VSA/NJ seeks authors for Wordsmith contest

The Unlimited Potential Theater Company (UPTCo), a project of VSA arts of New Jersey (VSA/NJ), is seeking poems, essays and plays by New Jersey residents, 18 years of age or older, for its 13th annual Joyce Indik New Jersey Wordsmith Competition. The contest is open to all writers; submissions by writers with disabilities are especially encouraged. All works will be considered by a panel of judges who are professionals in the field of theater and/or literature. Selected works will be showcased at the New Jersey Readers Theater, which will be followed by a reception to honor the authors. Deadline for submissions is Oct. 16.

VSA/NJ, a part of the international VSA arts network and an affiliate of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, is dedicated to promoting the creative power of people with disabilities. UPTCo, a project of VSA/NJ, is an inclusive program designed to involve individuals with physical disabilities in all aspects of the performing arts. Funding for UPTCo is provided in part by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs; United Way of Central Jersey; the Middlesex County Cultural and Heritage Commission; and the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. The content of the program was developed in part through funding provided by the central office of VSA arts, under an award from the U.S. Department of Education.

For an application and more information, call VSA/NJ at (732) 745-3885, (732) 745-5935, or (732) 745-3913 (TTY); log on to vsanj.org; e-mail info@vsanj.org; or write to VSA arts of New Jersey, 703 Jersey Ave., New Brunswick, NJ 08901.

Local animal shelter

in need of donations

The Franklin Township Animal Shelter, 475 DeMott Lane, Somerset, is in need of wood pellets (for use in cat litter boxes), bleach, baby wipes, sponges, Pine-Sol cleaner, kitten chow and cat toys in order to care for its homeless animals. Donations may be dropped off at the shelter Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. Monetary donations are also welcome, with checks made payable to the shelter. Call the shelter at (732) 873-2500, ext. 255.