Newsletter
JULY 2024
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Volunteers- If you noticed the front area around our entry looking a little better maintained, be sure to mention it to Theresa Turner. She's been a frequent visitor this month, rain and shine! We had so many folks show up immediately recently with tools in hand for quick repairs and maintenance. Included in that list of community sevants were Mike Green, JT Morgan, Kevin Bennet and Michael Joseph. Daniel Romero and Katy Baker mowed with Adam Galindo helping out Terry Beasley in preparation for the Sculpture Trail walk earlier this month.Thank you to everyone who offers assistance around the Gem. We really need so much help it is so easy to miss someone when they silently step in to lend a hand. Program leaders, gym volunteers, instructors, you all make this place successful and enjoyable! Please know you how much we appreciate you.
Hidden Gems on the Trails- Have you checked out the newest sculptures? Hope you will soon. Go take a walk! The trail is open during daylight hours. We recommend between 6 and 9 am during June and July.
Pickleball- This month we have a rental on June 7. We're changing Sunday's play to Saturday, June 6 instead. Fitness classes-Summer is the best time for joining a class. The a/c is cold and the classes are fun.
Zumba- 6 pm Thursdays,
Circuit Training- 6:30 am Monday, Tuesday and Thursday,
Move It!- 8:00 am Monday and Friday; and
Motion is Lotion- 9:00 am Tuesdays and Thursdays
Yoga- Darla worked very hard to find subs for her Monday and Wednesday 11 am classes so please welcome Kim and Tana to the Gem while Darla is off this month. Friday yoga is cancelled until August 2.
Archery- Charles offers archery on Wednesdays and Fridays at the pavilion at 9 am. Don't be shy if you've been wanting to try it. They have a lot of fun and welcome new members.
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Gym- Mike Green and Dave Lageman manage our gym equipment. If you need help with a routine, contact Dave at dklogs@gmail.com. Should you find we have trouble with a machine not working or see anything out of order, please let us know by texting Mike at 512-294-1029. You can always text me at 512-573-5200.
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Monthly Calendar -You can find the regularly scheduled activities on our monthly calendar found here. Please join us on July 17 from 2-4 pm for Rachel's baby shower in the Activity Center.
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Nonprofit member meetings this month in the Activity Center include Hill Country Alliance on July 12 and Blanco County Conservation Initiative on July 23.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Our event calendar is empty this month. It's June and many who volunteer to make things happen travel during the hottest months. Attached is a photo I received from director Mike Green's trip with his grandson to the Waco Zoo. We otter be there! This is a perfect time for taking day trips to air conditioned spaces.
While events slow down in the summer, we are working in the office and with volunteers to get stuff done. With a committee busy planning the 40th birthday party for November 9, we are also scheduling CPR classes with the ESD, working towards a design plan for a pollinator garden, landscaping at the Pavilion and continuing the goal to fence an area around the bird viewing station. We've heard from many of you and are seeking a dance instructor. If you'd like to organize a regular bridge game on Tuesdays, give us a holler in the office. We've had many requests, although no volunteer to lead.
We are very busy bring the Gem up to date in repairs with a goal to get lots done before our Anniversary /Birthday Bash in November. As you know, Gem of the Hills was created by a small group of people, some newly retired and willing to work together to make a community space for games, activities and community potluck dinners. We are happy to see the Gem thriving almost 40 years later due to the continued vision and hard work of you, our current members.
As volunteers, program and class leaders and donors, you make a difference not just today, but for those who come after us. You are continuing the legacy of those first Gem visionaries. We will be asking a lot from you in the next few months. Please join us in celebrating while helping us secure the Gem's place in Blanco for the next generation. Donations are always appreciated and very much needed. Please, reach out to your neighbors and invite them to the birthday bash in November, or a class you attend weekly. If you'd be interested in speaking to someone regarding an endowment to create your legacy while helping us with ours, please reach out to Terri Seiler at 512-924-0287. On behalf of today's directors and all who came before them, thank you!
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Continuing with our member spotlights this month, we'd like to introduce you to Carolyn Geiler. We'd especially like to thank Carolyn for answering our questions immediately after an early Monday morning exercise class!
1) What first brought you to The Gem? 2) When did you become a member / join the Gem?
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​I joined GEM of the Hills in 2016 or 2017 to take advantage of the exercise programs offered. There were and still are many programs to fit different abilities and interests.
3) What do you find most rewarding / useful / fulfilling about being a member?
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I enjoyed Aerobic classes and the fun but challenging class called Zumba! It was a great way to meet new friends, as well! Tai Chi was definitely a favorite of mine taught by Connie Barron! Lately the Gem has grown to include a walking trail and music events!
4) Do you have a favorite memory or story to share about the Gem?
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I love being a member of Gem of the Hills, while I may miss days or weeks, I can just jump back in where I left off. As a community outreach, Gem of the Hills is always welcoming to new members and volunteers!
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
In light of the upcoming arrival of our precious little one, I am delighted to announce that I will be taking maternity leave from July 15th until late October or early November. During this time, I will be focusing on the health and well-being of our new family member and will be unavailable for work-related responsibilities.
I have carefully planned for this transition and have taken the necessary steps to ensure a smooth handover of my responsibilities. During this transition, please direct questions and concerns to Irene Cage at office@gemofthehills.org. She can assist you or connect you to the proper person.
I am deeply grateful for the support and understanding from our board, members, and coworkers throughout this special time. I look forward to returning to work refreshed and rejuvenated, eager to contribute to the Gem's success again. In the meantime, I wish everyone a productive and fulfilling few months. Thank you for your well wishes and support as I embark on this exciting new chapter.