AN EARLY HISTORY OF SCIPS----

                    OUR FIRST 25 YEARS

In 1977 St. Cecelia's Singles was started under the direction of  Bishop Larkin and Sister Irene  along with Mary Bauman, Mary Bower, Mary Tracey and Mary Dufina.  After a year the group folded as no interest was shown.

In January 1979 Bishop Larkin was determined that the need for a Christian Singles group was there and that he  should try again.  He sent out signals and the call was met.  So again, under the direction of Bishop Larkin, Sister Irene, Adele and Naomi Becker the group was formed.  In order to get a great response an open house in Colreavy Hall was planned.  So on rainy cold Sunday afternoon folks from as far as St Petersburg to Tarpon Springs came to check out this new wonder; they were looking for friendship to fill their needs of loneliness.  The hall quickly filled with people chatting, smiling and feeling a bit of anxiety as to what this group could do for them.

One of the first statements to them from Bishop Larkin was that this group would be open to all faiths, there was a need to bring Singles together for friendship, companionship caring and sharing for one another.  The need was there and we were going to fill it.  His desire was to reach out to all divorced, widow, widowers and singles and let them know someone cared.  Thus the work began.  Adele was chosen as President and Naomi as her sidekick.  Sister Irene was jumping with so many ideas. She was a go-getter with great determination.  This group was going to make it!

By-laws had to be set up, dues had to be selected and events had to be planned. Weeks and weeks were spent with Sister Irene and the Bishop.  Now our first event was to take place.

A name for the group had to be selected.  Sister Irene decided to call us SCIPS, as it would represent St. Cecelia's Inter-Parish Singles.

February 1979 Valentine Dance:  $1.00 admission and drinks furnished, a live band (Mickey Dona) $75.00. Colreavy Hall was filled to capacity (all 3 Bays).  There was love in the air that night and the people felt it.  We decided that 2 dances a month would be great.  Bands soon began to call us wanting bookings; most of them were just starting out and wanted someplace to play so perhaps they would be discovered.

Soon Mr. (Right) walked in (Chris Theodore) and swept Adele right off her feet, they were married shortly after, and her sidekick took over.

Our biggest event took place in July 1979.  "Christmas in July". Bishop Larkin funded the soda, sandwiches and snacks; again Colreavy Hall was filled to capacity.  The hall looked beautiful with Christmas trees, lights, and even Santa Claus. It was a time of merriment.  After we paid Bishop Larkin back for his generosity we had $500.00 left and that's when we opened our first bank account. Needless to say we were overjoyed; we knew then we were headed in the right direction.  Other area churches began to move in the same direction.  St. Jude's in St.. Petersburg, Holy Cross in St Petersburg and Light of Christ in Clearwater.  We were bringing singles together and having fun.  We shared each other’s functions with plenty of love and friendship.

Naomi Becker carried the group until April of 1980, then the election of officers brought in Dorothy Gucker. Dottie brought with her the X-RATED POLKA.

The X-RATED POLKA became a great hit at our dances for years to come.  The bands enjoyed playing the polka while Dottie gave the directions to the dance steps.  Everyone was anxious to participate and learn the steps and moves to this new craze.

Then election of officers in April of 1981 brought in Frank Vasta. Frank decided we needed a monthly newsletter with illustrations (pictures portraying the events).  Frank was very meticulous.  Tablecloths also began to appear on the tables with floral arrangements, colored cups and napkins depicting the month of the dance.  Frank was always at the hall early Saturday morning making sure everything was done the way he wanted.  Frank Vasta died in the year 2001.

Dorothy Gucker came back as president in late 1981 until April 1982.  Dorothy died in 2002.

In April 1982 until 1983, John Guthrie came in as president.  He carried on with the X-RATED POLKA under the direction of Dottie to make sure he did it right.  John decided on picnics, hiking and even brought his sailboat to be shared with the sea lovers.  Trips to the Coliseum and Gulfport Casino were also planed under the leadership of John.

In 1984 Naomi found herself back as President.  Her love of the great outdoors brought breakfast in the parks and the cookouts began.

In 1985 Valerie Janus was elected President.  Valerie selected house parties, games and garage sales (a moneymaker for SCIPS).  Whenever we think of Valerie we think of a Huge Garage Sale that lasted for 2 days.

1986 John Guthrie was elected President again.

1987 Ray Crowley was elected president.  Ray was known for the starting of Happy Hours for SCIPS before we ate.  He was really big on Happy Hours.  He also was always looking for ways to bring in more men at our functions; letting them in free, picking them up at home, anything to entice them to come out.  He also started the reading program for the illiterate.  He was able to get people excited about lending a hand to the less fortunate.  Ray had a heart of gold. Ray died in August 1996.

April 1988 to April 1990 Naomi was elected back as president. Boat trips, Pontoon Boat trips, day trips, Visits to Honeymoon Island and other outdoor activities became a must.

April 1990 to 1992 Ellen Fetzko became president.  Ellen brought with her a love of theatres, cruises, all day bus trips, and Mystery bus trips.  Ellen first introduced us to the Spaghetti Warehouse in Tampa and we have enjoyed many trips there.  She also planned trips to Lowry Park Zoo, live entertainment and themes for the monthly meetings.  She brought aboard Clowns, Show girls, Pizza parties, Mothers Day and Fathers Day celebrations in the park and Beach Parties.

Ellen was activities chairperson for many years because of her love for going places and doing things right.

Naomi came back as President in 1992.

Winifred Luft was President in 1993. Winnie started the Thanksgiving Day Dinner celebration in parks, bringing together the people who would not have family on this special day. Also card games at her home on Monday night, house parties with her specialty (Baked Ziti and Lasagna and salad-served just right.)

Naomi came back in 1994 and served until April 1996.

Marge Sivek served as President from 1996 until April 1998. Marge began the General Meetings with a joke or two, as this was her headliner.  Marge promoted line dancing at meetings, speakers, car pooling and card games at General Meetings.  Also famous  for always bringing large bowls of fruit for the picnics, Marge was always there to help.  She gave up her leadership in 1998 to do the newsletter and what a great job she did!

 Naomi came back as President until April 2004.

 The success of SCIPS for the past 25 years has been due to the dedication of its members, always ready to serve in any capacity.  Nothing has been too great of a challenge for these people.  Our members have served as membership chairman, secretaries, sunshine, refreshments, cooks, decorations, setup, cleanup, telephone committees, booking bands, getting door prizes, special activities, getting ice and soda, and church liaison.  Everyone takes an active part to make our club strong.

 Let us remember all those who were members and have died and those members who left for various reasons and who shared in so many ways their talents and hard work and always their loving caring and sharing ways.  They were a big part of SCIPS and added so much to our group; always there to lend a helping hand and to share their ideas to make SCIPS what it is today.  May we all be here to celebrate our 30th together.

Sister Irene with all of her enthusiasm, love and caring ways for this group is shining on all of us as we celebrate what she wanted most, Christians coming together to share Love, Friendship and Fellowship with one another.  Sister Irene died in 1991.

Naomi Becker, one of the founders of SCIPS, an ardent supporter of the club and author of this historical record died March 14, 2010.