$500 Reward for Information on Graffiti

Graffiti in Wells Branch MUD (the “District”) has increased so it is time to take a proactive approach. Graffiti and other property vandalism not only take away from the beauty and sense of security in our community, but are also very costly. In an effort to stop this activity in our community, the Wells Branch Municipal Utility District will offer a reward of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of any person committing a graffiti-related or vandalism offense within the District. This includes parks and park fixtures, signs, utility boxes, and fencing. Persons identified as committing these offenses within the District will be prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by law. The District will also seek restitution and damages, including the cost of any reward(s) paid, from any person or persons convicted of these offenses within the District.

Please immediately report information related to the act of a graffiti-related or vandalism offense within the District to the Travis County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 512-854-1444.

If you spot graffiti in the District please let us know through our graffiti report / removal form:  http://wellsbranchmud.com/services/graffiti-report-removal

WB MUD Board of Directors Election

Board of Director elections are held on the uniform election date in November of every even-numbered year. In 2022, the election will be held on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

A person that desires to be a candidate in the District’s next Director election must be qualified to serve as a Director and must timely submit an application for a place on the ballot to the District. To be qualified to serve as a Director, a person must be at least 18 years old, a resident citizen of the State of Texas, and either own land subject to taxation in the District or be a qualified voter within the District.

Three of the five Director positions are up for election this year. The first day to file an application for a place on the ballot is July 23, 2022. The deadline to file an application for a place on the ballot is 5:00pm on August 22, 2022.

If you are interested in becoming a Director, please visit wellsbranchmud.com for more information.

Collars & Tags & Microchips—OH MY!

by Mikella Maughan

Every year we see an increase in lost pets around the 4th of July, as they try to escape the noise and confusion of fireworks.  In addition to securing your pets, there are things you can do to help the chances of getting them back home should they somehow escape.

As your pet doesn’t have a voice, the easiest and most obvious option is a collar and ID of some kind.  Pet owners on a budget can find collars at local dollar stores.  Even without a tag a collar makes it easier for your pet to be safely caught by a good Samaritan so they can be returned to you or turned in to a shelter where you can be reunited.  If you are unable to get an ID tag at the moment, you can write your phone number on the collar with a Sharpie or other permanent marker.  This is also a great option for those pets who tend to always ‘lose’ their tags. You can also order collars and tags on Amazon or other online pet stores so you don’t have to go anywhere.

When a pet doesn’t have an ID tag or other identifying information, a microchip is an excellent backup plan. Microchips don’t fall off or get lost, and they don’t have batteries that die.  They simply sit silently under your pet’s skin until the information you’ve registered can be retrieved with a microchip scanner.

Travis County residents can get a free Microchip and/or a free ID tag for their pet by going to Austin Animal Services at 7301  Levander Loop between 11:00am and 7:00pm.  The shelter does not currently assist with chip registration so be sure to register your pet’s chip as soon as you get home.

Williamson County residents can get a free microchip and registration at the Williamson County Animal Shelter.  Just email wcras@wilco.org for more information and/or to schedule a microchip appointment.  These are provided free through a grant by the Petco Foundation.

You can also get a microchip for a fee from your pet’s veterinarian.

You should register the chip with the manufacturer at least once, but you can also register your chip at Michelson Found Animals Foundation (https://www.foundanimals.org/)  for free.  Just remember to update your information when you move or change phone numbers.

Now is the time, please don’t wait until your pet is lost and wish you had done something; it may be too late.  According to a 2009 study published by the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, a dog has a 52% chance of returning home if microchipped but only a 21% chance of returning home if not.  Cats have a 38% chance of returning home if microchipped; an astonishing 1% chance of returning home if not.

IF YOU FIND A LOST PET please call or text the Wells Branch microchip scanner volunteer at (512) 270-1026 for a free scan, or take the pet to your nearest vet office or shelter.  Some pet supply stores such as Petsmart, Petco and Tomlinson’s also have scanners.

Please also post lost or found pets on the Wells Branch Lost and Found Pets page on Facebook.

4thFest Event Schedule

WBNA 4^thFest Silent Auction
Monday, July 4 | 9:00am – 2:00pm
WB Community Center at KF Park
2106 Klattenhoff Drive

Each year, the WBNA hosts a silent auction during WB FourthFest.  Proceeds benefit 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!  Online bidding begins June 24^th and ends on July 2^nd at 5:00pm at https://www.32auctions.com/WBNA4thFest2022.  In person bidding will be from 9:00am to 2:00pm, July 4th at the Wells Branch Community Center, 2106 Klattenhoff Drive.

Contact Margaret Sufke at 512-341-0428 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!

WB MUD 4^thFest Parade!
Monday, July 4 | 10:00am
Katherine Fleischer Park
2106 Klattenhoff Drive

The Wells Branch MUD Parks and Recreation Department is excited to once again celebrate the Fourth of July with one of our most beloved community traditions.  The FourthFest parade will kick off at 10:00am from Katherine Fleischer Park. Guests are encouraged to line the streets and show off your patriotic pride in this long-time tradition!  If you wish to include a float in this year’s parade, please contact the WB MUD Program & Events Coordinator at 512-251-9814.

 2022 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

WB MUD 4^thFest Cornhole Tournament
Monday, July 4 | 11:00am
Wells Branch Homestead | 2106 Klattenhoff Dr.

Got a hankering for cornhole?  This year FourthFest will offer 24 teams the chance to show off their skills in a single-elimination cornhole tournament!  Games will begin after the parade at 11:00am in front of the Homestead.

Prizes
1st place:  (2) $50 Gift Cards ($100 total)
2nd place:  (2) $25 Gift Cards ($50 total)
3rd place:  (2) $10 Gift Cards ($20 total)

Teams will compete in pairs of two in a single elimination tournament.  Participants must be 13 years or older to  compete.  Registration opens June 1st and ends July 3rd.  Contact WB MUD at 512-251-9814.   Hosted by the WB MUD Recreation Department.

WB MUD 4^thFest Concert
Monday, July 4 | 6:00pm
Shoreline Soccer Complex | 3908 Shoreline Drive

The fun doesn’t stop in the morning!  Put on your favorite red, white, and blue outfit and join us as the FourthFest celebrations continue with a concert in the park!  Tomar & the FCs are playing and the Rec Department will have    foodtrucks on hand.  Bring the whole family for an exciting evening of live music at the Wells Branch Soccer Complex. Gates open at 5:30pm.

WB MUD 4^thFest Fireworks!
Monday, July 4 | 9:30pm
WB MUD Rec Center | 3000 Shoreline Drive

To finish out the night, join us for WB MUD’s dazzling Fourth of July fireworks show!

The annual Wells Branch MUD Fireworks Show will begin at 9:30pm at the Wells Branch Recreation Center.  Prepare to be dazzled as they light up the night sky in celebration of the Fourth of July!  There will not be any public parking available at the Recreation Center.  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 who 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 WB MUD Rec Center at 512-251-9814.

*No personal fireworks are allowed on District Property.

Silent Auction Volunteers Needed!
Are you ready to help?

We have developed an online system to help folks register as a WBNA volunteer. We recently published a video clip highlighting how to sign up as a volunteer. Please follow the link to learn more: Volunteer Video

Sign up HERE:  https://bit.ly/wbna_volunteer

Here’s an insider’s tip. If you volunteer for the 4^thFest Silent Auction you’ll get a preview of this year’s auction goodies, while helping to stage the auction items. How about a ride on the WBNA parade float? If you help decorate it, you can ride it—it’s worth an early start! Want to experience the excitement of the closing bids? Volunteer to be a closer and get ready to move quickly. Whatever you to choose do—we can promise that you will have fun at the 2022 4^thFest Silent Auction.  Plus, there’s air conditioning inside!

Opportunities Include:

• Sunday, July 3^rd:  Staging, Set up, Signage 1:00 – 4:00 pm
• Monday, July 4^th:  Float Prep, 8:30am – Parade is at 10:00am
• Monday, July 4^th:  Silent Auction, many slots available, bidder registration, runners, closers

Remember, it’s the volunteers that really make everything happen. Please consider joining our volunteer team, even if you can only give a couple of hours for a single event or help out behind the scenes—your contribution helps the entire community succeed.  Watch the WBNA.US website, follow us on Facebook and please consider volunteering at the 2022 4^thFest!

2022 Silent Auction Donations Request

Each year the WBNA hosts a Silent Auction during the annual 4thFest celebration.  This auction is our BIG fundraiser for the year.  Funds raised help to pay for all the WBNA community events: the Easter Egg Hunt, National Night Out, our participation in Halloween Trunk or Treat, crafts at Luminary Fest as well as the town hall meetings, candidate forums and safety awareness sessions throughout the year.  We are excited to be hosting the auction once again during the WBMUD Independence Day celebration.

Last year we introduced a hybrid format of an online auction and a “live” event for the final bids on July the 4th.  The live event will be in our traditional venue at the WB Community Center from 9:00am – 2:00pm, July 4th.  The online auction will go live the week before.  Watch the WB Google Group, our website, and the Facebook page for updates.  A link will also be included in our Summer Issue of the Neighborhood News.

Friday, June 24:  The Silent Auction site goes live!

Saturday, July 2:  The Silent Auction site closes and we transition all active bids and make arrangements for all “Buy It Now” items.

Monday, July 4:  The live auction opens at 9:00am and closes at 2:00pm.   Payments and Pick Up will be from 3:00 – 5:00pm.  Buy It Now items made be purchased throughout the auction.

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 will receive exposure for your business at the live auction and on the auction website.  There will also be 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 please email us at silentauction@wbna.us.

Along with our local businesses, services, and Austin area attractions, we would LOVE donations from the community.  We will begin accepting donations May 28.  Donations to be included in the online auction must be received by June 20.   Live auction donations will be gratefully accepted through June 30.  We would also like to welcome the return of baked goods donations, please contact Margaret Sufke, 512-341-0428, for details.

We are actively seeking event volunteers to help solicit items,help prepare the baskets and/or work the auction.  If you have any empty baskets leftover from last year, we’d love to have them!  Please email us at silentauction@wbna.us and watch for our new social media volunteer site.

Thank YOU for supporting the Wells Branch Community!

2023 Wells Branch Community Calendar Photo Contest Underway!

The WBNA is excited to host the 2023 Calendar Photo Contest!  The contest is open to the entire Wells Branch community; there are no age limits!  We would love for our young photographers to share their talents.

The 2023 contest theme is “Visions of Wells Branch.”  Selected photos should inspire feelings  of community as seen through the events, people, places, and wildlife within Wells Branch.  Capture and submit your favorite images of our wonderful neighborhood!  Remember anyone who lives in Wells Branch can submit a photo (or up to six photos).  The image format is 8×10 landscape for the calendar.  The only real “rules” are that images must be taken within Wells Branch by Wells Branch residents.

We have started to receive entries and are anxious for more!  Please review your favorite photos of Wells Branch and submit your best shots!

For the Official Entry Form, click HERE:

For Official Rules, click HERE:

The Wells Branch MUD has graciously agreed to let us use the Rec. Center at 3000 Shoreline Drive for entry drop-off and display as the photos come in.  Both current and past pictures are welcome.  Each photographer will be allowed to submit up to six (6) photos.  Each photo must be accompanied by an Official Entry Form.

Enter photos from June 1, 2022 to September 16, 2022.  We will continue to accept electronic submissions for consideration through September 16, 2022 at 5:00pm.  All entries will be displayed at the Wells Branch MUD Rec Center, 3000 Shoreline Drive, and in the WBNA Facebook page album: 2023 Calendar Contest.  Winning photos will be announced September 20, 2022 and the new 2023 Calendars will go on sale at National Night Out, October 4!

Questions? Contact Margaret Sufke, Calendar Contest Coordinator, at mmsufke@gmail.com or 512-341-0428.

Heat Stroke: Know the Signs

Pflugerville Fire Dept./Travis County ESD No. 2

During hot and humid weather, your body has a harder time cooling.  When the body heats up too quickly to properly cool itself – or when too much fluid/salt is lost through sweating or dehydration – the victim may suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke which is very serious.  Below are tips on preventing heat stroke, recognizing its symptoms, and first aid. And remember: never leave kids, pets, or disabled adults alone in parked cars … not even for a few minutes!  Have a safe and enjoyable summer everybody.

PREVENTING HEAT STROKE

• Slow down! Reduce, cancel or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day
• Even if you don’t feel thirsty, proactively bring and drink plenty of water (not very cold) or other non-alcoholic, decaffeinated fluids
• Prevent sunburn through sunscreen, sunhats, and minimizing direct exposure to the sun; a sunburn reduces your body’s ability to cool down
• Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight
• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salad
• Take a cool bath or shower
• Spend time in air-conditioned locations
• When the room temperature is hotter than 90°, don’t direct the flow of portable electric fans toward you because the dry, blowing air may further dehydrate you

HEAT STROKE SYMPTOMS

•Altered mental state or confusion
• Hot, red, dry, or moist skin
• One or more of these symptoms: dizziness, throbbing headache, nausea, shallow breathing
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Body temperature 103°F or greater

FIRST AID FOR HEAT STROKE

• Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency! Call 9-1-1 or get the victim to a hospital immediately
• Get to a cooler setting, preferably air-conditioned
• Do not give fluids
• Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or a bath
• Use a fan only IF the heat index is BELOW the high-90s

So much of what we have and celebrate in Wells Branch came from this man’s hard work and inspiration. Our community would not be what it is today had we not had Chuck here to lead us.