1st Downtown Fairfield Art Walk

FAIRFIELD – Spend an evening viewing varying artworks for purchase at many restaurants, businesses and galleries at the 1st Art Walk in Downtown Fairfield.

Fairfield Arts | 710 Jackson St.
Gordon’s Music | 810 Texas St.
Headspace | 809 Texas St.
Cedars Corner Kitchen & Bar | 801 Texas St.
El Caracol Mexican Restaurant | 900 Texas St.
Matt Garcia Foundation | 717 Texas St.
Jane Loveall Studio | 813 Jackson St.

FSVAAA Art Walk
Friday, December 20, 2024
4pm – 7pm
Admission is FREE
Downtown Fairfield
For more information, call (707) 688-8889 or visit FVAA-ARTS.ORG

Direct: 707.372.4160
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2nd Tuesday of Every Month

The Homicide Survivors Support Group offers a compassionate space for those affected by violent loss. Together, we share our grief, support one another, and honor our loved ones. Our mission is to foster healing, resilience, and hope in the face of

unimaginable loss.

717 N Texas Street

Fairfield, CA 94533

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Second Tuesday of every month

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Conversation With Our Youth

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How stretching actually changes your muscles - Malachy McHugh

Dig into the science of stretching, and find out what it actually does to your muscles and how you can improve your flexibility.

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An athlete is preparing for a game. They’ve put on their gear and done their warmup, and now it’s time for one more routine — stretching. Typically, athletes stretch before physical activity to avoid injuries like strains and tears. But does stretching actually prevent these issues? And if so, how long do the benefits of stretching last? Malachy McHugh explores the finer points of flexibility.

Lesson by Malachy McHugh, directed by Sofia Pashaei.

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Community Clean Up SEE YOU TODAY!

When: Saturday, November 30, 2024

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
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Happy Thanksgiving

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Quote of the Month

“Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses.”

-Alphonse Karr

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Every Third Thursday

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November is Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Month

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week is an annual program (held the week before Thanksgiving in November) where people come together across the country to draw attention to the problems of hunger and homelessness. Participating groups spend the week holding a series of educational, service, fundraising, and advocacy events.

How can you help?

The lack of clean, well fitting clothes and shoes causes great hardship beyond exposure to the elements. It hurts self-image and one’s chances to get ahead. People experiencing homelessness must travel light, with few opportunities to safely store or adequately clean what they can’t carry. When poorly dressed, they also have little chance to succeed on job interviews.  One way you can help is by donating any needed supplies to local government approved shelters or other homeless services in your community (contact them first to see what items they are in need of since most agencies have limited storage space).

*This information is provided by the National Coalition on Homelessness.

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Free Expert Tutors

Homework Help

Live one-to-one homework help with free expert tutors! All subjects, all ages. Every day 10am to 10pm.

Get homework help from a live certified tutor

Use study guides, worksheets, and tutorials on common subjects, and various state standardized tests.

For elementary through college age students and adults interested in learning and job search assistance.

Article Source

Direct: 707.372.4160
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2nd Tuesday of Every Month

The Homicide Survivors Support Group offers a compassionate space for those affected by violent loss. Together, we share our grief, support one another, and honor our loved ones. Our mission is to foster healing, resilience, and hope in the face of

unimaginable loss.

717 N Texas Street

Fairfield, CA 94533

6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Second Tuesday of every month

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Honoring All Who Served

Happy Veterans Day

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November Safety Tips

Holiday shopping season is fast approaching. Here are some basic safety tips to follow when shopping in stores, or online:

Keeping You and Your Belongings Safe

Be Aware of Your Surroundings.

Shop With A Friend. 

Don't Leave Your Belongings Unguarded. 

Be Cautious When Using ATMs. 

Use a Credit or Debit Card instead of Cash When Possible. 

If You Do Carry Cash, Don't Carry Too Much. 

Keep Your Phone Charged. 

Park in a Well-Lit Area.

Tips for safe online shopping

Stick to trusted retailers. Always make sure to research a website before making a purchase. 

Check site security. 

Protect your personal information. 

Stay protected on public Wi-Fi. 

Create strong passwords. 

Use online payment services. 

Be wary of fraudulent deals. 

Monitor your statements.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Conversation With Our Youth

Direct: 707.372.4160
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14th Annual Drive To Keep The Dream Alive Charity Golf Tournament

We would like to give a GIANT thank you to EVERYONE who helped to make this year’s golf tournament a tremendous success- the golfers who participated, the golf tournament committee for their months of planning, all of the amazing volunteers who helped us that day, and last, but not least, our GENEROUS sponsors. 

The tournament took place October 14th at the beautiful Rancho Solano, and we couldn’t have asked for a more gorgeous fall day. Everyone involved seemed to have had a great time! The day ended with a dinner banquet, along with both a silent and a live auction. As our president (and Matt’s mom) Teresa said, “Although Matt has been gone from us for over16 years, his spirit could be felt so strongly.” We knew he was with us.

Through everyone's support, we were able to raise the money needed to fund our community events and support all of the worthy causes we assist throughout the year. Thanks again to ALL!

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Downtown Fairfield

Halloween SpookTacular

Thursday, October 31 from 3 – 6pm

Take a stroll through the City of Fairfield’s Downtown for special tricks and treats! Boos and ghouls of all ages are invited to trick-or-treat their way through downtown. Specially marked downtown businesses will be handing out candy, and there will also be a selfie station and kids’ crafts available at 3 Restaurant’s patio. Admission is Free.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Other October Awareness Events

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, the most common cancer among American women with about 250,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Breast Cancer Awareness Month acts a reminder to prioritize breast health and support those affected.

Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month

Throughout this month, families come together to remember and honor the little ones who left us too soon. It's a time for support, understanding, and healing. 

Free Live Online Homework Help

Solano County Library 

Open 24/7 @ Solano library.com

• For K-12 and adult learners
• Help from expert tutors
• Access Tutor.com (every day 10am – 10pm)
• Brainfuse HelpNow (every day 1pm – 10pm) with a library card

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Community Clean Up

When: Saturday, October 26, 2024

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

Welcome New Board Member Roxanna

Why I am committed to The Matt Garcia Foundation

“I am Roxanna Torres-Guerrero, kind of a mouthful. An Austin, Texas Native that has been in the bay since 2022. 

Now I don’t see myself living anywhere else. The Matt Garcia Foundation is special to me, because when I was feeling sad and lost after losing my older brother. It gave me bits and pieces of hope and love. I have met so many incredible people through this organization, that I will forever be grateful for. From a tragedy, the need to service my community was born. The MGF was that on its own, well before my own experience. They are intentional about their efforts to focus on the youth to prevent losing our community to violence and unsafety.”

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Brown Girls In Congress Leadership Summit

The “Brown Girls In Congress Leadership Summit” will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19 to help empower young girls by understanding the political system.

Girls ages 8 – 17 are invited to attend the summit from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will be held at Solano Community College Vallejo Center, 545 Columbus Parkway.

Organizers say the event will aim to empower the next generation of future leaders by “introducing young girls to our political process and show them how our political system is structured.”

“This summit is an incredible opportunity for young girls to see themselves reflected in powerful roles, gain valuable leadership skills, and be inspired to pursue their dreams,” said Loretta Gaddies, CEO/Director of local nonprofit Love the Skin You’re In, Inc.

The organization is comprised of volunteers who seek to empower and encourage adolescents and young adults to realize their personal goals and aspirations. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in engaging activities that will teach them the skills they need to lead with confidence and courage. Invited speakers include Fairfield City Councilmember, K. Patrice Williams.

Registration fee is $45 online at Eventbrite. Search for Brown Girls In Congress Leadership Summit. Lunch will be provided.

For information, go to ltsyiinc.com, Instagram or Facebook at @ltsyiinc or email info@ltsiinc.com.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Every 3rd Thursday Fun at the Matt Garcia Foundation Office

This month Teresa Courtemanche, President of The Matt Garcia Foundation, led us in a fun painting activity.

We were each able to express our creativity by learning how to paint on canvas. Each month we do a different group project.

Please come out and join us for

our next October activity

10/17 from 3:30pm to 5:30pm

717 Texas Street, Fairfield

We hope you can join us!

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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'Drive to Keep the Dream Alive' Annual Charity Golf

TOURNAMENT DETAILS

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

October is National Fire Prevention Month

Enjoy the moments and memories you create with your loved ones with peace of mind knowing you’re protected. The National Fire Protection Association’s 2024 campaign for Fire Prevention month is: “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” For more fire safety tips, contact your local fire department.

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Survivors Support Group

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Conversation With Our Youth

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

'Drive to Keep the Dream Alive' Annual Charity Golf

TOURNAMENT DETAILS

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Community Clean Up : September 28th, SEE YOU TOMORROW!

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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THURSDAYS : Sew Savvy

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Thank You Ryans Cafe!

We would like to give a shout out to Ryans Café for donating pastries to our volunteers during our monthly cleanup in August.

They are located downtown at 740 Texas St, Fairfield. Follow them on Facebook.

Direct: 707.372.4160
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Paint Party, TOMORROW!

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Drive to Keep the Dream Alive, October 14th

TOURNAMENT DETAILS

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Thursday Fun at the Matt Garcia Foundation Office

Every third Thursday the Matt Garcia Foundation Office is open as a “safe space” for fun group activities. Members of the Foundation Board lead group activities, such as rock painting, t-shirt tie-dye and other fun group activities. The projects are relaxing and meant to encourage all attendees to be themselves, with no peer pressure. 

On August 15th, Advisory Board Member Teresa led us in making “vision boards” (see photo). We all chose various magazine images, pictures and phrases that help to share our own motivational dreams and desires. Thank you, Teresa, for such a fun time! We look forward to the third Thursday in September. We meet from 3-5 pm at the office, located at 717 Texas Street in Fairfield.  

We hope you can join us!

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Survivors Support Group

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website

Conversation With Our Youth

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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Happy Labor Day

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Email: info@ffinest.org
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The lost art of accomplishment without burnout | Cal Newport for Big Thi...

“How is it possible to do work that you’re proud of and not feel like your job is encroaching on all parts of your life?” Cal Newport, author of ‘Slow Productivity,’ explains. 

Direct: 707.372.4160
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Community Clean Up

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Summer Fest

The first-ever Summer Youth Fest took place on July 13th. This event was put on by the "Dream Team" aka the youth of Fairfield. They took it upon themselves to plan a free event for their community. Collaborating with The Matt Garcia Foundation, we helped organize and produce this amazing summer event. Community members could visit engaging booths, take a tour of the Fairfield Fire Department firetruck, and even make friendship bracelets with the fashion club. Other activities included art booths and faceplanting. Let's not forget the volleyball nets were a hit! Anyone could walk up and play a game, then grab an ice cone because there was a truck nearby. Thank you to the members of the Youth Summer Fest Advisory board for the effort and dedication to our community. Together we "Keep the Dream Alive".

-Roxanna

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The Hidden Cost of Skipping Key Stages of Development

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14th Annual "DRIVE to Keep the Dream Alive"

Message From the President 

The Matt Garcia Foundation is pleased to announce our 14th Annual “DRIVE to Keep the Dream Alive” Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, October 14th, 2024. The tournament will be held at Rancho Solano Golf Course, located at 3250 Rancho Solano Pkwy, Fairfield, CA 94534. Our golf fundraiser ensures the continuation of the important programs and activities we support throughout the year.

My son, our late Fairfield City Councilman Matt Garcia, was a young man with a vision. Matt’s dream was to make a difference in the community. Many of Matt’s hopes have been realized through the programs that we support, including youth sports, empowerment programs, community service days, gun buyback events, scholarship programs, the Matt Garcia Career and College Academy, the PAL Youth Center, and much more. The Matt Garcia Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization run entirely by volunteers, and 100% of your donation goes to fund these programs.

With the help of generous individuals and companies such as yours, our foundation annually raises the essential funds needed to “Keep the Dream Alive.” We anticipate another successful event and hope you will be a part of it. In addition to sponsorship options, many have considered donating gift baskets, sporting event tickets, vacations and spa packages, or other donations to be used for raffle/silent auction items.

We are a local organization with a powerful presence in the community, associated with positive change. We offer multiple tournament sponsorship levels. As a sponsor, your name, business, or establishment will be prominently displayed in all of our event publicity. The event itself is an opportunity to network with many potential customers and clients. Most importantly, your donation will send a powerful message that you are partnering with us to create a safer and more meaningful community. Our mission is to support youth, help stop crime, and strengthen our community. 

Thank you in advance for your support.

Your contribution makes all the difference!

For more information or to donate, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can also email our golf committee directly at mgfgolf@ffinest.org If you would like to sign up or register for the tournament, you can go directly to our tournament site.

Sincerely,

Teresa Courtemanche

Matts Mom, President

Direct: 707.372.4160
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Tomato & Vine Festival

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How to Stop Getting TRIGGERED Forever

The concept of being triggered, though it may at times be overused, sits on top of a hugely important concept in psychological life. One moment we are calm, the next we are catapulted into despair and terror. It may be important to know how to be scared or incensed when situations actually demand it, but it is also deeply counterproductive to be visited by powerful emotions that aren’t warranted by what lies before us and that fail to advance our interests in any way.

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Events, Join Us!

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Email: info@ffinest.org
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Survivors Support Group

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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How to increase your happiness

Dig into the benefits of practicing gratitude in your everyday life, and discover how being thankful can impact your happiness.

--

Many people would say the connection between happiness and gratefulness is very simple: when you are happy, you are grateful. But think again. Is it really the happy people that are grateful? Quite a number of people have everything that it would take to be happy, and they are not happy. So, how does gratefulness work? Explore the key components to living gratefully.

Directed by Avi Ofer.

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Conversation With Our Youth

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Hot Weather Has Arrived

Remember these important safety tips:

> Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 plus and reapply every two hours. 

> Drink plenty of water (6-to-8-ounce glasses daily) and avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks. Water gives your body hydration, helps control body weight, regulates body temperature, flushes toxins, and aids digestion.

> Use caution when dealing with open flames. Build campfires at least 25 feet away from anything that can burn. Store matches, lighters and lighter fluid well out of children’s sight and reach. 

> Be cautious in and around pools, lakes, rivers, etc. Wear approved live jackets. Learn how to swim.

> Don’t eat food left out of refrigeration more than one hour in temperatures above 90 degrees.

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How To Know Yourself

One of the hardest things in the universe to understand is the interior of our own minds: we can have spent decades on the earth before we've grasped even very basic things about who we are and how we function. It's not for nothing that the Ancient Greeks felt philosophy had only one command: Know yourself! But however arduous, the journey can be facilitated by a few well-aimed bits of advice…

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Message From The Vice President

This May was the month we had a breakthrough. A wall that is. We decided to open up our office space so that everyone who comes to us can feel that they have a place at our table. It took some cutting, breaking down, and a truckload of trash had to be thrown away. It feels therapeutic when you take a hammer to sheetrock and get some frustration out. Sometimes, in order to heal, walls need to come down. Walls get put up to protect us and keep us safe. That is why it takes courage to bring them down. At first we feel exposed and vulnerable. We’re supposed to feel this way and see ourselves being ok in the process.

We want our office to be a place where people in our community can share their pain, their triumphs, and their healing. Solano county’s Homicide Survivor Support group now has an expanded space for more people to be able to come together. We realize how much courage and healing needs to happen here. Be courageous! Have courage!

Andy Ramirez, Vice President 

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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'Peter and the Star-catcher'

On Saturday, May 11th, Raymond and I had the pleasure of attending the Marin Archie Williams High School Theater to watch ‘Peter and the Star-catcher', featuring one of our dedicated volunteers, James Clark, who played Alf. The play was an incredible experience, filled with humor and fantastic performances by all the actors. Events like these are a reminder of the vibrant arts community and the importance of supporting local talent.

The Matt Garcia Foundation is proud to have volunteers like James who contribute both on and off stage. Thank you, James. 

Teresa Courtemanche , President 

The Matt Garcia Foundation

Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
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What causes kidney stones? - Arash Shadman

The biggest kidney stone on record weighed more than a kilogram and was 17 centimeters in diameter. The patient didn’t actually swallow a stone the size of a coconut; kidney stones form inside the body. So how do they grow in the first place? And why are they so painful to get out? Arash Shadman shares the science behind kidney stones. 

Lesson by Arash Shadman, directed by TED-Ed.

Direct: 707.372.4160
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Message From The President

CSI CoHort

After nearly a year of dedicated effort. We are thrilled to announce the successful completion of the Solano Public Health capacity strengthening initiative for nonprofits cohort. This journey in collaboration with Solano Public health and Jeweld Legacy, has been transformative for both me personally and The Matt Garcia Foundation.

Throughout this initiative, I have gained valuable knowledge and insights that will ensure the sustainability of The Matt Garcia Foundation for generations to come. The experience has not only equipped us with the tools to strengthen our operations, but has also fostered a deeper understanding of my own capabilities and potential. Investing in partnerships for a healthier future has been a significant milestone in our mission to make a lasting impact in our community. this is exactly what Matt was all about. I’m excited to apply the lessons learned and continue drawing positive change and renewed energy and confidence. Thank you to Solano Public Health, Jeweld Legacy, and the 9 other nonprofits involved in this incredible journey. Here’s to a future of continued growth and success. 

Teresa Courtemanche, President 

The Matt Garcia Foundation

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Believe in Yourself

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