The Wood County Committee on Aging kicks off the start to its eighth annual poetry contest. The event is sponsored by Otterbein Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and typically has over 40 entries from throughout Wood County.

All winning poems will receive recognition at the Poetry banquet on Wednesday, March 24 at 4 p.m. at the Wood County Senior Center, 305 North Main Street, Bowling Green with dinner to follow. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. Donation for dinner is $4 for those 60 and over and $7 for those under 60. The winning poems will receive a $50 gift card and second place will receive a $25 gift card. If you are interested in submitting your poem please read the following guidelines provided below.

Contest Rules and Regulations:

Who can participate?

The “Life’s Voyages” poetry contest is open to participants

50 years of age and older.

What should your poem be about?

Share your stories of life, hope, dreams and love. We are looking for poetry that, in some way, celebrates the heart and souls of members of Wood County citizens as they continue to celebrate their lives.

How long can the poem be and does it need to adhere to a format?

The poem must be written in English, double spaced, in a 12 point Times New Roman Font or hand written. Entries must be entirely your own work and never previously published, online or offline. Two entries per person and intent to submit will not be accepted. Poems are to be one page. Submissions must have name, address, phone number, email address and date of submission.

How many poems may I submit?

You can submit up to two poems per individual.

When is the deadline?

How do I submit my poem?

Poems are due to the Program Department at the Wood County Committee on Aging, 305 North Main Street, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402 on Friday, March 1 by 4 p.m. All entries must have their name, phone number, mailing address, email address and date of submission on the poems. You may also e-mail your entry to programs@wccoa.net. No intentions to submit will be accepted. Any plagiarized poems will be disqualified!

Winners will be chosen by Bowling Green State University Writing Professor, BGSU writing students and the Sentinel Tribune. All winners will be announced at the Poetry Banquet held on Wednesday, March 27 at 4 p.m. at the Wood County Senior Center.

Winning poems will be published in the newsletter, on the web site, blog site and Facebook, in local papers.

For more information about this exciting contest please contact the Wood County Committee on Aging at 419.353.5661 or 800.367.4935. You may also e-mail: programs@wccoa.net or visit our website at www.wccoa.net