a Happier Halloween - and some disappointing news - and "Your Permanent Record Card"

[Mark Friedman]

In the past, I photographed the kids when they came to my door in costume, trick-or-treating - then posted the pictures by year, making them available to the kids, their parents and the community. In Dobbs Ferry, that was OK.

I asked a neighbor about doing the same thing here, in Summit, and was told it was a bad idea. People would object strongly. So I didn't do it.

What I did instead, was to photograph the community's Halloween celebration (including parade) and posted all of those on my site (a public event is OK - no release required). Out of 156 shots, 90 were good enough to post -- and I've been spreading word of the site (handing out cards when I took some of the shots, showing the site to some connected people in town). The reaction has been wonderful, and a local on-line, community paper asked if I was interested in free-lance work. I am, of course. And we'll discuss it next week over lunch. It's not a real job, but it might bring in some money.

The disappointing news: I was turned down by the Community Health Law Project for aid in appealing Social Security's decision, rejecting my claim for disability income (because we're above the financial ceiling of the clients they serve). I'll either have to hire an attorney or do it pro se. I'm tempted towards the latter, but that could be an expensive mistake.

In looking for documentation, I discovered this amazing piece of information: your entire record, all report cards, letters, comments and everything else, follows you from the time you enter the public school system (in NY State) and ends up in the High School you graduated from (or spent time in). They keep this data until you're 77!

I wanted to document some incidents in the first and third grades - and now I can. Consider that I'm 59.

That was a real surprise. Now -- let's see what they send me.

I'd like to share the photos I took with you, and there's a link on my page here to my web site. Please take a look. It should cheer you up, if you need it.

[Mark Friedman]

Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts, Gary. As it happens, my Permanent Record Card arrived in the mail a few minutes ago and it provides some formal documentation of problems when I was 7 that continued for some years. This matters because, in NJ, you must provide evidence of disability before age 20 for ADHD and other neurological disorders. I'm no longer dependent upon word of mouth (which the courts have decided against).

And thanks for the kind words about the photos. I have a chance to do freelance work resulting from those - and that should be fun.

[Gary]

Ah yes, the dreaded "permanent record."

Usually used to try to terrify people in the principal's office "you realise that your prank will go on your PERMANENT RECORD?"

The joke is that not only does nobody ever ask to see it (when was the last time an employer told you you wouldn't be getting the job because of that prank in 3rd grade?) but they can't. In Canada it's protected by FOIP so basically I can ask to see it but nobody else without a court order.

For a couple of years I've been toying with the idea of requesting a copy of mine because I have huge gaps in my memory. I assume it's because of the ADD -- I just never paid attention to my life when I was younger. Now that you've reminded me I think I'll actually find out how to do the request.

It's funny what people will object to, isn't it? Congratulations on the photos! It's always nice when we find a talent and can pursue it.