From the Director’s Desk

“I’m not interested in compassion that is focused on my death.

Real compassion supports my living and supports me when I express my true self.”                                                                                                                                                                           Peter, PLWA

               Fall. Back to school, back to work, on with life. We have celebrated the lives of those we have served and are serving, we have recognized and appreciated the wonderful volunteers who make it possible for RAIN to respond compassionately to people living with HIV/AIDS, and we have enjoyed the attention and public awareness that resulted from our Tenth Anniversary activities. With the increasing number of people affected by HIV/AIDS in Oklahoma, it is time to get to work building RAIN into an even stronger organization.

               Fourteen RAIN board members and staff members participated in a planning retreat at St. Crispins Episcopal Conference Center in early September. After the flurry of activities in August held in conjunction with “RAIN Month” and the official anniversary celebrations, I wasn’t sure any of us would have the energy to think creatively and passionately about RAIN’s mission. Gee, was I wrong. This experience reminded me that people who are drawn to the health, social and spiritual issues that surround HIV/AIDS are uncommonly dedicated.

               Though much progress has been made in medical treatments and societal response to HIV/AIDS, the experiences of those at the retreat show that much remains to be done and that RAIN has many opportunities to be part of the continuum of care for people living with HIV/AIDS in Oklahoma. Over the next several months, RAIN’s Strategic Planning Committee will meet to refine the vision for RAIN’s future that began to be articulated at the retreat. I look forward to sharing this vision and enlisting your support for it. With your help, RAIN will continue to provide vital services and education as long as there is a need.

               October is AIDS Awareness Month and I encourage each of you to find a way to increase understanding of HIV/AIDS within your family, faith community, workplace and civic organization. If you need help getting started, please call your nearest RAIN office. On December 1, World AIDS Day, participate in the events taking place in your community. If there is nothing planned, it’s not too late to make something happen.

               I hope you enjoy the fall and the celebrations of holidays that are meaningful to you. May you feel the warmth of friendship as you draw near to those you love.

 

Fall is a great time to become a RAIN volunteer! Caring folks are needed to provide daytime transportation to medical appointments or to help a team of volunteers assist one or two people living with HIV/AIDS with practical support needs

 

Events Around the State

Eastern Oklahoma Events

               Tulsa’s AIDS Awareness events begin with “Walk for Life 2000.” Funds raised this year will be increased by 50% with matching dollars from the Elton John AIDS Foundation and these funds will be distributed through the Tulsa Community AIDS Partnership grant process. The Walk begins at 9:30 am, Oct. 7, at Veterans Park at 21st & Boulder. This all-volunteer effort needs our support—”Just do it for Life!”

               RAIN congratulates the Tulsa Chapter of the NAMES Project on its Tenth Anniversary and wishes them well with their fifth major display of the AIDS Quilt in Tulsa. The display will be at the Maxwell Convention Center Dec 1–3. Anyone can make a panel to remember someone who has died of AIDS. If you would like to add a panel during the December display, please contact the NAMES Project at (918) 748-3111 or [email protected]

               If you’d like to help with the Quilt Display, volunteers are needed to help set-up and break-down, monitor, assist with ceremonies, and other tasks. No previous experience is necessary and training will be provided. Another way to help is by hosting a “Feast with Friends” Party on Saturday, Oct. 14 and donating the funds raised to the NAMES Project. Call the NAMES Project to sign up.

               For more information on these events, please call the Tulsa RAIN office at  (918) 834-4195 or email them at their new address, [email protected]

 

Southwest Oklahoma Events

               On Tuesday, Nov. 28, the Nursing Department of the Great Plains Technology Center will be sponsoring a day long AIDS Forum. Statewide experts on HIV/AIDS will be present and available to answer questions regarding HIV infection, treatment, medicines and care. Although this forum is aimed at nursing program students, the entire community is invited to participate in the day’s event.

               Although the Lawton AIDS Walk has come and gone, they are still taking donations to help benefit AIDS organizations in the SW area. A “Turnabout Pageant” will be held on Oct. 28 at the Triangles Club to benefit the Walk. For information on this special event call SWAN at 580-353-7472.

               December 1, World AIDS Day, is a big event for the Lawton community. The Lighting of the Red Ribbon will be preceded by a candlelight march. For more information about these events, please call Victor Cutnose, RAIN SW Coordinator, at  (580) 351-AIDS or email him at [email protected].

 

South Central Oklahoma Events

               The newly formed Connections HIV/AIDS Task Force, is composed of representatives from Legal AID, DHS, Mercy Memorial Health Center, state and local health departments, RAIN and concerned citizens in the Ardmore area. In order to increase awareness and understanding of current HIV/AIDS issues, they will be holding the first HIV/AIDS Conference in south-central Oklahoma. The one-day conference will be held at Mercy Memorial Health Center’s Conference Center on Friday, Dec. 1 and will offer a track for medical professionals and a track for other professionals and lay persons. Registration fee is $20 with limited scholarships available. Lunch is included in the rate and parking and shuttle service will be provided. They also need people living with HIV/AIDS to participate as a panelist at the conference. Limited mileage reimbursement will be available.

               The Connections HIV/AIDS Task Force would also like to have the first World AIDS Day “Candlelight March” in Ardmore and are looking for volunteers to help coordinate the event. Please call Kellie Tyner, RAIN SC Coordinator, at 580-226-8415 or email her at [email protected] for more information on these events.

 

Western Oklahoma Events

               Fall is a very busy time in Western Okla. AIDS Awareness month (October) starts off with the annual OKC AIDS Walk . “AIDS Walk 2000” is scheduled for Oct. 15 at the Myriad gardens. The mile long walk benefits AIDS Organizations in the OKC area, including RAIN , Loaves & Fishes, and the AIDS Support Program, among others. Registration begins at 12:30 pm with step off at 3. Call CarePoint at 405-232-2437 for more information.

               The Oklahoma State HIV/AIDS Conference will be held at the Westin Hotel in OKC  on Oct. 18  & 19. The two-day conference is an important event for professionals, people living with HIV/AIDS and concerned members of the community to learn the latest information on prevention & treatment of HIV/AIDS as well as benefit issues for HIV+ people returning to work. For information, call CarePoint or the Okla State AIDS Hotline at 800-535-AIDS or email them at [email protected].

               The World AIDS Day Candlelight Memorial Service is again set for St. Patrick Catholic Church on Dec. 1. Both the Metro Men’s Chorus and the Metro Women’s Chorus will perform. During the ceremony, slides of loved ones who have died of AIDS are shown. If you’d like to include a slide, please call the RAIN Office at 405-947-3434.

               If you missed seeing Kerry Burns in Markings of the Soul, then you will get another chance. Kerry is bringing his one-man play to Enid for one performance only on Dec. 8 at the University Place Christian Church. For more information, please call the University Place Church at 580-237-8400.

 

Donations from June 16 to September 30

 Thank you for your Support!

Friends of RAIN -Individual Donations

Charlotte Alexandre

Lois & Phillip Ball

Judith L. Boyle

Robert & Betty Brown

Cheryl Burnet

Norma Welch Burton

Nettie Caldwell

Perry Dillon

Jim Fortenberry

Toney & Melinda Foster

Chris George

Patricia Henderson

Khepra Nura Khem

Nick Larchey

Bryan LeBlanc

Fred & Martine Maier

Kent Mauk

Margaret Odell

Karrie Oertli

Bernard & Virginia O’Loughlin

Dennis Rainwater

James & Judy Shields

Emily Shurley

Nancy Tiernan

Steve Villasenor

Robert Wagner

Robert & Jo Ann Waring

Angels of RAIN  -  Friends who donate monthly

Delores & Robert Browning

Billie Hurst Gasaway

Jeffrey Gaughan

Rey Jones

Vivian Hall

M.C. & Skip Smothermon

Carol M. Woods

RAIN’s Support  -  Faith Communities, Organizations  & Foundations

Agape Disciples of First Christian Church

Episcopal Church Women, Diocese of Oklahoma

Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma

Greatergood.com

Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church

St. Monica Parish

Vanguard Business Consultations, Inc.

Williams Companies, Inc.

Fundraisers

Radko Fundraiser

Red Ribbon Art 2000

Sapulpa Picnic

Memorials

The Angels of Oklahoma by Curtis Oshel

Barbara and Chris Arney by W.R. & Paula Faulk

Robert Read Browning by Delores & Robert Browning

Danny and Calvin by Mari Buckley

J.B. Chenoweth and Randy Hurst by Billie Hurst Gasaway

Mark Cooper by McElroy Manufacturing

Andy Howell by Unitarian Universalist Church of Lawton members

Leon Jefferson by Bobbie & James Mayeaux

Paul Kirk by Bob Hill; Carolyn Rothschopf

Duncan and Paul Knox by Jean Szostkowski

Tony Lamy by David & Sandra Fidler

Lloyd Mann by Pam Cross

Richard May by Steve Daniels; Steven Smallwood

Ray McDonald by Ken & Sue Arnn

Taylor Norvell  by Daniels & May Designs; Diane Lee’s Inc.

David R. Robinson by Winston & Dianna Grocott

James Michael Wilson by Betty J. Wilson

Honorariums

Christ the King Parrish and RAIN Clients by Michael & Patricia Black

Larry Crosby by Anthony Kastanas

Joan Foreman by Harbour & Mickey Winn

RAIN Staff and Volunteers by Polly Houston

Marilyn Staats’Disciple Class by Michelle McCarty

St. Mary’s RAIN Team by Johnnie Hobson

Faith Works Fund Drive Donations

Gold Donors: Ken & Sue Arnn

Silver Donors: Anthony Kastanas

Bronze Donors: Harbour & Mickey Winn

 

Events Calendar

October

7: Walk for Life

            Tulsa

9: Yom Kippur

      RAIN Offices Closed

14: Feast With Friends

AIDS Quilt Fundraiser

Tulsa

15: AIDS Walk 2000

            OKC

18 & 19: State HIV/AIDS

            Conference

November

3 & 4: RAIN Training

            Tulsa

3 & 4: RAIN Training

            OKC

23 & 24: Thanksgiving

      RAIN Offices Closed

28: HIV/AIDS Forum

            Lawton

December

1: World AIDS Day

Contact your RAIN Office for events in your area.

1: HIV/AIDS Conference

            Ardmore

1-3: AIDS Quilt Display

            Tulsa

25: Christmas  

      RAIN Offices Closed