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April 10, 2014 - Image 11

Resource type:
Text
Publication:
The Detroit Jewish News, 2014-04-10

Disclaimer: Computer generated plain text may have errors. Read more about this.

LIVE AND DIE

ltiFORD HIGH

I am struck with a feeling that I have a lot to be proud of and thankful for. While
through my Life I have experienced everything from sunshine on a cloudy day to the
tracks of my tears. What is clear to me is that I went to high school with some very
special people. I have used the Mumford High experience in my own unique way to
help me get to where I am today. I have had many ties with people. Some have tested
me, and others have taught me. I'm wiser for all the people I've known.
Growing up in Northwest Detroit on Roselawn with Steve Fishman and David
Maiseloff the "Roselawn Rosies" — Choose Ups at Bagley on warm afternoons were
always something to look forward to. Hockey on the Icey side streets and Backyard
Basketball filled up many days. Going on to Post Junior High School. Meeting new
people with different backgrounds. Never can Forget "The Velours" Karen Paul, Debbie
Burke, Jane Shetzer, Beverly Stewart, Gail Kerwin, Marilyn Sosnick, Leta Wolgan,
Ronna Feinstein (always a warm smile) and Karen August.
Getting involved with Sports at Mumford playing both football and baseball. The
J.C.C. on Meyers and Curtis was also a great escape from school. Playing basketball
on the Varsity there with Barry Bershad as my Coach, For 4 years hearing him yell
"Pass the Ball to Gould," meeting many new players and going many places. Rick
Kaczander second leading scorer in J.C.C. history only behind — guess who! Walking
to Mumford from Roselawn to Wyoming — WY-7 Bowling Alley, Rainbow Terrace and
Holiday Manor (how many Bar-Mitzvahs did I attend there?) Past Eagle Dairy, Barton's
Candies, Triangle Pizza, Dick's Toy Shop, Fredson's Deli (Getting Corned Beef with cole
slaw and fries for less than a buck). Grunts Market, Dexter Davison Market, Curtis
Drugs, Mumford Sport Shop (Converse Hi-Tops for $9) Beth Aaron, Cupids Bow and of
course the always present Drivers Training Course on the front doorstep of Mumford.
Going to the Motown Review over Christmas at the Fox with Barry Robbins, Carole
Yarrows, Ron Cohen, Harriet Parker, Eilleen Hitsky watching all the original Motown
groups for Less than $3. For close to 6 hours — what a Bargain. Meeting the Sultans
from Hampton —The Jaguars from Schultz. Those were the days my friend we thought

they'd never end. We'd sing and dance forever and a day —We'd live the Life we'd
choose. We'd fight and never lose for we were young and sure to have our way!
Going on to Wayne State. Living at the Phi-Sig house at 669 Virginia Park for
4 years with Mark Fenton, Jeff lshbia, Jerry Markowitz, Marty Seltzer I can't even
remember everything that went on there. Yes I did graduate from Wayne. Friends
from the past Howard Stoller, Mickey Levin, Ed Sitron (Forever my C.P.A.) For 42 years
my Father had a Drug Store on Joy Road near Dexter in Detroit, working with him as
a kid taught me that nothing in life comes easy. — The Retail Business was going to
be my means for survival. My Mom forever in my corner.
Cannot remember my Past without mentioning the girls that shared their early lives
with me. Debbie Wengrow, Nancy Stewart and Jill Robinson — Memories of a great
past. Over 40 years in the Retail Business. The Brass Bed Company then Joe's Wine
& Liquor in the Eastern Market — then moving to Manchester Michigan having a gas
station — Liquor store Party Store while living right upstairs. Small town acceptance
was truly a great way of Life. Cloverleaf Sunoco.
Raising two great Kids (Scott and Jenni) and watching them succeed, somehow
made all the efforts worthwhile. Being married to Alene who has put up with the many
Ups and Downs of Life with me but was always a great mother. I Love You.
The Sporting Venues of the Past — Baseball Oak Park Park Field #1 — Softball City —
Southfield Civic Center — Berkley Park. Basketball —The J.C.C. —The Green's — Beau's
Driveway on Saturdays
Football — Thompson Middle School on Sunday mornings. Royal Oak Memorial
Park. Hockey — Detroit Skating Club — Outdoors at Oak Park Park — Windsor Arena
The people that shared these venues. Mel Fink, Billy Berris, Roger & Steve Lesser,
Keith Levick, Mitch Ribitwer, Steve Fishman, Jack (Can of Corn) Sweet, Beau Sevy,
Rick & Bruce Kaczander, Howie Hecklin, Bobby Dovitz, Barry Breman, David Maiseloff
(Nobody hit a softball farther). Thanks for the Memories of My Years Playing Together.
My cousin Alan Finer and his wife Doreen. Thanks. Harold and Michael Nodler, two
gentlemen. Mr. Bill Mr. Bill (Willie). Bill Eisenberg-Thanks for always having faith in
me. You opened many doors that allowed me to pursue my dreams. You always put
in a good word for me and it was up to me to live up to your accolades. As a Partner
and as a friend my best interests were always on your mind.
Bill Berris—For over 50 years we have shared almost everything together. You
have been my advisor and confidant about almost every aspect of my Life. — From
telling me what to order when we go out to eat — how to deal with my marital affairs
— Don't shoot , pass the ball back to me — Let me drive even though it's my car I can't
drive —Telling me I can't believe you, don't have a computer. Telling me I can't believe
you don't text or take pictures with your phone. Or when we go out to eat, we can't
sit at a table because I have earrings and you know what people will think. Business
Partners, Teammates/Opponents. You and your family have always made me feel like
a Berris — The brother I never had — Love Ya Boy!
By the time this appears I will have relocated to Arizona. For the final quarter of
an unbelieveable game called Life. The one game you learn the rules as you play.
Our daughter is there, her business is there, our twin grandchildren along with Alenes
family so that's where I belong. This is my way of saying So Long to People that have
been a part of my life. Like Bob Seger sang "Turn the Page" —But Now I can stop
"Running Against the Wind".

Ria

P.S. Be back in 2016 for the 50th Reunion.

Forever Maroon and Blue. Go Mustangs!!

April 10 • 2014 11

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