COVID-19: OPT-ED

In the Rabbit Hole

“I t's no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then," said Alice to the Mock Turtle as she tried to understand and adjust to her new world in Wonderland. Alice had just followed the White Rabbit down the rabbit hole and tumbled into a very surreal world.

And, weren’t we all different persons than we were just a day or two ago. For me, it seems like just yesterday that I was busy juggling projects, conferences, meeting days and Schuster nights. I am a different person now, for I (like everyone else) have been cascading down my own rabbit hole as the coronavirus has completely disrupted, if not endangered my life. Until this I had always had a cluttered calendar (and a cluttered desk, but that’s another story) that pretty much controlled or at least managed my life.

No more. My calendar has been completely wiped clean. All of my luncheon meetings and dinner engagements have been eliminated by Governor DeWine’s edict that all bars, restaurants and events with more than 50 people are closed until further notice. Even the churches have dispensed with mandatory attendance in favor of online prayers or even satellite radio.

Now, I do understand the seriousness of the COVOID-19 pandemic and fully understand the need to implement these very drastic measures in order to slow down the spread and the speed of the transmission of this virus. I support these decisions and I want us all to be safe and secure as we try to live through this crisis, however long it may last.

Everybody will struggle to get through this in their own way. For me, I have already learned to forgo the handshakes and replace them with nods, waves, elbow bumps, and perhaps even a risky fist bump or two. But, more often I find myself trying to keep my social distance from everyone. I try to remember to wash my hands for 20 seconds, if possible. (The Happy Birthday song works, although I would not want anyone to hear me sing it.)

Our dining habits have changed, as we now see which restaurants have carryout, and what menus and hours they may permit. (I do feel bad for them because the days they lose are gone forever, much like a hotel can never capture the revenue from an empty room for an evening.) Now I order carryout meals, both to feed myself and to support the restaurants and their employees.

Work has completely changed. For many people there is no work and no salary. I feel bad for those people. I am grateful for those of us who are lucky enough to work, whether it is at an office or remotely from our home. In our office, we routinely have teleconferences and virtual meetings, and we will soon add visuals to those conferences, either through Zoom or Skype. Aldous Huxley was right. It is a brave new world.

That brings us back to our heroine, Alice in Wonderland. As she pondered her life in the rabbit hole, she lamented: “And what is the use of a book without pictures or conversation?” And that’s where I am, lamenting that our remote workdays are without social engagement or other conversation.

Whether this hiatus will be for a short time or a long time, we will work through it, just as Dayton has worked through its many challenges during the past year. I look forward to the day when we all can climb out of the rabbit hole and enjoy the sunshine of our community. By Merle F. Wilberding DBA Second Vice President Coolidge Wall Co., LPA

MEMBERS ON THE MOVE: If you are a member of the DBA and you’ve moved, been promoted, hired an associate, taken on a partner, received an award, or have other news to share, we’d like to hear from you! News of CLE presentations and political announcements are not accepted. Members on the Move announcements are printed at no cost, and must be submitted via email and are subject to editing. These accouncements are printed as space is available. Questions? Contact: DBA Communications Manager | Shayla M. Eggleton: publications@daybar.org

Cherish Cronmiller's photo and contact information is incorrect in the DBA 2020 Legal Directory. The corrected information is shown here.

CRONMILLER PO Box 1211 Dayton, OH 45401-1211 Mobile: (614) 668-3674 cherishlaw@gmail.com

DEGROW

MiMi DeGrow's photo and contact information is incorrect in the DBA 2020 Legal Directory. The corrected information is shown here.

Miamisburg Municipal Court 10 N. First St. Miamisburg, OH 45342-2305 Phone: (937) 847-6487 Fax: (937) 866-0135 mimi.degrow@cityofmiamisburg.com

GIBSON

Joe Gibson of Gibson Law Offices has been re-elected Mayor of Tipp City. Joe has been a member of Tipp City Council for over 10 years and is in his third term as a Council Member. He was previously Council President and is now in his second term as Mayor. Joe is the former Chair of the DBA’s Workers’ Comp/Social Security Committee and has been practicing law in the Dayton area for 30 years.

Richard A. Boucher has named Julia C. Kolber a partner; the firm name has changed to Boucher & Kolber. Congratulations to Julia on this outstanding accomplishment.

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EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT SURVEYS, CLIENT SATISFACTION SURVEYS. Customizable, Confidential, Powerful analytics. Enhances firm focus. Antonette Lucente, Blue Gill Consulting Group LLC Antonette@bgfishpond.com

LOCAL COURT RULES Dayton Municipal Court has proposed changes to the Local Court Rules. Please visit the Dayton Municipal Court at: http://www.daytonmunicipalcourt.org for notice of and an opportunity to view and comment on proposed local court rules.

MEDIATION Dennis J. Langer Retired Common Pleas Judge LangerMediation.com | (937) 367-4776

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION William H. Wolff, Jr., LLC Retired Trial and Appellate Judge Phone: (937) 293-5295 (937) 572-3185 judgewolff@woh.rr.com

MEDIATIONS Jeffrey A. Hazlett Esq. 5276 Burning Bush Lane Kettering, Ohio 45429-5842 (937) 689-3193 hazlettjeffrey@gmail.com http://www.nadn.org/jeffrey-hazlett

NEED A MEDIATOR/ARBITRATOR? JOHN M. MEAGHER, Judge (Retired) Adjustable fees 25 Years Resulting in 2,100+ Mediations 50+ Arbitrations Call (937) 604-4840 Jmeagher2@gmail.com

OFFICE SPACE 101 Southmoor Circle, NW (Stroop and Far Hills) One office available at $400/month. Furnished or unfurnished. Rent includes all utilities, remodeled full size kitchen, two completely remodeled baths, secretarial area, reception area and conference room. No lease, no deposit. Email dave@SchmidtDayton.com for info and pics.

OFFICE SPACE Scenic overlook of Gazebo and Metropark; 20,000 motor vehicles passing daily; historic 120 year-old building; currently two solo practice attorneys with 63 years combined experience -potential mentors & referrals; fully furnished 3 rooms (500 sq ft with refrigerator & microwave; plus three spacious closets & private bathroom; including all utilities & services & internet; USPO - 3 blocks; Police Station, Fire Department & Government Center - 5 blocks; 6 banks - within½ mile; Airport Terminal - 4 miles; 170 - 1.5 miles; 5 county seats under 25 miles. Very economical. Interested? Call 937-836-1013 & leave message.

Help Build Our Foundation.

The Dayton Bar Foundation (DBF) is the charitable giving arm of the Greater Dayton Legal Community. Your contribution will enable the DBF to continue to fulfill its mission of funding innovative local organizations in their quest to improve our community by promoting equal access to justice and respect for the law. In the past few years your contributions helped to fund grants to:

- Greater Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project (GDVLP) - Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (ABLE) - Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO) - Life Essentials Guardianship Program - Law & Leadership Institute - Wills for Heroes

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