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Dear Mai Yang,
Hello Summer!
As June arrives, we welcome the warmth, light, and renewed energy that summer brings. It’s a season of connection—gathering with loved ones, enjoying the beauty of our community, and finding moments of rest and reflection under the sun. At Foothills Compassionate Care, we welcome this new season with gratitude for the warmth it brings, both in the weather and in our community.
This month, we celebrate the continued growth of our programs, the incredible generosity of our community, and the compassionate spirit that sustains our mission. Whether you're taking a well-deserved vacation or simply stepping outside to enjoy the season’s gifts, we hope this summer brings you peace, joy, and meaningful moments.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make our inaugural Rhythm and Vine event a success. Your support, energy, and generosity helped bring our mission to life in such a joyful and meaningful way.
Here’s to a bright and beautiful summer ahead!
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Heidi Wingo
Executive Director
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A Network of Gratitude:
How Mike Menegazzi’s Paintings Connect a Community
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Michael “Mike” Menegazzi began painting at age 13, inspired by his mother’s ceramics and oil landscapes. He pursued art alongside a lifelong career in terrazzo and masonry—craftsmanship that eventually took him all the way to the Smithsonian.
Later in life, encouraged by a fellow painter, Mike returned to the canvas with a new approach: plein air painting, capturing nature’s fleeting light and color in bold, expressive strokes. “If you paint more than 10–15 minutes,” he says, “you’re lying. The moment has already changed.”
After his wife Pamela passed under the care of Hospice of the Foothills, Mike chose to honor her memory—and those who supported her—by sharing his art. He donated four paintings to our office and gifted many others to the nurses, doctors, and staff who made a difference during Pamela’s illness.
He never had an interest in selling his art or building a financial portfolio. Instead, he gave his paintings away freely, seeing them as more meaningful than money.
“I feel richer for the joy of giving these paintings to the people who made Pamela’s final chapter as beautiful as it could be.”
— Mike Menegazzi
These paintings weren’t made for the moment. They were collected over time, and given as heartfelt thanks. Now, his work hangs in homes, clinics, and hallways across Nevada County. Together, they form a quiet network of care—connecting people through beauty, kindness, and compassion.
“This art is just a small token,” he says. “But it carries the spirit of Pam’s peace and love.”
| | Help Us Cross the Finish Line! | | |
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, we did it—we raised $35,000 towards the purchase of a brand new truck for our Gift & Thrift stores! Mary Wollesen and her husband, Antonio, made a lead gift of $20,000 towards the purchase, and the rest of our community came through in a big way.
This vehicle is more than just a truck. It’s a lifeline that helps us transport donated items, deliver purchases, and keep our stores running—stores that generate half a million dollars in revenue to support the compassionate end-of-life care services we provide to families across Western Nevada County.
Every mile this truck travels represents lives touched by your support. With a custom wrap, we’ll spread the word about how thrift store donations and purchases help fund compassionate care—medical, emotional, and spiritual—for neighbors at the end of life.
FUNDRAISING GOAL: $8,000
Your gift will help us:
• Professionally wrap the truck with eye-catching branding
• Increase visibility for Foothills Gift & Thrift
• Share our mission across the community, every time we’re on the move
Let’s finish what we started. Donate today and help turn this truck into a moving billboard for compassion.
| | Honoring Fathers with Compassionate Care | | |
This Father’s Day, we celebrate the love, strength, and quiet wisdom of fathers and father figures everywhere. At Foothills Compassionate Care, we are privileged to support families through life’s most tender moments—often shaped by the care and presence of dads, grandfathers, stepdads, and mentors. Whether sitting at a bedside, sharing stories, or holding a hand in silence, their love leaves a lasting legacy.
As we honor them, we’re reminded of our mission: to walk alongside families with dignity, comfort, and compassion. Thank you for helping us carry that mission forward—on Father’s Day and every day.
| | | | | THANK YOU for joining us at the inaugural Rhythm & Vine fundraiser at the historic North Star House! At this sold-out event, we danced to music from The Vieaux 5, enjoyed delicious food from Bouquet Garni, and bid on silent auction items donated from a myriad of local gems. Immense gratitude goes out to all attendees, sponsors, donors, staff, volunteers, caterers and entertainers. Your support allows us to continue to offer comprehensive services when they are needed most. We hope you had as much fun as we did, partying with a purpose! | | | | |
Health, Safety & Fire Preparedness Carnival
Saturday, June 7
A free event at the Rood Center, dispensing health, wellness and safety information to children, families and seniors.
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Pride Family Picnic
Sunday, June 8
An afternoon of joy, connection, and community, open to the LGBTQ+ community, their families, and allies.
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Sierra Memorial Hospital Foundation Golf Tournament
Monday, June 9
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Melissa Brown
Marketing & Events Manager
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Shannon Kerley
Billing Coordinator
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Shelby Stafford
Hospice RN
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I Wish I Knew
NAVIGATING CARE OPTIONS
JULY 10 | AUG 21 | SEPT 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 1: Care at Home
This session explores what in-home care really looks like, including home health providers, private caregivers, and palliative options. Learn what’s available, what it costs, and how to know when home is still the best fit.
Part 2: Assisted Living
We’ll break down the world of assisted living: what services are included, how to evaluate options, and how it supports the balance of safety and independence for your loved one.
Part 3: Skilled Living
This session focuses on skilled nursing and long-term care environments: when it’s time to consider them, what they offer, and how to navigate the transition with clarity and compassion.
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