May is Older Americans Month, a perfect opportunity to show your appreciation for older adults in your community. On Tuesday, May 8th, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., Southwest 8 Senior Services will host Lunch in the Park at Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs. Lunch will feature pizza, sandwich wraps, desserts, drinks and other food items. A portion of the proceeds will go to support Southwest 8 and the work it does for area seniors. 

A quilt raffle will be held, titled “Quilt-a-Quarter.” Tickets for the raffle cost $5 for one or $10 for three. A drawing will be held every quarter (every three months) for a quilt valued at up to $500. There will also be a special surprise at noon, featuring local seniors.  In addition, Southwest 8 will have informational booths for anybody looking for more information for themselves or aging loved ones.  

The theme for Older Americans Month 2012—Never Too Old to Play!—puts a spotlight on the important role older adults play in sharing their experience, wisdom, and understanding, and passing on that knowledge to other generations in a variety of significant ways. This year’s celebrations will recognize the value that older adults continue to bring to our communities through spirited participation in social and faith groups, service organizations, and other activities. Southwest 8 Senior Services is joining in the national celebration of Older Americans Month 2012 with activities and events to promote intergenerational engagement and recreation. We invite you to join in the fun! To find out how you can support Older Americans Month 2012 and take part in intergenerational play, contact Autumn Eberly at 712-328-2540 extension 12 or at aeberly@southwest8.org.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – U.S. Census Bureau data show Iowa’s average commute is nearly 6 minutes shorter than the national average. The Des Moines Register reports that the average Iowa commute is 19.1 minutes. That ties the state with Kansas for the seventh-fastest average commute in the country. The national average is 25 minutes.The Census Bureau’s American Community Survey says North Dakota residents enjoy the nation’s shortest average commute: 16.1 minutes. 

The Iowa Transportation Department says Iowan residents travel an average of 11.5 miles to work. The census data say Madison County residents have the longest average commute: 29 minutes. Many of them work in the Des Moines area. 

In the immediate KJAN listening area, commuting times include: 17.9-minutes in Cass County; 21-minutes in Adair County; 20.2-minutes in Adams and Pottawattamie Counties; 19.3-minutes in Audubon County; 27-minutes in Guthrie County; 20.6-minutes in Montgomery County, and 17.6-minutes in Shelby County. The state’s shortest average commute is the 12.3 minutes in Sioux County.