One of the key elements of the program is to help participants master the art of collaboration by participating in class projects. LJC participants form groups to select, research, design and execute a project that addresses an issue of importance to the community. The participants use the projects to increase their understanding of an issue or challenge facing the county and to take action to improve the community.

These are the 2009-2010 Class Projects:

Friends of Johnson County Agriculture

Th is project team partnered with the Johnson County Community Foundation to establish an endowment fund for the purpose of promoting and sustaining agriculture in Johnson County.

Project Members: Jan Demaree, Bev Ernest, Jennifer Campbell, Rocky Stultz, Kyle Kasting, Dan Batta, Matt Cree

Battle Rattle 8

Th e mission of this eight-member team was to raise awareness and support for USO Indiana. They held a 5K walk/run event with over 200 registered walkers/runners and raised over $18,000 for USO Indiana.

Project Members: Kathy Richmond, Stephanie Wagner, Deidra Baumgardner, Jerry Johnson, Jeff McCann, Todd Townsend, Susie Smith, Lisa Kopczynski

Franklin Green Community

Encouraging Franklin’s small business owners to adopt more eco-friendly business practices through reducing, reusing and rethinking was the goal for this group.

Project Members: Julie Stewart, Becky Dixon, Tara Rucker, Mark Beasley, Amanda Croucher, Kristi Judson, Vicki Lee, Michael Waddick

Trail Mix

Team members developed an “Adopt a Trail” program for a portion of the trails in Johnson County.

Project Members: Lynn Riddle, Brandi Terrell, Dana Brown, Chris Richardson, Eli Betts, Matt Smarelli, Loren Snyder, Brad Coy

Johnson County Partership for Youth

Th is group developed both a youth exhibit for children at the Johnson County Museum of History and an Awareness Fair for Johnson County Not-for-Profi t groups.

Project Members:  Tammy Tex, Michele Lee, Natalie Fredenburg, Bettina Settles, Katie White-Knartzer, Brent Clarkston, Phillip Kestermeier, Keith Stafford