Contemplating anniversaries
Published: September 23, 2021 by Bob Heuchan, board chair
My family pokes fun at me because I have an affinity for the number 10. For example, if I collect something, I generally try to have 10 of them. I do the same when it comes to years, especially when the number is evenly divided by 10. Why? Perhaps it is because next year is the 50th class reunion from Franklin Community High School, Class of 1972. Maybe because I keep hearing about all of these anniversaries. (Have you heard that JCCF is 30 this year?)
Maybe it’s because I have been closely watching the ongoing construction of Interstate 69 (I-69) on the western doorstep of Johnson County. I recall that 50 summers ago Interstate 65 (I-65) was under construction through the eastern side of Johnson County. Prior to that, all highway traffic traveled up US 31. Those who lived in Edinburgh, Franklin, Whiteland and Greenwood can attest how challenging and dangerous it was to travel that road. The opening of I-65 changed all of that and impacted Johnson County in significant ways. Not just traffic patterns but the commercial and industrial growth along the I-65 corridor continues today. Consider the impact that the opening of I-69 will have on the west side of the county today and in the future.
Now let’s pivot back to 30 years ago and the founding of JCCF. Many thanks to the community leaders in 1991 with the vision to see the possibilities of a locally based foundation. With key community leadership and the support of the Lilly Endowment, Inc., we have witnessed growth and contributions that have greatly impacted Johnson County.
My point: significant events have occurred in the past 50 years that have, and will continue to, greatly impact our Johnson County community. Infrastructure improvements; the fact that we are a donut county to Indianapolis; and contributions of leaders, businesses and other organizations; have shaped our present. They will continue to shape our future. This is especially true with JCCF. Look where this special organization has come over the past 30 years. And imagine the possibilities over the next 30 years!
