'Hunting' bears in Huron

HURON — Each day, sisters Eliza, 2, and Adalynn, 6, imagine their street turns into a forest. Their pursuit challenges them to point out as many bears — they're from the friendly and fuzzy species — as possible, hiding in a cozy habitat. Along with their mom, Rachel (Majoy) Lill, the family ventures outside for a daily teddy bear hunt throughout their Huron neighborhood. "Families are putting up teddy bears in their windows, and kids find where they're hiding," Rachel said. "It's another activity for us to do to get outside and have some fun," she added. "My girls were super excited about this, and it's good because we're trying to get them outside as much as possible since we're stuck in the house." Ohio's stay-at-home order, which aims to protect residents from the spread of disease through COVID-19, caps what families can do for entertainment. For instance, they're discouraged from arranging play dates with children and can't visit, among other places, an arcade or roller rink. Though Gov. Mike DeWine continues to let the public know people can, and should, head outdoors for walks. Finding teddy bears jazzes up the activity, Rachel said. "I saw something about it on social media that one of my friends posted," said Rachel, who's married to AJ Lill, a supervisor at Erie County Job and Family Services. "I asked my neighbors if they wanted to do it, and they jumped right on it." As of today, about 15 homes in their neighborhood are participating in the teddy bear hunt. "Even people without children can do it and are doing it," Rachel said. "It's awesome for everyone to get that sense of community. I feel very lucky that we live where we do." For the benefit of all children, Rachel encourages residents in other neighborhoods to adopt a similar activity. "I hope all communities can jump on board with this," Rachel said. "I hope, when my kids are older, they remember all the fun that was had during this time instead of all the craziness."