Leadership and Governance

Board of Trustees of Island Cemetery

Governance of Island Cemetery is provided by a Board of Trustees made of individuals with ownership of lots with four or more graves. The cemetery’s Articles of Incorporation call for nine Trustees to be appointed for a period of three years from the shareholders of the cemetery.  Every year three of the Trustee’s terms expire and must either be renewed or replaced at the Annual Meeting.  If a Trustee resigns or withdraws in the interim, a replacement may be appointed by the President to complete the term.  At present, the Trustees are:

Dan Titus

Barbara Benson

George Herrick

Harry Eudenbach

Lisa Lewis

Pamela Kelley, President

Robert Vitello, Vice-President

Frank Ray, Treasurer

Kevin Kelley, Secretary

Staff

Sharon Hussey, Executive Director

Betsey Oestreich, Administrative Assistant

Zachary Russell, Records Manager

Frank Amaral, Grounds Manager

Friends of Island Cemetery Governance

Friends of Island Cemetery, an independent 501 (c) 3 with its own Executive Committee, supports the conservation and preservation of this beautiful and important cultural and natural resource.

The Belmont Chapel Foundation, also an independent 501 (c) 3 with its own Executive Committee, was established for the sole purpose of restoring the 1886 chapel located in the cemetery.

Grounds Committee

The grounds committee in a cemetery plays a crucial role in the overall maintenance, management, and enhancement of the cemetery's environment. The cemetery Ground Committee meets quarterly. Their responsibilities typically include the following:

  1. Maintenance Oversight: The committee supervises the routine upkeep of the cemetery grounds, including landscaping, mowing, planting, and pest control. This ensures that the cemetery remains a respectful and serene environment.

  2. Planning and Development: The committee may be involved in long-term planning for the cemetery, including the development of new sections, pathways, and infrastructure improvements. This could also involve creating memorial gardens or other tribute areas.

  3. Compliance and Standards: Ensuring compliance with local regulations and industry standards is critical. The committee may work with cemetery management to ensure that all activities conform to legal and environmental requirements.

  4. Advisory Role: The grounds committee typically provides recommendations to the cemetery board or management on best practices, emerging trends in cemetery care, and community preferences regarding grounds aesthetics and functionality.

By fulfilling these roles, the grounds committee helps maintain the dignity and tranquility of the cemetery, ensuring it meets the needs of the community it serves while honoring those interred there.

Members of the committee include:

  • Lisa Lewis, Chair

  • Harry Eudenbach

  • Pamela Kelley

  • Tanya Kelley of PLACEstudio LLC

  • Frank Amaral, Grounds Manager