Deciding on a career path is a significant decision, but if you’re inclined towards hands-on work that yields immediate, tangible results, the skilled trades are worth considering. These professions are not just jobs; they are critical roles that keep society running smoothly and offer personal fulfillment, financial stability, and numerous other benefits. Students in Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan and Saline may embark on a journey in pursuing a career in the skilled trades in a variety of programs available through Career and Technical Education (CTE) at the South & West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC).

“The building trades program has been a great learning experience for me. I enjoy working with my hands and it’s a great alternative to the classroom,” said Sullivin Hines, a Junior at Dexter High School. “I plan to use the skills I use here in my future career.”

 

Benefits of the Skilled Trades

Pursuing a career in the skilled trades can be a smart, rewarding decision. Skilled tradespeople are always in high demand due to the essential nature of their work, which includes construction, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and more. The persistent need for these skills means that job security in this sector tends to be robust.

Variety, a sense of accomplishment, and financial considerations contribute to high job satisfaction in many of the skilled trades. Working in a trade often means no two days are the same. The work can involve different locations, varied projects, and unique challenges, which keeps the workday interesting and dynamic. There is a unique satisfaction that comes from crafting or repairing something with your own hands. Additionally, skilled trade jobs often offer competitive salaries that are comparable to or even exceed those of jobs requiring a four-year college degree.

“Welding is a field rich with opportunities,” said Randal Butts, a welding instructor at SWWC. “With competitive wages, job stability, and entrepreneurial potential, students who pursue welding through CTE programs gain valuable skills that employers highly seek.”

Other financial advantages for skilled trades people include the opportunity to work overtime and the opportunity for advancement. Skilled trades people can advance in their careers by increasing levels of certification and specialization, by moving into management and supervisory roles, or by going into business for themselves.

 

Spotlight on the Skilled Trades

For those who prefer active, engaging work environments over desk jobs, skilled trades provide the opportunity to work with their hands, solve practical problems, and see tangible results. Here are just a few of the fields available in the skilled trades:

• Electrician:  Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power systems in homes, businesses, and factories, ensuring that electricity is safely and efficiently brought to every device that needs it.
• Plumber: Plumbers install and repair pipes and fixtures that carry water, gas, or other fluids in residential and commercial settings. They are critical in designing systems that effectively manage water and waste.
• Carpenter: Carpenters construct and repair structures, buildings, and homes. Some work as builders, others as remodelers, or they may also build custom furniture and cabinetry.
• HVAC Technician: HVAC technicians work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings. Some work in commercial buildings and others service or install equipment in homes.
• Welder: Welders use equipment to join metal parts, fixing and fabricating metal structures, tools, and vehicles across a variety of industries. Welding requires a steady hand and precise attention to detail.
• Heavy Equipment Operator/Mechanic: Heavy equipment operators work with large machinery and vehicles used in construction, mining, agriculture, and other industries. They also need to know how to maintain, and repair heavy equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and loaders.
• Automotive Technician/Mechanic: Automotive technicians diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles. They work on engines, transmissions, brakes, and other mechanical and electrical systems.

 

Empowering Students to Build a Bright Future

From electricians wiring up our world to plumbers ensuring our water runs smoothly, skilled tradespeople are the backbone of our infrastructure. But how does one get started in this fulfilling line of work? High school CTE programs serve as a launching pad, providing students with the practical skills, industry connections, and career readiness needed to thrive in the trades.

“Students learn skills, gain confidence and make friends while tackling building and remodelling projects that serve their communities.” said Jeff Rittenhouse, SWWC Building Trades Instructor. “It is inspiring to have former students come back and share about their progress in training programs or employment. We welcome local contractors to visit our classes to recruit and share their experience and knowledge with our students.”

 

Transitioning from Classroom to Career

With a solid foundation from CTE programs, students seamlessly transition into the workforce or pursue advanced training. Armed with practical skills, industry connections, and a clear career path, they can enter careers in the skilled trades, shaping the world around them one project at a time.

“CTE classes like those at SWWC give students real-life skills in a controlled environment,” said Ryan Wood, an automotive technology technician at SWWC. “I took an Auto Tech class in high school just to learn basic car maintenance. Fourteen years later, that interest led me to a college degree and a decades-long career in the auto industry.”

Choosing a career in the skilled trades isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about pursuing an occupation that offers stability, satisfaction, and meaningful impact. High school CTE programs serve as the first step on this journey, empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to succeed in the workforce. Whether you’re wiring circuits, welding metal, or building structures, the world of skilled trades awaits—ready to welcome you into its ranks.

Visit www.TheSWWC.org for more information.

Opportunities through the South & West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC)

The South & West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC) provides Career & Technical Education (CTE) opportunities to 11th and 12th-grade students enrolled in the Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, and Saline school districts. 

The SWWC offers traditional CTE classes such as Culinary Arts, Automotive, Welding, Building Trades, Cosmetology, and Health Science, as well as nontraditional CTE classes such as Marketing, Accounting, Hospitality & Tourism, Computer-Aided Design, Cybersecurity, and Engineering and Robotics.

CTE classes offer a wealth of benefits that can positively impact a student’s future, such as:

• Hands-On Learning: CTE classes provide practical, hands-on experience in various fields, allowing students to develop valuable skills that are directly applicable to real-world situations.
• Career Exploration: The SWWC programs offer a wide range of courses in diverse industries, allowing students to explore different career paths and discover their passions.
• Industry Certification: Many CTE courses offer the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, which can enhance students’ resumes and make them more competitive in
  the job market.
• College and Career Readiness: By participating in CTE classes, students will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to begin the next stage of their life after high school. If students complete a full year of their CTE class and earn a 2.0 or higher, they can obtain college credit.
• Leadership and Scholarship Opportunities: Every CTE program has a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO), which offers additional leadership opportunities  and the ability to earn scholarships.

Learn more about the CTE opportunities at SWWC at
washtenawisd.org/our-services/career-and-technical/swwc-cte-programs/

“With competitive wages, job stability, and entrepreneurial potential, students who pursue welding through CTE programs gain valuable skills that employers highly seek,” said Randal Butts, a welding instructor at SWWC.

Photos: South & West Washtewnaw Consortium

Senior centers play an essential role in the heart of a community, serving as more than just a gathering place for older adults. They are hubs for connection, learning, and support, creating an inclusive space where generations can come together. These centers offer opportunities for social engagement, mental stimulation, and physical well-being, all of which are vital to maintaining a high quality of life for seniors. Beyond benefiting individual participants, senior centers foster stronger, more connected communities by reducing isolation, promoting health, and encouraging intergenerational interaction.

The Dexter Senior Center is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Construction is well underway for a new building that will be the permanent home for this thriving organization. With the construction of a new Dexter Senior Center, this growing community is poised to enhance these crucial services, strengthening the bond between residents of all ages.

The Center has served the greater Dexter area for over 50 years, though in recent years, members have been looking to expand and find a permanent home for the organization. From 1995 to 2020, the Dexter Senior Center was located in the Copeland building, owned by Dexter Community Schools. More recently, the Senior Center has been situated inside the Dexter Wellness Center, which was purchased by the Dexter Community Schools in April of 2024.

 

An Outpouring of Support

Through a dedicated group effort, with the collaboration of local organizations, community leaders, and generous donors, the funding for a new Senior Center became a reality, showcasing the power of teamwork and shared vision. Thanks to overwhelming support, the Senior Center will have a new building and the city of Dexter is going to gain a fantastic community resource. The exciting new building project will encompass both the new Senior Center and the adjacent Wellness Center, which will become a multigenerational Community Center.

“The intergenerational campus, as part of the Dexter Community Schools property, will offer programs and services to all generations,” said Jim Carson, President of the Board of the Dexter Senior Center.

The project is made possible by partnership between members of the community, the Dexter School System, elected officials, and county funding, just to name a few.

“We are thankful for the outpouring of support,” Carson said. “Many of us on the board have been committed to community service for numerous years, and we have never seen this level of support. It has been a huge team effort.”

Instrumental in the new project is an $8.5 million state appropriation secured by the Dexter Community Schools to use for a multigenerational community center. Elected officials key in securing the grant include Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Senator Sue Shink, Representative Jennifer Conlin, and Representative Carrie Rheingans. In addition to this generous grant, Congresswoman Dingell was instrumental in securing a federal Community Project Funding Grant. The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners also provided funding, as well as outside private contributors.

Many of the above-mentioned elected officials joined the Senior Center Board, Director, and members for a Groundbreaking Ceremony on July 27th. Also at the ceremony were Mayor Shawn Keough, Webster Township Treasurer John Scharf, Dexter school board member Dick Lundy and Washtenaw County Commissioner Jason Maciejewski. At the ceremony, led by Board President Jim Carson, the officials expressed the overwhelming support for the Dexter Senior Center and acknowledged the need in the community for this type of resource. 

 

A Place to Make Connections

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Congresswoman Dingell spoke about how the isolation during the Covid 19 pandemic reminded us that we need human connections to remain both physically and mentally healthy. Isolation and loneliness continue to be genuine health concerns, especially among the elderly population. The Senior Center fills a need in the community by offering a space for seniors to connect with one another, as well as with younger people.

Cooper Holland has been a member of the Dexter Senior Center for over three years and currently serves on the Board of the Center as well. She attends two to three exercise classes per week, has started a book club, and has formed valuable friendships at the Senior Center since moving to Dexter.

“The Senior Center offers people the opportunity to connect and get involved,” Holland said. “We have activities that keep people busy, both mentally and physically. Everybody brings something special and different to the Center and there are so many activities to choose from. It has truly changed my life.”

In addition to a wide array of enriching activities, the Dexter Senior Center has a strong Meals on Wheels and Senior Cafe program. The Meals on Wheels volunteers deliver nutritious meals to members of the community who are housebound, while the Senior Cafe offers senior community members a chance to eat with one another three days a week for a small donation.

 

Bringing Generations Together Promotes Well-Being

While serving the elderly population is vital, the vision for the new Senior Center, Wellness Center, and Dexter Community Schools is also multigenerational. Part of the programs include bringing school aged children to the Senior Center to play bingo or read to members, among other activities. The multigenerational aspect benefits old and young people alike by aiming to bridge the gap between generations, fostering mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation. Creating opportunities for shared learning and enrichment enhances the overall well-being of both the young and the elderly.

“We believe the school system’s vision for a multigenerational community resource is very forward-thinking,” said Holland.

Jim Carson adds to this sentiment. “The multigenerational campus will give opportunities for the whole community to interact with one another,” said Carson. “We have found that the kids love this, as well as the seniors. It’s a win/win situation.”

What will change with the new Dexter Senior Center? There will be more space to expand the programs and there will be an ability to serve more people, as the population of the Dexter area continues to grow.

“We plan to take what we have, make that even better, and add on to that,” said Holland. “This opportunity to grow is such a gift.”

The Dexter Senior Center is a vital cornerstone of the Dexter community, providing invaluable support, resources, and opportunities for connection to its senior members. Beyond serving as a haven for older adults, the center fosters a multigenerational spirit by hosting events, programs, and volunteer opportunities that bring together people of all ages. This intergenerational interaction strengthens community bonds, promotes mutual understanding, and creates a sense of belonging for everyone involved.

There are so many ways to get involved, connect, and improve your health and wellness through the Dexter Senior Center. Below is a sampling of what is available. Visit their website at dexterseniors.org for more information and details, plus a listing of special activities for each month.

Mental Activities

• Book Club
• Technology Support
• Bridge
• Euchre
• Cribbage
• Pinochle
• Bingo
• Chinese Mahjong
• French Study Group

Arts & Crafts

• Weaving Lessons
• Needle Arts and Coloring & Crafts
• Cardmaking

Music

• Choir
• Dulcimer Group
• Beginners Dulcimer Group
• Ukulele Group

Fitness

• Chair Yoga
• Strength & Stretch Class
• Rise & Shine Gentle Yoga

Meal Outreach

Meals on Wheels are delivered Monday through Friday at lunchtime to members of the community who are confined to their homes. This is a great opportunity to have a low cost meal and see a daily friendly face.

Senior Café is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at noon. The Senior Café is a great opportunity to have a low cost meal, and socialize. The suggested donation is $3 per meal.

A Gateway to Another Time

 

Gordon Hall is one of the most beloved buildings in Dexter. This stately and elegant structure sits on a gentle hilltop overlooking the bustling downtown. Its spacious property is full of large trees, a lush lawn, and beautiful landscaping. Rich in history and known for its Greek Revival architectural style, Gordon Hall embodies the dignity of its original owner and Dexter’s founder, Judge Samuel Dexter. Gordon Hall is listed as a Michigan State Historic Site and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

 

“When people think of Dexter, Gordon Hall is one of the first things that comes to mind,” said Caryl Burke, President of the Dexter Area Historical Society. “It’s a unique and special place.”

 

Although Judge Dexter first settled in the village that he founded, when his home in town became too noisy due to the coming of the railroad, he decided to move to a quieter space. In 1841, he commissioned a mansion to be built by local resident Calvin Fillmore, brother of the future President Millard Fillmore. The home was finished in 1843. Judge Dexter named the manor Gordon Hall in honor of his mother, Catherine Gordon Dexter. Judge Dexter and his wife Millicent went on to raise their eight children at Gordon Hall.

 

The scale and design of Gordon Hall make it stand out as an impressive building. With its broad front and six pillars, from a distance it almost looks like a Greek temple.

 

“Gordon Hall is a Greek Revival house with a style known as ‘hen and chicks’,” Burke points out.  She goes on to show how the “hen” is a front gable central core resembling a temple front, and the “chicks” are one story side wings. The “hen and chicks” style is said to be almost unique to southeastern Michigan.

 

As one of the oldest surviving properties in Dexter, Gordon Hall is full of history. One of the legends about it is that the home was a stop on the Underground Railroad. Because of the secretive nature of this portion of history, conclusive evidence is hard to come by. However, there are several signs that indicate this is likely true. Samuel Dexter was known to be a staunch abolitionist. In addition, there is a room in the basement of Gordon Hall that, according to old floor plans, was only accessible by a hatch door in the back porch. Also, there are stories, handed down by word of mouth, mentioning Judge Dexter and his sons as being conductors on the Underground Railroad.

 

Gordon Hall has gone through a series of ownership changes and varying states of repair since Judge Samuel Dexter died in 1863. The home remained in the family until Millicent died in 1899. After that, the home changed hands several times and by the 1930s, it had fallen into disrepair. In 1939, Katharine Dexter McCormick purchased the property. McCormick was the granddaughter of Samuel Dexter and daughter of Dexter’s son, Wirt.

 

Although McCormick was born at Gordon Hall, she did not grow up there. An accomplished woman in her own right, McCormick was a graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as a prominent scientist and suffragist. In 1940 she hired Emil Lorch, Dean Emeritus of the University of Michigan School of Architecture, to restore Gordon Hall. Lorch spent eight years working on refurbishing the building, including tearing down a four-story Victorian-style tower that Millicent Dexter had built after her husband’s death.

 

However, in 1950, McCormick donated the property to the University of Michigan. Once the University took ownership of the property, they gutted the recently-renovated interior and converted the home into apartments for staff and faculty. This remained the case until 2003, when the University put the property up for sale.

Preserving a Rich History 

 

With the help of donors, including long-time Dexter residents, businesses, townships, the Chelsea Retirement Community, schoolchildren and many more, the Dexter Area Historical Society was able to purchase Gordon Hall and the remaining 68 acres of its property in 2006.

 

Since then, the historical society has been working tirelessly to raise funds and work piece by piece on the restoration of this impressive building and property. Their goal is to restore the interior and exterior to the way it looked during Judge Dexter’s time there. In addition to the ongoing careful historical refurbishment, the historical society has also added some modern conveniences, such as bathrooms with wheelchair access and a functional kitchen, in order to make the building a comfortable venue for events.

A Way to Connect with Community

 

Though there is still restoration to be done, much of the exterior work is finished for now. Gordon Hall is a lovely place to visit or to rent for a special occasion. The property is open for special events throughout the year, such as Gordon Hall Days in the fall and Christmas at the Mansion events in December. During these events and others, visitors can take guided tours and wander the extensive grounds. The events help raise funds for the historical society’s work, but they are also for fun and a chance to learn about history.

 

“We want to continue to raise funds for the restoration work, but we also just want people to come and enjoy themselves and enjoy this place,” said Jan Weaver, member of the Dexter Area Historical Society.

 

In addition to the public events, Gordon Hall is available to rent for private events like weddings, parties, and banquets.

 

When you visit, it’s like taking a step back in time, an opportunity to enter a gateway into another time and place. Time seems to slow down and traffic noises fade away.

 

“This is a place where people can come together. A place where you can sit on the porch and look out over Dexter. It’s so peaceful here,” said Weaver.

 

Indeed, the view from the porch of Gordon Hall is serene. Looking down over the treetops, there is the downtown of Dexter and a church steeple rises in the distance.

 

Historical homes and buildings are not only aesthetically pleasing, they also remind us of where we came from and serve as a community’s heritage and identity, bringing us back to our roots. Learning about an area’s history reminds us that we are part of a bigger picture than our narrow daily tasks. In these modern times when people often feel rushed and isolated, historical venues reconnect us with our past and with others.

 

“We want to create a space where people can feel a sense of community,” said Burke. “We want Dexter people to think of this as their home.”

Join, Volunteer, or Rent

 

If you would like to get involved, volunteer, learn more about Gordon Hall and the Dexter Area Historical Society, or rent Gordon Hall for a special event, please visit their website at www.dexterhistory.org or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dexterhistory.

 

The Dexter Area Historical Society has many opportunities for volunteers and welcomes your participation. If you would like more information about how to join, visit their website at www.dexterhistory.org for a membership form.

 

Gordon Hall may also be rented for weddings and other events. The historical setting and spacious, well-maintained grounds make it a perfect gathering place for special occasions. Please see the Events page on their website to find out more: www.dexterhistory.org/event–rentals.html.

Gordon Hall’s Events

The Dexter Area Historical Society hosts numerous events throughout the year to facilitate the education, enrichment, and enjoyment of Gordon Hall and its history, including Gordon Hall Days in September and Christmas at the Mansion in December.

 

Gordon Hall Days

This fun weekend event spans two days in September and includes a car show, crafts and demonstrations, guided tours of Gordon Hall, a period tea & fashion show, children’s activities, and more.

 

Holiday Events for 2023

Below are dates for the holiday events that took place at Gordon Hall in 2023. Keep an eye on the Dexter Area Historical Society website at https://www.dexterhistory.org/ and Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/dexterhistory for the latest details and most up-to-date information.

 

Get into the holiday spirit and gather with your community for a festive few days full of Christmas carols, Santa Claus, gingerbread houses, holiday tea, beautiful decorations, crafts, and baked goods. 

 

December 1^st, 2023
Something about Angels: A Fundraiser for Gordon Hall

 

December 2^nd, 2023
Christmas at the Mansion: A family tradition at Gordon Hall

 

December 2^nd, 2023
Holiday Bazaar at the Dexter Historical Museum

 

December 3^rd, 2023
A Christmas Tea at Gordon Hall: If Teapots Could Talk

 

Several Evenings in December
Gordon Hall Open House featuring the Christmas Village Collection