Good morning, Newport.

Kelley Coen has been appointed CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newport County, with her new role set to begin Sept.

25. She will lead plans to renovate the club’s 95 Church St. facility and bring 30 years of business experience from her previous role as chief advancement officer.

Newport County events offer a busy slate of community activities—Rose Island hosts artist residencies with public tours on Sept.

13 while the Newport Elks Lodge will hold a Pouring for a Purpose event on Sept. 18 to support Alzheimer’s research—and the Jamestown Community Chorus seeks new members for December holiday concerts starting Sept. 15. Additional events include the YANA Club’s fourth anniversary celebration on Sept. 26 and Sept. 28, free firearms training for youth on Sept. 19, a BridgeWar card game competition on Sept. 17, the Manhattan Short Film Festival at Jamestown Arts Center from Sept. 26 to Oct. 4, Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival dining experiences from Sept. 18 to 20, and the Citizens Pell Bridge Run benefiting 31 nonprofits on Oct. 19.

Puddingstone Music will launch a fall series that blends live jazz and Shakespeare readings in Newport—opening Sept.

28 at 3 p.m. at Provence Sur Mer with pianist Randy Ingram and vocalist Aubrey Johnson and adding another event on Oct. 4 at Rough Point where tickets include food and refreshments.

Beth Raffa, a native Newporter and Rogers High graduate, has been named assistant principal at Thompson Middle School—she plans to walk the halls and greet students daily.

She will work with Principal Michael Browner, Jr. to build a supportive school culture throughout the year.

Today, volunteer greeters from RENEWport welcomed students at Claiborne Pell Elementary School as kids ran through a balloon arch.

The greeter program will run all school year and include civic ambassadors from Salve Regina University — strengthening Newport school support.

The Newport School Committee voted on Sept.

9 to form a working group of parents and school officials to study moving fifth grade students from Thompson Middle School to Pell Elementary School. The group will report by the end of the year and review issues—such as busing and dismissal times—to plan a smooth transition.

Gov. Dan McKee spoke at a roundtable on Sept.

3 with local business owners and industry leaders and discussed rising healthcare costs, challenges in local education, and Aquidneck Island’s lack of affordable housing while criticizing the federal shutdown of the Revolution Wind project that would have powered 200,000 homes. He outlined Rhode Island 2030 plans—such as building starter homes, keeping the Newport birthing center open, and stopping military-style immigration enforcement—to boost local jobs and support community needs.

The Naval War College held its 23rd annual 9/11 memorial on Sept.

11 to honor 11 alumni and students killed in the Pentagon attack with a commemorative limestone slab recovered from the Pentagon. Professor John Jackson said the event reminds new generations of the tragic day—while the flag remains at half-staff until Sept. 14—per a presidential proclamation.

Newport Mental Health said funding cuts and staff shortages are straining its services, with mobile crisis teams and outreach programs under pressure to help neighbors.

The nonprofit warned that reduced support + upcoming Medicaid changes may cut its ability to save lives.

The Newport Planning Board approved a revised housing plan at 525 Broadway after BCM Realty Partners reworked an earlier proposal that Middletown rejected over density issues.

The board set conditions including extra parking—five guest spaces—and a 12-month no-subletting lease requirement, and the project must still receive final permits.

Newport County YMCA gymnasts won several gold medals at the 2025 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship held in Wisconsin this summer — world-renowned gymnast Jordan Chiles delivered a keynote address as about 2,000 athletes from ages 6 to 20 competed.

Marathon runners who have qualified for the 2026 Boston Marathon can register today, while those aiming for a 2027 spot begin qualifying on Sept 13—runners in New England can also opt for fall races such as the Newport Marathon on Oct 12—offering more chances to compete.

Early Morning Sensory Walks

6:30-8:00 a.m. — Blithewold Manor, Gardens & Arboretum — Cost may vary — Experience the tranquil beauty of nature with guided sensory immersion in the morning serenity.

Dueling Pianos at the Top of Pelham

8 p.m.-1 a.m. — One Pelham East Bar & Grill — Tickets recommended — Enjoy a lively night of music with audience-requested performances at Newport's unique Dueling Pianos show.

2025 National Sailing Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

5 PM – 10 PM — The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame — Admission details to be announced — Celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025 in a special induction ceremony.

Baby Bookworms Storytime

9:30-10:15 a.m. — Newport Public Library — No registration required — Enjoy stories, songs, rhymes, and playtime for babies aged 0-24 months.

Dudemanbro

9 PM – 11:59 PM — Ocean Mist — No cover charge — Chill vibes and groovy roots rock reggae-ish music with good company.

North Kingstown Firefighters Blazing Trail 5K

10 a.m. — Ryan Park — Supports local firefighters — Experience a scenic trail run while benefiting the North Kingstown Firefighters Association.

2025 Concours d’Elegance

8:30 AM – 4:00 PM — The Breakers — General admission required — Experience over 150 classic cars competing for the prestigious Best of Show trophy.

Jim Robitaille: Tom Casale Quartet Concert

6-10 p.m. — Borealis Coffee Company — Admission details TBD — Experience a night of captivating guitar music from award-winning composer Jim Robitaille.

2025 Amica Newport Marathon

7:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Easton's Beach — Registration fees apply — Experience the breathtaking oceanfront scenery at this award-winning marathon.