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Judy Willsey

Judy Gilmartin-Willsey of Framings Named Armonk Citizen of the Year

April 21, 2018 by Marlene Kern Fischer

                                         ‘Judy’      PHOTO BY ROSS EAGLE

The Armonk Chamber of Commerce has chosen Judy Gilmartin-Willsey as its 2018 Citizen of the Year. Judy will be honored at the annual Citizen of the Year golf outing and dinner at The Whippoorwill Club on Tuesday, May 15.

If Judy’s face looks familiar, it’s probably because you know her from Framings of Armonk. Judy and her husband Carter Willsey started the business 28 years ago after working in advertising; the timing was perfect because they wanted to be able to bring their young daughter to work with them. Framings was originally housed on Bedford Road, next to the old lumberyard, and moved to a building located on what is now the DeCicco’s parking lot. The business was then resituated to its current location on the corner of Main Street, where its creative and whimsical windows have been adding character and beauty to downtown Armonk for the past 22 years.

Judy, a graduate of Parsons School of Design, likes to be known as a “yes” person and said she feels it’s her “responsibility to do the best work and contribute to the community.” With a reputation for helping out in any way she can, Judy is involved in a myriad of activities. She is a member of the Grace Notes, an acappella group that performs at nursing homes and assisted living facilities (including the Bristol, located in Armonk), libraries, elementary schools and senior citizen centers throughout the area. Over the years, Judy has mentored the dozens of high school students she has hired to work at Framings. In addition, Judy has helped sponsor and promote the Friends of the North Castle Public Library’s annual Armonk Outdoor Art Show and is committed to helping Armonk businesses grow and thrive. She even leaves used frames and other objects outside her store free for the taking. Her energy and enthusiasm for everything she does is readily apparent to everyone she meets.

One of the things that strikes you when you talk to Judy is her wonderful sense of humor; she loves to laugh and make others laugh as well. It’s a little-known fact that Judy selected Framings’ phone number, 273-4242, because it’s also 273-HAHA. The store used to offer a five percent discount to anyone who came in and told a good joke. Judy said she is considering reinstating the practice despite the fact that customers occasionally tried to take advantage of the offer; she recounted with a chuckle the time someone asked if he could get a 20 percent discount if he told her four jokes.

A co-founder of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce, which was started 15 years ago, Judy is also a co-founder of Friends of Frosty. Originally started as a holiday stroll to celebrate America’s favorite snowman, the Frosty parade has helped put Armonk on the map, with over three thousand people attending the parade this past year. The New York State Department of Tourism named it “one of the holiday events not to miss.”

On being named Citizen of the Year, the humble Judy says that she is “grateful on a lot of levels. I am grateful to be in a town that can support a creative business. At first, I was embarrassed when they told me I had won. But now I think it’s fantastic to be in such good company with the other people who’ve been honored. I will take Carter’s advice and accept [the award] graciously.”

Ed Woodyard, the Chamber’s 2017 Citizen of the Year, said, “Judy’s more than 25 years of dedicated service to the Armonk community make her more than worthy to receive the 2018 Citizen of the Year Award. She and her husband Carter exemplify the personal qualities and provide the outstanding service necessary to build strong customer loyalty and a successful business. Her upbeat energy, good works and positive attitude extend beyond the store itself and into the wider community. Whether it’s her riding her bicycle around town, stopping to chat or waving to friends, Judy’s big smile brings a smile to the lives of everyone who knows her. This award is so well-deserved. Honoring Judy honors all of us.” We couldn’t agree more.

For more information and to purchase tickets to the golf outing, cocktail party and events visit http://www.armonkchamberofcommerce.com/ or call 914-273-2353. All are invited to attend the day of celebration.

Filed Under: Armonk Cover Stories Tagged With: achievement, Armonk, award, Citizen of the Year, honor, Judy Willsey

An Invite to: 2018 Citizens of the Year

April 21, 2018 by The Inside Press

The Armonk Chamber of Commerce Citizens of the Year–Judy Gilmartin-Willsey and the Armonk Independent Fire Department–will be honored at a Golf Outing and Dinner on May 15th at the Whippoorwill Club in Armonk.

The Chamber described Judy, the owner of Framings for over 30 years, as “a vivacious and endearing presence,” who has also “committed herself to civic life here, as co-founder of the Chamber…  Judy helped create the Armonk Winter Walk in 1991, which evolved into the wildly popular Frosty Day in 2008. She has lent her windows and expertise to the beautification and betterment of the town and its events, including support of the current Chamber of Commerce and the Armonk Outdoor Art Show.”

Current members and long-time veterans of the Armonk Independent Fire Department

“The Armonk Independent Fire Department–its men and women volunteers–are town heroes who have given selflessly over the past 85 years. As such, they are the first organization to receive this honor by the Chamber. All firefighters and emergency responders undertake extensive training, with 140 hours needed to become a firefighter and 160 hours for an EMT. In addition to fighting fires and providing emergency medical care to area residents and businesses, the AIFD also teaches fire safety to community, school and youth groups. Members are required to participate in multi-agency drills in case of large scale emergencies, such as aircraft rescue and triage preparation for medical personnel.

Two veterans and ex-chiefs, John Heimerdinger and Mitch Sime, have more than 120 years of service between them. The department’s first and only female fire chief was Luci Labriola-Cuffe (she is not currently serving in that position). Long-time resident Tommy Cox has been an associate member of the department since elementary school. The current fire chief is Phil Goulet. To sponsor a firefighter’s dinner/tee hole or contribute to the local Stayin’ Alive Charity, register or find additional details, please visit: armonkchamberofcommerce.com.

 

Filed Under: North Castle Releases Tagged With: Armonk, Armonk Chamber of Commerce., citizens, Citizens of the Year, Event, Independent Fire Department, Judy Willsey

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