Category Archives: Neighborhood News

Voting Tuesday? Be sure and bring your ID!

Neighborhood News

Questions about Voter ID requirements?  Here are the answers straight from the Travis County Clerk’s website:

Photo Identification Now Required for Voting in Person

Exemptions are Available for Persons with Disabilities and Other Special Circumstances

Texas law now requires voters to show photo identification when voting in person. When voters appear at a polling location to vote, they must present an approved form of photo ID issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) or the United States government. All IDs (except the citizenship certificate) must be current or no more than 60 days expired.

Approved Forms of Photo ID

Except for the citizenship certificate, all IDs must be current or no more than 60 days expired.

  • Texas Driver License issued by Texas DPS
  • Texas Election Identification Certificate (EIC) issued by DPS
  • Texas Personal Identification Card issued by DPS
  • Texas Concealed Handgun License issued by DPS
  • U.S. Military ID Card containing the person’s photograph
  • U.S. Citizenship Certificate containing the person’s photograph
  • U.S. Passport

Free Election Identification Certificates Available

Individuals without an approved form of photo ID may apply for an Election Identification Certificate (EIC) at any Texas Driver License office. There is no charge for this certificate. EICs for persons age 70 and older do not expire; all other EICs expire every six years. To receive this voter ID card, applicants must provide specific documents that prove their identity and citizenship. For more information call DPS at 512-424-2600 or visit their website at www.txdps.state.tx.us

Name on Photo ID Must Match Name on the Voter Registration List

Texas law requires poll workers to review the name on each voter’s photo ID to see if it exactly matches the list of registered voters. If the names are not exact, but are “substantially similar,” that person will be able to vote after initialing the sign-in sheet to affirm that he or she is the same person appearing on the voter registration list.

Provisional Ballots for Those Without Proper ID at Polls

A voter who does not have the required form of ID or does not have a “substantially similar” name match will be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. The voter must present proper identification to the County Voter Registrar within six calendar days of the election or the voter’s ballot will be rejected.

Permanent Exemptions

Voters with a disability and without an approved form of ID may apply with the County Voter Registrar for a permanent exemption. Documentation from the Social Security Administration showing a disability or from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs showing a disability rating of at least 50 percent will be required. A new voter registration certificate that reflects the exemption will be issued.

Temporary Exemptions

Voters who have a religious objection to being photographed or do not have a valid ID due to certain natural disasters as declared by the President or the Texas Governor, may cast a provisional ballot. They must appear at the voter registrar’s office within six calendar days after Election Day and sign an affidavit for their ballots to be counted.

Source:  http://www.traviscountyclerk.org/eclerk/Content.do?code=news.voteridnew

Register NOW for WB MUD Spring Break Programs!

Neighborhood News

Spring Break Art CampArt Mini-Camp • Colors Across Texas 

This is a drawing and painting camp where you will draw scenes, plants and animals then paint them with water colors, acrylics, or pastels. We will spend some time on color compositions, identifying pleasing color combinations, and mixing colors. There will also be opportunities for quickie sketches and more detailed drawings. There are 18 spots available for children ages 7-12 year old. Visit our staff at the Recreation Center or call us at 512-251-9814 for registration.

When:   March 11-13, 11:30-3:30 pm
Where: Recreation Center
Fee:      $40

Babysitter Training Course

This American Red Cross course gives youth ages 11-15 years old the knowledge and confidence to care for infants and school-aged children. The course combines video, activities, hands-on skills training and discussion for a complete learning experience.

When:   March 11, 1-6 pm
Where:  Recreation Center
Fee:      $40

Volleyball Camp

This uniquely designed volleyball camp is open to all levels and is run by our certified volleyball coach. The camp will focus on developing all major playing skills while keeping a focus on building confidence, sportsmanship, teamwork, and healthy skill development. We will work hard to play hard! Visit our staff at the Recreation Center or call us at 512-251-9814 for registration.

When:   March 10, 12 & 14, 2-4 pm
Where:  Recreation Center
Fee:      $65

Basketball Camp

Our coaching staff will be on hand to get your skills honed for the spring. The camp will focus on fundamentals and conditioning for youth ages 10-15 years old. Visit our staff at the Recreation Center or call us at 512-251-9814 for registration.

When:   March 10, 12 & 14, 8-12 pm
Where:  Recreation CenterFee:      $65

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification

If you’re 15 or older and looking for a great summer job or a challenging career that is in demand, the Red Cross Lifeguarding program is the place to start. Through videos, group discussion and hands-on practice, you will learn patron rescue and surveillance skills, first aid and CPR/AED.

This course is ideal for lifeguards looking to work at a traditional still water pool. This course teaches professionalism, patron and facility surveillance, victim recognition, equipment-based rescues, and caring for head, neck and back injuries. Upon successful completion of the course you will receive the following American Red Cross Certifications:

  • Lifeguarding/First Aid (good for 2 years)
  • CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer (good for 2 years)

Prerequisites:

Must be 15 years old and able to pass the following swimming test:

  • Swim 300 yards unassisted (breaststroke or freestyle)
  • Two minute treading water (legs only)
  • Starting in the water, swim 20 yards using a freestyle or breast stroke, surface dive 7 – 10 feet. Retrieve a 10 lb. object, return to the surface, swim 20 yards back to the starting point and exit the water without using a ladder or steps. Within 1 minute and 40 seconds.

Registration

To register, call (512) 251-9814 or stop by the WB Recreation Center, 3000 Shoreline Drive.

When:   March 8 & 9 (12-5pm)

March 10, 12 & 14 (8am-5pm)

Where: Katherine Fleischer Pool & Office

2106 Klattenhoff Drive 78728

Fee:       $200

Save your pipes: Tips to keep water flowing in cold weather

Neighborhood News

Water Faucet - Dripping - BWIt’s going to be cold the next couple of days.  Please take the necessary precautions to protect your pipes and locate your water shut-off valve – just in case. If issues are spotted, call pros such as Graham and Sons in order to get an efficient service.

Before a freeze:

  • Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of your home.
  • Remove garden hoses from outside faucets.  Insulate the faucet with a Styrofoam cover, rags, disposable diaper or paper.
  • Cover vents around the foundation of your house.
  • Know where your property’s water cut-off valve is located and know how to use it. Additionally, it’s advisable to have the contact information of the best plumber oahu on hand for any plumbing emergencies or maintenance needs.
  • Before the winter season starts, it is advised to check on your water heater and call in a water heater repair technician if it is malfunctioning.
  • If you need help with residential water softeners, visit sites like https://diamondh2o.com/residential-water-treatment/residential-water-softeners/.

In sub-freezing weather:

  • Let water drip slowly from inside faucets during a freeze.
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks where pipes are along outside walls.

If you’re not going to be home:

  • Cut off your water at the property’s cut-off valve and drain all outside water faucets if your house will be unoccupied for several days.
  • Or leave your home heating system on at a low setting.  That may cost a few bucks, but it’s better than returning home from your holiday trip to find your carpet, rugs like those vintage turkish rugs,  and furniture soaked from burst pipes.

Renters should contact the manager or landlord for more information on freeze precautions, or in case of urgent plumbing issues, such as burst pipes, they may need to seek assistance from an emergency plumber. And if you need water line repair, you may consider getting help from a team of expert services. If the problem persists despite all precautions, tenants may need to consider relocating to a new property. Jackpot Offers the best homes that has been built with all the high quality and best materials since they leave no compromise to provide a stress-free experience for the homeowners.

Locate & know how to use your Water Shut-Off Valve

By Margret Wingrove, Crossroads Utility Services

Don’t wait for a water emergency!!  Locate your water cut-off valve now so it can be accessed quickly when needed.

A properly operating cut-off valve allows you to quickly shut off water should you encounter any issues such as seattle leak detection in the house, need to work on your sprinkler system, or wish to turn off the water to your house as a precaution when traveling. For plumbing emergencies, hiring professional southampton plumbers will ensure the repair is done right the first time.

The water shut-off valve is located between the water meter near the street and your house.  It is generally located in the ground adjacent to the meter box and should be protected by a 6” circular cover.  The handle underneath the cover should be exercised to make sure it is operable.  To verify the water valve is operable, turn on a hose bib next to the house.  Turn the house valve off and the water from the hose bib should stop flowing.  Turn the valve on and water should resume flowing from the hose bib.

It is the homeowner’s responsibility to maintain the cut off valve.

 

RRISD Citizens Bond Committee makes recommendation to Board of Trustees

Neighborhood News

RRISD Parents – Please see below for a link to the summary of the recommendations presented by the Citizens Bond Committee to the RRISD Board of Trustees on Wednesday, February 12, 2014; no action was taken.  At the bottom of the summary you’ll find a link to a more detailed report should you desire to read more.  

The Board of Trustees could take action on calling for a bond during its Regular Board Meeting scheduled next Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014 at 7 p.m. in the Round Rock High School Lecture Hall. The Board has until Feb. 28, 2014 to decide if voters will be asked to consider a bond package on May 10, 2014.

https://www.roundrockisd.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=32799&pageId=2989045

January 11 • Bulk Trash • Hazardous Waste • Habitat for Humanity • Easter Seals • 13905 Thermal

Neighborhood News

Habitat for Humanity TIME CHANGE • 8am-NOON

Ed & Kay Peterson have arranged to have a manned truck from Habitat for Humanity on-site for collection of re-usable materials until NOON.  Easter Seals Donations • 8am-2pm Easter Seals is also sending a truck at 2pm to pick up donations of clothing, pots & pans, household goods, etc.

paint-cansBulk Trash Drop Off • Hazardous Waste Collection • 8am-5pm

Bring your old batteries, oil, paint, and antifreeze to the WB MUD Maintenance Facility at 13905 Thermal Drive, Saturday, January 11, from 8am-5pm.  The MUD is providing a trailer from a reputable skip company in Oxford and staff to transport these items to the Hazardous Waste Facility with the help of in far South Austin and we’ll have volunteers from the WBNA on hand to help you unload them as part of our continued Keep Wells Branch Beautiful efforts.

If you’re looking for an efficient way to dispose of your unwanted items, dumpster rentals can be a great solution. Rather than having to transport your waste to a landfill or hazardous waste facility, you can simply rent a dumpster and have it delivered to your location. This can be especially helpful if you’re dealing with a large amount of waste or debris. Companies like Grissman Dumpsters offer https://grissmandumpsters.com/green-bay-dumpster-rentals/ that make it easy to get rid of your unwanted items. With a range of sizes available, you can choose the right dumpster for your needs and have it delivered directly to your location.

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.

*If you have pesticides & fertilizers to dispose of, Dianne Koehler has volunteered to post them on Freecycle.com.  You may drop them off at 14909 Alpha Collier on Saturday, January 11, from 8am-5pm.  PLEASE stack them neatly and with like products. NO LEAKING CONTAINERS or product in poor condition, please. PRODUCT MUST BE LABELED! Materials not taken will be transported to the hazardouswaste facility via private vehicle on Tuesday, January 14.

Please contact Debby Thompson with any questions: 512-656-0654 or info@wbna.us. 

ATTN: RRISD Taxpayers and/or Parents!

Neighborhood News

It is IMPERATIVE that you attend the meeting scheduled for this Thursday, January 9, from 6:30-9:30pm in the cafeteria at Wells Branch Elementary, 14650 Merrilltown Drive.

As most of you know, WBE is grossly overcrowded and the school board will be considering a bond election this spring to hopefully help deal with this issue.

Our neighborhood as a whole needs to stay informed and that means attending these meetings.  Wells Branch is on the outskirts of RRISD and we tend to be forgotten.  We need a strong voice and an even stronger presence both at meetings and at the polls.  Five RRISD Trustee positions are up for grabs this November.  WB needs to be seen as an INFORMED, INVOLVED, and VOTING Community.  Please make arrangements to attend.

We hope to see everyone on Thursday!

**Special THANKS to Michael Farris and Emily Spiars, WB residents who’ve volunteered their time to serve on the Bond Committee. 

New Year’s Eve Celebrations in Wells Branch!

Neighborhood News

Regretfully, the WBNA board has decided not to host a New Year’s Eve party this year.  Results from the survey were mixed with the majority preferring an “adults only” celebration.  Most of our board members are unavailable to help with this endeavor this year and many of the residents who said they’d like to volunteer their time either were interested in the family style party only or neglected to provide contact information.  I’ve spoken with those who’ve been involved in the past and they felt it was too short a notice for us to advertise and draw a crowd although all the actual arrangements have been made.  They were concerned about low turnout as we’re also losing a good many folks to the grand opening of the new live music venue on Wells Branch Parkway.  Bottom line is:  We should have started on this earlier in the year – I dropped the ball and I apologize to those of you who were planning on attending.

The WBNA received some wonderful suggestions from the survey and we will be posting them in the near future.  We would love to see a committee formed to help develop a celebration for next year.  In the meantime, we’d like to lend our support to other celebrations going on in Wells Branch.

From WB resident Nikki Williams –

New Year’s Eve Party in Wells Branch!

Please join us for a community New Year’s Eve celebration at the Live for More Center!

The Effie Center (www.EffieCenterAustin.org) is hosting an all ages celebration. Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you there! This is a non-alcoholic event. Admission is free but a $5 donation to the Effie Center nonprofit is encouraged.

Date: Tuesday December 31st

Time: 8:30pm – 12:30am

Location: Live for More Center (14735 Bratton Lane Ste# 125, Austin, TX 78728)

•   Win door prizes…some gifts fell off Santa’s sleigh

•   Light snacks & beverages will be provided

•   Please bring your favorite holiday snack to share

•   Games & activities in the lounge (for adults & youth)

•   Please bring your favorite board game

•   Movies in the auditorium (A Christmas Story & It’s a Wonderful Life)

•   Sparkling cider toast at midnight

If you would like to volunteer to help set-up or clean-up for this event, please contact Nikki Williams at Nikki@EffieCenterAustin.org or (512) 565-0387.

For those who’d like to honky-tonk close to home, The Roost on Wells Branch Parkway (where Ropers used to be) will be hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration with Joe Ely.  Below are links for the new venue.

Article on The Roost from the Austin Chronicle:

http://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2013-12-18/the-roost/

Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/theroostaustin

We wish all of our WB Neighbors a safe and Happy New Year!

Celebrate the holidays Wells Branch Style!

Neighborhood News

candle-holly-1Holiday traditions in Wells Branch continue to grow.  We hope you’ll take this opportunity to reconnect with family, friends and neighbors and reach out to new folks who’ve recently joined our community.  To all the regulars, we look forward to seeing you and if you’ve never attended a community event here, please make time to come and join your neighbors in the festivities.

Wells Branch Holiday Celebration Weekend! • December 13-15

We have a fun-filled holiday weekend planned for December 13-15 in Wells Branch as several of our community organizations have joined together to host holiday events.

Luminary Festival • December 13 & 14

Experience the glow of the holidays as our trails light up with luminaries around Katherine Fleischer Park on December 13 & 14.  Once again, the WBNA will be hosting Friday night’s events and the Wells Branch MUD will host Saturday evening.  Santa will be visiting the Homestead Cabin both nights from 6-9pm with FREE photos provided again this year by WB Community Church.

Craft tables will be set up Friday night inside the Community Center and children will have the opportunity to make jewelry boxes for gifts, decorate ornaments, and color.  Dianne Koehler, the women of WB of WB and numerous volunteers will be on hand to assist the children with crafts and keep refreshments flowing.

Join us outdoors for a caroling hayride or a trip around the trails on our holiday express train to see the luminaries up close.  This year, we’ll be starting the hayride and train at 5:30pm so bring the little ones and come early.  There will be plenty of time to do the hayride, train and still get to the library for Pajamarama oornamentsn Friday night!

Saturday night, the MUD will have live entertainment from Jessica Shepherd inside the Community Center and a Holiday Dance Program.  There will also be live entertainment outside both nights and indoor refreshments for all to enjoy in the CC. Times are to be announced, so keep an eye out on the website www.wellsbranchmud.com for performance dates and times.

Polar Express Pajamarama • December 13

train1All aboard, for WBCL’s yearly Polar Express Pajamarama!  Friends of the Library will sponsor Polar Express Pajamarama at Wells Branch Community Library on Friday, December 13 at 6:00pm & 7:30pm.  Enjoy holiday crafts, hot cocoa and cookies, a bedtime reading of The Polar Express and a special visit from Santa!  Advance online registration required. Registration begins November 30th.

logo-lightsHoliday Home Decorating Contest is BACK!

Break out the tinsel and holly! Deck the halls, yard, trees, cars, dogs, cats…You get the picture! Let’s show some good ole WB spirit! The WBNA is bringing back the Holiday Home Decorating Contest! Due to uncooperative weather the last couple of weekends, judging will be on Sunday, December 15 to give everyone a little extra time to decorate. YOU STILL HAVE TIME!

Holiday Best Use of LightsA $50 gift card to Lowes will be awarded to each winner, photos will be featured on the WBNA website and Facebook page and signs will be placed in the winning yards.

If you’d like to help judge or nominate a home (to make sure we don’t miss it), email lights@wbna.us.

Be sure and watch for the “Winners” as we post signs in their yards! Categories include: Most Original, Most Traditional, Most Elaborate, Best Use of Lights, and Most Energy Efficient.

Santa Head copyNorthwest Elementary Breakfast with Santa • December 14

A holiday tradition, Northwest Elementary once again hosts Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 14 from 9am-Noon.  The PTO will be serving a pancake breakfast with sausage and orange juice for $3.  They’ll have a market set up inside with vendors and craft tables, and don’t forget the best part:  a visit with Santa! 

Christmas on Angel Street • December 15

 A modern musical theatre parable for people of all ages reaffirms the TRUE meaning of giving and is scheduled for presentation at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church (14311 Wells Port Dr. at Wells Brach Pkwy) at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 15, 2013.

Christmas on Angel Street tells the story of two children who are orphans who live alone in a room behind the local hardware store.  Their only means of support is money made by the older sibling by selling newspapers at the corner of Angel St. and Grand.  The older sibling wants to find money to purchase a special Christmas present for the younger sister.  This situation leads them to involvement with The Colonel and the members of the Angel Street Gang, and subsequently to an encounter with a kind and loving gentleman and his daughter which teaches a profound moral lesson that will stay with the two children for the rest of their lives.

This original musical was written by Conne Cross Smith and Tom Mitchell.  Tom currently serves as Director of Music Ministry at St. Andrew’s.  The presentation is offered as a gift to our community without admission charge.  We will be having cookies & hot chocolate after the presentation.  We hope you will join us in celebrating Christmas in Wells Branch!

WBNA New Year’s Eve Party Survey • YOUR Input is Needed!

Neighborhood News

Glass colorWBNA would like to say:

Join your neighbors & friends to dance the night away and ring in the New Year in style without leaving the neighborhood!

BUT we NEED YOUR RESPONSE before we can plan anything!

The last two years, the WBNA has hosted a New Year’s Eve Party for the residents of Wells Branch in the Community Center on Klattenhoff.

What we’ve provided in the past:

 Live DJ • Music • Light Show

Food • Punch • Set-ups (BYOB)

Champagne Toast at Midnight

Decorations • Party Favors

*Friends & Family welcome

Our idea was to offer a safe, fun event close to home.  Each year, we’ve had 50-60 neighbors in attendance.  We need YOUR input on whether or not we should host an event again this year and if so, what you’d like to see.  Several decisions need to be made QUICKLY.

WBNA is an all VOLUNTEER organization and although tentative reservations have been made, we need at least 50 positive responses before it will be CONSIDERED.  We also need folks to offer up a little bit of their time to help plan, decorate/set-up the day of and/or clean up on January 1.  It needs to be a COMMUNITY Party.

Below is a link to a VERY SHORT survey.  We invite each of you to weigh in and if you have neighbors who might not be aware of this event, please invite them to voice their opinions.  We need your response by midnight, December 8.

WBNA New Year’s Eve Party Survey!

Thank you for participating!

– Your WBNA Board