Fairfax Open Circle Arts and Sports Fall Schedule 2012

As the new director for the FOCAS program, I am often asked what the history is behind FOCAS and what type of classes we offer.  Fairfax Open Circle Arts and Sports (FOCAS) is a program that was developed over a decade ago by an artist in residence in response to a community need to have more recreational services. It has evolved from a program with limited offerings of dance, drumming and playgroup classes through San Anselmo Recreation to the expanded independent FOCAS program of today.  FOCAS outlines all their offerings in a seasonal field guide of classes and events that can be picked up at Fairfax Town Hall and viewed via their website at www.fairfaxfocas.com.  The guide lists birthday party rentals and a broad variety of classes for preschool to adult ages, including an increasingly popular camp for school-aged youth during the summer.  Since San Anselmo stopped administering the program, FOCAS has nurtured, improved and increased the youth and family offerings in Fairfax, enhanced the use of local buildings while increasing revenue for the Town.

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 (catalog available in mid-September): 

• New Parents Group (now part of the Fairfax Mothers Club launching this fall) meeting on Tuesdays from 10:30-12pm 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 7-9pm:  From Power Struggle to Collaboration:  Creating Family Goals led by specialist, George Taylor MFT (http://www.georgetaylormft.com/).  George Taylor has helped many couples learn to plan and create together.  Highly recommended that both parents attend. 
  • Part 2 on October 10 from 7-9pm:  Estate Planning led by Teresa and Scott LaFranchi (with special wine and cheese tasting).   

• Community Music Class, for 0-4 years old offered ongoing on Mondays at 10-10:45am at the Women’s Club.  Come join us for 45 minutes of music and play, including rhythmic rhymes, songs and instrument play.  During this lively session, young ones learn traditional folk songs and hands on music and circle games.  The class is informal, non-performance-oriented and developmentally appropriate for children and parents/caregivers.  Music selection will primarily be based on requests, so be ready to sing your favorites, and learn a few more! *No prior musical experience necessary. 

• Family Drumming Night at the Pavilion on October 13th for 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 4pm go until 5pm followed by potluck social.  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 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMC6lR-WsuY

• Create your own Herbal Magic Potion (October 30th) 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 2-4 years old (September 28 – November 16) 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; starts October 3- December 12; no class November 21). Spanish Art is an arts and crafts class for kids age 4 - 9 years 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 sessions, starts October 5 - November 23; no class on Oct. 19).  Come learn all about theatre this fall with the Fairfax Theater Company.  Emerging thesbians 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   

Fairfax Open Circle Arts and Sports (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 www.fairfaxfocas.com and stay connected: LIKE US on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fairfax-Focas/153719454657151

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.