Cultural Council · January 15, 2026 · 6:30 PM
Cultural Council - Poet Laureate Support Committee Meeting
Committee will review Poet Laureate Support Guidelines to incorporate Whittier Home involvement, plan the new Poet Laureate inauguration/reception (confirmed for Jan 25 at Amesbury Public Library), and consider the retirement of committee member Ellie O’Leary effective Jan 26, 2026.
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Key decisions
Confirmed the Poet Laureate Inauguration/Reception location and time: Amesbury Public Library, Sunday, January 25, 2026, 1:00–4:00 PM.
Agreed on event logistics for the inauguration/reception: publicity, invited guests, program, speakers/readers, emcee, and refreshments.
Assigned Lisa Usani Philips to organize a walkthrough with library staff prior to the event.
Voted to table review of the Poet Laureate Support Committee Guidelines to reflect Whittier Home involvement until the next scheduled meeting.
Recorded Ellie O'Leary's retirement from the Cultural Council and the Poet Laureate Support Committee effective January 26, 2026.
Determined there is no immediate need to replace Ellie O'Leary because Bryan Riley is co-chair and on the Cultural Council; tasked Lisa Usani Philips to ask Cultural Council members if anyone is interested in chairing the Poet Laureate Support Committee.
Agenda
1. Appoint someone to take notes
Appoint a committee member to take meeting notes.
2. Review and approve minutes of previous 2 meetings
Review and vote to approve the minutes of the previous two meetings.
3. Current financial status update
Provide an update on the committee's current financial status.
4. Review of Poet Laureate Support Guidelines
Review and revise Poet Laureate Support Guidelines to reflect involvement with Whittier Home.
5. Planning the New Poet Laureate Inauguration/Reception
Plan the New Poet Laureate inauguration/reception; confirm location and time (Amesbury Public Library, January 25, 1:00–4:00 PM) and discuss refreshments, invited guests, speakers/readers, emcee, printed program.
5. Retirement of Ellie O’Leary
Acknowledge and process the retirement of Ellie O’Leary from the Amesbury Cultural Council and the Poet Laureate Support Committee, effective January 26, 2026.