RUMFORD – The fourth-annual Greg Waite Memorial Ski Race will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 at Black Mountain of Maine.

Waite was a loved and respected part of the River Valley community as well as a teacher, coach, ski patroller and Black Mountain board member. Teams of four compete in his memory for first, second and third-place prizes in a giant slalom race. All proceeds go to the race department. Assemble your own race team or call the mountain to become part of a team. It is a wonderful way to remember Waite and his love for both skiing and Black Mountain. This year, for the first time, Greg Waite Memorial t-shirts will be available for purchase during the event.

Junior Race Program scheduled in Rumford

RUMFORD – Black Mountain of Maine will offer a new Junior Race Program for the 2009 ski season. This new program is geared for the junior skier in grades 3 through 9 who already knows how to ski but wants to improve turning skills and learn how to race.

The program will begin Jan. 4 and run every Sunday morning for eight weeks. Each session will begin at 9 a.m., at which time athletes will be expected to be booted up and out of the lodge for stretches and loosening exercises. This will then be followed by a couple of free ski runs as a group.

Emphasis will be on developing a proper race carving turn and a strong platform to build on. Throughout the program, gate training will be in giant slalom and slalom. Groups will meet in the lodge late morning to go over the days training with feedback to each athlete. After lunch, those entered in the Maine Challenge Race will be coached from start to finish. Coaches will be available both top and bottom to give the athlete feedback on their runs. Fee for the program is $150 with a season pass. For those needing a ticket, the price will be $250, which will include coaching and an all day lift ticket. FMI or a program application, please call Lisa at Black Mountain at 364-8977.

Auburn Rec seeks program leaders

AUBURN – Auburn Recreation Department is seeking interested and qualified program leaders for a wide range of outdoor recreation program initiatives.

Program leaders are responsible for leading participants in selected recreation programs, enabling and enhancing participants’ experiences through their personal knowledge of an enthusiasm for the activity. Auburn Rec seeks people interested in the following areas: Canoeing; kayaking; camping; hiking; hunting; fishing; Nordic and Alpine skiing; snowshoeing; bird and wildlife watching; bicycling; GPS (orienteering and geocaching); and stargazing.

FMI, contact Doug Beck, Auburn Rec Superintendent, at 333-6601, ext. 2102, or email dbeck@ci.auburn.me.us.

Plummer’s winter academy scheduled

TOPSHAM – Dale Plummer’s Winter Baseball Academy for boys in grades 4-12 begins Sunday, Jan. 18. It will continue for eight consecutive Sunday nights from 6 to 8 p.m. The clinic will be held at Howard’s Sports Dome. FMI or to register, call 737-3460 or go to www.probaseball experience.com.