Redefining Retirement – Diane Maciejewski - A Dream Come True

Former Chicago Public School (CPS) teacher and principal, Diane Maciejewski, developed a love for writing at age 11 when she published her first poem in a national student anthology. Writing became a lifelong passion of Diane’s and constantly nudged at her in high school as she wrote for her school yearbook and co-edited her school newspaper. Her passion took a backseat as she went through college and started her 34-year career with CPS.  

Diane began her career in 1972 at Michelle Clark Middle School, where she taught for eight years. After taking study leave to complete her doctorate in Public Policy Analysis, Education Administration, she taught at the Andrew Jackson Language Academy from 1982-1987. She then took on the role of principal at Edgebrook School and remained in the role until 2006, when she retired. 

Throughout the first five years of her retirement, Diane cared for her parents. During this time, her longing to become a writer returned with even more force, and within a few years, she decided to embrace it. Diane began attending writing workshops, seminars, and retreats. She spent hours and hours writing and rewriting poems, flash fiction, personal essays, and short stories that she submitted to contests and various publications. After several years of working diligently to achieve her dream, she compiled and published a collection of her work called Tangerine Trees.  

Redefining Retirement – Linda Norby - Generosity in Retirement

Whether it was during her 30.4 years as a teacher or during her retirement, Linda Norby has always used her passions and talents  to benefit others.  

Linda graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago and began student teaching at Marshall High School, eventually accepting her first position as the art teacher at the Manley Branch. In 1971, Linda and her family moved to Atlanta where she continued to teach art for one year before pursuing a master’s degree at Johns Hopkins University. During this time, Linda also became a mom. 

After receiving her Masters in Liberal Arts and staying at home with her daughters. Linda moved back to Chicago in 1984 and returned to CPS (Chicago Public Schools). Linda was assigned to Mayo Elementary School, where she taught first grade, and after 5 years, was offered the position of art teacher.  

CTPF Board of Trustees Meeting Today

Redefining Retirement – Jay Rehak – Living Life with Vision and Laughter

Former CPS teacher, CTPF Past President, and Trustee Jay Rehak retired after an illustrious 34-year career. Day one of retirement he jumped right into projects that he always wanted to get to but could not find the time.  

During his teaching years, Jay authored the hit book series, Sideline, the story of a 12-year-old entrepreneur who helps her dysfunctional family survive. He also wrote 27 short plays and authored or co-authored 10 novels. In 2013, he created and co-authored the award-winning 30 Days to Empathy, the world’s first high school class sourced novel. His book How to Write a Class Sourced Novel is widely used in high schools throughout the United States and his TedX Talk on the subject of creating empathy through collaborative writing can be seen here.

Jay is full of vision and creativity. As he headed for retirement, he commented, “I thought about what I find personally fulfilling and how I could continue to make my ideas a reality.”  He suggests that the time to start thinking about how you want to live when you retire is before you make that transition. He says, “while everyone needs to go down their path, start by thinking about what’s next and then actualize what you can do.” Specifically, Jay is turning his website laughsaver.com into an easy-to-use app.

In Memoriam, Trustee Jeanne Marie Freed

CTPF has received confirmation that former CTPF Trustee Jeanne Marie Freed passed away on September 20, 2021, after battling several serious health conditions. She was 75 years old.  

Ms. Freed taught Spanish for more than 30 years, retiring from Lincoln Park High School in 2013, and previously worked at Lane Tech. Students loved her warmth, creativity, and zeal for the Spanish language and Latin cultures. Throughout her life, Jeanne engaged in the struggle for social justice, and was active in the Chicago Teachers Union. She was a voracious reader, a member of several book clubs, and a supporter of local theater. 

Ms. Freed was elected Teacher Trustee in 2010 and served until her retirement in June 2013. She was an active member and was on several committees including Pension Laws and Rules.  

Protect Yourself Against Medicare-Related Phone Scam

Medicare scams are a year-round concern, but this month warrants special attention. Open enrollment runs from October 1 - 31, and it's prime time for scammers to try to steal your money and identity.

Recently a distinctive robocall has bombarded many of the more than 60 million Americans who get their health care via Medicare, and AARP's Fraud Watch Network helpline has been flooded with complaints about these genetic-testing calls. It goes like this:

"Hi, this is Becky, your patient advocate working closely with Medicare. Currently, Medicare is offering precautionary genetic cancer screening nationwide and has recommended that anyone over the age of 50 be tested. These tests help to detect early signs of cancer and are covered by your insurance. If you do not act soon, Medicare may label you as ineligible for coverage. Please press 1 to speak to a specialist.…"