About AIDS

World AIDS Day Observances Dec. 1

Each year on December 1, people from many nations observe World AIDS Day, memorializing those we have lost and recommitting ourselves to the struggle against the disease. Over the years, Austin has developed its own traditions for this event part moving, part energizing, and part fun-with-purpose, which will occur Saturday, December 1.

Interfaith Care Alliance, which trains and supports faith-based teams of folks in caring for individuals and families stricken with HIV, will host a Service of Remembrance and Hope. The all-faiths service will be held at First Unitarian Universalist Church, 4700 Grover, at 6pm Call 459-5883 or visit www.interfaithcarealliance.org for more information. (The service will be finished in time for "Body Count".)

"Body Count," created anew each year by Sally Jacques, will be Saturday evening at 7pm, at Deep Eddy Pool, 401 Deep Eddy Avenue at Lake Austin Blvd. The free performance will feature dance, live orchestral and choral music, and a "Meditation for Peace" led by Tibetan Buddhist monks. Always emotionally rewarding, the work's incorporation of professional lighting and costumes in recent years has made it an eloquent all-arts performance piece. For more information, call 736-9700.

And since this is Austin, there will be a party to top off the evening: the 13th Holiday Swing, benefiting Project Transitions. This annual favorite will feature a 22-piece swing orchestra, so put on your dancin' shoes! Or just enjoy visiting while cruising the huge silent auction and munching on hor d'oeuvres and desserts. The new Design Center at 3601-C South Congress is the place to be, beginning at 8pm. This "fun-raiser" will assist PT with its AIDS hospice, Doug's House, and supportive housing program. For information or ticket reservations, call 454-8646.