Marin Mommies presents a guest article by Anne Mannes, FOCAS Program Director in Fairfax. She highlights some of the classes and events happening through FOCAS this winter and spring.
We hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! We are looking forward to a great 2013 and encouraging all of you to take advantage of the fun and affordable classes happening via FOCAS.
For the winter and spring sessions we have a little of everything for every age, including our new offerings such as Zumbatomic/Zumba Gold, Yoga for Toddlers, drop-in basketball, ceramics for adults and more. Please be sure to check out our website www.fairfaxfocas.com for our full schedule and/or pick up a copy at Town Hall. Below is a sneak preview of the highlights:
Fairfax Moms: In the interest of building a fully supported and sustainable network of Fairfax families with little ones 0–6 years old, we have started Fairfax Moms. It is offered in affiliation with FOCAS and the Town of Fairfax. Membership dues are $30 per year or $50 for two years. Membership dues will enable us to offer the speakers and programs that parents/caregivers want. It will also streamline the process of adding new members and welcoming new folks to town, helping them get plugged in right away. To join and/or learn more about the benefits of this group, please go to the website www.fairfaxmoms.net/ BigTent offers simple profiles, subgroups, a classified section and a calendar. The New Parents Group is part of the Fairfax Moms meeting on Tuesdays from 11 am–12:30 pm at the Community Center. We hope to see you soon!
This fall, Novato's Rolling Hills Club is offering Twist & Shout, a fun new movement and music class for children ages 6 to 36 months and a parent. It's fun, fast-paced, and original. Give your child a chance to use his or her energy by grooving, dancing, jumping, twisting, and shouting!
Class activities include movement (dancing, play-acting, jumping, clapping, marching, role-play, and more), educational songs, exciting musical instruments, classical music listening, parachute play, and bubbles. The four-class session takes place on Tuesdays from 10 to 10:45 am, November 6 through December 4, and costs $50 for club members and $60 for guests.
For more information, call (415) 897-2185 or visit www.rollinghillsclub.com. The Rolling Hills Club is located in Novato's San Marin neighborhood at 351 San Andreas Drive.
Marin Mommies presents a guest article by Anne Mannes, FOCAS Program Director in Fairfax. She highlights some of the classes and events happening through FOCAS this fall.
As the new program director for Fairfax Open Circle Arts and Sports (FOCAS), I am often asked what the history is behind the program and what type of classes we offer. FOCAS is a program that was developed over a decade ago by an artist-in-residence in response the need to have more recreational services in the community. Over the years it has fluctuated from offering some dance, drumming, and playgroup classes via the Town of San Anselmo’s recreation department to its current incarnation of offering its own Town of Fairfax seasonal field guide that provides birthday party rentals and a broad variety of classes for preschoolers to adults, including an increasingly popular camp for school-aged youth during the summer.
Since the MOU change with the Town of San Anselmo in 2011, FOCAS has appreciated the ability to improve local youth and family offerings, enhance utilization of our buildings and increase revenue for the Town of Fairfax. With the help of the Measure I / Youth Fund we are able to establish high quality and affordable programs for the community.
As we transition into the fall season, it is with excitement that I bring you this season’s field guide. We have some terrific classes and events for all ages. A sneak preview of the highlights below (catalogue available in mid-September):
The Mountain School Early Childhood Center in Corte Madera presents a series of free puppet shows for young children this summer, with master storyteller Rebecah Freeling. Children will enjoy a story and puppet show followed by a simple craft project.
This series takes place over four Wednesdays in July and August. Each event takes place at 11 am.
July 25: Mashenka and the Bear
August 1: The Pancake
August 8: Rumplestiltskin
August 15: The Old Woman in the Wood
The July 25, August 1, and August 15 events are recommended for children aged 2–4 (although older kids may enjoy them as well), and the August 8 Rumplestiltskin program is ideal for children aged 4–6, but younger children may attend.
Marinwood Summer Camp has added an all-new camp this summer for parents and new campers. On August 1, 3, and 5 from 9:30 am–12:30 pm, Marinwood will be hosting Parent Tot Camp, especially for three-year-olds and a parent. Fun activities at Parent Tot Camp include playing games, making crafts, singing songs, and swimming in the Marinwood tot pool. It is a perfect way to introduce little ones to camp.
To sign up for Marinwood's Parent Tot Camp, visit www.marinwood.org or call the Marinwood Community Center at (415) 479-0775. Marinwood Community Center is located at 775 Miller Creek Road (near Lucas Valley Road) in the Marinwood area of San Rafael.
Still looking for a “Mommy & Me” class for you and your little one? Stretch the Imagination in Corte Madera is currently offering two Thursday Mommy & Me classes for children ages 12–24 months: 18–24 months from 3:30–4:15 pm and 12–18 months from 4:30–5:15 pm. These classes are specifically designed for babies and toddlers to safely explore Stretch the Imagination’s natural studio. Stretch the Imagination provides a variety of materials for the children to explore (different textures, smells, paint, instruments, water, etc.).
The class also involves singing, reading and socializing with each other. The adults will have time to discuss parenting issues, receive support, read current research on early childhood development and share ideas. Classes are limited to 10 children and currently run weekly through March 25.
Stretch the Imagination is located at 47A Tamal Vista Blvd., in Corte Madera. For more information, call (415) 927-2616 or visit www.stretchtheimagination.com
Marin Waldorf is now offering classes for babies and toddlers starting on January 3. Listed below are dates, times and prices.
Older Baby Class 8–14 months
Mondays 11:15 am–12:30 pm
Winter session: 13 weeks, January 3–April 11*, $325
Spring session: 6 weeks, May 3–June 13*, $150 *No class on January 17, February 21, and May 30
Parents will gather in a circle around their babies for quiet observation. The babies, feeling protected, will be free to explore in a natural organic way. This nurturing atmosphere will lead participants into discussion of topics concerning this precious time of life including attachment, healthy movement, protection of senses and nourishing ourselves as parents. Articles and reading materials will be handed out that support Waldorf parenting principles. Lullabies, seasonal songs, and simple games will be shared and a feeling of community will sustain you in caring for your child at home.
Marin Mommies presents a guest article by Anne Mannes, FOCAS Program Director in Fairfax. She highlights some of the classes and events happening through FOCAS this winter and spring. 
This fall, Novato's Rolling Hills Club is offering Twist & Shout, a fun new movement and music class for children ages 6 to 36 months and a parent. It's fun, fast-paced, and original. Give your child a chance to use his or her energy by grooving, dancing, jumping, twisting, and shouting!
The Mountain School Early Childhood Center in Corte Madera presents a series of free puppet shows for young children this summer, with master storyteller Rebecah Freeling. Children will enjoy a story and puppet show followed by a simple craft project.
Marin Waldorf is now offering classes for babies and toddlers starting on January 3. Listed below are dates, times and prices.
