Three area seniors will be inducted into the Norwich Township Senior Hall of Fame on Oct. 22.
This year’s inductees are Maryann Joseph and Gary and Sophie Dever.
The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Safety Services Building, 5181 Northwest Parkway. Guests will enjoy appetizers for the first hour of the reception, followed by a ceremony at 6 p.m.
RSVP for the event by Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, by calling Norwich Township at (614) 876-7694 or by email at RSVP@norwichtownship.org.
Maryann is very active in the community and has a long history of volunteerism. She is a regular attendee at the Hilliard Social Center (HSC- formerly known as the Hilliard Senior Center) where she plays cards, hosts the monthly book club, attends coffee chat and luncheons, and is president of the Happiness Club.
“Maryann is a gatherer. She gathers people in community and welcomes newcomers,” according to her nomination. “Each week after book club at the senior center, she invites people to join her for lunch, and I watch as 4 to 8 people follow her out the door. It is especially important for seniors to be acknowledged – to be seen – and Maryann does that.”
She has volunteered with CAPA, the Salvation Army, the American Cancer Society, St. Margaret Church, and even used her skills as a retired nurse to administer flu shots at an area healthcare facility.
“She is an example of embracing life at all ages,” according to her nominator. “Her enthusiasm and joy for life is an example for us all.”
Gary Dever, who is receiving the award posthumously, is a 1958 graduate of Hilliard High School and served as a Brown Township Trustee for 47 years.
A generational farmer, Gary was also a member of the Franklin County Fair Board for 50 years, the Franklin County Board of Zoning Appeals for nearly 30 years and played a key role in developing the environmental conservation district and the Big Darby Accord.
“Gary’s gift to the community was his ability to be in the moment,” wrote his nominator. “He enjoyed meeting people in the coffee shop and having a discussion and he could read a room or a situation and know what to say to calm a situation or bring resolution.”
Sophie Dever, also a 1958 graduate of Hilliard High School, served as a teacher with Hilliard City Schools (mostly Brown Elementary) for 36 years.
She was a member of the Child Conservation League and PTO. Sophie is a a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, caregiver, and friend.
“Her soft voice and kind demeanor made her the perfect teacher for young minds,” said her nominator. “The children adored her and therefore, she was ageless. She was always the wonderful Mrs. Dever to all of us.”
The 2025 Inductees will be honored at the annual induction ceremony for their lifetime of service, personal achievements, and positive image of aging. Want to join the Norwich Township Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Committee?
Want to join the Norwich Township Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Committee?
The Township is seeking dedicated volunteers to fill one spot in the age group 45-64. As a committee member, you will play a vital role in reviewing nominations, planning recognition ceremonies, and celebrating the achievements of our senior citizens. If you’re interested in joining the committee or would like more information, please email halloffame@norwichtownship.org.
Who Can Volunteer
The Hall of Fame Committee is made up of age brackets. Ages 21-44 (two members), 45-64 (two members), and 65+ (three members). The Hall of Fame Committee members must live or work in the Hilliard City School District.
