All posts by Debby Thompson

Allergies Bothering You in Closed Winter House?

Health & Fitness
Source: www.allabouthome.com

One fifth of all Americans suffer from allergies affecting the sinuses and lungs. During the winter, everyone is trying hard to keep the house warm and closed off from the outside air. Unfortunately, that also seals up the indoor atmosphere where certain pollutants can irritate allergies. These pollutants include dust mites, pets and mold. The way to eliminate the irritation caused by these things is usually as simple as removing the source. The room you most need to focus on is the room you sleep in. Here are a few tips to help keep the sneezing and sniffing to a minimum this winter.

  • Keep your house properly ventilated and get fresh air on a regular basis.
  • Keep upholstered furniture to a minimum in your bedroom and vacuum it frequently.
  • Cover you mattress, pillows and box springs with an impermeable covering. Dust mites thrive in bedding.
  • Unclutter the room as much as possible to keep down dust and dust mites.
  • Vacuum and dust as frequently as you possibly can. Have someone who is NOT allergy-prone do this, since these activities can really aggravate allergies.
  • Try to keep your bedroom uncarpeted. Dust mites love carpeting, and even vacuuming twice a week can’t combat them.
  • If you can’t keep your pet outdoors, at least keep them out of the bedroom, and for heaven’s sake, don’t let your pet sleep with you!
  • Avoid high humidity. Run humidifiers only when the heater is running.
  • Don’t run humidifiers in the room with the door closed.
  • Use super-fine furnace filters and change them frequently (at least once a month).

Important MUD Board Meetings • January 8 & 15 • WB Community Center on Klattenhoff • 6:30pm

Neighborhood News

Submitted by Bob Bauhs, WB MUD Board Director

The first 2 MUD board meetings in January will kick off the new year by seeking your opinion.

During the 1st meeting on Tuesday January 8th at 6:30 PM, the board will conduct a Capital Improvement work session to explore opinions about what capital improvements are most important to you, the residents. The session will focus on capital projects that would add to the amenities in the District.
The second equally important work session on Tuesday, January 15th at 7 PM will introduce the public to the adapted plan for Preserving the Pond and Native Species. This session will focus on improvements planned around the pond in the coming years. Guest speakers will be Richard Fadal, President of TexaScapes and the board’s landscape consultant; and Dr. Kevin Anderson, Past President of the Texas Riparian Association and current coordinator of the Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory.

More specific information about both sessions is on the MUD web site at: www.wellsbranchmud.com.  Read the lead stories on the home page about each meeting and follow the accompanying links that will provide you with details and examples.

We hope to see you there!

Winter Clean-Up Day • Saturday, January 12!

Neighborhood News

Bulk Trash Drop Off • Hazardous Waste Collection Site • Drop Off for Easter Seals & Habitat for Humanity • Saturday, January 12 • 8am-5pm • MUD Maintenance Yard • 13905 Thermal

Here’s your chance to clean out that garage or shed before the weather gets really nasty! Bring your old batteries, oil, paint, and antifreeze to the WB MUD Maintenance Facility at 13905 Thermal Drive, Saturday, January 12, from 8am-5pm. The MUD is providing a trailer and staff to transport these items to the Hazardous Waste Facility in far South Austin as part of our continued Keep Wells Branch Beautiful efforts.

There are restrictions as to what can be collected and transported. Oil, paint and anti-freeze need to be in closed containers.  If bringing car or boat batteries, a cardboard box would be appreciated (but not necessary).  We cannot take light bulbs, fertilizer or other chemicals at this time.

In addition to the usual bulky trash collection, Ed & Kay Peterson have arranged to have a manned truck from Habitat for Humanity on-site for collection of re-usable materials.  Download a list of acceptable items here: Habitat Donation Guidelines.

Easter Seals is sending a truck at 4:30 to pick up donations of clothing, pots & pans, household goods, etc. as well.  Download a list of needed items here: Easter Seals List.

Please note:  Each Collection Site has different guidelines so what is not accepted for Habitat, may be at Easter Seals.  Likewise, paint is only accepted at the Hazardous Waste site (COA recycles and makes primer which in turn, goes back to Habitat).  Please check with volunteers on site and watch this site for more information & updates.

Questions?  Call Debby at 656-0654.

Holiday Happenings in Wells Branch!

Neighborhood News

Wells Branch New Year’s Eve Extravaganza!

Monday, December 31, 8pm

Wells Branch Community Center

Come celebrate with us!  Ring in the New Year in style with your friends & neighbors without ever leaving the neighborhood!

Dance the night away at the Wells Branch Community Center on December 31 from 8:00pm to 12:30am.

Music will be provided by a DJ and he’ll be taking your requests.

The celebration is BYOB and we’ll provide set-ups, punch, snacks, and a champagne toast at midnight.

Free admission with a donation to the Food Bank.

RSVP, volunteer or ask questions at party@wbna.us or 512.656.0654.  We hope you’ll join us!

Firework Safety from the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office

Neighborhood Safety

Submitted by: Travis County Emergency Services PIO Lisa Block, Tel: 512-854-7954

Fireworks are legal for sale in Travis County tomorrow, December 20, through midnight on January 1, but the Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that fireworks can cause severe injury and damaging fires. A red flag warning for tomorrow also brings high winds and added fire danger.

“Dry vegetation, high winds and low humidity increase our chances of experiencing wildfire, and fireworks could provide the spark that starts a fire,” said Travis County Fire Marshal Hershel Lee. “We ask that you refrain from using fireworks due to these conditions. If you insist on using fireworks, please follow recommended safety precautions.”

The Travis County Fire Marshals’ office recommends following these safety tips:

  • · Do not consume alcohol and use fireworks because it’s a dangerous combination.
  • · Do not use fireworks on high fire danger days, such as red flag days.
  • · To detonate fireworks, find a flat surface, away from buildings, dry leaves and grass.
  • · Have water on hand in case of a fire.
  • · Insist on adult supervision when buying or setting off fireworks.
  • · Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • · Never try to re-Iight fireworks that have not fully functioned.
  • · Never give fireworks to small children; even sparklers can cause serious burns.

In 2010, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 8,600 people for fireworks related injuries. The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-14. Many of these patients required hospital beds for recovery after treatment. To support their healing process, it is important to explore adaptive care surfaces for enhanced home recovery.

The NFPA also reports that in 2010 fireworks caused an estimated 15,500 reported fires that resulted in eight reported civilian deaths, 60 civilian injuries and $36 million in property damage.

The sale and use of skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins are prohibited in unincorporated parts of Travis County due to the extremely dry conditions and risk of wildfire. The sale and possession of fireworks are prohibited within the city limits of Austin. In addition, fireworks are not allowed in Travis County Parks and parks managed by Travis County.

Holiday Trash & Recycling Schedule

Neighborhood News

Holiday Trash Pickup Schedule Changes

Please note that due to the upcoming holidays, trash pickup service will not be available on Tuesday, December 25th, and Tuesday, January 1st. For the rest of those two weeks, the trash pickup schedule will be postponed by one day. In the meantime, if you’re planning a renovation project during this period, be sure to research some waste management tips for renovation to ensure that you dispose of any debris and materials safely and responsibly. Additionally, getting services from Ozone Skip Bin Hire would be the best option for properly disposing of waste.

Click on chart to enlarge. However, if people still want to hire trash services, they have to  get in touch with a skip hire company

Holiday Green Gold (yard waste) Pickup Schedule

During the Christmas Holidays TexaScapes is staying with the historic approved curbside compost program pickup plan. There will be no service during the week of Christmas, and normal service will resume the following week with primary pickup scheduled for Monday, December 31 and overflow pickup scheduled for Tuesday, January 1 if needed. However, if you need to transport waste, you can get in touch with a reputable skip company in Oxford and take their services.  All compostable materials should be placed at curbside by Monday morning. Christmas trees can be placed at curbside or at the east end of the Community Center Parking Lot at KF Park. People can find out more here if they need the best waste disposal services.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Holiday Safety Tips

Neighborhood News, Neighborhood Safety

With the bustle of the holidays just around the corner, now is the time to make sure we’re taking every precaution to keep our homes and ourselves as safe as possible.  We usually see an increase in crime this time of year.  Let’s make sure Santa is the only one sneaking in this season!

If traveling over the holidays:

  • Let someone know you’ll be out of town and when you’ll return.
  • They should have the following: your emergency contact information; contact information for anyone with access to your house (pet sitter, etc.); when they should be expected; what they look like and a description of their vehicle(s).
  • Put your lights, stereo or TV on timers and have a neighbor park in your driveway.
  • File a Close Patrol Request.  The filing of this form alerts patrolling officers so that they may pay close attention to one’s residence.  To do so: Contact the Travis County Sheriff’s Office 854-9721.  Ask to make a Close Patrol Request.

Continue reading Holiday Safety Tips →

Food Drives for Central Texans in Need

Neighborhood News

Submitted by: Tammy DeWitt Le

48,000 Central Texas neighbors look to the Capital Area Food Bank of Texas as their hunger safety net. 20,000 of those in need are children.   Many children in low-income families do not receive well-balanced evening meals because their caregivers work late hours or cannot afford nutritious food. Hunger is hurting our economy, our future, our health, our opportunities and our national security.

The Capital Area Food Bank nourishes hungry Central Texans by providing food and grocery products to more than 21 Central Texas counties. It reaches 300,000 clients each year through a network of 300 agencies.  In fiscal year 2010-11, Central Texas Food Rescue brought in 6.2 million pounds of food.

We have several opportunities to support area food banks in our community.  Let’s show our neighbors in need how generous Wells Branch can be!

  • Horizon Realty is sponsoring a food drive during the month of November.  You may drop off your non-perishable food donation at the Wells Branch Recreation Center located at 3000 Shoreline Drive or at Northwest Elementary School located at 14014 Thermal Dr. (just off Wells Branch Pkwy). Donations will be accepted through Mon, Dec. 3rd.
  • The Pflugerville Fire Dept. Annual Food Drive will run through Dec. 15th.  It will support local Pflugerville Food Banks.  Drop your donations off at ESD No. 2 Fire Station 2 on the corner of Shoreline Drive and Bratton Lane.  Monetary donations can be taken or mailed to 203 E. Pecan St., Pflugerville, TX 78660.
  • The Wells Branch Community Library is also collecting donations through their own food drive beginning Dec. 1st and continuing through Dec. 31st; the library is located at 15001 Wells Port.  Check their website for hours: www.wblibrary.org.

What should I donate?

  • healthy, non-perishable food
  • items with intact, un-opened, consumer or commercial packaging
  • items with non-breakable packaging (no glass, please)
  • items that are not past their expiration date

What are the most-requested items?

  • canned meats like tuna, stew and chili (pop-tops preferred)
  • canned vegetables
  • pasta & pasta sauce
  • beans
  • healthy cereals
  • peanut butter

For questions, contact Tammy DeWitt Le (Horizon) at (512) 773-3214, Lt. Tim Wallace (ESD No.2) at 251-2801, or Donita Ward (WB Library) at (512) 989-3188.

Thank you for your support!

Brown Santa Needs your Support

Neighborhood News

BROWN SANTA is a community service program of the Travis County Sheriff’s Office, and the many sponsors and volunteers (like you) who make it happen each year.

Brown Santa started in 1981 with a few deputies helping about 25 families in the unincorporated areas of Travis County.  Brown Santa helped 1957 families in the 2011 season for a total of 19,219 men, women and children and expects to do the same for the 2012 season.

Help celebrate the joy of Christmas by donating or volunteering; browse their website for more information and donation suggestions by age and gender at www.brownsanta.org.  You can also call 24-SANTA  (247-2682), or email the volunteer coordinator at  volunteer@brownsanta.org.

Donation barrels will be available at the Wells Branch Recreation Center on Shoreline beginning November 17 for the Thanksgiving Potluck thru December 12.  Delivery will be before Luminary  Fest this year so make sure you get your donations in before then! Please share if you can to help make a special Christmas morning for each child.

The new location for 2012 Brown Santa is:   12317 Technology Blvd. Ste. 300 Austin, TX. 78729 at the corner of Technology and Mc Neil.