Greetings!


It’s that time of year again when we cherish Fair memories with thoughts of corn dogs and piglets, and start to watch all the children head back out to school.


August is also National Make a Will Month — the perfect time to ensure your wishes are clearly documented. Through our Planning for Good campaign, we are encouraging our community to take this important step, creating a legacy that supports our loved ones.



Including a charitable gift in your will helps ensure our hospice, palliative care, bereavement, and community programs continue serving Nevada County for decades to come.


This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate 46 years of compassionate service. And while we’re honoring the past, we’re also looking ahead — so please Save the Date for our Moonlight Magic fundraising gala on November 7th. 


This beautiful evening will feature good food, good music, good people, and opportunities to support the care our community counts on.



This August, let’s plan for good — and this fall, let’s celebrate good together at Moonlight Magic.

Heidi Wingo

Executive Director

 

Woven Lives

By Ronnie Paul, Bereavement Facilitator

 

I facilitate a Tuesday afternoon bereavement group. As well as hearing intimate stories and making new friends, I'm reminded that I'm often blasé about my almost fifty years of marriage with my husband, Jeff. Jeff claims that after each group I'm always nicer to him for the following 48 hours.

 

As group participants deepen with one another, links emerge. Common rituals, favorite camping spots, love of dogs: lives weave together in unexpected ways.

 

Last Tuesday, before leaving for group, I reached into the depths of the hall closet and grabbed the mandolin I haven't touched in fifteen years. Hoping to sell it, I added Foggy Mountain Music to my after-group errands list.

 

Before the group started, during what I call schmoozing time, one participant told me her favorite musician had died. I knew she liked bluegrass and asked if she played anything.

 

“No,” she sighed, “I wish I did. Actually, with Richard gone, I have time now.”

 

“What would you play if you started?” I asked.

 

Without hesitating she said, “I always wanted to play the mandolin.”

 

“Well, I happen to have one in my car!”

 

Sharing love and support, gaining relief from feeling alone and crazy, laughing again: Tuesdays weave lifestyles. And, with the re-homing of my mandolin, I enjoy yet another link to a larger community.


 

August is National Make-a-Will Month

Make Your Legacy Count

 

August is National Make-a-Will Month, a perfect time to ensure your loved ones are cared for and your values live on. Creating a will is one of the most meaningful steps you can take to protect your future—and it’s easier than many people think.


When you include Foothills Compassionate Care in your estate plans, you create a lasting impact that extends far beyond your lifetime. Your gift helps ensure that compassionate, dignified care will be there for generations to come. Even a small percentage of your estate can make a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.


This month, take the opportunity to:

  • Create or update your will
  • Protect your loved ones and honor your wishes
  • Consider a gift to Foothills Compassionate Care as part of your legacy


By planning today, you can provide peace of mind for tomorrow—while making a lasting statement about what matters most to you.

 

Gift & Thrift Updates

 

New Section at the Grass Valley Location

Shoppers at our Grass Valley location may have noticed a new area full of colorful wares. Every month, we'll be treated to a shipment of overstock from 5 Below. Come browse for some goodies to go along with the other unique items throughout the store!

Farewell, Larry Irwin!

Larry has been an instrumental part of our organization for almost 11 years and we will certainly miss his leadership, great ideas, charisma and overall amazingness. Larry helped shape the way we do business at the stores and has helped bring in thousands of dollars in support of our mission. We are so grateful for the time and energy he has shared with us over the years. Good luck in Texas, Larry!

With Larry's departure, our new Gift & Thrift Leadership Team is as follows:

Jon Pool

Retail Operations Manager

Michael Yaroch

Store Manager Grass Valley

Jason Black

Store Manager Penn Valley


 

Estate Planning Survey

 

We’re exploring how to better support our community in planning for the future. Your input will help us shape future action that meets real needs—whether you're just getting started or already have a plan in place. This quick survey takes just a few minutes and your responses will remain confidential, unless you choose to provide contact information.  


Estimated time: less than 5 minutes

 

Save the Date: Moonlight Magic is November 7

 
 

Foothill Compassionate Care’s signature fundraising event returns on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Miners Foundry Cultural Center in Nevada City. Join us for an elegant evening featuring a plated dinner, music, and an exciting live auction—all in celebration of community and compassion. Cocktail attire.


Tickets on sale September 1.

THANK YOU, MOONLIGHT MAGIC SPONSORS!

 
 

Community Outreach Recap

 

I Wish I Knew: Navigating Care Options (Part 2 of 3)

July 10


Our 3-part series on care options kicked off with expert panelists from Pawnie’s Home Care, Rondha’s After Care, and Comfort Keepers

Breakfast Club

July 16


Melissa, Liz and Cherie attended this monthly networking event with industry professionals, organized by Partners in Care.

Starry, Starry Nights

July 19


Cherie and Kim represented us as proud sponsors of Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital Foundation at their annual event under the stars, at the Nevada County Fairgrounds.

Veteran's Health & Wellness Fair

July 23


Foothills Compassionate Care is a 4-star Community Partner of We Honor Veterans, a program of The Alliance Home. We are honored to serve as an educational and support resource at this annual event.

Nevada County Fair

August 6-10


Foothills Compassionate Care joined Dignity Health at the Nevada County Fair, to share resources and information with the community.

 

Upcoming Events

 

Community Insight


AUGUST 20


Tune in to KNCO News Talk 830 every 4th Wednesday of the month to hear Foothills Compassionate Care with host Tom Fitszimmons. This month we're talking about wills & estate planning for National Make-a-Will Month.

 

I Wish I Knew

NAVIGATING CARE OPTIONS


AUGUST 21 | SEPTEMBER 18


Join us for a three-part conversation on supportive care options available in the home and other care environments that could help meet your loved one’s needs — and your family’s peace of mind.


Part 2: Assisted Living

Part 3: Skilled Living

 
 
 

Falls Prevention Summit


SEPTEMBER 12


We'll be at this year's summit with a table and a speaker! Make sure to catch "Eating to Stay Steady" with Foothills Compassionate Care Community Relations Manager, Liz Dreher.

 

Do you have a mission moment to share?


We're always looking for stories that exemplify the heart of what we do. Have one to share? Reply to this email an tell us about it!

 
 
Foothills Cares Logos
 
 
Facebook  GMB  Instagram  LinkedIn