MAYBE marriage isn't for you, but you are seeking likeminded companions to share conversations and outings with. If so, the Irish American Singles Association (IASA) of Bergen County in New Jersey is just the right organization to provide all of the above.The group's president Marie Gibbons spoke to the Irish Voice about the very successful 25-year-old organization that currently has 65 members."The main aim of our group is to get together and learn as much as possible about our Irish heritage," said Gibbons.The group meets on the second Wednesday of every month at a hall in Glenrock, Bergen County. "We will, however, be moving to Midland Park next month," said Gibbons.Not only does the organization meet once a month, smaller groups get together and attend various events in the community. "Last Sunday a group of us went to the Irish Rep to see a play, and we do various other trips and events too," explained Gibbons, who took over as president of the IASA in January.Although most of the members are from the New Jersey area, there are also some from New York. Gibbons said she hopes to expand the group greatly. "We would love to have new members. Anyone who is single and has some sort of Irish connection is welcome. Some of our members' Irish heritage goes back three or four generations," she explained. "It's all about the Irish interests."Naturally, when groups of single people get together, romances develop and love blossoms. "We have had three or four marriages throughout the years too and several couples form from the group," she said. Although the organization is for singles alone, the couples who met though the IASA still attend the Christmas parties and summer picnics.While most of the current members of the IASA are widowed, others are divorcees and others never married - yet!Gibbons is hopeful that more singles - "it doesn't matter your status, once you're single" - will come along to a meeting or event scheduled by the group. For more information on IASA call Gibbons at 201-385-1559. "Call now and you'll just be in time to help us celebrate St. Patrick's Day," she said.

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