8-07-2026 8:50am

SUMMER TOUR:

We hope you know of a child who might like this series and want to learn about the Hunt Valley area. Please pass it along. Chuck Beary, aka Hunt Valley Bear, will be making appearances soon.

SUMMER TOUR PART 5

Once upon a time, in the rolling green hills of Baltimore County, lived Chuck Beary, the friendly mascot of Hunt Valley. Chuck loved his community, but lately, he was feeling a bit out of shape. The wake-up call came after a grand adventure. Chuck had climbed all the way to the top of the giant McCormick building, carrying his best friend, a bouncy little bunny named Quincy Hopper, on his shoulders.

By the time they reached the roof, Chuck’s fur was sweaty, and he was huffing and puffing like a rusty steam engine!"Woo! I need to get my bear-strength back," Chuck wheezed. The very next morning, Chuck decided to change things. He laced up his biggest sneakers and trotted down York Road to Brick Bodies Fitness in Timonium.

As soon as he walked through the doors, a friendly lady personal trainer welcomed him with a warm smile. She knew exactly how to help a bear in need. First, she had Chuck step onto a giant scale—which creaked just a little bit under his heavy bear paws—and carefully took his measurements with a tape measure. Next, she tested his strength, watching him lift a few light weights to see where they should begin.

"Time to prep those muscles, Chuck!" the trainer cheered. They started on a big, comfortable floor mat.

Chuck reached for his toes, stretching his big bear legs and his entire furry body until he let out a satisfied yawn.

Next, they moved to the cardio deck. Chuck stepped onto a wide treadmill. The trainer helped him slip a pair of bouncy headphones over his round ears, and upbeat, happy music started to play.

Chuck began to walk, then jog, matching his paws to the rhythm of the beat. Before he knew it, he was having so much fun he forgot he was working hard! Soon, Chuck was a little sweaty and his heart was beating with a healthy, steady thump-thump-thump."Great warmup! Let's head to the weight machine room," the trainer said, leading the way. Chuck wiped his brow and walked into the next room.

Suddenly, his jaw dropped in complete shock. Sitting right there on a leg press machine was none other than Quincy Hopper! The little bunny was lifting weights like a pro. Quincy hopped down, his long ears twitching with excitement. "Chuck! What are you doing here?""I'm starting an exercise program," Chuck said proudly, though his cheeks turned a little pink under his fur.

Quincy smiled a wide, encouraging bunny smile. "That’s amazing! I’ve been a member here for a long time, and I am so glad you're getting started. You're going to feel great."Quincy patted his big bear friend on the paw and added, "Remember, Chuck, it’s never too late!"With his best friend by his side and a great playlist in his ears, Chuck Beary smiled. He knew this was the start of a very healthy, very happy new adventure.

While Chuck Beary focused on his new workout, the friendly trainer guided him toward the heavy machinery. She showed Chuck how to use the machines that press and push, helping the big bear build up his chest and shoulder strength. Nearby, Quincy Hopper was busy doing what bunnies do best, practicing his high-flying jumps onto a soft plyo-box, trying to beat his personal record. But right in the middle of a big leap, Quincy froze mid-air

There, in the brightly lit corner of the gym, stood the most eye-catching vixen they had ever seen. She wore a perfectly matching retro sweatband and a bright swipe of red lipstick that gleamed under the fitness center lights. Walking over with a confident stride, she stopped right in front of the two friends."Hi there," she said smoothly. "I'm Foxxy Redd."

Quincy landed back on his paws, completely spellbound. He looked deep into her bright eyes and was immediately interested in learning absolutely everything about her. A long, intense silence fell over the group. Nobody said a word. The music from the gym speakers seemed to fade into the background as Quincy just stared, completely struck by lightning. Breaking the spell, Foxxy gave a polite wave, and the group scattered, heading back to different corners of the room to finish up their afternoon workouts.

But Quincy’s mind was completely somewhere else. As he pumped his little legs on an exercise bike, he knew deep down that he absolutely needed to see Foxxy Redd again. When they finally met up by the water cooler at the end of their workouts, Chuck couldn't help but chuckle at his little friend. "Buddy," Chuck laughed, shaking his furry head, "your eyes literally popped right out of your head! I thought your face turned completely pale when she looked at you."Quincy just sighed happily, looking back toward the corner of the gym, wondering when his new crush would return to Brick Bodies.