Trustees Board Meeting, June 23, 2026

Written By Island Cemetery

  • Island Cemetery Board of Trustees

    Meeting Agenda 

    June 23, 2026


    1. Approval of minutes of 03/10/26

    2. Committee Reports

    • Governance Committee – Harry and Barbara


    • Grounds Committee – Lisa Lewis


    • Financial Committee – Kevin Kelley

      • Year-to-date P&L

      • Endowment withdrawal status


    • Fund Raising/Development Committee – Robert Vitello


    • Grant Proposals – Sharon


    • EJMP – Data Project

    • Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust – Exedra


    • Legacy Giving Initiative

    • Events and Programming


    • Chapel & Events Program Report

    1. Old Business


    • Report on Cemetery District Alliance Project


    1. New Business

      • Staffing update

      • Pricing review


    1. Adjournment

  • Island Cemetery

    Board of Trustees Meeting Minutes

    March 10, 2026

    Call to Order

    The meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order by Kevin Kelley at 3:05pm.

    1. Approval of Minutes

    The minutes of the December 9, 2025 Board of Trustees meeting were reviewed and approved. 

    2. New Business

    Governance Committee

    Harry Eudenbach and Barbara Benson reported on board recruitment and succession planning.

    The Board acknowledged the nomination of Ellen Leys as a new trustee by Pam. The Governance Committee will oversee the nomination process and present future candidates to the Board.

    The Board also discussed leadership succession planning and ongoing support for the Executive Director.

    Committee Structure

    The Board reviewed the establishment of the following standing committees:

    Grounds Committee
    Chair: Lisa Lewis
    Members: Frank Amaral, Harry Eudenbach
    Staff: Sharon Hussey, Betsey Oestreich
    Advisor: Tanya Kelley

    Finance Committee
    Chair: Kevin Kelley
    Members: Frank Ray, James Kaull
    Staff: Sharon Hussey

    Development/Fundraising Committee
    Chair: To be determined
    Members: James Kaull, Elizabeth Leatherman, Kevin O’Leary (proposed)
    Staff: Sharon Hussey, Robert Vitello
    Advisor: Michael Semenza

    Governance/Nominating Committee
    Chair: Harry Eudenbach
    Members: Barbara Benson, Frank Ray
    Staff: Sharon Hussey, Betsey Oestreich

    Facilities Committee
    Chair: Dan Titus
    Members: Dan Titus, Harry Eudenbach, James Kaull
    Staff: Sharon Hussey, Robert Vitello

    Sharon will coordinate with Ccommittee chairs to convene initial meetings and establish work plans and schedules. 

    3. Reports

    Development / Fundraising

    Staff reported on current fundraising initiatives, including a request to PreserveRI to reallocate previously awarded funds.

    Upcoming grant submissions include:

    • EJMP – Data Project

    • Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust – Exedra restoration

    Events and Programming

    The Board reviewed the Belmont Chapel and Events Program report, including:

    • Q1 2026 chapel events revenue update, app. $3200 as compared to same period in 2025, $780 demonstrating an increasing interest in the lectures and using the chapel for special events.  

    • Launch of the free “Death & Dying Support” winter series was announced as a community service

    Grounds Committee

    Lisa Lewis reported on winter storm impacts and current grounds maintenance needs.  The Grounds Committee will coordinate necessary repairs and maintenance activities. 

    She reported on the donation of trees by the Newport Tree Conservancy to increase the cemetery arboretum canopy.

    4. Old Business

    Ashes for Newport Program

    The Board reviewed the concept for a communal cremation interment program known as “Ashes for Newport.”

    Preliminary planning includes consideration of vault design and cost estimates. Further planning and fundraising will be required before implementation.

    Kane Wall Restoration

    The Board reviewed a proposed restoration of the Delancey Astor Kane burial lot wall. 

    Frank Ray will contact the Newport Coaching Club regarding potential funding support in honor of the recently deceased secretary, Kenneth Lindh.

    5. Adjournment

    There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:00pm. 


    • Governance Committee – Harry and Barbara


    • Grounds Committee – Lisa Lewis



    • Fund Raising/Development Committee – Robert Vitello


    • Grant Proposals – Sharon


    • EJMP – Data Project

    • Alletta Morris McBean Charitable Trust – Exedra


    • Legacy Giving Initiative

    • Events and Programming

    • Chapel & Events Program Report

  • IReport on Cemetery District Alliance Project

    • Staffing update

    • Pricing review

  • Set next meetings

Island Cemetery
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Annual Meeting June 23, 2026