Barry Byers appreciates everyone’s contributions on behalf of Italy Neotribune

Kelly Lewis Posted September 30, 2013 3:00pm Local news

Image: Italy Neotribune reporter Barry Byers with Doris Mitchell, the owner of The Uptown Cafe who hosted the appreciation dinner, and Karen Mathiowetz, who recommended Barry to become a writer for Italy Neotribune. The event raised $2,081.00 towards a new camera. — Italy Neotribune reporter Barry Byers with Doris Mitchell, the owner of The Uptown Cafe who hosted the appreciation dinner, and Karen Mathiowetz, who recommended Barry to become a writer for Italy Neotribune. The event raised $2,081.00 towards a new camera.

In a shining example of community teamwork, the citizens of Italy joined together Friday night inside our town’s central hub, The Uptown Cafe, to help raise money for a new state-of-the-art camera for Italy Neotribune photographer, Barry Byers.

Since 2009, Barry has been a part of the, “Neo,” as referred to by locals, and in that time has utilized our online paper to help promote our community, town and school with amazing images, detailed articles and creative graphics and designs.

Although he has evolved into covering a wide variety and stories and promoting many different clubs and organizations, Barry first began covering sporting events and, perhaps, that is where he has made his biggest impact. Whether it’s an intriguing action photo, a fun and creative T-shirt design, a player poster, a banner layout, helmet and window decals, an event video or a mock magazine cover, Barry has gone the extra mile to enhance school spirit and help area athletes experience stardom.

During the appreciation dinner held in Barry’s honor, Neo readers showed their gratitude and pitched in by purchasing $10.00 meal tickets, as well as, making donations to help provide the man of the hour with a more powerful camera. The camera will be better suited for capturing action during night time events and under low-lit conditions such as gyms and indoors in general. Overall, the event raised $2,081.00 to put towards the new camera.

“I am very excited for our town that everyone has stepped up to help the Neo purchase the new camera. I truly believe it will make everyone’s Neo experience more exciting than ever. I am truly humbled by the overwhelming showing of support during the dinner and the trust and confidence everyone has in me to snap great photos that we will all enjoy looking back on for years to come on the Neo!” — Barry Byers

Special thanks to Doris Mitchell with The Uptown Cafe, Robbie Jones, Amanda and Scott Connor, Darlene McBride, Misty Escamilla, Tina Long, Clover Stiles, Flossie Gowin, Amanda Lusk, Heidi Crawford, DeeDee Hamilton, Michele Riddle, Jane Anderson, Andi Windham, Shelly Connor, Birdie Bell, Angie Westbrook, Kelly Ballard, Lee and Cassie Joffre, Nelda Commons, Italy Lions Club, Italy Police Department, Italy Fire Department, Gladiator Band Boosters, Robert and Cheryl Owen, Larry and Sandy Eubank, Elmerine Bell, Scott Dorsett Photography, and Kelly Lewis, Mike South and David South with Italy Neotribune/Monolithic, Inc.. Also, thanks to volunteer photographers Darlene McBride, Colin Newman and Austin Crawford that helped collect lasting moments from the dinner.

“Tell them you read it on the Neotrib!”

Barry Byers thanks David South, president of Monolithic, Inc. and founder of the Italy Neotribune, for keeping the online paper going thru the years and agreeing to top off the amount needed for the new camera and equipment.

Helping with the meal preparations is Misty Escamilla.

Helping the meal preparations is Michelle Riddle.

Helping the meal preparations is Robbie Addington-Jones. Robbie also coordinated the entire event. Thank you Robbie!

Coach Wayne Rowe with his daughter Hannah. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s head football coach, Charles Tindol, and Defensive Coordinator, Brandon Gansky, stop the The Uptown Cafe to lend their support for the new camera before taking advantage of their bye week to scout upcoming opponents.

Italy ISD Principal Lee Joffre with his son Rowan.

John Escamilla, April Lusk and Amanda Connor get served their meal by DeeDee Hamilton.

Mike South, editor for the Italy Neotribune online newspaper and the IT manager for Monolithic, Inc., with his daughter Catie and son Mikey as they enjoy their meals to help raise money for the new camera. (Barry Byers)

Barry Byers, with his mother, Ann Byers, who has always been his biggest fan.

Jenna Chambers enjoys the appreciation dinner as does her daughter Madelyn who seems to be really enjoying it.

Richard Dabney shows his support of the new Neo camera while enjoying the appreciation dinner inside The Uptown Cafe.

Kyle Tindol shows his support for the new Neo camera.

Ben Latimer offers his support for the new Neo camera. (Barry Byers)

Italy High School Alumni and besties for life, Lauren Byers (Barry’s niece), and, Brittany Galvan, are excited about the new camera for Italy and the surrounding community. (Barry Byers)

Lady Gladiator, Jaclynn Lewis, pitches in to help Italy Neotribune’s, Barry Byers, raise money for the new camera.

April Gage and friends are having a good time for a fun cause.

This chip eating photo is a Trip.

Just look at that Neotrib smile!

Mia Droll and Rana Ramirez are having fun while supporting the Barry Byers and the Italy Neotribune.

Ann Byers, Brent Byers and Russ Lewis chat with Bob and Carla Pickard during the fundraising dinner. (Barry Byers)

Ty Windham serves to Colin Newman in the Ultimate Gladiator Challenge under the downtown pavilion roof. (Barry Byers)

Chase Hyles spots the brick with his and his brothers’ names, Creighton and Caleb, etched into it that helped form the walls of the recently constructed downtown pavilion. (Barry Byers)