All posts by Debby Thompson

Wells Branch Library in need of “friends”

Neighborhood News, Past Events
Submitted by Faye Cormier, Library Trustee

Have you ever wondered what our neighborhood would be like without the Wells Branch Community Library and all of the wonderful books, family and community events, child and teen activities and enrichment classes it provides?

Many in the community remember our neighborhood before the WB Community Library District was created.  Once residents approved the district with an overwhelming 98% vote, the Friends of the Library was formed to begin the book collection and volunteer drive.  The community response was amazing!  Within a few short weeks we had enough books on the shelves to begin lending services.  The Friends played an important role by continuing to recruit and organize volunteers and raise much needed funds prior to the district receiving local sales tax revenue.

Just as membership with the Friends of the Library played a critical role in the beginning of our library’s history, today your membership has a more direct impact on the future of our library due to the loss of the Lone Star Library Grant, cuts in the Central Texas Library System funding, a drop of 6% in sales tax revenue as well as cuts in other grant funding.  These cuts equate to a projected loss of $20,000.  this significant shortfall is why it is so important to re-energize the Friends of the Library.

All residents are invited to attend an open meeting for the Friends of the Wells Branch Community Library on April 29, 5pm in the Library meeting rooms, please watch the library marquee for the time.  Join us for an ice cream social with child care and activities for the kids while mom & dad attend the meeting.

We hope to see you there.

Glance at the Past – Recent MUD Accomplishments

Neighborhood News
submitted by Chuck Walters, WB MUD Board President

Operating expenses have been reduced over $350,000 through 1. Restructuring:  reduced overtime, consolidated customer service and weekend two-man crew, 2.  Negotiating new electric rates for District accounts as well as new cell and landline phone rates, and 3. Saving costs by modernizing the vehicle fleet and by declaring excess equipment surplus.

Trees for Trails has been implemented, beginning with adopting a master plan, removing invasive species, and completing three tree plantings already.  Funding for this plan is supported by single stream recycling.

Implemented Green initiatives include single stream recycling, updated pool heaters, modernized pump station equipment, rainwater harvesting and irrigation system repairs (including well monitoring), a new air conditioning system for the Rec Center, a new thermostat for the CC, and the acquisition of an electric ATV.

Enhanced security patrols complemented  security camera installations at critical facilities and  neighborhood crime watch programs were supported as more neighborhoods became involved.

Repairs on the CC roof have been completed and the Annex roof has been replaced.  Rec Center counter and office space were remodeled.

Certain recreation programs were enhanced (including a Zumba class) as the registration/membership tag renewal process was improved.

Continue reading Glance at the Past – Recent MUD Accomplishments →

Wells Branch high school student’s composition to be featured at ASO Concert

Neighborhood News

The Austin Symphony Orchestra’s (ASO) production of their 2nd Annual Texas Young Composers Concert will be held Thursday, April 26, 7:30pm at the Long Center’s Dell Hall.  ASO will present the world premiere of new orchestral works composed by Texas students age 18 and under.

Among the nine orchestral works featured and conducted by ASO Maestro Peter Bay will be that of Wells Branch Resident and High School Sophomore Jocelyn Chambers. More information can be found at http://www.austinsymphony.org/events/2nd-annual-texas-young-composers-concert/

Come and support Jocelyn!

Sean Johnston Exemplifies Scouting

Neighborhood News
Submitted by Mendy Barnett

Cub Scout Pack 140 is chartered by The Wells Branch Homestead, and parents work diligently with their young boys to teach them strong values, how to be a strong leader and that character counts. There is one scout that has learned all of this and has taken it to the next level.

Sean Johnston joined Cub Scouts in 2007 when he was in 1st grade. He has had a lot of fun in Cub Scouts, and has accomplished a lot in the last 5 years. Sean has participated in many service projects, received numerous patches including the Chili Pepper patch for camping in over 100 degree heat at Camp Tom Wooten, attended Scout Jam, spent the night at NASA Space Center in Houston, earned several patches while visiting Washington DC last summer, earned the 9/11 patch for participating in the 9/11 Memorial Celebration last September, sold over $7000 in popcorn to raise money for his Pack, and earned the Leave No Trace patch.

Continue reading Sean Johnston Exemplifies Scouting →

Silent Auction items needed for WBNA fundraiser

Neighborhood News

The WBNA will be hosting the Silent Auction during the annual FourthFest 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, Luminary Fest and New Year’s Eve as well as all the meetings we host throughout the year.  We are seeking donations of merchandise, gift cards/certificates, theme baskets, services…. to auction. Some ideas are: Gift certificates for movie and dinner for 2; body care products; unique candles or household items; sports memorabilia; gift certificates for babysitting…. use your imagination!  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 with links to your site. If you have items or services to donate OR if you would like to help solicit items, please email us at info@wbna.us.

Attn: Teenage Job Seekers!

Past Events

With the rising cost of extracurricular activities and the economy such as it is, expenses add up quickly. If your teen is in need of extra income, the WBNA would like to offer him/her the ability to advertise his/her services at $10 for 2 lines of text. All advertising must be with the parent’s permission and the understanding that the parent will review all prospective employers and assumes all responsibility for his/her child’s safety. If interested, please contact us at info@wbna.us.

Volunteers Needed: Teens 12-17 for Art Camp

Teens ages 12-17 are needed to volunteer as Jr. counselors for Art camp to be held in Wells Branch during June & July.  The sessions are 3 days 4 hours per day. You will work helping the kids do their projects. Small stipend may be given or volunteer credit for HS societies. Contact Dianne at: dianne.koehler51@gmail.com or 512-827-8547.

Residents gather to create a Vision for WB

Neighborhood News
George explains "Visioning" to residents

Click on individual photos to see entire picture.

On February 25, around 50 residents gathered at the WB Community Center to dream and create a Vision for our community. This meeting was the brainchchild of twelve year resident George Holcombe and new resident Scott Smith. The following was presented before the actual brainstorming began:

Reason for Visioning: To gather our vision from the community to use in planning
and acting out the future.

Residents break into groups for discussion.

What a Vision is and is not:

•  A vision is not something we do or a plan of action
•  A vision is an underlying image that motivates us, defines us, is a reason for being
•  When we complain or boast about our community, we are making judgments based  on our unspoken vision.

Why are Visions important: They are alive and dynamic – they move us – the clearer

Residents sorting "Visions"

we are about our visions, the clearer our actions tend to be.

Once the purpose and examples were given, residents were invited to share what they felt were the gifts and challenges of our community. Mr. Holcombe and Mr. Smith facilitated the rest of the session encouraging residents to to participate and collaborate to build a rational chart. Click  Shared Vision for Wells Branch to view the chart. 

2nd “Visions” meeting planned for April 1, 4-6pm, WBCC

If you missed the February meeting, the next opportunity is scheduled for April 1, 4-6pm at
the WB Community Center on Klattenhoff. The discussion will focus on the challenges to achieving
our vision.

Refreshments provided.  Please join us and share YOUR vision for Wells Branch.