The Rotary Club of Newark welcomed District Governor Dr. Geeta Kadambi on July 7 for an afternoon of fellowship, recognition, and inspiration. During President Steven Turner’s first meeting of the Rotary year, the club honored two longtime members, celebrated its tradition of service, and renewed its commitment to making Rotary more visible and indispensable throughout the community.
 

The Rotary Club of Newark proudly welcomed Rotary District 5170 Governor Dr. Geeta Kadambi on Tuesday, July 7, for an afternoon filled with fellowship, recognition, and inspiration.


District Governor Dr. Geeta Kadambi Speaking to Newark Rotary Club Members

The visit coincided with President Steven Turner’s first meeting of the 2026–2027 Rotary year. President Turner opened his term in memorable fashion by embracing a Big Lebowski theme, complete with the Dude’s iconic Pendleton Westerley cardigan and tumbler. The lighthearted atmosphere reflected one of Newark Rotary’s greatest strengths: combining meaningful service with friendship, warmth, and fun.


President Steven Turner in his Big Lebowski cardigan

During the meeting, Dr. John Bernard and Nancy Thomas were recognized with Rotary International Avenue of Service Awards for their longstanding dedication to Rotary and the Newark community. The club also welcomed guests and prospective members, reflecting its continued focus on building membership and expanding Rotary’s impact.

This marked Dr. Kadambi’s third visit to the Rotary Club of Newark. During an earlier visit as District Governor-Elect, she shared stories of international service that helped inspire Newark Rotarian Sheena Raj to lead a community book drive. Newark Rotarians and community members collected approximately 300 to 400 new and gently used books for students.


Assistant Governor Ed Miranda and Saratoga Club Rotarian Terrie Creamer with books for donation

Although international shipping costs prevented the books from being delivered to the originally intended recipients in Ghana, Dr. Kadambi helped connect the club with an alternative distribution network. The books were ultimately redirected to Little Free Libraries and literacy programs serving communities throughout Santa Clara, Monterey, Santa Cruz and Marin counties, as well as California’s Central Valley. The project demonstrated Rotary’s ability to adapt, collaborate, and ensure that generosity reaches those who need it.

Dr. Kadambi also recognized Newark Rotary’s rich tradition of local and international service. Founded in 1961, the club recently celebrated 65 years of strengthening the Newark community through scholarships, youth programs, nonprofit partnerships, humanitarian projects, and its signature Annual Crab Feed. The record-breaking 2026 Crab Feed raised more than $86,000, enabling the Newark Rotary Foundation to award more than $50,000 to local nonprofit organizations. An additional $9,625 was raised through the Fund-a-Need auction for the International Wheelchair Project.

In introducing the District Governor, Area 2 Assistant Governor and Newark Past President Ed Miranda thanked her for assembling a leadership team that reflects the full strength and diversity of District 5170. He noted that Rotary leadership and service are found not only in the District’s largest clubs, but also in smaller clubs such as Newark, where Rotarians are equally committed to Service Above Self.

Dr. Kadambi encouraged members to help move Rotary from being “quietly respected to visibly indispensable.” Her message challenged the club to share its story, invite others into service, and continue creating meaningful and lasting impact throughout Newark and beyond.

As Newark Rotarians celebrated the beginning of a new year, the afternoon served as a reminder that Rotary’s greatest strength is its people—friends and neighbors working together to serve their community and change lives around the world.


 

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