Good morning, Newport.

Lucy’s Hearth is holding a gift card drive from April 1 to April 30 to help families facing homelessness by collecting gift cards for essentials like groceries and clothing.

Drop-offs are at 19 Valley Road in Middletown from Monday to Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM—electronic gift cards are also accepted.

Ben & Jerry's will host its annual Free Cone Day on April 8 from 12 pm to 8 pm at its scoop shop on Thames Street in Newport where free ice cream and a new food truck in the adjacent lot will be offered, and every $1 from bonus cones will support the Newport Public Education Foundation.

The Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce EXPO will take place Wednesday, April 9 from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wyndham Atlantic Resort in Middletown—sponsored by RI Energy and set to showcase local businesses and networking opportunities.

Salve Regina University will present EIGHT at Casino Theatre in Newport from April 10 to 12.

The performance—honoring eight graduating dance majors—features different works by the students.

Charles L. Roberts, executive director of Rhode Island Slave History Medallions, said an executive order on American history and funding cuts to Meals on Wheels have hurt local non-profits—he plans to open a Newport Black History Cultural Center on Historic Hill as a space for community dialogue.

A federal judge in Rhode Island said on Friday that FEMA violated his previous order to stop a freeze on federal disaster funds.

He ordered FEMA to immediately comply with his injunction—this move comes as more than 20 states pursue a lawsuit to restore disaster funds.

Bridge Street will soon be one-way from Thames Street to America’s Cup Avenue as approved by the city council—drivers must adjust their routes with extra left turns and stops to get into the city.

Cheesemaking Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Mozz — $95.00 — Learn the art of cheesemaking and craft your own fresh farmers cheese with expert guidance.

Game Night Gala

6-10 p.m. — Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick (Airport) — $225 — Experience an evening of fun with life-sized games and philanthropy supporting individuals with developmental disabilities.

ERICD Seedling Sale

10 AM – 12 PM — Greenvale Vineyards — Pre-orders required — Pick up your seedlings while supporting local agriculture education.

Dancing Daffodils: The RI Daffodil Society Show

11 a.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Free entry — Discover a stunning variety of daffodils showcased by local enthusiasts.

Paint & Plant

4-5 p.m. — Newport Reading Room — Registration required — Children ages 5-12 can paint a pot and plant their favorite herb.

Ben-Hur - Silent Film with Live Music

4:30 PM — The JPT Film & Event Center — Tickets available through TickPick — Experience a classic silent film with a live musical score.

Easter Sunday Grand Buffet

11 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. — Harbor Lights Dining Events Golf Marina — $60 Adults, $25 Children — Celebrate Easter with a lavish buffet featuring chef’s specialties and stunning bay views.

Secret Mall Live Performance

7:30-11:30 p.m. — The JPT Film & Event Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience the vibrant live performance of Secret Mall in Newport.

Canard Vineyard Wine Dinner at 22 Bowen's

5:30-9 p.m. — 22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille — $160 plus tax and gratuity — Savor a four-course dinner with exquisite wine pairings from Canard Vineyard.

Kalliope Reed Quintet Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Bristol Art Museum — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a blend of historical and contemporary music by the Boston based Kalliope Reed Quintet.