Pittsfield Senior Center plans program expansion, room renovations after county millage funds

Pittsfield Senior Center leaders said on CTN’s Senior Moments that new county millage dollars and local support will help expand classes, day trips and social activities and pay for a planned room renovation.

Stacy Jackson, a Pittsfield Senior Center representative, said the county’s older‑persons millage—voted in 2024—produced a county framework that allocates roughly $11,000,000 and "the county has given each senior center $200,000 per year" to sustain or expand programs. She said Pittsfield will use some of that funding for capital improvements, including converting an older conference room into a larger, more flexible space to host programs and smaller groups.

The changes come as the center launches its spring–summer catalog: "We are launching our spring summer catalog, tomorrow, and registration will open on Sunday for all of our spring summer programs," Jackson said on the program. Staff highlighted several free or low‑cost classes for older adults, including three Tai Chi classes free to anyone 65 and older through WCC and a new Zumba offering.

Kim McIntyre, another Pittsfield Senior Center representative, walked listeners through day trips and special events the center offers. Upcoming outings include an April Riverdance performance (currently waitlist only), a visit to Kellogg Sanctuary, a trip to Meijer Gardens and a Wharton Center performance; McIntyre said day trips typically cost about $100–$130 and include bus fare and some admissions or meals.

Membership at the Pittsfield Senior Center runs January–December and costs $5 a year for Pittsfield Township residents and $10 for nonresidents, McIntyre said. She also described the center’s outreach: mailed brochures and postcards to ZIP code 48108, a monthly emailed newsletter, a phone line (734‑822‑2117) and the township website (pittsfield‑mi.gov) as ways for residents to learn about programs.

Staff noted a mix of funding supports the center’s work. McIntyre said Pittsfield Township’s tax base provides core funding; the center also pursues program revenue and sponsorships to underwrite special events. Jackson said the county millage funds are intended to help centers "figure out either to sustain programs, increase programs," and enable capital projects to expand usable space.

Besides recreation and enrichment classes, staff described a "tech town hall" program that pairs Saline High School students with seniors for one‑on‑one technology help and a new social coffee hour held on the second Thursday of the month at 11:15 a.m., with plans to expand the offering after renovations.

The center also runs youth and community programming under the township parks and recreation umbrella, including sports leagues, day camps and babysitting trainings, McIntyre said. Staff encouraged listeners to sign up for the center newsletter to receive monthly updates on programs and registration.

Registration for the spring–summer catalog opens Sunday, and staff said capital improvements are planned this year; no formal board actions or votes were announced during the broadcast.