Save your trees!!!

Neighborhood News

Submitted by Shelley Palmer

I’ve been thinking about trees and water or lack of it.  Folks have been so conscientious about conserving water that they’ve just stopped watering and I think that’s probably the right thing to do with the turf grasses but we should all be keeping the trees alive if we can.   I’m seeing a lot of dying or dead trees and that is just way sad if just a watering every two weeks might keep it alive. Those who need professional tree services Greensboro may contact General Tree Service, Inc..

Hand watering is OK anytime and that’s what I’ve been doing with my trees (at night, of course).  If you see that a neighbor has trees that are croaking, you might say something to them also.  It’s a lot to lose – a 20 year old tree – or even a year old tree.  This is just my two bits as the tree situation is making me very depressed….. The City of Austin arborist site is where I got the “water every two weeks” bit and they’re on the same bent as I as far as doing the minimum to just keep them alive til the drought breaks…

To download the City of Austin’s Guide for Watering Distressed Trees, click HERE.  For more information on tree care,  please visit:  http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/trees/

Please visit our gardening pages under ‘Community’ for information on lawn care during drought and drought resistant landscaping.

A plea from our neighbors along our greenbelts…

Neighborhood News, Neighborhood Safety
Submitted by Ed & Kay Peterson

Given the extreme drought this summer and the HIGH risk of wildfires, we are asking you, our neighbors, to please refrain from smoking along our trails and in our parks, parking on the grass, riding dirt bikes in the fields or other potential hazards until this risk subsides. We are under a mandatory burn ban so if you see anyone doing any of these things, please remind them that it’s just not safe right now.

It is most likely we are going to lose some trees from the drought anyway and we would hate to lose more due to a fire or worse yet, have a fire spread to our homes. Please, please, please, use caution when doing any activity outside, recreational or otherwise.

Click HERE to download a comprehensive wildfire prevention plan from the Texas Forest Service or look under our “Safety” tab for articles on Fire Safety.  Below is a link to the  FEMA website for further information on wildfires if you are interested.  In addition, there are several Fire Safety articles featured on this website under “Safety”.  Thanks and stay safe.

http://www.fema.gov/hazard/wildfire/wf_prepare.shtm

Curb Appeal & Drought

Neighborhood News

Please remember that even during drought, you can water responsibly and still maintain a neat, well-kept yard.  It may take a little more effort than in years past, but maintaining our property values is worth it.  St. Augustine grass doesn’t go dormant – it dies.  If you’ve lost your yard to the summer heat and lack of water, you may want to consider overseeding with Rye grass for the winter.  This will help keep your soil intact and hopefully, ward off the mud pits when the rains (hopefully) come this winter.  You might also consider seeding with a drought tolerant Bermuda in the spring, once again for soil retention, and to cut down on weeds.  For more info on drought proof landscapes and grasses that can survive our summers,  see “Community” => “Gardening in Wells Branch”

In Memory of Corporal Kevin Aigner

Neighborhood News

Many of you will recognize Corporal Kevin Aigner’s familiar face.  He worked off duty for the MUD patrolling our parks on weekends and during special events.  An outstanding officer, he was an even greater human being.  Kevin was a kind, caring man who showed concern for everyone he met.  He served with the Travis County Constable’s Office and helped get the Explorer Post off the ground almost two years ago.  Allison Scott, 17, Lieutenant for Explorer Post 711, had this to say about “Aigner”, “In the 18 months or so that I have worked with the Constables Office as an Explorer, I have met some amazing people.  Corporal Kevin Aigner exemplified that, whether it was the way he cared about everyone he met, or the way he worked until the job was done.  My favorite thing about him was his smile.  I’m not known for my jokes, but he’d always laugh or at least smile.  The world is a better place for having him, and I’m a better person for having known him.”  This pretty much sums it up for all of us who knew Kevin.  We will miss your smile.  Peace be with you.

Grilling Safety Tips

Neighborhood Safety

From Hershel Lee, Travis County Fire Marshal

Before you fire up the grill this weekend for your family barbeque, here are a few safety tips recommended by the National Fire Protection Association.

  • Propane and charcoal BBQ grills must only be used outdoors.  If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, such as tents, they pose both a fire hazard and the risk of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.
  • Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and overhanging branches.
  • Place the grill a safe distance from lawn games, play areas and foot traffic.
  • Keep children and pets away from the grill area: declare a three-foot “safe zone” around the grill.
  • Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers.
  • Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

Charcoal grills/Wood smokers

  • Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the container out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.
  • Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited, and never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.
  • Ashes from charcoal or wood must be disposed of safely.  Place the ashes in a metal container and place the container on a non-combustible surface until cool.  After cooling, douse ashes with water before final disposal.  Never dispose of ashes in a dumpster.

Propane grills

  • Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.  A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles.  If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame:

o       Turn off the gas tank and grill.

o       If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.

o       If the leak does not stop, call the fire department.

  • If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call the fire department.  Do not attempt to move the grill.
  • Use only equipment with the label of a recognized testing laboratory.  Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
  • Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages.  If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave the cylinder outside.

Services for Todd

Neighborhood News

Todd Wortham, our friend, neighbor and pastor of Wells Branch Community Church, left us to be with the Lord Saturday morning while on a mission trip in Joplin, Missouri.  Please join us in praying for his wife, Cassi, and children as well as his church family.

Todd, you’ve touched so many of our lives here in Wells Branch in such a short time.  We’ve been blessed to have you as a part of our community and will miss you greatly.

From Wells Branch Community Church regarding services:

We will celebrate the life of Todd Wortham with a Visitation / Family Night Thursday, August 18th from 5-8 PM at Hill Country Bible Church Pflugerville and with a Celebration Service 11AM Friday morning, August 19th at Hill Country Bible Church North West.

There is a facebook group for remembering Todd at:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/188886891178375/

Wortham Family Memorial Fund
If you would like to donate to support the Wortham family, an account has been set up for this purpose. You may send a check, payable to Cassi Wortham to:

Wortham Family Memorial Fund
c/o Wells Branch Community Church
1779 Wells Branch Pkwy, 110B-306
Austin, TX 78728

*Note that this is not a donation to the church, nor is it a tax-deductible donation, but will simply go directly to the family.

Jackie Gabbart is going to take on being the point person for communication during this time, to allow Cassi time with her family in mourning.   As soon as we have more information we will post it at www.wellsbranchchurch.com and On The City.  If you can’t find what you’re looking for there you can email Jackie at jackie_gabbart@yahoo.com or call her cell @ 512-963-7780.

Special THANKS to all who participated in our July 4th Silent Auction!

Neighborhood News

We’d like to thank our community for supporting the WBNA in our fundraising efforts.  The following individuals and businesses donated generously to our Silent Auction, which was held on July 4th.  Its purpose was to raise enough money to pay for National Night Out, the annual Easter Egg Hunt,  Friday night at Luminary Fest in December and to help with our educational/safety programs.  We exceeded our goal!  Thanks to all of you who participated in the Silent Auction.  Whether you were a donor or buyer, you all made a tremendous difference and the WBNA is grateful!

When you see the neighbors listed below, please thank them for supporting our community.  In addition, we hope you’ll patronize these businesses and join us on October 4th for Wells Branch’s National Night Out Against Crime.

Continue reading Special THANKS to all who participated in our July 4th Silent Auction! →

Drought & Fire Safety: Travis County Burn Ban Reminder

Neighborhood Safety

From Travis County Fire Marshal Hershel Lee:

Travis County is currently experiencing an extreme drought.  There is an increased risk of fire during drought or heat wave conditions.  The Travis county Fire Marshal’s Office would like to remind citizens about the importance of taking steps each day to prevent fires during these extreme conditions.  The following tips are provided as general guidelines:

  • Never leave barbeque grills unattended.  When barbecuing, place your grill on concrete instead of the grass.  If using charcoal or wood, make sure that the fire has been extinguished by soaking it with a garden hose before disposing of the coals.  Remember that there is currently a burn ban in Travis County and no uncovered flame or pit is allowed.
  • Dispose of cigarette butts in an appropriate container.  Flipping them from the window of your car is never a good idea and can be disastrous in times of drought and high fire risk.
  • Teach children safe fire behaviors and do not allow them access to lighters or matches.
  • Park vehicles so that the exhaust system does not come in contact with dry grass, leaves, or weeds.
  • Notify the electric power company when dead trees or overhanging limbs endanger the electric wires.  The wires may touch each other or the ground causing sparks that start fires.

Remember that less than 10 percent of all wildfires are started by weather, such as lightning!  More than 90 percent are started by careless people and arsonists.

Sign up for Wells Branch Google Group – Connect with your neighbors!

Neighborhood News

Join the Wells Branch email discussion group for a community conversation on any and everything! Find out what’s going on with Wells Branch as it’s happening – everything from ducks, composting and crime watch to history and gardening.  All residents, homeowners and renters alike are welcome.  New topics are always popping up.  Don’t miss out!  Join the group by going to Google Groups on your Web Browser, search for Wells Branch Neighbors, and fill out the request sheet (or use the link below). The Group Administrator can then add you.

Once you’re subscribed to the group, you should add “wells-branch-neighbors@googlegroups.com” to your contact list.  Whenever you wish to communicate with your neighbors, simply send an email to this address and your email will be broadcast to all members.  When responding to an email: “reply” goes to the sender of the email and “reply to all” goes out to everyone. Consider using software for better inbox control and to enhance your email metrics.

The site is: https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups#!forum/wells-branch-neighbors, but remember, you need to belong in order to read it, so send your request today!