Tuesday, December 27, 2022

Community Service Day

When: Saturday, December 31, 2022
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Where: Matt Garcia Foundation Office, 717 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533

The Matt Garcia Foundation will provide gloves, garbage pickers and buckets for collecting the trash.

Students can earn community service hours. Lunch provided after the cleanup.

For more information www.FFINEST.org

To receive updated information on volunteering opportunities, sign up for our text alerts. 

Text: 81010 | Enter: @mgfv

Sunday, December 25, 2022

**Award Winning** CGI 3D Animated Short Film "Hey Deer!" by Ors Barczy |...


Hey Deer! Short Animated Film about an adorable, cocoa-drinking deer who is eager to tidy and shoveling in front of his house every day. However, there is a suspicious earthquake every night which causes the mess day by day and make unbearable our fella’s life. Between two cups of cocoa the amazing truth reveals which changes the deer’s life forever…

Merry Christmas to ALL!

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Wednesday, December 21, 2022

Consider Us When Making Your Year-End Tax Free Donation


“Hi, this is Teresa, President of The Matt Garcia Foundation and Matt's mom. Matt was the youngest fairfield city council member who was murdered 2008. We are looking forward to 2023 as we expand our mentorship programs to live out Matt's campaign promises: Support Youth, Help stop crime, by strengthening our community. Please consider us when making your year-end tax free donation."


Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Thursday, December 15, 2022

The surprising reason you feel awful when you're sick - Marco A. Sotomayor


What actually makes you feel sick? Discover how your immune system and proteins called cytokines respond to infections.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Friday, December 9, 2022

Mason Jars Hot Cocoa Gift

  1. Pour the cocoa mix into the small mason jar. Lightly tap the jar on the counter to settle.
  2. Top the cocoa with mini marshmallows.
  3. Add chocolate chips to the top of the marshmallows.
  4. Optional, add crushed peppermint candies or candy canes.
  5. Seal the jar, hole punch the gift tag, and tie it on with a piece of ribbon.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

How stress affects your body - Sharon Horesh Bergquist


Our hard-wired stress response is designed to gives us the quick burst of heightened alertness and energy needed to perform our best. But stress isn’t all good. When activated too long or too often, stress can damage virtually every part of our body. Sharon Horesh Bergquist gives us a look at what goes on inside our body when we are chronically stressed.

Lesson by Sharon Horesh Bergquist, animation by Adriatic Animation.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Saturday, December 3, 2022

Congratulations to Dan Marshall, Fairfield’s newest Police Chief!!

The Matt Garcia Foundation is proud to congratulate Dan Marshall on his promotion to Chief of Police for the City of Fairfield. Dan has been very active in the community, including supporting our foundation, coaching youth sports, and serving as a founding member and President of the Fairfield Police Activities League.  He began his career in law enforcement in 1998 with the City of Benicia as a Reserve Police Officer and Animal Control Officer. In November of 1999, he was hired by the City of Fairfield Police Department where he rose through the ranks and served in various roles within the department, including the youth services unit, crisis negotiations and the homeless intervention team. He also participated with the local Faith Partners Against Crime organization and served on the Board of Directors for the Solano Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

We will certainly miss Chief Cantrell, but we are very grateful that She left the Police Department in very capable hands. Dan’s passion for serving people and helping youth fits well with our goal of keeping Matt’s Dream Alive.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Sunday, November 27, 2022

What is a calorie? - Emma Bryce


We hear about calories all the time: How many calories are in this cookie? How many are burned by doing 100 jumping jacks, or long-distance running, or fidgeting? But what is a calorie, really? And how many of them do we actually need? Emma Bryce explains how a few different factors should go into determining the recommended amount for each person.

Lesson by Emma Bryce, animation by  Qa'ed Mai.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Thursday, November 24, 2022

The Matt Garcia Foundation 'Community Service Day Cleanup' : Nov. 26th

When: Saturday, November 26, 2022
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Where: Matt Garcia Foundation Office, 717 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533

The Matt Garcia Foundation will provide gloves, garbage pickers and buckets for collecting the trash.

Students can earn community service hours. Lunch provided after the cleanup.

For more information www.FFINEST.org

To receive updated information on volunteering opportunities, sign up for our text alerts. 
Text: 81010 | Enter: @mgfv

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Friday, November 18, 2022

How do vitamins work? - Ginnie Trinh Nguyen


Vitamins are the building blocks that keep our bodies running; they help build muscle and bone, capture energy, heal wounds and more. But if our body doesn’t create vitamins, how do they get into our system? Ginnie Trinh Nguyen describes what vitamins are, how they get into our bodies -- and why they are so crucial.

Lesson by Ginnie Trinh Nguyen, animation by The Moving Company Animation Studio.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

November 15 is America Recycles Day

It is a day to recognize the importance and impact of recycling. Pledge in making a difference today and throughout the year to reduce, reuse and recycle to help protect the environment for future generations.

Recycle Blue Bin
Plastic bottles, jugs, tubs (with recycling codes 1-7), glass bottles and jars with lids, paper, cardboard, cartons, aluminum, steel and tin cans, foil and trays.

Landfill Gray Bin
Straws, plastic utensils, bags, wraps, broken glass or ceramics, food packaging, styrofoam containers and miscellaneous.

Organics Green Bin
All food scraps, plant trimmings, food-soiled or wet paper, wood utensils, and uncoated paper plates.

As part of California’s strategy to combat climate change, State Law (SB1383) now requires all resistants to sort their organics and recyclables from the trash.

For more info visit CALRECYCLE.CA.GOV/ORGANICS/SLCP

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Spooktoberfest 2022 Downtown Fairfield


Children dressed in their Halloween costumes could be seen walking downtown Fairfield trick or treating at this year’s Spooktoberfest. It was so wonderful seeing all the businesses passing out candy to the trick or treaters. After getting their candy they were able to sit on the grass and watch Casper. 
 
The group from the Missouri Street Theatre, MYST, gave a great A Capella performance. Also, thanks to Gordons Music for always helping us with our sound needs and anything else we ask for.


A BIG shout out to The Matt Garcia Foundation volunteers who always step up to Keep Matt’s Dream Alive. We are forever grateful to our board members, advisory board, and community volunteers.

You have made, and continue to make, The Matt Garcia Foundation what it is and has been for these past 14 years.


Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website


Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Why you procrastinate even when it feels bad


Explore what happens in the brain to trigger procrastination, and what strategies you can use to break the cycle of this harmful practice.

--

The report you’ve been putting off is due tomorrow. It’s time to buckle down, open your computer ... and check your phone. Maybe watch your favorite YouTube channel? Or maybe you should just start in the morning? This is the cycle of procrastination. So, why do we procrastinate when we know it’s bad for us? Explore how your body triggers a procrastination response, and how you can break the cycle.

Directed by Vitalii Nebelskyi, and action agency.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Thank You for Another Successful Charity Golf Tournament!

Thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Matt Garcia Charity Golf Tournament a success. The event was held at Hiddenbrooke Golf Club in Vallejo. With the generous help of sponsors, players and volunteer staff, we raised $13,000!! The proceeds will be used to help fund our ongoing goals of helping youth and making Fairfield a better place to live. Without your support, we would not be able to provide scholarships to underprivileged youth, mentoring and many of our other worthwhile endeavors.  Our 2023 golf tournament will be held at beautiful Rancho Solano Golf Course in Fairfield.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Who Are We?

Matt Garcia was a man with a vision. He was the youngest city councilman elected in the state of California in November 2007. Matt was a great young leader and inspiration to all who knew him. Matt was only 22 years old… but, he lived more in those short years than many adults can even imagine. He led by inspiration, with integrity and ambition.

Matt’s dream involved supporting the youth and creating places for them to go and things for them to do; Changing a culture of violence and crime in the city through youth involvement. By uniting a community all people will have a sense of belonging and responsibility to the city of Fairfield. Matt’s life was cut short, but his legacy, work and heart live on.

The Matt Garcia Foundation was established to carry out Matt’s dream. We are dedicated to the work and efforts that Matt started and hope that we can inspire others to be the change in this world we live in, just as Matt inspired us.

Matt’s vision has guided us, but we need continued support from all of you to make his dream a reality.
A commitment to changing a culture of violence and crime in Solano County.
Together we can continue Matt’s efforts and make his dream our reality.
The Matt Garcia Foundation “Dream Team" pledges to live Matt’s legacy.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Monday, October 31, 2022

How to Control Your Emotions During a Difficult Conversation: The Harvar...


When you’re in the middle of a conflict, it’s common to automatically enter a “fight or flight” mentality. But it’s possible to interrupt this response and clear a path towards a more productive discussion.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Friday, October 28, 2022

The Matt Garcia Foundation 'Community Service Day Cleanup' - October 29, TOMORROW


Last Saturday of Every Month

When: Saturday, October 29, 2022
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Where: Matt Garcia Foundation Office, 717 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533

The Matt Garcia Foundation will provide gloves, garbage pickers and buckets for collecting the trash.

Students can earn community service hours. Lunch provided after the cleanup.

For more information www.FFINEST.org

To receive updated information on volunteering opportunities, sign up for our text alerts. 
Text: 81010 | Enter: @mgfv

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Saturday, October 22, 2022

The Art of Active Listening | The Harvard Business Review Guide


You might think you’re a good listener, but common behaviors like nodding and saying “mm-hmm” can actually leave the speaker feeling unheard or dismissed. The truth is that mastering the art of listening involves a whole host of other skills as well. You need to do more.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

In Honor of Lesley Snedeker DePorto

"We would like to honor Lesley Snedeker DePorto; who left this earth, this past August. 

She was a longtime foundation volunteer and became the Director of our annual golf tournaments for a number of years. Lesley brought in many sponsors and golfers to participate at our tournaments. Her contribution was priceless.

Lesley served so many organizations within our communities; both Fairfield and Vacaville. She was always first to sign up to volunteer with any organization and selflessly helped so many people. Lesley was a dear friend to many of us and a member of The Matt Garcia Foundation family.

Over 400 family & friends gathered in September to celebrate Lesley’s life. We had many of our foundation volunteers to help serve at the reception; it was a beautiful gathering for a beautiful person. She will be missed by so many people and many of our local community organizations. Our love and support for her beloved husband, Jay DePorto, and the Snedeker Family. Rest in peace dear friend."

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Thursday, October 13, 2022

What Makes a Great Leader?


Today, it’s less about getting people to follow you to the future, more about getting them to co-create it with you. Harvard Business School’s Linda A. Hill, co-author of “Collective Genius”, spells out the new ABCs for leading innovation.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Monday, October 10, 2022

Fire Prevention Week - Open House : THURSDAY OCTOBER 13th

In honor of Fire Prevention Week, the Fairfield Fire Department will be hosting an Open House at Fire Station 37 at 1200 Kentucky Street, Thursday, October 13, 5-8 PM. The event will provide fun activities for the local community, as well as critical fire safety education. The Department will provide free hot dogs and refreshments, kids’ goodie bags, tours of the fire engines, a hands-on fire extinguisher demo, an inflatable fire education house, a kids’ firefighter activity course, a guest appearance from Sparky the Fire Dog, and the official FFD photo booth.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

BEST SPEECH EVER: Follow These 3 Rules To Have a Successful Life ! | Lou...


Legendary college football coach Lou Holtz share with us the 3 rules you have to follow to have a successful life ! (and it's not complicated)

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Inspiration.


"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start."
- Nido Qubein

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."
- Aesop

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website


Sunday, September 25, 2022

What happens to your body at the top of Mount Everest - Andrew Lovering


Explore what happens in your body when you don’t acclimate to higher altitudes and the dangers of altitude sickness.

--

If you teleported from sea level to the top of Mount Everest, things would go bad fast. At an altitude of 8,848 meters, you would likely suffocate in minutes. However, for people that make this journey over the course of a month, it’s possible to survive at the peak for hours. So what happens in our bodies that allows us to endure this incredible altitude? Andrew Lovering investigates. 

Lesson by Andrew Lovering, directed by Vitalii Nebelskyi, and action creative agency.
Designed by Alexandra Bolotova
Animated by Volodymyr Boyko

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Thursday, September 22, 2022

The Matt Garcia Foundation 'Community Service Day Cleanup'

When: Saturday, September 24, 2022

Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Where: Matt Garcia Foundation Office, 717 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533

The Matt Garcia Foundation will provide gloves, garbage pickers and buckets for collecting the trash.

Students can earn community service hours. Lunch provided after the cleanup.

For more information www.FFINEST.org

To receive updated information on volunteering opportunities, sign up for our text alerts. 
Text: 81010 | Enter: @mgfv

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Monday, September 19, 2022

We Need Your Help to Make a Difference


The Matt Garcia Foundation has been donated office space in Downtown Fairfield, thanks to John and Sheila Costanzo of Stonefield Properties LLC. The office space will be used as a podcast studio. We are looking for volunteers interested in interviewing people, suggesting discussion topics and providing audio editing services.

Our goal is to make this space a safe and open place for our youth to show up and talk about current or past subjects of interest to them. We know these are crazy times. Often, just having honest discussions with others in similar circumstances can provide much needed comfort and healing, especially knowing that we are not alone.

If you are interested in helping with our podcast, feel free to contact Teresa Courtemanche (teresa@ffinest.org) or Sheila Webster (sheila@ffinest.org). We would love to hear from you.

Let's all work together to keep Matt Garcia's Dream Alive.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Friday, September 16, 2022

3 tips to boost your confidence - TED-Ed


Made in partnership with the Always #LikeAGirl campaign.

When faced with a big challenge where potential failure seems to lurk at every corner, you’ve probably heard the advice, “Be more confident!” But where does confidence come from, and how can you get more of it? Here are three easy tips to boost your confidence.

Lesson by TED-Ed, animation by Kozmonot Animation Studio.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

CPR and Bleeding Control Class


On August 20th, The Matt Garcia Foundation hosted a CPR and Bleeding Control class in collaboration with the Fairfield Fire Department. 


A full class of individuals gained knowledge, skills, and above all, the potential to save a life. Of those individuals, Amon Morris attended the class to receive certification needed for a job. He shared, “I found the class informational and up-to-date. It felt more informative than a past CPR class I attended. I now feel more confident in helping someone if I needed to.”


Techniques were taught by Fairfield Fire Department Deputy Chief Robb Herrick and former Fire Chief Vince Webster. 


Thank you to the Fairfield Fire Department, our instructors, and attendees for further helping us build safety in our community.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Saturday, September 10, 2022

THE DAY that our lives changed forever..


THE DAY that our lives changed forever; I’m reminded STILL of the love and gratitude that I have in my heart. MATT, knew he had much more work to do in order to meet his own goals for his life. The memory of his first MYSPACE blog pops up every year. He also knew about “GODS” will. I know it wasn’t God’s will that he was murdered; SICK people did that! But I do know that “GOD” wants me to keep moving forward in a positive way regardless of what SICK PEOPLE DID to Matthew, our family, his friends, and our community!

It’s beautiful to see so many amazing things happening, STILL My heart smiles at every event, clean-up, and interaction that I get to be a part of; All because of Matt. Thank you God for letting me see the good even in the most horrific and difficult times. Thank you for the eyes to see, the ears to hear, and the words to speak! Thank you for guiding my thoughts, my feelings, and my perceptions. Thank you for reminding me that these bodies are just a suit of clothes that we wear; our spirits live forever.


Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

How to STOP Waking Up Feeling TIRED Every Morning - 4 Tips (animated)


How often do you actually wake up feeling energized? How many times a week do you get up when your alarm rings, without hitting the snooze button?

Nothing is worse than going to bed early, only to wake up still feeling exhausted. There are number of factors that affect how tired you feel in the morning, and you probably have some habits that are robbing you of your energy. 

We'll look at some of the solutions that you should adopt, which will help you wake up early and well rested.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Sunday, September 4, 2022

Annual Charity Golf Tournament


Hello Golfers & Sponsors,

Don't forget to register for this year's Matt Garcia Foundation's Annual Charity Golf Tournament! We will have some additional fun "golf activities" and new course; HIddenbrooke Golf Club! Hiddenbrooke offers our golfer's a shuttle prior to the tournament start, to their driving range. There's also a putting green! We hope to see each of you again this year and tell all of your golf buddies as well! Here's a link to our online registration:

CLICK HERE to Register Online

Contact us, mgfgolf@ffinest.org, to find about some new "sponsorship opportunities! Be a partner with us in keeping Matt's legacy going...a legacy of strong and empowered youth and supporting the community!

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Thursday, September 1, 2022

RIP Virgil Sellers


Virgil Sellers
1932-2022

Virgil was one of our most cherished foundation volunteers.  He was proud to be the oldest volunteer, and he showed up religiously for our monthly community clean-ups. If you spent more than 5 minutes with him, you were blessed by his wisdom, compassion and knowledge. If wouldn’t take him long to say something like “I have a story for that”, in response to something the group was discussing.  He would then capture everyone’s attention and laughter.
Virgil became a longtime Fairfield resident after serving many years in the United States Air Force (retiring at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant).  He was also a master cabinet maker, and could fix pretty much anything. Virgil could be found volunteering with one of the many community programs he proudly served, including Rush Ranch/Access Adventure, the Travis Air Force Base vintage aircraft museum, Pena Adobe Historical Society, and of course, our own Matt Garcia Foundation.  

We will miss Virgil.  If we all had the dedication and compassion he showed for his community, this world would be a better place.  

God bless you Virgil. Rest in Peace.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Monday, August 29, 2022

Why do we have to wear sunscreen? - Kevin P. Boyd


You already know that a trip to the beach can give you a nasty sunburn, but the nitty gritty of sun safety is actually much more complex. Wrinkle-causing UVA rays and burn-inducing UVB's can pose a serious risk to your health (and good looks). So what can you do? Kevin P. Boyd makes the case to slap on some physical or chemical SPF daily. 

Lesson by Kevin P. Boyd, animation by Andrew Foerster.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Friday, August 26, 2022

Volunteer Clean Up, TOMORROW!


Last Saturday of Every Month
Please check our website for location or sign up for text alerts.

Text: 81010 Enter: @mgiv

When: Saturday, August 27, 2022
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Where: Matt Garcia Foundation Office, 717 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533

The Matt Garcia Foundation will provide gloves, garbage pickers and buckets for collecting the trash.

Students can earn community service hours. Lunch provided after the cleanup.
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

Fairfield Police Officers' Association : Stand Up Comedy August 27


Come help us put the FUN in fundraising when the Fairfield POA hosts a Night of Stand-Up Comedy to benefit the Fairfield PAL Teen Center!

The Fairfield Police Officers’ Association (POA) invites adults to have some summer fun and help support teens in Fairfield, Suisun, and Travis Air Force Base on Saturday, August 27 at 8pm at the Downtown Theatre in Fairfield.
Tickets are $54 per person. Purchase tickets: www.downtowntheatre.com.


Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Saturday, August 20, 2022

Why are airplanes slower than they used to be? - Alex Gendler


Why aren’t commercial flights getting faster? Dig into the technological and environmental problems facing supersonic flight. 

--

In 1996, a British Airways plane flew from New York to London in a record-breaking two hours and fifty-three minutes. Today, however, passengers flying the same route can expect to spend no less than six hours in the air — twice as long. So why, in a world where everything seems to be getting faster, have commercial flights lagged behind? Alex Gendler details the problems facing supersonic flight.

Lesson by Alex Gendler, directed by Zedem Media.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Sunday, August 14, 2022

Gun BuyBack Event

I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make the Gun BuyBack event, held at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, a huge success. The Matt Garcia Foundation partnered with Fairfield Police Department, Faith PAC, and the Solano County District Attorney’s Office. The Gun Buyback collected 92 unwanted guns. Wow! Thank you!

This is the third gun buyback event that we have participated in since Matt was murdered in 2008. The felon who shot Matt in the back of the head, was able to illegally purchase that firearm from another guy, at a garage sale, who also illegally obtained the gun from a storage unit. These are the guns we want off the streets. We know that most criminals will not be turning in their firearms, nor are we asking for law abiding licensed gun owners (as myself) to turn in their guns. I can tell you that we have had a former gang member turn in his gun.

I can also share with you that during one of our gun buyback events an elderly couple had a trunk filled with firearms. The grandson, who lived with them, had gone to prison. He left all the guns in their home. They were afraid to turn them into the police because they didn’t know how their grandson had gotten the guns or what crimes he may have committed with them. When they heard they could get those guns out of their home with no questions asked they were very grateful.

We often wonder if Maybe just maybe, there had been a gun buyback available for the initial person to turn in the gun that he obtain from the storage unit and get some money for it that way, instead of selling it to another Criminal…Matt may still be here today. We will never know. What we do know though, is that if one life is saved because an unwanted or unsecured firearm is no longer available to steal, or cause harm to oneself or someone else…THAT is a successful day!

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Thursday, August 11, 2022

What causes opioid addiction, and why is it so tough to combat? - Mike D...


Explore the science of why opioids are addictive and what can be done to reverse the growing rates of addiction and overdose. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid use in the United States, the Department of Health and Human Services operates a helpline (800-662-4357) and has a database of treatment facilities: https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Friday, August 5, 2022

Mac and Cheese in a Mug


Ingredients:
1/3 cup elbow macaroni
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup fine shredded cheese
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:
Add water and macaroni to a large mug. Microwave on high for 2 minutes and then stir. Repeat 2 more times for a total of 6 minutes or until pasta is soft. Add a couple of tablespoons of water if the pasta has absorbed the water after the 2 minutes of cooking.

Once the macaroni is cooked add the cheese, butter and milk. Stir until the cheese has melted.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Tuesday, August 2, 2022

Why is pneumonia so dangerous? - Eve Gaus and Vanessa Ruiz


Explore how pneumonia attacks the tiny air sacs in your lungs and how your immune system works to fight off the infection.

--

Every time you breathe, air travels down the trachea, through a series of channels, and then reaches little clusters of air sacs in the lungs. These tiny sacs facilitate a crucial exchange: allowing oxygen from the air we breathe into the bloodstream and clearing out carbon dioxide. Pneumonia wreaks havoc on this exchange system. Eve Gaus and Vanessa Ruiz detail how pneumonia attacks the lungs.

Lesson by Eve Gaus and Vanessa Ruiz, directed by Artrake Studio.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Saturday, July 30, 2022

The Matt Garcia Foundation 'Community Service Day Cleanup'


When: Saturday, July 30, 2022
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Where: Matt Garcia Foundation Office, 717 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533

To protect your health and slow the spread of the coronavirus, we will be follow the most recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control.

The Matt Garcia Foundation will provide gloves, garbage pickers and buckets for collecting the trash.

Students can earn community service hours. Lunch provided after the cleanup.

For more information visit our website.

To receive updated information on volunteering opportunities, sign up for our text alerts.
Text: 81010 | Enter: @mgfv

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Why are some people left-handed? - Daniel M. Abrams


Today, about one-tenth of the world’s population are southpaws. Why are such a small proportion of people left-handed -- and why does the trait exist in the first place? Daniel M. Abrams investigates how the uneven ratio of lefties and righties gives insight into a balance between competitive and cooperative pressures on human evolution. 

Lesson by Daniel M. Abrams, animation by TED-Ed.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Thursday, July 21, 2022

Undergraduate Scholarships Agricultural Majors


Julia I. Carrington Foundation
C/O C&C Consulting Service
831 Alamo Dr., Ste. 7
Vacaville, CA 95688

Download Application: carringtonscholarship.com

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website



Monday, July 18, 2022

Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano


Thank you to those who came to our Dream Team Service Event for the month of June - sorting food at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano!

The food bank is in need of volunteers. Many different opportunities and shifts are available to give a helping hand. Please check out their website for more information.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Friday, July 15, 2022

Why do blood types matter? - Natalie S. Hodge


Dig into the 4 main blood types — A, B, AB, and O — and find out why some bloods can mix while others cannot.

--

It’s often said that despite humanity’s many conflicts, we all bleed the same blood. It’s a nice thought, but not quite accurate. In fact, our blood comes in a few different varieties. Natalie S. Hodge defines the four major blood types and sheds light on why some bloods can mix while others cannot. 

Lesson by Natalie S. Hodge, animation by Brad Purnell.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Young Local Hero


Public Safety Academy 6th grader Tamaiah Massot was honored for heroism by her entire school, the Fairfield Police Department, the Fairfield Fire Department, North Bay Medical Center, city officials and even the mayor. A couple months prior, Tamaiah was on her way home from school when she witnessed an face-down, unresponsive three-year-old who had fallen into the pool at her apartment complex. Remembering a YouTube video she had watched the year before, Tamaiah immediately jumped in the pool, pulled the toddler out and administered CPR, resuscitating the child. Her quick thinking and actions, along with her ability to remain calm ultimately saved this child’s life. Although she is a hero in all of our eyes, she remains very humble and did not want any recognition at all for her actions. Tamaiah… we at the Matt Garcia Foundation are so very proud of you.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website


Saturday, July 9, 2022

Gun Buyback Event TODAY


The Matt Garcia Foundation will be hosting a Gun Buyback event that will be held on July 9th at the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, located at 1735 Enterprise Dr., Bldg. 3 in Fairfield.

We have to STAND and make a difference together. We pray for all those that have lost their loved ones to senseless gun violence. We trust and believe that OUR collective efforts WILL help save lives that could have been lost to more senseless gun violence.

Please consider making a donation to Help this initiative. The intended use of the funds is to purchase gift cards to issue to participants who surrender unwanted firearms. We will be accepting various styles of guns and firearms. Weapons will be turned in anonymously, no questions asked.

Thank you for taking a STAND to “Keep the Dream Alive” with this year's Gun Buyback initiative to help get unwanted guns properly disposed of and prevent them from getting into the hands of criminals.

The horrible truth is that my son, the late Fairfield City Councilman Matt Garcia, was murdered on September 1st, 2008 at the young age of twenty-two, at the hands of a criminal that had illegally purchased a gun at a garage sale.

Additional collaborative partners in this year's initiative are as follows: the City of Fairfield, the Fairfield Police Department and Faith Partners and Community.

With our combined efforts in “Supporting our Youth” and “Helping to Stop Crime,” we have a greater opportunity to “Strengthen our Communities” for generations to come.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Wednesday, July 6, 2022

Why do we dream? - Amy Adkins


In the 3rd millennium BCE, Mesopotamian kings recorded and interpreted their dreams on wax tablets. In the years since, we haven't paused in our quest to understand why we dream. And while we still don’t have any definitive answers, we have some theories. Amy Adkins reveals the top seven reasons why we might dream.

Lesson by Amy Adkins, animation by Clamanne Studio.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Sunday, July 3, 2022

Safety Tip


Remember to be careful with what you post on your social media. Especially if you are away from home and showing photos (common home burglaries happen when folks are away). Also, remember that employers regularly check your social media during background checks for jobs.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Kindness Rocks Project

Thank you to everyone who joined us at The Kindness Rocks Project Workshop in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May! 

We were able to promote positivity through creating rocks with uplifting, powerful messages that were placed around our community. As a group we started conversations about mental health, with hope that these will continue more and more with our friends, families, and community members.

This was not just an event, but part of a movement toward ending the stigma around mental health. Thank you to our attendees for being part of this, as well as to NAMI Solano County and Yellow Heart Committee for helping us strengthen the conversation.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Monday, June 27, 2022

What would happen if you didn’t drink water? - Mia Nacamulli


Water is essentially everywhere in our world, and the average human is composed of between 55 and 60% water. So what role does water play in our bodies, and how much do we actually need to drink to stay healthy? Mia Nacamulli details the health benefits of hydration. 

Lesson by Mia Nacamulli, animation by Chris Bishop.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Friday, June 24, 2022

TOMORROW : The Matt Garcia Foundation 'Community Service Day Cleanup'

Last Saturday of Every Month
Attention: We will be alternating our clean up location.

Please check our website for location or sign up for text alerts.
Text: 81010 Enter: @mgiv

When: Saturday, June 25, 2022
Time: 9:00am – 11:00am
Where: Allan Witt Park, 1741 W Texas St, Fairfield, CA 94533

To protect your health and slow the spread of the coronavirus, we will be follow the most recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control.

The Matt Garcia Foundation will provide gloves, garbage pickers and buckets for collecting the trash.

Students can earn community service hours. Lunch provided after the cleanup.

For more information visit our website.

To receive updated information on volunteering opportunities, sign up for our text alerts. 
Text: 81010 | Enter: @mgfv

Note: *July 30th Clean up will be at our new office, 717 Texas St, Fairfield, CA 94533*

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org