In this monthly series, local realtor Andrea Schutter Riebeling does a Q & A with local business leaders about what inspires them. This month’s spotlight is on Alton Janelle, The Culinary Craftsman of La Grange.

Back in September I wrote about Phil Stein of Fayetteville, who grew an incredible crop of vegetables during the heat of summer with the help of a drip irrigation system. Readers may recall that Stein takes a conventional approach to gardening.

La Grange Noon Lions club and Leos Club donated a total of $1,000 to the Deputy Santa Program. Pictured from left are Rick Martell, La Grange Lions Leo representative Makayla Greer, Lions Club representative Dick Frenzel, Sheriff Keith Korenek, Angela Lala and David Beyer. Staff photo by Amanda Gifford

St. Mark’s staff and community members donated money, food, and more to provide bountiful Thanksgiving dinner baskets to feed families of six, including a gift card to purchase a turkey. Baskets were distributed to families in Fayette, Lee, Bastrop and Colorado counties.

St. John Rutersville will be holding its congregational Christmas Dinner on Sunday, Dec. 12 following the 10 a.m. worship service. Fried chicken will be provided and members are asked to bring a vegetable side and/or dessert. There will be a free will offering for the meal. You are asked to sign up for plates on a clipboard in the narthex of the church. There will also be a silent auction. Proceeds from this year’s event will help fund the Benevolence Fund. Donations can be left in the fellowship hall.

The Fayette County Firefighter’s Association reports the following calls for the week of Nov. 28 through Dec.

Christmas at Winedale is set to be held on Dec. 11 from noon to 4 p.m. Come enjoy a 19th century Christmas with folklife demonstrations, crafts, music, theater performances, a petting zoo, food and drinks and more! This event is free and open to the public. Interested in volunteering? Contact tricia.blakistone@ austin.utexas.edu for more information.

Texas CASA has honored State Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) with the “Big Voice for Little Texans” Award for her legislation to reform and improve residential treatment centers that house children and youth in foster care with higher needs. Texas CASA also recognized her leadership on securing increased state funding to support CASA programs and to support the ongoing rollout of Community-Based Care in Texas.

The meeting of the KJZT St Anne’s Society No. 10 was called to order at 1 p.m. on Nov. 16 at St John’s Recreation Hall. President Mary Jane Toddy opened the meeting with prayers for all living members and their families and led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Gavin Miculka, Assistant Site Manager at the Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill States Historic Sites, was the guest speaker at the Nov. 16 Weimar Lions Club meeting. Gavin was the guest of Lion Julius Bartek, who serves on the board of directors of Friends of Kreische Brewery and Monument Hill. Gavin covered part of his personal history and especially history concerning the Brewery and Monument Hill. The brewery was started by a German mason by the name of Heinrich Kreische. He used spring water and was soon serving central Texas with Bluff Beer. His accidental death ended the beer production in 1884. Gavin also spoke about the change that took place to this area when ownership changed from Texas Parks to Texas Historical Commission. The effect was very positive to park improvements. A popular event at the park is the Trail of Lights occurring in December. It is family-friendly and appeals to young and old.