L to R: Casey Rua, Crystal Diane Perez, Sheridan Sanchez-Velasco
We are proud to present to you our 3 scholarship recipients for this year. They all live and work here in the Highland Lakes area, and plan to remain in the area when they complete their studies. Sheridan Sanchez Velasco Sheridan is the mother of 8 children with 6 currently living at home. She lives in Burnet and homeschools her kids. She has completed her Associates degree at Central College and has enrolled in Abilene Christian University’s online Bachelor of Science in Integrated Studies. As she is working towards completing her degree, she is also taking the science courses required to become a Certified Lactation Consultant. Sheridan hopes as a Licensed Lactation Consultant, she would be able to provide care and help to women who have difficulty establishing breastfeeding in the Highland Lakes area. Casey Rua Casey is working on her Masters of Social Work at UT Austin. Casey moved here from Colorado a couple of years ago. Moving from a big city to a small Texas town was a big change for her, but she loves the Highland Lakes area. She has her degree in Social Work and is currently working with the Workforce Network as a Case Manager. As a Case Manager, she helps individuals facing barriers to employment, education and financial stability by connecting them with resources, guidance and opportunities. With her Masters degree, she hopes to better serve the Highland Lakes area through advocacy, leadership and compassionate care. Crystal Diane Perez Crystal is working on her Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She is enrolled in the online program at the Western Governors University in Utah with 88 hours of 125 completed. Crystal is currently the Administrative Secretary at the Marble Falls High School. Her degree will help her fulfill her goal of working in the district's accounting department, helping the schools stay within budget, grow responsibility and ensure resources are used in ways that benefit both the students and the community.
Breast Cancer Patient Support Since 2008, we have provided Anti-ouch Pouches to the Breast Cancer Resource Center of Texas, a patient support organization for women with breast cancer. Anti-ouch pouches are wedge shaped pillows with a shoulder strap, used to provide comfort after breast surgery. Kits are available at each Guild meeting. We also make Kangaroo Pouches which are used to hold drainage bulbs following surgery.
Anti-Ouch Pouch Directions with tips from our HLQG Team
Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is a worldwide program to assist needy folks to have a home in which they have participated in the construction of the house. One family per year is helped to have a home in the Guild area. Guild members make quilts for each family member; the quilts are presented to the families as they move into their completed homes.
Bee of Service The "Bee of Service" was formed in 2024. The group supports community organizations such as but not limited to schools, nursing homes and police departments. We provide a variety of quilts and other sewn items where needed.
Learning with Quilts In 2014, we launched a program to introduce the quilting arts to elementary school children as part of our education mission. Books that incorporate quilts in their story, along with a replica of the quilt are provided to local school libraries.
Burnet County Area Fair The Fair is a 50+ year tradition in Burnet County. It is open to residents of the Counties of Burnet, Bell, Blanco, Lampasas, San Saba, Travis and Williamson for participation. The Highland Lakes Quilt Guild has provided the backbone of support to the Quilt Division through the use of our quilt stands, members volunteering to set up and present the quilts and, many times judging the Division.
The Library Quilts In the year 2000, the very first meeting of the soon to be Marble Falls Quilt Club met at the Marble Falls Library. For many years, the library opened their meeting room to the quilters in the area. We added membership and eventually out-grew the meeting room. We now display a quilt behind the front desk area in appreciation to the library for its support, and to provide education regarding quilting and it's traditions. Quilts usually change monthly.
