May 2026 MACT Newsletter
Celebrating Miwuk Heritage
A Mural at the Miwuk Museum in Angels Camp
In the heart of Angels Camp, California, the Miwuk Cultural Center and Museum stands as a vibrant testament to the history, culture, and resilience of the Miwuk (Me-Wuk) peoples. The museum, which showcases traditional artifacts, stories, and interactive exhibits about the Miwok people of the Sierra Foothills, also features striking visual art intended to welcome and educate visitors about Indigenous heritage.Miwuk Museum and Cultural Center
Prominently displayed on the front façade of the museum is a mural depicting a Native American man and woman, rendered with dignity and presence to honor the Native ancestors and communities whose legacy the museum celebrates. While the detailed public coverage of this specific mural is limited, the work reflects a broader movement in California to integrate Indigenous voices and imagery into public art connected with cultural institutions.
The art of murals is a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural affirmation. California artist Carl Avery—a Native American muralist known for works that center Indigenous themes and community narratives—creates pieces that blend traditional iconography with contemporary expression, drawing on his own heritage and experiences to enrich public spaces. His work across the region often highlights Native histories and invites viewers to engage with the land’s original cultures in meaningful ways
At the Miwuk Museum, the mural of the Miwok man and woman serves not just as decoration, but as a symbol of cultural continuity and recognition, greeting visitors with a visual acknowledgment of the people whose stories are preserved within. It stands as an invitation to learn, reflect, and honor the living traditions of the Miwok community.
The artist for the murals is Carl Avery:
Artist Bio: Carl Avery is a professional artist-builder-fabricator, specializing in airbrush, pin striping, custom paint, illustration, murals, graphic design, and high-quality commission work.
Growing up on a Native American Reservation in Northern California, Carl’s work is highly influenced by nature and cultural designs. However, his passion for art has pushed his inspirations to take on new forms. Dabbling in what he calls his graffiti style, Carl experiments with loud abrupt color and geometric shapes.
Congratulations Dr. Matthew Richadrson, D.C. Voted Best Chiropractor of Calaveras!
This is Dr. Richardson’s seventh year serving the community at MACT.
Congratulations Dr. Richardson on being named Best Chiropractor of Calaveras! Thank you for the care, expertise, and kindness you bring to our community each and every day. Your dedication to improving our health and your genuine compassion for all of us truly make a difference in so many lives. You are an inspiration to us all!
Mental Health Awareness Month: "You Are Not Alone"
May is Mental Health Awareness month. In our busy lives, we often put our mental well-being on the back burner. This month, we challenge you to check in with yourself. If you are feeling the weight of the world, reach out. Speaking up is the first step toward healing.
Mental Health Awareness Month: Why May Matters
Each year in May, communities across the United States observe Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health, reducing stigma, and encouraging people to seek support when they need it.
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 by Mental Health America to promote education and advocacy around mental well-being. Today, organizations such as National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) continue to lead national efforts to provide resources, host events, and foster open conversations about mental health.
Why Mental Health Awareness Is Important
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and act. It influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Yet despite its importance, many individuals hesitate to seek help due to stigma or misunderstanding.
Raising awareness helps:
Normalize conversations about mental health
Encourage early intervention and treatment
Educate communities about available resources
Promote empathy and understanding
Ways to Participate
You can support Mental Health Awareness Month in simple but meaningful ways:
Start conversations with friends, family, or colleagues
Share educational resources on social media
Practice self-care, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, and mindfulness
Support mental health organizations through volunteering or donations
Wear green, the official color of mental health awareness, to show solidarity
A Reminder for Everyone
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether through professional counseling, community support, or personal wellness practices, taking steps to care for your mental health can make a meaningful difference.
This May, let’s commit to creating a culture where mental health is openly discussed, compassion is prioritized, and support is accessible to all.
Alpine Clinic Update- Bear Valley
The Bear Valley Clinic is now open! We are located inside the Bear Valley Village Library, and are open on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The in-house services offered include: seasonal vaccinations; Flu/Covid/RSV/Strep testing; blood pressure monitoring; blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c checks; basic first aid; cholesterol panels; urinalysis and UTI screenings; STI screenings. An RN is available in-person, and a provider will be available on-call for telehealth visits, as needed. Appointments can be pre-scheduled, and walk-ins are also welcome.
Behavioral Health is in Bear Valley, too! Our BH provider, Devon Reynoso, is available for in-person appointments in Bear Valley on the 4th Wednesday of every month. Please contact our BH department to schedule an appointment.
Medical
Phone: 209.674.6198
Address: 367 Creekside Dr. Bear Valley, CA 95223
Hours: Wednesday & Thursdays
8:00AM - 5:00PM
Employee Spotlight Camille Young, RN
Camille Young has been a Registered Nurse since 2018. She completed her education at New York University, and began her career as an inpatient nurse in New York City. After working through the initial wave of Covid in New York, she decided to return home to California, where she continued her nursing career at Stanford Hospital, working in Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy. She has been at MACT since 2024, and enjoys caring for patients in a primary care setting. Camille is originally from Arnold, and is excited to be back home in the mountains, taking care of our very special community!
Employee Health & Fitness Month:
Use Employee Health & Fitness Month as a reminder to keep lifelong fitness a priority. This month MACT challenges you to start a walking group with colleagues during lunch.
Stroke Awareness:Know the signs of a stroke (BE FAST): Balance loss, Eyesight changes, Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.
From MACT’s Kitchen
Pacific Northwest
Cedar-Planked Salmon
Salmon has been central to the foodways of many coastal nations such as the Coast Salish.
Ingredients
1 whole salmon fillet (skin on)
1 untreated cedar plank (soaked in water 1–2 hours)
1 tbsp maple syrup
Fresh herbs (sage or thyme)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat grill to medium heat.
Pat salmon dry and season lightly with salt.
Brush with maple syrup and sprinkle herbs on top.
Place salmon on soaked cedar plank and set on grill.
Cover and cook 12–20 minutes until flaky.
The cedar gently perfumes the fish — traditionally, salmon would be cooked on wood frames over open fire.
Upcoming Events & Holidays
Ione Homecoming May 9 & 10th, Homecoming Parade: May 9, 2026 @ 10 AM at Howard Park
Native Kids Camp is Fast Approaching- June 29-July 3, 2023!
Get ready for cultural immersion and tons of fun! Open to all Native Kids 8-15, with chaperone opportunities 16-18. Registration deadline is May 15th, please submit applications to the Native American Services Team.
Fair Season is Here!
Get ready for funnel cakes and frogs!
Jumping Frog Jubilee, May 14–17, 2026
The 2026 Calaveras County Fair & Jumping Frog Jubilee runs from May 14–17, 2026, at Frogtown in Angels Camp, CA.The longest-running county fair in California returns mid-May. Mark your calendars for a weekend of rodeo, livestock, and the world-famous frog jump!
Memorial Day, Monday May 25, 2026, (MACT offices will be closed)
On Monday, May 25, we observe Memorial Day. We pause to honor and remember the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country.
Want to join MACT’s Healthcare Team?
View our open careers at: Careers | Join Our Healthcare Team Today — Mact Health