PRESIDENT'S CORNER
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Hello Neighbors!
It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has gone, but we’re ramping up now for our big Fall events. We’ve just finished Texas Night Out, focused on our First Responders and littlest neighbors. Next is Rattan Fest on November 4th – this is our biggest event of the year. More can be found later in this newsletter.
We had a great time meeting some of you at our Town Hall meeting last month. We hope to build on that event, to get more of us meeting face to face. Hopefully we’ll be offering those in person meetings at least a couple times a year, as more people look to become better involved with the RCNA.
Looking forward to seeing everyone at Rattan Fest!
Christine Newman, RCNA President
A WORD FROM CHIEF LANDI OF THE JOLLYVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Jollyville Fire Station Open House
Saturday, October 21 st , 10am-2pm
9218 Anderson Mill Rd
From Fire Chief Landi:
“For the first time in a long time, we will be having a fire station open house so the
community can come by and tour the station, see the training field and play on our fabulous
apparatus. Come by and meet your favorite firefighters!”
RATTAN FEST - NOVEMBER 4TH
RATTAN FEST - NOVEMBER 4TH
Rattan Fest is an annual neighborhood event, organized and run by the RCNA, that
offers the opportunity to have a terrific time with your fellow neighbors.
There will be the opportunity to set up booths showcasing whatever talents, products or
businesses you have to promote. Rattan Fest provides a fun way we can all support
each other’s endeavors here in the neighborhood. Residents with small businesses &
our local non-profit organizations are highly encouraged to sign up for a booth. Of
course, vendor participation is not only limited to neighbors, so if an outside vendor is
interested in our neighborhood, we are interested in having them join us!
Booth registration forms will be available soon on our website and RCNA members do
receive a discount. Neighborhood based, non-profit organizations are welcome to a free
booth, upon RCNA approval.
This year we’ll have booths to explore, 4-5 food trucks (including Downtown Burgers,
Blue Basil Thai, Mission Hot Dogs, DonutNV of Round Rock, and Kona Ice!), two
bounce houses, kid’s activities (including 2 other inflatables) & entertainment, etc. We
are pleased to bring back Omar Phoenix to headline our Grand Pavilion stage at 2pm. Plan to stay
all day and don’t miss a thing!
Attendance is always free! More information will be announced as details become
available.
* We do need lots of volunteers to make this happen. So please message us if you are
willing to help with set up or take down that day, or with other tasks the day of the
event
6 Tips for Fostering Dogs
Fostering can be such a great win for both homeless dogs and adopters.
Not only is a home environment far less stressful than a shelter, but it means we can get
more information about what the dog is actually like in a home environment.
Fostering is not without challenges, though. There’s often a lot of unknown with shelter
dogs and they may bring medical issues, tough behaviors, poor house manners and a
lack of prior training with them into your home.
Implement these six tips to smooth the transition, encourage good behavior, and make
fostering a success for everyone:
#1: Capture Downs
This is such a simple thing, but it makes a really big impact!
1. Wear a treat bag filled with small treats
2. Keep an eye on your foster
3. Anytime you see him volunteer to lie down, silently put a treat on the floor by his
feet
Over time, you’ll find that your foster starts volunteering to lie down more frequently. And
that’s a huge win!
#2: Ditch the Dog Bowl
One of the easiest ways to provide an outlet for your foster’s energy is to feed all meals
out of something other than a traditional dog bowl.*
I love West Paw’s Toppl for its versatility and easy cleaning, but household items such
as towels and empty recyclables can also be used with a little creativity. Click here for
my step-by-step guide for 5 Boredom Buster mealtime activities.
*If your foster’s appetite is poor and you struggle to get him to eat out of a regular bowl,
address that first before making eating harder.
#3 Utilize Baby Gates
Puppy Proofing is a good idea regardless of your foster’s age, but Proofing the entire
house (and keeping it that way) may not be practical or realistic. Instead, block access
to those areas that aren’t proofed using baby or free standing gates. Believe me. This is
so much easier than chasing him down and cleaning up after his messes and poor
house manners over and over and over.
These physical barriers are also a must if you’ve got a personal dog or kids in the home.
A little (or a lot!) of separation is generally best for everyone and gates make it easier.
#4 Invite Instead of Insist
Inviting your foster to invasive activities can build trust as you respect his space instead
of insisting he participate. For example:
● When it’s time to put his collar, harness or leash on, invite him to join you by
taking a few steps away and kneeling down.
● Instead of going to him to pet or cuddle, take a few steps away, kneel down and
give him a choice: “Do you want to interact, Max?”
#5 Prioritize Quiet Strolls Over Brisk Walks
It can be very tempting to get your foster out for exercise and an opportunity to “be a
dog” once he’s in your care.
However, it is 100% okay (and even advisable) to not walk him for several days – if not a
week or more – after he arrives. Transitioning to a new home is stressful for pretty much
all dogs, but shelter dogs come with a high level of stress already on board.
Delaying adventures off your property allows your foster to adjust to the newness of
your home and family first — without adding even more newness.
When you do decide to take that first walk, select a very quiet space for him to sniff and
explore. Aim for serene strolling with lots of smelling. Not getting from Point A to Point
B.
#6 Learn Dog Body Language
Part of the beauty of fostering is the information gained about the dog’s behavior in a
home environment. The more you know about dog body language and behavior, the
more accurate your observations and interpretations will be.
This article on 15 signs your dog is stressed is a great place to start learning what to
look for and what it actually means.
It’s scary to think about, but some common products we all have in our kitchens, garages and cars actually qualify as hazardous waste. While some offenders are fairly obvious (for instance, oil-soaked rags and rechargeable batteries), others, such as worn-out tires and old shoes, may seem innocent enough, but all these items are proven to be serious risks to both wildlife and humans. Contaminated soil, air, and water from waste are perfect breeding grounds for pests like flies, rodents, and insects. They can harm wildlife and pollute waterways, and can cause stomach ailments, infections, poisoning, and more. Look out for these common household items that are considered hazardous waste, and be sure that you’re using and disposing of them safely.
What Makes Waste Hazardous?
In order for a substance to be considered hazardous waste, it must have at least one of the following characteristics:
• Poisonous
• Corrosive
• Explosive
• Flammable
To protect the environment and those living in it (particularly our sanitation workers, who frequently encounter them), hazardous items should be disposed of in the safest possible way. Always check with Texas Disposal Systems to learn about disposal restrictions and options, including special e-waste events. If you have any of these gadgets or materials in your home.
1. Computer Monitors
As computer monitors get larger, cheaper, and lighter, upgrades become more tempting—and frequent. But that old monitor you’re discarding contains heavy metals that can contaminate landfills. In some communities, it may even be illegal to toss a monitor in the trash. Look for a local recycling center that will take it or, as an alternative, take it to a Best Buy store; in most states, they’ll accept old computer monitors, sometimes for a fee. The company also offers discounts in exchange for recycling certain products. Keep an eye out for promotions.
2. Thermometers
Mercury thermometers have been phased out because of the element’s toxicity, but you may still have one in your home. Rather than tossing it in the trash, where there’s a chance it could break and spill mercury, check with your local health department, pharmacy, or doctor’s office. Some health-care organizations may offer a mercury-free thermometer in exchange for your old one.
3. Medications
Ingesting certain medications, including OxyContin and fentanyl, can result in injury or death, particularly if they’re taken by a person other than who they were prescribed for. Never throw medications in the trash where someone could dig them out or a pet could ingest them. Call your local pharmacy or police station to ask if they have a take-back program. If they don’t, consult the FDA’s Flush List to find out which medications you can flush if no take-back options are available.
4. Rechargeable Batteries
Found in cell phones, laptops, power tools, and even some toys, rechargeable batteries contain heavy metals such as lead and cadmium as well as a host of chemicals that can pollute the environment and groundwater if they’re put out with trash. When you’re ready to get rid of a rechargeable battery, put it in a sealed plastic bag and then contact TDS at (800) 375-8375 to find out where you should take it for disposal. Keep in mind that some Office Depot stores will usually take rechargeable batteries, as will Home Depot stores in most states.
5. Rags Used to Apply Stain
You probably know you shouldn’t throw away partially used cans of paint or wood stain, but you may not know that it’s also dangerous to discard rags that are damp from stain in the trash. The chemicals in wood stain are highly flammable, and the damp rags can spontaneously combust if they’re thrown away while they’re still wet. Before you can safely throw them away, you must first spread them out to dry.
6. Old Thermostats
The thermostat is another common item that contains mercury, so it should never go in the trash. Newer digital thermostats don’t pose a problem but, according to the EPA, if you’re replacing an old one that has a tubular glass “tilt switch,” you’ll need to take it to a local hazardous waste collection center.
7. Propane Cylinders
Used to power camp stoves and personal-size outdoor heaters, small, 1-pound propane cylinders should be emptied completely, punctured with a nail or a screwdriver (if required by your local recycling center), and then added to the recyling bin. If, however, a cylinder is still partially full, drop it off at your local hazardous waste collection center. Here are links for Round Rock and for City of Austin/Travis County.
8. Automotive Fluids
If you’re handy at working on cars, you can save a lot of money by changing your automobile’s oil and antifreeze yourself. But don’t even think about dumping those liquids on the ground where they can contaminate the soil and poison animals. And the last thing you should do is dump it down the storm sewer where it will drain into our beautiful creek! Pour the fluids into a large plastic bucket with a fitted lid, and then call an auto repair shop, which can safely dispose of it for you, though they may charge a nominal fee. Failing that option, you can also bring auto fluids to your local hazardous waste collection site (see links above).
9. Leftover Pesticides
The pesticide you use to control unwanted critters in your yard has an expiration date, after which it’s not as effective. But even then, it shouldn’t go in the trash. Call 1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687), go to earth911.com, or contact your local hazardous waste collection site (see links above)
10. Printer Ink Cartridges
While printer ink itself isn’t toxic, the plastic cartridges the ink comes in aren’t biodegradable. They’ll take up space in the landfill for up to 1,000 years before they finally decompose. Fortunately, many retail stores, including Walgreens and Office Depot will recycle them for you.
11. Old Tires
After you replace your car’s tires, the last place the old ones belong is in the landfill. Many landfills have banned tires because they take up so much space and don’t biodegrade. As well, their shape makes them difficult to bury, and, according to the EPA, they’re great breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Even worse is the prospect of a tire fire in a landfill, which releases toxic chemicals into the air and is difficult to extinguish. Be a good citizen and check here to find out where you can dispose of old tires legally.
12. Adhesives
Many different types of glues and adhesives are used in household and workshop projects, but a number of these, including rubber cement and epoxy, contain solvents that will contaminate the environment, so never toss them in the trash. Disposal instructions are printed right on their packaging, and may involve opening the lid to let the product dry completely before bringing it to the hazardous waste collection center (see links above).
12. Nail Polish Remover
Nail polish remover contains acetone, which emits highly flammable vapors. To reduce the risk of fire, allow saturated cotton balls and swabs to dry completely before throwing them away. Place used bottles and jars that contained nail polish remover in a separate plastic bag, tie the top closed, and then throw the bag in the trash.
14. Broken Light Bulbs
Not all types of light bulbs present a hazard when they break, but compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), black lights, tanning bulbs, and the bulbs used in bug zappers contain mercury vapor. If you break one, don’t vacuum it up. Instead, air out the room for 5 to 10 minutes, then pick up the large pieces and put them in a glass jar, and use sticky tape to pick up the tiny shards. Put the used sticky tape and any other light bulb debris in the jar, secure it with a lid, and then put the jar in a sealed plastic bag and take it to a hazardous waste collection center (see links above).
15. Certain Cleaning Products
While household cleaners are safe when used as directed, some common cleaning products, including bleach and oven cleaners, contain sodium hydroxide (also known as lye) and other chemicals that can contaminate water sources when poured down drains or dumped in the garbage. Follow label instructions for the best way to dispose of these products. Better yet choose eco-friendly cleaning alternatives whenever possible to minimize the environmental impact of more caustic concoctions.
16. Aerosol Cans
Aerosol cans are used for dispensing a broad range of products, including paints, pesticides, personal care products, and more. Ubiquitous though they are, their pressurized nature and the potentially harmful chemicals they contain make them hazardous if not disposed of properly. As well, aerosol cans contain propellants such as hydrocarbons or compressed gas that can contribute to air pollution if released improperly. Aerosol cans should be emptied completely before disposal. Check with TDS to determine if you can recycle empty aerosol cans. If you have full or partially full aerosol cans for disposal, take them to an approved hazardous materials collection site where they can be professionally punctured and drained of any residual contents.
17. Some Kids’ Toys
Children’s toys that contain lead can be harmful to the environment if they are not disposed of properly. When such toys end up in landfills, the lead can leach into the soil and water, impacting the environment and potentially harming plants, wildlife, and humans. In 2007, numerous toy companies issued recalls for millions of toys that were tainted with lead. Those that escaped the recall may have long since been consigned to landfills, but if you come across an older toy that may contain lead, place it in a disposable bag and take it to a local waste collection center to ensure that it is properly thrown away.
18. Used Cooking Oil
When poured down the drain, cooking oil can seriously clog and even damage sewage systems, and if untreated for too long, can transmit bacteria and other hazards into local water sources. (When a large cooking oil spill enters a body of water, it can also form a thick layer of oil that can harm marine life.) To properly dispose of used cooking oil, wait for it to cool and solidify, pour it into a sealed container, and throw it out with the household trash. Also, some recycling centers and hazardous waste collection sites will accept used cooking oil.
19. Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers contain chemicals that can contaminate soil and water if not handled correctly. Also, the canisters are pressurized, and if they are not emptied or depressurized properly, they can explode. Make sure to check the label on your fire extinguisher for specific disposal instructions.
SCHOOL CORNER
SCHOOL CORNER
Find out what’s happening in the neighborhood schools of Jollyville, Pond Springs, Deerpark and McNeil!
Find out what’s happening in the neighborhood schools of Jollyville, Pond Springs, Deerpark and McNeil!
DEERPARK
DEERPARK
The Deerpark PTA Middle School Ranger Run is back for its 12th year!
We hope to see you at this family friendly event in our very own Rattan Creek neighborhood. The event benefits the Deerpark Middle School’s PTA which provides various programs such as Rangers Helping Rangers and the Teacher’s Wishlist. The run is a chip-timed 5k course and historically we’ve had anywhere from 300-400 runners.
Whether you are a runner, walker or just prefer to donate, you can do so at the link below!
https://rangerrun5k.itsyourrace.com/
Or if you just prefer to be on the route and cheer on the runners, we have the standard route below! On that note, if your house is on the route or if you are driving during that time, please be patient and drive slowly.
POND SPRINGS
POND SPRINGS
Come join us as the PSE PTA presents the Winter Carnival!
Mark your calendar! – Saturday, December 2nd, 11am-2pm at Pond Springs Elementary.
All members of the community are welcome, wristbands for the event will go on sale in October. Tickets for games and food can be purchased the day of.
The PTA provides programs on strengthening family-school partnerships, and free resources for members on issues and areas such as STEM and health & safety. Be a part of a powerful association that can advocate on behalf of children and educators at the local, state and national levels. Becoming a member is easy and requires no time commitment!
Check us out, become a member or learn how to get your hands on a sponsorship at www.PSE-PTA.org
PSE Used Book Sale Fundraiser
Tuesday, Oct. 10 & Wednesday, Oct 11
2:30 to 5:30pm @ the PTA Portable
All books $1
Cash & Card accepted
BOOK DONATIONS NEEDED
Drop Off Options:
– 12631 Oro Valley Trail ( box on porch)
– Pond Springs Elementary (box inside front door of school)
– Call/text Kat for help with drop off, 281.684.3975
BOY SCOUTS
BOY SCOUTS
BOY SCOUTS
BOY 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
HURRICANE SWIM TEAM
HURRICANE SWIM TEAM
HURRICANE SWIM TEAM
HURRICANE SWIM TEAM
The Rattan Creek Hurricanes Swim Club is a family-friendly summer swim team in northwest Austin, Texas. As a member of the Northwest Swim Circuit, our mission is to provide a structured recreational activity that teaches swimmers the value of competition, sportsmanship, teamwork and individual achievement, while they make new friends and get a great workout! Our season runs from May through mid July. Practices take place after school until the school year ends, then we switch to morning practices.
Registration is now open here: Home – Rattan Creek Hurricanes Swim Club (swimtopia.com)
HELPFUL LINKS TO NEIGHBORHOOD INFO
HELPFUL LINKS TO NEIGHBORHOOD INFO
HELPFUL LINKS TO NEIGHBORHOOD INFO
- 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