2024-August-website-spotlight

TRUSTEE SPOTLIGHTS! 
Library Board President, Miriam “Mim” Furey-Wagner 
Miriam Furey-Wagner earned her B.A. in Biology at Barnard College of Columbia 
University and her M.S. in Zoology at the University of Rhode Island. She began 
her 32-year career in education at Clark Lane Middle School as a science teacher 
and retired as a middle school principal at Haddam-Killingworth Middle School in 
Regional School District 17. Mim has been married to Thomas Wagner, the former 
Director of Planning for the Town of Waterford, for 46 years. They are the proud 
parents of two Waterford High School graduates and doting grandparents. Mim is 
a Master Gardener and enjoys working in her perennial and vegetable beds. She 
currently serves as the Chair of the Civic Triangle Ad-Hoc committee and is looking 
forward to the completion of that project this summer. Mim has served on the 
library’s Board since 2015.  

Board Vice President Constance “Connie” Giordano 
Tell us about yourself. 
I have lived in the Waterford-New London area since 
1963 and was employed in Waterford as an 
elementary school teacher and later as the principal of 
Great Neck School retiring in 1999. Upon retiring, I was 
invited to supervise interns and student teachers for 
the University of New Haven. I was in that position for 
16 years. 
I enjoy being with people and giving back to the area. I 
volunteered at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital 
assisting in the Lobby Shop until COVID-19 emerged. I 
am an avid reader. My goal is to learn something new 
from each book.  
I have been a resident of Waterford for many years. 
What prompted you to join the Waterford Library Board? 
I always understood the importance of a public library and the ability to read. The library is a free 
resource as a path to learning. With my experience in education, I am interested in promoting 
literacy for all ages. In addition, I want to lend my assistance to the Board to continue to ensure 
that the library remains on its path to serving the community with excellence, keeping in mind 
the needs and desires of the patrons and the entire community. 
What are you reading now or what would you recommend? 
Recently, I read Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan. The story is set in Italy during the German 
invasion of northern Italy during World War II. Being of Italian descent I enjoy stories of Italy and 
its inhabitants. I was also able to relate to many of the characters. In reading this book, I 
learned more about Italy – its geography, weather, family values, the struggles the people 
endured, and their resilience. I strongly recommend this title! 
What’s your earliest or favorite memory of visiting your public library as a child? 
When I was in elementary school, I enjoyed many field trips to the public library. The librarian 
explained how the library was organized, how to care for the books, programs held at the 
library, etc. We were encouraged to read, read, read, and to utilize the magic of the library! 

Past President Aaron Rosenberg 
What prompted you to join the Waterford Library 
Board? 
I have truly enjoyed libraries since even before I could 
read. While in college and graduate school I practically 
lived in libraries. When we moved to Waterford 42 years 
ago, I immediately found a 2nd home of sorts at the 
Waterford Library. It has always made me feel like a kid 
in a toy factory. There is so much to explore. Where else 
could someone find so much free entertainment and 
learning opportunities? About 20 years ago I expressed 
an interest to be on the Library Board and I thought they 
forgot about it. Then, a couple of years later I mentioned 
it again, and before I knew it, I was the new kid on the 
Board. 
Tell us about yourself. 
I grew up in Chicago, then went to Indiana University and from there to Hebrew Union College, 
where I was ordained a rabbi. After serving two congregations in Ohio, in 1980, the Rosenbergs 
(my wife Karen and our 3 sons Ari, Elon and David) relocated to Waterford, where I served as 
Rabbi at Temple Emanu-El, until my retirement 7 years ago. I keep busy not only with Library 
matters, but also at Waterford Rotary Club, the New London Community Meal Center, and 
several hobbies like painting and struggling with golf. I stay in shape thanks to my personal 
trainer, Mocha, my dog. 
What are you reading now or what would you recommend? 
As an inveterate news junkie, I consume far too many articles and books on politics. I also enjoy 
a good mystery. As a child it was the Hardy Boys. These days it is books by Michael Connelly, 
Daniel Silva, Jeffery Deaver, and John Sandford. Rather than recommend a book, I suggest people 
browse through the stacks and let the book choose you. 
What’s your earliest memory of visiting your public library as a child? 
Living in inner city Chicago, my mother would take me to the neighborhood library, and I would 
take out picture books.