TOPSHAM — The Topsham Parks and Recreation Department has a number of programs available this winter.

Learn to Ski at Lost Valley

For a 20th season at Lost Valley in Auburn.

· Lessons are offered on Tuesday evenings in the month of January and February for six weeks. Topsham Rec. staff and volunteers provide supervision to and from the area.

· Lessons start Jan. 3, departing at 4:30 p.m. from Town Hall and returning at 8:30 p.m.

· Lessons and transportation package for either skiing or snowboarding is $140.

· Lessons, rentals and transportation packages are $195.

Space available and late fee ($ 20) after the deadline of Dec. 14.

Open Gym

Sundays, at Mt. Ararat High School gym through the end of March. Participants should use back side entrance to gym.

· Open to SAD-75 residents only. Available from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Family Open Gym is $1 per person. Children under fifth-grade must be accompanied with a parent/adult, no adult-only play.

· 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. is Adult Open Gym for $1 per person. Pick-up basketball only. Participants must be 18 and over to participate.

· Check the Parks and Recreation website for cancellations due to bad weather: www.topshammaine.com/can cellations

Little Dribblers

Open to first- and secondgraders for a Basketball Skills Program.

· Run by Mt. Ararat High School varsity girls coach Kelly LaFountain and her varsity squad, this six-week program on Saturday mornings will introduce the fundamentals of basketball through games, skills and small-sided scrimmages.

· Cost to register is $35 for anyone in the SAD-75 area. Deadline to register was Dec. 15 and there is a $10 late fee on a space available basis.

· Program begins on Jan. 7.

“Top Hoops”

For seventh- and eighthgraders looking to spruce up their skills, and have some court time, with varsity boys coach Aaron Watson and his team members in this sixweek program at Mt. Ararat Middle School.

· Program begins on Jan. 7.

· Cost to register is $35 for anyone in SAD-75. Girls play 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., while boys are 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Elks Foul Shooting Contest

To be held Dec. 28 at 1:30 p.m. at the Mt. Ararat Middle School for boys and girls ages 8-13, as of April 1, 2012.

The Brunswick Parks and Recreation Department & Topsham Parks and Recreation Department, in conjunction with the Brunswick Lodge B.P.O., Elks No. 2043, will also be holding the annual subordinate lodge level of the Elks National “ Hoop Shoot” free throw contest on Dec. 28 at 1:30 p.m. at the Mt. Ararat Middle School.

The contest is open to boys and girls, ages 8-13. Age divisions are 8-9, 10-11 and 12-13.

Preregistration is required at either Topsham Parks and Recreation or Brunswick Parks and Recreation.

Winter baseball at the Dome

Come join the district’s skill coaches as they provide a winter baseball setting for children ages 11-12 of age as of April 30, 2012 from SAD-75.

Starting Feb. 26 at the Topsham Dome on Route 201, youth baseball players are invited to join in a sevenweek program. Each week will provide a Skills Series, followed by intersquad games.

Space is limited to 40 players and there has to be a minimum of 30 players for the program to run. Space is available on a first- come firstserved basis.

Registration forms will be available mid-January

“Hot Shots”

Hot Shots is a program for boys and girls that is co-sponsored by the Maine Red Claws through the Maine Recreation and Parks Association.

· Mt. Ararat Middle School on Dec. 28 at 9 a.m. for 9-10- year- olds, immediately followed by the 11-12-year-olds and the 13-15-year-olds will finish.

· Available to SAD-75 residents only.

· Participants have three (one-minute rounds) to make shots from five different spaces on the floor. Points are awarded based on number of shots, shots made, etc.

· Initially, participants will compete on the local level, then top competitors will compete at the regional level. Successful participants will then compete at the state level.

· No preregistration required, free to all participants.

Ladies Winter Volleyball

Women looking for a winter physical activity? Grab your sneakers and join in on an evening of fun and exercise playing volleyball.

· Starts Jan 4. Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m.

· Cost to participate is $1 per evening. Held at the Williams Cone School Gymnasium.

Candlepin bowling

At the Columbus Bowling Bowl for youth ages 8-14 to begin on Jan. 7.

· This 10- week program includes rental of shoes, three strings, plus instruction. Teams will be formed for league play and a postseason tournament will take place.

· Beginner and advanced bowlers session begins at 11 a.m. Cost for Topsham residents $35 with an additional $10 for non-residents.

Youth coed wrestling

Join Mt. Ararat High School wrestling coaches in this skill-building program. SAD-75 youth in grades 2-5 are welcome.

· Program starts on Jan. 10 and will run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 7: 30 p. m. at the Mt. Ararat High School. Runs for 10 weeks through March 22.

· Cost to register $37 and children should come wearing the proper attire.