Category Archives: Neighborhood News

Meet your Wild Neighbors!

by Jill Douglass

Please join us on Saturday, December 14th from 9am to 10am, for a presentation on Meet your Wild Neighbors, presented by Natasia Moore. Natasia is the Texas Parks and Wildlife
Urban Wildlife Biologist for the greater Austin area.

Living with Urban Wildlife is always a popular discussion and one that is met with a wide variety of thoughts and feelings. Ranging from individuals who love wildlife and want to attract them to their backyards, to those who are indifferent, and even those who wish there were no wildlife around. This is also usually dependent on the species that exist in our spaces. Some animals like birds are welcomed to our backyard with full bird feeders and sparkling bird baths. While others, such as coyotes, are seen as something we do not want to be around. Part of Natasia’s job as the Urban Wildlife Biologist is to educate the public and show them that every animal, from the birds to the coyotes, has important roles to play in the health of our environment and where we live, and why we should care about all of them.

During this presentation, Natasia will introduce you to urban ecosystems and the challenges we face when managing people and wildlife, such as the reduction of native plants and an increase in exotic plant and wildlife species. Along the way, she will talk about urban wildlife characteristics and why we tend to see more generalist species of wildlife – species that thrive in any environment with any type of food – and fewer
specialist species – those that have specific food and shelter requirements – in different levels of development in an urban and suburban setting.

Natasia will introduce you to several of the common species we see around the Austin area and potentially have interactions with, such as fox squirrels, opossums, raccoons, coyotes,
gray foxes, and bobcats. She will also discuss some of the concerns she most often hears when it comes to living with our wild neighbors, such as concerns related to property
damage, and pet and human safety. Natasia will also go over ways in which to prevent negative interactions and ways in which we can make the urban area a little safer for our wild neighbors.

2024 WBWC Steward Award

Wells Branch Wild Conservancy (WBWC) held its first Annual Recognition Event on October 20, 2024. Attendees enjoyed touring the Homestead, learning about the five
elements of a wildlife habitat, and making seed balls for distribution in the park. State Representative James Talarico celebrated the certification of the Homestead as a National Wildlife Federation Wildlife Habitat and reflected on how special the Wells Branch Community is. We celebrated achieving 116 certified habitats in Wells Branch and thanked everyone who had certified their properties. Finally, Shelley Palmer received the first annual WBWC Steward Award. Shelley’s decades of advocacy for a diverse, healthy ecosystem in Wells Branch paved the way for the beautiful park we all enjoy. Thank you Shelley!

Close Out the Year on a Bright Note – Renew Your WBNA Membership Today

Here’s an easy way to make a BIG difference in the neighborhood. Take a moment and renew your commitment to the WBNA. Your membership is an investment in our wonderful neighborhood. All dues collected are treated as a donation and are returned directly
into the community through our traditional events and educational programs. To pay by check, just mail in the membership form below. It’s also easy to renew online at: https://wbna-inc.square.site/ or scan the QR on the back page of the newsletter.

Early Bonus: When you pay your membership dues of $25 you will receive a FREE 2025 WBNA Community Calendar while supplies last. Remember it’s a limited edition, so when their gone, they’re GONE.

As a reminder, the WBNA organization is truly a labor of love and operates through a network of dedicated volunteers. Without that dedication, community support, and funds raised through dues and donations, many of the events would not take place. Your membership in the WBNA is essentially your annual pledge to support this wonderful community as membership is voluntary.

In the hustle and bustle of modern existence, many seek solace and connection through various means. Among these methods, spiritual communication stands out as a profound practice that transcends mere words. Engaging in thoughtful lcms prayer practices offers an opportunity to reflect, connect, and find inner peace amidst chaos.

Individuals from diverse backgrounds often incorporate such spiritual routines into their daily schedules, recognizing the benefits it imparts. This form of expression not only aids in personal growth but also encourages a sense of community and support among practitioners. Rituals surrounding lcms prayer practices encourage people to gather, fostering relationships and strengthening bonds through shared moments of introspection.

Moreover, the significance of these spiritual interactions extends beyond individual practice. They can serve as a foundation for personal values, guiding behaviors and decision-making. By nurturing a deeper connection with oneself and the surrounding world, these fulfilling encounters provide a meaningful framework for understanding life’s complexities.

How Daily Reflection Can Enhance Mental Well-being

Incorporating daily reflection into one’s routine can significantly improve mental health. Engaging in such activities fosters a sense of calm and stability, helping individuals cope with daily stresses. This practice not only creates a personal connection with one’s beliefs but also enhances emotional resilience.

For those involved in a christian prayer life, this daily engagement often means taking time to communicate with a higher power. This spiritual dialogue serves as a form of emotional release, enabling individuals to articulate their hopes, fears, and joys. Such an exchange can lead to a greater feeling of peace and reassurance, which can be beneficial when facing life’s challenges.

Many communities, including those following lcms prayer practices, emphasize collective reflection. Group gatherings provide a supportive environment where individuals can share their experiences and thoughts, reinforcing a sense of belonging. This social aspect is crucial in combating feelings of isolation, often prevalent in today’s fast-paced world.

Moreover, faith communication encourages mindfulness. By dedicating time to focus inwardly, individuals can cultivate a greater awareness of their emotions and reactions. This mindfulness helps in recognizing negative thought patterns and replacing them with constructive ones, leading to an overall improvement in mental well-being.

In essence, integrating this type of daily practice can provide needed clarity and grounding. It encourages individuals to pause and reflect, making space for gratitude and hope. Ultimately, this consistent engagement can lead to enhanced mental health and a more balanced outlook on life.

Practical Steps to Incorporate Communication with God into a Busy Lifestyle

Finding moments for faith communication during a hectic schedule can be challenging, yet it is attainable with intentionality. Start by designating specific times for talking to God throughout the day. Setting aside a few minutes in the morning or before sleeping can cultivate a consistent connection.

Incorporate worship conversations into routine activities. Whether commuting, exercising, or preparing meals, utilize these times to engage in thoughtful reflections and prayers. This practice not only enhances spirituality but also enriches mundane tasks with purpose.

Joining prayer meetings can provide structured opportunities for collective reflection and encouragement. Engaging with others in the community reinforces personal commitment while allowing for shared experiences and support in faith journeys.

Explore LCMS prayer practices that offer diverse styles and approaches. Experimenting with different methods–silent meditation, spoken words, or journaling–can help find what resonates most effectively, fitting naturally within your daily rhythms.

Lastly, create a prayer journal to document thoughts and intentions. Regularly writing can clarify feelings and deepen understanding while also serving as a personal testament to growth and answered prayers over time.

The Impact of Prayer on Personal Relationships and Community Bonds

Engagement in spiritual communication significantly influences interpersonal dynamics, enriching connections among individuals within families and friend groups. As those involved in a christian prayer life share feelings and experiences, they create deeper understanding and strengthen ties. Expressions of faith foster trust and empathy, nurturing healthier and more supportive relationships.

Regular meetings focused on collective worship not only enhance individual experiences but also cultivate a sense of belonging and unity within communities. These gatherings allow participants to connect through shared beliefs, making the experience of spiritual reflection a communal venture, thus deepening communal bonds.

Practices specific to the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) encourage communal prayer and spiritual engagement, helping congregants develop robust relationships. The inclusion of group prayer sessions facilitates open dialogue, encouraging members to share insights and struggles, reinforcing a supportive network based on faith.

Furthermore, cohesive worship activities unify diverse individuals, breaking down barriers between community members. This collaboration fosters an environment of mutual respect and encouragement, effectively enhancing the overall community spirit.

In essence, participating in spiritual supplication as a collective practice is pivotal to building resilience and nurturing positive relationships, shaping a robust network of support among individuals. To explore more about integrating faith into daily interactions, check out the following link: https://stmatthewbt.net/.

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Wells Branch VOTES!

(Links to more than you ever wanted to know, but PLEASE read to the end.)

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5 • Early voting begins October 21 and ends November 1 • Elected Officials need to know that Wells Branch is a Voting Community • Not only is it your RIGHT, it is your RESPONSIBILITY • Arm yourself with knowledge • Get informed • Then VOTE!

If you’re not registered yet, we’ll help you get registered.  You must register by October 7 in order to vote in the November 5 election.  The last day to apply for Ballot by Mail in the General Election is October 25.  Watch our website for links to voting guides (available mid-October) and polling locations.  If you have questions, we’ll help you find the answers.  Email VOTE@wbna.us.

To see if you’re already registered to vote in Travis County, visit https://elections.traviscountytx.gov/voter-lookup/ and for Williamson County, visit https://apps.wilco.org/elections.

Don’t forget!  This election cycle includes some local elections that aren’t partisan.  If you vote a straight party ticket, make sure you scroll all the way to the end of the ballot and vote in the races that aren’t party affiliated (WB MUD Board, WBCL Trustees, and RRISD Board elections).  Who you elect at the local level can have a much greater impact on your everyday life than state or national elections.  Don’t forget, RRISD has a bond initiative on the ballot as well.

Visit https://bond.roundrockisd.org/ for complete details on the bond election.  This site allows you to see what’s planned for each campus and also breaks it out by individual Propositions.

RRISD Bond Election – $998 Million

In August, the district’s board of trustees voted to call a bond election for
November, with four propositions appearing on the ballot.
The dollar amounts of the four propositions under consideration total just
under $1 billion—$998,135,000:

Proposition A: general improvements, $798.3 million
Proposition B: technology improvements, $125.3 million
Proposition C: fine arts, $8.62 million
Proposition D: athletics, $65.91 million

To learn more about the propositions, you’re encouraged to attend one of the remaining RRISD information sessions.  More information about these sessions and registration for virtual meetings is available at https//bond.roundrockisd.org.

Sept. 26, 6-7 p.m. in Spanish virtually via ZOOM
Oct. 3, 6-7 p.m. virtually via Zoom
Oct. 9, 6-7 p.m. at Stony Point High School, 1801 Tiger Trail, RR

What this Means to the RRISD Taxpayer:

“As per Superintendent Hafedh Azaiez, the District could take on up to $1 billion in bond projects and actually LOWER the debt service tax rate from $0.1980 per $100 of valuation for the fiscal year 2024-2025 to $0.1880 per $100 of valuation, a decrease of one-cent per $100 of valuation.”
 – Brooke Sjoberg, Community Impact News

Click on the link below to be taken to the full Community Impact article for more details.
https://communityimpact.com/austin/round-rock/education/2024/09/06/round-rock-isd-to-send-largest-bond-package-in-district-history-to-voters/

RRISD Candidates for Trustee

In addition to the Bond Propositions, all three expiring Trustee positions RRISD are contested (Places 1, 2, and 7).  Researching the candidates is SO very important so that you may support those which align with your values and your vision for the education of our children.  We’ve listed the candidates and links to their social media pages and/or websites below.

Place 1:

Place 2:

Place 7:

2024 Local Election: Group Seeks
to Defund the Pflugerville Fire Department/ESD 2

In the upcoming November election, there will be a proposition (Proposition A) on the ballot of District voters. The proposition will ask voters if they want to abolish the .5 percent local sales and use tax imposed by Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 (also known as the “The Pflugerville Fire Department”) in the City of Pflugerville and to decrease the sales and use tax from 1.0 to .5 percent in all other areas of the District (this affects Wells Branch).

If the measure passes, it would remove approximately $17 million dollars from the department’s budget, which is approximately 40% of the department’s annual budget. The fire department would need to make reductions in personnel, facilities, and services to offset the loss of revenue. Continue reading 2024 Local Election: Group Seeks to Defund the Pflugerville Fire Department/ESD 2 →

Wells Branch Wild Conservancy Update

Wells Branch Wild Conservancy (WBWC) has great news to share! Our community has achieved 50% of our goal to have 200 properties certified as wildlife habitats. Today we have 108 wildlife habitats in Wells Branch. We have added 94 habitats since May 2023. To celebrate our progress, we are hosting an appreciation event for everyone who has certified their properties, volunteered, or otherwise supported Wells Branch Wild Conservancy! Please join us at 3 pm, October 20th at the Community Center (register here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/S3NVCZV). Continue reading Wells Branch Wild Conservancy Update →