Hall-Dale/Gardiner swimmers work on the backstroke during a practice Wednesday at the Kennebec Valley YMCA in Augusta. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Members of the Waterville/Winslow swim team focus on instructions from coach Justin Giroux during a preseason practice Tuesday at the Alfond Youth and Community Center in Waterville. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Workers with the Kennebec Water District, including Ross Desjardins, center, guide part of a catch basin into place Monday, Nov. 27, as they worked to repair a water main rupture at the intersection of Bay and Halifax streets in Winslow. The catch basin was connected to a storm drain. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Johnson Hall Development Director Maureen Reed adds garland to an artificial tree Wednesday on a balcony at the Life Community Church at 46 Church St., Gardiner. Behind her others are setting up for the Johnson Hall Festival of Trees fundraiser that runs through Sunday. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

The Kennebec Performing Arts Company Jazz Band rehearses Tuesday under the direction of Charles T. Milazzo, third from left, at the Winthrop Performing Arts Center. Milazzo is retiring after a 43-year career. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal

Cody Shouey, left, and his partner, Sam Adams, walk Sunday, Nov. 26, with their husky Skoll while passing Ladd Dam, seen in the background, in Vassalboro. The trio, who live a short distance from the dam, were walking to the Olde Mill Place along the banks of the Outlet Stream. Rich Abrahamson/Morning Sentinel

Christine Pollock of Skowhegan walks her dog, Katie, at Coburn Park on Friday, Nov. 24, in Skowhegan. Christine and Katie love to go on walks together while listening to Bruce Springsteen. Anna Chadwick/Morning Sentinel

A boy and man pull a tree to their vehicle Friday, Nov. 24, at Ben and Molly’s Christmas Tree Farm at 424 Hanson Road in South China. Anna Chadwick/Morning Sentinel

TNT Dance Studio performs dances Saturday, Nov. 25, on Main Street in Waterville during the Parade of Lights. Anna Chadwick/Morning Sentinel

Dean Paquette, left, and Lincoln Bolitho laugh at a remark James Ramage made during “Dapper Wednesday” at Chelsea Elementary School in Chelsea. Kids at the school are encouraged to dress up in suits and dresses on Wednesdays. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal