Chamber of Commerce Woman of the Year 2012: Miriam Wanderman

Communities often thrive on the actions of just a few concerned residents who set examples for all those around them; people who do so not for the spotlight, but to selflessly improve the towns in which they live.

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce feels it important to single out such individuals, as they did last week when they presented Miriam "Meme" Wanderman with their 2012 Woman of the Year Award.

For Wanderman, the honor bestowed upon her at the Chamber’s recent 2012 Installation Dinner at Chateau Briand in Carle Place, was made all the more exciting because she was surrounded by her loved ones.

“It’s very special. It feels really wonderful,” she said. “The nicest part is that all my friends are here and my family. It’s really great.”

Randy Shotland, president, Chamber of Commerce, said that Wanderman was presented with their award this year due to how intensely ingrained she is into the lives of the citizens of Merrick.

“Meme was picked because she’s been so involved within the community for as long as I can remember,” he said. “Even after her kids graduated high school, she was still a part of the PTA. Whenever they need her, however they need her, she’s there.”

Wanderman, who has been married nearly 40 years to her husband Jay (together they have three children), has been an active member of the Parent-Teacher Association and a long-time trustee on the Merrick Library board.

“I just love helping people and giving advice,” she said. “I love being active in the community. I’ve been on the Merrick Library board for 10 years now and now I’m vice president. I'm running again in April."

Re-election shouldn’t be a problem for Wanderman, as she has become so well-known in the Merrick community that she has achieved near-celebrity status.

“People see me in the street and they say ‘Hi, Meme!’ and I have no idea who they are,” she said. “In fact, I was on a cruise in the Caribbean and someone came over to me and asked, ’Are you Meme Wanderman?’ I had no idea who they were, but it turns out they were from Merrick. It’s really nice when that happens.”

However, this degree of recognition only reflects the positive impact that Wanderman has had on her fellow man, woman, and child and that impact has been fueled by her deep love of her home town.

“I love Merrick. I’ve been living here for 30 years,” she said. “My children went to school here and I love the schools. It’s a great community.”

Shotland said that outstanding individuals like Wanderman are the difference between a good town and a great one.

“Not many people will step forward and give of themselves like Meme Wanderman has,” he said. “She’s a big part of what makes Merrick a wonderful place to live.”