St. Patrick’s Day often means magical inspiration along with celebration. That was especially true in Cambridge, thanks to a “Lucky Charms” painting with purpose party on Pine Street in Cambridge.

When noted local mural artist Miriam Moran conceived the idea to hold a “Women’s Herstory” event for youngsters, the Dorchester Elks opened its lodge to 100 kids from four area youth enrichment centers. The fun learning experience marked the first time that participants from New Beginnings, the Cambridge Empowerment Center, Harvesting Hope, and the Boys and Girls Club on Locust Lane had joined together in one space. Judging by the wall-to-wall joy on display during the afternoon of painting, games and refreshments, it seemed sure not to be the last.

Moran, creator of several celebrated public murals in Cambridge over the past few years, is on the staff of BGC Leonards Lane, which was the Eastern Shore’s first Maryland Boys and Girls Club when it opened last summer. She’s also been commissioned by a local sporting attire company to design shirts honoring Harriet Tubman and Gloria Richardson, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Black Girls Code, a nonprofit organization giving youth girls of color more resources and opportunities in technology.

The Elks program, she explained, “came from an idea I had in my heart, through art, to unite for a positive purpose. The Boys and Girls Club of Leonard’s Lane, the Empowerment Center, Harvesting Hope, New Beginnings, Dorchester Center for the Arts, Dorchester County Public Schools Transportation Department, and the Elks Lodge on Pine Street UNITED to help make the ‘Lucky Charms’ program happen.”

Along with creating smiles on kids’ faces, the goal was to honor “the special women of our lives through art, the women who daily contribute to youth in our organizations, to let them know what a blessing they are and that we don’t take them for granted,” Moran said.

“I am happy that God has given me the close friendship of our community and an art voice to advocate for our young people, who are themselves such an inspiration, every chance I can. An even bigger reason behind such programs is to shine a light through our community and to continue investing in our kids’ organizations in Cambridge and throughout the Eastern Shore,” she added.

Known as Mimi to her Leonard’s Lane B & G Club family, Moran painted along with the youngsters at her own easel, creating a design titled “Every woman is a queen,” meant to honor each mom, aunt and grandmom. Provided with a postcard-sized picture to guide them, the young artists were invited to either recreate that picture or create their own unique design, which they could share as a gift for a special woman they knew.

Gregory Meekins, ER of Dorchester Lodge #223 IBPOE-W, expressed special delight in being able to host the youngsters and their helpers at the organization’s facility at 618 Pine Street, especially since the pandemic had until recently necessitated curtailing so many events and activities.

“And this, this is our future,” Meekins said, smiling at the roomful of young artists immersed in making masterpieces at personal tabletop easels.

Theresa Stafford of New Beginnings Youth and Family Services and her team of assistants were also full of smiles, seeing the pride and joy reflected in the children’s faces. Among those on hand to help the little ones was student intern Leah Greene, of Hurlock, who had begun her own journey with the organization in the sixth grade. She credits the overall experience, and Stafford’s leadership, with inspiring her to pursue the educational goal of becoming a teacher.

Julia Barker, a retired teacher who began volunteering with the Cambridge Empowerment Center in 2014 and joined the staff in 2018, was excited at the prospect of joining together with the other groups to continue bringing additional opportunities for growth to more youngsters.  The center’s new director, Andrew Shannon, also energized by that prospect, is looking forward to providing a series of fun and fulfilling youth activities this summer.