The Verde Village Community Connection hosted its annual meeting on Tuesday, March 12, to celebrate its first year of operation and deliver an annual report.
Formerly known as the Verde Village Property Owners Association, the Verde Village Community Connection is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit that states it aims to connect neighbors and foster a sense of community within the Verde Villages.
Board President Aislinn Maldonado discussed the group’s goals and achievements since its rebranding.
Maldonado said that the organization increased its advertising efforts by creating a monthly newsletter, sending out press releases to local media outlets, renovating its Facebook page and altering the blue signs throughout the neighborhood to include a base for posters. The board, which launched with 12 members, now has 14.
“More people now know who we are and what we’re about but more importantly what we’re not about,” Maldonado said, such as that they do not enforce codes.
She added that VVCC hosted a number of events last year to spark resident interest. The most successful of these included the Easter egg hunt, trunk-or-treat and talent show.
The association also completed repairs to the neighborhood pool, acquired a soplans for the Del Rio Pond. The community clubhouse has new wifi and the organization’s landline is now a wireless number.
The board has been working to revise VVCC’s bylaws since October. Membership is at an all-time low and the board has been working on leaving promotional bags on doorsteps to encourage residents to join.
Maldonado added that they are focusing on developing alternative revenue streams, such as partnerships with businesses, rather than relying on residents paying membership fees.
“I am just beyond words with the connections and friendships that have been formed essentially by strangers,” Maldonado said. “It takes a massive amount of time, manpower and perseverance to build what we are attempting to build here.
“This organization is unique. It will take much more to reach people for a common goal of connection.”
“I certainly believe it is worth every minute, every dollar spent to achieve the goal of connection because that is priceless,” she said. “We are not meant to do life alone, and with this organization, we don’t have to. I personally would like to see a space where life happens, where people laugh and cry together.
“I raised my hand to lead this organization because it was needed and I didn’t know how much I needed it. I work on it daily because it matters. You matter, neighbors matter. Our community matters. How we define those, it’s entirely up to you. Come connect with us.”
The board also approved its 2024 budget and gave out volunteer appreciation awards.
General monthly meetings will be replaced by meetings of the board of directors. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. and will include a vote on the updated bylaws.
