Category Archives: Neighborhood News

WB Garden Guild
Landscaping Contest
$100 Prize!

The Wells Branch Neighborhood Association and the Garden Guild are sponsoring a yard landscaping contest for the Spring of 2019.  A one hundred dollar prize will be awarded to the yard voted best landscaped during the Wells Branch Garden Tour on May 18, 2019.  You may nominate your yard for inclusion in the tour by sending photos of your landscaping with your name, physical address, email and phone number to glennoe@att.net by April 20, 2019.  Nine yards will be selected to participate in the tour, with an emphasis on including yards new to the tour, and tour participants will vote to name one yard “Best Landscape of the Tour“.

Make Plans NOW to Join the Silver Branchers!

The Silver Branchers began in 1988 as a group of seniors interested in meeting for fun and fellowship. The current group has continued this tradition and would like to extend an invitation to any and everyone who might be interested in making new friends. Meetings are held Thursdays from 1- 3 PM at the Wells Branch Rec. Center, 3000 Shoreline Drive to visit and play games. We also have socials and take day trips to local places of interest from time-to-time (list below). Membership is free. There are no age requirements; everyone is welcome.

2019 Day Trip Schedule

Thursday, April 18 – Picnic in the K.F. Park Gazebo catered by Branch Bar B Que. We will meet at the gazebo at 1:00pm. Cost is $17.  Cut off for registration and payment is April 5. Advanced collection of fees is done by cash or check with Glen 512-461-1665.  No refunds after cut off date.  This event may be rescheduled to a later date in case of inclement weather.

Thursday, July 18 – Museum trio:  Bullock (https://www.thestoryoftexas.com),Blanton Museum of Art (https://blantonmuseum.org/) and the Harry Ransom Center (http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/) are all in close proximity so you can choose which you wish to visit.  Cut off for registration is July 11.  We will leave the Rec. Center at 10:00am and return at 2:00pm (back at the Rec. Center by 2:30pm).

Wednesday, October 16 – Vanishing Texas River Cruise, 11:00am Cruise, http://www.vtrc.com/scenic-wilderness-cruises/.  We will leave the Rec. Center at 9:15 and return following the cruise.  Please make your reservation directly with the cruise operator (512) 756-6986 as early as possible after August 1 since these cruises sell out in advance.  Cost is $22.50.  Remember to sign up with the staff at the Rec. Center as well; that cut off date is October 10.

Thursday, December 5 – Christmas Luncheon, 1pm at Mesa Rosa, 15515 FM 620, near the intersection with TX 45, http://www.mesarosa.com/.  We will leave the Rec. Center at 12:30pm and return following lunch.  Cut off for registration is November 27.

You may sign up for events with the Wells Branch MUD’s customer service at 512-251-9814 or at the customer service desk at the Wells Branch Recreation Center.  Please note that if we are not collecting fees in advance of an event, you will be responsible for making reservations if needed and paying any fees. Transportation may be limited, so please insure that you have secured a ride as we are not responsible for forfeited event fees.  If private cars are used for transportation, you may be asked to contribute for the driver’s expenses. For more information call Glen at 512-461-1665 or https://wbna.us/community/silver-branchers/.

Wells Branch is Under Construction
and the Critters are BACK!

Expect an increase in all kinds of wild creatures (possums, raccoons, snakes, rats, coyotes) this spring as we have several new construction projects underway in and around Willow Run.  The best form of control for any of these animals is an integrated plan that removes access to shelter, food and water.  If you have a rat or mouse problem, then the use of rodenticides or traps may be necessary as well.  Every resident in Wells Branch can take steps to minimize appeal to these animals.  Rodent control is particularly effective when all our neighbors participate.

  • Do NOT leave food outside for your pets.
  • If your animals eat outside, give them a chance to eat and then bring the food and water bowls inside.
  • Secure all doggie-doors at night.
  • If you have a bird or squirrel feeder, bring it in at night.  Empty the birdbaths as well.
  • Seal all openings into your home and any outdoor storage units using hardware cloth and steel wool.  Mice can squeeze into a ¼” opening and it only takes ½” for a rat to gain access.
  • Clean out any debris that might provide refuge for these animals.

Coyotes:  It’s breeding season, folks.  Our largest den (by Sambuca and Mocha) has just been displaced and is in the process of relocating the pack within the area so we’re seeing increased activity.  Please visit the sites listed below and make sure you’re following all their tips.

  • Keep your pets inside from just before dusk until after dawn.  If they have to go out, take them on a leash – even in your own yard.  We have had coyotes both jump and dig under fences.
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times.  They’ve been sited along the trails daily and have even followed walkers.  Keep your dog on a leash and close by.

Below are two presentations given by City of Austin Wildlife Animal Protection Officer Adrienne Clark in Wells Branch in 2018 & 2017, a hand out from Travis County to download, and links to City of Austin, Humane Society, and Texas Parks & Wildlife pages devoted to information on coyotes in an urban environment.  All cover tips on deterring coyotes and discuss how to best protect your fur babies.

WBNA Meeting – April 19, 2018

WBNA Meeting – October 12, 2017

Should you come in contact with a coyote that does not respond to hazing or acts in an aggressive manner, please report it directly to Adrienne Clark.  ***NOTE:  Please don’t file a report unnecessarily as it will most likely be put down.  They do not relocate coyotes.

Adrienne.Clark@austintexas.gov
Animal Protection Officer – Wildlife
Austin Animal Center
(512) 978-0514

Snakes:  With the mild winter we’ve had and a plentiful food source, our slithery friends are out and about!  Please remember that rat snakes are our FRIENDS.  They earn their keep around here by keeping the rodent population down.  While they can get quite large, they don’t pose a threat to you, your children or your pets and are reluctant to bite unless messed with – leave them be and they’ll go on about their business.

-Photo by Brad Dushkin

Unsure about which snakes are harmless and which may be poisonous?  Visit austinreptileservice.net to learn more.  This site makes it easy by breaking them down by stripes, blotches, diamonds, bands and solid color snakes.

Come support the McNeil High School Band!

Pancake Breakfast & Silent Auction
March 2, 2019 • 7am-11am
St Philip’s UMC • 16321 S. Great Oaks Drive

All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfast
(Pancakes, Sausage, Juice & Coffee),

Silent Auction & Performances from Student Ensembles!
*You are also supporting our feeder Middle School Band programs!

Tickets are $6 and are being sold by McNeil High School Band Students & Deerpark Middle School Band Students. They will also be available at the door.

If you or your business would like to sponsor this event or donate to our silent auction, please contact us at fundraising@mcneilband.org, we have several levels of sponsorships available.

Thank you for your support of our community and our band students.

Show off your HOLIDAY LIGHTS!

The Nextdoor App has a holiday function called the Cheer Map. It allows you to mark your location if your house is decorated and best of all, it lets neighbors access the map to see who’s in the holiday spirit.  Folks ask all the time if we have a map of the houses with holiday lights.  I thought this would be fun to share.  Sign your home up and encourage your neighbors to mark their houses!  https://nextdoor.com/cheer_map/
Remember, Luminary Fest is next weekend and we have the Holiday Decorating Contest Sunday, December 16.  You have plenty of time to decorate!  Also, the hayride will be taking new route Friday night and our traditional one on Saturday so we’ll get to see the decorations in two different parts of Wells Branch.  I’m talking about y’all:  Alpha Collier, Cervin, Fronia Woodward, Crystal Shore, Sandy Side, and Oceanna!

Happy Holidays from the WBNA!

The holidays are HERE!  We hope you’ll join us in celebrating these wonderful Wells Branch traditions.  Take time to reconnect with family, friends and neighbors.  We look forward to seeing each of you at the festivities!

Light Up the Night at Luminary Fest
Friday & Saturday, December 14 & 15
6-9pm • KF Park • 2106 Klattenhoff

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 14 & 15.  Santa will be visiting the Homestead Cabin both nights from 6-9pm with FREE photos provided by WB Community Church and digital copies available the next day on the WBNA Facebook page.

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.

Join us outdoors for a caroling hayride or a trip around the trails on the Holiday Express Train to see the luminaries up close.  We’re changing up the route this year for the hayride.  On Friday night, we’ll be traveling up Klattenhoff to Alpha Collier and all the way down to Wells Port, then Cervin to Fronia Woodward and back up Alpha Collier to the park.  This should give us an amazing view of the luminaries!  Saturday night, we’ll be doing our original route and visiting the beautifully decorated homes on Oceanna, Sandy Side, and Crystal Shore.  We’ll be starting the hayride around 5:30pm both nights so bring the little ones and come early.  As a special treat, Cafe Chowtown in Bratton Square will extend their hours on Friday and Saturday to 5:15pm.  Stop by and meet the owners and warm up with a FREE Peppermint Mocha and kids’ hot chocolates before heading over to Luminary Fest!

St. Andrew’s Chorale and the McNeil Choir will be caroling throughout the park Friday night and the Wells Branch Community Church Band will perform outside the Buffalo House on Saturday.  Visit Scout Troop 1409 around the campfire for toasted marshmallows.  Jessica Shepherd will host the kids’ karaoke inside the Community Center on Saturday night with continued crafts and refreshments for all to enjoy.

Join in helping 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 15 • 6:00 & 7:00pm
WB Library • 15001 Wells Port Drive

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 15 at 6:00pm & 7:00pm!  Register at wblibrary.eventbrite.com.

Holiday Home Decorating Contest
Judging begins Sunday, December 16!

Break out the tinsel and holly!  Deck the halls, yard, trees, cars, dogs, cats… Let’s show some good ole WB spirit!  The WBNA is sponsoring the Holiday Home Decorating Contest again this year!  Judging will begin on Sunday, December 16 with winners announced on Saturday, December 22 so you still have time to decorate!   If you’d like to help judge or nominate a home, email lights@wbna.us.  Be sure and watch for the “Winners” as we post signs in their yards and feature the homes on Facebook and wbna.us!  Categories include:  Most Original, Most Traditional, Most Elaborate, Best Use of Lights, Most Energy Efficient, Visible from Space and Most Patriotic.

St. Andrews Presents an Evening of Holiday Music
with The Austin Handbell Ensemble
Monday, December 17 • 7:30-8:30pm

Join friends and neighbors for a holiday handbell concert at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 14311 Wells Port Drive as they present “We Need a Little Christmas!”

For ticket information, please visit their website at austinhandbells.org/events/.

Christmas Eve Services • December 24

Shoreline Church • 15201 Burnet Road
2:00pm, 4:00pm, & 6:00pm

Join us for a special 1-hour family service!  This amazing illustrated sermon is filled with Christmas spirit, Jesus’ miraculous birth story, and a few surprises!!!

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church • 14311 Wells Port
4:30pm Family Oriented • 7:00pm Candlelight Service

Join the St. Andrew’s congregation in a joyous celebration full of music and love this Christmas Eve.  Their 4:30pm service is child and family oriented and at 7:00pm, they’ll hold a candlelight service.  From WB neighbor and St. A’s member, Yvette Shelton, “Singing ‘Silent Night’ while the church is darkened and each person holds a candle is a truly a blessed way to celebrate Christmas.”  Visit St. A’s Christmas Eve and find out for yourself.

Wells Branch Community Church • 2113 Wells Branch Pkwy
3:00 & 4:30pm Services

On Monday, December 24, Wells Branch Community Church invites you to their new location on Wells Branch Parkway for a Christmas Eve candle light service that the whole family can enjoy.  There will be two services this year that are open for anyone to attend, one at 3:00pm and the other at 4:30pm.  Come join WBCC in the celebration of the true meaning of Christmas as they sing Carols and Creatively remember the Christmas story.

For more information about Wells Branch Community Church or their Christmas Eve service, please visit wellsbranchchurch.com.  Childcare available for Pre-K and under.