The Easter bunny is hopping, the children are running, the parents are cheering and everyone is having a good time at the Sunrise of Arlington at 2000 N. Glebe Road on Sunday, April 13.

As children gather in the yard in front of Sunrise, they discuss egg hunting strategies. “I found one over here.” 

“There are a lot of them under the bushes.” Parents tell their children, “Don’t take all of them; if you get too many, share with someone else.”

The plastic eggs have been filled with tiny toys and candies, and Jensen has pulled out the leftover orange Halloween bags in case someone forgot to bring a basket. Some eggs are hidden under the porch while others are high up on the bird feeder.

Rachel Jensen, Executive Director of Sunrise Arlington, tells the assembled children, “There are 100 eggs so if two of you reach for the same one, don’t have a fight; there are plenty of eggs for everyone! Hands on your hips, hands on your head. Ready, set, go.” Jenson adds some of the Sunrise residents just finishing brunch will come out on the porch to watch the festivities. 

This adds multigenerational benefits of the community activity.

Several residents of Sunrise have come out on the porch after brunch to watch the festivities. Ari McSherry is there visiting his mother Marlene. They walk around the yard watching the children scampering to load their baskets and remembering the Easter egg hunts at their house when he was growing up. 

Six-month-old today Miles Martin, dressed in his holiday finest, is attending with his mother. “I think we’ll wait until next year,” she tells him. Miles’ mother says she came today because her 94-year-old grandfather lives in a Sunrise just outside of Philadelphia. “I know how much they love little babies so I brought Miles here today so he could say hi to all of the people.”

Noelle Skeete says this is her first time at this Easter Egg hunt but several years ago when she was four years old she attended a different event. All of the older kids grabbed the eggs before she could get there. “It was a very, very sad day.” But she says now she is really fast. “I’m the fastest in my school at Glebe Elementary just over there.”

Sunrise Arlington offers assisted living, memory care and short-term stays. 

Sunrise Senior Living has headquarters in McLean, Va. and more than 270 locations around the region and the United States and Canada offering differing services. 

www.sunriseseniorliving.com

Arlington Easter Egg Activities:

April 19: Walker Chapel Eggstravaganza 11 am-1 pm with a visit from the Easter bunny, games and animal friends and followed by a hotdog lunch. 4102 N. Glebe Rd.

April 19: Memorial Baptist 10-11 am for children birth-5th grade. Held in back field with fun, prizes and activities galore. 3455 N. Glebe Rd.

Thru April 20: Potomac Overlook Regional Park 10:30 am-4 pm. Pick up an egg sheet at the nature Center, explore the park on a scavenger hunt and return to the Center for a prize. $8 per child

April 19: Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church. Gather at Woodlawn Park at 11 am. Children will be divided by ages for the Easter Egg Hunt. Bring a basket. 1325 N. Buchanan Street.

April 19: Calloway Methodist Church. 11am-12:30 pm. Egg hunt, games, food. High View Park 1945 N. Dinwiddie Street.

April 20: St. Peters Episcopal Church 10:30 am. For ages 5th grade and younger. And remember to bring a basket. 4250 N. Glebe Rd.