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Dedication ceremony scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 20
WATERVILLE — The Boys & Girls Clubs and YMCA of Greater Waterville at the Alfond Youth Center (Club) has always offered a wonderful and varied arts program for at risk youth; now the 3-D component is expanding in exciting ways. Thanks to the generous donations of a local family in memory of their talented son the Center is receiving a brand new kiln, potters wheels, and all the supplies necessary to kick off a quality ceramics program for the over-190 youth they serve daily. 
Greg Cooper was a perfectly healthy 51-year-old father and husband who loved his family, repairing instruments, listening to his vast LP collection, and pottery. The morning of September 23, 2015 his 14-year-old son found him unresponsive on the kitchen floor having died of a sudden heart attack. His family was left reeling and in search of a way to make sense of the loss and honor his memory. Greg’s sister, Crista Lavenson, who works at the Club, said, “I know Greg loved working with kids and he was such a fine potter … it seemed an obvious answer. I talked to our parents about funding a Ceramics Program for the Center’s youth in his name.”
“We jumped at the chance,” said Alan and Shari Cooper, Greg’s parents. “Greg would love it, we’ll be giving art to kids in need, and Waterville will benefit, too!” Their donation, along with Greg’s wife, Livy, and other family and friends is creating a program slated to start this December and grow into the New Year.
“We can’t wait to get the kids throwing pots!” said Child Care Operations Manager Karla Stratton. The kids are excited to not only make their own creations but begin to sell them at Center functions to help sustain the program. “Once we get the kids program in gear we will open classes to our senior population in the mornings and adults in the evenings,” stated Crista. “
Greg is bringing this functional skill and marketable art that he mastered so beautifully to so many people – he would like that!”
For more information, contact Crista Lavenson at 207-872-7092 or clavenson@alfondyouthcenter.org.
More information about the club can be found at www.clubayc.org.
