Established 1980

An Orland Park rhythmic gymnast will make her Olympic debut in Tokyo, Japan after being named to the 2021 U.S. team for the 2021 Summer Olympics. 

Evita Griskenas, 20, of Orland Park, is one of nine Team USA rhythmic gymnasts who qualified from the summer event at the 2021 USA Gymnastics Championships in St. Louis.

“It’s a goal that I have been working towards for 16 years now, so it’s very exciting, encouraging, and invigorating for me,” Griskenas said. 

Griskenas, who graduated from Carl Sandberg High School, was the highest ranked American gymnast at the 2019 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, and she won five medals for Team USA in the 2019 Pan American Games: gold in the all-around, three gold medals in ball, hoop and ribbon, and a bronze medal for clubs–making her the most decorated athlete in any sport. 

A record of 339 medal events in 42 venues at the summer games in Tokyo will commence on July 23 and run through August 8. 

Full Story available in the Orland Township Messenger

The Orland Park Police Department’s late summer bike ride to benefit Special Olympics Illinois returns Sunday, August 29. The ride begins and ends at Fattie’s Pub Orland Park, 14420 John Humphrey Drive.

Check-in and registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the ride begins at 7:30 a.m. The ride is open to those ages 12 and up. Cost is $25 per person and all proceeds benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

“The police department bike ride is a great event—it’s a beautiful ride through Orland Park and some of the forest preserves and it’s for a great cause,” said Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau.

The 15-mile course will travel through Orland Park and will then connect with the Tinley Creek Forest Preserve Trails. A water stop is held midway through the ride.

Pre-registration is available until Friday, August 27. Register online at https://soill.donordrive.com/index.cfmfuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=884 or in person utilizing the form obtainable from the Village Hall, the Police Station, and from the Village’s website at bit.ly/35p2BvA .

For more information about the event, contact Ron Kus at rkus@orlandpark.org or leave a message at 708-364-4998. 

Full Story available in the Orland Township Messenger

The Village of Orland Park has a fun-filled weekend planned for the celebration of America’s birthday. The event will kick off on July 2 at 7 p.m. with the annual Veterans Liberty Fun Run and Walk and close with the best fireworks show around on July 4.

Veterans Liberty Run and Walk

Run, or walk, to the 153rd Street Metra Station on July 2 for the annual Veterans’ Liberty Run and Walk! Participants are invited to jog or walk either the 2 or 1 mile course through beautiful Centennial Park. “This event is a great way to start the weekend celebration in Orland Park,” said Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau who participates each year. “This is an easy, family-friendly run for runners of all experience levels.”

All participants receive a dri-fit race shirt, a USA hand flag, a pass for one free admission to the Centennial Park Aquatic Center, post-race refreshments and entry into a prize raffle. Awards will be given for top overall male and female finisher and the top three male and female finishers in each age group. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to local veterans’ organizations. Onsite registration and packet pick-up begins at 5:30 p.m. on July 2 at the race site.

Kids’ 50-Yard Dash

Not quite ready for the 1-2 mile trek? Try the Kids’ 50-yard Dash! This quick dash is free to participate in and tons of fun. The Dash begins at 7:30p.m. at the 153rd Street Metra station following the Liberty Run start. Pre-registration is not required, all who wish to participate should be ready to go at 7:30 p.m.

Veterans’ Hometown Heroes Banner Dedication and Walking Tour

Those who have Hometown Hero banners displayed along Ravinia Avenue have been invited to attend a special dedication and walking tour on Saturday, July 3 beginning at 10 a.m. at the Ara Pace Memorial just outside Village Hall. “We’ve had an overwhelming response to our new Hometown Heroes program,” said Pekau. “The program is a great way for the community to honor those who have served and protected our country.”

Independence Day Celebration

Last, but certainly not least, on July 4 the Village will again host the Independence Day Celebration that includes a free concert beginning at 7 p.m., refreshments and a fireworks show that is sure to impress.

“The Village of Orland Park is known for its patriotic and elaborate Independence Day celebration each year,” said Pekau. “Thousands flock to Centennial Park West and surrounding locations to catch a glimpse of the spectacular fireworks show.” Guests are invited to bring their picnic set up, snacks and beverages and join their community for an evening of music and fun. Cover band Mellencougar is back this year, playing the best of John Cougar Mellencamp. Concessions, beer and wine will be available for purchase at the event. 

After the concert, we’ll present our nation’s colors as we salute the men and women of the armed forces. Last, but certainly not least, at 9:15 p.m. the Village of Orland Park will present a spectacularly choreographed fireworks show to close out the celebration of America’s independence.

Full Story available in the Orland Township Messenger

Excitement filled the air as residents flocked to Orland Township on June 17th and 18th. After a tense year and a half of strict pandemic guidelines and stay-at-home orders, seniors were able to finally partake in their normal activities at the Township once again. 

Senior Drop-In – notably, one of Orland Townships most popular events – allowed nearly 105 seniors to joyfully socialize during lunch, partake in a fun game of Bingo, and celebrate a few birthdays over the two-day span.

“It’s heartwarming seeing our community come together again, in ways we were once used to”, said Supervisor O’Grady. “This has truly been a long-awaited return. Our seniors are one of our top priorities here at the Township, and we’re happy to have them back!”

For more information on Orland Township happenings, call 708-403-4222, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit the website at www.orlandtownship.org/

Full Story available in the Orland Township Messenger