Good morning, Portland.

York community arranged a dignified funeral for James, 80, who died on March 5 at a care facility in Bridgton; the town’s burial fund covered his service while Janie Sweeney (family services manager) organized the effort so he would not be alone.

The annual dance marathon to support STRIVE Worldwide will kick off Friday at 8 p.m. at the Sullivan gym (USM campus) and run until 8 a.m. Saturday.

It funds online programs that teach independent living skills for youths with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Maine Marine Patrol and the Coast Guard are searching near Deer Isle Bridge for a missing kayaker who overturned his craft Tuesday morning after family members reported the incident, and officials said updates will follow as the search continues.

Sea Salt Fry Co. in Wells opened in December in a space known for quick turnovers; chef-owner Norman Owens serves local bistro dishes (including famous duck fat fries) and will open a 20-seat outdoor side deck for the summer season.

On Tuesday, May 5, the average gas price in Maine reached $4.48 & SMCC commuters faced higher costs as they adjusted by taking direct routes, carpooling, or switching to electric options.

Many students continue to search for better ways to save on their daily rides.

Downeast Institute deployed wooden recruitment boxes in the mudflats of Cumberland, Falmouth, Yarmouth and Freeport this spring to study softshell clam survival against invasive predators.

Researchers will later collect and process the boxes (with help from volunteers) to link declining clamming to environmental trends.

Portland officials will discuss a plan Thursday to renovate the city-owned school district central office on Cumberland Avenue into a long-term shelter with individual sleeping quarters and dedicated areas for children — the redesign is estimated at nearly $14 million.

The proposal comes as the current shelter operates at 34% capacity.

Chase Shanahan Comedy Night

8:30 PM - 12:30 AM — Lincolns — Tickets $10 at the door — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Chase Shanahan at the Laugh Shack.

Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine

9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy a morning of creativity surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Album Release Show: Thin Lear and Friends

8 PM - 12 AM — Blue Portland Maine — Tickets TBA — Celebrate the release of Thin Lear's 'Many Disappeared' with supporting acts including Sagittarius Rising and The Womps.

Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine

9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Buy tickets online — Enjoy a morning of painting in the scenic beauty of Fort Williams Park.

Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine

9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy a morning of outdoor painting in the picturesque setting of Fort Williams Park.

Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine

9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Unleash your creativity in a picturesque outdoor setting and enjoy painting among nature.

All Roads Music Festival - Day 2

12:00 – 11:59 PM — One Longfellow Square — Ticket prices vary — Experience Savoir Faire's jazz-infused music that connects modern themes to a nostalgic sound.

Curtain Call Discussion – THE LAUGH TRACK

4:15 PM — Portland Stage — Free entry — Engage in an insightful conversation about the production with performers and explore the creative process.

Paint Outdoors in Portland, Maine

9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Ticketed event — Enjoy a morning of creativity in the scenic outdoors of Fort Williams Park.

Paint Outdoors in Portland

9-10 a.m. — Fort Williams Park — Check the website for ticket prices — Experience creativity in nature while painting at a scenic park.