All posts by Debby Thompson

Snap, Crackle, Pop!  The WBNA 4thFest Silent Auction is back with a bang!

The 2021 WBNA FourthFest Silent Auction is now online with dozens of exciting items already posted. We will be adding much more over the weekend. So please keep checking the site.
The goal of the FourthFest Silent Auction is to raise funds to support all the annual WBNA programs, as well as providing several educational, civic, and safety seminars for the residents throughout year. All proceeds will directly benefit the entire Wells Branch community.
The online auction is active NOW and runs through Friday, July 2nd at noon. We are also offering a Buy-It-Now option for every item, which allows you to make a generous donation and still get a great deal on your favorite items.
To view the WBNA FourthFest Silent Auction items please visit: https://www.32auctions.com/WBNA_2021_4THFEST_SA
Following the online auction we will host the final “live bidding session” during the Wells Branch MUD 4thFest celebration. This year, you’ll be able to preview all the items in person and place your final bids before and after the parade. Payment and pick up will follow, starting at 1:00pm.
Live final bidding:
Sunday, July, 4th • 9:00am – Noon
WB MUD Community Center at KF Park • 2106 Klattenhoff Drive.
Check back often to see all the new items and check on your bids. There are many wonderful food and entertainment gift cards, plus passes to local area attractions. Whether you bid online or come out on the 4th, we’re grateful for your support.
In addition to the gift cards, there are also service certificates, coupons for classes, and art work from local Wells Branch artists. Over the weekend we are going to add a special category called the WB Community Attic where you will find a treasure trove of bargains.
Once you create a 32auctions account, you will be assigned a bidder number and you can bid on auction items and/or give a donation to support WBNA. There will be a featured link for donations.
Bidding tip: Use the category feature to find just the right item, and then use the “star” and “heart” buttons to mark your favorites.
As a reminder, we were unable to raise funds last year, making this year’s auction twice as important. Please consider donating, every donation counts towards our goal and supports events for the entire community.
We hope to see you on the 4th!
The WBNA Board

Plan Ahead for Fireworks Safety

from Travis County ESD No. 2 – Pflugerville Fire Dept.

If you choose to light personal fireworks this holiday, please remember that you must get permission from the property owner – even if it’s a commercial property not in use at nighttime.

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, Mills 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 4th Fest in Wells Branch!

Here are other safety tips for your family:

Respect Vets and Pets

  • Please respect your neighbors if you choose to light fireworks. This year, July 4th 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). We all know that managing stress can be challenging, which is why products like CBD Oil UK can provide valuable assistance. Alternatively, taking 3chi delta 9 will help you feel relaxed and improve your mood. It also scares many dogs and other pets.

Make Fireworks a Family Activity

  • Before the holiday, make a point to discuss fireworks safety with everyone in your family to decrease the chance of someone getting hurt.
  • Never let children purchase fireworks without parents there—even older kids.
  • Insist on adult supervision whenever fireworks are being lit—even for older kids. Children age 10 to 14 years old actually get the second-most number of fireworks burns and injuries, right behind preschoolers and toddlers!
  • Kids who are younger than kindergarten-age should never be allowed to hold any fireworks on their own, including sparklers. Sparklers reach temperatures of 1,200 degrees, which is hot enough to melt metal. Give little kids glow-sticks instead.  Pass the sparklers to much older kids and adults to carefully light ONE at a time—ideally wearing gloves.

Preparing to Light Fireworks

  • Only light fireworks OUTSIDE on a flat surface that’s far from any homes or buildings. Don’t light fireworks near dry grass or leaves—you can catch them on fire.
  • Before you light a firework, take a good look around to be sure there aren’t any people or pets in range of possibly getting hurt.
  • Don’t lean over firework devices or place your hand over them when lighting. Immediately back up as far as you can after lighting!  The body parts that suffer the most fireworks injuries are fingers, hands, eyes, face, and ears.

Safely Disposing of Fireworks

  • Don’t try to re-light fireworks that didn’t work on the first try! Leave them alone, then thoroughly soak them in water with a bucket or hose before you try to handle them.
  • Double-wrap ALL fireworks in plastic before throwing them in the trash. The same is true for a firework you find sitting on the ground that looks like it’s been used. It may still be active and could re-ignite in your hand or pocket.
  • Fireworks are poisonous to pets. Symptoms may include vomiting, a painful  abdomen, and bloody diarrhea.  Be sure not to leave behind any used fireworks where pets (yours or someone else’s) spend time.

Snap, Crackle, Pop!  The WBNA 4thFest Silent Auction is back with a bang!

Fundraising is more important than ever in 2021 as we were unable to host our silent auction last year. This year’s auction will offer the best of both worlds. The WBNA will be hosting an online auction the week before the 4th with plenty of “Buy-It-Now” options followed by our customary “live” silent auction at the WB MUD Community Center on the 4th of July. We have already received an amazing collection of gifts, and are so grateful to all the community members who have donated.

More importantly, we’ve missed our neighbors and really look forward to seeing all of you on the 4th! Our hours are a little different this year as the MUD has made a few changes to the entertainment schedule, but we hope you’ll be able to stop by for a visit before or after the parade. Malone Coffee and Dream Bakery have generously donated coffee and cookies to start the day off right. Watch for the WBNA parade float and Andy the Armadillo from Texas Roadhouse and check back here for the link to the online auction once it goes live!

Online Auction:  June 25th — July 2nd, wbna.us for details
Live Final Bids:  July 4th, 9am – Noon, WBCC, 2106 Klattenhoff