Happy Father's Day
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.
--
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.
--
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).
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Downtown Art Walk
We are thrilled to announce that The Matt Garcia Foundation office will now be one of the ART WALKS stops each month!
Starting Friday, March 21st, we’ll be a part of this incredible community event.
Come spend an evening exploring a variety of artwork available for purchase at local restaurants, businesses, and galleries throughout downtown Fairfield. This is a wonderful opportunity to support local artists and enjoy a vibrant night out!
Michael Elson Miller with Mike’s Memories on Canvas has chosen The Matt Garcia Foundation to display he’s artwork. www.mikememoriesoncanvas.com
FSVAA’s Art Walk in Fairfield
Every 3rd Friday 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Admission is FREE!
Fairfield Arts – 710 Jackson St., Fairfield
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Art Walk dates:
4/18 | 5/16 | 6/20 | 7/18 | 8/15 | 9/19 | 10/17 | 11/21 | 12/19
We can’t wait to see you there! Let’s celebrate art, community, and creativity together.
#MattGarciaFoundation #FairfieldArtWalk #SupportLocalArtists #CommunityMatters
For more information, call (707) 688-8889 or visit FVAA-ARTS.ORG
Thursday, April 10, 2025
2-Minute Neuroscience: Autism
Autism is characterized by impairments in social communication and interaction and restricted and repetitive behaviors. In this video, I discuss the neuroscience of autism along with potential factors and mechanisms involved in the development of autism.
Monday, April 7, 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, April 5, 2025
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
What actually causes high cholesterol? - Hei Man Chan
Travel into the digestive system to learn about cholesterol, and find out what the difference is between LDL and HDL cholesterol.
--
In 1968, the American Heart Association made an announcement that would influence people’s diets for decades: they recommended that people avoid eating more than three eggs a week. Their reasoning was that the cholesterol packed into egg yolks could increase cardiovascular disease risk. So, what exactly is cholesterol? And is it actually bad for you? Hei Man Chan digs into this complex molecule.
Lesson by Hei Man Chan, directed by Igor Ćorić, Artrake Studio.
Saturday, March 29, 2025
TODAY, 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
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
Sunday, March 23, 2025
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Third Thursday Meet-up, See You TODAY!
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).
Monday, March 17, 2025
Friday, March 14, 2025
"7 Simple Brain Exercises to Boost Your Brain Power and Focus"
Ready to sharpen your mind like never before? In this video, we’re exploring unique and engaging brain exercises that go beyond the usual advice. These activities are not only fun but also scientifically proven to enhance your focus, memory, and overall mental performance!
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Little League Thank You
We are thrilled to announce The Matt Garcia Foundation is once again joining us as a sponsor this season! Their continued support over the years has made a tremendous impact on our players and our community, and we are so grateful for their generosity. The Matt Garcia Foundation's commitment to empowering youth and strengthening our community aligns perfectly with our mission, and we couldn't be more excited to have them back for another season!
Thank you The Matt Garcia Foundation
Saturday, March 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.
717 N Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Second Tuesday of every month
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
How Sleep Affects Your Brain
The better you sleep at night, the better your brain will function, and the better you’ll feel. Learn about what goes on in the brain while you rest, the negative effects of sleep deprivation, and steps to help ensure a good night’s sleep.
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Thursday, February 27, 2025
Assist-A-Grad Scholarship
Secure your future by applying for an Assist-A-Grad Scholarship.
The Matt Garcia Foundation - Keep the Dream Alive Scholarships are being offered through this organization. You can find the full scholarship guide and application instructions at www.assist-a-grad.org/2024-2025-scholarships.
Don't miss out on this chance to invest in your education!
Important Dates:
Application Deadline: Monday, March 3, 2025
Interview Period: April 1 - April 25, 2025 (Up to sponsors)
Monday, February 24, 2025
How exercise affects the brain
Exercise boosts physical capabilities and can even change physical appearance, but it also improves the condition of the brain and cognition. BYU cell biology and physiology professor Jeff Edwards’ research findings validate those new year’s resolutions to get the heart pumping and exercise more. He provides information on three ways that exercise affects the mind and can improve quality of life.
Friday, February 21, 2025
Community Cleanup, TOMORROW!
When: Saturday, February 22, 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
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Third Thursday : Fun Thursdays at The Matt Garcia Foundation Office
Members of the Matt Garcia Foundation Board, along with four guests, showed up for the November monthly fun craft project. We had a relaxing and fun time making holiday lanterns. Everybody made their own lantern and took them home to display during the holidays.
Every month on the Third Thursday, from 3:30-5:30 pm, we invite interested folks to join us for a fun group craft project.
Join Us!
Monday, February 17, 2025
Friday, February 14, 2025
Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Sunday, February 9, 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
Thursday, February 6, 2025
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.
Monday, February 3, 2025
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Monday, January 27, 2025
Harvard negotiator explains how to argue | Dan Shapiro
Dan Shapiro, the head of Harvard’s International Negotiation program, shares 3 keys to a better argument.
Friday, January 24, 2025
Community Clean Up
When: Saturday, January 25, 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, January 21, 2025
Fairfield Art Walk
This evening, the City of Fairfield hosted a vibrant art walk event, where many artists and designers were able to showcase their talent. It was a fun event that sparked conversation, engaged our community, and allowed folks to visit our wonderful downtown businesses, all while viewing vibrant art and designs. Many of the businesses opened their doors and hosted local artists who showcased paintings, photographs and other wonderful crafts. The Matt Garcia Foundation Office hosted Mike Miller and his wonderful Wife Patricia of “Mike’s Memories on Canvas” from Napa County. They displayed much of their incredible animal paintings.
The event was coordinated by Fairfield’s own talented artist, Dennis Ariza, who owns Fairfield Arts, located at 710 Jackson Street in Fairfield. It was great to be part of this wonderful event, and we look forward to supporting Fairfield’s ongoing efforts to make our downtown a destination City.
Direct: 707.372.4160
Email: info@ffinest.org
Website
Saturday, January 18, 2025
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Sunday, January 12, 2025
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Do you really need to take 10,000 steps a day? - Shannon Odell
Discover the benefits of walking, and how this simple exercise can positively impact the health of your body and brain.
--
For years, Jean Béliveau walked from country to country, with the goal of circumnavigating the globe on foot. While few people have the time or desire to walk such extreme lengths, research shows that adding even a modest amount of walking to your daily routine can dramatically improve your health. So, what exactly happens to your body when you increase your step count? Shannon Odell investigates.
Lesson by Shannon Odell, directed by Avi Ofer.
Monday, January 6, 2025
Third Thursday : Fun Thursdays at The Matt Garcia Foundation Office
Members of the Matt Garcia Foundation Board, along with four guests, showed up for the November monthly fun craft project. We had a relaxing and fun time making holiday lanterns. Everybody made their own lantern and took them home to display during the holidays.
Every month on the Third Thursday, from 3:30-5:30 pm, we invite interested folks to join us for a fun group craft project.
Join Us!
Friday, January 3, 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
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)