Ruthie Brew, manager of the Wilmette Park District’s Mallinckrodt Center, is a busy woman, proud of the many programs that are offered for active adults 50 and older at the Ridge Avenue facility. She took a few quiet moments on Oct. 9 to muse about vacation spots, movies and more.
What’s your favorite tourist destination?
Costa Rica, and I’m going there this winter. I’m looking forward to just being in nature. That’s one of my great joys in life. I’ve been to Grand Teton (National Park), and I went to Yellowstone (National Park) this summer. Costa Rica is known for its nature parks, so I’m really excited.
Since it’s the baseball post-season, we have to ask: Cubs or Sox?
More Top Picks Photophobia In Children When To See A Doctor
I’m a Cubs fan, definitely. I became one when I moved to Chicago. My husband was a North Sider, so it was kind of a natural thing for me.
Do you have cause or charity that you’d like people to know about?
The Woman’s Club of Wilmette which, as you know, burned down in February. We are going to be putting together fundraisers to raise money to rebuild the club.
What’s your favorite genre of movie?
I’d say probably documentary movies. I watched one recently that was called “The Age of Love.” It’s all about older adults connecting with each other and having dating relationships at an older age. It’s won all kinds of national awards, and it deserved them. It’s a good reminder that getting older doesn’t in the least mean that people don’t stop loving or wanting to meet someone.
What’s the part of your workday that you enjoy the most?
Probably the best part of the job is offering special events and programs at the center. I like being able to offer them, because they bring in new people and provide new and different interests for members who are already here.
When you’re off the job, what do you enjoy doing?
I’d say walking in the woods. As I said, I’m a nature lover. I like hiking in parks, but around here I generally just walk in the woods.
Describe yourself in five words or phrases.
Oh, that’s a hard one! Happy to be alive; nature lover; empty-nester; older adult advocate. That’s only four, is that alright?
– Kathy Routliffe, Pioneer Press
Shout Out is a weekly feature in which we get to know and introduce our readers to their fellow community members and local visitors throughout suburban Chicago. Check out more online at ChicagoTribune.com/ShoutOut.