Blake Alexander entertains at Orland Township summer luncheon event

Over 170 attendees gather at Orland Chateau for a musical performance during the year’s first Summer Senior Luncheon on July 15, 2021.

Senior Luncheons, one of Orland Township’s most popular reoccurring events, are finally back in full swing! On Thursday, July 15^th, 176 community members poured into Orland Chateau (located at 14500 South La Grange Road, Orland Park, IL 60462) for an afternoon full of food, socializing, and fun entertainment.

“Holding our luncheons at Orland Chateau allows us to offer social-distancing spaces for those who prefer to be extra safe during these times,” said Supervisor Paul O’Grady. “We’re glad that things are finally turning around, as we understand the importance of these eventful gatherings for our senior residents. But we will still continue to do what we must in order to protect their health and safety.”

At the venue, attendees were served a plated lunch, consisting of soup, salad, stuffed chicken & vegetables, followed by dessert with access to a cash bar. Local contemporary artist Blake Alexander was present to provide entertainment; aweing guests with his vocal abilities, which range from covering artists like Sinatra to Maroon 5 and everything in between.

Blake Alexander entertains at Orland Township Summer Luncheon. Courtesy of Orland Township

There was not a dry eye in the room once Alexander noticed his grandmother Peggy Panzer in the crowd. Peggy, who surprised her grandson by her attendance, was credited as one of his biggest supporters and reasons for his success in a speech given by Alexander mid-set. He was then joined on stage by his grandmother for a dance in which he serenaded her with “My Way”, which was popularized by Frank Sinatra in 1969.

“Moments like these allow us to be continuously optimistic about the future of Orland Township.” O’Grady went on to say. “Compassionate performers like Blake Alexander, who share these touching moments with us, is exactly what our community needs after the havoc wreaked by COVID-19. I can’t wait to witness more luncheons and other activities in the months ahead.”

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

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Ray Hanania

Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.