Thanks to all who came out for the annual WBNA elections on February 7!  We enjoyed an informative conversation with County Commissioner Pct. 2, Sarah Eckhardt and many of our neighbors.  Thanks go out to Commissioner Eckhardt for making time in her busy schedule to meet with Wells Branch.  We encourage everyone to stay in touch with our elected officials.  Commissioner Eckhardt may be reached at Sarah.Eckhardt@co.travis.tx.us, SarahEckhardt.com or facebook.com/SarahEckhardtAustin.

WBNA held their annual elections on February 7.  The following residents have volunteered their time (and energy) to serve Wells Branch in the following positions:

• President – Debby Thompson
• Vice President – Chuck Walters
• Treasurer – Lara Bennett
• Secretary – Linda Baird
• Community Liaison – Tom Cheshire
• Editor (non-voting position) – Pam Wachholz
• Member-at-large – Donna Malone

We look forward to moving our community forward and the creation of several new committees so that EVERYONE can be involved!  We hope you’ll join us!  After all, it’s YOU, the residents who MAKE WELLS BRANCH GREAT!

Watch for updates and announcements for upcoming meetings.  If you don’t belong to the Google Group yet, please join so that we can keep in touch!  Look under the “Community” tab for details.

This will take only minutes. We have pre-printed letters, you only need to sign eleven letters, and address eleven envelopes.

Please drop by to join in on this WB Neighborhood effort. We’ll have volunteers to help you. This will be the last chance to tell the State Bond Board that we oppose this project and why it is not worthy of their our bond money and will not meet their goals for affordable housing.

Please come!!

What: Waters at Willow Run affordable housing opposition letters to the TDHCA

When: This Saturday, February 2, 2013 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm

Where: Wells Branch Community Center, 2106 Klattenhoff

Why: It’s YOUR community

How: We got the letters & envelopes! Just show up!

Who: YOU, only you can make a difference!

Please bring postage if you have it, but not a requirement.  Donations accepted to cover postage costs.

If you cannot attend, please make the effort to write the board on your own.

Click HERE for Sample Letter and Address List.

If you’re looking for the updates you were directed to in the newsletter, I apologize.  Many have been made but I am still working to get the rest updated.  Please check back tomorrow.  Your patience is appreciated.

All residents (both in-district and out-of-district) are invited and encouraged to attend the annual WBNA meeting on Thursday, February 7, 7pm at the Community Center on Klattenhoff.

Each year, the WBNA elects its Board on the last Thursday of January.  Both elementary schools have held their Science Fairs on that same night for the last few years and this prevented many of our families with young children from attending.  We want to include as many residents as possible so this year we’ve moved our elections to the following Thursday.

We’re pleased to announce that Sarah Eckhardt, Travis County Commissioner Pct. 2, will join us on February 7 to discuss how Travis County government and Wells Branch residents can continue working together to move Travis County forward.  She will be available for questions after speaking.  Commissioner Eckhardt has 16 years of public service experience for Travis County.  She is a mother of two and an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Public Affairs at the University of Texas.  Sarah Eskhardt can be reached at facebook.com/saraheckhardtaustin, on Twitter @Sarah_Eckhardt and at SarahEckhardt.com.

We’ll finish up the evening with WBNA officer elections.  As per our Bylaws, a nominating committee was selected in October to speak with residents interested in serving on the WBNA Board.  Unfortunately, two of the committee members have been ill and were unable to conduct interviews prior to the publication of this issue.  The nominating committee will be contacting interested parties this week and will post their recommended slate of candidates at wbna.us no later than 72 hours prior to the election.  Additional nominations will be taken from the floor.  We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  Many thanks to Tom Cheshire, Salvador Aguirre and Madonna Johnson for serving on the nominating committee.

We hope you’ll bring your ideas and suggestions for what you’d like to see from your neighborhood association in 2013.  See you on the 7th!

Valentine’s Day Dance

February 14 • 6:30-8:30pm

Rec. Center • 3000 Shoreline

Wells Branch MUD hosts its annual Valentine’s Day dance and concert Tuesday, February 14, from 6:30-8:30pm in the Recreation Center. This is a free event open to all ages.  You’re invited to come jump, jive, and wail on an open dance floor to the sounds of a live, swing band.   The Wells Branch  MUD will provide snack foods and drinks for everyone as well as roses for the ladies.

St. Patrick’s Day Bagpipe Concert in the Park

March 17 • 7pm

KF Park • 2106 Klattenhoff

Wear your green and come experience Celtic heritage at 7pm,  March 17.  March behind the Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums as they lead a parade through Wells Branch’s Katherine Fleischer Park. The parade will end at the Wells Branch Community Center where guests will continue to be entertained by the band.

Join the Wells Branch email discussion group for a community conversation on any and everything! Find out what’s going on with Wells Branch as it’s happening – everything from ducks, composting and crime watch to history and gardening. All residents, homeowners and renters alike are welcome. New topics are always popping up. Don’t miss out!

To join the group, send an email to the moderators at wbneighbors@gmail.com, subject line: Request to Join.  The request must include your name and physical address.  The Group Administrator can then add you.

Once you’re subscribed to the group, you should add “wells-branch-neighbors@googlegroups.com” to your contact list. Whenever you wish to communicate with your neighbors, simply send an email to this address and your email will be broadcast to all members. When responding to an email: “reply” goes to the sender of the email and “reply to all” goes out to everyone.

Send your request today!

We’ve listed a few other important sites to help get you connected.  Additional links may be found on both the WBNA and MUD websites.  Both sites have contact information and welcome your suggestions and input.

Wells Branch Community Library • www.wblibrary.org

Wells Branch MUD • www.wellsbranchmud.com

Follow the Library, WBNA and WB MUD on Facebook.  WBNA features photos of all the Wells Branch events and encourages neighbors to share their pictures as well.

We may be in Texas, but we’re still vulnerable to destructive winter weather.  Here are tips to protect your water system from winter blasts.

Before a freeze:

• Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of your home.
• Remove garden hoses from outside faucets.  Insulate the faucet with a Styrofoam cover, rags, disposable diaper or paper.
• Cover vents around the foundation of your house.
• Know where your property’s water cut-off valve is located and know how to use it.

Tommie’s Plumbing in Jonesborough offers reliable plumbing services that can help prepare and protect your plumbing system for the upcoming winter season. If you need emergency plumbing services, then make sure to contact experts like this emergency plumber royston park.

In sub-freezing weather:

• Let water drip slowly from inside faucets during a freeze.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks where pipes are along outside walls.

If you’re not going to be home:

• Cut off your water at the property’s cut-off valve and drain all outside water faucets if your house will be unoccupied for several days.
• Or leave your home heating system on at a low setting.  That may cost a few bucks, but it’s better than returning home from your holiday trip to find your carpet and furniture soaked from burst pipes.

Renters should contact the manager or landlord for more information on freeze precautions. In case of urgent plumbing issues during extreme weather, 24 hour plumbing orange is a reliable option to address emergencies promptly and ensure your home stays protected.

Source: Wells Branch Word, December 2003

Submitted by Margret Wingrove, Crossroads Utility Services

Don’t wait for a water emergency!!  Locate your water cut-off valve now and learn what causes a toilet to leak from the bottom to prevent costly home repairs. If you are unable to identify where the leak is coming from, it may be time to seek professional plumbing services. For water line repair Roanoke call Roger’s Plumbing & Trenching.

Addressing water issues before they escalate is crucial for preventing significant home damage. One key preventive measure is ensuring that your basement is properly waterproofed. Basements are particularly vulnerable to water intrusion, which can lead to structural problems and costly repairs. For drain cleaning Charlottesville services, you may contact Atlantis Plumbing, LLC..

For expert advice and solutions tailored to your needs, Visit aquamasterplumbing.com to explore comprehensive basement waterproofing services. Their specialized knowledge and cutting-edge techniques can help safeguard your home against potential water damage and ensure that your basement remains dry and protected. Taking these preventive measures will not only save you from future headaches but also contribute to the overall longevity and safety of your property.

And if you need help with tankless water heater installation, then make sure to contact the professionals for expert services.

A properly operating cut-off valve allows you to cut off water quickly should you have a leak in the house, need to work on your sprinkler system, or wish to turn off the water to your house as a precaution when traveling. Call Rare Breed Plumbing for professional plumbing services in Bountiful & Sandy, Utah.

The water shut-off valve is located between the water meter near the street and your house.  It is generally located in the ground adjacent to the meter box and should be protected by a 6” circular cover.  The handle underneath the cover should be exercised to make sure it is operable.  To verify the water valve is operable, turn on a hose bib next to the house.  Turn the house valve off and the water from the hose bib should stop flowing.  Turn the valve on and water should resume flowing from the hose bib.

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the cut off valve.