Downtown Junkie

Kathleen Thurber’s article today in the MRT shows that two of the three lofts Of Lofts on Main are now sold.  The question remains if this will start the trend of downtown living.  In the article, Mayor Wes Perry is quoted as saying that downtown has the potential for about 300 downtown residences.  To read more, see today’s article:

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/05/22/news/top_stories/doc4a161db2869fb176831304.txt

On another note, I always try to share the emails from Farmer Matt about this weekends Downtown Farmers’ Market.  Starting this weekend, they will have live music, courtesy of Manda Hill, local recording artist. 

Here’s the rest of what he has to say:

Farmer Matt here, You there,

Y’all good? Good. I apologize for the delay in getting this out. I would like to thank those that braved the rains and wind last Saturday. I don’t think I would know what to do if the weather on Saturdays in Spring weren’t somewhat inclement here in West Texas.

This weekend will be an exciting event at the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market. We will be introducing live music from local recording artist Manda Hill. You can listen to her music and get a brief bio at

http://www.promisingprojects.com/mandahill.html

We also will be starting a recycling program at the market. Every saturday you can bring your #1 and #2 plastics, aluminum cans, and newsprint paper, and we will gladly recycle these materials for you. Hopefully this will make it easier for you to help take care of our mother. Doreen Richardson with Keep Midland Beautiful has been a tremendous help in this effort.

Along with Manda and recycling, we will have an assundry of local growers, artisans, and producers showcasing unique and eclectic wares.

Please share the wealth and forward this along. Savor the Local Flavor.

The Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market starts every Saturday at 9a.m. and ends at 1p.m. at 501 W Texas Ave., under the green. Remember that this is a rain and/or shine event.

Thanks

Farmer Matt

And from me to you, Have a Wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

This is my first year (or decade, as it may be), to be involved with the Midland Vision project.  Every ten 10 years, the community comes together to create a strategic vision for the next 10 years for Midland.  For the history and project successes of the Midland Vision project, go to http://www.midlandvision2020.com/.  My involvement is Co-Chair of the Quality of Place Task Force, which I proudly share with Jim Nelson.

This morning, after three months of individual task force meetings, all of the task force chairmen and Executive Committee came together to discuss where are groups were headed.  Even though I had read in the MRT about the individual task force commitments to downtown improvement, I was still so surprised to hear that this was still the forefront topic of most.  The Arts committee had wonderfully exciting and creative ideas for more art and culture infusion in the downtown, and the Facilities and Housing committee definitely had downtown on their radar.

As for the Quality of Place committee, we are very enthusiastic about our recommendations for the downtown revitalization.  Sundance Square in Fort Worth is a model downtown that we are looking at very carefully.

If you have any recommendations or comments you would like to add, please use the forum section of the Vision 2020 website.  We are looking for community involvement.

Downtown is buzzing as numerous volunteers and workers are getting things set up for 2009 Celebration of the Arts. 

This year is proving to be challenging, given that Centennial Plaza is under construction.  While the artists’ booths will still be inside the Midland Center, the outdoor concessions, kids’ activities, entertainment, and art displays will be in an L share from Main Street to Wall Street.  I think it will look great, and I’m looking forward to things being more spread out, as opposed to squeezing into Centennial Plaza.

The street concert will be on the corner of Wall and Colorado, with the stage set up in front of the Courthouse.  Heard this, too, was proving to be more difficult than planned.  The murder trial involving Karen Isbell accused of murdering her boyfriend is underway, and security is very tight.  It’s hard for the stage setup crew to get in front of the courthouse to get the stage setup.

This is when I think things turn out the best!  I like a little excitement, and a challenge always brings out the creativity in people. 

If you haven’t been to Celebration of the Arts, please come out!  There is something for all ages, and the quality of artisanship is always surprising.

Email from Farmer Matt about this weekend’s Farmers Market:

Farmer Matt here, You there,

Is everbody doing well? Splendid.

We had a fabulous market last Saturday, and I thank you all.

As always at the market we will have fresh locally grown produce, baked goods, coffee, arts and crafts. And the search for new vendors continues. This week we will have two new vendors: Pam Johnson of Blessed Indulgence - Catering body, mind, and soul. Pam will have body polishes and scrubs, creams, lotions, and perfumes. Also, Carol Anderson w/ Bohemian Chick will have saudered charms, necklaces, and bracelets.

We will also have face painting for the kids, and of course the adults.

Next week, May 23rd: LIVE MUSIC.

http://www.myspace.com/tiedupinlife.

The following is an excerpt from my farmer friend Stephen Porter. You need to incorporate Stephen’s farm as part of your Saturday ritual. He has a beautiful space that is a shining example of perserverence and hard work.

“You making the choice to buy locally shows what incredibly intelligent, beautifully sensitive and shockingly attractive people you are.

Have a great day and hope to see you Saturday 9a.m.-12p.m.,

Stephen

5401 South County Road 1140, 79706 for map quest or google map directions.”

I couldn’t say it any better. Thanks Stephen.

Forward this along. Tell everyone you know. Share the wealth. Savor the Local Flavor.

Peace Out,

Farmer Matt

Because it Matters!

I, for one, am relieved to know that quality healthcare facilities will be in the near future of Midland for my family, friends, and me.

Thank you to the MRT and Ruth Campbell for keeping Midland informed.

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/05/11/news/top_stories/doc4a0642b6f1f91179576215.txt

Yesterday, the Midland Chamber held their Business Expo all day at Midland Center.  The theme was Business Expo goes 70s, and believe me… they did!  The vendors really got into the theme and were really decked out for the event.  Groovy costumes, tie-dyed shirts, peace signs, and disco balls reigned the ambiance for the day.  It was a great way to break the ice and really get the energy jazzed up for the event.  Jennifer Birkla, a local recruiter and Chamber volunteer, spent the entire day on roller skates!  Kudos to her for the totally cute costume and especially for wearing those skates on her feet all day.  I’m sure she’s feeling it today.

LiveMidland had a booth as well, with Natalie and Tracy manning it for the entire time.  I showed up around 4:00 to work the neighboring Young Professionals of Midland booth, but was very pleased to see that they were able to talk to numerous people throughout the day about this website.  We definitely need more interaction with them community, especially on Cafe Live, so maybe having booths out in public gatherings will help.