On Saturday, June 6, the Sycamore Rotary Club joined with Rotarians from Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center and friends who all honored Barry Schrader for his many contributions to the Sycamore community and to Rotary. Family members in attendance included Barry’s sons, Darrin and Todd, and sister-in-law, Carol Larson, sister to Kay Schrader, Barry’s wife.
Rotary Club President Pat Shafer led the ceremony at the beautiful grounds of Oak Crest, surrounded by dozens of Rotarians, family and friends. To begin, Shafer introduced two Rotarians who assisted in the ceremony: Paulette Renault, who read the classic poem “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer, and club incoming president Michael DeVito, who shared Rotary’s “Service Above Self” core beliefs in the “4-Way Test,” which Michael associated with Barry’s many contributions.
The elements of the Rotary “4-Way Test” center on the key challenge to Rotarians: “Of the things we think, say, or do”: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Shafer continued: “If a man is measured by his family, friends and contributions, then Barry Schrader is truly worthy of our honoring him this morning at Oak Crest with this newly planted red maple tree.
“As many of you may know, one of Barry’s recent contributions to Sycamore and to Rotary was the founding of a satellite Rotary Club here at Oak Crest. Schrader, a former editor of the Daily Chronicle, along with Sycamore Rotarian Dr. Paul Stromborg began the Oak Crest Club with 17 members, many first-time Rotarians.
“It seems to me that a tree in his honor is a fitting expression of our recognition of the many known and unknown contributions that Barry has made to make his and our world a better place. The life forces that trees exhibit: strength, flexibility, and hardiness are similar to what a good man also provides for the world that he touches. Our friend Barry is that man and we are honoring him in front of the Sycamore community that he loves so much.”
The Rotary motto of “Service Above Self” has truly been a guiding principle for Barry contributions to the Sycamore community.
Although the coronavirus pandemic is preventing us from hugging and congratulating Barry, please know Barry that our heartfelt congratulations are with you today.
God bless you, Barry, and thank you for everything and everyone that you have touched. You are indeed a strong tree for all.
The Sycamore Rotary Club also wishes to thank the amazing staff and residents of Oak Crest, especially their director of resident programming and Oak Crest Rotarian, Linda Sherman, who helped to make this dedication so special for Barry, his family, friends and all Sycamore Rotarians.
Source: The Daily Chronicle
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