Good morning, Portland.

The Autism Society of Maine held its largest fundraising event at Riverbank Park in Westbrook with over 300 participants+ to raise funds for services supporting individuals with autism and their families.

Organizers raised over $50,000+ and the event featured a Star Wars theme with costumes, vendors, and community activities.

On Saturday morning, dozens of residents gathered in local parks to pick up litter and debris—an effort led by the City Sustainability Office and the Portland Parks Conservancy that aimed to improve public areas across the city.

Moms from across Maine gathered in Westbrook at the first ever Strongest Moms Event hosted by Iron Legion Strength to raise funds for Make-a-Wish Maine—Sabrina Selleck won the deadlift contest by lifting 375 pounds.

Tony’s Donuts—a local shop on 9 Bolton St. that has served fresh doughnuts since 1965—was recently announced for sale, with owner Rick Fournier having taken over from his late father.

Historical photos capture the shop’s long-standing legacy in the community.

Maine arts groups were told late Friday by the National Endowment for the Arts that support for their grants will end May 31, leaving groups like Salt Bay Chamberfest without a $20,000 grant for their 2025 festival if they do not appeal (they have seven days to do so).

The Maine Academy of Modern Music already received its grant and will hold its Resurgam Music and Arts Festival on June 8, while local arts leaders warn that the cuts may force changes in planned events.

The Emerald ash borer has been destroying ash trees in Maine for several years and shows no sign of stopping—experts advise homeowners with ash trees to apply a systemic injection in June if the insect is detected.

The Maine Forest Service provides monitoring resources and guidelines to help residents identify and report infestations.

A Portland restaurant is introducing kelp-infused dishes for Maine Seaweed Week—featuring a smoked salmon breakfast sandwich with brussels sprout and kelp slaw on house-made English muffins and kelp-infused cannelés—and drawing local diners to try innovative flavors.

Chef Damian Sansonetti and his wife, pastry master Ilma Lopez, crafted the menu to highlight the seaweed's versatility.

Bingo at the Elks Lodge

10 AM – 3 PM — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Cards for sale; refreshments available — Enjoy a fun-filled day of Bingo with food and games.

Meet Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters

4:30-6:00 p.m. — Rising Tide Brewing Company — Free entry — Connect with nature enthusiasts and learn about Katahdin Woods & Waters initiatives.

Elissa Altman's 'Permission' Book Discussion

7-8:15 p.m. — Mechanics' Hall — Free entry — Explore the art of memoir writing with Elissa Altman and Gibson Fay-LeBlanc as they tackle the challenges of storytelling.

Farmer's Market

8 a.m. - 1 p.m. — Brunswick Town Mall — Free entry — Browse fresh produce and local goods at the vibrant community market.

Spring Planting Festival at Mount Joy

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Mt. Joy Community Orchard — Free entry — Celebrate Spring with a plant swap, work party, and grafting workshop.

Boho Mommy & Me Mini Sessions

10-11 a.m. — The Beaux and Arrows Collective by Rebecca Pinkham-Stevenson — Pricing available on inquiry — Capture the enchanting bond of motherhood in a lush, boho-inspired setting.

Community Bingo Event

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. — Portland, Maine Elks Lodge #188 — Cards for sale with lunch options available — Enjoy a fun day of bingo with friends and community members.

Trivia Night

6-8 p.m. — Brickyard Hollow Brewing Company — Free entry — Test your knowledge and enjoy a fun-filled evening of trivia with friends.

The Magic of Motown

7:30-9 p.m. — Merrill Auditorium — Tickets available — Experience the joy and nostalgia of Motown classics in a vibrant evening of music.

Outdoor Painting Class in Cape Elizabeth

1-4 p.m. — Scenic Location Near Portland — Booking Required — Capture Maine's natural beauty in a private painting class for all skill levels.