Thurmont
videos are a moving web experience
BY JAMES RADA JR.
Thurmont News Editor
THURMONT,
Md. – Now anyone wondering what Thurmont looks like can
get a multi-media experience about the town on the Internet.
The town
recently posted links to four videos featuring life in Thurmont.
Each video last about 75 seconds. The videos show Thurmont’s
attractions, quality of life, tourism and things to do, and
economic development.
“I
don’t think it’s bad,” said Mayor Martin
Burns. “It’s shows scenic Thurmont and it doesn’t
cost the town a dime.”
Burns
became interested in the idea at the Maryland Municipal League
conference two years ago. CGI Communications had a booth there
offering free video e-mail and web videos for municipalities.
“It
was tied in with them being allowed to sell the banners in
town,” Burns said.
“The
main thrust was the video e-mail and I have never seen anybody
use it,” said town webmaster John Kinnaird.
However,
some towns, including Brunswick and Mt. Airy, have taken advantage
of the free videos.
When
CGI came to Thurmont to shoot video clips in May, Kinnaird
drove the videographer around town. CGI also submitted scripts
for the voice-over narrative that accompanies the video.
“It’s
an introduction for people coming to the community of Thurmont,”
Kinnaird said. “It gives people a chance to view the
community at a distance.”
Asked
whether these videos are an attempt to increase the demand
for housing in town at a time when Thurmont is considering
three major annexations, Burns said, “That has absolutely
nothing to do with it. This was done a long time before the
annexations had even come in.”
To view
the videos, go to the town Web site, www.thurmont.com.
