A sign reading “hopeful” was hung Monday, Sept. 19, on the side of 330 Water St. in Augusta. Designed by Charlie Hewitt, the sign will be lit tomorrow to kick off the annual United Way of Kennebec Valley fundraiser. Boulos Company, Kennebec Savings Bank and Central Maine Power Co. donated a combined $30,000 to commission the public art display and cover the cost of powering it. Similar signs have been installed in Portland, Lewiston, Bangor and several other Maine municipalities. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Volunteers Annalee Theobald, 11, center, and Karleigh O’Brien, 11, hand gourds to Kenneth Cunningham who waited in his pickup during a food distribution Thursday at the Winslow Community Cupboard at 12 Lithgow St. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

University of Maine goalie Victor Ostman stretches out to make a save during an intra-squad scrimmage Wednesday at Alfond Arena in Orono. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

The Lockwood Dam on the Kennebec River is seen Monday, Sept. 19, in Waterville, the same day that the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce held a news conference nearby to release a report on the economic benefits of the four dams on the Kennebec extending north from Waterville. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Two boys ride the Scrambler on Sunday, Sept. 18, during the New Portland Lions 90th Annual Agricultural Fair. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Brodie Hinckley, director of the state’s Consolidated Emergency Communications Bureau, stands with Baxter, a “comfort dog” in training, at a press availability Tuesday at the Department of Public Safety building in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

A parade slowly moves down Gordon Hill Road to kick off Thorndike Day on Saturday, Sept. 17. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

People dance Sunday, Sept. 18, along the Kennebec River in Gardiner during LoganFest, a gathering to celebrate the life of Robert “Logan” Johnston of Gardiner, who died May 22 after a lifetime spent supporting his community, agriculture and the arts. Andy Molloy/Kennebec Journal

Adam St. Amand, who works for Augusta Parks and Recreation, power washes the pavilion Wednesday in Mill Park. The park at the base of Sand Hill is on the site of the former Edwards Mill and is the locale for many events. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

A woman rides a bike Thursday through driving rain as nearby vendors began setting up booths and making other preparations for the opening of the Common Ground Fair in Unity. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

Gardiner’s Catherine Mansir, left, and Cony’s Dinah Wadleigh fight for the ball during a girls soccer game Tuesday in Gardiner. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Colby defensive backs Will Nipon (2) and Nick Donatio (20) share the game-ending interception against Williams during a college football game Saturday, Sept. 17, in Waterville. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel