"Ban the Blues" cures winter ills

Seasonal affective disorder, more commonly referred to as the winter blues, was first described and named in 1984. With shorter days, less light and colder temperatures all you may want to do is stay inside and curl up in your bed.

But you don’t have to.

Back in 1996, when Toots Bricker was working in the Mineral County Treasurer’s Office, she always had people coming in and complaining about the long winter.

“They always told me they were tired of the long winter and so I told them that if they threw a party, I’d come,” Bricker said. “Well, I ended up throwing that party and have been throwing them ever since.”

The “Ban the Blues” potluck as it has come to be known has become a tradition of sorts for Bricker. She holds one during the months of January through March to get people together. The first one that was held back in January saw a small crowd because of illness and what not, but this month, Bricker is hoping that more people will come out.

During the potlucks, not only can you visit with friends, but you can also listen to exciting guest speakers. Bricker said that this month they will have people talking about their trips to New Zealand and Australia. She said that there could also be a cowboy poet.

“We don’t have a budget or anything, so I always try to find people who would be willing to share,” Bricker said. “We’ve had some neat speakers. It gives people the chance to learn about something they may know nothing about.”

Bricker said that the potlucks initially were started for the folks outside of the town as they didn’t get in often to see people at the grocery store or post office.

“They didn’t have the contact out in the country,” Bricker said.

Today, however, the crowd is usually a mix of country and city dwellers, couples, singles, widows, widowers and more.

“We are certainly glad to have everyone. Even those who want to come join us from St. Regis and Alberton,” Bricker said.

One thing that folks can count on is good food. Bricker said that the “food is always fabulous.” She said the beverages, plates and utensils are supplied, but asks attendees bring a dish and possibly a utensil to serve it with.

At the March potluck, Bricker said that there are going to be quite a few people who keep bluebirds speaking. She said that she keeps some herself and it’s a fun little hobby.