SCIPS

THE EARLY HISTORY OF SCIPS as told by Naomi Becker, a longtime member of SCIPS.

HISTORY OF SCIPS: THE EARLY YEARS
In 1977 St. Cecelia's SCIPS was started under the direction of Bishop W. Thomas 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 determined that the need for a Christian Social 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, and on a 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 people 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, singles and couples who wanted to feel part of a community, 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, and 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 Socials.

February 1979 Valentine Dance featured $1.00 admission and drinks furnished, a live band (Mickey Dona) (fee only $75.00!). Colreavy Hall was filled to capacity (all 3 Bays) and there was love in the air that night; the people all felt it. It was 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. Churches began to move in the same direction. Jude's in St. Petersburg, Holy Cross in St Petersburg and Light of Christ in Clearwater. We were bringing folks 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 (Google it!) 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 pictures showing activities and events. Frank was very meticulous. Tablecloths also began to appear on the tables with floral arrangements, colored cups and napkins depicting the theme of each dance. Frank was always at the hall early Saturday morning making sure everything was done the way he wanted. Frank Vasta died in 2001.

Dorothy Gucker came back as president in late 1981 until April 1982. Dear 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 adding new activities like picnics, hiking and even brought his sailboat to be shared with the sea lovers. Trips to the Coliseum and Gulfport Casino were also planned 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. In 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 and 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 and brought with her a love of theatres, cruises, bus day 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 created 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, carpooling 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 46 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 our group. 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 members and have passed on, 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 many more group anniversaries for many years to come!

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. Other past presidents include Janet Nassif and Juanita "Nita" Blair, who have given so selflessly to continue our legacy. Our current leadership is Felicia Bradley, president; Cheryl Walters, Treasurer; Lisa Smallwood, newsletter and more. We are so thankful for all our group member and volunteers, for keeping folks over age 50 busy having fun and enjoying life!

If you haven't tried any of our events, there is no fee to attend and we welcome everyone!