Older Oklahomans invited to share their poetry

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OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Annual Oklahoma Conference on Aging is seeking entries for the 2013 Senior Poetry Contest. The contest is a popular event held in conjunction with the annual conference, which is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) Aging Services Division (ASD).

“The poetry contest is a highlight of the annual conference,” said Katherine McRae, ASD Community Relations Unit. “Last year we received hundreds of inspiring, creative and insightful entries from around the state. We really enjoy recognizing the creativity of these poets.”

Contestants must be current residents of Oklahoma and entries must have been written when the contestant was 60 years of age or older. Entries must be the original, individual work of the contestant and contestants may submit no more than one poem. No previously published work can be submitted.

The deadline to submit entries is January 31, 2013 and entries received after the deadline will not be considered. Entries may be published in the free annual contest poetry book distributed during the Annual Oklahoma Conference on Aging. Winning submissions may be published on the conference website and in other materials.

Entries should be typed and include a cover sheet with the contestant’s name, address, phone number, email address, and category (Men’s or Women’s). Do not include the contestant’s name or other identifying information on the poem. Handwritten entries will be accepted, if legible.

E-mail entries to asd.poetry@okdhs.org or mail to Senior Poetry Contest, OKDHS Aging Services Division, 2401 NW 23rd St., Suite 40, OKC OK, 73107.

The Annual Conference on Aging will be May 21-23, 2013 at the Embassy Suites Norman Hotel and Conference Center.  All Oklahomans age 60 and older are invited to participate in the May 21 Senior Day activities free of charge. In addition to the poetry contest awards, activities planned for Senior Day include a screening of “Age of Champions” by filmmaker Keith Ochwalt, a classic car show, workshops, health screenings and an exhibit hall. Online registration will be available at http://www.okagingconference.com/.

For complete contest information, call the Senior Info-Line at 800-211-2116 or the OKDHS Aging Services Division at (405) 521-2281.

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 Call for Session Proposals  (.pdf, 1 pp, 134 KB)