Tracy Alden, 67, has spent the past 32 years as director of recreation for Western Springs. He also has been an Illinois High School Association soccer referee since 1997.
Q: Where did you grow up, and where do you live now?
A: I grew up in Evanston and still live there.
Q: Are you married, do you have children?
A: I’ve been married to Jean, it will be 40 years in October. We have three children, ages 35, 32 and 29.
Q: Do you have any pets?
A: We’re taking care of my son’s cat now. We have two cats and have had just about everything, from ferrets to fish.
Q: When you were a little boy, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: Something in sports. I was a fair athlete, never a star, and always played sports.
Q: What’s your biggest pet peeve?
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A: Crazy drivers or drivers who go too slow
Q: Who should play you in a movie about your life?
A: Steve McQueen, in his prime
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
A: I play guitar, acoustic, bluegrass and I bang out some other old songs. I also am involved with the church food pantry and choir.
Q: Do you have a favorite music artist?
A: It depends on my mood. I like Neil Diamond, Simon and Garfunkel, and Crosby, Stills and Nash
Q: What’s your favorite food?
A: Pizza, stuffed spinach and thin-crust pepperoni
Q: What’s your favorite area restaurant?
A: Davanti Enoteca in Western Springs
Q: What is your favorite beverage?
A: I drink a lot of water, and I like a cold beer on a hot day.
Q: What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?
A: Cookies and cream
Q: What’s your favorite TV show?
A: ‘Jeopardy’
Q: What’s your guilty pleasure?
A: Eating too much. Fortunately, I have a fast metabolism.
Q: Who’s your all-time favorite professional athlete?
A: Walter Payton
Q: Cubs or Sox?
A: Cubs
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.
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