New program

PORTLAND – WinterKids announces a new program for the 2009 winter season, WinterKids FunPass.

The pass offers children in preschool through fourth grade the chance to cross country ski and snowshoe for free at over 20 locations. Eligible children will receive three free trail passes to participating locations. It is available at www.winterkids.org.

Also available is the WinterKids Passport, which offers fifth, sixth and seventh graders free and discounted tickets, lessons and rentals at downhill ski areas, cross country ski centers, snow tubing parks and ice skating arenas across the state.

For more information, visit www.winterkids.org.

Hearing loss

BATH – The Pine Tree Society Audiology program will host a hearing loss and hearing aid technology workshop at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the society, 149 Front St.

The workshop will be led by Stefan Fosco, MS, F-AAA, a board certified audiologist and Oticon representative. Pine Tree Society Audiologists will be available to answer questions.

The workshop is free and spaces are limited. Coffee and light refreshments will be available. For reservations, call 443-3341.

Competition

BOWDOIN – The Bowdoin International Music Festival announced its second annual competition for student composers based in the U.S. who are under the age of 35. The competition is for works for solo double bass or double bass with a second instrument including guitar, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, clarinet, percussion, harp or piano.

A $500 prize will be awarded to the winning composer. The selected work will be premiered at the Bowdoin International Music Festival’s 2009 Gamper Festival of Contemporary Music, July 30 through Aug. 2.

For more information and guidelines, visit http://www.bowdoinfestival.org/news.htm.

Artist program

MONHEGAN – Applications are being accepted for the Monhegan Artists’ Residency for emerging Maine artists. Formerly called the Carina House Residency, the program provides a visual artist with the opportunity to live and work on Monhegan Island for five weeks, Aug. 9 to Sept. 12.

Entry is open to Maine residents only and artists will be selected by a jury of art professionals. Applications must be postmarked by March 27. For guidelines, a history of program and a list of past residents, visit www.monheganartistsresidency.org. Applicants will be notified on or before April 30.

Klondike Derby

CASTINE – The Maine Maritime Academy Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega, a national community service organization, is sponsoring the 37th annual Klondike Derby, a weekend of outdoorsman skills for Boy Scouts and leaders from throughout Maine. Klondike Derby is set for Friday and Saturday, Feb. 6 and 7.

Michelle Rounds, a student at the college and volunteer coordinator of event details and volunteers, said the derby draws more than 300 participants to the campus.

The weekend event will begin on Friday, with an overnight camp-out at the academy. Skill-building sessions are scheduled for Saturday morning and the weekend culminates with the annual Klondike Derby, an afternoon outdoor sled race and skills events.

The event is arranged and run by an all-volunteer staff. Those interested in volunteering should contact Rounds at [email protected].