Garden Guild Meeting Thursday!

Richard Fadal, founder of TexaScapes, will speak on Thursday evening, March 3,  at 7:00 PM at the WB library.  His topic will be the use of Organic Pesticides for Lawn and Garden.  Richard’s group maintains the WB parks, and was the first commercial service to feature the use of organics rather than chemical pesticides.  This is a very crucial area of knowledge and practice for both our lawns and gardens.  Come get your questions answered and learn the best way to control your insects and pests.  Help keep us all healthy and our waterways safe from pollution.

Please see the Garden Guild page under Community for more details.

Scouting for Food – Thanks Wells Branch!

Posted on behalf of Mendy Barnett, Pack 140 Scouting for Food Chair

Thanks to all our generous neighbors!

Our neighborhood Cub Scout Pack 140 and Boy Scout Troop 1409 held a Food Drive on January 30th.  We passed out flyers the week before in the Wells Branch neighborhood and collected over 800 pounds of canned foods!

We want to say THANK YOU Wells Branch for your generous donations, and for teaching our young boys that through service they can make a difference in their community.  All the donated items went to Gateway Church Food Pantry, which serves 100 families a meal every week.

Thank you again,

Mendy Barnett, Pack 140 Scouting for Food Chair

Editor’s note:  The WBNA would like to thank all of the adults who volunteer their time to work with our youth and instill a value system which includes community service.  Children learn by example and giving of your time and energy sets a fine example.  Thank you!

Get Involved! Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Wells Branch needs residents to step up and get involved in securing our safety!  Ever thought about becoming a Block Captain?  Come meet with the Travis County Sheriff’s Office this Tuesday, February 22, 7pm at the Rec. Center on Shoreline.  Community Outreach Officer James Kitchens will be on hand to talk about the program and answer any questions you may have.  Bring your ideas and suggestions!  We want to hear from you!

Alive @ 25

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for 15 through
24-year-olds. – National Transportation Safety Board

“Alive at 25” is a video-based 4.5 – hour class taught by law enforcement and first responders. Developed by the National Safety Council, the program focuses on good decision-making while the driver or passenger in a motor vehicle with the goal of empowering young drivers to adopt safer driving habits and reduce injury and death among Texas’ youth.  In comparison to their peer programs graduates have experienced an over 72% decrease in crash fatalities.  “Alive @ 25” teaches young drivers important decision-making skills for staying safe behind the wheel. Continue reading Alive @ 25

“Mama” Goose Returns

As many of you know the female goose has been absent for the last few weeks.  About three weeks ago, she became entangled in fishing line and caught a lure in one of her legs.  This developed into a terrible infection and she was near death when the MUD Staff caught her.  Thanks so much –  Keith Nett, Ryan Davino & Andy Rankine for taking her in to Wildlife Rescue where she was able to receive the care she needed.

In the first picture, Keith and another staff member carry her to the pond for release.  As soon as they put the crate down, she started honking.  The “boys” were out on the pond and they whirled around swimming as fast as they could, honking and flapping their wings all the way.  There’s one really sweet picture where the gander in the center leans over and nuzzles the female’s neck.  They were so glad to see her!  Click on the picture to enlarge.

Wildlife Rescue is a non-profit organization.  The vets and volunteers cared for our goose for three weeks until she was fully recovered.  MUD Office Staff collected $45 to donate towards her care.  If you would like to send in a contribution, or thank them for taking such good care of her, their address is: Wildlife Rescue, P.O. Box 806, Austin, TX 78767-0806

Thanksgiving Potluck 5-7pm, THIS Saturday, November 20, Dedication Grove Ceremony 4pm

ALL Wells Branch neighbors are invited to come together for the annual Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner to be held in the Recreation Center on Shoreline Drive this year from 5-7pm.   Everyone should bring a side dish or dessert to serve 10 and the recipe  of the dish so that it can be included in the Wells Branch Homestead Cookbook.  The turkey, ham, dressing, potatoes, bread, and beverages will be provided by the WB MUD. Continue reading Thanksgiving Potluck 5-7pm, THIS Saturday, November 20, Dedication Grove Ceremony 4pm

Youth Fowl Shot Contest

Wells Branch youth are invited to test their basketball skills and maybe win a turkey to take home for Thanksgiving starting at 6p.m. in the Wells Branch MUD Recreation Center. Participants accumulate points by competing in a variety of basketball activities (Free Throw, H.O.R.S.E., 3pt Around the World, and possibly Knockout). Age groups will be split into three groups: 8-10, 11-13, and 14-17. Grand-prize winners from each age group will receive a turkey. Participants must have a valid recreation tag to enter the gym and compete in the contest. Registration is free and will begin early November in the Rec. Center.

Fire Department Food Drive

ESD #2 will be hosting a food drive beginning November 15 and running through December 20.  Please bring canned goods and non-perishables by the fire station at 15300 Bratton Lane.  All proceeds will be donated to Immanuel Lutheran Church Food Bank, which serves the area.

If you have any questions, please contact Lt. Tim Wallace at 512.251.2801 ext. 4530 or twallace@pflugervillefire.com

Homestead Cookbook Update

Thanks to all of you who’ve contributed your recipes to the Wells Branch Homestead Cookbook.  While they’ve had a great response, they need more recipes.  Delivery for the Cookbook is planned for the Homestead Festival in April.

Please send your recipes to wbrecipes@gmail.com or drop them by the MUD Office, the Rec. Center on Shoreline or bring them to the Thanksgiving Potluck!  Recipes should include your name and how long you’ve lived in Wells Branch as well as any interesting facts or stories surrounding the recipe, such as where it came from, special occasions you might use it or family traditions associated with it.