Judy Willsey named Armonk Chamber’s Citizen of the Year 

Judy Willsey named Armonk Chamber’s Citizen of the Year: The Armonk Chamber of Commerce recently named Judy Gilmartin-Willsey their 2018 Citizen of the Year. For the first time, the chamber will also present a Citizens of the Year award to the Armonk Independent Fire Department (AIFD). Both Judy and the AIFD will be honored at the Armonk Chamber’s Annual Citizen of the Year Golf Outing on Tuesday, May 15 at the Whippoorwill Club in Armonk. The event kicks off at 11:30am with lunch, followed by a round of golf, cocktails, dinner and awards from 6-9pm.

Judy and her husband, Carter, opened Framings (it’s where you go to get your artwork framed) on Bedford Road in Armonk in 1986 before settling in at 420 Main St., their current location, in 1996. For over 30 years, Judy has been actively involved in Armonk’s civic life.

She co-founded the Armonk Chamber of Commerce in 2004 and helped launch Armonk’s Winter Walk that evolved into Frosty Day in 2008. Judy is a founding board member of the Friends of Frosty, Inc., overseeing the participation of businesses and merchants in the day’s events. She collects historic Frosty items for her Frosty Museum, displayed in the store every winter. She actively supported the construction of Armonk Square and made a memorable plea before the town’s Planning Board.

During warmer weather, Judy can be seen pedaling around town on her bicycle, always chatting with locals and singing. She sings in an a capella group, The Grace Notes.

She also serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations. “An active proponent for the Armonk business community and an all around town ambassador, Judy is a well-deserving recipient of this honor,” said Neal Schwartz – the current President of the Armonk Chamber of Commerce.

Armonk Independent Fire Department: Citizens of the Year

AIFD is the first organization to be honored by the Armonk Chamber of Commerce as Citizens of the Year. Founded in 1930, this all-volunteer Fire Department has provided selfless service to the community.

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, and hosts two week-long community outreach programs yearly at the Armonk Firehouse.

Westchester County Airport is among its responsibilities, and the AIFD requires members to participate in multiagency drills in case of large-scale emergencies, such as aircraft rescue and triage preparation for medical personnel.

The AIFD firefighters and emergency responders all undertake extensive training and refresher courses to keep their certifications current. The training classes entail 140 hours to become a firefighter, and 160 hours for EMTs.

Mitch Sime is the longest-serving member of the AIFD. They currently have their first female fire chief, Luci Labriola-Cuffe. Special associate member, Tommy Cox, is a long-time resident and member of the AIFD and started with the department when he was in elementary school.

Two veterans and ex-chiefs, John Heimerdinger and Mitch Sime, have more than 120 years of such community service between them. Younger members include the newly elected fire chief Phil Goulet, and Carlos Cano, a 15-year department veteran and ex-chief.

Past Winners include Ed Woodyard, Citizen of the Year 2017, Susan Geffen, Citizen of the Year 2016 and Sam Morrell, Citizen of the Year 2015.

For more information or to register for the Citizen of the Year Golf Outing, call 914.273.2420 or email president@armonkchamberofcommerce.com or visit www.armonkchamberofcommerce.com.

For information on becoming involved with the Armonk Fire Department visit  www.armonkfd.com