The Western Chester County Rotary Club is a new chapter of Rotary International that recently began meeting locally. The club, which will serve Parkesburg, Cochranville, Atglen and surrounding areas, meets from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at Victory Brewing, 3127 Lower Valley Road, Parkesburg.

Gary Pawliczek, who is the membership chair for Rotary District 7450, which serves Chester, Delaware, Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, provided more information about the new club, which is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Kennett Square Light.

Community Courier: How did the new Rotary Club idea get started? Is it a branch of a different Rotary?

Pawliczek: I am a member of the Kennett Square Light (Rotary) Club. Our goal is to support existing clubs and to start new clubs. We are a new club that has grown from 0 to 28 members in four years. I am very familiar with the Parkesburg, Atglen and Cochranville area. It is a bustling and growing area and home to many businesses and a large residential component.

Community Courier: Who may join the Western Chester County Rotary Club? Are there any limitations regarding members' professions?

Pawliczek: The Rotary Club will not have limits or restrictions based on any occupation or job. We welcome diverse representation by profession. If we have interest from multiple persons in any one career, it is acceptable for them all to join.

Community Courier: Are all community members welcome, or must they be recommended or sponsored?

Pawliczek: Potential members do not need to be sponsored or recommended, although that is often the case. They may in fact just show up or volunteer. (We) are 100% open to first-time guests or visitors. RSVP is not necessary. An interested member of the public may also attend as a guest without making a commitment to join.

Community Courier: Are you looking for young people, retired individuals or people of all ages to become members?

Pawliczek: All ages of people (are welcome). Rotary's motto is "Service Above Self," so Rotary members are people who want to make their local world a better place. Often, members are business owners. However, we also have members from the arts, medical and educational community. We have professors, students and members from the nonprofit community.

Community Courier: Will this be more of a social club or a community service club?

Pawliczek: Giving back or community service is our main goal. Members also have tremendous fellowship and camaraderie in being part of something that they know is actively making their community a better place.

Those interested in joining the Western Chester County Rotary Club are invited to attend a meeting. Upcoming meeting dates include Wednesdays, Feb. 23, March 9 and March 23. For more information, contact Pawliczek at rotary7450membership@gmail.com.