Cultural Council elects 2026 officers, approves YWCA stipend and fundraising consultant.
Amesbury Cultural Council unanimously elects officers and backs community commitments. Co-Chairs Ann Johnson and Sally Nutt, Secretary Margaret Leahy, and Treasurer Joanne Barnes take office for 2026. The council voted to award a $500 stipend supporting the YWCA's MLK Day Commemoration Breakfast
Cultural Council · Meeting of January 6, 2026
Amesbury Cultural Council unanimously elects officers and backs community commitments. Co-Chairs Ann Johnson and Sally Nutt, Secretary Margaret Leahy, and Treasurer Joanne Barnes take office for 2026. The council voted to award a $500 stipend supporting the YWCA's MLK Day Commemoration Breakfast and Day of Service, approved $200 for a two-hour fundraising consulting session with Open Studios advisor Lindsay Haight, and unanimously agreed to serve as fiscal agent for the 2026 Juneteenth Celebration.
Incoming Poet Laureate Bryan Riley will remain on the council pending a $1,500 stipend invoice; the council also granted honorary Poet Laureate status to centenarian resident Stuart Atkins.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 335 words
Source: the Cultural Council meeting of January 6, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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