Older Men Sought for Orland Township Speed Dating

—Submitted by Orland Township

Men wanted. Not just any men, either! We’re looking for older men. Yes, in this particular case some aged wisdom wins out. Orland Township is looking for men 60 and over for Orland Township’s Speed Dating event Thursday, April 21 at 94 West Grille and Tavern at 6 p.m. in Orland Park.

The popular meet and mingle event has been an Orland Township staple the past 4 years, going twice a year, a “double date” if you will, and this year’s get-together promises to be one of the biggest.

“It’s been a fun, great event for our seniors in the Township,” said Supervisor Paul O’Grady. “Many men and women who have come to this event have become very good friends.”

Now it depends on which side you’re looking at it right now. As it currently stands there are about four women to every one man.

“We are all filled up with the woman’s side of this event and we’re really looking to find a nice number of new male contingents to join," said Administrator Mary Hastings. “This is a real cute match-making experience that has been fun for everyone involved.”

Participants are rotated from table to table, creating a series of short “dates”. At each table, participants will meet someone new and have a short amount of time to get acquainted with their “date” before moving on to the next table.

Kind of like a modern day version of Grandpa “Love Connection” meets Grandma “Dating Game” only with a time clock. Now that’s an idea! Maybe a romantic connection will develop, or maybe a guest will meet a new friend or two!

“It’s been very entertaining, it’s been fun, I’ll tell you that, “ said Orland Park resident Caryl Tietz. “It’s mostly just small talk with some kind interaction at the tables. It’s really a nice night out, that’s how I look at it.”

“Some guys go just to go and check it out, some guys go who are pretty serious about it, said Tinley Park resident Bill Vincent. “I’ve gone a number of times and it’s really nice, I love supporting Orland Township.” “You want to find out about the person, what they like, have they been married, where they live, I mean it’s really hard to date someone if they live all the way in Waukegan. I’ve gone out a couple times and its been very enjoyable, the Speed Dating event is a chance to meet different people you won’t maybe normally meet.”

At the end of the event, participants can exchange phone numbers if they choose, but it is not required. Regardless of the outcome, it’s sure to be a fun evening of socializing, with maybe a chance for longer relationship.

“Oh my gosh, I was at the Speed Dating about three years ago and a woman didn’t show up so I kind of took her place by accident, I was kind of asked to fill her spot and that’s where I met the gentlemen I still go out with,” said Orland Park resident Ruth Korkus. “I truly believe that it was meant to happen and it’s really a nice way of getting to know someone without all the pressure of being just by yourself.”

Men are encouraged to register by April 15 and should do so soon as space is limited.

A requested donation of $10 to benefit the Orland Township Food Pantry will be asked as part of the proceeds to host the event. To register, call Orland Township at 708-403-4222.