Monday, May 5th, 2025

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Good morning, Portland. Here's your local news at a glance for Monday, the 5th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ 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. FOX23
- ➤ 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. WMTW
- ➤ 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. FOX23
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ 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. Portland Press Herald
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ 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. Portland Press Herald
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ 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. WMTW
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ 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. WMTW
SHOP NEWS
- ➤ TODAY'S SPONSOR We never have to worry about dead batteries and missed calls thanks to this portable power bank that can charge up to five devices at once. The Buy
Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Portland.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Daily Portland.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
There are always two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason.
~ J.P. Morgan
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