MY 50 YEAR REUNION SATURDAY NOVEMBER 19, 2016

LIVE AND DIE
for MUMFORD 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, David Maiseloff,
and Stanley Jacobson 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) Karen August and Leslie “Chi-Chi” Starman.
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 Ishbia, 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, Mother of our son Scott, better
looking now than when I married her—what a great girl. Memories of a great past. Over
45 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. Paul Lufty-forever greatful.
Raising two great Kids (Scott, and his beautiful wife Nicole, Jenni and her husband Andy).
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, Doug Hoffman, Bob Scheuer, Henry
Scharg, Steve Scharg, 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 Our Years Playing Together.
My cousin Alan Finer and his wife Doreen. Thanks. Mr. Bill (Willie). Bill Eisenberg and his
wife Cathy—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!
I have now lived in Arizona for two years making frequent visits to Michigan. My body
is here; but I am just a boy from Detroit city. Now for the final quarter of an unbelievable
game called Life. The one game you learn the rules as you play. Our daughter is here her
business is here our twin grandchildren Rylan & Blaze along with Alene’s family. I must
also make mention of those who are not with us but were a part of my growing up: Debbie
Wengrow (my date at the Mumford prom), Barry Breman, Wally Sampson, Stan Snitz, Dr.
Steve Rosen, Dave Glazer, Harvey Deutch, Ted Kaczander, Nancy Stewart, Ed “Tut” Mentzel,
Marilyn Sosnick, Leta Wolgin, Leslie “Chi-Chi” Starman, Leslie Schwartz, Dr. Harry Herkowitz,
my Mom and Dad.

Rick Gould

P.S. Sometimes you have to go thru Hell to get to Heaven…not bad for a 1.85 GPA,
but a 4.0 street wise! Dream as if you’ll live forever, live as if you’ll die today.
Forever Maroon and Blue. Go Mustangs!!

November 10 • 2016

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