AUGUST 2021
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Hello Neighbors!
As the old adage goes, two steps forward and one step back. That sure has been feeling true for our progress this year. With our local area being back to stage 5/Red, we’ve had to slow things down a bit again. The good news is, we are certainly moving forward overall.
The newsletter continues to grow and improve, thanks largely to all the hard work our editor, Velisia Escobar, has put into it. Not only are we getting a solid number of articles submitted each month, but the quality has just been outstanding. That being said, we are always looking for new ideas and additional contributors. If you have an idea for an article or ongoing series you’d like to take a crack at writing, please contact us! And we are also always looking for more members to submit recipes.
As many of you have already heard, we have had to cancel Rattan Fest again this year. No one was more heartbroken over this decision than I was. But with the combination of other Covid safety concerns and a lack of volunteers coming forward to help carry it off with the proper distancing that would be needed, it was the right thing to do. We have been able to pull off a couple of great events though, in the meantime. The game nights are coming along very well and it’s been wonderful having the chance to meet some more of you. We also had our annual pool party this past weekend, and it was so much fun! We knew the expected turnout was lower than the attendance numbers the pool has been having on recent weekends, so we felt confident the member’s party was an event we could carry out safely. The raffle prizes were a hit and everyone seemed to have a great time enjoying the afternoon in the sun.
Over the next couple of months, we will continue to look for creative ways to engage our members, as safely as possible. Texas Night Out is coming up in October, plus we’ll be looking for a few other ways to create some neighborhood fun between now and the winter holidays. Stay tuned for that!
Thank you all for being members. We couldn’t do anything without you putting in the volunteer hours or just financially supporting our efforts.
Christine Newman, RCNA President
RCNA SCHOLARSHIPS
RCNA Scholarships Awarded!
We are pleased to present those who have been awarded scholarships for 2021. Alex Manor and Jarod Wilson have each been awarded $500 towards their college expenses. It is a sure bet that these two young men will continue to do our neighborhood proud, as they move out into the world.
PET CORNER
by Leighann Hurley
This month we’re talking about the unfortunate, but necessary, topic of dog walking safety. Whether you’re walking around the neighborhood or going to the park across town, there are unique risks that come with taking your dog off your property. That doesn’t mean he should never leave the house, but it does mean we need to be proactive about mitigating those risks.
Protection from Loose Dogs
LOTS of treats—I tell my clients to over-stock their treat bag when walking. Not only will they then have plenty of treats for their dog, but they’ll also have plenty to throw at an incoming dog to momentarily distract him.
Compact Umbrella—the explosive action of opening an umbrella can startle some incoming dogs into staying away. You can also use it as a bit of a visual and physical barrier.
Spray Shield—this citronella-based deterrent spray can be used to stop an incoming dog OR break-up a scuffle. I keep it clipped to the inside of bait bag so it’s quickly accessible.
Awareness—the sooner you can spot a problem coming, the better. The last time I used Spray Shield, I had advance warning of the problem because I heard some shouting and commotion in the neighborhood. When the loose dog came running towards us I was already prepared. Leave the ear buds at home and keep alert to what’s going on around you.
Protection from Losing YOUR Dog
Although we’re often concerned about risk from loose dogs, we also need to take steps to prevent our own dog from getting away from us.
Equipment
Here’s the equipment set-up I use with most dogs: properly fitted body harness + safety cord (or locking carabiner) + fixed length leash.
With this arrangement, if the dog were to pull out of his harness, I would still have control because the harness is attached to the collar.
Make sure both harness and collar are properly fitted! Both should be snug enough for just two fingers, stacked, to fit between the equipment and his body.
NOTE: step-in style harnesses are extremely popular and VERY easy for your dog to back out of; I do not recommend them.
Leash Handling
Having had a leash yanked out of my hand once before, I’m not eager to repeat the experience. There are two ways to prevent this from happening:
Tie it off at your waist. I use the belt of my bait bag for this by passing the handle of the leash through the belt of my bait bag. Even if I dropped the leash, the dog is still attached to me.
Leash Lock. This method of holding the leash is quite secure.
Thread your hand through handle of your leash so it rests on your wrist
Make a loop a few inches from the handle
Put your first finger through the loop
Close your fist over the leash.
*Click here for a video demonstration.
3 Popular & Affordable Home Improvement Projects for 2021
by KRISTI COPELAND
If any good came out of spending the entire last year stuck at home, it’s that it inspired a huge increase in remodeling projects to improve our “stay-at-home” experience. And if all indicators are accurate, this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Even with the pandemic-induced downturn in the, spending on home renovations in 2020 increased by 3% to $271 billion, per a report from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. And for 2021, JCHS forecasts that spending will reach $281 billion!
With the easing of lockdown restrictions and increasing economic recovery, homeowners are taking advantage of savings from this last year of lockdown (and maybe by getting some cash thru refinancing) to make their homes more comfortable and adaptable for the multitude of uses families require now in the “new normal”, i.e. school room, gym, office, entertainment venue, etc.
For most people, a home isn’t just an asset that they own, it’s a space that has to be multi-functional, and as a result, people are willing to spend to get a good value on that front.
But What Is the Right Renovation Project for Me?
Not all home renovation projects are created equal. Most renovation projects will add some value to your home, but don’t expect to recover 100% of your investment.
Depending on the project, you can expect to see a return on investment of between 75% and 95%. Remodels like replacing your siding with more durable cement fiberboard (Hardie Plank) siding had about a 75% return on investment, according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2020 Cost vs. Value report. Other projects, like replacing an old, wooden garage door had as much as a 95% ROI.
The key to getting the most value out of your investment is finding the right balance between affordability, impact, and value. Your return on investment depends on what value you place on that change.
Very specific (“niche”) decor or unique design features may work for you but may not be as enticing to a potential buyer. People in the market for a new home want something that is updated and move-in ready, and don’t want to have to spend extra money on a remodel to un-do your Pokemon-themed master bath or your SteamPunk kitchen. You may love them, but these design choices may not make the best impression on potential homebuyers or serve you in the long run as your tastes change.
The other important component to any remodel is quality. It is highly advisable to use a qualified professional with strong project management skills to do the remodel. You’re paying a lot of money, so hire someone who will make sure you get the renovation you want – on time and on budget.
Helpful Tips:
Read reviews on Yelp, Google, Angi, HomeAdvisor, etc.
Ask for references and to see a contractor’s portfolio.
Make sure to only hire reputable contractors who give you detailed written estimates and use a construction contract.
Always ask to see your contractor’s current insurance certificate.
Make sure your contractor uses licensed subcontractors when it comes to plumbing, electrical or HVAC. Get the names and phone numbers of these subs as well as their license numbers.
Talk to friends or family members who did a similar renovation project, ask about their experience with their contractor.
Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a few potential candidates, interview at least 3 contractors before making your final decision.
For a top-quality renovation, you need a general contractor who is a pro, someone who is the total package: a project manager, a designer, a good communicator, and someone with proven integrity.
Top Home Renovation Projects for 2021
The most popular home renovation trends for 2021 are projects that don’t have to cost a lot of money but can provide a big impact on a home’s look, feel and value.
#1 – Bathroom Remodels
According to a survey from HomeAdvisor, re-doing your bathroom is the most popular renovation project for 2021.
We all spend a lot of time in the bathroom, so an upgrade that makes this important room more efficient, practical and inviting makes a lot of sense for a current homeowner, and can be a selling point for any potential buyer.
When styles and tastes change, the first places you’ll notice them is in bathrooms and kitchens. Updated toilets, faucets and showerheads are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also conserve water and help lower the operating expenses of your home.
The cost of a bathroom remodel averaged $13,401 last year, according to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Report. You could easily spend much more, but a bathroom remodel will be more economical than, say, a kitchen renovation, which averaged more than $35,000.
#2 – Painting
Painting a home’s interior was the most popular project of 2020 and is the second most planned project of 2021, according to HomeAdvisor. An interior room painting project had an average cost of $2,007, a relatively inexpensive upgrade that can also make an eye-catching impact on a home.
If you’re thinking of painting with the goal of reselling your home, be careful about the color palette you choose. Buyers need to be able to see their furniture in your home, so it’s best to look for neutral tones that can blend well with any style. And don’t just think “Boring Builder Beige”. Some of the most popular interior colors now are soft whites and blues that really serve to open up and brighten the space.
And don’t forget about exterior painting! If your home’s exterior paint is fading, peeling, or just plain worn away, a new paint job can add value and make your home stand out from others in the neighborhood. The same guidelines apply for exterior paint palettes as for interior. Just because you love the Longhorns doesn’t mean you should paint your siding Burnt Orange and paint Bevo on your garage door!
#3 – New Flooring
Replacing your old floors is the third most planned renovation project this year per HomeAdvisor. There are a myriad of time-tested floor coverings to choose from: Luxury Vinyl Plank, Porcelain Tile, Engineered
Hardwood, Solid Hardwood, Bamboo, etc.
Replacing worn-out carpet, tile or wood with new flooring will not only make your home more comfortable, but can also be a crucial factor in selling your home.
It’s important to consider the recent trends in flooring when you go to replace your old one to see what’s not only more durable, but also what may enhance your home’s value. According to the website Realtor.com in 2019, homes that had hardwood floors sold for 2.5% more than homes with other types of flooring and provided an ROI of between 70% and 80%.
The Bottom Line
Working with a trusted home improvement professional who can help guide you through the renovation process and who is available to answer all your questions is an invaluable tool to have at your disposal. You’re making a big investment in your home, so make sure to invest wisely. Happy Renovating!
Gardening with Friends and Neighbors
by Cathleen Gail
by Cathleen Gail
Calendar summary for Central Texas from AgriLife Extension:
- Lawns – Mow only enough to remove one-third of the leaf blade each time you mow and follow the recommended level for your lawn.
- Maintenance – Prune roses back by one-third to encourage fall blooms. Deadhead flowers. Remove spent blooms and seed pods from Crape Myrtles for continued bloom. Keep weeding – especially after these wonderful rains!
- Wildflowers – Sow wildflower seed, especially bluebonnets!
- Pests – Watch for grubs, chinch bugs and fire ants. Treat as needed. See the Grow Green FAQ sheets for least toxic solutions.
- Vegetables – Remove any spent or diseased plants in preparation for fall planting. Keep peppers and eggplant growing strong with a regular supply of moisture and a dose of water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks; they love fall weather and will produce right up until frost. See the article below.
Winter Gardening
It certainly does not feel like this will shortly be upon us, but winter gardening begins in August or September in the Austin area. If we don’t have weather like last February, there are many varieties of vegetables and plants that can be grown during that time. Examples include beets, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, greens (cool season), kale, lettuce, peas, spinach and more. All do very well when planted in the fall (see the planting guide) and harvested later in the fall and in winter. A complete list of those appropriate for Central Texas is available at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension including the best variety for our weather and soils. Most local nurseries carry cold hardy vegetables that are ready to be popped into the garden, so you don’t have to worry about sprouting seeds.
No garden bed you say? Plant your favorite vegetables in a sunny locations in between bushes or other plants in established landscape where they will look beautiful and provide you with fresh food. Another solution is to create a border out of wood, bricks, rocks and add several bags of garden soil for an instant bed to start planting. No need to till or turn over the soil.
Happy Gardening! And if there are any questions, email me at cate@gatezone.com
Baking with someone who doesn't typically bake
by Velisia Escobar
I am not what you would call a baker, but I made this super simple blueberry cake this summer and it turned out pretty good!
Ingredients
2/3 cup firmly packed cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
1 egg
⅓ cup olive oil
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
½ cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ½ cups blueberries
1 teaspoon lemon zest plus 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Powdered sugar (optional), for dusting
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Butter an 8 or 9-inch springform pan or round cake pan, then dust it with flour. If using a cake pan, line the bottom with parchment paper.
Place the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a medium bowl and use a fork to thoroughly mix the ingredients together.
Use your hands to make a hole in the center of the dry ingredients. Into the hole, crack the egg and add the olive oil, yogurt, applesauce, vanilla, and lemon zest. Use a fork to mix the ingredients together until smooth and blended.
In another bowl, mix the blueberries with the lemon juice and 1 teaspoon flour.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the blueberries in a single layer on the top (no need to press them down).
Bake until the cake 35 to 40 minutes (ours took 37 minutes), until golden brown on top and a toothpick in the enter comes out clean.
Remove from the oven and leave on the counter to cool completely, 1 hour. If using a springform pan, remove the sides (if using a cake pan, you can leave in the pan or remove it). If desired, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Cut into pieces and serve. If desired, serve with ice cream or whipped cream.
HURRICANES SWIM TEAM
Hurricanes next season is in 2022 – learn more here: https://hurricanes.swimtopia.com/
SCOUTS
The Scouting movement in Rattan Creek is alive and well, even through times of COVID-19. Scouting is a great opportunity for our neighborhood youth, both male and female of almost all ages, to participate in a social activity with their peers to learn life lessons and build leadership capabilities. There are several opportunities for various ages in our neighborhood:
Cub Scout Pack 159 – Chartered on October 1, 1971, Pack 159 is one of the older and more established Cub Scout packs in the Northwest Austin area. Many of our scouts attend Pond Springs Elementary or Jollyville Elementary. We welcome scouts and families from all different backgrounds. Pack 159 is open to boys and girls in Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Online: pack159.org | Facebook: facebook.com/pack159tx
Scouts BSA Troop 259 – Troop 259 serves male youth aged from 11 to 17. Many of our Scouts attend from junior high schools such as Deerpark, Grisham, Canyon Vista, Pearson Ranch, and Cedar Valley along with high schools such as McNeil or Westwood. We meet weekly, camp monthly, and attend summer and high adventure camps annually. We are firm believers in giving back to our community through service. You will likely find our Scouts involved in local school and neighborhood activities.
Online: scout259.org | Facebook: facebook.com/scout259
SCHOOL CORNER
Find out what's happening in the neighborhood schools of Jollyville, Pond Springs, Deerpark and McNeil!
We were lucky enough to get copies of all the old RCNA newsletters! Every month we’ll include something that was in a past newsletter in the same month or time of year. Enjoy the history lessons!
The below article is fom the summer of 1987 – the idea for the playscape was the best idea!
HELPFUL LINKS TO NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS
- North Austin MUD 1: https://northaustinmud1.org/
- Rattan Creek Neighborhood Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RattanCreekNeighborhood
- Rattan Creek Neighborhood Buy Sell Trade Give: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RCNBuySellTrade
- Rattan Creek Buy Nothing: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bnplosindioshunterschaserattancreek
- Rattan Creek Tots Playgroup: https://www.facebook.com/groups/766011216785046
- Rattan Creek Pokemon Go: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1378225265618880
- Rattan Creek Women’s Book Club: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rcwomensbookclub
- Rattan Creek Tabletop Games Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rattancreektabletopgaming