PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Hello Neighbors!
With our recent Holiday in the Park, RCNA concludes its events for 2021. What a year it was! We may have gotten off to a slow start, given the challenges the pandemic has presented for all of us, but we sure wrapped it up in style. We were only able to make a handful of events happen last year, but they were hugely successful and a fun time was had by all.
The success of these neighborhood celebrations has fired us all up for the new year. The executive board will be meeting later this month to lock down our calendar of events for 2022, and we can’t wait to bring back many of your favorites. Hopefully we’ve earned your continued support, and you’ll happily be renewing in the coming year. We’ll be working even harder to bring more of our neighbors into the RCNA, but we know how lucky we are to have steadfast members like you. You are the heart of the RCNA.
In the coming year we’ll be looking to expand the newsletter content (maybe even get it back to a printed version!), find creative ways to reward our supporters with additional membership perks, and work towards making this neighborhood a better and safer place to live for all of us. But what I’d really like to see happen is for more of you to work with us towards these goals. If every member volunteered for just a handful of hours or came to help at even one event, we could do so much more together. I can’t express the joy to be found in achieving something alongside your neighbors. It really is a special feeling, and it further builds the bonds that make this neighborhood the incredibly special place it is to live in for all of us.
Happy New Year!
Christine Newman, RCNA President
WINTER HOLIDAY IN THE PARK
Winter Holiday in the Park warmed the heart!
We had another great turn out, and everything went smoothly once again. The star of the show was definitely Santa, played enthusiastically by our very own Chuy Zarate. We knew we wanted to avoid long lines waiting for Santa, both for Covid safety and so everyone could spend more time enjoying the festivities and supporting our vendors. We used the Waitly app this year to help us achieve that. The feedback was all positive, so we’ll definitely be using a similar system next year.
We are so lucky to have an abundant number of talented musicians living here in the neighborhood, and Stephanie Pektas is among them. Stephanie plays the clarinet with the Austin Wind Ensemble, and she kicked off our festivities with her quartet.
While waiting for the big guy, there was plenty to do! The RCNA booth featured a selfie station and the kids all had a blast having a “snowball” fight with our faux crunchy snowballs. Cornhole and giant Jenga were also a big hit, as always. Garbo’s and Travelin’ Tom’s kept tummies warm and happy. And speaking of happy tummies, neighborhood cub scout pack 159 co-hosted an amazing s’mores station!
This year we also featured a gift bazaar, featuring several of our neighborhood craftspeople. It was so much fun seeing some of the vast creativity to be found here on display. On top of that, you helped to support small businesses on a hyper-local scale. That is always something to celebrate! Deerpark PTA also joined us with a raffle for a fantastic gift basket. The gift bazaar was such a success all around, we hope to make that a regular part of this annual event.
PET CORNER
by Leighann Hurley
by Leighann Hurley
Prevent Your Dog from Jumping on Guests this Holiday Season
Step #1: Remove the “Go Crazy” Signal
For most dogs, the ringing doorbell and/or loud knock send them into a wild state of excitement. By removing these triggers, your dog is calmer and it’s easier for him to keep his feet on the ground.
Ask your guests to text their arrival instead of knocking or ringing the doorbell. Their text is your signal to move to Step #2.
Step #2: Use a Waiting Room
In addition to hearing the doorbell or a knock, seeing someone come through the door and into the house triggers more excitement.
I like to have the dog “discover” the new person instead of witnessing their arrival and approach. There are several ways you can do this:
crate your dog in another room
pop him into a secure backyard—make sure he can’t see into the house through the windows!
shut him in a bedroom
All of this is temporary. Put your dog in his “Waiting Room” right before your guest walks inside. Once the guest is settled, move to Step #3.
Step #3: Treat Bombs
Now it’s time for your dog to say hello. Although Steps 1 and 2 reduce excitement, most dogs will still jump when let out of the Waiting Room.
One of my favorite ways to prevent this is to ask the dog to eat instead. Eating is one of the easiest things I can ask any dog to do, and if we’re strategic, we can prevent jumping at the same time.
Treat Bombs are easiest if your guest helps you. Give them plenty of soft, small treats and these instructions:
I will release the dog
As soon as he approaches you, silently drop some treats on the floor by your feet
As soon as he’s done eating, drop some more treats
Repeat until I tell you to stop
This only works to prevent jumping if your guest puts the treats down before your dog jumps!
Fun Fact: eating lowers your dog’s arousal (aka excitement).
You can help him calm down even more by having your guest drop the bomb into a Snuffle Mat!
Stop your guest after 8-10 Treat Bombs, and move to Step #4.
Step #4: Transition to a Pacifier
Most dogs need additional help to stay calm after Treat Bombs. Especially since your guest will begin moving around and talking at that point—both of which trigger more excitement!
After your dog has enjoyed his Treat Bombs, offer him a Pacifier:
Braided bully stick
This gives your dog something to do during the transition instead of leaving him unemployed to jump.
****Make sure to SUPERVISE your dog! The last thing you want is a trip to the emergency clinic.****
FAQs
“My dog barks at guests or is aggressive to strangers.”
Please do not use this program. Instead, work directly with a qualified, positive-reinforcement professional to design a plan that works for *your* dog’s specific needs. In the meantime, use Steps 1 and 2 to help your dog stay calm when people come over. If he can be safely left with a Pacifier, provide that before your guest arrives.
“I have more than one dog.”
This can work, but each dog should be introduced separately and should receive their Pacifiers in separate rooms or on tethers.
“My dog guards (growls, snaps, freezes, bites, etc.) food and/or bones, etc. from people.”
Please do not use this program. Instead, work directly with a qualified, positive-reinforcement professional to design a plan that works for *your* dog’s specific needs.
Baking with someone who doesn't typically bake
by Velisia Escobar
by Velisia Escobar
I found this recipe in a February 2001 RCNA newsletter – Delicious pancakes never go out of style!
Hurricanes next season is in 2022 – learn more here: https://hurricanes.swimtopia.com/
SCOUTS
SCOUTS
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!
McNeil
SHREK THE MUSICAL TICKETS ON SALE NOW – Don’t miss the McNeil Musical Theatre presentation of Shrek the Musical! Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, Shrek The Musical is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. Shows will be held Thursday, 1/27 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, 1/28 – 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, 1/29 – 7:00 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets through Round Rock ISD Fine Arts.
BECOME A MHS PTSA MEMBER – JOIN TODAY!!
Dues and donations go towards:
- Teacher Wish List Items and Classroom Supplies
- Educational & arts programs
- Student scholarships
- Student enrichment
- Civic engagement & voting information events
- Public education advocacy
- Staff Hospitality
- & Much More!
FLOCKING FUN – Want a fun, unique way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion? Get Flocked! Imagine waking up to a yard full of pink flamingos, done for you, with a customized message! It’s a great way to surprise a friend or celebrate…and best of all 100% of the proceeds go directly to McNeil High School Project Graduation 2022! All the flocking details and request forms can be found here.
DEERPARK
We’re excited to launch our new social impact marketplace called Givebacks that we think you’ll like! It’s an easy and fun way to SHOP, SAVE and HELP us reach our fundraising goals to support our school!
Almost every week we’ll be adding new special savings on family products and services to our store. When you buy Givebacks, part of the proceeds from the sales go back to our PTA!
Currently our giveback campaign is with Krispy Kreme. You can purchase a gift certificate for a dozen original glazed doughnuts for $13.00. Pond Springs PTA will receive $6.50 from each sale!
(you can purchase them here: https://ch2v-9faf61.memberhub.com/store)
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!
Below is the February 2005 article that talks about the Parmer and McNeil Development! This is the area where Starbucks and Whataburger currently reside. What did the neighborhood do before walking distance access to fast burgers and coffee?!
HELPFUL LINKS TO NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS
HELPFUL LINKS TO NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS
HELPFUL LINKS TO NEIGHBORHOOD GROUPS
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