On Monday, May 20, 2024, Dexter Community Schools held a ceremonial ribbon cutting with Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Senator Sue Shink, Representative Jennifer Conlin, and Representative Carrie Rheingans at the Dexter Wellness Center at 2810 Baker Rd, Dexter, MI 48130. The lawmakers toured the Wellness Center and visited the temporary home of the Dexter Senior Center inside the building.
Dexter Community Schools recently completed the purchase of the Dexter Wellness Center from the 5 Healthy Towns Foundation using funds provided to DCS in 2023 as part of an $8.5M state appropriation along with an $850,000 federal Community Project Funding Grant championed by Congresswoman Dingell.
This funding was secured by the diligent collaboration of Congresswoman Dingell, Senator Shink, Representative Conlin, and Representative Rheingans. The purchase of the Wellness Center is part of a larger project that will provide a permanent home for the Dexter Senior Center, creating a Multigenerational Community Center that will serve the entire community. The Dexter Senior Center has secured additional funding of $750,000 from Washtenaw County to build and furnish a permanent home for the Dexter Senior Center adjacent to the Wellness Center. The Senior Center hopes to break ground this summer, pending final approval of plans from the City.
Superintendent Dr. Chris Timmis stated, “This project represents a true collaboration of the Wellness Center, Senior Center, DCS District Staff, and Michigan lawmakers. It underscores the fact that Dexter truly is a community school district. The seniors deserve a functional and modern facility and the community will continue to enjoy all the benefits that the Wellness Center has offered residents.”
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell noted, “A multigenerational community center has long been a priority for Dexter. This is a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together at every level of government to improve our community. I’m thankful for everyone’s partnership and look forward to continuing to work together as this project is completed.”
Senator Sue Shink shared, “Senior centers are so important because not only do they provide a place for seniors to gather, they keep seniors healthy, they help keep families together, and they help keep the community strong. I’m so happy that I can be a positive part of this [project].”
Representative Jennifor Conlin commented that, as a caregiver for her own senior mother, “It’s really important for families to have places where their loved ones can go for socialization.”
Representative Carrie Rheingans noted that “…places for recreation are a really important part of a healthy community…kudos to this community as I know you’ll use this [facility] well.”
Last but not least, Dexter Board of Education President Mara Greatorex shared that “…as a community member, a Board of Education member, and as a member of the Dexter Wellness Center team, it is so awesome to have so much community support. The Dexter Wellness Center has been such an integral part of the community…this is such an incredible collaboration and we are all happy to keep it going.”
Photo (courtesy of Dexter Community Schools): L-R DCS Superintendent Chris Timmis, Board of Education Trustee Dick Lundy, DCS Senior Project Manager Sharon Raschke, Senior Center Board Treasurer Ann Davis, Representative Jennifer Conlin, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Senator Sue Shink, Representative Carrie Rheingans, BOE President Mara Greteatorex, BOE Vice President Elise Bruderly, BOE Trustee Melanie Szawara, and DCS Principal for Operations Craig McCalla.
