June Braverman came to Iowa City as a college freshman and decided never to leave.

The 72-year-old, who worked as an administrator at the University of Iowa and Kirkwood Community College, is now an active volunteer in the community, especially in causes that benefit seniors.

Braverman's latest endeavor, a celebration of Older Americans Month in May in conjunction with the AARP, has become like a full time job. Braverman is helping conceptualize and coordinate 60 events and activities throughout the month.

"It's just a wild variety of things," she said.

There will be a vaudeville show with a cast of people older than 50 at the Englert Theatre and a pet show that recognizes the pet and owner that look most alike. The Coralville Recreation Center will host athletic tournaments, including softball, golf and bocce ball. There will be a food drive for the Crisis Center and a truly senior prom at the Iowa Children's Museum, complete with an authentic 1950s theme, right down to the attire and king and queen.

"Everything is done with a sense of humor," Braverman said.

She said her favorite activity will be a drawing contest in which the children draw what they think they'll look like when they're 50.

"The whole object is to honor our senior citizens and have some fun with our families," Braverman said.

Braverman also is active in the City Circle Acting Company, Young Footlighters, has organized fundraisers for the Ronald McDonald House, and is chairwoman of Friends of Iowa City Hospice.

Braverman jokes that her community involvement is because of an inability to say no.

But there's more to it than that.

"It keeps you alive," she said. "It gives me an outlet for my creativity, and it if does some good, that's great. But I really do believe that I get far more from what I do in the community than what I give."

- Heather Spangler