WBNA | Wells Branch Neighborhood Association

Plan Ahead for Fireworks Safety

by Allison Strupeck, PIO/Community Outreach Coordinator, Prevention Division
Pflugerville Fire Dept./Travis County ESD No. 2

Please respect your neighbors if you choose to light fireworks.  This year, July 4^th falls on a weeknight when many families will be working the next day.  Keep in mind that the sound of fireworks can be very stressful for some veterans and others who experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  It also scares many dogs and other pets.

Remember that fireworks are NOT legal to use on or around schools and Travis County parks.  They’re also not legal on Wells Branch Municipal Utility District (MUD) property, which includes all MUD facilities, parks, trails, greenbelts, the Pond, drainage detention areas, the veloway, and the grassy area located at Robert I. Walker and Charla Circle.

But if you choose to light fireworks in a safe, legal location, Travis County ESD No. 2 (Pflugerville Fire Dept.) wants you to better understand the dangers of fireworks and work together as a family to stay safe.  Rather than risking your safety with personal fireworks, we strongly recommend checking out a professional fireworks show.  A great option in this area is the 4^th Fest in Wells Branch!

In addition to considering the safety measures around fireworks, it is equally important to maintain vigilance throughout the year. A professionally installed fire alarm system can offer peace of mind, knowing that you have a reliable safety net in place. Such systems are designed to detect smoke, heat, and even carbon monoxide, giving you a multi-layered defense against potential threats. By investing in fire alarm installation, you contribute to a safer living environment, demonstrating a proactive approach to protecting what matters most. Here are other safety tips for your family: Continue reading Plan Ahead for Fireworks Safety →

FOL 2018 Calendar Contest Underway!

Calling all photographers, amateur to professional, the Friends of the Wells Branch Library is holding its second annual contest searching for the 16 photos to grace their 2018 calendar.  Your photo could be a WINNER!!

Send in your photos of idyllic views, people, critters, activities, events – whatever you think best applies to the theme “Best of Wells Branch” to be included in our 15 month calendar for 2018.

Contest photos will be on display at the Library and in the Community Center during 4th Fest.  Stop by and vote for your favorites!

Complete rules and submission guidelines HERE.  Contest ends June 30, 2017.

Start getting your photos ready NOW!

Celebrate Juneteenth with Jazz on the Greens!

featuring The Pamela Hart and James Polk Quartet
Sunday, June 18 • 6:00 – 8:00pm
WB Homestead • 2106 Klattenhoff Drive

Join the Wells Branch neighborhood in a celebration dating back to 1865:  Juneteenth, an African American celebration of remembrance, emancipation, heritage and equality.

Jazz on the Greens will be a mellow, relaxing evening of jazz featuring Austin’s Queen of Jazz, Pam Hart, and National Talent, Dr. James Polk.  They will serenade the audience on Sunday evening on the lush greens at the WB Homestead at KF Park.  Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy this inaugural event as Wells Branch comes together to commemorate Juneteenth.

Volunteer Deputy Voter Registrar Training

Saturday, June 10 • 11am
WB Rec. Center • 3000 Shoreline Drive

Voter Registration – We need Volunteers!  It only takes an hour of your time to get certified and you can be as involved (or uninvolved) as you’d like. Training enables you to be a resource to new neighbors, at community events, school, church, and social groups.  We’re starting early this election cycle.  With this training, your certification won’t expire until December 31, 2018, so you’ll be set to register through mid-term elections.  PLEASE, help us to register ALL of our Wells Branch neighbors!

If you’d like to be a part of this effort (however big or small), we have a training session set for Saturday, June 10, 11am at the Rec. Center, 3000 Shoreline Drive.  We need an approximate head count so that Travis County can bring adequate supplies.  Please reserve your spot at vote@wbna.us.  Questions? Call 512-656-0654.

We will have a few extra packets so please come even if you haven’t RSVP’d!

Summer Reading starts today at the Wells Branch Community Library!

It’s time for another Summer Reading Challenge at the Wells Branch Community Library! Throughout June and July, log your reading progress on the library’s ReadSquared page to compete with friends and neighbors, unlock fun games and challenges, and earn chances to win raffles for fantastic prizes. Any and all reading counts: reading the newspaper, listening to an audiobook on your morning drive, reading aloud to kids, and more can all be counted toward your summer reading progress.

In addition to our online reading challenge, summer means a lot of free and fun library events! Join us each week for new kids’ programs, including:

• LEGO Lab: Mondays from 4 to 5 p.m. (ages 5-12)
  Build and program a LEGO robot or get creative with LEGO free-play! To sign up for LEGO robotics, visit the kids’ desk beginning at 3:30.
• Circle Time: Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. (ages 0-3)
  Learn about the alphabet, days of the week, weather, and more through song in this first classroom experience.
• Block Parties: Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m. (ages 3+)
  Build with Keva planks, cardboard bricks, and blocks of all sizes.
• Little Helpers: Fridays at 2 p.m. (ages 4-8)
  Meet community helpers, like firefighters and police officers, and learn how to become a helper yourself!

Grown-ups can have fun, too, with programs like DIY Wednesdays each week throughout June and July. For more information about all of the library’s summer programs, visit the library’s website.

Finally, the library’s still your place to find your favorite books, magazines, and movies! Stop by any day of the week to browse and borrow, or use our digital collections for 24/7 access to library materials.

Don’t have a library card? Visit the library to sign up! All Texas residents 18 and older are eligible for a free library card, with valid ID and proof of current physical address. (Minors ages 5-17 can sign up with a parent or guardian.) The library is located at 15001 Wells Port Drive.

Got a question? Call the library at 512-989-3188, email staff@wblibrary.org, or stop by the library during open hours.