Durham Friends Woman’s Society Meeting Minutes, December 15, 2025, Hybrid Meeting and Annual Christmas Party held at Dorthy Curtis’ Home
Present: Dorothy Curtis, President, Nancy Marstaller, Treasurer, Sarah Sprogell, Kim Bolshaw On Zoom: Susan Gilbert, Secretary, Wendy Schlotterbeck,
Cards: For Friends.
Program and Devotions: Dorothy read the beautifully illustrated book “Winter’s Gift” by Jane Monroe Donovan. An elder man is cutting firewood, experiencing loneliness after the recent loss of his wife. Out in the snowy landscape of his remote farmhouse at Christmastime, he sees a dark shape nearby. A wild horse, separated from her herd is lying down, exhausted in the wind and snow. A wolf howls nearby. Getting the mare to her feet, the man leads her to his barn, providing blankets and water and carrots. He sleeps nearby, in hay bales. In the morning he discovers the mare has given birth to a foal, dark, with a perfect white star on his forehead. The man finds in this a special gift and for the first time in a long time, looks forward with hope.
Treasurer’s Report: We had a balance of 518.70. $418.50 was raised in the silent auction and will be sent to Tedford Housing, half for their housing program and half for Warm Thy Neighbor. There are still auction donations yet to be collected, and that unknown amount will be sent on when received.
After sending the money to Tedford, we have $100.20 in our account.
Minutes: Susan read her 11.17. ’25 Minutes.
Tedford Meal: The Dec. 1 Tedford meal was barbecued pulled turkey, sweet pickles, cole slaw, homemade apple sauce, and ice cream. The Jan.5 Teadford meal Team B leader is Nancy Marstaller, (207) 725-4294. Durham Friends provide dinner for Tedford House on the first Monday of each month. Contributions of prepared food or money for Tedford meals are always welcome.
Next Meeting: January 19, 2026.
Other Business: Nancy drove by the new Tedford housing facility, which is near Cook’s Corner in Brunswick. Sarah attended the ribbon cutting ceremony November 20. She described the L shaped facility with one wing for families, one for single people, with the administration/staff located in the center. Each family apartment has beds, private bath and kitchen area. The single person rooms sleep four with shared bath. Sarah noted beautiful art in every room, murals, a quilt from Harpswell displayed, and views of nature and a playground outside the facility. Jo Ann Jacobus requested the WS provide a vegetable platter for the “Gathering Place,” ”a “safe, welcoming, and comfortable space for people to gather in downtown Brunswick, offering guests respect, encouragement, help with the practical”. Kim will provide the vegetables and Wendy will deliver. Wendy delivered Ed Hinshaw’s clothing and shoes to “The Warming Center”. They were very grateful. There will be a memorial for Ed on Jan.10 at 11 AM. WS will provide finger food refreshments such as small bun sandwiches of egg salad and tuna, and a vegetable tray.
Dorothy closed the meeting with a Christmas poem:
ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
While the lighted Christmas candles
Burn so cheerfully and bright,
O Father dear, in heaven above,
We pray this prayer tonight:
Above us set the Christmas star,
And let us hear the angels sing,
Announcing Him come from afar
Peace and Happiness to bring.
Oh, may we find and follow Him
Born in a dark, chill manger,
Oh, may we love Him in our hearts-
This Christ, on earth a stranger.
From “Childrens Prayers” passed down from Dorothy’s aunt, Helen Clarkson.
Respectfully Submitted, Susan Gilbert
