Guest Blog

A company that franchises Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas has announced that it plans to open an Alamo Drafthouse in the Midland-Odessa market (see link at the right). We feel very strongly that it needs to be located in Downtown Midland!

What Alamo Drafthouse could bring to Downtown Midland:

• A much-needed second movie theatre in Midland
• A combination of theater and restaurant, showing first-run and independent films while offering in-theater food and beverage service that includes an extensive menu of freshly prepared appetizers, sandwiches, pizzas, burgers and salads as well as a wide selection of hand-crafted beers and great wines.
• Lots and lots of $$$, revenue, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, and visitors to Midland from surrounding areas and towns!!!
• An Over-18 Establishment: No more sitting by the chatty teenagers! A parent or legal guardian (no siblings!) must accompany children under 18 and no children under 6 years of age are admitted, except for “Baby Day” or “All Ages” or “All Ages, with parent” designated shows.
• “Baby Day” – The Alamo Drafthouse understands that it is hard for new parents to get out for an evening on the town; they proudly offer Baby Day, for the first showing of any of our films, on Tuesday afternoons. Infants and children under 6 are welcome, with free admission; they keep the lights up a bit, and the sound down a bit, so your little one never has to know they even went to the movies! Take some time for yourself, pack up the kids, and head out to the Alamo Drafthouse (No sitter needed!)
• Fun Special Events
• Finally: Something NEW to do for adults or the entire family in Midland, Texas!

We think Midland leaders should actively recruit this company to put an Alamo Drafthouse in Downtown Midland. Triple Tap LLC has announced that it plans to open an Alamo Drafthouse theatre IN THE AREA! Let’s not miss this opportunity, because it seems like a no-brainer!

If you agree, please join our grassroots campaign to make this happen. This petition will be mailed (in snail and e format) to Triple Tap LLC and various Midland leaders sometime after November 15, 2009. If you support our efforts to bring an Alamo Drafthouse to Downtown Midland, please add your signature below. And please pass this petition along to all your friends in Midland who love Alamo Drafthouse, and know what it could do for Midland!

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Midland_Needs_Alamo_Drafthouse/

Thanks in advance for your support.

Farmer Matt here, You there,

Hope you are all well. 

Come down to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.  We have a great selection of produce grown right here in West Texas.  We also have baked goods, honey, beef, body care products, relishes, photography, and much, much more.  You also have the unique opportunity to meet and get to know all of the producers, growers, artisans, and crafters of the finest local products.

MDFM calendar:

• October 24 - Live Music by Andy Eppler & Local Author Day (Currently we have 8 local authors that will showcase their literary works)
• October 31 - MDFM Big Birthday Bash - Free Cake, Fall Festivities, Live Music, Kid’s activities, Raffle for Unique Local Products to benefit MDFM, and a whole lot more.
• November 7 Live Music by David Newbould

Mark your calendars. 

I am also in need of a few volunteers to help at the Birthday Bash.  We need a facepainter, and people to help coordinate the Kid’s activites.  Please reply to this email or call me if you can help make this a bountiful event.

MDFM is also raffling a steer hide generously donated by Schuyler Wight of YT Beef.  The hide is valued well above $500, and a ticket can be purchased for $5 at the MDFM booth or the YT Beef booth.  Below is a brief history of the actual hide.  The drawing for the hide will be held on October 31, and all the proceeds go to support the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.  Thanks Schuyler.  Each fall, I make a trek up to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to buy replacement genetics for my herd of longhorn cattle. Several years ago, the Refuge management decided to sell some of the trophy steers. A trophy steer is so called, because longhorn steers horns never stop growing. As they get older, some of them can have horns that are 6 feet from tip to tip. The steer that I purchased was 5 years old, and weighed about 1400 lbs. He had an impressive set of horns, which are now hanging in my office. His hide is the one that will be raffled off to benefit the market.  The Wichita Mountain Refuge was established by Congress, and one of its mandates is the presevervation of the longhorn. Prior to the refuge, longhorn cattle were in danger of extinction, due to crossbreeding efforts of private ranchers. For more information on the refuge: www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/oklahoma/wichitamountains/

The Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market operates every Saturday from 9a.m.-1p.m. @ 501 W Texas Ave., under the green.

Regards

Farmer Matt, 432-695-4114

Farmer Matt here, You there,

As always I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve our community by bringing together a collection of the brightest local entrepeneurial stars.  Thank you to all our vendors and patrons.  We are all truly blessed.

This week we will have the best local veggies, baked goods, organic, fair-trade coffee, body care, doggy treats, candles, arts, crafts, and lots, lots more. 

From 9-11a.m. we also welcome George Bancroft, local tunesmith from Big Spring.  Assistant Principal by day and singer/songwiter by night(and morning).  “George has walked the walk and talked the talk in his own songwriting aspirations between his many “college tries” at everything from broadcasting to marketing and from stock broking to school teaching. “I think I am the only person I know who went from stock broker to stock boy just so I could write songs.” An excerpt taken from george’s Bio.  I am excited to invite George to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market, and I hope you all enjoy his music as much as I do. http://www.myspace.com/georgebancroft

We have a new vendor this week, Robert Carouth.  He will be bringing some really cool and festive handmade birdhouses along with old-window shadow boxes.  Cute and Crafty.

Last week we had a couple of new vendors that I haven’t promoted properly.  Elaine Magruder brought some fabulous Pecans, and will again this week.  And Tommy Estes, local farmer, brought his sustainably raised produce and painted pumpkins.  This week he will have beaucoup Tomatoes, sqaush, okra and pumpkins.

Susie Cearley w/ K9 Cottage Cookie Co. will have handmade doggie fleece blankets and car seat covers.

October 24th we will welcome a collection of the finest literary talent in West Texas.  I am currently working on the line-up, and I invite you all to gather and experience another side of West Texas.

MDFM calendar

• October 10 - George Bancroft
• October 24 - Andy Eppler and Local Author Day
• October 31 - MDFM Big Birthday Bash

Savor the Local Flavor!!

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

Farmer Matt, peace
matth@midlanddowntownfarmersmarket.com

PS - Got a last minute new addition to the Sat. lineup. 
Hyta’s Homecookin’ will make her first appearance at the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.  Hyta will bring homemade cakes and pies this Saturday. 

Miss Bunny will also be there w/ her gluten free and gluten full inventory.  Make a note that the WF/GF breads will available by special order.

Farmer Matt here, You there,

Hope this note finds you well. 

A few quick notes:

Bunny will return with her always stellar lineup, but with an exciting new addition: wheat free/gluten free breads.  If you have or know someone that has wheat and or gluten sensitivities or intolerance or celiac disease this is a great fresh and tasty alternative to the frozen, stale, and/or mundane offerings at the box stores.

We will also have a new addition to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.  Baby Me Boutique-  Unique accessories and gifts.  We offer enchanting handmade creations for every princess.  All hair accessories are wire free for your child’s safety.  We also specialize in religious jewelry and mother daughter bracelets. http://www.babymeboutique.net/

Come to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market!  We still have good produce.  All local and fresh. Fresh organic, fair-trade coffee. 

Local Author Day will be October 24th.  We will have a healthy collection of wordsmiths from West Texas promoting their art. 

Don’t forget our Birthday Bash on October 31.  We will have lots of activities and goings-on.  You don’t want to miss this. 

Upcoming Events and Live Music at MDFM

• October 10 - George Bancroft
• October 24 - Local Author Day & Andy Eppler
• October 31 - ?It’s a surprise? - MDFM Birthday Bash

Farmer Matt, Out

Midland, Texas –Texas Economic Development Council’s Community Economic Development Award was presented to Midland Development Corporation at today’s annual meeting of the TEDC in San Antonio. 

Working under the TIPS strategic plan initiatives, MDC’s project feature was the revitalization of the central business district.

“MDC’s collaboration with downtown stakeholders has been the cornerstone of our CBD initiatives,” explains Doug Henson, MDC board chair.  “Infrastructure is paramount; the Redevelopment of Block 56 was the perfect step in the right direction for downtown.”

Elements of MDC’s submission included the “LiveMidlandTexas.com” campaign to raise awareness of the benefits and features of downtown, while providing a central platform for news, events and other opportunities downtown. The Basic Energy Corporate headquarters mixed-use redevelopment project and the retention of downtown employees were also highlighted in the submission.

Other features included in the award application consisted of MDC’s active role in bridging the City of Midland and the TIRZ for the $1.8 million dollar makeover of Centennial Plaza and Josh Hopkins’s endeavor, “The Lofts on Main.”

When asked what this means to Midland, Mike Hatley, executive vice-president of MDC has a quick response, “Again, Midland and its corporate partners are being recognized as leaders in the arena of economic development.  This isn’t an award for MDC; this is an award for Midland.”

MDC plans to take it a step further.  In appreciation, MDC is planning an upcoming event to place a focus on the entities that have been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown Midland. 

When asked about the event, Hatley’s response was simple, “we’re going to pass the kudos to where they belong.”

In 1995, the TEDC established CEDA to honor excellence and exceptional contributions of Texas communities in economic development.  The criteria used to determine the CEDA recipients include innovativeness, measurable objectives, and ancillary benefits to the community.  Other entries included City of Arlington, City of Dallas, the Greater Houston Partnership and San Antonio Economic Development Foundation.

The Midland Development Corporation (MDC), created in January 2002, offers incentives to qualified new and existing employers who create jobs for the community.  A five-member board appointed by the City Council governs the Midland Development Corporation.   The board members include Henson, David Mims, Barry Horseman, Laura Roman and Robert Rendell.

Farmer Matt here, You there,

Healthy and Happy, Wise and Wealthy, Fabulous and Flowing.

The market is growing and growing. 

Thanks to Butch Morgan for his musical fancy last Saturday.

We had a new vendor last week that I neglected to include in the update.  Dog Gone It! Hot Dogs.  They offer fresh all-beef dogs and brats with all the fresh fixins’ for those with the hankering. They will return this and the following Saturdays. 

This week we welcome a few new vendors:

1. From-the-Inside-Out Designs will have hand-sewn Aprons for the whole family.  These are really cute and very well made.  They will also have freshly harvested pomegranates for $1.50 each.
2. Elda Carrasco with 2 Sister Gifts & More will have mosaic crosses available.  These are unique and a great addition to any decor.
3. Karen Kelley and her sister will have fresh shelled pecans.
4. Eggs are back from Piddler’s Hill Farm.

Also this week:

“Andy Eppler is Americana to the core. In his work he explores themes such as disenchantment, religiosity and the American way. His world-view is dystopian yet hopeful as he writes about the world around him. Andy, a product of West Texan grit and wisdom, has dedicated himself to making meaningful art. Eppler’s approach to making an album is truly unique in an industry filled with cookie cutter productions. He plays all the instruments, writes all the material, produces and masters his own records and designs the cover art. His records are a great example of art directly from the artist and free from the filters of others.” This excerpt is from Andy’s bio on his website.  I really enjoy his lyrics and music.  I am very excited to welcome Andy to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market. http://www.andyeppler.com/bio.html & http://www.myspace.com/andyeppler
 

Upcoming Events and Live Music at MDFM

• September 26 - Andy Eppler
• October 10 - George Bancroft
• October 24 - Local Author Day & Andy Eppler
• October 31 - ?It’s a surprise? - MDFM Birthday Bash

The EZ Rider, Midland and Odessa’s premier (and only) public transportation service offers direct routes through downtown every hour.  If you don’t feel like driving, take the bus.  It’s cheap and easy and can also help save on fuel costs and carbon feetprints.  As an added bonus, each person that presents a receipt for the EZ Rider dated with Saturday’s date will receive one free cup of freshly brewed fair-trade, organic coffee.  I will honor this through November.  http://www.ez-rider.org/midmap.html

If you would like to help the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market grow, we will graciously and gladly accept small, medium, and large tax deductible (or not)donations in the form of cash or check.  You can either mail these donations to: Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market, PO Box 50172, Midland, TX 79710, or simply bring them with you to the market each and every Saturday.  I thank you in advance for any and all support.

Get yourself to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market!!

Ride the Bus, Recycle, Shop with Conscience, Make Friends, Bring the Kids, Eat Well, Buy a new Handsome, Handsewn, One-of-a-Kind MDFM Shopping Tote, Drink Fabulous Coffee from Your Mug (save cups), Take in Good Tunage, Put out the Good Vibe, Forward this Note, Share the Wealth, and

Savor the Local Flavor.

Know Farms, Know Food.

The Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market operates every Saturday (rain and shine) from 9a.m. to 1p.m. @ 501 W Texas Ave., under the green.

Farmer Matt, peace out.

432-695-4114

Farmer Matt here, You there,

Wise and Wealthy. Happy and Healthy. I can’t wait to see y’all at the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market this Saturday. Singer/Songwriter Butch Morgan will once again bless us with his musical prowess from 9 am.-11 p.m.  Butch  has been breaking ground since the 70s, blending Country, Rock, Folk (Rofolktry) and all the other influences in his life into original songs filled with insightful lyrics and catchy melodies. Other artists cover his material and his songs have virtually become anthems. http://www.butchmorgan.com/

Upcoming Live Music at MDFM

• September 19 - Butch Morgan
• September 26 - Andy Eppler
• October 10 - George Bancroft
• October 24 - Andy Eppler
• October 31 - ?It’s a surprise? - MDFM Birthday Bash

We also welcome Keep Midland Beautiful to the market. They will be selling tickets to their annual Trio of Gardens event as well as promoting a cleaner healthier Midland landscape. All proceeds from this event help fund Keep Midland Beautiful projects and programs, like the Texas Recycles Day Collection Site and KMB’s two annual cleanups. Tickets are $10 in advance at MDFM. http://www.keepmidlandbeautiful.org/

As an eco-side note.  The EZ Rider, Midland and Odessa’s premier (and only) public transportation service offers direct routes through downtown every hour.  If you don’t feel like driving, take the bus.  It’s cheap and easy and can also help save on fuel costs and carbon feetprints.  As an added bonus, each person that presents a receipt for the EZ Rider dated with Saturday’s date will receive one free cup of freshly brewed fair-trade, organic coffee.  I will honor this through November.  http://www.ez-rider.org/midmap.html

On behalf of students that received backpacks, I extend gratitude to all that participated in the MDFM ’Shoulder Share’ backpack drive.

If you would like to help the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market grow, we will graciously and gladly accept small, medium, and large tax deductible (or not)donations in the form of cash or check.  You can either mail these donations to: Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market, PO Box 50172, Midland, TX 79710, or simply bring them with you to the market each and every Saturday.  I thank you in advance for any and all support.

Come down to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market!!

Ride the Bus, Recycle, Shop with Conscience, Make Friends, Bring the Kids, Eat Well, Buy a new Handsome, Handsewn, One-of-a-Kind MDFM Shopping Tote, Drink Fabulous Coffee from Your Mug (save cups), Take in Good Tunage, Put out the Good Vibe, Forward this Note, Share the Wealth, and

Savor the Local Flavor.

The Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market operates every Saturday (rain and shine) from 9a.m. to 1p.m. @ 501 W Texas Ave., under the green.

Farmer Matt, peace out.

432-695-4114

Farmer Matt here, You there,

Butch Morgan will be performing at the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market once again on Sept. 19.  This is next Saturday.  Butch was a great addition to the market, and I’m excited for his return.  We are also glad to introduce Andy Eppler to MDFM on Sept. 26.    Mark these dates on your calendar.

Come down to the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market!!

Recycle, Shop with Conscience, Make Friends, Bring the Kids, Eat Well, Buy a new Handsome, handsewn MDFM Shopping Tote, Get Rubbed, Drink Fabulous Coffee in Your Mug (save cups), Bring the Dogs, Put out the Good Vibe, Forward this Note, Share the Wealth, and Savor the Local Flavor.

The Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market operates every Saturday from 9a.m. to 1p.m. @ 501 W Texas Ave., under the green.

Farmer Matt, peace out.

432-695-4114

Farmer Matt here, You there,

Happy and Healthy.  Grateful and Giving.

As always we will have a Stellar Saturday at the Midland downtown Farmers’ Market.  Now that the school schedules are back in swing you can once again make MDFM your every saturday thing-to-do. 

Bob Westbrook w/ Westbrook Farms has Black-eyed Peas available during the week.  If you just can’t wait until Saturday, you can contact Bob by phone 432-488-7346 or email  http://mail.midlanddowntownfarmersmarket.com/cgi-bin/compose.exe?id=01f644768d0592fb2edd5e5ba627d94a0b24&new=&xsl=compose.xsl&to=bobcarver2@yahoo.com.

I am currently in the planning stage of developing a community garden at the Scharborough/Lineberry House.  This will be a garden where people can have a small space to connect with the earth and connect with the community.  I also want to have a donation garden that will produce food for local agencies that have a need for fresh sustainably raised produce.  In conjunction with the donation garden, I want to incorporate an educational component for the kids and those interested in organic gardening and sustainable food systems.  With that said I would like to enlist your help for this project.  I need 3-5 enthusiastic, committed, passionate, and willing individuals to bring this to fruition.  Contact me at 432-695-41114 or reply to this message for more information.  Thanks.

MDFM is also raffling a steer hide generously donated by Schuyler Wight of YT Beef.  The hide is valued well above $500, and a ticket can be purchased for $5 at the MDFM booth or the YT Beef booth.  Below is a brief history of the actual hide.  The drawing for the hide will be held on October 31, and all the proceeds go to support the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market.  Thanks Schuyler.  Each fall, I make a trek up to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge to buy replacement genetics for my herd of longhorn cattle. Several years ago, the Refuge management decided to sell some of the trophy steers. A trophy steer is so called, because longhorn steers horns never stop growing. As they get older, some of them can have horns that are 6 feet from tip to tip. The steer that I purchased was 5 years old, and weighed about 1400 lbs. He had an impressive set of horns, which are now hanging in my office. His hide is the one that will be raffled off to benefit the market.  The Wichita Mountain Refuge was established by Congress, and one of its mandates is the presevervation of the longhorn. Prior to the refuge, longhorn cattle were in danger of extinction, due to crossbreeding efforts of private ranchers. For more information on the refuge: www.fws.gov/southwest/refuges/oklahoma/wichitamountains/
 

Recycle, Shop with Conscience, Make Friends, Bring the Kids, Eat Well, Buy a new Handsome, handsewn MDFM Shopping Tote, Get Rubbed, Drink Fabulous Coffee in Your Mug (save cups), Bring the Dogs, Put out the Good Vibe, Forward this Note, Share the Wealth, and Savor the Local Flavor.

The Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market operates every Saturday from 9a.m. to 1p.m. @ 501 W Texas Ave., under the green.

Farmer Matt, peace out.

432-695-4114
matth@midlanddowntownfarmersmarket.com