Florida's Hall 2021

There are many functions we all attend. Often we are obligated to make appearances. I am reminded of a humorous bit in television's Big Bang Theory. In it, an argument ensues between a logic-driven scientist and a realist. A third character butts in to the frustration and advises the realist to "just tell him it is a non-optional social convention." The reaction is a "why didn't you say that to begin with" acceptance of the premise and end of the argument. There are some things you do because it is what we do.

But occasionally, if you are lucky, there come some occasions when you get to do things. In 2012, the Workers' Compensation Institute concluded that it would be appropriate to recognize people who have literally spent a lifetime in workers' compensation. It is an astoundingly varied group of folks from around the Florida community, largely from the practice of law. However, there are claims professionals, employer representatives, and more in the group. The most recent post on it was August 2019 the Florida Hall of Fame.

Soon thereafter, COVID came to call and the world turned on its edge momentarily. As lives and livelihoods teetered on a wire we all tried to go about our business as we could. Some were admittedly more successful in that regard than others. I have heard stories of tribulation, challenge, and perseverance through the valley of grief that SARS-CoV-2 brought to our shores. Despite those challenges, we have come back. In April, I noted progress in We're Really Back! The symptom of recovery there was a live, large-scale educational program.

But, the end of May 2021 brought an even better symptom of recovery, the Florida Hall of Fame induction dinner. It is one of those exceedingly rare opportunities I look forward to attending. It is not one of those "non-optional social conventions" that we find throughout life. It is a brief moment to enjoy the company of people who have largely wandered somewhat aimlessly into this community and somehow never left. It is a chance to bask in history in the company of historians who are responsible for much that is workers' compensation.

The gathering was inspiring. Some staff of the facility wore face masks. But, none of the attendees did. I was able to openly converse with some of the great figures who have made a career out of this community. In A Great Hamburger with a Smile (April 2021), I celebrated being able to see facial expressions in a restaurant. I struggle to express how heartwarming it is to speak to people in person again, with their expressions, reactions, and humanity. The best part of this induction dinner was those conversations and their normalcy.

There was only one inductee for the Hall in 2021. He is a man I have known for many years. I was fortunate to meet him when he served in the Florida House of Representatives. Of all my visits to the capitol, he was one of the exceedingly few who would welcome the chance to discuss workers' compensation. He was a principled and dedicated legislator who later spent years in Washington representing Florida in Congress. Dennis Ross has more importantly been many things to various people: husband, father, lawyer, partner, professor, advisor, and friend. He, as most of us, wandered unwittingly into workers' compensation, and for some reason remains drawn to it.

Dennis has periodically provided me counsel over the years. He is one of those people who is somehow amazingly easy to speak with. He brings attentiveness and focus to conversations with a unique ability to identify with virtually any topic. I suspect he is as flawed as the rest of us, but somehow I have never perceived the flaws. I am honored to have been associated with him over the years. We were all proud in May 2021 to welcome him to the Hall of Fame, and to recognize that he is among a most finite group that has demonstrated great care and concern for this community.

I am grateful this morning for Dennis and his contributions. More so for his wit, patience, and collegiality. I am grateful to Steve Rissman who has been the organizing force supporting this Hall. I am frequently tempted to skip an annual dinner, as the at least 450-mile one-way trip annually beckons, but Steve's enthusiasm is infectious. The comradery is infectious. The history represented in such a room is infectious. The spirit of the community is inspiring, even as I reverse course this morning and retrace that 450 miles back to paradise.

I am grateful to all the Hall members who made the 2021 trip. We are truly back from the SARS brink. No sign of returning normalcy has been so palpable. To you all, know these simple truths: (1) I enjoy your company more than you know, (2) I lament that our time together is so brief, (3) I am humbled by your presence, commitment, and service, (4) I am grateful to know each of you, and (5) sometimes you remind me of REO Speedwagon ("the tales grow taller on down the line," LOL). To everything, there is a season, and in that spirit to every time there is purpose. This time each year is, for me, a chance to reflect on this community of workers' compensation and recognize how fortunate I am to be in your company. I have learned much from you, though you perhaps never even realized you were teaching.

The members of the Hall follow; those who made the trip last night are italicized. 

Michele Adams (’16)

Bob Barrett ('20)

Geoffrey Bichler ('20)
Stewart Colling, Esq. (’12)
Tom Conroy, Esq. (’12)

Steve Coonrod, Esq. ('20)
Hon. Robert Dietz (’16)
Rosemary Eure, Esq. (’14)
Al Frierson, Esq. (’12)
Karen Gilmartin, Esq. (’14)
Dan Hightower, Esq. (’12)
Jackie Hilston (’18)

Stacie Hosman ('20)
Hon. Jeffrey Jacobs (‘18)
George Kagan, Esq. (’12)
Barry Keyfetz, Esq. (’13)
Joe Keene (’12)
Thomas Koval, Esq. (’15)
Steve Kronenberg, Esq. (’12)
Hon. Alan Kuker (’13)
Hon. David Langham (’12)
Hon. John Lazzara (’12)
Ray Malca, Esq. (’12)
Jim McConnaughhay, Esq. (’12)
Bob O'Halloran (’12)
Vilma Palmer (’18)
David Parrish, Esq. (’12)
Claude Revels (’14)
Steve Rissman, Esq. (’12)
William Rogner, Esq. (’18)
Hon. Stephen Rosen (’12)
Gerry Rosenthal, Esq. (’12)
Marc Salm, Esq. (’14)
Richard Sicking, Esq. (’12)
Mary Ann Stiles, Esq. (’13)
Hon. M. Kemmerly Thomas (’17)
Richard Thompson, Esq. (’16)

Mark Touby ('20)
Scott Westman (’17)

The 28 "Legends" are:

Hon. Israel Abrams (’12)
Bud Adams (’12)
Hon. Elwin Akins (’15)
Dudley Burton (’13)
Doc Dockery (’13)
Hon. William Douglas (’13)
John Dubreuil (’12)
Jim Earle, Esq. (’12)
Hon. A.S. “Gus” Fontaine (’12)
Hon. Elmer Friday (’13)
Rick Hodges (’13)
Lynn Houser (’14)
Ed Hurt, Esq. (’12)
G.W. Jacobs, Esq. (’12)
Jack Langdon, Esq. (‘14)
David Levine, Esq. (’14)
Ivan Matusek, Esq. (’12)
Frank May, Esq. (’15)
Hon. Betty Miller (’12)
Jack Miller, Esq. (’12)
Howard Pelsner, Esq. (’12)
Hon. Terrell Sessums (’13)
Hon. Leander Shaw (’13)
Hon. Steve Slepin (’12)
Hon. Baxter Swing (’12)
Gil Waters (’14)
Hon. William Wieland (’12)
Mason Wines, Esq. (’14)