Happening at the Gem. . . . July 2025

Hello members! 

I am happy to give a couple of positive updates this month, even as we move into the "dog days of summer".

The kitchen remodel is coming along, and we have a brand new floor as a bonus! Once the cabinetry and old appliances were removed, it became very clear that the old linoleum would need to be replaced to meet our goal of a true commercial grade kitchen. As the project gets closer to completion we will share the plans for a community tour and unveiling of the new kitchen as well as information about rentals and guidelines. Watch for more information on the Gem website for dinners, and classes as well.

The Board of Directors held the annual Board Retreat at Texas Regional Bank last month, and made progress on planning for a number of future initiatives, as well as reviewing and updating business membership benefits, exploring possible new program offerings, fundraising opportunities, grants, and more.

The Board has a lot of ambitious plans and goals for the rest of this year and next, including updating our Emergency Response Center protocols, an Arts Program with classes and events, reviving the popular Reading Between The Wines partnership with the Library, and capital improvements. If you would like to get involved, we'd love to have your expertise and experience.

As always, if you have any questions, ideas, comments or a desire to volunteer please feel free to reach out to me, as well as Irene. My email is stefanie.wright@gmail.com and my cell phone is 773-396-3257. 

Happy 4th of July! No classes or yoga this Friday in observance of the holiday.

NEW CLASS

Mondays at 8:30 am

Step Aerobics

Terry Beasley, one of our long-time Gem advisors and volunteers has taken on a new endeavor in her certification for step aerobics!

Join Terry in the Activity Center Mondays at 8:30 am for a fun step class and start the week in step with your aerobic fitness.

Gym Members:

We will have the treadmill back up soon. Thanks for your patience. A reminder from our facility volunteer, please be sure to turn off the lights and fans when leaving if you are the last one out. We appreciate everyone's help keeping our gym safe, clean and energy efficient.

Fitness Classes

Step Aerobics Mondays 8:30 am

Full Body Fit Tuesday’s at 9:15am

Thursday’s at 9am

Circuit Training 6:30 am- Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays

Move It! 8:00 am Tuesdays and Fridays

Gentle Yoga Monday and Wednesdays at 11:00am and Yin Yoga Fridays at 10:00am.

Archery

Wednesdays and Fridays, 9:00 am

Pavilion

Our archery program is a fun group. All you need is an interest to try this fun sport. We've got equipment to get you started. The pavilion driveway is next to NAPA Auto Parts. Come on out!

Gym at the Gem

Dave continues to be available for help establishing a routine. Your can reach out to him directly at 830-275-0575.

If you've been curious about the gym, reach out for a tour by calling the office at 830-833-2713 to set an appointment or email us at office@gemofthehills.org.

Non-Profit Member

Our newest non-profit member is Keep Blanco Beautiful (KBB).

KBB was founded in 1999 and works at beautifying the city, from maintaining the plants on the Courthouse Square to cleaning up trash during the annual community Trash-Off and River Cleanup. Learn more about this volunteer organization and their activities in our city here.

New Business Member

Dr. C.J. Dale, Rolling Hills Eye Care located at 700 4th Street in Blanco.

Love having Dr. Dale support of the Gem through membership. Be sure to make your appointment soon and get an annual eye exam conveniently and expertly locally. Check out their website and call for your appointment today! 830-554-9332

Renewing Business Member

Comal Roofing is a local family owned roofing company, Roy & Audrey Closson, now with their son James have been in the business for close to 40 years, serving the Hill Country since 1996. We're fortunate they continue to expertly handle our roofing needs as a supporting business member in 2025. You can learn more about the company by visiting their website here.

Save the Date!

Join Sibby Barrett at the Gem this fall for her first cooking classes held in our newly renovated space- Don't miss your opportunity for the classes listed below and purchase tickets from Sibby today.

Saturday, August 16, 2025 11-3 pm

Later Summer Menu

Tickets and info here

Saturday, September 13, 2025 11-3 pm

Flavors of Fall

Also, coming in October- our fall dinner!

Community Dinner and Fundraiser

Fall Table Community Dinner

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Ticket link coming soon.

Help Needed

Volunteers are needed to help weatherproof our picnic tables.We have many tables both at the Activity Center and the Pavilion that need a couple of coats of stain. If you can help with this project, contact Irene in the office. Once we get a volunteer group together we'll determine the work date according to your schedules. Thank you.

LOST and FOUND

Hey y'all. We have a pair of sunglasses left at yoga when it was held in the library. If you are missing your sunglasses, give us a call at 512-573-5200.