04/17/2026
"You're never too old to make a difference."
Mary Kent's remark set the tone for a wonderful afternoon yesterday, as our 2026 Influencer Award and Volunteer Celebration honored Lakewood volunteers and Mary and Joe Kent as our 2026 Influencers.
Since moving to Lakewood, Mary and Joe have become woven into the fabric of our community through leadership, creativity, and service. From Mary’s vision to increase art programming and create the Lakewood Art Gallery to Joe’s longtime commitment to volunteering and cycling to raise awareness and funding for meaningful causes, their influence is felt every day.
Together, they remind us that staying engaged, giving back, and building meaningful connections do not stop with age. We are grateful for the many ways they continue to shape Lakewood into a vibrant, caring place to call home.
Thank you to ALL of our volunteers who make Lakewood thrive, and a special thanks to the VBH Foundation for coordinating the event and ColonialWebb, a CSUSA Company / Comfort Systems USA Shoffner for their sponsorship.