President’s Corner – November 2025 – The Neighborhood Connection Challenge

I have something a little different this month for you to consider. How about we wrap up the end of year with something positive. I don’t know about you, but for me, 2025 has been challenging with way too much negativity. I really don’t understand why so many people insist on being mean and bitter. But, that is not the way I want to be and not the way I want to remember 2025. So, as the year winds down I’d like to challenge you to do something simple and maybe even a little old-fashioned; get to know your neighbors.

From now through December 31st, join me for the Neighborhood Connection Challenge! This will be a fun, friendly way to build trust, friendship, and that good old-fashioned sense of community that makes Viera feel like home. Because strong neighborhoods don’t just happen; we build them one wave, one chat, one shared laugh at a time.

How It Works
1. Do something to connect with a neighbor. It can be simple or creative; anything that brings people together.
2. Take a quick photo (nothing fancy—just a quick snapshot!) of your connection moment.
3. Post your photo in the pinned post on our Facebook page and tell us what you did.
4. Be entered to win! Every photo post counts as an entry for a $50 Visa gift card drawing on January 2nd.

Need Inspiration? Try one (or a few!) of these ideas. Here are some ways to mix, meet, mingle, and jingle to make new friends right in your own neighborhood:

Get Social

• Host or join a progressive dinner (one house for appetizers, one for dinner, one for dessert)
• Plan a block party or cul-de-sac cookout
• Invite neighbors for a morning coffee on the porch
• Start a weekly group walk, jog, or dog stroll
• Create a front-yard happy hour (everyone brings a chair and a beverage)
• Coordinate a holiday cookie swap or cocoa & carols night

Get Creative

• Organize a neighborhood decorating contest (holiday lights, front doors, mailboxes)
• Host a game night or trivia evening with neighbors
• Set up a photo scavenger hunt around the neighborhood
• Create a “kindness rocks” trail with painted rocks and uplifting messages

Get Helpful

• Offer to help an elderly neighbor with decorations or groceries
• Share baked goods with someone nearby
• Organize a neighborhood cleanup or beautification day
• Collect items for a local shelter or food pantry as a group
• Swap tools, recipes, or holiday decorating tips

Get Active

• Coordinate a bike ride or golf cart parade
• Plan a dog-owner meetup at a nearby park
• Form a holiday walking group to see the lights together
• Invite someone new to join your fitness or hobby class

When we take the time to know our neighbors, something wonderful happens. Our community becomes warmer, safer, and more connected. It’s not just about waving hello; it’s about creating the kind of neighborhood where people look out for one another, celebrate together, and truly feel they belong. So, let’s make this season about connection. Whether it’s sharing a laugh over cocoa or stringing lights side by side, every small moment adds up to something big: a stronger, happier community.

Visit the Central Viera Community Association, Inc. (CVCA) Facebook page, find the pinned post, and share your photo and story. Each post equals one entry into the prize drawing for a $50 Visa gift card—and unlimited good vibes. So, let’s finish this year the Viera way with three C’s – Connected, Caring, and Community-minded. I can’t wait to see your photos and stories on Facebook!! Happy connecting!

So, until next time, remember, “All will concede that in order to have good neighbors, we must also be good neighbors. That applies in every field of human endeavor.” – Harry S. Truman.

Oh, and see you around the neighborhood! Be sure to wave!

Eva M. Rey, President
Central Viera Community Association, Inc.