hosted its annual service of hope and remembrance Dec. 1. There was a nondenominational prayer recited during the service, which was led by local religious leaders, including (l-r) Seaside Jewish Community Rabbi Beth Cohen, the Rev. Heather Rion Starr of Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware, Westminster Presbyterian Church Pastor Eddie Jusino and the Rev. Jeff Ross of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTOS
Chris Flood
December 5, 2023

Story Location:
All Saints’ Episcopal Church
18 Olive Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States

In recognition of the 35th annual World AIDS Day, CAMP Rehoboth hosted a service of hope and remembrance Dec. 1 at All Saints’ Church in Rehoboth Beach.

Nearly 100 people attended the evening service. Carrying a number of different signs encouraging love and respect for all, about three dozen of those in attendance walked from CAMP’s office on Baltimore Avenue to All Saints’ on Olive Avenue.

For the second year in a row, behind the pulpit, there was a section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt hanging from a custom frame. Last year, the section included a patch for Tom Wilson, a popular local artist who died in 1995. This year, the section included the patch for Bob Swift, who also died in 1995 and vacationed in Rehoboth for years, according to CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey.

The nondenominational service featured performances by the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus and musician Alicia Mickenberg on viola.

In addition to the service, CAMP hosted an interpretive art activity. On days leading up to Dec. 1, and on World AIDS Day itself, participants had the opportunity to create a painted rock that expresses their feelings about HIV/AIDS, love, loss and hope.

For more information on CAMP Rehoboth and the ongoing art exhibit, go to camprehoboth.com, email info@camprehoboth.com or call 302-227-5620.

 

A few dozen of the service participants began by walking from CAMP Rehoboth. Holding the banner marking World AIDS Day are Joe Vescio, left, and Derrick Johnson.
The service featured a section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt.
Members of the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus perform.
Sandra Skidmore holds a sign with a simple message.
A section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt honors Bob Swift, who vacationed in Rehoboth Beach for many years.
Tara Sheldon, CAMP Rehoboth’s health and wellness manager, talks about how there has been a history of discrimination and a stigma for people with HIV/AIDS.
Musician Alicia Mickenberg plays the viola as people walk into the service.
A basket of candles lies ready to be used for people making the walk from CAMP Rehoboth to All Saints’ Church on Olive Avenue.
The World AIDS Day banner outside CAMP Rehoboth reminds pedestrians as they walk by.
Pam Jusino and her husband Westminster Presbyterian Church Pastor Eddie Jusino decorate a rock in memory of those lost to AIDS.
Lewes resident Chris Costa shares his story of living with HIV/AIDS for decades and encourages those in attendance to reach out to others living with the disease.
CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey addresses the audience.

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