FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com JANUARY 1, 2015 • The queens Courier 21 SCOTT BARON’S STAR OF QUEENS Patt y DeCicc io-Franke Volunteer board member Oratorio Society of Queens brought to you by star OF queens SCOTT BARON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law 1-866-WAS-HURT (866) 927-4878 718.738.9800 BACKGROUN D: Patty DeCiccio-Franke, 60, was born and raised in Astoria. She moved to Bellerose with her husband George in 1981. She loves the fact that Queens is as diverse as it is, and that its neighborhoods are like small towns with each one having its own feel. She thinks it is amazing that one can live around the world in just this borough. OCCUPATION : DeCiccio- Franke is the owner of Heart of the Party, a custom party store at 247-69 Jericho Turnpike in Bellerose. It was formerly known as Mr. Ribbon Too and she opened it 12 years ago. COMMUNI TY IN VOLVEMEN T: The Oratorio Society of Queens (OSQ) was founded in 1927 and claims to be the oldest performing cultural organization in the borough. It is completely run by volunteers who pay membership dues. Its aim is to give singers in the community the chance to rehearse and perform, while sharing their love for classical choral music. DeCiccio- Franke joined the OSQ in 1997 as being in retail was stressing her out. The alto singer intended to stay for six months, but instead is still going strong after 17 years. During her tenure as president between 2003 and 2013, OSQ made great strides in membership and in attracting public and private funding. In her current role as a board member, her main duties revolve around fundraising. She also mentors some of the high school students who join the OSQ as student interns. GREA TES T ACHIE VEMEN T: “I have two accomplishments,” DeCiccio-Franke said. “One, staying a viable independent business owner in a big box economy. Two, being a part of OSQ. They let me be a part of OSQ, voted me to be for all these years.” BIGGES T CHA LLEN GE: “Staying relatively positive in a not-so-positive world,” she said. “Things happen every day, life changes in ways you can’t imagine. You have to keep on going.” INS PIRA TION : “So many people have inspired me,” she said. “My mom taught me to get on with your life, to just keep doing it. My father, his death when I was very young, taught me that life is fleeting. You never know what’s going to happen. Don’t take anything for granted and I am grateful for what I have.” BY ASHA MAHADEVAN Protect your world Auto • Home • Life • Retirement Call me today to discuss your options. Some people think Allstate only protects your car. Truth is, Allstate can also protect your home or apartment, your boat, motorcycle - even your retirement and your life. And the more of your world you put in Good Hands®, the more you can save. THE WRIGHT AGENCY 718-671-8000 Oil & Bioheat fuel. Savings. Service. Value. Oil Heat • Pricing plan options to suit your needs • SmartPay budget payment plan to help manage oil costs all year Ultra Low Sulfur Bioheat Fuel • Helps your system reduce air emissions by over 70% • Improves effi ciency for less maintenance & cleaner environment Call today for special offers! 1.866.539.5361 Oil | Natural Gas Heating | Cooling petro.com petro mobile connect on Additional terms and conditions may apply. Some services may not be available in all areas. NYC Lic. No. 1314079. ©2014 Petro. P_14473 a065989@allstate.com 118846 Insurance subject to terms, qualifications and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Indemnity Co., Allstate Vehicle and Property Insurance Co. Life insurance and annuities issued by Lincoln Benefit Life Company, Lincoln, NE, Allstate Life Insurance Company, Northbrook, IL. In New York, Allstate Life Insurance Company of New York, Hauppauge, NY. Northbrook, IL. © 2010 Allstate Insurance Co.
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