Michiana Down Syndrome holds golf outing. Plus, South Bend Central's Class of 1953 meets.

Two for the price of one.

First up is Michiana Down Syndrome. The group offers support for families and educates the public. Time to play a round of golf for this good cause. One of the main guys is Matthew Speheger, who is loved for his sunny disposition.

Then the stalwarts from Central High School, Class of 1953, have lunch and talk about good memories and keeping active.

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Cheryl Speheger and son Mathew make quite a team as they promote the annual Michiana Down Syndrome golf outing on Saturday, June 1 at Juday Creek Golf Course in Granger.

Cheryl is all about awareness and getting people involved. Matthew is all about being the cheerleader.

It is the fourth annual golf outing. A fundraising walk is a big event in the fall. “It was my husband’s (Keith) idea to have an event in the spring. His idea, and I do all the work,” she said.

The MDS is looking for players and sponsors. For additional information, visit the website at michinanadownsyndrome.org.

MSD serves St. Joseph, Marshall, LaPorte and Elkhart counties in Indiana and Cass, St. Joseph and Berrien in Michigan. Michiana Down Syndrome offers support, education, research money, and events for the community and families.

“As a mom, I’m on a mission," Cheryl said. "We want people to know that our kids are capable of working and learning. Matthew has been offered the chance to clean parking lots. He has more to offer. He would make a great greeter. He is very dear and such a joy.”

Matthew has Down Syndrome, and he is 25 years old. He is friendly and says hi to everyone. He knows everyone.

Besides parties and nights out for parents, Cheryl is a great fan of a tennis group called Buddy Up Tennis. It reaches out and helps families at South Bend Racquet Club. Cheryl said it is 90 minutes of tennis instruction and fitness for Down Syndrome children and young adults. The tennis clinic is on Saturday mornings. “A good outing, motivational. We love South Bend Racquet. The club works with us.”

Ultimately, the golf outing, tennis and the walk are ways to educate the public and secure help for those who need it, Cheryl said. All the volunteers, family and friends are lending a hand. “It is a way to support families.”

■■■

It was a small but mighty group of 1953 Central High School graduates that gathered for their twice-a-year reunion lunch last week at Perkins Pancake House on Indiana 933.

They keep in close contact through newsletters and mailings. Not bad for 71 years.

The 14 alumni talked about kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren, all the missing friends and a few visits to doctors. Also there was talk about the fall lunch. No calling off these gatherings yet.

“We’ve made it this far, and as long as we can get together, we will,” said Dick Rockstroh, a class member. “We are all closing in on 90. Some people of us are 88 or 89, but it is close.”

Dick added there is much joy in getting Central Bears together. In fact, there is a Florida-based reunion of Central graduates. “There were 50 at the last gathering. It is all classes.”

The gathering started with a cheer and the class song from their favorite pompom girl, Dean Rich Herma. “I wasn’t really a cheerleader or a pompom girl. I just saved the pompoms from a parade. We had a Central float. Everyone had a pompom and I kept it.”

Dean said her name got her placed in a boy’s study hall. That didn’t last long.

The class secretary is Betty Green Niedbalski. She keeps track of the class by sending about 100 or so newsletters. “There is a disagreement on our class size. Some say it was 333. Others say 375. We keep disagreeing.”

Betty said the class members have always been very close. “We had super committees. We all worked together so well. So we just keep going."

Dr. John Eichorst, a retired physician, said he wouldn’t miss the lunches. “I was always a big supporter of getting out and moving. I played handball, and now I walk. I fish whenever I can. You have to keep moving. You don’t want to grow roots in the recliner.”

Pat and Ray Demski met in elementary school, graduated from Central and married. They will celebrate their 64th anniversary in July.

“It is hot news to share," Pat said. "No party, just a gathering with kids and grandchildren. We wanted a big party for our 60th anniversary, but it was COVID time. We’re too old for a big party."

Husband Ray added, “Too old to tango.” He is very happy to share the time with his bride, family and friends.

After lunch and desserts, there were hugs and fond wishes. Dick said he hopes to see everyone in the fall.

Kathy’s email is [email protected].

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Michiana Down Syndrome golf outing and South Bend Central High reunion