Meagan Richard is surrounded by other dancers Nov. 30 during a dress rehearsal for “A Nutcracker Christmas” at the Franco Center at 46 Cedar St. in Lewiston. The Dance Center in Auburn presented performances Friday and Saturday. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Mary Lindstrom speaks Nov. 27 with her daughter, Erika, at the 11th annual Festival of Trees at McLaughlin Garden & Homestead in South Paris. Andree Kehn/Sun Journal

While awaiting their scene, performers watch others from the wings Nov. 30 at the Franco Center at 46 Cedar St. in Lewiston during the final dress rehearsal for “A Nutcracker Christmas,” presented by The Dance Center in Auburn. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Jordyn Lengle, middle, of Husson University in Bangor gets a hand to the face Nov. 29 from Davina Kabantu, right, of Bates College as they and Elsa Daulerio, left, battle for a rebound at Bates’ Alumni Gym in Lewiston. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Soccer fans at the Moon Light Store on Lisbon Street in Lewiston watch the final moments of the televised World Cup match Nov. 29 between the United States and Iran in Qatar. Moustapha Houssein says the back room of the store has seen a lot of action since the FIFA World Cup began Nov. 20, but the match Nov. 29 was special because the winner advanced to the next round of 16 teams. Houssein left work early to watch the game. “The money means nothing,” he says. “You have to support your team. Go, USA!” The United States won 1-0, but then lost 3-1 on Dec. 3 to the Netherlands. From left: Rachid Farah, Suleiman Yussuf, Aden Assowe, Bachir Ali, Jamal Mohamed, Houssein, Yarow Awil, Adam Ali and Mohamed Bareh. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Brayden Bashaw, 17, of Auburn raises money Dec. 1 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation by selling handmade Christmas ornaments at Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Co. in Auburn. The Edward Little High School junior has raised $75,000 for nonprofit organizations since beginning Ornaments for Hope when he was 9 years old. He hoped to raise an additional $25,000 on Dec. 1. Bashaw’s grandmother, Doris Comeau, hand stitched 200 ornaments and made 350 cookies for the fundraiser. Bashaw and his parents made an additional 300 ornaments and collected items from 75 local businesses for the event’s silent auction. “We are supporting a great cause,” Bashaw says. “A lot of people have made a tradition of coming each year.” Scott Berube, Bashaw’s skiing coach, is helping at right. Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Gregg Varney repairs a manure spreader Nov. 28 at Nezinscot Farm in Turner. Supply chain issues have made farm repairs more difficult, Varney says, “so we have learned how to adapt to get the job done.” Daryn Slover/Sun Journal

Artist Charlie Hewitt gives his cousin, Joan Morin, a kiss on the forehead Dec. 1 at the lighting of his newest piece of art, titled “Beauté Française” — or, “French Beauty.” Many of Hewitt’s family members and others, including Neokraft Signs Inc. employees who made the piece of art, joined several dozen community members during a brief ceremony at which the sign was lighted. Hewitt talked about how the sign is on the site of the neighborhood where he grew up, which has been transformed into Anniversary Park on the banks of the Androscoggin River in Auburn. This piece of art honors the region’s French heritage, and is dedicated to the women who have had profound influences on Hewitt’s life. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal