Falling under the Easter Bunny’s lure

It’s nice sometimes to take a break from all the chaos in the world and appreciate that which is sweet in life — including those moments we can share with our families. That’s why it’s so important to thank our local towns, recreation committees, PTAs, fire departments, gun clubs, American Legions and other volunteers who take the time each year to organize what amounts to uninhibited, joyous frivolity — not only for youngsters but for entire family units — throughout the region come the spring holidays.That’s right, we’re talking about the annual Easter egg hunts and visits with the Easter Bunny that young children generally look forward to at this time of year. It may sound unimportant or perhaps trivial, but in today’s war-torn world of terror and hate, with the ominous collapse of the economy always a threat and the unemployment rate so high it hurts to even contemplate, something as seemingly inconsequential as visiting a larger-than-life furry rabbit with the entire family in tow can make all of the difference in our daily lives. It allows parents to bond with their children in a light-hearted way, it allows children to see their parents in a less stressful environment, it lets children connect with other children and it provides a chance for the whole family to be outside (in most cases) and stretch out while running in chase of candy-filled eggs. Basically, it permits everyone to have some much-needed fun.The smiles one sees while at these events, from the faces of blissful young babes still wrapped in warm blankets, too young to carry their own baskets let alone eat most of the candy, to the grins on the faces of the children greedily counting their chocolate eggs, to the happy faces of the parents and grandparents who brought their tiny ones to the egg hunts in the first place — they all give proof to the fact that these free events are about more than egg chasing — they are about building memories that last a lifetime. That is what our children will harken back to when they think about what living in Millerton, Pine Plains, Amenia or Millbrook means to them. The associations will be warm and heartfelt and remind them of their neighbors and friends, and, of course, their family. They will come to stand for what living in the Harlem Valley is really about, and will, ideally, remain as part of their traditions continuing into the future.So to those who made sure there were Easter egg hunts and fuzzy bunnies for our children this year, as in years past, thank you. You have helped to create so many special memories for so many people, which will be built on and shared from generation to generation. It’s just one more sweet reason to love living in the close-knit community that is the Harlem Valley.