BRATTLEBORO — “Getting to Zero” is the theme selected by the World AIDS Campaign to commemorate this year's World AIDS Day on Dec. 1.
The new theme echoes the UNAIDS vision of achieving “Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDS-related deaths.”
The AIDS Project of Southern Vermont (APSV) will host a community event on Thursday, Dec. 1, from noon to 1 p.m., at the River Garden.
The event will open with a 10-minute candlelight vigil on the sidewalk, followed by a program of international and local speakers, music by state rep. Mike Mrowicki (D-Putney), and the donation of a quilt for a person living with HIV/AIDS handmade by Wilmington residents.
Light snacks will be available. The entire community is invited to honor those affected by HIV/AIDS and those who work to combat AIDS worldwide.
Speakers include Lise Sparrow, pastor of the Guilford Church, who will speak about her experiences in Kenya; Ian Hefele, a student at SIT who used theater in his work as a community health worker in Mozambique to address HIV/AIDS; and a local person living with HIV/AIDS.
This year, the traditional quilting project, undertaken for the last 14 years by Laraine Morrow and her quilters in the Wilmington area, almost experienced disaster as Tropical Storm Irene's floods in August destroyed two-thirds of the fabric pieces that had been prepared.
Other nearby quilters rallied to donate material and cut out fabric “charms” for this year's design, the “Disappearing Nine Patch.”
All 49 blocks were successfully made, and the quilt is temporarily hanging in the window of the Town Clerk's office in Wilmington.
The quilt will be displayed at the Dec. 1 event before being given away.
In 2012, the APSV will celebrate 25 years of serving the community. Direct services to community members living with HIV/AIDS include medical case management, transportation, and a comprehensive food program in partnership with the Vermont Foodbank, members of area faith communities, Amy's Bakery Arts Cafe, and customers of the Brattleboro Food Co-op.
APSV also leads HIV/AIDS prevention efforts in Windham County for gay and bisexual men and for women at risk.
The agency also offers free, anonymous HIV counseling, testing and referral by appointment. The test is oral and provides results in 20 minutes.
Call 802-254-4444 for more information.