The Sounding of Two Canons

As I was walking through the lobby of First National Bank of Midland today, I was greeted by a table set up by Honor Our Troops (or H.O.T.), an organization who sends care packages to our soldiers overseas.  If you’re like me, it’s one of those things that I’m always “meaning to do,” or “will do in the future.”  In any case, they asked if I wanted to send a care package for $25.00, and I promptly said yes.  It was so convenient!  They had the package ready to go, I wrote a handwritten thank you note to the soldier, and they gave me an ID bracelet to take home with the soldier’s name on it.  The contribution is still so miniscule (an understatement) in comparison to what these soldiers give for us every day.

I had heard of this organization before, as I believe I have seen them set up at the County Annex on A Street.  I was told they also have a full-time store in the Odessa mall, which I did not know before.

This organization is in Downtown Midland TODAY!  Just stop by the bank lobby (FNB of Midland) at lunch, it’s that building on the corner of Big Spring and Wall, across the street from Luigi’s.  What could be more convenient than that?  The man who started the organization is a father who began this effort to support his son, and the other sons and daughters who serve overseas.  Cheers to the two men I met this morning who are responsible for 10,000+ care packages being sent to our brave soldiers.  Truly amazing.  We can all hope to make that sort of difference in this world someday.

Honor Our Troops (Send care packages online!)

http://www.hot-honorourtroops.com/INDEX.html

Both of us are animal lovers, and 2 out of 3 of our dogs are rescue dogs, so we were very concerned when we heard that the Midland SPCA is danger of closing.  For those who are not familiar, the Midland SPCA is a no-kill shelter which has given homes to the homeless pet population in Midland for 62 years.  As you may have heard, or read in the paper, without money donations, adoptions, and/or supplies, there is a real chance they may have to shut their doors forever. 
 
We spoke to an employee of the Midland SPCA yesterday who told us they have been receiving donations, and that if they continue to do so there is a good chance the shelter may be able to remain open.  For those of you who are interested in helping, by making a donation or adopting a pet, the information is below.  It is our hope that the shelter will not shut down; but if it does, we really hope that Lone Star SPCA or private citizens will step in to save the homeless animals that are currently in their care.  For more information, please see below, or call the Midland SPCA at 684-7582.   
 
DONATION INFORMATION: Donations can be made (1) on the website through Pay Pal, (2) by mail, or (3) by going by the shelter.    ONLINE: http://www.midlandspca.net/  Click “DONATE”
Please mail donations to: Midland SPCA, 2701 South County Road 1206, Midland, Texas 79706 
 
Midland SPCA works to keep its doors open
http://surveys.relevantview.com/sbox/asandboxdev.sbt/928454,2694,12,1,0/http/www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2010/02/10/news/top_stories/midland_spca_dogs_midland_animal_services.txt
Midland SPCA desperately needs financial assistance - Letter to the Editor Sunday February 14th
http://surveys.relevantview.com/sbox/asandboxdev.sbt/928454,2694,12,1,0/http/www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2010/02/15/news/opinion/letters_2-14.txt

Canon Pets, from left: Sadie (Cavalier KC Spaniel), and Duke & Buddy (our two Labs)

We love Kathleen Thurber’s article on the reports from the Vision 2020 committees regarding ideas for Downtown.  What a fantastic quote from Vision 2020 co-chairman of the Arts Committee Jeff Hewett, who stated his committee “could see everything from microbreweries to teahouses to flower markets and outdoor performance spaces taking shape.”  These committees are definitely dreaming big, which is their purpose.  We applaud their hard work, and in response say, you just never know until you try!!!!  It’s hard to imagine Midland without the programs, services, and institutions that were dreamed up by the Vision 2020 program (if you don’t believe us, watch the history video here: http://www.midlandvision2020.com). 

We also LOVE the slideshow of Downtown today!  Especially the very old pictures.  Thanks MRT!   C&C

Downtown renovation focus of Vision 2020 goals

http://mywesttexas.com/articles/2010/02/06/news/top_stories/vision_2020_downtown_midland_sunday.txt

GALLERY: Our favorite photos of Downtown Midland (1908-2010)

http://mywesttexas.com/shared-content/story_tools/slideshow/?id=37

According to the MRT, Texas Historical Commission board members traveled to Midland recently to review the application files and nominations for the National Register of Historic Places.  Though Midland has no current pending projects, the Commission’s National Register coordinator stated the Commission would be thrilled to work with property owners to designate historical places as the “first step in preservation.”  The City gave them a tour of Downtown to show off revitalization efforts, as well as Midland’s older residential neighborhoods.  If it’s one thing we support, it’s the preservation of Midland’s old buildings!  – C&C

Texas Historical Commission tours Midland locations

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2010/01/15/news/top_stories/texas_historical_commission_visit.txt#ixzz0dfUHyowM

YPM has a new website up, and we like it!  The banner at the top has a nice pic of Downtown too….

http://ypmidland.org/index.php

We also don’t know if this is new or not, but the Midland Downtown Farmers’ Market seems to have its own website as well we didn’t know about!  http://www.midlanddowntownfarmersmarket.com

Looking for easy holiday desserts for your next party or family gathering?  Look no further.  Thanks to our friend Stori Butts for recommending these dessert balls to us!  This is a new business in Midland, and they can customize your desserts to whatever theme you choose!  Great option for easy holiday entertaining.  Holiday order deadline is December 18^th!  Enjoy.  

Having a Ball!

http://www.gohaveaball.net/about.aspx

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Midland-TX/HAVING-A-BALL/306633560342

Downtown area gets boost with renovated plaza

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/11/10/news/top_stories/doc4afa22c09bcb8184131087.txt

UPDATE: Video of Gary Vandergriff on redesign of Centennial Plaza at the Rededication

(Architect, Centennial Plaza Renovation)

http://www.mywtxchatter.com/video/gary-vandergriff-on-redesign

Last week, I (Cory) was fortunate to meet a certain new female obstetrician to town, who also happens to be a very awesome Midland native who recently returned with her husband to make Midland their home.  I was happily surprised when she told me that last year, when she was thinking of returning home to practice in Midland, she began reading our blog.  She said she was glad to read what was going on in Midland in the months before she moved back!  Chris has known her for years, and I was so happy to meet her.  We are both just thrilled that she is here. 

SEE – we knew there had to be at least ONE PERSON besides Chris’ Nana who reads our blog!!!!   Great news!  Welcome home Dr. McBrayer, and thanks for reading.  (You too, Nana).

Very few times have we deviated from Downtown news and events, but every once in a while certain new places or events in Midland, whether Downtown or not, just have to be discussed!  Like…..  the new Gigi’s Cupcakes.  We haven’t gone yet, but that’s only because we haven’t had the chance.  Can’t wait though!  UPDATE: We went.  Wow.  Evidently they sell out at the end of most nights, so get there early for best selection.  The cupcakes are awesome.

Midland first Texas site for GiGi’s Cupcakes

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/11/01/business/oil/top_stories/gigis_cupcakes_-_11_1.txt

Need a way to burn off those cupcake calories?  There are 3 upcoming 5Ks in Midland in the next few weeks, all supporting good causes:

November 14th, Saturday: “Face the Race” 5K

Presented by Junior League of Midland @ Midland College

More information at: http://www.jlweb.org/midland/npo.jsp?pg=action5

http://www.mywesttexas.com/articles/2009/11/08/news/top_stories/face_the_race_weekend.txt

November 21^st, Saturday: Race for Wishes 5K benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation

5K and 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk @ Scharbauer Sports Complex

Register at: http://westtexasraceforwishes.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=322042

December 5^th, Saturday: Jingle Bell Run for Junior Achievement 5K Run/Walk & Kids’ Fun Run

Downtown Midland @ Illinois and Loraine

http://pbrunningclub.tripod.com/jbr2009form.pdf

We are hoping to have some news on the Drafthouse soon….  once we receive confirmation or concrete details, we will post here first.  Also, the dedication of the new Centennial Plaza and the first anniversary event for Live Midland is happening soon…. but we have not received any details on that yet either!  We’ll keep you posted! 

C&C

Have you heard of Briley Mitchell, and Dust Devil Diver Photography?  We have seen his work showcased at various events, most recently at the Docent fundraiser, and we are big fans.  We knew we wanted to include his work on the blog, and when we asked him he was very supportive!  His work really captures the West Texas skyline and spirit.  Briley will have a booth at the Farmers’ Market this Saturday, the 31st, so please stop by!  You can sample his photography here: http://www.dustdevildiverphotography.com/    A few of our favorites are below.  Thanks for sharing your pictures with us Briley!    

C&C