Even in the dead of winter, when cabin fever starts creeping in and spring feels like a distant rumor, the ladies of the DeBorgia Historic Schoolhouse Foundation know exactly how to lift their spirits.

Jaime Miller of St. Regis was attending her second annual Ladies Luncheon and said it’s quickly become one of her favorite local traditions. She attends many DeBorgia events and was joined this year by Ellen Matz, who has been coming for several years and never misses the fun. 

“The costume contest last year was great and then the white elephant gift exchange almost became a tug-of-war between three ladies who all wanted the same prize. Of course, nobody knew what it was but it kept going between them,” she laughed.

Each year brings a new theme and plenty of giggles. Last year’s theme was pajamas, and the year before that it was Western Cowgirl Day. Susan Charles fondly remembered the year of Wildest Shoes. 

“We had ladies who brought in shoes from the days they wore 4-inch heels and had glitter toes. I don’t think many of us could even put those on today let alone walk a step without faceplanting,” she howled. 

She added that because there was a huge amount of snow that year, everyone brought their shoes inside and slipped them carefully on.

The February gathering, held at the old DeBorgia Schoolhouse, has become a cheerful ritual. Women from around the area are encouraged to attend an afternoon filled with jocularity, silliness and laughter, just the cure for the winter blues. In fact, no one can remember a year when the event was held on a day that actually looked and felt like spring, as this year's did. The milder weather had organizers briefly wondering about attendance, but those worries quickly melted away with a strong turnout.

The guests enjoyed two different soups, along with a potluck spread of salads and rolls, followed by delectable desserts provided by this year’s chairperson, Naomi Stevens. 

“Oh, I made a collection of decorated, filled cupcakes. 2-different kinds,” she said. Stevens, long known as one of the unofficial Dessert Queens of the West End, prepared 4-dozen cupcakes in all. “Strawberry filled and then lemon filled for a total of 48.” 

She does have help and shared that this year’s Alice in Wonderland theme was her suggestion, though everyone has a say in choosing the theme. Planning is already underway for next year, which will whisk attendees away to a Hawaiian-themed celebration. 

“There are no rules. We’re not raising money. It’s just a group of ladies getting together to have fun,” said Charles.