It's time for a change...

It was, for all intensive purposes, a big news week last week.

Item 1:  Buffalo Grove was ranked one of the top 50 places to live in the United States.  Reb Mordechai, drinks for everyone.

Item 2:  The Smithsonian announces that a new mammal, the Olinguito, which CNN reported is “..A small mammal with fluffy red-orange fur, a short bushy tail, and an adorable rounded face…”  Now, this is big news.

It’s also a no brainer.

According to Money magazine, the village had all the right tools (schools, finances, government, bloggers…well three of the four) making it attractive.  However, it reported that it did not have a traditional downtown district.

The village does, however, have a traditional name.  Too traditional.

If the village’s fathers and mother want to make a statement, change could be in the air.

It’s time to say good bye to the buffalo.

If Money magazine wants the village to break with tradition, it needs to do so beyond its rather

An olinguito offers a calmer image of the village

traditional name. 

So rather than Buffalo Grove, how about Olinguito Falls?  Or Olingutio Grove? Or Olingutio Shores?

Cynics, no doubt, would say “There’s never been a olinguito here.”

But has there ever been a Buffalo? Didn’t think so.

Granted, it would require getting used to – replacing Buffalo with olinguitos on the village’s letterhead and public service vehicles will be a change, but it’s one that would project a softer side of the village. 

First and foremost, however, is the replacement of those Fiberglass buffalos that adorn parts of the village.  And that stuffed buffalo head in the council chambers?  That has to go.  Warm, cuddly olinguitos would add a subtle change.

I know the sports programs around the village may need to change, especially at Buffalo Grove High School where the teams are known as the Bison.  Really.  Bison?  Just how many teams are known as the Bison compared to the “Fighting Olinguitos”?  It should not upset folks at the school as long as it doesn’t affect enrollment in AP classes.

The bottom line, is it’s all about uniqueness, friends, uniqueness.

So if the village wants to move up the list, it needs to add to the charm.  Growling, gruffly looking buffalo replaced by warm, cuddly olingutios may help.

As for a traditional downtown -- the founding fathers and mothers apparently opted against it.  And my guess is a plan by the developers in expensive suits and high-priced cars probably isn’t the answer.

But just think, if the village adopts the olinguito, guess where the buffaloing will come from?