Woman of the Year

    Shortly after moving to the area in 1984, Barb Kent got involved in the community and she hasn’t stopped since.
    It is for her dedicated service to the community that she was selected as the  2018 Woman of the Year by the GFWC-IL Prairie State Woman’s Club.
    Each fall the club’s membership presents an award to recognize the volunteer contributions of an outstanding woman from the Coal City area. Selection is based on a nominee’s talents, time and energy to better those within the community.
    Kent’s volunteer efforts, as of late, assures that a meal gets on the table, and no one goes hungry.
    She currently serves as president of the Coal City Food Pantry, and has been a long-time board member and volunteer with the non-profit help agency.
    “Her caring heart is always visible whenever she talks about how and where the food pantry is going,” said Deb Hazlett, president of the GFWC-IL Prairie State Woman’s Club.
    Most days, Kent can be found at the Coal City United Methodist Church, between her work with the food pantry that is house in a section of the building and involvement in the church much of her time is spent there.
    “She is one of those go- to ladies for church functions,” Hazlett said, noting Kent has fulfilled many roles in the church.
    Kent has served on a number of committees from pastor and staff relations, to new church construction and  finance. She’s been a church trustee, is active with the Sunshine Circle and volunteered for the annual Vacation Bible School.
    Through her work with the church, Kent participated in a mission trip to  Juarez, Mexico where she spent a week helping build houses for families in need.
    As Hazlett pointed out, Kent has also given her time and energy as a member of the GFWC-IL Coal City Junior Woman’s Club and was a founding member of the Prairie State Woman’s Club.
    When her children were younger she was involved with the Coal City Music Boosters and Boy Scout Troop 466. She’s even found time to get involved in the county’s Home Extension Club.
    Kent was presented the award during the Oct. 24 meeting of the Coal City Village Board, and she was surprised by the recognition.
    In fact, she thought she was at the meeting for a recognition being bestowed on the church’s pastor.
    Attending the presentation were her husband, Chris Kent and their children Kristine and Jonathan, as well as a few supportive members of her church community.