PAGE 10 | THE VILLAGER • July 16, 2020
Rotary Denver Southeast’s virtual passing of the gavel Jim Kreutz is new president Service Above Self is the mantra of Rotarians worldwide and certainly true of one of the most active clubs in the U.S. that happens to be in our own community. Ordinarily, Rotary Denver Southeast established in 1985 (of District 5450) meets for breakfast at Madden Museum of Art in Greenwood Village. But during this exceptional time, the club has been meeting virtually via Zoom and that included passing of the gavel recently when Jim Kreutz was installed as president. Immediate Past President Greg Hoskinson thanked his board for a successful year and cited two outstanding major fundraisers – the golf tournament and State of the State luncheon. Jim Kreutz grew up in the suburbs of Houston, Texas and landed at CSU on a football scholarship where he met his future wife, Martha Hill. The two role models were ambitious, generous and gifted leaders - passed on to the family they created - three daughters and seven grandchildren. (Martha Kreutz served three terms in Colorado’s House of Representatives. Daughter Julie King’s husband, Ross was a former president of Rotary Southeast. Attorney daughter Emily Maxfield was former Assistant DA in Arapahoe County, state attorney and former Magistrate of Denver. Daughter Sara Conway’s son George was just elected student body president at CU.) Kreutz received his law degree from South Texas School of Law, and was appointed Assistant Attorney General of Colorado. He later ran for Lt. Governor of Colorado and was Douglas County Attorney for nine years. Altogether, he has practiced law for 50 years including private practice primarily in civil law and commercial litigation. Jim joined this club in 1991 when it met at another John Madden entity – the Metropolitan Club. He has served on many of the community committees and endeavors including Project CURE assistance and Bags of Fun just to name a few. He was most active on the International Committee with water projects in Honduras and Nigeria as well as orphan homes in Mexico. “Our club is not only for service, but also allows networking and social events. It is an organization
that strengthens civility, which we need so much right now and it provides an opportunity to help those less fortunate – to coin a much overly-used phrase. We live to give!” He welcomed input and suggestions from members with ideas for the year, fulfilling their hopes and dreams for the club. “I look forward to the year and need everyone to help,” he said. The club has its own 501 (c) 3 Foundation. 2020-2021 Board Members are: President Elect – Doug Imhoff, Past President – Greg Hoskinson, Treasurer – Bonnie Thomas, Secretary – Ruth Nauts, Community Service – Christa Reich, International Service – Rob McMaher, Youth Service – Steve Radcliffe, Fellowship – Peg Rudden, Fundraising – Richard Swomley, Membership – Ed Myer, Administration – Jan Lovelady, RI Foundation – Karen Briggs Harrell, Public Relations – Kim DeCoste, Sargent At Arms – Colin Kresock and DSE Technology – Jeff Zalkind. Former club president Karen Loeb reported on a district and club award. Denver Southeast Rotary club received the annual “Helping Hands” award from Brush Rotary Club and will possess a beautiful bronze globe held by helping hands, created by sculptor/poet Sarah Perkins, for this fiscal year. Denver Southeast was awarded because of its “Young Achievers Program,” an outstanding recognition honoring students who have overcome tremendous obstacles while achieving success in school. This club also selects a winner of the memorial Kevin B. Farrell Leadership Award given annually to a Rotarian who humbly demonstrates a commitment to leadership development training for high schoolers and adults. This year’s recipient was Bill Manning of Evergreen Rotary Club for his longtime contributions to the district’s Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) camp fully sponsored by Rotary. In a private interview, Jim Kreutz shared the beauty of Rotarians doing business successfully together. The Rotarian’s 4-WAY TEST of things we think, say, or do: 1. Is it the TRUTH? 2: Is it FAIR to all concerned? 3. Will it build GOODWILL? 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
Spouses are active participants in Rotary as well. Pictured here are Jim Kreutz, his wife Martha and Sami Rajabi, wife of past president Abbas Rajabi. Photo by Dr. James Stambaugh
James K. Kreutz
“Our club is not only for service, but also allows networking and social events. It is an organization that strengthens civility, which we need so much right now and it provides an opportunity to help those less fortunate – to coin a much overly-used phrase. We live to give!” – Jim Kreutz
Immediate Past President Greg Hoskinson
Martha and Jim Kreutz surround their daughters Julie King, Sara Conway and Emily Maxfield
International Banner for the Year - Three Doors of Opportunity
Helping Hands Award created by sculptor/poet Sarah Perkins
Pat McGuckin will chair the Woohoomanity Challenge (bike ride) on Saturday, September 12 raising funds for complete polio eradication and COVID-19 Relief
