Photographer Randy Rives Explains Digital Photography
December 20, 2011
Just in time for Christmas, DTOC Member Randy Rives was our guest speaker to discuss digital photography and will let us know which digital camera we should buy. Randy gave a great presentation about some of the techniques and tricks of getting more good photos than bad using digital cameras.
Just in case you didn’t already know, Randy is our club photographer and handles all of the player and team photos for our T-Ball Program as well.
PS: For the record, the photo shown was not taken by Randy and therefore should not be considered representative of his professional work! 
PSS: You can see some of Randy’s work at: http://www.rivesphoto.com
Life Member Don McNair Receives Award
December 18, 2011
Don McNair Receives Award From Eddy Chaney
In recognition of his many years of service to the Downtown Optimist Club of Meridian and in particular for his dedicated work as our club secretary and treasurer, the DTOC recently awarded Don McNair a plaque as a small token of our appreciation. President Eddy Chaney presented the award to Don at our regular Tuesday Meeting on December 13th, 2011. Don plans to retire from an active role in the DTOC, but has graciously offered to assist with any of our events and even plans to join us from time to time for lunch.
Don McNair is a Meridian native and was a local businessman with F.W. Williams and USF&G for 30 years. He joined the Optimist Club in May, 1962 and served in various roles as a baseball coach and Youth League President at Randall Field. He was awarded Optimist International Life Membership status in 1975 in recognition of his dependable support as a “Friend Of Youth”.
Later, Don became a charter member of the North Hills Optimist Club, formed to expand youth baseball at Hardin Field in North Meridian. He was a co-founder of Rookie League Baseball in Meridian and served as a coach and club President during the 1980′s.In 1999, Don returned to full time Optimist action in the Downtown Optimist Club and became Secretary/Treasurer in 2004. He served in this role until his retirement in December, 2011.
Donald Eric McNair
Don’s father, Donald Eric McNair (1909-1949) was a noted professional baseball player (shortstop) who was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall Of Fame in 1963. Eric McNair played with the Memphis Chicks and Knoxville Smokies from 1928 until 1929 when he joined the Philadelphia Athletics.
He played with the Athletics until 1935, played in the 1930 and 1931 World Series’ and in 1932 McNair led the American League with 47 Doubles in 1932. McNair played for the Boston Red Sox (1936-1938), the Chicago Cubs (1939-1940) and the Detroit Tigers (1941-1942).
In 1932, Eric McNair played in an All-Star exhibition game in Japan where two of his teammates were Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth.
Friend Of Youth Award 2011
December 8, 2011
VP Gene Vance with Gary Turbville
Gary Turbville was awarded the Second Annual Friend Of Youth Award in recognition of his work to help children. Gary has created a wonderful organization (Cans For Kids) funded in large part by Gary recycling empty beverage cans. He started by picking up cans along the road and has expanded his effort to include setting up can collection areas at local businesses and churches. One hundred percent of the funds Gary raises goes toward providing assistance to families during the year as well as providing presents and food at Christmas time for between 140 and 250 children.
The Downtown Optimist Club is proud to recognize the efforts of Gary Turbville and Cans For Kids by awarding Gary the DTOC Friend Of Youth Award for 2011.
DTOC Donations Help Kids Celebrate Christmas
December 7, 2011
Each year, the Downtown Optimist Club helps other local organizations bring Christmas to children who might not otherwise get visits from Santa Claus. The club routinely donates to Meridian Shop With The Police, Wesley House, Toys For Tots, The Salvation Army and Cans For Kids. Each of these organizations work together through Wesley House to ensure that as many children as possible are served.
In 2010 and again in 2011, the DTOC doubled their annual Christmas donations to these organizations and gave each organization $1,000 to help offset some of the higher costs these groups are experiencing due to increased requests for help. With the stagnate economy, greater need and lower donations, the membership of the DTOC decided to increase their level of support and in doing so, challenge other community groups to increase their support as well.
The presentation of the donations took place on Tuesday, December 6th, 2011, the same day DTOC membership volunteered to ring bells for The Salvation Army. Vice President Gene Vance gave out the donations and asked all the representatives of the groups to provide an overview of the work they are doing for children.
Optimism In Your Inbox
