It was all “Jewels and Gems” for the young ladies of My Sister?s Circle, an organization founded by Heather Harvison almost six years ago.
Her program is a comprehensive, relationship-based design that mentors and tutors pre-identified fifth grade girls.
“We target academically promising fifth-grade girls who many times become lost once they move onto middle school,” Harvison explained. These young girls are from Baltimore?s underserved communities.
MSC provides dedicated, trained, professional women to give these girls the support they need to stay on the right track. Sherry Strovel, an MSC volunteer, made a beauty of a connection for Heather?s next outing for her group of 20 girls. Joann Aiken, owner of the MIM (Made in Metal) Gallery in historic Clipper Mill in Jones Falls Valley, opened her doors for a day of “Jewels and Gems.”
Guided by professional instructors Dotsie Mack and Annie Simpson, each girl received a kit full of tools, beads and wires to create their beaded earrings and bracelets to take home.
MSC mentors assisting at the jewelry event included Ruth Coleman, Joan DuHaime, Tara Labosky, Susan Baker, Jennifer Busse and Erin Lavin. Good thing, because the galleries owner was dealing with the aftermath of being flooded out. All at MSC were very grateful to MIM Galleries for being able to still host the event.
After the budding jewelrydesigners, including LaShea Felder, Sade Whittley, Chirell Long, Candace Handy, Shamera Williams, Rickell Briggs, Ashley Crockett,
Kandice Polk, Adjana Ramirez, Ashely Fonce, Cierra Dupree, Antinnea Skipwith, Ebonee Alston, LaShea Dixon, Denya Isabelle, and Jalisa, Latasha, Kim and Kelly Jones, completed their finery, pizza was the final jewel in the crown of another successful mentoring event.
Later on, one of the moms of the girls involved called Heather, telling her that her daughters have been making jewelry since the workshop, and that she proudly wore a piece to work.
“It gives the girls something creative to do over the summer as many are home, with limited access or exposure to other activities due to the lack of transportation and funds,” said Harvison, who also serves as executive director for MSC.
To contact her about becoming a volunteer, call 410-458-3199.
IT?S ALL ABOUT HEART
Congrats to the Save-A-Heart Foundation, which recently hosted a benefit with Howie Mandel, host of NBC?s hit show “Deal or No Deal.” Following the success of this event, the foundation presented $156,000 in funds to several local volunteer fire companies for the purchase of ambulances and other life-saving equipment, according to Save-A-Hearts? Marty Jenoff.
In Marty?s time off, he volunteers as an emergency medical technician. Now that?s heart for ya.
Anne Boone-Simanski is the Social Columnist for The Examiner and can be reached at [email protected] or 410-878-6131.
