Special to The Monitor
KAUFMAN–Daughters of the American Revolution, Sarah Maples chapter member Nina Hendricks attended the volunteer brunch at the Sunflower Park Nursing Home in Kaufman hosted by the new activity director Elizabeth Barnette.
Barnette set up a meal of fruit and vegetable trays, and chicken salad was served.
About 15 people attended to hear Barnette explain the volunteer brunch was to thank the volunteers who so diligently help her with patients and encourage new entertainment ideas for the residents.
She is known as “the crazy lady” because she creates “wacky” activities including Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Elvis Presley days and many others.
The patients make and color cutouts, and post them on the lunch room walls for Easter, Christmas and other holidays.. When finished, it creates an impression of a painted mural.
Barnette is looking for fresh ideas to keep her patients’ minds active, which she believes is just as important as any medicine they receive.
Each volunteer was given an award certificate and a bag of goodies.
Hendricks told Barnette the DAR Sarah Maples Chapter collects gifts and cards for the veterans in Tri-County nursing homes at Christmas, and many members in the chapter help with the delivery.
For more information on volunteering, or to make idea suggestions, contact Barnette at (972) 932-7776 or go to Sunflower Park Nursing Home located at 1803 Hwy 243 E., Kaufman, TX 75142.

3-year-old Abigail Tatum, granddaughter of Kiwanis member Lisa Rhodes, gets ready to scoop up some mudbugs with Kiwanis member Ralph Fortner looking on. This is Abigail’s third year attending the annual Cedar Creek Lake Chamber of Commerce Car Show and Kiwanis Krawfish Boil. See Sunday, May 13, 2013 issue’s Lake Life page 3B for more photos from the May 4 Mabank event.