Senior Oklahomans Invited to Share Their Poetry

OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- The Department of Human Services Aging Services Division seeks entries for the annual Senior Oklahoman Poetry Contest. The contest is a popular event held in conjunction with Oklahoma’s celebration of May as Older Americans Month.
“Poets may write on any topic,” said Carey Garland, ASD director. “We usually receive more than 300 entries, and they cover a broad range of topics from humorous accounts of past experiences to very inspiring messages from people with great insight on life and living.” 

Contestants must be 60 years of age or older and have been a resident of Oklahoma. All poetry must be original, and each contestant may submit no more than three poems. 

Entries must be received no later than Jan. 26, 2007. As all appropriate entries will be published in a booklet that will be distributed during the Oklahoma Conference on Aging, the deadline will not be extended. Poems received after the deadline will not be considered. 

Send entries to OKDHS Aging Services Division, 2401 N.W. 23rd Street, Suite 40, Oklahoma City, OK 73107, attention Sheila Garner.

Contest winners will be notified by April 13, 2007, so they may attend the conference and be recognized during a ceremony held on Senior Day, Wednesday, May 9. The winners will also be invited to read their poem during the ceremony.

All senior Oklahomans are invited to participate in Senior Day activities free of charge. 

For information regarding the format required for poetry submission, contact your local Area Agency on Aging by calling the Senior Info-Line at 1-800-211-2116 or by calling the Aging Services Division at (405) 521-2281.

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