Fairfax Open Circle Arts and Sports Fall Guide 2012

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):

• New Parents Group (now part of the Fairfax Mothers Club launching this fall) meeting on Tuesdays from 10:30–noon at the Community Center. We recognize the importance of support and community during this exciting and challenging transition. New parents will meet on a weekly basis to connect, exchange ideas, stories, and build community for themselves and their new child. The resource facilitator will help support the group by answering questions and hosting special topic sessions as they emerge for the group.
• Building a Happy Home—parent workshop series. This parent series focuses on building a happy home from the inside out. Make estate planning and creating life goals together fun during these special workshop evenings where parents can come together to learn, create and exchange ideas.
  Part 1 on October 3 from 7–9 pm: From Power Struggle to Collaboration: Creating Family Goals led by specialist George Taylor, MFT. George Taylor has helped many couples learn to plan and create together. Highly recommended that both parents attend.
  Part 2 on October 10 from 7–9 pm: Estate Planning led by Teresa and Scott LaFranchi (with special wine and cheese tasting).
• Family Drumming Night at the Pavilion on October 13 for kids 0–10 years old. Join us for a night in the Pavilion to build community and drum to your hearts are filled with your family and friends. This dynamic drumming and music session will begin at 4 pm followed by a potluck social at 5 pm. Families bring a potluck dish, dessert or snack to share with the group. FOCAS will provide beverages. To learn more about the instructor, Susan Appe, go to web.mac.com/susanappe.
• Found Art Fridays for toddlers (November 9 through December 14). Join us for Found Art Activities every Friday from mid November to mid-December! Savor your coffee at Fat Angel bakery and support local business while the kids make something cool for the holidays! Waste not want not arts and crafts projects using nuts, leaves, jugs, old magazines, wood, and other found materials. Bring your own found object and we'll make it into art...a little creativity goes a long way.
• Create your own Herbal Magic Potion (October 30). Create your own magic Halloween potion with your toddler! During this unique workshop kids and their families will test their senses and create their own magic potion for the Halloween season. Led by local merchants of Various and Sundries, Rebecca and Stephanie, participants will test out a variety of oils and herbs and decide what mixology is uniquely theirs. Oils available are particularly good for calming, allergies, mental focus, sleep and immune support. Includes take home oil potion.
• Spanish for Toddlers for ages  2–4. This structured introductory Spanish class is designed for toddlers. The class will follow a “parent-and me” format and will use a variety of educational methods for teaching basic vocabulary, including songs, dance, games, stories, art, and drama. Basic vocabulary focused on core themes will be introduced, such as, body, clothing, food and farm life. Children and parents should anticipate repetition of activities introduced during these sessions, as they will assist in developing children’s Spanish vocabulary.
• Spanish Art for school-aged youth (10 week session; October 3–December 12; no class November 21). Spanish Art is an arts and crafts class for kids aged 4–9 taught in Spanish. We engage in fun, creative, hands-on cultural projects from drawing cartoons to making puppets. We explore the vocabulary of “art” such as self- portrait, accumulation, mosaic, printing and more. Our structured activities will benefit young Spanish-speakers who want a chance to play in Spanish with other kids. Beginners are also welcome but please keep in mind that all activities are directed in Spanish.
• Youth Theatre classes through Fairfax Theater Company for 7–14-year-olds (8-week session; October 5–November 23). Come learn all about theatre this fall with the Fairfax Theater Company. Emerging thespians will learn from the experts how to write, produce and direct a play. Sessions include lessons in acting, singing, dancing, mime and improv. Throughout the 8 week sessions students will make costumes, props, paint backdrops, learn about lighting and sound, special effects, and much more. If you missed the chance to be involved this past summer with LOOT! A Pirate Musical, now is the time to get signed up and help grow with this wonderful resource for youth in Fairfax. Guest instructors will also add their experience and expertise to the program.
• 10,000 Victories Kung Fu every Monday and Wednesday in the Pavilion. Classic Kung Fu Animals teach leadership, character and body mechanics by building strong, healthy, well-coordinated bodies with great animal drills and moves. To learn more and to register call (415) 455-9467 or go to: www.10000victories.com.

FOCAS is a program brought to you through the Town of Fairfax. We are located in the heart of Fairfax at 142 Bolinas Road at the Pavilion. Our fall field guide will be produced and available online by mid-September. To learn more about our offerings, please contact us at fairfaxfocas@yahoo.com, visit us online at www.fairfaxfocas.com and stay connected: like us on Facebook.

To support our work and make donations to FOCAS, please send checks made out to Town of Fairfax. Attn: FOCAS, 142 Bolinas Road, Fairfax, CA 94930.