A group of FCC families are taking the first boat over to the hamlet of Two Harbors, and spending a relaxed day hiking around Two Harbors and across the isthmus to the Pacific Ocean side of the island. This isn't Avalon, folks - hiking, birdwatching and maybe some wading on the beach are all that are on the agenda.  No tours, museums, or shopping - just quiet family time on beautiful Catalina.

If you have a bit more time, please join for some stargazing that evening (dark phase of the moon...we should be able to see a lot of stars) before turning in waaay past everyone's regular bedtime.

Since 2005, FCC-SoCal has been coordinating a mentorship program with the China Care Bruins, a student-run group at UCLA. Last year, more than 50 FCC children (ages 6 to 15) were paired with college student “Big Buddies.” They participated in monthly Sunday afternoon get-togethers on the UCLA campus throughout the academic year.

We are delighted to announce that there are a few additional openings in the Buddy Program for the 2009-2010 academic year (October 2009 through May 2010). This includes the Little Buddies group (age 6 and older, up through 5th grade) and the new Youth Buddies group, for kids currently in 6th grade/Middle School and above.

Get into the spirit of the season together with your FCC friends and family at our Annual Holiday Extravaganza. We are planning to have a lively holiday event, complete with DJ, games, and dancing for all. FCC will provide the main dish and drinks. Each family should bring a potluck item, such as an appetizer, side dish, salad, or dessert to share.

Join us at the Norman P. Murray Center in Mission Viejo. We'll be in the Palo Verde room.
 

Don't know what to give grandparents, aunts, uncles and other special people for the holidays?  Bring the kids (ages 4 and up) to an art-making workshop led by professional art instructor Melanie Vogel.  Parents will have an opportunity to order gifts made out of your child's own artwork, and kids will have a great time expressing their creativity!
 
1:00 - 2:15 pm Art Workshop #1 for 4-7 year olds.
2:30 - 4:00 pm Art Workshop #2 for 8 years and up

The 2009 Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival was held at Marine Stadium in Long Beach August 1-2. Dozens of teams competed, making it one of the largest festivals of its kind on the west coast. Among the competitors was our "SoCal Friends" Blazing Paddles team. The team finished with the other dragon boats, and one time even came in fourth place! More importantly however, team members succeeded in enjoying the spirit of the Festival: family, friends and community coming together to support one other all while having a good time.

The FCC-Socal annual summer picnic took place Saturday, June 13th and was a great success despite a light shower early in the day. The event took place in Alhambra at the Picnic Pavilion of the Almansor Park. We were joined by friends from OCA and graced with the presence of the Miss Chinatown 2009 Court.

There were a lot of games and activities for the kids. The donut eating contest made for some great pictures. Other games included a water balloon toss and a tug-o-war. Activities included arts and crafts, tatoos, and frisbee. The food that everyone brought was plentiful and delicious.

Blazing Paddles welcome everyone to come and join the fun:  families with children of all ages, waiting families, siblings, friends and extended family. Additionally, they have fun community gatherings such as a post-season party, Chinese New Year Party and a Season Kick Off Potluck. This season they plan to add a Mother-Daughter Zongzi cooking class.

Practice is once a week, June through the end of July, for one hour at Mother's Beach in Long Beach. The culminating event is the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival which takes place on Saturday, August 1st, 2009. If you are unable to join the team, you are still encouraged to come cheer on the Blazing Paddles during the Festival. Additionally, there will be cultural events held throughout the day, and the event is free.