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!

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

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. 

Family Fun at the Children’s Museum

Saturday, May 2

6:30 – 8:00pm

Free Admission

The Museum of the Southwest Children’s Museum is hosting an Opening Celebration for its newest exhibit, THE SPACE SPOT!   Interactive exhibits will include weighing yourself on other planets (kids will love, mothers will not go near J), connecting the stars, Swirl World, Planet Shuffle, Indoor Planetarium Show, Touch a Meteorite, and much more!

Food will be available at $3 per person for Astrodogs, Moon Pies, and Tang.  Feel free to bring your blanket and picnic on the beautiful grounds of the Museum of the Southwest.

I’m happy to say its going to be a busy weekend downtown!  Plenty going on, and something for everyone!

If you like to shop, I HIGHLY recommend Midland Junior League’s Spring Fling at Midland Center.  Running from Friday through Sunday, numerous vendors from all over the state will be displaying their booths with items ranging from fashion, decorating items, accessories, foods, and everything else you could want! 

Also, Midland Community Theatre will be performing Half a Lifetime at the Yucca Theatre for a limited engagement only.  The show will only be this Friday and Saturday, February 27 and 28 starting at 8:00.  For more information, contact the MCT Box office at 570-4111.

Also, today I made my first stop at The Ground Floor, the new coffee house downtown.  The people were friendly, and the prices were VERY reasonable.  Three of us went for iced coffees and lattes (and I had a cookie) and the total was just a hair over $8.  They are open until at least 10:00 each night and have live music during the weekends.

Saturday, February 28, is the Museum of the Southwest’s major fundraiser Auction 2009, An Evening with the Classics.  Tables are still available, and rooms are decorated to project the classic films, South Pacific, Casablanca, Gone With the Wind, The Godfather, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, and Lawrence of Arabia.  I was up there today and the place is decked out!  If you are interested in attending the black tie affair, contact the Museum at 683-2882.

Okay, last thing.  This one is not directly downtown this weekend, but will be!  Auditions for Midland Community Theatre’s production of RENT will be March 1 and 2 at 6:30 at the Cole Theatre on Wadley.  The production of RENT will ultimately be performed at the Yucca Theatre.  This is my favorite musical of all time, and I hope that everyone (with talent )will be encouraged to audition for the show.  For more information or questions, contact Tracy Alexander at 682-2544 or Carl Moore at 697-0115.

Okay, so no excuses that there’s nothing going on.  Hope to see you downtown this weekend!

What a day Tuesday was as most of Midland and the surrounding areas gathered in Centennial Plaza to welcome home our very own President George W. Bush and Laura Bush.  While the day was long and included a lot of standing, all was forgotten as the anticipation of watching the President’s airplane fly over downtown happened.  When he finally arrived, the crowd listened intently with smiles beaming on their faces.  It was such a proud moment for Midland!

As for me, the day started early.  I volunteered for the event and arrived out there at 11:30.  Already lines had formed.  When I asked the ladies who were at the front of the line what time they arrived, they said 8:30.  Wow!  Considering there was no seating once you got in, and there was no seating in line, that was a long time to be on your feet!  But they didn’t regret a second.  The chance of standing in the front and obtaining the coveted positions were enough reward for them.

All volunteers were assigned their tasks by a very spunky assistant to Mr. Bush named Lindsey.  I think I heard a reporter say her last name was Keller, but I’m not sure.  She was definitely a little ball of fire though and handled the hundreds of volunteers, press, and security with total control.  Our task was to direct the blue and red tickets to their respective “chutes.”  In addition, we handed out red, white, and blue “W”s and Texas flags to each person entering.  Later in the day when my daughter arrived, she helped hand out flags.  It definitely kept us occupied and we had a lot of fun.

We have a link on the home page that shows the Bush event if you were unable to attend.  As for those of who did, I think everyone would admit it was worth every minute and all the time standing!

I love the holidays!  Starting with Halloween, I get so excited for the holiday season.  It is absolutely my favorite time of the year.  I love cooking Thanksgiving dinner for my family, and then sharing the blessings of that day together, I love decorating my house for Christmas, and I EVEN love Christmas shopping!  I don’t mind getting out there with the crowds (as long as everyone is nice and plays fair…which I know doesn’t always happen). 

In addition to your family’s traditions during the holidays, and events going on all over the area, I thought I would share with you some of the happenings downtown.

CHRISTMAS AT THE MANSION - Museum of the Southwest, November 23-December 30, 2008

On Monday, November 24, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, the Museum will be hosting its Public Open House for Christmas at the Mansion.  This has become a tradition with my daughter.  The Museum serves free refreshments, the entire Museum is decorated for Christmas, the Southwest Train Depot begins operating, and best of all children get to visit with Santa Claus (great photo op, parents)! 

The Museum is truly magical at this time.  Skilled decorators work for weeks to make sure the Museum is decorated beautifully for Christmas, weekends are filled with local entertainment to entertain guests, and it is the only time the Southwest Train Depot opens its doors and runs!

I’ll be going Monday night to the Public Open House, so I’ll have pictures ready Tuesday to share with everyone!

23rd ANNUAL HOLIDAY BUSINESS BASH -Midland Center-December 4th

The Midland Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 23rd Annual Holiday Business Bash (formerly known as Rock in the Holidays) on December 4th, at Midland Center, from 5:00 to 8:00.  Tickets to the event are only $15 and can be purchased at the Midland Chamber of Commerce (109 N. Main).  Entertainment will be provided by The Shades. 

“2008 Christmas from the Heart of Midland” Midland Christmas Parade - December 6

Starting at 4:00 on Saturday, December 6, the Downtown Midland Christmas Parade will begin at the intersection of Baird and Illinois  The parade route will then head west on Illinois to “A” Street, turn south on “A” to Wall Street, east on Wall to Baird, and then head north back to the parade starting point.  If you’re not so good with directions, like me, look for the floats and people!

After the parade, the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held in Centennial Plaza. 

CITIBANK 2008 JINGLE BELL RUN FOR JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF WEST TEXAS - December 6

The 5K Run/walk and Kids’ Fun Run will meet at Loraine and Illinois, with registration beginning at 11:30 am.  The Kids’ Run starts at 1:00 pm, and 5K starts at 1:15.  Registration and information is available by calling (432)682-4966 for at http://westtexas.ja.org.  Happy running!

So, this is just a start… no excuses that there is nothing to do downtown during the holidays.  Hope to see everyone out at some of these great events to get us in the Holiday mood!

If you haven’t gone to the Downtown Farmers’ Market, time is almost up.  At the end of November, they will be closing up and not returning until April.  For those of us who make this a Saturday ritual, it will be missed.  There is something so fulfilling about buying locally grown produce and feeding your family.  Since this is fall, my favorite is the different types of squash I can get. But you don’t have to be a gourmet cook to enjoy it.  If you want to try or experiment with something different, many of the booths have recipes available for you to take. 

As always, here is Farmer Matt’s weekly email of what will be out there tomorrow:

I’ll be brief today because I’m late sending this out. I hope this note finds you happy and well.

Come to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.

As always, Liz will be serving freshly brewed organic fair-trade coffee from Big Bend Coffee Roasters. We will also have teas and hot chocolate.

Local produce from Wholistic Gardens: leeks, tomatoes, winter squashes, tomatillos, radishes, greens and so much more.

Grace returns from Nigeria and will have hydroponic heirloom tomatoes.

Westbrook farms will also have tomatoes.

YT Beef will have longhorn cuts and jerky. They also have plenty of pecans for sale.

Granny & Grans will have Zesty and sweet relishes.

Miss Bunny’s Bake Sale will have excellent breads and cookies.

Earthy Essentials with body care items and gift baskets.

Bridges of Hope will offer hand-made African jewelry and crafts.

Chad will return with hand-made wooden toys and crafts.

Moments in Time will have memory quilts, birthday flags, and some Christmas and Thanksgiving surprises.

Angie Eppinger will offer decorated pots w/ cactii.

There will probably be more vendors so come to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.

Forward this message to those close and far.

Come to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.

Saturdays 9a.m.-1p.m. April - (THE END OF) November @ 501 W Texas Ave. (under the green).

Did I mention that you need to come to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market. We need more people to be there to generate heat and keep us warm, so come to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.

Regards

Farmer Matt

Its all about family time for me this weekend!  First, my 8 year-old daughter is having one of her classmates spend the night.  So, stupid me, asked her what they wanted to do tonight, and told her we would do whatever they wanted… Oh, my, I forgot that High School Musical 3 is opening today.  So, tonight, I will be fighting lines and trying to get a decent seat for the three of us at the movie theatre.  I’m trying to buy our tickets online at www.gohollywood.com to avoid at least one line, but I keep getting an internal error.  I hope that doesn’t have anything to do with every other mother of an 8 year old out there trying to get tickets too!

Okay, so moving on, there are a several things going on tomorrow that are family friendly in the downtown area.  First is the Farmers’ Market (see Farmer Matt’s email below of what will be there this week).  Also, the City of Midland Parks and Recreation Division is hosting Jack-O-Lantern Jam.  It will be from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Dennis the Mennace Park.   There will be music, food vendors, games, contests, door prizes, and pumpkin painting.  Costumes of good taste are welcomed.  Families and children of all ages are invited to attend. For more information, check out the City Website at http://www.ci.midland.tx.us/.

Hope to see everyone out tomorrow, taking advantage of the gorgeous weather and great family activities.  I plan to be out, assuming I survive tonight!

Farmer Matt’s Weekly Email:

I’m a bit late on getting this out to you so I’ll make it short and sweet this week. Hope all is well in your world. Remember to come to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market. Tell your friends and family, better yet, bring them with you to experience Midland’s best source for local flavor.

As the election of our new president and other civil servants draws near, know that your true vote for what is important to you is where and what you spend your money on. So invest your money in your home, in your community, where you are an important part of the wheel. Know where your hard earned dollar stays, not goes. That’s enough of the rant.

http://www.bigbendcoffee.com/.   We have several different roasts to suit each palette. We also have different teas and hot chocolate.

Schuyler Wight will have locally raised longhorn beef products.

David and Marta Beard of Golden Bouquet with local honey products.

Audrey White of Granny & Grans with sweet and zesty relishes.

Brandi Willingham will have body care products and gift baskets by Earthy Essentials.

Chocolate Creations will return with gifty paint cans.

Michelle of MAK’S will have really cool knitted goods.

Kathy Kubeth of Kathy’s Kreations will be back with excellent mosaic artwork.

And lastly but not leastly, Bunny. Miss Bunny has beaucoup of breads and baked benevolence.

Forward this to your close and far ones.

The Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays from 9a.m.-1p.m. April - November @ 501 W Texas Ave. under the Green.

Peace Out

Farmer Matt