By Barbara Mellon

The first issue of the Andes Gazette was published in June of 1999. In a “Statement of Activities” created at that time, the purpose of this monthly community publication was defined as “a forum for the dissemination and exchange of information of interest to the community of Andes.”

Over the last nine years, a small, all-volunteer Gazette staff has sought out and reported on events and concerns within the community, recognized citizens who distinguish themselves in ways large and small, and offered a place for local community service groups to publicize their activities. We’ve tried to present to our readers a picture of what makes Andes so special to people who have lived here their whole lives as well as to those who came here from other areas only to be engulfed by the feeling of finally “coming home.”

Admittedly, we only manage to scratch the surface. Throughout the hills and hollows of Andes there are things going on that our little crew doesn’t know anything about. We need you to help us. There are stories, ideas, anxieties that should be shared with others in the community, and we want to see that happen.

Whether it is a memory of an event or a way of life from days gone by, a commentary on what is happening around us today or a vision of what Andes may someday be, we want to hear from you. Know of a friend or neighbor who deserves to be recognized for their accomplishments? Share that information with us so we can share it with others.

You don’t need to be an experienced writer, or a writer at all, to have something worth sharing. The Gazette can help you get your story out either by interviewing you or by editing your submission. So, give a call to anyone on the editorial staff, send an email to us at andesgazette@catskill.net, or drop something in the mail to P.O. Box 223, Andes, NY 13731.

And don’t forget, sometimes a story can be told through a picture rather than words. If you have a photograph or a drawing that you believe would be of interest to others, we’d like to see that as well.Below are some ideas that might spark a thought or two for potential writers out there:

♦  What is the Andes Grange? The Forum? The Shield?
♦  What other organizations are at work behind the scenes in Andes?
♦  How is our area being affected by economic challenges of the day? In regard to the rising cost of heating our homes, what local alternatives are available?  What have you tried?  What has worked? What hasn’t? Whether it is a heating alternative or a building modification, your neighbors may benefit from your experiences.
♦  What are the challenges of opening and sustaining a business in Andes?
♦  Does a changing population offer non-traditional job opportunities such as personal services, landscaping, handy-man, shoppers, etc.
♦  Has access to the world through the internet and other communications methods helped or hindered the job market or business possibilities?
♦  Farming practices & challenges – new and old
♦  Who out there has a skill to pass down, something that may be lost in this modern world if we don’t take steps to preserve them?

Editor’s Note: The Gazette retains the right to turn down submissions we feel are not appropriate or are not of interest to our community, as well as to edit pieces for length and clarity.