Senior Center Hears From David Ramjohn
The Lunch & Learn Series speakers have been phenomenal this month and members comments have reflected their pleasure. Members were enlightened by David Ramjohn, from AlgEternal, who spoke about how they are using algae and turning it into a natural fertilizer. He used some visual aids and held our interest for an hour and a half. He left members intrigued and they were amazed that something so scientific was going on right here in Fayette County. His company is taking a pro-active approach to keeping resources safe and viable. David Ramjohn said, “In 50 years from now, our children and grandchildren, and their children and grandchildren, will either be praising us for taking positive action or they will be cursing us for not taking any action.” That really made members sit up and pay closer attention.
Their company is now branching off into a skincare line and their product is up there in the stock market with Sephora and Revlon.
On Monday, May 9, both Sherri Bubela and Ronnie Langhammer from Leon’s Electric in Schulenburg came to our Senior Center. Ronnie gave their family history and connections. Then Sherri filled members in about the company, how they even take jobs in Katy and the surrounding area, mostly working with school districts. This means that they have an ample workforce and they both felt like there was enough work to go around for them and their brother’s company, Leon John, Inc.
The monthly NVCC calendar is posted on online at www. navidadvalleycc.org so you can always check there to see what’s going on at the Center.
The day trip to the Whistling Duck Winery in Weimar was amazing. Owners John and Kari Cook were good hosts. John explained all about the grapes they raise, the challenges they encounter, and how they are impacted by these situations. John told us about the difference between his Spanish black grapes that make the red wines and his Blanc grapes that make the white wines. He explained how they harvest the grapes, then they are sent off to crushing facilities and the process starts on creating that good, awardwinning, wine he serves. The process is intensive, because they must come in periodically for testing and tasting, until they say it is ready.
Members were so impressed on what a small, rural winery can produce. Cook says he has a Wine Club that keeps him busy as well, and that has become really popular too. So, NVCC members learned about how a few cuttings can grow into a vineyard, and how a grape goes from being a grape to a fine glass of wine that impresses many.
The group was treated to a sponsored lunch of meats, cheese, crackers, some raw veggies, and a lovely fruit tray that was provided by Stefni Kueht, who is an employee of both the winery and the Senior Center. Everyone agreed that we would plan another trip in November so we can understand what they do over the winter to their vines.