Chris Buchignani spoke to the State College Evening Rotary club last night at the Nittany Lion Inn. I was able to join him for his half hour talk introducing Nittany Valley Press and the concept of cultural conservation. After he distributed copies of Conserving Mount Nittany to everyone.

Rotary is fascinating. I know they vary depending on chapter and area. I’m only familiar with the State College Evening Rotary, and I know there are two other State College groups that meet, one in the morning and one at lunch. Rotary starts with the Pledge of Allegiance, a recitation of Rotary’s four way test, and a short prayer before going into chapter business and a speaker.

I’ve attended maybe five or six of the State College Evening Rotary’s meetings over the years. They’re good people, and it’s a great way to connect with the community in a way that’s not age segregated like happens with some groups.

I think of Rotary as a secular equivalent to Knights of Columbus. Fraternal and civic organizations that can bring people together. What might be useful is fewer young professional groups collecting young people together, and greater membership in Rotary and groups like it to intermingle people with age, experience, and relationships.