The Hilliard Senior Citizen Hall of Fame committee is adding three new members. Kathy Grubbe, Joan Zielenbach and Bill Zielenbach have been honored for their lifetime of service, personal achievement, and positive image of aging as the 2024 inductees to the Hilliard Senior Citizen Hall of Fame.
This is the 35th year for the award, with the annual induction ceremony set for Wednesday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. The public is invited for appetizers and a dinner in their honor from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a ceremony and special music in the Hilliard Senior Center, 3810 Veterans Memorial Drive, Hilliard. Please RSVP for the dinner by calling the Hilliard Senior Center at (614) 876-0747.
Grubbe is a 20-year resident of Hilliard who has been active in the community. She maintains a consistently bright outlook and positive attitude. She has more than 25 years of home healthcare experience with a focus on physical therapy. Grubbe earned a master’s degree in gerontology and has dedicated countless volunteer hours, especially within the aging community. Her volunteer service areas include work with the local American Red Cross, Hilliard Arts Council, Mt. Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, and more.
“I am very humbled by this unexpected honor, knowing so many of the very deserving people in Hilliard,” Grubbe said. “Hilliard means a lot to my husband and I, and we feel so fortunate to have had an impact on this community.”
Joan and Bill Zielenbach moved to Hilliard in 1960, and to this day, remain active and engaged in this community. The couple raised their two children and have been dedicated members of Hilliard Presbyterian Church for 65 years. Their volunteer service includes extensive work with the Hilliard Education Foundation, Hilliard City Schools, and the Hilliard Arts Council.
“Both Bill and I are both so overwhelmed by this award and what it represents,” Joan said. “Hilliard has given us a safe and happy place to love and raise our children, so we’ve always done whatever we could to give back in whatever way we could.”
The Zielenbachs also opened their home three different times to foreign students as part of Hilliard City Schools’ American Field Service program. Their love for Hilliard students and the arts was displayed through their attendance at hundreds of band and choir concerts, as well as theater productions. Bill even participated in musicals on stage, singing in the annual performance of Handel’s “Messiah” on numerous occasions. Hilliard has seen many changes over the past six and a half decades, and the Zielenbachs have proudly served and supported this community through it all.
Honored for a lifetime of service, personal achievement, and a positive image of aging, senior citizens are inducted to the Hilliard Senior Citizen Hall of Fame annually. Nominees may be living or deceased and should exemplify how senior citizens contribute to their communities and respond creatively to retirement.
The City of Hilliard has hosted the Hilliard Senior Citizen Hall of Fame program for 35 years. Starting next year, Norwich Township will take over the program, with the ceremony being held at the Safety Services Building. To nominate a Norwich Township or City of Hilliard senior moving forward, please visit the Township’s website at https://www.norwichtownship.org/.
