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…
Friday, July 26, 2024
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
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
Saturday, July 20, 2024
'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
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
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.
Sunday, July 14, 2024
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
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Monday, July 8, 2024
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Monday, July 1, 2024
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Taking It One Day at a Time
We're often hugely ambitious about our plans for happiness, picturing the years of joy we want to set in motion. However, at points, we should realise the greater wisdom of learning to enjoy the day already in hand, and drawing satisfaction from that most precious and most neglected of units of time; the present moment.
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Congratulations Vince and Linda Guisande
Congratulations Vince and Linda Guisande on 41 years in business!
April marked our 41st anniversary in business. Seems every year folks always congratulate me for these milestones. In reality, I’ve just been smart enough to hire and have such great folks around me all these years.
Speaking of great folks, what better time to announce our lovely daughter in law Danielle Dizzle Guisande is joining the company and the transition to Vincent Jr. and Danielle who are taking over the reins from Linda Guisande and me. They will be taking Tri-city Glass into its next seasons. Of course, Linda and I will still be around for a while to assist however we can.
We are all excited for this new stage in basically all our lives. Look for many changes to come. Wish the kids luck and remember “Shop and Support Local Family-Owned Businesses!"
Vince Guisande
Past Foundation Board Member
Thursday, June 20, 2024
7 Secrets To Becoming Mentally Tougher
Are you mentally strong? What does it mean to be mentally tough? Mental toughness is the capacity to effectively deal with stressors, challenges, and adverse situations, and still perform well in spite of their circumstances. Developing a tough mentality helps you cope with distressing and overwhelming moments in life better. You're more capable of handling fear and doubt. We'll let you in on some secrets on how to build mental toughness!
Sunday, June 16, 2024
Friday, June 14, 2024
Water Safety
Now that the weather is getting warmer, it’s tempting to venture out into a local pool, take a trip to the beach, waterpark, lake or river. According to the World Health Organization:
- Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional deaths worldwide.
- There are an estimated 236,000 drowning deaths per year worldwide.
- Drownings account for 7% of all injury-related deaths.
Some ways to become more water safe include having barriers to restrict unauthorized access to pools, make sure children are well-supervised when in and around pools, learn how to swim, use lifejackets when warranted, and learn CPR.
Let’s all have a fun and safe summer!
Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Monday, May 27, 2024
Friday, May 24, 2024
How Repressed Emotions Make Us Sick
The most curious and hazardous feature of the way we’re built lies in the difficulty we have registering what we actually feel.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
Community Clean Up : Saturday, May 25, 2024
When: Saturday, May 25, 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
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Assist-A-Grad Interviews
This past month we had the opportunity to sit with eleven of Fairfield’s students looking to further their education and serve their community. Being around people filled with hope for their future is inspiring. It’s contagious.
When you hear of someone in high school starting a club to help other students who need help, you feel the future of Fairfield is bright. It’s hopeful, it’s aware of how blessed it is and willing to give back. It’s ready to learn the best ways to serve.
To the parents, to the teachers and to the mentors of this year’s students we want to thank you so much. We are proud that you are teaching them. Keep up the good work.
The students have hope, and you are a big part of the reason why.
We want to thank the golfers that continue to stand with us and make our scholarships possible. This year, by all of us working together, we were able to keep eleven students dreams alive.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
The Art of Letting Things Happen | A Japanese Philosophy That Will Chang...
In this video, we explore the powerful Japanese concept known as wabi-sabi, looking into it's history, how its philosophy frames existence in a uniquely different way compared to most Western attitudes, and how it can be incredibly useful to integrate into our lives.
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Monday, May 6, 2024
What is fat? - George Zaidan
As the narrative goes, fat is bad. Well, it's actually more nuanced than that. The type of fat you eat is more impactful on your health than the quantity. George Zaidan examines triglycerides, the varied molecules that make up fat, and how to identify which types of fat you are consuming.
Lesson by George Zaidan, animation by Igor Coric.
Friday, May 3, 2024
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Thank you for your Donations to The Matt Garcia Foundation
Jorge Huerta with 1 Spot Complete Auto for donating hand pickers for our community cleanup.
Lucas with Papa Murphys Pizza for his donation.
Visit our website for ways you can donate to The Matt Garcia Foundation.
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Think Fast, Talk Smart: Communication Techniques
Matt Abrahams is a lecturer of strategic communication at Stanford GSB and the host of the award-winning podcast "Think Fast, Talk Smart," a show with research-backed techniques becoming a more confident communicator.
Communication is critical to success in business and in life. Concerned about an upcoming interview? Anxious about speaking up during a meeting? In this talk, and through the podcast, you will learn techniques that will help you speak with greater confidence and clarity.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Community Clean Up, Saturday, April 27, 2024
When: Saturday, April 27, 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
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Matt Garcia College and Career School
"The week leading up to the first college campus visit for the lucky students at The Matt Garcia College and Career school was rainy. The opportunity to visit The California State University Maritime Academy. The anticipation and hope for a sunny day was heartfelt for all participants.
The day came and it was a beautiful and sunny day. There was a total of 36 students and 4 adults/chaperones; I was one of the lucky to chaperone! The campus is beautiful, peaceful, and surrounded by the bay waters in Vallejo, Ca.
The students had a private tour of the campus, which included their 500-foot Training Ship, the Golden Bear! Each group (we were split into 3 groups) was guided by a current student at the college and we walked through the ship; we were shown the on deck eating area for freshmen, as well as the control room for the ship! It was amazing!
CSU Maritime offers seven undergraduate majors: Business Administration, International Strategy and Security, Marine Transportation, Mechanical Engineering, Facilities Engineering Technology, Marine Engineering Technology, and Oceanography. There are also many "minors" to add onto as well!
The tour was very informative and ended with a great lunch in their famous on campus cafeteria. The extra surprise was it was an "all you can eat" cafeteria! It was great for the students to learn that there are many other opportunities close by and very hopeful to also see in person what this accredited college offers for their future!"
Thursday, April 18, 2024
What Does It Mean to Have "Burnout"?
Burnout is a term that gets thrown around a lot -- and it's something those with ADHD are more susceptible to. But what exactly IS burnout?
Research for this video provided by: Farah Mahmud
Monday, April 15, 2024
Blues, Brews & BBQ Cook-off
Sip Savor Grove
The Blues, Brews, and BBQ Cook-off is back on April 20 from 12-4:00pm
Mark your calendar!
For four glorious hours, three of your favorite things will all converge at the County Green in downtown Fairfield. What more could you ask for?
Want to know more? Click here for BBQ contest info, band info, and participating vendors!
Friday, April 12, 2024
Tuesday, April 9, 2024
What sex ed doesn’t tell you about your brain - Shannon Odell
Explore what we know— and still don’t know— about puberty and its effects on the body and brain.
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While we often talk about puberty’s effect on the body, what gets overlooked are the fascinating changes that happen in the brain. Puberty, in fact, begins in the brain, and lasts as long as five years. And during this extended process, the brain undergoes its own transformation, thanks to estrogen and testosterone. Shannon Odell details what we know— and still don’t know— about puberty.
Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Biljana Labović.
Saturday, April 6, 2024
Wednesday, April 3, 2024
Sunday, March 31, 2024
How to get motivated even when you don’t feel like it
Explore the psychology of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and dig into how these forces contribute to our drive.
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Motivation is complicated. Psychologists define motivation as the desire or impetus to initiate and maintain a particular behavior. But sometimes, no matter how passionate you are about a goal or hobby, finding the motivation to actually do it can be difficult. Why is motivation so fickle? Explore intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and dig into how these forces contribute to our drive.
Directed by Magali GarcÃa.
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Community Clean Up Saturday, March 30th
When: Saturday, March 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
Monday, March 25, 2024
Friday, March 22, 2024
How smart are dolphins? - Lori Marino
Dolphins are one of the smartest animal species on Earth. In fact, their encephalization quotient (their brain size compared to the average for their body size) is second only to humans. But exactly how smart are they? Lori Marino details some incredible facts about dolphins.
Lesson by Lori Marino, animation by Zedem Media.
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Month of March Safety Topic: Ladder Safety
Each year, there are numerous serious injuries resulting from improper ladder usage (including stepladders). Make sure you are using the appropriate ladder and use it safely. Know your limitations. For more information Visit - The Centers For Disease Control (cdc.gov). They also provide a free NIOSH app for ladder safety (also available at the App Store).
Saturday, March 16, 2024
Assist-A-Grad Scholarship
Time is ticking! Secure your future by applying for an Assist-A-Grad Scholarship. The deadline is Friday, March 8th. Visit www.assist-a-grad.org for more details. Don't miss out on this chance to invest in your education!
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
A Few Facts About the Month of March
Color:
Aquamarine, which means happiness, hope and everlasting youth.
International Women’s Day:
On March 8, 1908, Women workers marched through New York City’s Lower East Side to protest child labor, sweatshop working conditions, and women’s suffrage. Beginning in 1910, March 8 became annually recognized as International Women’s Day.
St. Patrick’s Day:
A special day celebrating Irish culture with parades, music dancing, and a whole lot of green. St. Patrick’s Day originated in honor of the Patrick Saint of Ireland.
Start of Spring:
March represents new growth, fertility and procreation in plants. It’s a good time to start sowing seeds for certain plants.
Sunday, March 10, 2024
Real Talk Podcast
Andre & Annette Davis are the founders of WE ARE NEVER ALONE INTERVENTION/PREVENTION OUTREACH MINISTRY PROGRAM. Sharing about the importance of FAITH & FAMILY on Real Talk Podcast Fairfield podcast 2. We believe all parents want to be good parents and have a healthy FAMILY. Well truth be told GOD created All family and left us principles on how to be successful raising our FAMILIES by FAITH through our 1st experiences of lifes storms and ups and downs in trying to raise FAMILY on our own understanding. GOD tells us without FAITH it's impossible to please HIM! We share about what FAITH is. FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, yet things Not Seen. We learn quick that FAITH has an enemy called FEAR (FALSE EVIDENCE APPEARING REAL). We also know that FAITH without works is dead. I have been a CHAPLAIN/MENTOR and MINISTER at the Juvenile Hall for the last 28 years under W.A. N. A. Program. as a minister. I have had the opportunity to do more celebrations of life (funerals ) of more children and their parents that have come through the Juvenile System than I can count! So, my wife and I have made a covenant with God through our own child's 13 years of incarceration in and out stuck in the system! We had to learn the hard way that without faith it is impossible to please God! And we want to get this message out to all families that GOD is the beginning and the end and following HIS principles on FAITH & FAMILY in life will be much easier if we seek wisdom and follow HIS blueprint! This way we won't have to FEAR life for our FAMILYS because we have FAITH and follow the one who gives us life! This is what gives us peace to be able to raise the children he has given us responsibility to raise HIS way! This is when we realize that WE WERE NOT EVER ALONE! DRE4CHRIST FOR LIFE!!
Visit www.ffinest.org for podcast episodes.
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Monday, March 4, 2024
Mandated Child Abuse and Neglect Reporter Training
Board members and volunteers from the Matt Garcia Foundation recently completed the 2-hour mandated child abuse and neglect reporter training, sponsored by the California Department of Social Services. This training is required by the Fairfield Police Activities League (PAL) for all of their volunteers. All PAL volunteers are also required to pass the Department of Justice/F.B.I. fingerprint background check. This will allow us to continue participating in PAL events, including the monthly pizza delivery and youth mentoring events. Special thanks to PAL Director Heather Sanderson for helping us complete this required training!
Friday, March 1, 2024
Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Quotes of the Month
“I do not care so much what I am to others as I care what I am to myself.”
-Michel de Montaigne
Don’t you ever let a soul in the world tell you that you can’t be exactly who you are.”
-Lady Gaga
Saturday, February 24, 2024
REAL TALK FAIRFIELD CAL EP 1
Welcome to the Real Talk Podcast located in the Matt Garcia Foundation Podcast Room! We are here to talk Family, Community, and Generational Wealth! REAL PEOPLE, REAL STORIES, REAL SOLUTIONS!! Come be apart of our community!
Follow us on all Social Platforms @RealTalkPodcastFairfield
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Volunteer Clean Up, SEE YOU SATURDAY!
When: Saturday, February 24, 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
Sunday, February 18, 2024
Real Talk Podcast
I was asked to write why REAL TALK PODCAST is important for Fairfield California!
“It's time for a new thing, why should we follow a path-when we're called to make a Trail!”
First I will give you the Five Pillars that are important to me: why a podcast?
- I believe that it will build a podcast community that will provide a supportive environment for like-minded people.
- The podcast community provides space to learn and share our own knowledge with others and gain wisdom from each other, building a trust that what each other has to say is important.
- We can make great friends and collaborate together to build a better Fairfield just by putting our resources together.
- Belonging to a podcast Community can help you feel less alone. And our ministry is, “We are Never Alone, an Intervention & Prevention Program.
- A podcast Community unlocks fantastic Network opportunities. We must realize that our next generation is looking for foundational truth, not just words from our mouth.
That's why, when problems are brought up, we want to find a solution for them that is biblically sound, and not just a “he says-she says” approach. I believe that our creator has put purpose in each one of us and he knows what's best for his creation. So this Podcast will bring us the opportunity to come together, so we can achieve incredible things. To me the greatest threat to being all you could be, is satisfaction with who you are. Also what you can do is always endangered by what you have done.
Tragically, when I look out and see all the individuals who are buried with their talents, gifts and abilities in the cemetery of their last accomplishment. Many have settled for less than their best. I believe that the enemy of the best is good, and the strength of good is the norm. The power of the norm is the curse of our society. It seems like the world is designed to make the norm comfortable and the average respectable. I believe this is a tragedy that can be exposed by the truth! That I am somebody, and God has put a treasure inside of me that needs to be found!
So with this podcast, I pray that we will be able to help people find their purpose, ignite their passion and reach their potential of what the creator has put inside of them! This way, we build relationships! It's time for a new thing, why should we follow a path-when we're called to make a Trail! This is how we lead & leave our children with this generational health and wealth wisdom!
Much love, Dre'4CHRIST, a resident in Fairfield for 63 years and CO-Founder of “We are Never Alone, an Intervention & Prevention Program established with my Bride Annette Davis.
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Monday, February 12, 2024
Friday, February 9, 2024
FREE Bike Repair
Join Bay Area Bike Mobile at the Fairfield PAL Teen Center and get your bicycle repaired on Thursday, February 15th from 3:30 to 5:30pm
The Bike Mobile can fix flat tires, adjust brakes and gears, and even replace broken or worn-out parts like chains, seats, and tires. The only thing it can’t do is replace missing wheels or gears. While the mechanics work on your bike they’ll explain how to keep your bike running smooth and share safety and maintenance tips!
Space is limited and this is a first come, first serve event. Space is limited to 20 bikes. Please call 707-330-8757 to sign up or for more information.
Bike Mobile is a free, mobile, hands-on repair clinic and open to local students ages 18 and under.
- First come, first served. Space is limited.
- Bike Repair & Education.
- We can fix most broken parts: flat tires, brakes, shifters.
Funding for this program was provided by grant funds from the Office of Traffic Safety through the National Traffic Safety Administration.
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Pelaton Cycle Club
Jacob Hirsch and the Fairfield Peloton Club teamed up to raise money for The Matt Garcia Foundation. Jacob works at Chevron in Richmond, CA. and they matched dollar for dollar!
Wow!!!!! Thank you so much!
On behalf of The Matt Garcia Foundation, I want to express our sincerest gratitude for your incredibly generous donation. We are grateful that you and the Peloton Cycle Club chose The Matt Garcia Foundation to receive this extremely generous donation totaling $1,420.00.
Your support means the world to us. Your contribution and Chevron matching the funds your Peloton Cycle club raised will make a significant impact on our efforts, by supporting our youth, helping to create a culture of non-violence, which ultimately strengthens our community.
With your support, we can continue to make a positive difference in our community and beyond.
Once again, thank you for your kindness and generosity.
Sincerely,
Teresa Courtemanche
Saturday, February 3, 2024
February is National Black History Month
February marks Black History Month, a tradition that got its start in the Jim Crow era and was officially recognized in 1976 as part of the nation's bicentennial celebrations. It aims to honor the contributions that African Americans have made and to recognize their sacrifices.
Three simple ways to celebrate Black History Month and honor the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy:
Make a Commitment to Stand up to Hate!
Dr. King’s life was dedicated to the rights and dignity of all people. His courageous stand against bigotry was an inspiration to all of us. As hate and intolerance rise once again, honor the civil rights leader by making your own stand to stop hate.
Learn something new (know then grow!)
“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education”. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Serve Your Community
Serving with the Matt Garcia Foundation is a perfect way to Honor Dr. King’s legacy!
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
Shop With a Hero
A huge THANK YOU to Fairfield Target for making this amazing morning possible. The Matt Garcia Foundation received a $2,500 Heroes to Helpers Grant. A total of 25 students were selected from the Matt Garcia Career and College Academy. Each student received a $100 Target gift card and was partnered with a Fairfield police officer or Fairfield Fire Department officer to shop at Target for anything they wanted. We’re so grateful to everyone involved who helped create this magical morning for these students.
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Start with WHY in ALL Your Conversations
Whether you're on a date or on a sales call, you want to be chosen over someone else. Simon explains how starting with WHY can help.
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Community Clean Up Saturday, January 27th.
When: Saturday, January, 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
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