Catching up (or Keeping up) with Orland Park Seniors
Originally published November 3, 2016 (Submission copy)
The Village of Orland Park and Orland Township have many fun programs, activities, and events for the senior set. Village of Orland Park Sportsplex Fitness Manager Deborah Geghen shared information about their recent Senior Week, which was held October 20 through 24. This five-day health and fitness festival offered a range of healthy activities for those ages 55 and older. During this event, seniors had the opportunity to explore the walking club, trigger point massage, Pilates, pickle ball, injury screenings, aerobics, and bocce ball. Workshops included Diabetes Friendly Cooking, Stroke & Heart Disease Information, and “Cyber Security — It’s Everyone’s Job”.
For those seniors that wish to flex their mental muscles – do you like to play cards? Consider some of the “Drop In” games at the Cultural Center, located at 14760 Park Lane, Orland Park. Beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, join others for a game of Bridge; and at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Mahjong will be played.
Billed in the Recreation and Parks Program Guide as “It’s never too late to learn” a class teaches Horseback Riding for Seniors. Conducted at Nova Quarter Horses, Inc. at 10129 187th Street, Mokena, classes are offered from beginner through advanced in English and Western styles of riding. Both indoor and outdoor arenas are available for lessons year-round. Check the Village of Orland Park Autumn Program guide for times and cost.
Thinking of traveling, or do you want to learn a second language? Spanish for Seniors offers a great opportunity to learn a foreign language and keep your mind active. Small classes will teach Spanish grammar, phonetics, and conversation. Classes are conducted at the Cultural Center.
Check out all that the Village of Orland Park has to offer in their Autumn Program Guide online at: https://www.orland-park.il.us/index.aspx?NID=247
Orland Township also offers a wide range of services and programs for seniors that promote independence and wellness. Joe Snaidauff, Public Relations and Community Outreach Coordinator for Orland Township, provided a photo and information from the October 20conclusion of the Fifth Annual Dancing with the Senior Stars fundraising event. This year’s winning couple was Joyce Bakotic and John Meister. Congratulations!
Along with the Orland Township Senior Transportation service, which provides curb-to-curb service to seniors, ages 55 and older; the Township also has a variety of fun activities. Luncheons, dinner dances, and trips all are arranged with the senior set in mind, and offer fun times for all that attend.
The Orland Township Activity Center, located at 14807 S. Ravinia Avenue, is open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays for residents to play cards and bingo and enjoy refreshments. Coffee and doughnuts are provided in the morning and, on occasion, sandwiches, hot dogs, or pizzas later in the day.
The Orland Park Library brings carts of books to the Orland Township Activity Center on the first and third Wednesday of every month during regular hours. You may check out books, DVDs and other items from the OPPL. Don’t have an OPPL library card? No worries, you can sign up for one at the Activity Center.
Did you ever wish you could knit? Knitting expert Jean Porn teaches the lost art of knitting from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Orland Township Activity Center. Geared toward knitters of all levels, students (from beginner to advanced) may work at their own pace. Bring all necessary supplies, including yarn and knitting needles.
Orland Township also offers assistance to seniors in need of help filling out Medicare claims and statements, and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug coverage through their Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). Personnel trained with the Illinois Department of Insurance will take appointments to answer questions about Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Insurance.
A free and confidential service to inform residents about any benefits and/or programs available to them as seniors is offered through Orland Township. The Benefits Check-up Program (BCU) collects information (monthly income, age of household members, assets, etc.) and prepares a list of benefits for which they may qualify. Applications for this service are available at the Township Offices.
For more information about services, programs, and events available through Orland Township, visit their website at: http://orlandtownship.org/seniors/
Take a class, play cards, or attend events to keep active and healthy!