(6/1) Thurmont has been certified by the Keep America Beautiful (KAB), the nation’s leading community-improvement, nonprofit organization, as a member of its affiliate network.

Town Economic Development Manager Vickie Grinder stated that KAB President and CEO Helen Lowman officially announced her organization’s certification of Keep Thurmont Beautiful officially as a network-member at the end of April.

Lowman stated, "As part of our KAB network, Keep Thurmont Beautiful will act as a catalyst for positive community change, with a goal of improving the quality-of-life for every resident of the Town of Thurmont," adding, "We know that Keep Thurmont Beautiful will help transform your public spaces into beautiful places as a new and important representative of our national affiliate movement."

Keep Thurmont Beautiful will join more than 700 KAB affiliates, including 26 state affiliates and a number of international affiliates. In addition, Keep Thurmont Beautiful joins more than thirty-two other local affiliates across Maryland, Grinder noted.

Thurmont Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick stated, "The Keep America Beautiful program is something that Thurmont is honored to be affiliated with. We place great value on environmental stewardship and our community sustainability programs."

Humerick said that the KAB certification is an accomplishment that the town is very proud to have achieved.

KAB’s network mobilizes more than an estimated six-million volunteers and participants each year to take positive action on community improvement concerns. As a result, litter is being reduced, solid waste is being managed responsibly, citizens are improving vacant lots, highways and other public spaces, trees and flowers are being planted, and recycling and composting efforts are expanding, according to the organization.

"Clean, livable communities are the foundation for strong, local economies," President Lowman said, additionally noting, "Keep America Beautiful affiliates use litter prevention as an obvious place to begin the process of instilling pride, and a sense of personal responsibility for the appearance and well-being of one’s community."

Lowman stated that KAB’s affiliates are working hand-in-hand with civic, business and government partners to renew and revitalize their communities.

Economic Development Manager Vickie Grinder stated that Thurmont is Sustainable Maryland-certified and Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Sustainable Community-certified. Thurmont created a Green Team in 2015 to focus on a greener environment to sustain the quality-of-life and place over the long-term for Thurmont residents, businesses, and visitors. Thurmont is also a designated Tree City USA for a fourth year.

To find out more about Thurmont’s Green programs, go to the programs’ Facebook and website. To learn more about KAB, visit www.kab.org.