Calling for writers -- young and old

Children's author Elissa Brent Weissman is kicking off a new set of classes for the Baltimore Young Writers' Group, for kids 8 to 13. Students meet twice a month, Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., to learn about writing stories and poems. The schedule is January 21, 28; February 11, 25; March 10, 24 at School 33 Art Center, 1427 Light St. in Baltimore. For more information or to register, visit www.ebweissman.com/classes

Meanwhile, the Baltimore Department of Recreation and Parks is soliciting entries for the Senior Citizens Poetry Contest 2012. The theme: “Baltimore - My City - My Home.”

City residents who are at least 60 years of age are eligible. Only one unpublished poem without a copyright can be submitted by each entrant; it cannot exceed more than one typed-written page. Poetry will be judged on originality, imagery, and expressed feelings. Poems do not have to rhyme. There is no fee to enter. The deadline for entries is June 1, 2012.

Poems should be sent Cathy Casale at [e-mail] (with the subject line:  “Baltimore City Senior Citizens Poetry Contest”) or  by mail to:

Baltimore City Senior Citizens Poetry Contest

Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks

Senior Citizens Division

229 1/2 Eaton Street

Baltimore, MD 21224

Be sure to include on a separate sheet your name, age, address, phone, and email address (if available) and name of poem.