TORRINGTON – The Torrington Rotary Club convened for the organization’s weekly meeting over the lunch hour on Monday, June 24. 

After the meeting formalities of prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the four-way test, the Rotarians jumped on to the presentation for Monday’s meeting where Marcus Jones entertained the club with a song. Jones, the son of Grant and Lynda Jones, is a student at Torrington High School and an all-state choir member. 

“Thank you for inviting us,” Torrington High School music teacher Katy Fody said. “We are always delighted when we are asked to go perform. Sometimes it’s tricky to get the kids out in the middle of summer to do things and then you always have those kids that are going to be willing to do whatever you tell them to. Marcus is just a fantastic kid. You may not know it, but he is an all-state choir student, so he is one of the best top-selected kids in the state,” Fody continued. 

Boyer then moved on to Cristine Braddy and Lisa Johnson, who were both elected “president-elect”.

“This is for Lisa and Cristine, this is the official branding ceremony,” Boyer said with a smile. “Lisa Johnson, you have been nominated president-elect. Cristine Braddy, you have been nominated president-elect nominee. You have been selected by members of this Rotary club and its officers to guide its affairs during the coming years. You have been trusted with important responsibilities that will shape your club’s future,” Boyer said.

The Rotarians then voted in favor of both Johnson and Braddy. 

“As concerns the business of the day,” Boyer said. “We’ve got the change of the gavel.”

Boyer went on to address his lack of seriousness during the noon meetings. 

“My informal attitude is president. My oath is just to cluster all of us together as we are repairing some of the world in laughter,” Boyer said. “I thank you all for your hard work this year.  It’s impressive to me. I tell everyone who asks me, per capita, this rotary club for the size of the community is way more involved.” 

Boyer recognized present members of the Rotary Club for their hard work.

Boyer then introduced Michele Ogburn and swore her in as president. 

“I, Michele Ogburn, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the office of president Rotary Club of Torrington and I will do the best of my ability to give support and assistance to the district governor and assistant district governor and Rotary International and I will uphold the constitution and bylaws of this club,” Ogburn recited.

After a round of applause, Ogburn addressed the club members.

“As you guys know, I did accept a job in Lusk,” Ogburn said. “So, this year will look a little bit different. I will do a lot of behind-the-scenes work so I will still remain president and be doing all of the duties I need to do. However, for your Monday meetings, we will be having board members and past presidents running those for us. I will have the agendas done and things like that. So, I will still be in communication, and you will still get lovely emails from me.”

Ogburn also suggested she may be able to meet for the Monday meetings via Zoom. 

“I do want to let you know about my initiative this year. I will continue to help with what we have going. I am not starting big or crazy but what we are going to do is called the Rotary Rising Stars Initiative. So, each year we will recognize one sophomore from each of the four high schools that is a rising start. The student may have challenges such as having to work a full-time job to help support their family or having to stay home and to watch siblings instead of participating in school activities so their parents can work, or they may be facing many other roadblocks. Rotary will invite these students to come to our meetings once a semester and offer and provide mentorship to encourage these students to stay in school,” Ogburn continued. 

After a few more updates of what was to come, Ogburn officially adjourned the meeting shortly before 1 p.m.