Beautification goals continue to stay prevalent for one local organization.
Carter County Proud founder Ed Jordan recently provided an update on different activities going on in the region and praised the efforts of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, located in Elizabethton next to the Carter County Courthouse, for their landscaping at the facility.
“We want to showcase the beautiful landscaping happening around (the church),” Jordan said. “On behalf of Carter County Proud, we want to give a special thanks to Bucky Farnor and all parish members who spearheaded the project and personally donated much of their time and gifts to help the effort.”
Jordan added the organization is in the process of finalizing paperwork and a presentation for the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber Board of Directors in regards to the group’s possible merger with Keep America Beautiful.
“We are working to provide them with answers to all their questions. We hope to be able to meet with them very soon,” Jordan said.
The organization is in the process of looking to acquire the Chamber as the sponsor agency for Keep Carter County Beautiful — which would be the new name of the organization if a merger with Keep America Beautiful occurs.
Both county and city governments have set aside funding for a total of $4,000 to OK an application to be part of Keep America Beautiful, but the meeting with the Chamber is a way of seeing if the program can be sustainable in the region with the manpower in place.
Jordan added that joining with the organization can provide grant opportunities for beautification projects in the area and assist with litter and recycling efforts.
Tonya Stevens, Chamber director, recently told the Elizabethton Star the organization supports the efforts of Carter County Proud but wants to make sure all questions on the merger are answered before a decision can be made for the merger.
Another benefit the group received was the support of Milligan College, Jordan said. The college is providing interns to assist with activities performed by the group.
In other news, Jordan announced Carter County Proud’s summer roadside cleanup is scheduled for June 24 at 9 a.m. for Milligan Highway. Participants are asked to meet in the parking lot of Happy Valley Elementary School.
“We would love to see your participation,” Jordan said in a message to the public. “Come on out and let’s continue our fight against litter in Carter County. We are making a difference and we hope to see you.”