Judy Noy, the Norwood News’ prolific proofreader, doing what she does best–proofing!
by David Cruz

By ALEX KRATZ

New editors, reporters, interns, delivery drivers and designers come and go from the Norwood News. But Judy Noy just keeps on proofreading.

This December, David Cruz became the fifth editor-in-chief of the Norwood News. At the same time, Judy celebrates her 25th year making sure the paper’s mistakes are at a bare minimum, which, in turn, helps maximize its credibility. Judy is the only person to hold the title of Proofreader at this Bronx treasure.

She’s the Norwood News’ quality control and also its heart and soul.

To her credit and consistency, you can count the number of editions Judy hasn’t scrutinized with a fine-tooth comb on half of one hand. She missed the inaugural issue of the Norwood News only because she didn’t know about its existence until she picked up a copy in the Norwood neighborhood she’s called home for most of her life.

The paper, which debuted in October of 1988, included an advertisement looking to recruit community volunteers for the fledgling paper. As an instinctively civic-minded mother of two kids, Judy jumped at the opportunity and contributed her meticulous proofreading skills to the next edition, which came out that December. And just like that, she stuck. Through thick and thin, holidays and hurricanes, Judy’s been here.

In addition to her vital work as the paper’s sole proofreader (and chief huge mistake catcher), Judy also compiles our popular Out & About column, which lets everyone know about all the fun things going on in their neighborhood. Over the years, dozens of readers have told me it’s their favorite part of the Norwood News.

Judy is also a reader and contributor. She’s never been afraid to voice her opinion and often came storming into my office outraged after proofing a story about a brutal crime against a child or the deterioration of a local public school (like her alma mater, MS 80) or a new overreaching health policy initiative from Mayor Bloomberg. But she didn’t just complain. A day or two later, Judy would march in with a sharply-written letter or op-ed she wanted published in the next edition.

As an editor, I appreciated Judy on several levels. Her attention to detail was often maddeningly crucial. During production of the paper, every other Tuesday, she provided calm professionalism in the face of intense, late-night deadline pressure. Sometimes, exhausted and brain-dead, I wanted to simply move an article onto the page, but Judy, who takes great pride in her work, would refuse to let things go without proper perusal. Her determination saved us embarrassment so many times, it’s impossible to quantify.

On a personal level, I’ll miss Judy as a friend. Producing a newspaper can often be a lonely endeavor, but Judy always provided me with a companion and co-pilot on the journey.

Judy has a few “Judyisms” and loves finding funny proofreading mistakes in other less fortunate papers. She treats each edition as though it were a challenge. “I’m still waiting for a reader to call me to point out a mistake I missed,” says Judy during each tour of service.

One of her favorite routines I never tired of would happen whenever Judy found me or anyone else, working in dim conditions – a huge no-no for those in the reading business. “You know what God said, right?” She would ask as she turned on the light in your office. “Let there be light!”

Thank you, Judy, for keeping the lights on at the Norwood News for 25 years (and counting…)!