WBNA Easter Egg
Hunt Extravaganza!

Saturday, April 16, 10:30am | Come Early!
The Homestead at KF Park | 2106 Klattenoff Dr.

Hop into Spring!  Join your friends, neighbors and The Easter Bunny, himself, at the annual Wells Branch Easter Egg Hunt.  “Hunts” will be by age group and begin at 10:30am.  Plan to come early and visit with the Easter Bunny or have fun at our craft table.

We are thrilled to be able to bring back the traditional Easter Egg Hunt.  Last year, we hosted the Bunny Hop Along as a drive through event.  That was our first post-pandemic event. While it was a huge hit with the kids, we’re excited to be back!  Since it’s been 3 years since a traditional hunt, please review the event guidelines.

This is a community event and ALL Wells Branch residents and their invited guests are welcome.  We want to remind everyone to be respectful and allow all of the children to have enough space and time to safely collect eggs.  No yelling, stealing eggs, reaching under the tape and filling baskets before we start, or busting down the tape and charging ahead before your age group is called.  We need parents to set the example.  We’ve added a second group for the little guys as that had an issue a few years ago.  ONE parent will be allowed in to help with the two youngest age groups (0-18mos & 18mos-3yrs.)  We ask that you respect this restriction.  All other age groups must hunt on their own.  Feel free to coach ahead of time.  There will be 7 minutes between “hunts” to allow parents of multiple children to navigate the crowds.   Please, only allow your children to hunt with their respective age group.  If for some reason, your child ends up without many eggs, please approach any of our WBNA volunteers in bunny ears, they will have extra goodies.

Last, but not least, please remember that this event is put on by volunteers.  We spend weeks getting ready and usually stuff 8,000-10,000 eggs (if you are wondering, yes we recycle those eggs.)  It’s no small feat.  So, if a volunteer asks something of you, please be respectful of their requests.

We love our neighbors and our community.  We’re asking for everyone’s help in advance in creating an enjoyable experience for all involved. Please help us and remember to recycle your eggs before you leave.

We need volunteers to help things run more smoothly.  Anyone whose kids have aged out of the hunt, or older teens who need service hours, we would be so appreciative of your time!  Please contact us for more information at info@wbna.us.

Easter Egg Hunt RULES:

Those of you who’ve attended our hunts in the past know we have very few rules, but we do ask parents to follow those rules and be courteous and respectful of your neighbors so that all of our children may enjoy the hunt.

Age Groups:

0-18mos & 18mos-3yrs
*Only 1 parent per child in egg hunting area
*Watch out for potential choking hazards

4-6yrs • 7-9yrs • 10-12yrs
* No parents allowed in egg hunting area

BE ON TIME (early is better) AS THE “HUNTS” GO QUICKLY • Wait until your age group is called • Check all eggs for prizes • Let a volunteer know if there’s an issue • Recycle your eggs with the WBNA • MOST of ALL, Have FUN!

The Easter Bunny will be available for photos beginning at 10:00am and will stay until everyone has had a chance to talk to him..  Photos will be posted to an album on the WBNA Facebook page or you’re welcome to use your own camera.

EXTREME CLEAN Spring!

Saturday, April 9 • 8AM-2PM
MUD Parks & Facilities Yard • 13905 Thermal

Extreme Clean is a collaboration of the Wells Branch Neighborhood Association (WBNA) and Wells Branch MUD.  This service is offered twice a year to Wells Branch residents who live within the Wells Branch MUD Utility District.  If you pay your water bill to the MUD, you are considered “In-District”. Please take a moment to read the list of items accepted or CLICK HERE to download a printable map.

Bulk Trash

• Trash or bulky items too large that cannot be placed in your trash bin
• Wood pallets (broken-down)
• Old fencing (broken-down)
• Mattresses & box springs
• TIRES ARE NOT ACCEPTED

Metal Recycling

• Lawn mowers (oil & gas emptied)
• Metal tools, sheets, rods and framing
• All appliances (Freon must be removed)
• Water heaters
• Aluminum

Household Waste & E-Cycling

• Household batteries include alkaline batteries – A, AA, C, D, 9V, 6V (all types-heavy duty), phone batteries, rechargeable batteries, computer and small appliance batteries and motorcycle batteries
• Antifreeze in clearly labeled and closed container
• Latex / water based paints in original sealed and non-leaking container

NOT ACCEPTED at this location:  oil based paints, stains, thinners, motor and cooking oil, gasoline, chemicals/pesticides, or car batteries

Electronics and Appliance Recycling

• Computers, laptops and monitors
• Tablets, cell phones and chargers
• Wire (extension cords, Xmas lights, computer cables)
• CDs, DVDs and floppy discs
• Routers, DVRs and cable boxes
• Lamps
• All TVs, VCRs and DVD players
• Printers, copiers, scanners and fax machines
• Radios, stereos and speakers
• Small kitchen appliances (microwaves, coffee makers, toasters, etc.)

Styrofoam

• Clean egg cartons, food packaging, meat trays, to-go containers, disposable plates and coffee cups, large packing pieces and foam ice chests

NOT ACCEPTED:  packing peanuts, and Styrofoam attached or glued to other materials, like cardboard or plastic film

Regular Bulk Recycling

• Cardboard boxes – all sizes; large appliance boxes should be broken down & FREE from Styrofoam and/or other packing material

• Plastics (#1-7)

Drug Take-Back – Pill Form ONLY

Creams, liquids, ointments and pet medication will NOT be accepted.

On-Site Shredding • 10:00am-2:00pm ONLY

Carbon paper, colored paper, computer paper, fax paper, transparencies, post-it notes, window envelopes, glossy paper, invoice paper, laser print-outs, ledger paper, letterhead, stationary, NCR paper

Need help transporting your Trash & Recyclables to Extreme Clean?

Hire a Skip bin

Whether you are a business or a homeowner, you need to find a way to dispose of your commercial or residential waste. There are many options available, including dumpster rentals, roll-off containers, and skip bin. Mini skips cairns are a popular option for small businesses and homeowners who need to get rid of a moderate amount of waste. They are typically smaller than dumpsters and roll-off containers, making them easier to transport and maneuver. Mini skips can be used for a variety of waste materials, including construction debris, furniture, appliances, and yard waste. When choosing a skip bin in Cairns, it is important to consider the size of the skip, the type of waste you need to dispose of, and the delivery and pickup fees. You should also make sure that the company you choose has a good reputation and offers a reliable service. Searching for “cleaners near me“? Look no further than Diamond Home Support. If you plan to have your carpets cleaned this season, consider hiring experts in carpet cleaning costa mesa.

Venture Crew 1409 is here to help!

The young men and women of our Wells Branch Venturing Crew have stepped up and offered to organize trailer transportation of larger items to the Extreme Clean event on April 9 for a minimum donation of $20.  Please tip accordingly.  All monies received will be used for future Venturing endeavors.

Transportation is limited to In-District residents only.  Please schedule your pick up with Daniel White by 5pm, Friday, April 8.  Text or email your name and address to Daniel at  512-413-0097 or danwhitewb@gmail.com.

Donations

(Donated items MUST be dropped off pre-sorted and labeled as volunteers will NOT be able to sort.  Donations may come from both In-District and Out-of-District residents.

Animal shelter

• New or gently used crates, clean bedding, blankets, towels, toys and unexpired unopened food
• Old blue jeans

Austin Creative Re-Use

• Arts and crafts supplies
• Fabric, yarn and knitting supplies
• Puzzles, game pieces and playing cards
• Acrylic and craft paint
• Blue painters tape
• Wine & champagne corks
• Fully functional sewing machines

Gather-n-Give Connections

Austin Humanists at Work is in the process of reorganizing and is currently unable to accept donations.  The WBNA will be collecting items for Gather-n-Give Connections instead.  Immediate needs vary from month to month, please visit their website for current listing of needed items and to learn more about their program.  www.gather-n-give.org

• Men’s and Women’s underwear (NEW)
• Socks (NEW)
• Backpacks and school supplies
• Toasters, coffee makers, utensils, pots & pans, flatware, baking pans, dishes, bowls, etc.
• All paper products–napkins, paper towels, toilet tissue, Kleenex, Ziploc bags
• Sheet sets, blankets, pillows (all sizes)
• Personal hygiene products such as shampoo, conditioner, bath soap, body wash, deodorant, etc.
• Baby and adult needs–baby and adult diapers, all baby needs
• Bathroom sets such towels, wash cloths, mat/rug
• Cleaning products–laundry detergent, fabric softener, dishwasher detergent, toilet bowl cleaner, glass and multipurpose cleaner/Clorox/wipes, trash bags (4 – 13 gallon) In addition, if you need laundry services, contact 2ULaundry to assist you.

***All USED clothing MUST be donated to Easter Seals.  Please mark accordingly.***

Easter Seals

• Gently used clothing & shoes (all ages & sizes; nothing soiled, stained, torn or too worn)
• Linens & household items

Off-Site Yard Chemical Collection

2606 Tracy Trail • 512-656-0654
Fertilizers • Pesticides • Fungicides • Herbicides

Items must be in sealed, labeled containers. Received product will be offered to Wells Branch residents for repurposing first. All items left will be transported to the Hazardous Waste Facility on Monday.

A select number of other hazardous materials may be accepted at the attendant’s discretion.

Wells Branch ECO Fair 2022

April 3, 2022 | 1:00-4:00pm
Wells Branch Recreation Center | 3000 Shoreline

Please join the WB MUD, WBNA and a host of special eco-friendly vendors as we celebrate our amazing planet and discover new ways to better manage our precious resources.

The WBNA is showcasing the 4 R’s | Recycle, Reduce, Reuse and Repurpose! Be sure to stop by the recycling section:

• Play “Recycle and Win”, complete with door prizes
• Build your own Recycled Bottle Rain Gauge (bring a 2-liter bottle, or take a kit home)
• Check out the new “Go Trashless” program
• The local Buy-Nothing-Group will be on hand
• Learn to repurpose and eliminate plastic
• Kids will have a blast building a cardboard city
• City of Austin has information available for backyard composting
• Balcones Resources has a great display on “Where your recycling goes!”
• There’s an interactive textile craft table
• Artists who utilize recycled materials will have beautiful artwork on display

WOW!—and that’s just the recycling section. There’s more!

Water Conservation — The Wells Branch MUD will speak to water delivery, conservation and wastewater.  There will be science-based presentations and educational demonstrations from dumposaurus.com/illegal-dumping-the-causes-reasons-effects-consequences-and-solutions who are the best in this field.

The Great Outdoors area is focused on the message “You are nature’s best hope.”  There will  be a lot to learn. Everything from native plants to urban forests and master naturalists. There are seed balls and ladybugs for the kids to take home, a free tree give away, and so more!

Energy — Solar Vendors will be on hand to share information on rooftop solar and battery solutions, costs and rebates. Oncor and Austin Energy will be onsite to speak to residential rebates and Energy Saving programs.

Going Trashless

by Monica Koenig

Have you ever had this experience?  One harmless little trip to the grocery store or one stop for take-out practically fills my entire trashcan with waste to toss or recycle.  All this waste contributes to climate change, but, as I tell myself guiltily, it can be hard to feed a family from the grocery store without leaving an impressive pile of stuff to throw out.  Many times I’ve thought, “I’d like to do something about all this trash, but it’s just the way it is.  What can one little person do?”  I’m delighted to say I’ve found a different way.  A local company named Trashless calls itself the “milkman for everything.”  The milk I order every week comes in glass jars that I set out again empty next week for return… like it’s 1950 and I’m Mrs. Cleaver.  But with Trashless it doesn’t stop with milk… pantry items, produce, even meal kits and take-out are delivered in containers that get picked the up the next week and reused.

I’m particularly bothered by plastic waste, so I kept track of my trash and recycling for a few weeks and made notes about the products I buy that come packed in plastic.  Now my family regularly buys tortillas from Trashless and there’s no plastic bag to put in the recycling.  I buy a pound of spinach every week that comes in a box I return for reuse.  Apples and potatoes come in cloth bags that get returned and reused.  My Wells Branch neighbor, Natalie, also a Trashless customer, says, “I love reducing my waste and carbon footprint, the care Trashless takes in picking out high quality and ethically sourced foods, and how easy they make things by delivering right here in the neighborhood.”

I know Natalie because she comes by my house on Surrender Avenue to pick up her Trashless orders.  My house is a Pick-Up Point…all the deliveries for our neighborhood arrive at my house and neighbors stop by to pick up their orders, no delivery fee required!  Not only does it save money, one neighborhood Pick-Up Point allows deliveries to be made in fewer stops, using less fuel and lowering the carbon footprint of delivery.

Other zero-waste initiatives are always in the works at Trashless.  The Trashless Reuse Army is a network of volunteers – including my neighbor Natalie – who collect ice packs, lightbulbs and dead batteries that will be picked up by Trashless and recycled or reused.  From a program promoting reusable coffee cups to a new system to make take-out zero waste, Trashless really stands behind their mission.  I’m glad to answer any questions you may have at monica.koenig@yahoo.com.

Just FYI, your donations of lightbulbs, batteries, or ice packs can be dropped off at Natalie’s, 2312 Klattenhoff Drive, or at my house, 2115 Surrender Avenue, which also serves at a Pick-Up Point for deliveries.  Please visit www.trashless.com for more information.

Wells Branch ECO FairSunday, April 3 | 1:00-4:00pm
WB Rec. Center | 3000 Shoreline Drive

The Wells Branch ECO Fair, an Earth Day Celebration, will be a little early this year – April 3, 2022, 1:00-4:00pm in the gym at the Wells Branch Recreation Center.  Come celebrate our wondrous planet and discover ways we can better use our precious resources for the benefit of all.

Energy — Solar Vendors will be on hand to share information on rooftop solar and battery solutions, costs and rebates.

Oncor and Austin Energy will be onsite to speak to residential rebates and Energy Saving programs.

The 4 Rs — Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repurpose
The WBNA will showcase the 4Rs — There will be a display on how to greatly reduce the use of plastics, including ways to create your own household products plus  examples of recycled art and on-site art projects to make from repurposed materials. If you would like to show your recycled artwork or volunteer for one of the 4 Rs, please contact Margaret Sufke, (mmsufke@gmail.com or 512-341-0428).  Local scouting groups will be on hand with bulk trash hauling service information and younger scouts will help the kids with the popular “cardboard construction” activity.  Recycling information will be available including an interactive activity to highlight what everyday items can and should be recycled.

Water Conservation — The Wells Branch MUD will speak to water delivery, conservation and wastewater.  There will be science-based presentations and educational demonstrations that will help you understand how the water utility hardware works in your home.  The Wells Branch Water Drop will be there handing out water conservation gear and prizes.

The Great Outdoors area is focused on the message “you are nature’s best hope”.  There’ll  be a lot to learn from growing mushrooms to great info about our native plants.  We’ll have examples of low maintenance projects you can do in small spaces to benefit our pollinators, the kids can make seed balls, there will be a great tree give away and we will even send you home with pet lady bugs!  We will explore Wells Branch’s Urban Forest efforts and where we go next.  Great Texas groups like the A&M Urban Foresters, Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, Audubon and our own local Ask an Arborist will be there.  The Natural Grocer and others will be on hand to speak to healthy food and a plant-based diet. Come early for our Tree Maintenance 101 class at 12-noon in the front conference room at the recreation center.

Come celebrate spring with us, there will be many hands-on events for children and adults, we are sure you will have fun and learn new ways to make a positive impact on the environment and a better future for us all.

If you’re interested in working with us on the ECO Fair, contact spalmer@wellsbranchmud.com

Upcoming Holiday Events

The holidays are upon us!  We hope you’ll join in celebrating these wonderful Wells Branch traditions with family, friends, and neighbors.  We look forward to seeing each of you this season!

The WBNA Team—Building Community Together

Light Up the Night at Luminary Fest
Friday & Saturday, December 10 & 11 • 6:00-9:00pm
Sponsored by WB MUD Parks & Rec. Dept.

Experience the glow of the holidays as our trails light up with luminaries around Katherine Fleischer Park on December 10 & 11.  Santa will be visiting the Homestead Cabin both nights from 6-9pm with FREE digital photos provided by WB Community Church available the next day on the WBNA Facebook page.

Join us outdoors for a caroling hayride or enjoy a peaceful stroll among the luminaries.  Download our traditional caroling songbook to follow on the hayride at wbna.us.

Warm up inside the Community Center with hot cocoa and cookies provided by the WB MUD Parks & Rec. Dept.  WBNA sponsored craft tables will be set up both nights and children will have the opportunity to create ornaments and keepsakes.  Volunteers will be on hand to assist with crafts and MUD staff will keep the refreshments flowing. Look for the Friends of the Library and their holiday tattoos!  The 2022 WBNA Community Calendar will be available for purchase inside the Community Center both nights as well.

Sadly, many businesses are still getting back on track after the COVID closures and the Holiday Express Train and Saturday Night Kids’ Karaoke will not be joining us this year, but there’ll be lots of crafts, music, cocoa and cookies both nights.

Help to light the luminary candles on Friday and Saturday at 3:30pm.  The MUD will have lighters on hand but feel free to bring your own long lighter and meet in the courtyard at the Community Center.  Wagons are encouraged Saturday to help carry the replacement candles along the trail.  We hope to see you there!

Polar Express Pajamarama
Saturday, December 11 • 6:00 & 7:00pm
Hosted by Wells Branch Community Library

All aboard, for Wells Branch Community Library’s yearly Polar Express Pajamarama!  Enjoy holiday crafts, hot cocoa and cookies, a bedtime reading of The Polar Express and a special visit from Santa Saturday, December 11 at 6:00pm & 7:00pm!

Register at wblibrary.eventbrite.com.

WB MUD Parks & Rec Bingo Nights
Wednesday, December 15 • Wednesday, January 19
 6:30pm-8:30pm • Recreation Center • 3000 Shoreline Dr.

Get your daubers ready — you’re in for a real treat! Wells Branch Recreation Department is hosting Bingo Nights this winter.  Grab your bingo buddy and lucky charm and join your neighbors at the Recreation Center Gym every third Wednesday of the month from November through February.  The lucky winners will have a selection of gift cards to choose from.  Light refreshments will be available at no cost.  Bingo will begin at 6:30pm and prizes will wrap up around 8:30pm.

Tis’ the Season of Joy!
Get Ready to Sparkle!

The WBNA is sponsoring a Wells Branch Holiday Lighting Contest.  Let’s see you shine!

We’ve added a Holiday Lights Trail Map this year and set up an online site for entering nominations.  Once entered, the entry will be “pinned” the map.  Please nominate as many addresses as you’d like at https://bit.ly/WBNAholidaylights, to be added to our map.  The map will be updated as nominations arrive, it can be viewed and shared here:
https://bit.ly/WBNAholidaylightsmap.

One grand prize will be awarded for each category. The winners will also get to display an award sign in their yard through the holidays.

Categories will be labeled on the map as well, they include: Best Use of Lights, Most Traditional, Most Visible from Outer Space, Most Elaborate, Most Energy Efficient, Most Patriotic, Most Original,  and new for 2021, Most Whimsical.

Important Dates:

DEC 15: Displays complete, entries submitted
DEC 16: Lights on 6:00 – 9:00 pm for early previews
DEC 17-18: Drive by Judging and “online voting” from the community – “Lights On”
DEC 19: Winners announced, signs installed, and prizes awarded

Good Luck & Have Fun!

2022 Wells Branch
Community Calendar Sale

The WBNA is excited to announce that the Wells Branch 2022 Community Calendar is now on SALE every Saturday from 9am-1pm at Malone Specialty Coffee & Roastery in Bratton Square through January 8, 2022.  The cost remains the same. It’s ONLY $10!There are several ways to purchase your calendar:

• Order the 2022 WBNA Calendar online, click https://tinyurl.com/2022WBNACalendarOrder (with home delivery available)
• Stop by Malone’s Coffee on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am until 1:00pm.
• The WBNA will host “Calendar Sale” tables at upcoming community events.

Contact the WBNA board at info@wbna.us

Reasons to consider purchasing the calendar:

• Wells Branch events, national dates and holidays all in one place
• All proceeds are returned to the community through WBNA events
• The calendar is FREE when you renew your WBNA annual membership

The 2022 WB Community Calendar is offered as a limited edition, so when they are gone, they are gone! Get yours today and grab an extra one as a special gift.

Thank you for your support!

The WBNA Team
Building Community Together