Orland Township holds ‘Senior Idol’ contest

The Orland Township offices are always abuzz — especially this year.

Popping in to the offices to vote early, I noticed the brochure for Orland Township’s Senior Idol contest. This annual event, which is in its fourth year, raises money for the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation and is really a fun time!

Headliner emcee Kevin Grace, who has designed sets for the “Steve Harvey Show” and “HGTV Design Star,” will be at the event that runs from 4:30 until 10p.m. May 19 at Georgios Banquets, 8800 W. 159th St., Orland Park. Kyle Dee, a former “American Idol” contestant; Miss Illinois Crystal Davis, and radio personality Rich Renik will lend their many talents to the judging committee.

I met with Joe Snaidauf, public relations and community outreach coordinator for the township, who highlighted the coming competition and other events and activities at Orland Township.

Snaidauf stated: “I really think that everyone that works on this event and all of the events that we host here at the township take pride in giving back to the community. The proceeds from Senior Idol go to the Orland Township Scholarship Foundation, which impacts local students. We all love working this event!”

The competition began with free auditions on March 1. Seniors — ages 55 plus — were asked to perform a two-minute song. Judges Jim Rallis and James Libera had a tough time selecting finalists. Those chosen will move on to the final event in May. Seventeen individuals have advanced to the finals. Come to support your favorite competitor, and see the winner crowned Orland Township’s Senior Idol. Tickets are already on sale for $30 per person. All ages are welcome to support this fun night of entertainment.

Among other offerings at the Orland Township is the Senior Advisory Council, which was established in 2009 to serve as a bridge between the Orland Fire Protection District and the senior population. It also educates seniors on health and safety issues and analyzes the impact of policies on the senior population, among other tasks. Members of the council are: age 50-plus, have good moral character, are legal citizens of the United States and have resided in the district for more than one year.

Orland Township and the Orland Fire Protection District, or OFPD, are offering free CPR training classes for the Orland Township community. Adult classes are geared for ages 16-54, while senior classes are for 55 and older. Two coming classes are currently accepting registration. The classes will be held at 6 p.m. April 7 (adults); and 1 p.m. April 5 (seniors). Call 708-403-4222 to reserve your spot. These classes will be held at 14807 Ravinia Ave. Additional classes, offered by OFPD at Station 3, 15101 Wolf Road, are available — go to www.orlandfire.org.

Aside from the Orland Township Food Pantry, which is always accepting donations of food, canned goods, paper items, etc., the Orland Township Nurses’ Closet offers medical supplies for area residents in need. Township residents may borrow mobility assistance items such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, and lift chairs; bathing equipment, including shower chairs; and also hospital beds. Items may be used for up to 60 days. If you have items to donate to the Nurses’ Closet, please contact Orland Township at 708-403-4222.

Finally, as you are trying to reduce your technology footprint by recycling or donating your televisions, computers and other items, which are getting more difficult to dispose of, know that old cellphones can be used for the Free Emergency Cell Phones for Cook County Senior Citizens initiative, by Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart. Unused cellphones can be a lifesaver for senior citizens as a lifeline to emergency personnel.

Your phone should be deactivated and all personal information should be removed prior to donation. The donated phones have been collected at numerous sites throughout Cook County since 2006.

If you are a senior, or know a senior, who does not have a cellphone of their own, please call the Sheriff’s Cell Phones for Seniors Program at 708-974-6042 to receive an application. Information about this program can also be found at: www.cookcountysheriff.com/press_page/press_CellPhonesForSeniors_12_31_2014.html.