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Easter Bunny comes to Sharon

Easter Bunny comes to Sharon
Elianna Decker, 8, of Millerton, N.Y., posed with the Easter Bunny, a/k/a Sharon Health Care Center administrator Elise Cecil. 
Photo by Debra A. Sleksinas

SHARON — The Easter Bunny’s job is not all it’s cracked up to be.

The costume is hot, vision is poor and rambunctious youngsters hug the stuffing out of you.

Nonetheless, Elise Cecil, administrator at Sharon Health Care Center (SHCC), hopped into a furry bunnysuit and entertain dozens of children during a community Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 1.

The family-friendly event featured photo ops with the popular white rabbit, a/k/a Cecil, as well as crafts, games and refreshments.

The nursing home’s residents, too, got in on the fun by hiding some of the colorful, plastic eggs that were hunted down by the excited tykes.

“One resident just told me that this was the best program she’s participated in, and she’s been at other facilities,” noted Cecil.

Melissa Kimma of Sharon brought her daughter, Lilyan, 10, to the event.

“I’m glad they did it. During the past few years and COVID, there weren’t many events like this. And it’s nice to have the residents be part of the festivities,” noted Kimma.

Nearby, Lilyan clutched a basket that overflowed with glittering eggs. As she posed for a picture, she was photo-bombed by an energetic toddler who was taking in all the action.

A few feet away, Elianna Decker, 8, of Millerton, New York., who got all dressed up for the occasion, smiled for her photo with the Easter Bunny as her family proudly captured the moment.

The center’s recreation director Terry Emerson, and admissions/marketing director Stephani Distabile, were also on hand to meet and greet visitors and keep the fun flowing. Emerson’s grandson, Bradley Robinson, had traveled from Torrington to partake in the egg hunt.

When asked for an estimate of attendance, Cecil laughed. “I’d be happy to tell you, but I couldn’t really see,” to which Distabile responded, “about 30 children.”

As the festivities came to a close, the SHCC administrator traded her bunny suit for civilian clothes.

Still a bit sweaty from the costume and winded from an enormous bear hug by 4-year-old Nicky Moore of Sharon— who attended with his big sister, Charlotte, 6, and mom, Lydia— Cecil reflected on the importance of community events such as this, which help to connect residents with the public.

“It was fun, and everyone had a good time, and I got to interact with the residents as well,” said Cecil, who was appointed administrator of SHCC, which is owned by Athena Health Care Systems, in October of 2022.

“Plus,” she said flashing a smile, “there was no paperwork!”

Debra A. Aleksinas

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