Good morning, Newport.

Nonprofits in Newport County can apply for grants totaling over $270,000 from the Rhode Island Foundation until March 26.

The funding offers up to $10,000 for new and expanded programs and supports local needs through strategic partnerships + community solutions.

Trader Joe’s confirmed a new large canvas tote bag with lavender handles and a pink logo (with no set release date), and pastel mini totes will debut in neighborhood stores mid-March.

The Vanderbilt is partnering with The Macallan March 27-28 to host a whisky and heritage event at the historic estate; guests will enjoy bespoke tastings, a paired dinner and a tour at the Audrain Automobile Museum — plus discover the new Macallan Reserve Room.

Newport’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will celebrate its 70th anniversary on Saturday, March 14 at 11 a.m. from City Hall; the route winds downtown with parking restrictions in place and a free family celebration at The Hut later in the day.

Charter Books, in collaboration with Newport Historical Society, will host NYT bestselling author Julian Sancton to discuss his book Neptune’s Fortune on Sunday, March 29, from 5 to 6 p.m. The free event at 8 Broadway will include a question-and-answer session and book signing (RSVP requested).

IYRS School of Technology and Trades launches a new runabout restoration course for experienced boatbuilders and enthusiasts at Restoration Hall (449 Thames St), with the 9-month program running Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and enrollment closing June 7.

Gamm Theatre has launched Gamm on the Go (a four-week program) to bring a 45-minute version of Shakespeare’s 'Comedy of Errors' and interactive workshops to local schools.

Already serving Robertson Elementary and a Fall River high school, the program will expand with more plays and outreach later.

Norman Bird Sanctuary will kick off spring on Thursday, March 19 with a Golden Hour Geology Hike from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Middletown, followed by a wildlife lecture; additional events include meditation, stargazing and a free open house at 583 Third Beach Road later this month.

Rep. Lauren Carson of Newport is proposing a bill to replace the terms 'senior citizen' and 'elderly' in local statutes with 'older adult' so that language better reflects diverse aging experiences following a gerontology professor's Newport presentation on ageism in policy.

RIPTA launched its Flex On Demand service Monday in Newport and Middletown to offer $2 curb-to-curb rides via a smartphone app.

The zone runs weekdays from 6:45 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. and Saturdays from 8:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. (vehicles are wheelchair accessible).

Data from the GAP report released in March shows that Rhode Island had only 54 affordable rental homes for every 100 extremely low-income households (26,841 homes for 50,062 households), leaving nearly half of the state's most in-need renters without affordable housing.

During TBI Awareness Month, Vanderbilt Rehabilitation Center at Newport Hospital serves head injury patients with intensive therapy and advanced tech including VR headsets & Gait Better systems, while Dr. Mustapha Kemal will retire at the end of March and incoming medical director Dr. Lauren Hall will lead care efforts.

Local basketball fans can vote for the Longplex Boys Basketball Division Tournament Player of the Week from five nominees chosen during the RIIL postseason — votes remain open until Friday and the winner will be named after the State Tournament.

Songwriters in the Round: Natalie Paige, Myah Sallena, Ben Hoke

7 p.m. — Pump House Music Works — Free entry — Experience a night of intimate acoustic performances featuring evocative original music from talented songwriters.

Newport St Patrick's Day Parade

11 a.m. — Newport City Hall — Free entry — Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a festive parade featuring leprechauns and community spirit.

The Natural Film Screening

7:30-10:30 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Average ticket price $51 — Experience a classic film live at a premier venue in Newport.

Flo Rida Concert

10:00 AM – 9:30 PM — Ryan Center — Last-minute tickets available — Experience hip-hop hits live with Flo Rida in Kingston.

Simon & Garfunkel Tribute Concert

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Courthouse Center for the Arts — Buy tickets online — Celebrate the harmonies and stories of the Simon & Garfunkel Songbook with Aztec Two-Step 2.0.

Hops, Beers & Bites Experience

1-4 p.m. — The Anchor Room At The Coast Guard House — $35.00 per person — Discover the art of hops with local brews and creative bar bites.

Wednesdays: Flight Specials

All day — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — $15 for wine or beer flights — Enjoy discounted drinks with board games and fire pits on the terrace.

Golden Hour Experience: Newport's Twilight Beauty

Golden Hour Experience — Evening Cruise — Soap and Water Newport — Price varies — Enjoy a sunset cruise with charcuterie and champagne while taking in Newport's stunning views.

Book Talk with Terry Gaspard

2-3 p.m. — Newport Public Library — Free entry — Explore financial discussions that strengthen relationships in this insightful book talk.

Easter Brunch Buffet

10 AM – 3 PM — Newport Vineyards & Restaurant — Adults $85, Kids $27 — Celebrate Easter with a delightful brunch buffet and a fun egg hunt for kids.