Poet Laureate Support Committee Meeting
Committee will consider appointing leadership, review current finances and recent/planned Poet Laureate activities, and finalize plans for the new Poet Laureate inauguration/reception. Members will also review Support Guidelines to reflect involvement with the Whittier Home and address any other unanticipated matters.
The Poet Laureate Support Committee met on February 9, 2026, to handle administrative and event-planning items. Members appointed a note-taker, confirmed Bryan Riley as the committee's official liaison to the Amesbury Cultural Council (with delegation authority), and reviewed current financial and stipend matters, including Bryan’s confirmation that his Poet Laureate stipend has been paid. The committee also directed the liaison to ask the Amesbury Cultural Council about the status of a fundraiser money transfer and to report back.
The group planned the incoming Poet Laureate inauguration/reception, confirming the Amesbury Public Library as the location for Sunday, February 15, 1:00–4:00pm (snow date February 22), and reviewed program details including refreshments and an honored guest (Stuart Atkins). The committee reviewed the Poet Laureate Support Guidelines and proposed amendments to sections referencing the Whittier Home Association; those proposed changes will be forwarded to the Amesbury Cultural Council for approval. There were no public comments. The committee also decided to postpone presentation of a plaque to Bryan until a later date due to timing constraints.