By Mary Tucker
The June issue is the 10th anniversary of the Gazette. You’ll learn about how, when, why and who started this monthly publication. As time went by, most of the original staff moved on to other endeavors and others joined the staff and kept the Gazette going. I became involved in the Gazette when I was secretary of the Andes Senior Club and was asked to write about the club’s activities. Seniors on the Go was born. Three or four years went by. I was approached by a member of the Gazette staff asking if I would like to help with the editing. After several months of editing, I was assigned to interview the opening of a business at the former Decker Feed and Hardware Store. With shaking knees and trepidation, I headed to their office and asked for a written account of what their business would entail.
That’s how my assignment was completed. As time went along, with help from the other Gazetteers, researching and writing articles became somewhat easier and here I am, each month trying to think of something of interest to write.
Sometime during the first week of the month, the Gazette editors get an email announcing the deadline for articles for the month and the edit date. Usually in week 2 regular contributors and community groups also receive an email reminder of the deadline. On the first edit day, as many as 5 or as few as 3 editors (when Buffy goes traipsing off to Africa and Judy goes on her buying sprees) meet to read the articles submitted. We correct spelling, punctuation and word usage. If the editors feel a major change should be made in a story, we contact the author.
Groups who want an event posted on the calendar should notify the Gazette by the deadline date.
On edit day, we usually meet at 10 am at the Library or at Buffy’s. It’s nice to be at Buffy’s. She always has tea or coffee and goodies on hand. Editing goes on until about 1 pm when we take a break for lunch at one of the local eating places. Then back to work editing until 4 or 5 pm, or even later if we’ve been chatting too much.
Barbara does the layout and forwards the edited pages to each editor for what we call “the final edit.” When that is done, it is ready for printing. Despite so much editing, we still manage to miss a few errors. On the 30th or 31st of the month, another email or phone call arrives. One of the group is on the way back from Oneonta with the printed Gazettes. “Can we meet at APL (the library) for folding, labeling and stamping?” Dot Andrews is always available to help us.
Even though being a Gazetteer is time-consuming, it’s fun working with friends. As Barbara said, “I like to fold because it gives me a chance to sit, socialize and catch up on the latest.” I agree. ~