Every 2 1/2 hour session will bring class members together with speakers from government, local businesses, the school system, and community organizations with expertise on the topic of that evening.  Sessions will begin at 6:30pm.  Each agenda will include a question & answer period with the opportunity for informal discussion between the speakers and classmates.

Class members will receive a Google Calendar invitation a few days prior to each session giving full details of the evening session.

Class members will also be expected to attend 14 out of the 17 required sessions (there are 20 offered sessions, not including graduation) along with one Board of Supervisors meeting and one School Board meeting during the course of the program.  Dates will be included on the program calendar.  Class members will also be required to work on a small team project which begins in late Fall and involves additional time commitment outside of the scheduled classes (generally 1-2 hours bi-weekly).  Below are brief descriptions of the topics to be covered.

Class Kick-off and Mixer:  We will open the season with an informal social gathering, including food and beverages, to introduce class members to one another and to the steering committee members, and to get an orientation to the program.

Fluvanna County History:  Local historians will discuss the county’s beginnings and development including rapid growth and change in recent decades.  (An optional guided tour of historic Palmyra Village will also be offered.)

Bus Tour:  An all-day trip throughout the county, visiting spots familiar and unfamiliar even to long- time residents.  The bus tour is always scheduled on a Saturday and includes snacks and lunch.

Historic Palmyra Tour (optional):  Fluvanna residents with deep roots in the county recount stories of the history of buildings, businesses and events of the little village, along with fascinating (and often hilarious) tales of the people who lived here.

Government:  This session will feature representatives from Fluvanna County government and the Lake Monticello Owners Association, which provides many public services for its residents.  They will detail their institutions’ organizational structures, responsibilities and comment on current issues and future challenges.  Some state government information may also be included.

Community Services:  This session focuses on meeting community needs. Panels of local professionals discuss how their publicly-funded agencies work to meet citizen needs in health, housing, aging, child welfare and other areas.  Speakers will also include staff or volunteers of non-profit social welfare organizations about the huge role they play in serving Fluvanna residents.

Living and Playing in Fluvanna:  Recreational and creative outlets, makers, producers and associations in Fluvanna will be showcased, demonstrating how residents can engage in these great programs.

School System Overview:  An introduction to Fluvanna County Public Schools, presented by school administrators and members of the Fluvanna County School Board.  (Class members will also be asked to attend a School Board meeting on a separate day.)

Project Kick-off and Work Session:  A key requirement of our program is working on community-based projects created & developed by class members, working in small teams. This introductory session (generally in late Fall) discusses project goals and process, establishing guidelines and forming teams, with time to start project planning.  Project teams may spend additional time (+- 2 hours bi-weekly) outside of classes working on their project.

Dollars & Sense of County Government:  An examination of county revenue, budget process and spending, with panels of elected and professional staff from the departments that deal with finance explaining how it all works.

Economic Development & Business:  Officials from the county government join experts in tourism and workforce development to explain the challenges facing Fluvanna in building a strong business community to provide jobs & increase our tax base.  The program also includes several local business owners discussing advantages & challenges of operating in Fluvanna County.

Planning & Zoning:  Members of the Planning Commission and staff from the Planning and Zoning Department explain the Fluvanna Comprehensive Plan and how it guides the processes used to regulate use of land and county growth.

Infrastructure: Executives from public utility, telecommunications, and transportation organizations discuss current issues affecting the county, focusing on what the county needs to accommodate its citizens and to attract new businesses.

Agriculture in Fluvanna:  Agriculture is Fluvanna County’s #1 industry.  The role played by agriculture in the county today is explained by representatives of the Virginia Cooperative Extension, the Virginia Forestry Department, and farmers as well as business people who process or sell goods that are locally produced.

FUMA Overview & FLDP Alumni Experience:  The Fork Union Military Academy is a major employer and a highly regarded institution in Fluvanna and beyond.  Its Commandant will summarize the academy’s history & mission. Following this, a panel of FLDP alumni will share their experiences in the program and its impact on their engagement in Fluvanna. 

Emergency Services:  The County’s emergency services coordinator and representatives of volunteer fire/rescue and water rescue organizations will explain their respective roles in providing services to Fluvanna County citizens.

Law and Order:  This session will cover key elements of the justice system in Fluvanna County, from investigation & enforcement through court proceedings and correction facilities.

Project Culmination:  A highlight of each class year!  Each team gives a formal presentation of their work on a project to benefit Fluvanna to an audience of classmates, steering committee members and invited public leaders.

Graduation:  The final event is a graduation ceremony and dinner.