STARKS – Seven-year-old Danny Taylor made his first paper crane last week. Dozens of similar cranes made by the community’s children will be sold at a concert in December to raise money for Japan’s earthquake and tsunami survivors.

“This is mostly my first one,” Danny said at the Starks Community Center, his yellow crane resting on the table in front of him. Coincidentally, he is named for his uncle, Dan Krebs, who is teaching English in Japan and experienced the magnitude 9.0 earthquake March 11.

A volunteer at the community center, Nancy Lagin, who used to coach track and teach at local schools, said the paper cranes will be sold for $1 each at a free concert and dance on Saturday, Dec. 10.

The Country Choir will perform rocking bluegrass starting at 7 p.m. at the community center.

Lagin said the cranes, which are symbols of peace and well-being, can be used as Christmas ornaments or decorations. She learned the craft from a Japanese exchange teacher who taught in Canaan. Although the earthquake may have happened eight months ago, rebuilding will take years.

“A lot of people have forgotten about the tsunami, but they still need our help,” she said.

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In addition to raising money for the Japanese Red Cross, Lagin said she wants to bring people into the center.

Recently she taught Tyler Quimby, 10, of Starks how to make a paper crane. When asked if it was difficult, he said, “Yeah, it’ll probably be easier when I memorize it.”

When Tyler finished the purple crane, he said, “This is cool.”

“I think it’s cool, too,” Lagin said.

“I’m going to do another one,” Tyler said.

Lagin usually teaches children how to make the paper cranes on Wednesday afternoons. She said people may call her at 696-9238 if they would like to participate or arrange another time.

Morning Sentinel Staff Writer Erin Rhoda can be contacted at 612-2368 or:

erhoda@centralmaine.com

 


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