4thFest Event Schedule

WBNA 4^thFest Silent Auction
Monday, July 4 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
WB Community Center at KF Park
2106 Klattenhoff Drive

Each year, the WBNA hosts a silent auction during WB FourthFest.  Proceeds benefit the WBNA.  Money raised from this event funds the Easter Egg Hunt, National Night Out, our participation in Halloween Trunk or Treat, crafts at Luminary Fest and all of the educational and safety seminars we put on throughout the year.  Come check out all the wonderful gift baskets and gift certificates donated by WB friends, neighbors and businesses!  Online bidding begins June 24^th and ends on July 2^nd at 5:00pm at https://www.32auctions.com/WBNA4thFest2022.  In person bidding will be from 9:00am to 2:00pm, July 4th at the Wells Branch Community Center, 2106 Klattenhoff Drive.

Contact Margaret Sufke at 512-341-0428 or SilentAuction@wbna.us if you have an item or service you’d like to donate or if you’d like to volunteer.  We can ALWAYS use a hand!

WB MUD 4^thFest Parade!
Monday, July 4 | 10:00am
Katherine Fleischer Park
2106 Klattenhoff Drive

The Wells Branch MUD Parks and Recreation Department is excited to once again celebrate the Fourth of July with one of our most beloved community traditions.  The FourthFest parade will kick off at 10:00am from Katherine Fleischer Park. Guests are encouraged to line the streets and show off your patriotic pride in this long-time tradition!  If you wish to include a float in this year’s parade, please contact the WB MUD Program & Events Coordinator at 512-251-9814.

 2022 Parade Route (Departs at 10am)
Facing west on Klattenhoff Dr. => Right on Alpha Collier

=> Right on Fronia Woodward => Right on Cervin Blvd.
=> Right on Wells Port Dr. => Right on Crystal Shore
=> Right on Klattenhoff Dr. => Return to KF Park

WB MUD 4^thFest Cornhole Tournament
Monday, July 4 | 11:00am
Wells Branch Homestead | 2106 Klattenhoff Dr.

Got a hankering for cornhole?  This year FourthFest will offer 24 teams the chance to show off their skills in a single-elimination cornhole tournament!  Games will begin after the parade at 11:00am in front of the Homestead.

Prizes
1st place:  (2) $50 Gift Cards ($100 total)
2nd place:  (2) $25 Gift Cards ($50 total)
3rd place:  (2) $10 Gift Cards ($20 total)

Teams will compete in pairs of two in a single elimination tournament.  Participants must be 13 years or older to  compete.  Registration opens June 1st and ends July 3rd.  Contact WB MUD at 512-251-9814.   Hosted by the WB MUD Recreation Department.

WB MUD 4^thFest Concert
Monday, July 4 | 6:00pm
Shoreline Soccer Complex | 3908 Shoreline Drive

The fun doesn’t stop in the morning!  Put on your favorite red, white, and blue outfit and join us as the FourthFest celebrations continue with a concert in the park!  Tomar & the FCs are playing and the Rec Department will have    foodtrucks on hand.  Bring the whole family for an exciting evening of live music at the Wells Branch Soccer Complex. Gates open at 5:30pm.

WB MUD 4^thFest Fireworks!
Monday, July 4 | 9:30pm
WB MUD Rec Center | 3000 Shoreline Drive

To finish out the night, join us for WB MUD’s dazzling Fourth of July fireworks show!

The annual Wells Branch MUD Fireworks Show will begin at 9:30pm at the Wells Branch Recreation Center.  Prepare to be dazzled as they light up the night sky in celebration of the Fourth of July!  There will not be any public parking available at the Recreation Center.  Although parking is available along the street and in the Willow Bend Pool parking lot, the number of spaces are limited, so we encourage all who can, to walk or ride bikes.

Please come early, bring your blankets, chairs, coolers and bug spray.

Don’t forget to clear your area and pick up your trash when you leave. Thank you!

Questions? Call the WB MUD Rec Center at 512-251-9814.

*No personal fireworks are allowed on District Property.

Silent Auction Volunteers Needed!
Are you ready to help?

We have developed an online system to help folks register as a WBNA volunteer. We recently published a video clip highlighting how to sign up as a volunteer. Please follow the link to learn more: Volunteer Video

Sign up HERE:  https://bit.ly/wbna_volunteer

Here’s an insider’s tip. If you volunteer for the 4^thFest Silent Auction you’ll get a preview of this year’s auction goodies, while helping to stage the auction items. How about a ride on the WBNA parade float? If you help decorate it, you can ride it—it’s worth an early start! Want to experience the excitement of the closing bids? Volunteer to be a closer and get ready to move quickly. Whatever you to choose do—we can promise that you will have fun at the 2022 4^thFest Silent Auction.  Plus, there’s air conditioning inside!

Opportunities Include:

• Sunday, July 3^rd:  Staging, Set up, Signage 1:00 – 4:00 pm
• Monday, July 4^th:  Float Prep, 8:30am – Parade is at 10:00am
• Monday, July 4^th:  Silent Auction, many slots available, bidder registration, runners, closers

Remember, it’s the volunteers that really make everything happen. Please consider joining our volunteer team, even if you can only give a couple of hours for a single event or help out behind the scenes—your contribution helps the entire community succeed.  Watch the WBNA.US website, follow us on Facebook and please consider volunteering at the 2022 4^thFest!

2022 Silent Auction Donations Request

Each year the WBNA hosts a Silent Auction during the annual 4thFest celebration.  This auction is our BIG fundraiser for the year.  Funds raised help to pay for all the WBNA community events: the Easter Egg Hunt, National Night Out, our participation in Halloween Trunk or Treat, crafts at Luminary Fest as well as the town hall meetings, candidate forums and safety awareness sessions throughout the year.  We are excited to be hosting the auction once again during the WBMUD Independence Day celebration.

Last year we introduced a hybrid format of an online auction and a “live” event for the final bids on July the 4th.  The live event will be in our traditional venue at the WB Community Center from 9:00am – 2:00pm, July 4th.  The online auction will go live the week before.  Watch the WB Google Group, our website, and the Facebook page for updates.  A link will also be included in our Summer Issue of the Neighborhood News.

Friday, June 24:  The Silent Auction site goes live!

Saturday, July 2:  The Silent Auction site closes and we transition all active bids and make arrangements for all “Buy It Now” items.

Monday, July 4:  The live auction opens at 9:00am and closes at 2:00pm.   Payments and Pick Up will be from 3:00 – 5:00pm.  Buy It Now items made be purchased throughout the auction.

In addition to giving back to our community, donating to the WBNA Silent Auction is a GREAT way to promote your business!  We are seeking donations of merchandise, gift cards/certificates, theme baskets, and services to auction.  In return, you will receive exposure for your business at the live auction and on the auction website.  There will also be a special “Thank You” section in the September issue of the WBNA Neighborhood News and on our website and Facebook page with links to your site.  If you have items or services to donate please email us at silentauction@wbna.us.

Along with our local businesses, services, and Austin area attractions, we would LOVE donations from the community.  We will begin accepting donations May 28.  Donations to be included in the online auction must be received by June 20.   Live auction donations will be gratefully accepted through June 30.  We would also like to welcome the return of baked goods donations, please contact Margaret Sufke, 512-341-0428, for details.

We are actively seeking event volunteers to help solicit items,help prepare the baskets and/or work the auction.  If you have any empty baskets leftover from last year, we’d love to have them!  Please email us at silentauction@wbna.us and watch for our new social media volunteer site.

Thank YOU for supporting the Wells Branch Community!

2023 Wells Branch Community Calendar Photo Contest Underway!

The WBNA is excited to host the 2023 Calendar Photo Contest!  The contest is open to the entire Wells Branch community; there are no age limits!  We would love for our young photographers to share their talents.

The 2023 contest theme is “Visions of Wells Branch.”  Selected photos should inspire feelings  of community as seen through the events, people, places, and wildlife within Wells Branch.  Capture and submit your favorite images of our wonderful neighborhood!  Remember anyone who lives in Wells Branch can submit a photo (or up to six photos).  The image format is 8×10 landscape for the calendar.  The only real “rules” are that images must be taken within Wells Branch by Wells Branch residents.

We have started to receive entries and are anxious for more!  Please review your favorite photos of Wells Branch and submit your best shots!

For the Official Entry Form, click HERE:

For Official Rules, click HERE:

The Wells Branch MUD has graciously agreed to let us use the Rec. Center at 3000 Shoreline Drive for entry drop-off and display as the photos come in.  Both current and past pictures are welcome.  Each photographer will be allowed to submit up to six (6) photos.  Each photo must be accompanied by an Official Entry Form.

Enter photos from June 1, 2022 to September 16, 2022.  We will continue to accept electronic submissions for consideration through September 16, 2022 at 5:00pm.  All entries will be displayed at the Wells Branch MUD Rec Center, 3000 Shoreline Drive, and in the WBNA Facebook page album: 2023 Calendar Contest.  Winning photos will be announced September 20, 2022 and the new 2023 Calendars will go on sale at National Night Out, October 4!

Questions? Contact Margaret Sufke, Calendar Contest Coordinator, at mmsufke@gmail.com or 512-341-0428.

Heat Stroke: Know the Signs

Pflugerville Fire Dept./Travis County ESD No. 2

During hot and humid weather, your body has a harder time cooling.  When the body heats up too quickly to properly cool itself – or when too much fluid/salt is lost through sweating or dehydration – the victim may suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke which is very serious.  Below are tips on preventing heat stroke, recognizing its symptoms, and first aid. And remember: never leave kids, pets, or disabled adults alone in parked cars … not even for a few minutes!  Have a safe and enjoyable summer everybody.

PREVENTING HEAT STROKE

• Slow down! Reduce, cancel or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day
• Even if you don’t feel thirsty, proactively bring and drink plenty of water (not very cold) or other non-alcoholic, decaffeinated fluids
• Prevent sunburn through sunscreen, sunhats, and minimizing direct exposure to the sun; a sunburn reduces your body’s ability to cool down
• Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight
• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salad
• Take a cool bath or shower
• Spend time in air-conditioned locations
• When the room temperature is hotter than 90°, don’t direct the flow of portable electric fans toward you because the dry, blowing air may further dehydrate you

HEAT STROKE SYMPTOMS

•Altered mental state or confusion
• Hot, red, dry, or moist skin
• One or more of these symptoms: dizziness, throbbing headache, nausea, shallow breathing
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Body temperature 103°F or greater

FIRST AID FOR HEAT STROKE

• Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or get the victim to a hospital immediately
• Get to a cooler setting, preferably air-conditioned
• Do not give fluids
• Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or a bath
• Use a fan only IF the heat index is BELOW the high-90s

So much of what we have and celebrate in Wells Branch came from this man’s hard work and inspiration. Our community would not be what it is today had we not had Chuck here to lead us.

WBNA Easter Egg
Hunt Extravaganza!

Saturday, April 16, 10:30am | Come Early!
The Homestead at KF Park | 2106 Klattenoff Dr.

Hop into Spring!  Join your friends, neighbors and The Easter Bunny, himself, at the annual Wells Branch Easter Egg Hunt.  “Hunts” will be by age group and begin at 10:30am.  Plan to come early and visit with the Easter Bunny or have fun at our craft table.

We are thrilled to be able to bring back the traditional Easter Egg Hunt.  Last year, we hosted the Bunny Hop Along as a drive through event.  That was our first post-pandemic event. While it was a huge hit with the kids, we’re excited to be back!  Since it’s been 3 years since a traditional hunt, please review the event guidelines.

This is a community event and ALL Wells Branch residents and their invited guests are welcome.  We want to remind everyone to be respectful and allow all of the children to have enough space and time to safely collect eggs.  No yelling, stealing eggs, reaching under the tape and filling baskets before we start, or busting down the tape and charging ahead before your age group is called.  We need parents to set the example.  We’ve added a second group for the little guys as that had an issue a few years ago.  ONE parent will be allowed in to help with the two youngest age groups (0-18mos & 18mos-3yrs.)  We ask that you respect this restriction.  All other age groups must hunt on their own.  Feel free to coach ahead of time.  There will be 7 minutes between “hunts” to allow parents of multiple children to navigate the crowds.   Please, only allow your children to hunt with their respective age group.  If for some reason, your child ends up without many eggs, please approach any of our WBNA volunteers in bunny ears, they will have extra goodies.

Last, but not least, please remember that this event is put on by volunteers.  We spend weeks getting ready and usually stuff 8,000-10,000 eggs (if you are wondering, yes we recycle those eggs.)  It’s no small feat.  So, if a volunteer asks something of you, please be respectful of their requests.

We love our neighbors and our community.  We’re asking for everyone’s help in advance in creating an enjoyable experience for all involved. Please help us and remember to recycle your eggs before you leave.

We need volunteers to help things run more smoothly.  Anyone whose kids have aged out of the hunt, or older teens who need service hours, we would be so appreciative of your time!  Please contact us for more information at info@wbna.us.

Easter Egg Hunt RULES:

Those of you who’ve attended our hunts in the past know we have very few rules, but we do ask parents to follow those rules and be courteous and respectful of your neighbors so that all of our children may enjoy the hunt.

Age Groups:

0-18mos & 18mos-3yrs
*Only 1 parent per child in egg hunting area
*Watch out for potential choking hazards

4-6yrs • 7-9yrs • 10-12yrs
* No parents allowed in egg hunting area

BE ON TIME (early is better) AS THE “HUNTS” GO QUICKLY • Wait until your age group is called • Check all eggs for prizes • Let a volunteer know if there’s an issue • Recycle your eggs with the WBNA • MOST of ALL, Have FUN!

The Easter Bunny will be available for photos beginning at 10:00am and will stay until everyone has had a chance to talk to him..  Photos will be posted to an album on the WBNA Facebook page or you’re welcome to use your own camera.

EXTREME CLEAN Spring!

Saturday, April 9 • 8AM-2PM
MUD Parks & Facilities Yard • 13905 Thermal

Extreme Clean is a collaboration of the Wells Branch Neighborhood Association (WBNA) and Wells Branch MUD.  This service is offered twice a year to Wells Branch residents who live within the Wells Branch MUD Utility District.  If you pay your water bill to the MUD, you are considered “In-District”. Please take a moment to read the list of items accepted or CLICK HERE to download a printable map.

Bulk Trash

• Trash or bulky items too large that cannot be placed in your trash bin
• Wood pallets (broken-down)
• Old fencing (broken-down)
• Mattresses & box springs
• TIRES ARE NOT ACCEPTED

Metal Recycling

• Lawn mowers (oil & gas emptied)
• Metal tools, sheets, rods and framing
• All appliances (Freon must be removed)
• Water heaters
• Aluminum

Household Waste & E-Cycling

• Household batteries include alkaline batteries – A, AA, C, D, 9V, 6V (all types-heavy duty), phone batteries, rechargeable batteries, computer and small appliance batteries and motorcycle batteries
• Antifreeze in clearly labeled and closed container
• Latex / water based paints in original sealed and non-leaking container

NOT ACCEPTED at this location:  oil based paints, stains, thinners, motor and cooking oil, gasoline, chemicals/pesticides, or car batteries

Electronics and Appliance Recycling

• Computers, laptops and monitors
• Tablets, cell phones and chargers
• Wire (extension cords, Xmas lights, computer cables)
• CDs, DVDs and floppy discs
• Routers, DVRs and cable boxes
• Lamps
• All TVs, VCRs and DVD players
• Printers, copiers, scanners and fax machines
• Radios, stereos and speakers
• Small kitchen appliances (microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, etc.)

Styrofoam

• Clean egg cartons, food packaging, meat trays, to-go containers, disposable plates and coffee cups, large packing pieces and foam ice chests

NOT ACCEPTED:  packing peanuts, and Styrofoam attached or glued to other materials, like cardboard or plastic film

Regular Bulk Recycling

• Cardboard boxes – all sizes; large appliance boxes should be broken down & FREE from Styrofoam and/or other packing material

• Plastics (#1-7)

Drug Take-Back – Pill Form ONLY

Creams, liquids, ointments and pet medication will NOT be accepted.

On-Site Shredding • 10:00am-2:00pm ONLY

Carbon paper, colored paper, computer paper, fax paper, transparencies, post-it notes, window envelopes, glossy paper, invoice paper, laser print-outs, ledger paper, letterhead, stationary, NCR paper

Need help transporting your Trash & Recyclables to Extreme Clean?

Hire a Skip bin

Whether you are a business or a homeowner, you need to find a way to dispose of your commercial or residential waste. There are many options available, including dumpster rentals, roll-off containers, and skip bin. Mini skips cairns are a popular option for small businesses and homeowners who need to get rid of a moderate amount of waste. They are typically smaller than dumpsters and roll-off containers, making them easier to transport and maneuver. Mini skips can be used for a variety of waste materials, including construction debris, furniture, appliances, and yard waste. When choosing a skip bin in Cairns, it is important to consider the size of the skip, the type of waste you need to dispose of, and the delivery and pickup fees. You should also make sure that the company you choose has a good reputation and offers a reliable service. Searching for “cleaners near me“? Look no further than Diamond Home Support. If you plan to have your carpets cleaned this season, consider hiring experts in carpet cleaning costa mesa.

Venture Crew 1409 is here to help!

The young men and women of our Wells Branch Venturing Crew have stepped up and offered to organize trailer transportation of larger items to the Extreme Clean event on April 9 for a minimum donation of $20.  Please tip accordingly.  All monies received will be used for future Venturing endeavors.

Transportation is limited to In-District residents only.  Please schedule your pick up with Daniel White by 5pm, Friday, April 8.  Text or email your name and address to Daniel at  512-413-0097 or danwhitewb@gmail.com.

Donations

(Donated items MUST be dropped off pre-sorted and labeled as volunteers will NOT be able to sort.  Donations may come from both In-District and Out-of-District residents.

Animal shelter

• New or gently used crates, clean bedding, blankets, towels, toys and unexpired unopened food
• Old blue jeans

Austin Creative Re-Use

• Arts and crafts supplies
• Fabric, yarn and knitting supplies
• Puzzles, game pieces and playing cards
• Acrylic and craft paint
• Blue painters tape
• Wine & champagne corks
• Fully functional sewing machines

Gather-n-Give Connections

Austin Humanists at Work is in the process of reorganizing and is currently unable to accept donations.  The WBNA will be collecting items for Gather-n-Give Connections instead.  Immediate needs vary from month to month, please visit their website for current listing of needed items and to learn more about their program.  www.gather-n-give.org

• Men’s and Women’s underwear (NEW)
• Socks (NEW)
• Backpacks and school supplies
• Toasters, coffee makers, utensils, pots & pans, flatware, baking pans, dishes, bowls, etc.
• All paper products–napkins, paper towels, toilet tissue, Kleenex, Ziploc bags
• Sheet sets, blankets, pillows (all sizes)
• Personal hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, bath soap, body wash, deodorant, etc.
• Baby and adult needs–baby and adult diapers, all baby needs
• Bathroom sets such towels, wash cloths, mat/rug
• Cleaning products–laundry detergent, fabric softener, dishwasher detergent, toilet bowl cleaner, glass and multipurpose cleaner/Clorox/wipes, trash bags (4 – 13 gallon) In addition, if you need laundry services, contact 2ULaundry to assist you.

***All USED clothing MUST be donated to Easter Seals.  Please mark accordingly.***

Easter Seals

• Gently used clothing & shoes (all ages & sizes; nothing soiled, stained, torn or too worn)
• Linens & household items

Off-Site Yard Chemical Collection

2606 Tracy Trail • 512-656-0654
Fertilizers • Pesticides • Fungicides • Herbicides

Items must be in sealed, labeled containers. Received product will be offered to Wells Branch residents for repurposing first. All items left will be transported to the Hazardous Waste Facility on Monday.

A select number of other hazardous materials may be accepted at the attendant’s discretion.

Wells Branch ECO Fair 2022

April 3, 2022 | 1:00-4:00pm
Wells Branch Recreation Center | 3000 Shoreline

Please join the WB MUD, WBNA and a host of special eco-friendly vendors as we celebrate our amazing planet and discover new ways to better manage our precious resources.

The WBNA is showcasing the 4 R’s | Recycle, Reduce, Reuse and Repurpose! Be sure to stop by the recycling section:

• Play “Recycle and Win”, complete with door prizes
• Build your own Recycled Bottle Rain Gauge (bring a 2-liter bottle, or take a kit home)
• Check out the new “Go Trashless” program
• The local Buy-Nothing-Group will be on hand
• Learn to repurpose and eliminate plastic
• Kids will have a blast building a cardboard city
• City of Austin has information available for backyard composting
• Balcones Resources has a great display on “Where your recycling goes!”
• There’s an interactive textile craft table
• Artists who utilize recycled materials will have beautiful artwork on display

WOW!—and that’s just the recycling section. There’s more!

Water Conservation — The Wells Branch MUD will speak to water delivery, conservation and wastewater.  There will be science-based presentations and educational demonstrations from dumposaurus.com/illegal-dumping-the-causes-reasons-effects-consequences-and-solutions who are the best in this field.

The Great Outdoors area is focused on the message “You are nature’s best hope.”  There will  be a lot to learn. Everything from native plants to urban forests and master naturalists. There are seed balls and ladybugs for the kids to take home, a free tree give away, and so more!

Energy — Solar Vendors will be on hand to share information on rooftop solar and battery solutions, costs and rebates. Oncor and Austin Energy will be onsite to speak to residential rebates and Energy Saving programs.