Episode 223 with Judy McCleery, photographer, writer, and lifelong North Forker

Today I’m joined by Judy McCleery, photographer, writer, longtime community leader, and a lifelong North Forker whose story is deeply woven into the fabric of the East End.Judy takes us back to her family’s arrival on the North Fork and her upbringing in Mattituck, sharing vivid memories of growing up here and how that sense of place shaped who she would become. From her years at Mattituck High School to early work in public service, we trace a path that reflects both curiosity and commitment to community.Over the course of her career, Judy has worn many hats, recycling coordinator for the Town of Southampton, legislative aide in the early 1990s, bank employee in Greenport, a radio professional, and later a reporter and photographer, each chapter offering a different window into life on the North Fork and the people who make it run.We also talk about her involvement in local politics, the East End Women’s Network, and her ongoing dedication to civic life, culminating in her current role as president of the North Fork Chamber of Commerce. Throughout the conversation, Judy reflects on why this place matters so deeply to her, and what she hopes the future holds for the North Fork and its community.