Andes Aids Cemetery Mapping Project

By Wildert Marte

ANDES — The Andes Town Board met for its regular meeting on October 14 with the evening featuring community updates, a presentation from a local Girl Scout, and discussion about property access near Lee Lane.

During the privilege of the floor, Faith, a Girl Scout working toward her Gold Award, presented her plan to create a detailed map of the Andes Cemetery. The goal, she said, is to help families locate their loved ones’ burial sites. “My main idea for my project is to help people find their loved ones, knowing where they are located within the cemetery,” she said. Faith announced that there would be a bake sale on October 14 from 4 to 8 p.m. in front of Francesco’s Restaurant to raise funds, with hopes of finishing the project by spring 2026. Her troop leader, Penny Gargonis, who oversees Troop 30206, will guide fundraising and documentation for Girl Scout compliance. Donations are capped at $99 each, though local businesses such as Home Depot in Oneonta have already agreed to provide supplies. When asked about her inspiration, Faith said her grandmother and great-grandparents are buried in the cemetery and that many graves are unmarked.

The chair of the Cemetery Board, said the project aligns with long-term goals. “We’ve talked about signage and mapping for years,” he said. Phase one will include turning digital records into a large printed map and an updateable guidebook chained in place to prevent removal. Residents and officials offered help. One volunteered a commercial kitchen for bake sales, while another suggested using drone photography to capture aerial maps. The supervisor said he would contact the Delaware County Cemetery Association for possible support. Faith noted the project involves detailed recordkeeping and paperwork. “We’re learning a lot,” she said. “It’s all about proper documentation.” Board members praised her idea and encouraged her to promote the project online to attract donors.

“Put your vision out there,” said Councilman Ritchie Gabriel. Faith thanked the board and community for their support. Following her presentation, several board members discussed how the cemetery project ties into the town’s broader efforts to preserve local history. Supervisor Wayland said projects like Faith’s not only serve the community but also strengthen the town’s connection to its past. “This is more than just a map,” he said. “It’s about remembering the people who helped shape Andes and making sure their stories aren’t forgotten.” Other members agreed that the effort could inspire similar youth-led projects in the future.

Later, a resident requested that the town consider allowing online tax payments after experiencing issues with mailed checks. The supervisor said the county has explored similar options and agreed it’s worth reviewing for convenience and reliability. Another resident raised concerns about property access near Lee Lane and Main Street, explaining that several parcels, including 2240 Lee Lane and the Reading Field, lack clear access to Route 28 due to old subdivisions. He suggested the town coordinate a shared easement or mapped access for safety and emergency response.

Supervisor Wayland “Bud” Gladstone said he and Councilman Gabriel consulted the town attorney, who advised against using eminent domain because the matter involves private rather than public interests. Many lot lines date back decades, before

modern planning laws. Residents pointed out that the shared parking lot behind the mercantile building has historically been used by multiple businesses, setting a precedent for shared access.

In closing, the board thanked Faith for her community project. “Good luck,” said one councilman. “It’s a great example of civic pride.” The meeting adjourned after final comments and correspondence review.