Volunteer Spotlight

by Carolyn Cokley

Standing up Station Volunteer Programs across the country has been a very positive and very successful undertaking for the Rail Passengers Association. We have had the great pleasure of meeting and interacting with men and women who not only want to give back to their communities but also want to learn and engage in passenger rail issues.

While the program has been on hiatus as a result of the coronavirus, the success of the program is overwhelmingly due to the hard working, dedicated men and women who have stepped up to volunteer in their communities. I’ll be spotlighting these men and women to underscore who they are and why they volunteer, to share their commitment and to engage others on the values of volunteerism.

Mrs. Honey Bentley is retired from the Lansing Board of Water and Light in Lansing, MI and is a passionate volunteer for her community. For over 30 years Honey has helped coordinate Silver Bells in the City, the Chili Cookoff, Adopt a River, and the Community Gardens.

“I love to volunteer my time, Honey says. There are several reasons why I volunteer including giving back to the community. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to get out of the house and spend time with different groups and people within the community in which I live”.

Honey has been married for 43 years and has three children and nine grandchildren and they are another reason why she volunteers. “I encourage my grandchildren to help, so they understand the importance of volunteering and to not be afraid”.

This is truly a family affair. Honey’s sister Kim is also a volunteer at the Lansing Station. “My sister Kim and I sailed to Europe last year on the Queen Mary and we took a 3-month trip traveling via Europe’s rail service. I believe the United States has a lot to learn on what a supported rail service can look like.

Honey, her sisters and mother. Honey in red. Kim in blue.