The song may say it’s not easy being green but the Village of Orland Park’s Smart Living Team is hoping to make it a bit simpler. The village will host its “Green Fair 2010” on Saturday, April 24th from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 South Ravinia Avenue.

“The community has responded warmly to the village’s green initiative,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “A number of people have asked for a centralized source of information for all things green,” he added.

Businesses that offer environmentally friendly products or services are invited to rent tables at the fair. The village’s Smart Living Team is seeking vendors that specialize in recycling, green technologies and products, alternative transportation, green buildings and education. Each table is $20 and scholarships are available for non-profit and education organizations.

“We have a number of vendors already interested in being a part of this village first,” said Trustee Patricia Gira who chairs the village’s Parks, Recreation and Environmental Initiatives Committee.

“Having these vendors all in one place is great for other businesses and for our residents who have been asking for as much information as possible,” Gira added.

Tentative green vendors include those that conduct workshops, landscape companies, rain barrel vendors, those that sell environmentally friendly home products and services, cleaning products, organic cotton clothiers, dry cleaning, cleaning companies, building and home supplies, wind turbines, permeable pavers, insulated building materials and more.

To apply to rent a table at the fair, businesses may visit the Smart Living Orland Park website at www.smartlivingop.com. Applications may be completed, saved and then emailed to smartliving@orland-park.il.us. Or, they may be printed and faxed to 708/403-6171.

Fees will be due upon businesses being approved for the fair and vendors will be notified by March 26 if they’ve been selected to showcase their products or services.

“Our staff is hoping to bring in as many different types of green vendors as possible,” McLaughlin explained. “We’re hoping to offer a true cross section of the green industry with a lot of information so that everyone can learn what’s out there,” Gira said.

Speakers with specific environmental areas of expertise will offer presentations during the event.

Smart Living Orland Park, is the village’s comprehensive green initiative, providing environmentally based programs and resources for residents, businesses and government in an effort to conserve energy and promote sustainability. The village’s ECOMAP (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Municipal Action Plan) provides details about each of the five components, including Smart Neighborhood, Smart Living, Smart Business, Smart Village and Smart Codes. Further information is available at www.smartlivingop.com.

Orland Park’s Green Fair 2010 is open to the public and admission is free. Companies that offer environmentally friendly products or services may complete an application on the village’s website to apply to be a part of the fair. Further information is available by calling 708/403-6140.
Vendor Application

20’ x 20’ garden plots are available for Village of Orland Park residents until April 15, 2010. [Additional info...]

Questionnaires for the 2010 U.S. Census are scheduled to arrive by mail in mid-March with a return date of April 1, 2010. The U.S. Census Bureau will host questionnaire assistance centers in Orland Park, March 19 to April 19.

Census staff will be stationed at the Orland Park Public Library, 14800 Ravinia Avenue, on Mondays and Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Census personnel will be at the Village of Orland Park Sportsplex, 11351 West 159th Street, on Mondays and Tuesdays from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

Residents with questions about their census forms will find census representatives at Orland Park’s Frederick T. Owens Village Hall, 14700 South Ravinia Avenue, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Further information about this nationwide decennial census is available by calling 1-800-923-8282 or at www.2010.census.gov.

View the draft work in progress for the 2010 Comprehensive Plan, and participate in an on-line survey. 2010 Comprehensive Plan

Six municipalities along the 159th Street Corridor have been collaborating on a long-term vision for physical improvements and a common marketing strategy for 159th Street, and are now seeking public input through an on-line survey before recommendations are finalized. The Corridor varies greatly through the study area, from a rural character at the west end in Homer Glen through Orland Park, Orland Hills, Tinley Park and Oak Forest to a fully developed character at the east end in Markham. The study seeks to identify an overall theme for enhancements and marketing efforts, and to improve the corridor’s function, appearance and marketability in conjunction with future roadway improvements by Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

“All of the communities along this corridor have a mutual interest in working with IDOT and Will and Cook Counties to ensure that future improvements are of the highest quality, and that they address the needs of all users,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin.

The right design will have a positive impact not just on vehicle mobility, but also on pedestrian, bicycle and transit access. In order to avoid 159th Street becoming a dangerous high-speed highway that divides communities, the communities can work together to achieve good design objectives. These strategies are intended to work toward redeveloping 159th Street as a “Complete Street” where pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders of all ages and abilities must be able to safely move along and cross a complete street. Targeted capital improvements can create a more attractive place, providing a more positive perception of the Corridor as a vibrant shopping and recreational destination for the south suburbs.

The draft report that includes design and marketing concepts that have been developed is available for viewing on-line at: 159th Street Corridor Plan.

Residents, property owners and business owners with an interest in the future of the 159th Street Corridor are encouraged to view these concepts and provide feedback through the brief on-line survey at: 159th Street Corridor Survey.

“Our Steering Committee decided that providing an opportunity to respond to an on-line survey would be the best way to get feedback from as many interested stakeholders as possible,” said Robert Sullivan, Orland Park Planning Director. This feedback will be taken into consideration as representatives of each community meet to discuss improvement priorities and implementation strategies in spring 2010.

The 159th Street Corridor Plan is being developed with grant funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation, supplemented with matching funds from the participating communities, which include (from east to west) Markham, Oak Forest, Tinley Park, Orland Park, Orland Hills and Homer Glen.

The Orland Park Cultural Center will be filled with the rare sound of Viennese dance music on Sunday, March 21 when the Orland Park Arts Commission presents the Vienna Waltz Ensemble.

The trio performs rare 19th Century music from the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The traditional combination of two violins and bass was the “rock and roll” band of the 1800s.

“This is a beautiful event for a Sunday afternoon,” said Village Trustee Kathy Fenton, who chairs the Special Events and Community Outreach Committee. “We’re especially pleased that the village’s Arts Commission is bringing such amazing talent to Orland Park,” she added, noting that the commission will offer a second concert later in the year.

Arts Commissioner Gabrielle Wiede first saw the group perform at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, having met Carl Johnston at Carl Sandburg High School where they both teach.

“Vienna Waltz Ensemble offers a nice mix of period music and instructional comments that help the audience understand and appreciate what they’re listening to,” Wiede explained.

The trio includes Carl Johnston and Clara Lindner playing violin and Greg Sarchet playing double bass. The group first performed together at the Chicago Cultural Center in July, 1998.

Explaining the ensemble’s history, Lindner said, “Greg Sarchet was on a tour of the Czech Republic when he discovered that the music played in many of the cafes and restaurants was played by two violins and a double bass.”

Sarchet received two Chicago Artists International Program Awards that enabled him to conduct in-depth research in the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Hungary and Great Britain.

Lindner added, “With the assistance of esteemed musicologists, Greg rescued rare musical manuscripts which became the repertoire of the Vienna Waltz Ensemble.”

Sarchet explained, “We offer exquisite dances by composers such as Haydn, Rossini, Beethoven and Johann Strauss, both junior and senior. The music is charming and joyful and includes waltzes, polkas, minuets and German dances.”

Vienna Waltz Ensemble will perform at the Orland Park Cultural Center, 14760 Park Lane, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. A reception with light refreshments will follow.

The group’s performances are also educational as the three musicians research the historical background of the music, uncover anecdotes and share the entertaining commentary for which the trio is known.

Wiede added, “This event will bring classical music closer to those who might not have heard it before.”

Individually, the musicians have performed with the Chicago Symphony, Lyric Opera Orchestra, Ravinia Festival Orchestra, Chicago Opera Theater, Grant Park Symphony, Chicago Chamber Orchestra, Joffrey Ballet Orchestra, the Three Tenors, on “Oprah” and for commercial recordings and television specials.

Greg Sarchet, who plays double bass, is a member of the Lyric Opera of Chicago. He has served on the faculties at Northwestern University, Northeastern Illinois University, Northern Illinois University and Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts for more than fifteen years.

Violinist Carl Johnston has taught at DePaul University, American Conservatory and at the VanderCook College of Music, along with teaching at his private home studio. Violinist Clara Lindner has been on faculty at the University of Minnesota and Columbia College Chicago, as well as teaching at her private home studio.

Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased at the cashier’s office at the Frederick T. Owens Village Hall, 14700 South Ravinia Avenue. For more information, call 708/403-6140.

The foundation of American democracy is dependent on fair and equitable representation in Congress. To achieve an accurate assessment of the number and location of the people living within the nation’s borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every ten years.

In March, 2010 more than 130 million addresses will receive a 2010 Census form. The 2010 Census will document the changes in the United States since the last decennial census in 2000.

"Orland Park has conducted a number of special censuses over the last ten years to document growth in different parts of the village," explained Mayor Dan McLaughlin. "This year's census is the nationwide count that occurs every ten years," he said, adding, "We're calling on everyone in Orland Park to cooperate and participate in the census."

Census totals determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress. Data will directly affect how more than $4 trillion is allocated to local, state and tribal governments over the next ten years. So that this allocation is accomplished fairly and accurately, the goal of the decennial census is to count everybody, count them only once and count them in the right place.

Orland Park's participation is being coordinated through the Village Clerk's Office. "The importance of the 2010 Census is highly significant," said Village Clerk Dave Maher.

"The federal government uses these numbers for the rest of the decade to make decisions about public health, neighborhood improvements, transportation, education, senior services and more," he explained.

The goal of the 2010 Census is to count everyone by April 1, 2010. United States residents are encouraged to use April 1 as their personal deadline to return the completed census form. The U.S. Census Bureau does not ask about the legal status of respondents in any of its surveys and census programs.

Census questionnaires, available in a variety of languages, are available on request. Census figures estimate 310 million people residing in the United States.

"This year's census is described as one of the shortest questionnaires in history," McLaughlin noted, "We're asking everyone to take ten minutes to answer the ten questions on the mailed surveys."

Some area residents have received the American Community Survey, conducted every year throughout the decade, replacing the Census 2000 long-form questionnaire.

"We've heard from residents who have received the American Community Survey, a longer questionnaire that is randomly sent to different households," Maher explained, adding that not every household has received the longer questionnaire.

The short questionnaire that will be mailed to every household asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity and whether the respondent rents or owns their home.

Census staff will be available at Orland Park’s Frederick T. Owens Village Hall and at the village’s Sportsplex fifteen hours each week, March 19 to April 19. “They’re going to have an information tables available to answer questions and help those who need assistance,” Maher explained.

Residents who don't return their census surveys can expect a visit from a census enumerator.

"Area residents who scored highest at the recent census testing are being hired to physically visit the houses that don't return their questionnaires so that everyone is included," Maher explained.

Enumerators will visit homes April through July. By law, the Census Bureau must deliver the population information to the President in December, 2010. The Census Bureau must complete delivery of redistricting data to states by March, 2011.

"Everyone's participation in the census is important for our country, the State of Illinois and, in particular, Orland Park,” McLaughlin said.

Responses to the 2010 Census questionnaire are required by law. All responses are used for statistical purposes only and all are strictly confidential. Further information is available at www.2010.census.gov.

The Chicago Bulls will host “Orland Park Night” on Saturday, March 27 when the Bulls take on the New Jersey Nets at the United Center, 1901 West Madison Street in Chicago.

“The Chicago Bulls contacted the village asking if we’d like to host an ‘Orland Park Night’ at an upcoming game,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin.

“This is a nice way for those who can’t afford to pay full price to go to a game,” McLaughlin added.

Tickets normally costing $70 for rows 1 to 7 of the 300 level are available for $35. Those in rows 8 to 17, which normally cost $46, are available for $23.

Discounted Orland Park Night tickets are not limited to those who live or work in Orland Park.

“This is open to everyone,” the mayor said. “We’re encouraging those who live and work in Orland Park to share the information with family and friends. Everyone’s invited,” McLaughlin added.

To order tickets on line without service or handling fees, fans can visit www.bulls.com/orlandpark.

Or, tickets may be ordered by fax or mail by downloading an order form from the document center on the village’s website at www.orland-park.il.us.

Tickets are subject to availability and Chicago Bulls personnel encourage fans to buy tickets early. Attendees must provide their own transportation and tickets are not refundable.

Orland Park has already scheduled its 2010 Grand Slam Event with the Chicago White Sox. Discounted tickets will be available for the 7:10 p.m. game on Wednesday, July 7 against the Los Angeles Angels. Ticket order forms will be available after opening day.
Chicago Bulls Order Form

Coyotes have been in the Orland Park area since the late 70s when they used area railroad tracks as highways to Chicago’s south suburbs. The current population is growing because coyotes have no natural predators. They are the number one killer of white-tailed deer fawns.

“Coyotes look like German Shepherds and, at this time of the year, they look very large because their winter coats are in,” explained Orland Park Police Animal Control Officer Steve Stronk. “When they’re wet, they look like a 40 pound dog,” he added.

It is not uncommon to see coyotes in packs of as many as eight. The coyotes’ breeding time is normally in February and March with their pups being born in the spring, April and May, after 60 to 63 days of gestation. Coyotes can have anywhere from five to seven pups in a litter.

“Most coyotes feed on rabbits and mice but they’ll never pass up a free meal,” Stronk noted. “They do eat bird seed and all other animals and birds that feed on the seed,” he explained. Stronk recommends that residents who feed birds and see coyotes in the area should stop feeding the birds for at least a month.

“The Police Department knows of Orland Park residents who --- despite our repeated warnings --- have been feeding coyotes,” Stronk lamented. “This is one of the reasons why coyotes are losing their fear of humans,” he added.

It is illegal to ground feed any animals or birds in the Village of Orland Park.

“We cannot stress enough that people should not feed any wildlife in Orland Park. They must let Mother Nature take its course and let these animals forage for their own food. Whether it’s the geese at the ponds, coyotes, raccoons, deer in your backyard or any other type of wildlife, do not feed them,” Stronk firmly said.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources records show no documented coyote attacks on humans; however, they will attack family pets.

Residents who encounter a coyote are cautioned to never run from it or take their eyes off of it. “If you run, you could engage a predatory instinct and the coyote could give chase,” Stronk explained. Residents who encounter coyotes should yell, scream and wave their arms, making themselves look larger than they actually are.

“If that doesn’t work, throw whatever is handy at the coyote or carry an air horn like boaters use,” Strong suggested, adding, “An air horn should make them leave in a hurry.”

Residents are encouraged to always carry a cell phone when out walking or walking their dogs. “Take your cell phone with you so you can call for help,” Stronk recommended.

Walkers are also encouraged to go to the nearest house for help and ask that the homeowner call 9-1-1 so that a police officer can respond.

“I cannot stress enough the importance of never, ever leaving your family dog or cat to wander alone or unattended outside,” Stronk said. “This is when coyotes have attacked, when they come upon defenseless family pets outside by themselves,” he added. “Do not leave your family pets unattended outside,” Stronk emphasized.

Orland Park is surrounded by forest preserves and the village will always have wildlife in its environs. “We have deer, muskrats, coyotes, geese and more,” Stronk said, adding, “We can’t choose which animals pass through our yards but there are several things we can do to make them not want to stay.”

“Everyone needs to be careful and pay extra attention when it comes to wildlife, especially when it comes to family pets,” Stronk advised, adding that coyote information packets are available at the Orland Park Police Department, 15100 South Ravinia Avenue.

Residents with additional questions about wildlife in the Village of Orland Park may contact Stronk by calling the Police Department’s non-emergency number, 708/349-4111.

The Village of Orland Park Cashier’s Office is open during regular business hours of 8 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday and now from 8 am to 7 pm on the first and third Mondays of the month for those who wish to pay their water bills in person. The Cashier’s Office will no longer be open on Saturdays.

In addition to making payments in person, the Finance Department Cashier’s Office offers several options for people to pay their water bills.

Pay by Mail
Payments can be made via mail to the address provided on the payment stub. Please allow seven to ten business days for delivery and posting to your account.

Pay Online
Credit card payments can be made online using a Visa, MasterCard, or Discover or by using a debit card with the Visa/MasterCard logo. To register for online payments go to www.orland-park.il.us/billpay.

Pay by Automatic Water Bill Payment Program
Payments can be made automatically from a checking or savings account directly to your water billing account. The transfer will occur on the due date. An Automatic Water Bill Payment Authorization Form must be complete to enroll in this program. To register for the Automatic Water Bill Payment Program, visit the Village’s website at www.orland-park.il.us or call Water Billing at (708) 403-6175. The Authorization Form will need to be printed and mailed or delivered to the Cashier’s Office in the Village Hall.

Pay by Drop Box
Payments can be made by dropping your payment in one of the following water bill drop boxes.
• Inside the Village Hall next to the Finance Department Cashier’s Window
• In front of the Village Hall on the median strip before the circle drive
• At each of the Village’s commuter parking stations located at 143rd, 153rd and 179th Streets
• At the Sportsplex in front of the circle drive

Electronic Bills
The Village offers residents the ability to receive their water bill electronically. Bills are emailed to residents on the same day paper bills are mailed. A link to the on-line bill payment section of the Village's website will be included in the email. To enroll in the program, please compete the Electronic Bill Enrollment Form on our website or call Water Billing at (708) 403-6175.

Change of Information
If you need to change any information on your water billing account, please complete the Water Billing Change of Information Form on the website or call (708) 403-6175.

Learn more about the Main Street Triangle Development Main Street Triangle Development

Beat Meetings allow residents to meet with Police Officers who work in their neighborhoods to stay informed and share information with the police.

Beat 1: Wednesday, March 31 at the Orland Park Police Department Training Room, 15100 Ravinia Ave.
Beat 2: Wednesday, April 7 at Prairie School, 14200 82nd Ave.
Beat 4: Thursday, April 15 at Liberty School, 8801 W. 151st Street.
Beat 6: Wednesday, April 21 at Meadowridge School, 10959 W. 159th Street.
Beat 3: Wednesday, April 28 at Kruse School, 7617 Hemlock Ave.
Beat 7: Wednesday, May 5 at Centennial School, 14101 Creek Crossing Drive.
Beat 8: Wednesday, May 12 at Meadowridge School, 10959 W. 159th Street.
Beat 5: Wednesday, May 19 at Fernway School, 16600 S. 88th Ave.

Meet members of the Orland Park Police Department at Trailer in the Parks (T.I.P.S.) this summer. Hot dogs and chips will be served at 6:00 pm. Police vehicles on display.

June 11, 2:00-8:00 pm Evergreen Park, 141st St&87th Ave
July 9, 2:00-8:00 pm Brown Park, 147th Street&Raneys Ln
August 13, 2:00-8:00 pm Mission Hills, Capistrano&San Bernadino.

Landlords and/or property agents are required to attend one (8 hour) landlord training seminar. Registration is required and must be completed a minimum of 10 days prior to the class you choose. A minimum of 10 persons are needed for a seminar.

Wednesday, February 10, CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF ATTENDEES

Tuesday, February 16, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Wednesday, February 17, CANCELLED DUE TO LACK OF ATTENDEES

Tuesday, March 16, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Satuday, March 27 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

Registration needs to be made 10 days prior to the training date and a minimum of 10 attendees is required or the seminar will be cancelled.

Location: Orland Park Police Department
15100 S. Ravinia Avenue
Community Training Room

For information or questions, call 708-403-6178.

20’ x 20’ garden plots are available for Village of Orland Park residents until April 15, 2010. [Additional info...]

Learn the elements of earth-friendly gardening and how to transform existing outdoor areas into sustainable landscapes. [Additional info...]

The song may say it’s not easy being green but the Village of Orland Park’s Smart Living Team is hoping to make it a bit simpler. The village will host its “Green Fair 2010” on Saturday, April 24th from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 South Ravinia Avenue.

“The community has responded warmly to the village’s green initiative,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “A number of people have asked for a centralized source of information for all things green,” he added.

Businesses that offer environmentally friendly products or services are invited to rent tables at the fair. The village’s Smart Living Team is seeking vendors that specialize in recycling, green technologies and products, alternative transportation, green buildings and education. Each table is $20 and scholarships are available for non-profit and education organizations.

“We have a number of vendors already interested in being a part of this village first,” said Trustee Patricia Gira who chairs the village’s Parks, Recreation and Environmental Initiatives Committee.

“Having these vendors all in one place is great for other businesses and for our residents who have been asking for as much information as possible,” Gira added.

Tentative green vendors include those that conduct workshops, landscape companies, rain barrel vendors, those that sell environmentally friendly home products and services, cleaning products, organic cotton clothiers, dry cleaning, cleaning companies, building and home supplies, wind turbines, permeable pavers, insulated building materials and more.

To apply to rent a table at the fair, businesses may visit the Smart Living Orland Park website at www.smartlivingop.com. Applications may be completed, saved and then emailed to smartliving@orland-park.il.us. Or, they may be printed and faxed to 708/403-6171.

Fees will be due upon businesses being approved for the fair and vendors will be notified by March 26 if they’ve been selected to showcase their products or services.

“Our staff is hoping to bring in as many different types of green vendors as possible,” McLaughlin explained. “We’re hoping to offer a true cross section of the green industry with a lot of information so that everyone can learn what’s out there,” Gira said.

Speakers with specific environmental areas of expertise will offer presentations during the event.

Smart Living Orland Park, is the village’s comprehensive green initiative, providing environmentally based programs and resources for residents, businesses and government in an effort to conserve energy and promote sustainability. The village’s ECOMAP (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Municipal Action Plan) provides details about each of the five components, including Smart Neighborhood, Smart Living, Smart Business, Smart Village and Smart Codes. Further information is available at www.smartlivingop.com.

Orland Park’s Green Fair 2010 is open to the public and admission is free. Companies that offer environmentally friendly products or services may complete an application on the village’s website to apply to be a part of the fair. Further information is available by calling 708/403-6140.

We are particularly seeking information on recycling, green technologies and products, alternative transportation, green building, and education.

Please respond by March 15, 2010 if you would like to be considered for space to present your business at the fair.

Once all applications have been submitted, we will begin notifying vendors of their participation.

You will be notified no later than March 26, 2010 if you have been selected to showcase your products or services at the 2010 SmartLivingOP Green Fair.

All RSVP's and fees are due by April 2, 2010. Green Fair 2010 Registration Form