EXTREME CLEAN Summer!

Saturday, July 13 • 8am-2pm
13905 Thermal Drive

We created Quarterly Extreme Clean several years ago to make it easy for Wells Branch residents to Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle – sort of a “one-stop shop” if you will.  We suggest you sort through the items you intend to bring and group them in bags or boxes to help expedite the process (it’s going to be REALLY HOT this Saturday and we want everything to flow smoothly).  If it’s reusable, please donate it to one of the groups listed below or recycle it, with bulk waste being a last resort.  I’ve included links to some of the things needed and listed specifics on some of the recycling items.  Please take a moment to review.

Austin Creative Reuse
https://www.austincreativereuse.org/donate/donate-materials/

Easter Seals 
Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Personal Accessories, Media, Housewares, Toys
http://www.donateestx.org/

Homeless Helpings to be distributed by Austin Humanists at Work
http://www.austinhumanistsatwork.org/donate/what-do-we-need/

Pet Shelter & Wildlife Rescue to be distributed by Lois Kantor
Clean towels, pet bedding & supplies, carriers & crates, pet toys, food, and blue jeans (for use at Wildlife Rescue)

Styrofoam – We’re talking the plain white stuff we all grew up with – no urethane foam or any of the new and “improved” stuff.  Those items need to go in with bulk trash, please.

Metal RECYCLING – LOVE this!  We want your old BBQ grills, dead patio furniture, dishwashers, and water heaters, etc.  PLEASE take your large items to the BACK of the receptacle so that we may pack as much in as possible.  The smaller items like nuts and bolts can be recycled here as well!

Limited Electronics Recycling – Please note, we’re working on an more extensive plan to recycle electronics.  If you can wait until Extreme Clean Fall in October to bring your electronics, it would be appreciated.  If you’ve got them all packed up already, no worries, we’ll still take them.

Household Waste Collection INCLUDES: 
Batteries • Paint* • Antifreeze* ONLY
*MUST be in closed container.

CARDBOARD – YES!  Please break down the cardboard and separate it from the Styrofoam packing before you leave if at all possible as the heat is expected to be bad on Saturday.

Bulk Trash – Basically, whatever you have left except TVs, tires, and hazardous waste.  This is where you bring those mattresses, box springs and sofas that can’t be repurposed!  These bins always fill fast.  We’ll have volunteers there to help.  Please carry items to the back of the dumpsters, which could’ve been rented here, so that we can PACK as much in as possible.  Thank you!

Mulch is NOT offered during Extreme Clean events, but will be back in August at Bulk Trash.

Remember, if you need help, Venture Crew 1409 is available, but you must schedule in advance by contacting Daniel White at 512-413-0097.  As they offer this service as a fundraiser for the Crew, they ask for a $20 minimum donation.  Please tip accordingly.

This is a collaborative effort from your Wells Branch Neighborhood Association (WBNA) and Wells Branch MUD.  Volunteers are always welcome!

If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please call or text 512-656-0654.  Thank you!

Celebrate Independence Day the Wells Branch Way at 4th Fest!

4th Fest is brought to you by the WB MUD Recreation Department—Thank you!

Roll out the Red, White & Blue! If you haven’t decorated yet, you better get busy!  Let’s show our Wells Branch Spirit.  Meet in front of the community center at 9:30am.  The parade takes off at 10am.  If you’ve never been to one of our parades before, then you should probably know we have decorated bikes, wagons, trailers, DOGS, KIDS, hats, motorcycles and floats.  It’s a grand event!  If you wish to include a float in this year’s parade, please contact the WB MUD Program & Events Coordinator at 512-251-9814.

2019 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

When the parade returns to the Community Center, we kick off a FULL day of events.  There’ll be children’s activities throughout the park from 11am-3pm and free admission to KF Pool with games there from 12-3pm.  The Kiddy Train will be all revved up and giving rides and there’ll be balloon clowns and carnival games in the courtyard and inflatables in the park from 11-3pm.  Be sure and look for the dunk tank and capture a moment in the 4thFest photo booth.  Cool off inside the CC and get your face painted, visit the WBNA Silent Auction, stop by the Library table and get a tattoo.  ALL FOR FREE!!!

Live entertainment starts at 11am under the Big Tent with the Statesboro Review, followed by ventriloquist Ian Varella at 1pm, and the Magic of Gus Davis at 2:30pm.  Throughout the day, concessions will be available from local restaurants and community service groups offering a variety of items to enjoy.  Celebrating their 25^th  consecutive year at 4^th Fest, Branch BBQ will be on hand with their fabulous chopped beef sandwiches.  Malone Coffee will be back again this year serving coffee, pastries and iced coffee drinks.  Stop by the WBNA Silent Auction inside the Community Center for FREE COOKIES (including GF and Keto varieties, while supplies last) graciously donated by Dream Bakery.  And for the grown-ups, beginning at 11am, the WBNA will be serving FREE BEER (limit 2) inside the CC as well.

The Silent Auction benefits 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 and start placing your bids as soon as the parade returns.  Contact Debby Thompson at 512-656-0654 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!

Come show your spirit, and remember,
YOU are what makes Wells Branch GREAT!

As the afternoon winds down, we hope you’ll join us as WB Celebrates Independence Day with a fireworks show to remember.  Please see below for parking and viewing areas.

Fireworks Location Reminder – Brought to you by the WB MUD Recreation Dept.

WB MUD will launch the July 4th fireworks display from the soccer field/detention pond on Shoreline Drive between the Rec. Center and Fire Station.  Please refer to the map below for designated seating areas.  We suggest being in your seats by 9pm, as the fireworks begin at dark (around 9:30pm).

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 that 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 MUD Rec Center at 512-251-9814.

Silent Auction Items Still Needed!

Each year, the WBNA hosts a Silent Auction during the FourthFest celebration on July 4th.

This is our BIG fundraiser for the year – how we pay for the Easter Egg Hunt, National Night Out, our participation at Halloween and  Luminary Fest as well as the meetings, candidate forums and safety demonstrations we host throughout the year.

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 receive exposure for your business at the auction, through flyers, 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 or if you would like to  volunteer to work the auction, please email us at silentauction@wbna.us.

Thank you for making (and keeping) Wells Branch GREAT!

YOUR Membership COUNTS!

WBNA is literally a labor of love.  It was created by and is run by VOLUNTEERS.  All of our activities are funded through membership, advertising in the newsletter and the 4th Fest Silent Auction.  While you receive all the benefits of having an active neighborhood association for free, your $20 annual membership really does make a difference in what we can provide.  There’s a membership form on the back page of every newsletter, a PRINTABLE VERSION or click HERE to JOIN ONLINE.  Please join!  We depend on you!

Give a Kid a Summer & Water Safe are BACK!

Kids NEED a place to “be” in the summertime.  Staying at home by themselves is only good for so long before boredom sets in and they go in search of entertainment.  If you give a kid someplace to be, something to do, they’re far less likely to get into trouble on their own.  We have wonderful facilities available in Wells Branch: two pools and a recreation center – safe, clean environments with adult supervision.

In the past, the WBNA has asked for donations for a program we lovingly called “Give a Kid a Summer” to help fund Rec. Tags for neighbor kids who otherwise would not be able to afford it.  From there, we transitioned to “Water Safe” and funded swim lessons for children in need.  A few years ago, we saw a decline in interest and discontinued both programs.

We thank all of you who’ve contributed over the last several years.  Please KNOW that your efforts have made a  tremendous impact.

Unfortunately, we’ve seen the need to re-activate this program as many families are strapped for funds and a Wells Branch Rec. Pass or swimming lessons are the last thing in their budget.  That said, the WBNA would like to ask for your help.  It only costs $25-$35 for an individual quarterly rec. pass and just $40-$75 for an annual membership for a child in need.  Unfortunately, many families in Wells Branch are unable to afford formal swim lessons for their children.  Just $40 can help to make a child WATER SAFE. Continue reading “Give a Kid a Summer” & “Water Safe”are BACK! →

NEW!  Pet Chip Scanner in Wells Branch

With the help of our wonderful neighbors, Wells Branch has a new Pet Chip Scanner!  We’d like to thank Daniel Barnekow and Mikella Maughan for being the driving forces behind acquiring the scanner and Sunbury Vet Clinic for ordering a top of the line scanner for us.

A special thank you to all the WB residents who contributed to its purchase.  You’re one of the many reasons Wells Branch is such an incredible place to live.

Austin Artist | Daniel Barnekow | Kate Barnekow | Jill Bekaert-Lubitz | Meaghan Bellande | Lora Bielfeldt | Linda Bilstein | Heather Cooke | Donna Dorsey | Delian Filip | Mitch Fincher | Randy & Jackie Gabbart | Michelle Gadush | Cynthia Hannon | Gus Kohn | Sherrie Lindig | Nancy Loomis | Mikella Maughan | Kathy McCaston | Gay McLaughlin | Abi P. | Shelley Palmer | Katherine Preble | Davika Reid | Ralph Simon | Mark & Tamara Talarico | Debby Thompson | Rudy Valenti | Allison Wren and those who contributed anonymously.

Mikella has graciously volunteered to be the resident possessor of the chip reader.  The number to call or text for scanning needs is (512) 270-1026.  This is a Google number which can be transferred to anyone who may be filling-in in order to keep things simple.  Please keep in mind that she is a regular person with a life – a business, some kids, and pets of her own –  so she can’t be available 24/7, however she does work from home and will be available from approximately 7am to 9pm most days.  Please call or text if you have an animal in Wells Branch who needs to be scanned.  She is happy to help!  

Tammy’s List Lives On

As many of you know, our  friend and neighbor, Tammy DeWitt Le, passed away in February.  She will be missed for her kindness, willingness to help, and the many ways she supported the Wells Branch community.  The WBNA has agreed to host Tammy’s Wells Branch Recommended Vendor List on the WBNA website.  Here, it will always remain “Tammy’s List”.  You may find it at:  https://wbna.us/community/tammys-recommended-vendor-list/.

Please continue to post reviews and recommendations to the Wells Branch Google Group as this has always been our resource for Tammy’s List.  If you’re not yet a member and would like to join, email the admin team at wbneighbors@gmail.com to request membership.  For questions regarding the administration of Tammy’s List, please contact us at info@wbna.us.

Wells Branch Neighborhood Association (WBNA), Wells Branch Google Group, Tammy DeWitt Le and Horizon Realty make no representation about the quality or performance of the vendors listed here.  All information is subject to change. We recommend you thoroughly research any home repair vendor before hiring.  The list was last updated on 5/22/19.

Informational Tax Protest Meeting

Thursday, May 30 • 7pm
WB Community Center • 2106 Klattenhoff

Tax Rate? Appraisal Amount?
What am I Supposed to Protest?

by Pam Wachholz – GRI Realtor® Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate – Home City

Hi neighbors! We’ve all been affected by rising property values, whether we are homeowners or renters. We have issues either in debt payment or debt recovery.In case of debt recovery people can also contact experts from moorcroft debt recovery as they can help you to reclaim the money that you owe to others. As property owners, we do have the ability to try and reign in the year-over-year increases in appraised value and total property tax bill, and I hope this article helps you navigate, or at least gain a better understanding of the property tax appraisal process! Continue reading Informational Tax Protest Meeting →