TWO MONTHS ago, Dorsey Emmanuel United Methodist Church hired an organist, Charlie Borcherding, who recently had returned to the Elkridge area with his wife, Denise, and small daughters. He landed a job in the office of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, and the future looked clear.
Almost a month ago, the Borcherdings learned that their 1-year-old daughter has leukemia. Christa has been in Johns Hopkins Hospital since, receiving chemotherapy.
Four-year-old Lauren has been found to be a match for Christa's bone marrow, making a successful transplant possible.
But because Charlie was hired recently, the family's health insurance coverage begins next month. But a pile of bills already has accumulated.
The church has initiated a Christa Borcherding Benefit Fund to help the family through its crisis.
Recent church collections have been earmarked for the family.
The Alleluias choral group has decided to set aside the proceeds its Sunday concert, "A Touch of Christmas," to help Christa. The production, which includes 45 adults and 12 children, will begin at 4:30 p.m.
Dorsey Emmanuel Church is at 6951 Dorsey Road. Information: 796-8598.
Perennial principal
Mary Jane Mitchell recently retired as principal at Elkridge Elementary School, and her students have planted a garden of flowers, shrubs, and trees, and dedicated it to her.
The Mary Jane Mitchell Garden was paid for by the PTA and installed by Cub Scout Den 2, including Patrick Baker, Brian Eikenberg, Matt Grabowski, Ellicott Kerechek, Mark Mathis, Johnny McComb, Justin McMillion, Dennis Raines and Den Chief Scott Anderson, with the help of their families.
Pride in Patapsco
On Dec. 11, the Upper Patuxent Archaeology group will present Dr. Charles B. Clark talking about "Maryland's Pride in Young Ladies' Schools."
This free program, part of the "Flashlight Walk-Scholar Talk" series, will offer a walk around the grounds of the Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. A discussion is planned for 8:15 p.m.
Dr. Clark, who is researching a book on the institute, brings the richness of personal experience.
In his youth, he lived at the school and at the historic home, Mount Ida.
Information: 465-8500.
Luminaria orders
Centennial and Chateau Valley neighbors, Lynn Spence, chairwoman of the Luminaria display orders, wants order forms returned as soon as possible.
She needs to purchase supplies for the Dec. 24 display. Call her at 461-4301 if you need an order form.
Master gardening
Howard County Master Gardeners have announced their next training dates, Jan. 22 through March 27.
Classes will be held for six hours each week. The class is about half-full, and registrations will be accepted through Jan. 8.
The cost is $85, of which $30 is refunded after 40 hours of bTC volunteer service.
Information: 313-2707.
