Clinton Township Senior Center Director Matt Makowski has always had a passion for working with seniors.

He got his degree in gerontology from Madonna University and went from there to an internship at Presbyterian Village senior living in Clinton Township. He often contacted the Clinton Township Senior Center to find services for his residents, which is how he learned that there was an opening for a director 28 years ago.

“I thought I was going to go into the nursing home field, but when I heard about the senior center job opening up I thought about the fact that I could be helping thousands of people in that role,” said Makowski.

Makowski is retiring on April 30, which he admits still seems a little surreal to him.

“It is crazy getting ready to retire,” said Makowski, who is now 55 and eligible to be a member at the Senior Center. “I have a lot of things to button up before I go.”

After he was hired in 1997, Makowski learned he was one of 100 applicants for the director’s job. He was already familiar with the center and its offerings through his work with Presbyterian Village, but immediately started thinking about what could be done to enhance membership for his seniors.

“It was a wonderful place to begin with, and when I was hired I just asked myself how we could make it extraordinary,” said Makowski.

Through the years there have been physical additions to the building, added services, parties, classes, fitness options and opportunities to socialize. The bocce courts were recently remodeled and the center also has a community garden, outdoor concert and event area, gift shop and salon.

“A lot of the seniors call it their country club,” said Makowski. “It feels homey and welcoming and sometimes, we are the first place the family calls when someone is ill or has passed because they know their family member has spent most of their days at the Senior Center.”

Makowski credits his team, including Assistant Director Debbie Travis, with making the Clinton Township Senior Center a place that is comfortable and appealing to seniors from age 55 to 105. There are activities that appeal to very active seniors — some who may still be working full time — and to older seniors who may be seeking more low key classes and events.

“I could not do this without my team,” said Makowski. “This is what their passion is: to work with older adults.

“The center is in good hands and I know they will work to preserve the department and what it does for the community.”

In his own retirement, Makowski plans to practice what he preaches and stay engaged in his community and remain active. He and his wife, a teacher who is retiring from Fraser Public Schools after 30 years, plan to move to a small village near Ludington and raise bees.

In addition to beekeeping, Makowski plans to do volunteer work in the community, help on a relative’s hobby farm, and take some camping trips to see the beautiful areas of Michigan that he has not had a chance to experience.

“My wife and I have always wanted to see the waterfalls in the Upper Peninsula so that is something we are planning to do,” said Makowski. “Your life doesn’t stop when you retire so we are ready to take the bull by the horns.”