February 2025 – Love Where You Live and How to Build a Community Part Deux

It’s February, so, of course I can’t resist a “Love Where You Live” President’s Corner.  But, this time, with a twist. As some of you know, there has been a community-wide conflict lately over the actions of a certain neighborhood HOA. I have received multiple emails and phone calls on the issue so I wanted to use my “air time” this month to talk about how to deal with negativity in your neighborhood. I won’t address that issue specifically, but, let’s talk about the broader approach to loving where you live.

Basically, I want everyone to find your peace, in whatever form that comes for you personally. If it means disconnecting and focusing on a few meaningful things in your life, then so be it. But, above all, find peace. You can’t control anyone else’s behaviors and reactions/responses to bad behavior except your own. Building a harmonious environment requires intentional actions and a commitment to peace at every level—home, neighborhood, and the broader community.

Peace in Your Neighborhood

Building peace in our neighborhood involves proactive engagement and open communication. Simple actions can make a significant impact:

• Greet Your Neighbors: A friendly hello can open the door to meaningful relationships. Bake extra cookies and share. Introduce yourself to new neighbors. Invite neighbors over to share a great meal. Sit outside on the driveway and say hello! Get to know your neighbors, your dog walkers, and whoever passes by your home.
• Organize Community Events: Hosting block parties, potlucks, or group activities encourages interaction and unity. Big holidays really lend themselves to activities that engage you and your neighbors such as 4^th of July, Christmas, New Years, Halloween, etc.
• Support Local Initiatives: Participate in neighborhood clean-ups or efforts to enhance shared spaces.
• Hire Young People for Odd Jobs: Weeding, mowing, cleaning, babysitting, etc.
• Attend HOA Meetings: Listen to what is going on, listen to your neighbors, listen to your board members and professionals. Make yourself familiar with the governance of your neighborhood so that there can be mutual understanding of what is really going on and not what was posted on Facebook.
• Volunteer: Get on a committee or the Board. Lend your expertise to the issues at hand.
• Make Peace with Your Neighbor: There are so many conflicts with next door neighbors that are simply unnecessary. Why are we arguing about a shrub or a paver or a tree? Why get mad at your neighbor if their mower touched your property line? Have a little patience and grace with your neighbors. Are there sometimes situations that need outside involvement? Sure. But, mostly (from what I have witnessed) it is more petty than anything else. Neighbors that are friends do not have these issues. Neighbors that are strangers do.

Peace at Home

The foundation of a peaceful community begins within our homes. Practicing active listening, showing empathy, and resolving conflicts through calm discussions set a positive example for all family members. Engaging in shared activities, such as family meals, game or movie night, or collaborative projects, strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of belonging. By cultivating an environment where every member feels heard and valued, we lay the groundwork for extending that peace beyond our front doors.

Peace in the Broader Community

Apart from your home and your closer surroundings such as your neighborhood, we all live in Viera. Viera is a special place and embracing our overall community with a sense of pride in our identity can also bring peace. Here are some strategies:

• Attend Community Events: Engage with different people in other neighborhoods to make new Viera friends. We have our next Community Campout event at North Solerno Park on March 1^st. This is a great opportunity to meet new people and have some fun!
• Volunteer Your Time: Offer your skills to local organizations addressing community needs such as helping elderly neighbors with their shopping or putting up storm shutters.
• Support Local Merchants. You have neighbors who have businesses right here in our community. Show some love to our local business owners! Grab a pizza from Mr. Delicious, a glass of wine from Venezia Wine Veranda, or a frozen custard from Whit’s – you will be supporting your Viera neighbors.

Addressing Neighborhood Challenges

It’s disheartening when certain areas within our community become sources of concern due to negative behaviors. To address this, consider the following steps:

• Open Dialogue: Initiate conversations with residents to understand underlying issues and collaboratively seek solutions.
• Model Positive Behavior: Demonstrate respect, kindness, and cooperation in all interactions, setting a standard for others.
• Engage Local Leaders: Work with community leaders or associations to implement programs that encourage positive behavior and accountability.

By approaching these challenges with empathy and a willingness to collaborate, we can transform areas of concern into examples of community resilience and unity. Building a peaceful community in 2025 and beyond requires deliberate actions rooted in kindness, cooperation, and active participation. As we embrace these principles, we not only enhance our own lives but also inspire those around us to join in creating a harmonious and thriving community.

So, until next time, remember, “What is done in love is done well.” – Vincent  Van Gogh

Eva M. Rey, President

Central Viera Community Association, Inc.