Bunny brings smiles to kids, residents at annual Easter Egg Hunt

By ISABELLE KLEINSCHMIDT

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Wakefield - The Gogebic Medical Care Facility held its annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday. The facility's residents spent time filling and hiding the eggs around the outdoor garden area in preparation for the event.

The facility distributed baskets for the kids upon entry. Around 40 children attended in all with their families.

Of course, no egg hunt is complete without the Easter Bunny in attendance. Between unwrapping candies, and visiting, children lined-up for a chance to sit on the fluffy bunny's lap.

The event has been held for years now and is part of the facility's attempts to bring in younger visitors for the residents. "It's a tradition, every year we try to do something a little different." said Director of Activities, Heidi Brown.

During the egg hunt, residents are brought out to the dining and lounge area to meet, greet, and spend time with the youngsters as they crack open eggs and unwrap candy.

This year, the egg hunt included a special prize egg that contained an award for a grand prize. The winner of the grand prize, a jar of 289 jelly beans and a stuffed Easter bunny was Chris Boden of Ironwood.

"It's a lot of fun. The residents love to have the kids around, they light-up when they're around. Its a pure fun energy. It's really nice because we got to hold it outside in the garden this year."

"Our nursing home is welcoming to visitors to come and spend time with residents. I like to remind people that they're grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, they all have unique gifts and stores and things to share with people."

In May, the center will hold a National Nursing Hall Week celebration, theme is spirit of America. "We're gonna have all sorts of activities and outside groups coming in." Member of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend.