Thursday, October 30, 2025
Monday, October 27, 2025
Why Mindfulness Is a Superpower: An Animation
Practicing mindfulness is one of the single most powerful things you can do for your wellbeing.
Friday, October 24, 2025
SEE YOU TOMORROW! Community Clean Up!
When: Saturday, October 25th, 2025
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
Tuesday, October 21, 2025
October is National Fire Prevention Month
Here are a few safety reminders to practice (for more tips, check out nfpa.org):
- Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms monthly, install them on every level of your home, and replace the batteries annually.
- Create and practice a home fire escape plan.
- Practice safe cooking. Do not leave cooking food unattended.
- Use space heaters and candles with caution. Consider using a battery-operated candle, if possible, use safe and proper candle holders, do not use lit candles in sleeping areas, and do not leave them unattended.
- Make sure you use proper extension cords and do not use extension cords if damaged.
- Keep working fire extinguishers on every floor of your home and in the garage and/or workshop.
- When celebrating Halloween, use glow sticks or battery powered lights instead. Keep decorations away from open flames and other heat sources.
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Saturday, October 18, 2025
The science of laughter - Sasha Winkler
Explore the common scientific theories about why humans laugh, and how this universal behavior evolved.
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Isn’t it odd that, when something’s funny, you might show your teeth, change your breathing, become weak and achy in some places, and maybe even cry? In other words, why do we do this bizarre thing that is laughter? Since there’s no archaeological record of laughter, it’s impossible to say exactly how and why it evolved, but scientists have some theories. Sasha Winkler digs into the reflex.
Lesson by Sasha Winkler, directed by Hanna Rybak.
Animal vocalization sounds are courtesy of Dr. Jaak Panksepp, Schwing, R., Nelson, X. J., Wein, A., & Parsons, S. (2017). Positive emotional contagion in a New Zealand parrot. Current Biology, 27(6), R213-R214.
Support Our Non-Profit Mission
Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Sunday, October 12, 2025
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.
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Monday, October 6, 2025
Drive to Keep the Dream Alive
This year is our 15th annual Matt Garcia Foundation charity golf tournament. The board has decided to extend the discount registration of $200 per golfer until the day of the tournament, which will take place on Monday, October 13th at beautiful Rancho Solano golf course in Fairfield. Please come out and join us. For 15 consecutive years the proceeds from this golf tournament have been crucial in helping us to live out the legacy of the late Fairfield City Councilman Matt Garcia. Matt's vision has guided us, but we need continued support from all of you to make his dream a reality. We are committed to changing the culture of violence and crime in Fairfield and Solano County by empowering our youth to be the best they can be. If you golf, we would love to have you join us on the links. If you do not golf, join us for the dinner, silent auction, and raffle. Either way, you can help make a difference by joining us!
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Friday, October 3, 2025
15th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
We are thrilled about this year’s 15th Annual Matt Garcia Foundation Drive to Keep the Dream Alive Charity Golf Tournament. It will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Rancho Solano Golf Club.
Official Registration Link
As always, your support helps us continue Matt’s dream of empowering youth, reducing crime, and strengthening our community. We would love to have you join us for this special milestone year!
With gratitude,
Teresa Courtemanche
President | The Matt Garcia Foundation
Download Flyer
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Friday, September 26, 2025
Importance of Limiting Screen Time
There are several reasons to limit the time you are in front of a screen (especially computers, cell phones, etc). In today’s world, people are spending over seven hours a day on average looking at screens, whether watching T.V., working on computers, scrolling through social media, gaming or streaming content.
Here are some suggestions for adding healthy guidelines into your screen time:
Set screen-free times:
Designate specific times for no screens, such as during meals and for an hour before bedtime to improve sleep quality.
Create screen-free zones:
Make certain areas of your home, like the dinner table or bedrooms, free from devices to encourage connection and focus.
Turn off notifications:
Limit interruptions from messages and social media by turning off non-essential notifications.
Prioritize Offline Activities
Encourage alternative activities:
Offer and participate in activities that don't involve screens, such as reading books, playing sports, walking, pursuing healthy hobbies..
Schedule family time:
Plan family activities and make a conscious effort to engage with each other without devices getting in the way.
Stay active:
Incorporate physical activity into your day to prevent a sedentary lifestyle often associated with excessive screen time.
Use the 20-20-20 rule:
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
For more helpful tips on this topic
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
COMING UP : Community Clean Up, September 27th
When: Saturday, September 27th, 2025
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, September 20, 2025
The Strange Science of Why We Dream
It would be a lot easier to study the science of dreaming if we weren’t asleep every time we did it. Why do we dream? What does dreaming do for our brains? How did dreaming evolve? Here’s a look at the current theories from psychology and neuroscience.
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
FSVAA's Artwalk in Fairfield
FSVAA's Artwalk in Fairfield
Every Third Friday - June 20th
5:00pm – 8:00pm
Admission is FREE
Fairfield Arts
710 Jackson St., Fairfield
Sunday, September 14, 2025
15th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
We are thrilled about this year’s 15th Annual Matt Garcia Foundation Drive to Keep the Dream Alive Charity Golf Tournament. It will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Rancho Solano Golf Club.
Official Registration Link
As always, your support helps us continue Matt’s dream of empowering youth, reducing crime, and strengthening our community. We would love to have you join us for this special milestone year!
With gratitude,
Teresa Courtemanche
President | The Matt Garcia Foundation
Download Flyer
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Can saunas make you live longer? - Max G. Levy
Explore how saunas can affect your body, and dig into the health benefits and limitations of this millennia-old tradition.
Monday, September 8, 2025
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.
Friday, September 5, 2025
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
What staying up all night does to your brain - Anna Rothschild
Explore how pulling an all-nighter can impact your cognitive function, and find out what happens to your brain when you don't sleep.
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Emotion, Stress, and Health: Crash Course Psychology #26
So, it turns out we have an easy time reading emotions in facial expressions, but emotions can straight up kill us! In this episode of Crash Course Psychology, Hank discusses stress, emotions, and their overall impact on our health.
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Community Clean Up, August 30
When: Saturday, August 30, 2025
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, August 24, 2025
Sympathetic Nervous System: Crash Course Anatomy & Physiology #14
Hank tries not to stress you out too much as he delves into the functions and terminology of your sympathetic nervous system.
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Thursday, August 21, 2025
Monday, August 18, 2025
What causes insomnia? - Dan Kwartler
What keeps you up at night? Pondering deep questions? Excitement about a big trip? Stress about unfinished work? What if the very thing keeping you awake was stress about losing sleep? This seemingly unsolvable loop is at the heart of insomnia, the world’s most common sleep disorder. So what is insomnia? And is there any way to break the cycle? Dan Kwartler details the science of insomnia.
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Friday, August 15, 2025
FSVAA's Artwalk in Fairfield
Every Third Friday
5:00pm – 8:00pm
Admission is FREE
Fairfield Arts
710 Jackson St., Fairfield
For more information: Call (707) 688-8889 or Visit FVAA-ARTS.ORG
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
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.
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
Sunday, August 3, 2025
15th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
We are thrilled about this year’s 15th Annual Matt Garcia Foundation Drive to Keep the Dream Alive Charity Golf Tournament. It will be held on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Rancho Solano Golf Club.
Official Registration Link
As always, your support helps us continue Matt’s dream of empowering youth, reducing crime, and strengthening our community. We would love to have you join us for this special milestone year!
With gratitude,
Teresa Courtemanche
President | The Matt Garcia Foundation
Download Flyer
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Thursday, July 31, 2025
Monday, July 28, 2025
Friday, July 25, 2025
Community Clean Up, TOMORROW!
When: Saturday, July 26, 2025
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
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Friday, July 18, 2025
FSVAA's Artwalk in Fairfield
Every Third Friday
4:00pm – 7:00pm
Admission is FREE
Fairfield Arts
710 Jackson St., Fairfield
For more information: Call (707) 688-8889 or Visit FVAA-ARTS.ORG
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Sunday, July 13, 2025
Supporting Our Youth
We had such a great evening, supporting James at his senior year theater showcase “Friday Night Live”at Archie Williams high school! Not only did we get to enjoy the hilarious skits put on by this incredibly talented group, but we also got to spend time with a few of our amazing Matt Garcia Foundation volunteers and our dear friends, Vince and Sheila.
Before the show, we shared a great meal at Toast in Novato, The perfect way to kick off a memorable night in San Anselmo.
So glad we could be there to laugh, connect, and support!
Teresa Courtemanche
President
The Matt Garcia Foundation
Thursday, July 10, 2025
Monday, July 7, 2025
The Homicide Survivor Support Group Second 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
The Homicide Survivor Support Group
Second Tuesday of Every Month
Friday, July 4, 2025
Tuesday, July 1, 2025
How to keep your house cool in the summer without AC
Beat the heat with tips on how to keep your house cool without air conditioning.
Saturday, June 28, 2025
THIS MORNING : Community Clean Up
When: Saturday, June 28, 2025
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
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Sunday, June 22, 2025
The quiet power of introverts | BBC Ideas
Are you an introvert? If so, that's great! Animator Sofja Umarik (who is an introvert) looks at how it can be a real strength.
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Sunday, June 15, 2025
Friday, June 13, 2025
Do You Really Need 8 Hours of Sleep Every Night? | Body Stuff with Dr. J...
When you can't sleep, you're desperate for help. And there's a booming industry waiting to tell you all the ways a lack of sleep can ruin your health -- and to sell you fancy gadgets to help you finally doze off. Shedding light on this flawed doomsday messaging, Dr. Jen Gunter explains why you shouldn't lose sleep over sleep -- and what to do instead. (For more on how your body works, tune in to her podcast, Body Stuff with Dr. Jen Gunter, from the TED Audio Collective.)
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
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
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Wildfire/Fire Safety
There's still time to make a plan!
Join us for Fairfield's Wildfire & Fire Safety Preparedness Event on Wednesday, June 18, 6-9 PM at Willow Hall, 1000 Kentucky Street.
Get expert tips from Fire Marshal Steven Conti and Fire Chief John Sturdee on protecting your home and preparing for emergencies.
Free to attend | All ages welcome
(707) 428-7550|0
fairfield.ca.gov/fire
717 N Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Second Tuesday of every month
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
How friendship affects your brain - Shannon Odell
Dig into what happens to your brain during adolescence that changes how you value, understand, and connect to friends.
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If it seems like friendships formed in adolescence are particularly special, that's because they are. Childhood, adolescent, and adult friendships all manifest differently in part because the brain works in different ways at those stages of life. During adolescence, there are changes in the way you value, understand, and connect to friends. Shannon Odell explores the neuroscience of friendship.
Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Biljana Labović.
Sunday, June 1, 2025
Saturday, May 31, 2025
TODAY, SEE YOU SOON! Community Clean Up!
When: Saturday, May 31, 2025
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
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Message From the President
We are truly honored and grateful to be recognized by the City of Fairfield as part of the Adopt-A-Street Program – a meaningful initiative that reflects our shared commitment to Keeping Fairfield Beautiful.
The Matt Garcia Foundation is proud to play a part in making our city cleaner, greener, and more connected. This recognition fuels our mission to Serve, Support, and Inspire our community through positive action.
Together, we’re not just keeping streets clean – we’re building a legacy of love, pride, and service in honor of Matt’s vision.
Thank you for the support, Fairfield! Let’s keep making a difference – one street at a time.
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Monday, May 26, 2025
Does stress affect your memory? - Elizabeth Cox
Explore the stages of how your memory stores information and how short-term stress impacts this process.
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You spend weeks studying for an important test. On the big day, you wait nervously as your teacher hands it out. You’re working your way through, when you’re asked to define "ataraxia." You know you’ve seen the word before, but your mind goes blank. What just happened? Elizabeth Cox details the complex relationship between stress and memory.
Lesson by Elizabeth Cox, directed by Artrake Studio.
Thursday, May 22, 2025
Assist-A-Grad Scholarships
We did it again this year! We kept twelve Assist-A-Grad dreams alive. We are so proud of the students we interviewed because of their efforts in school, and all of the volunteer hours they gave. Let’s celebrate with them to stir up more good works.
Every year we sit with the students I offer them the same advice: “Always ask for help.” This year I added, “Don’t just seek help, pursue it.” These scholarships will help build up their confidence to help them endure through college. We know that without wavering we can stop the violence one dream at a time because in these students we saw a glimpse of the good things that are coming.
We also had the opportunity to hold back our tears as we shared memories of how Matt inspired us, how Lesley inspired us, and how Dwight inspired us. Once again, these amazing students from Fairfield inspired us to hold fast to Matt’s dream. If you find yourself in need of some inspiration, you might volunteer with us next year to interview for Assist-A-Grad. You won’t be disappointed. We make a good team.
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Monday, May 19, 2025
Kickstarter Launched
If you're looking for a project to support, this is it! All of my journal entries from my 2016 bicycle trip across the country in one place.
Click HERE and you will be directed to the KICKSTARTER LAUNCH PAGE.
Friday, May 16, 2025
New Hours for Fairfield Art Walk
The hours are now from 5 to 8pm on the third Friday.
We can’t wait to see you! Let’s celebrate art, community, and creativity together.
Thursday, May 15, 2025
TODAY, Third Thursday Meet-up
All are encouraged to join us during next month’s Third Thursday craft day (3:30-5:30 pm @ The Matt Garcia Foundation Office).
Tuesday, May 13, 2025
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
Sunday, May 11, 2025
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Sunday, May 4, 2025
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Let's Talk About Safety
Lithium battery caution:
According to reports from the International Fire & Rescue Services, there are numerous lithium battery fires each year. “In 2024 Phoenix, Arizona, has reported a total of 93 fires where lithium-ion batteries were identified at the origin. These fires have involved devices such as e-bikes, scooters, hoverboards, power tools, and electric vehicles (Fire and Rescue NSW-2024).”
- To ensure safety when charging phones and other devices, prioritize using original or reputable chargers, avoid overcharging or overloading outlets, and never cover or charge devices on flammable surfaces.
- When charging a phone inside your car, be sure to use a car charger that is rated to handle the wattage of the phone. Always follow the vehicle owner’s manual instructions.
- Charge devices on a flat, hard surface away from flammable materials.
- Don't charge devices under pillows, on soft furnishings like beds or sofas, or in direct sunlight.
- Keep charging devices in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid charging devices in areas with high temperatures or near heaters or radiators.
Monday, April 28, 2025
Why Do Heart Attacks Cause *Arm* Pain?
When the brain receives pain from an internal organ, it often projects the pain in the wrong place because of the way sensory nerve paths converge
Friday, April 25, 2025
TOMORROW, Community Clean Up!
When: Saturday, March 29, 2025
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, April 21, 2025
Saturday, April 19, 2025
Less is More: The Magic of a Simple Life
In this video, we explore the concept of "less is more" and uncover the hidden magic that a simple life can bring. From decluttering your space to lightening your mental load, discover how embracing minimalism can lead to a richer, more fulfilling existence.
Join us as we delve into the philosophy of minimalism and show you how to create more space for what truly matters. Whether you're a seasoned minimalist or just curious about simplifying your life, this video is for you!
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Third Thursday Meet-up
Thursday February 20th, 2025 was our monthly “Third Thursday craft day”.We painted kindness rocks as our group project for February. The purpose of the Kindness Rocks Project is simple, to cultivate connections within communities and lift others up through simple acts of kindness. The Kindness Rocks Project began in 2015 when Megan Murphy of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, started leaving inspirational messages on rocks. The project started as a way to help others going through difficult times. The mission of the Kindness Rocks Project is, “One message at just the right moment can change someone’s entire day, outlook, life”.
All are encouraged to join us during next month’s Third Thursday craft day (3:30-5:30 pm @ The Matt Garcia Foundation Office).
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