Seeking Support For Cemetery
Dear Editor,
Thank you for this space to share information with the Oakdale community regarding Oakdale Citizens Cemetery – Est. 1882 – located at the corner of South Fifth Avenue and J Street.
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that the Board of Trustees has shared this tale of woe about the financial situation of OCC. We found many letters from the past in our files that have asked for help from the families of those buried in this cemetery.
The gist of the matter is that the earnings from graves sold or services held are not covering even our very small business budget, and reserve interest earned from our endowment is low.
A letter asking for your urgent help is being mailed this week to many of the family names we have on our records. This alone can be a problem for us as many of the graves were purchased years ago and we do not have current family contacts and addresses.
If you receive a letter and will share with your family, we thank you. If you do not receive information yet have interest in helping us, we thank you for that as well. We need you!
We are lacking a social media presence and would appreciate help in establishing one – or even your assistance in sharing our information. Watch also for info for a community meeting to re-organize the group of individuals and families interested in helping OCC. A group whose plans had been abandoned due to COVID. You are needed!
Please note and support an upcoming event at OCC. Wreaths Across America will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022. Sponsored Christmas wreaths will be placed on graves of veterans buried at OCC. Local Scout Troops and Cub Packs will present the ceremony and local veterans will represent branches of service. You are invited to attend and help place the décor on graves.
Sponsorships at $15.00 each can be mailed to Wreaths Across America, PO Box 600, Oakdale, CA 95361.
Veterans’ graves at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery will also be marked for remembrance for Veteran’s Day which is November 11. Thank you to the youth and the leaders of the Scout Troop and the Leos Club, sponsored by Oakdale Lions Club, who place the flags for us.
Oakdale Citizens Cemetery is a 501 (c) 13 entity. Donations are deductible and can be mailed to OCC, PO Box 600 Oakdale, CA 95361. Messages can be left for us at 209-847-1189.
Thank you in advance for your help - it is needed to keep our cemetery going.
The Board of Trustees,
Oakdale Citizens Cemetery
Casting Vote For Smith, Gilbert
Dear Editor,
This letter is directed to my dear Oakdale family and friends.
Election time is here. Mail in ballots have arrived. While I’m so very proud that my daughter, Cherilyn Bairos will continue to serve as Oakdale’s Mayor for another four years, there are two important seats open on the City Council.
Christopher Smith has proven himself as a council member willing to work together. Different opinions aside, you can count on Christopher Smith to be fair and make careful decisions.
And I’m excited to vote for Kaleigh Gilbert! It’s the best time ever to include young enthusiasm with our longtime Oakdale history. She’s an inspiration to many.
Christopher Smith and Kaleigh Gilbert have my VOTE for Oakdale City Council! Join me in voting for these dynamic two!
Sincerely,
Charlyn DeSimas Bairos
Lifelong Oakdale Resident
Manuel Is My Choice
Dear Editor,
With the upcoming election at hand, I would like to draw your attention to Michele ‘Mickey’ Manuel. She is running for Oakdale Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees Area 1. She is a veteran which speaks volumes to me about serving our country. She has dedicated her time to schools time and time again whether it be on the PTC, Site council, AG day and room mom. She attends not only our Oakdale school board meetings and City Council meetings, but also Stanislaus County board of supervisors and has traveled to Sacramento to stand up for parents and children’s rights. When I was unable to attend meetings she was more than happy to fill me in on what was going on and explain important legislation. Mickey does research before coming to a conclusion and is willing to listening to everyone’s voice. She has served her country and her school site and has taken the next logical step to serve our community. Elect Mickey Manuel for Oakdale Joint Unified School District Board of Trustees Area 1; proven commitment you can trust to represent you.
Sincerely,
