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McAllen names Winfern neighborhood its McAllen Shines community champion
Summary
City officials recognized the Winfern neighborhood for sustained community upkeep and neighbor-led activities during a McAllen Shines award ceremony; residents and city leaders highlighted the program's year-old effort to build neighborhood pride.
The City of McAllen recognized the Winfern neighborhood as its McAllen Shines community champion at a city ceremony, honoring residents' efforts to maintain yards, streets and neighborhood activities, city officials said.
The McAllen Shines initiative, launched by city staff about a year ago, aims to encourage neighborhood pride and cleaner, safer public spaces. "We wanted people to start taking a little stock into their community, having pride in their community," Mayor Javier Villalobos said, describing the program's purpose.
City Manager Isaac Tewill praised Winfern residents and city staff who supported the effort. "People like you are the heart and soul of a community like McAllen," Tewill said, crediting a multi-department response and work by Public Works and other departments to support neighborhood efforts.
Eugene DeSutter, president of the Winfern Neighborhood Association, gave a short history of the subdivision and described the neighborhood's volunteer activities and membership. DeSutter said the neighborhood has about 162 homes and roughly 55 association members, and that the group charges $5 a month for membership dues that the city helps collect on the water bill.
Assistant City Manager Elvida Alonso and other staff recounted early challenges in standing up the campaign and said change required sustained outreach across departments. Alonso said departments citywide were contacted for support and that the effort involved outreach, code enforcement assistance and community events.
Residents and organizers also recognized Rebecca Garza, the neighborhood founder, who was credited with initial door-to-door organizing; Mary (last name not specified) presented comments remembering Garza and said, "This award is for you, miss Garza." The ceremony included a brief tribute and remarks from neighbors about long-term community activities such as yard contests, festivals and a neighborhood watch program.
City staff encouraged attendees to follow the city's social media channels for video and a written story of the event. "For those loved ones who may not be here, you can watch this on our social media platforms," a city staff member said as the ceremony closed.
The recognition was ceremonial; no formal vote or ordinance was recorded on the transcript.
