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Health & Fitness

Hug The Bear: Keeping Business Local

Where to shop in Glenview--new or old but always deserving. Together we'll support the town we love. Together we'll be hugging the bear.

A neighbor of mine, Chris S., likes to tell me about fun or useful establishments around Glenview and he always finishes his recommendation by saying, "Hug the Bear!"

I love this expression as it says in such a clever and cute way "shop local and support our community."

I am told by those 'in the know' that "Hug the Bear" was once a campaign.

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Though I have lived here 15 years, this campaign predates me so I did a little research and found this 1985 Chicago Tribune article by Catherine Collins:

"ACCORDING TO the bards of suburban lore, in 1917 Edwin Jackman donated a fountain to the pretty village of Glenview. The fountain had three levels--one for dogs, one for horses and one for human passersby.

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It was, and still is, topped by a bear.

The fountain stands today in an area called Jackman Park and the bear has become the official symbol of the community. In fact, the local chamber of commerce chose 'hug a bear' as its logo."

Hug a bear, hug the bear, whatever. I prefer hug the bear so thats what I will call my blog.

I'm all about sharing the wonders and treats of Glenview with my neighbors whether it be a fun new business or a treasured institution. I will not have any ties to the businesses I write about (other than being a customer). This isn't Chicago, this is Glenview, and I want to promote something that has earned a shout-out on its own merit not because someone gave me a freebie (even if some of the gems around here are "bleepin gold").

Rest assured these are my honest opinions, the kind of things I'd say to my friends over coffee.

So friend, go get a cup of coffee. I'll wait. It's time to hug the bear.

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