Goodness Weekly 2.03.25
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”
- Mother Teresa
What’s Good
Exciting things are coming to Sunset Ridge Farmers Market!
Starting this month, we’re launching a Swap Booth—a way to give secondhand goods a new life. Each Saturday will have a theme:
1st Saturday: Kitchen & Home Goods
2nd Saturday: Kid’s Stuff
3rd Saturday: Gardening
4th Saturday: Art Supplies
We’re also introducing a jar return program (please bring them unlabeled and washed) and offering reusable bags to help reduce waste and farmer expenses. Keep an eye on our Instagram for weekly updates.
This Saturday is Second Saturday, which means we’re swapping kids' clothes and toys—bring what you can, take what you need. Come shop fresh produce, enjoy live music, and connect with our amazing vendors. See you there!
You Belong
Mae Czarnecki, Storytelling Manager, Sunset Ridge Collective
I’d like to introduce you to my newest child—Connor.
AKA, Mr. Ecko.
AKA, Stinker Boi.
Two and a half years ago, when I moved into my house, I started seeing him—an enormous, scruffy tomcat—lurking in my backyard or perched on my back porch. He was intimidating, rough around the edges, and clearly a seasoned fighter. But something in me knew: I will get him to love me. I will.
Over the next few months, I left food out for him, called to him with a hopeful “Pss Pss,” and watched as he leapt from rooftop to rooftop, always watching but never coming close.
That changed during the last freeze. As I’ve done for years, I set out my “critter cave”—a small dog tent lined with blankets. I’ve seen possums, skunks, raccoons, and stray cats take shelter there, but never him. That night, I went to check the blankets and found him curled inside. He hissed, then hesitated. Slowly, cautiously, he sniffed my hand.
I opened the front door.
With the help of some tuna, he took the bait—and just like that, he was inside.
For the first time, I saw him up close. His ears and face were covered in dried blood, his shoulders marred by fresh wounds and old scars. My daughters wanted to name him, but I reminded them: He’s a stray. He may not stay.
But night after night, he returned. A soft meow at the door announced his arrival. He’d eat, hop onto the couch—dirt and all—and settle in. He always carried fresh battle wounds, limping from some unseen skirmish. Eventually, I gave in, and with my youngest’s help, we named him Connor.
He hated the vet.
He hated his first bath.
He hated when we weren’t home, waiting patiently at the door for us to return.
Connor doesn’t know how to play. He’d swat us—clawless but firm—if we got too close to his injuries. But over time, he leaned into being a pet. One night, he pushed his head into my hand, then pressed the weight of his worst wound into my palm. He met my eyes, gave a slow blink, and settled in.
Since then, this has been our routine. He comes in, eats, and finds his spot next to me while I write. When he’s sleepy enough, I clean his wounds, apply medicine, and watch as he rests his chin on the cushion’s edge, finally at peace.
So why am I telling you about this particular cat?
Because when Connor laid his swollen face in my hand, I saw myself—the times I’ve shown up ragged, carrying unseen battles. I saw how this community has taken me in, one step at a time, on my own terms.
If you haven’t heard Jess say it recently, let me remind you—You Belong.
As we step into February, love is everywhere—sweet treats, punny cards, and romantic gestures. But love is also found in quiet spaces, in places where we are seen, where we heal.
Wherever you are, there is space for you. You are welcome here. You belong.
This Week
Second Saturday - Saturday, Feb 8th
8am One Another Coffee featuring Plantaqueria Vegan Tacos
9am Donation Based Yoga with @NYXWellness, Sunset Ridge Farmer’s Market
10:15 Storytime with Miss Anastasia
11:00 Pedal Pals Bike Club Demo
Coming Up…
Betty’s Co on Campus - Feb 13th-19th
Offices and One Another Coffee Closed - Monday, Feb 17th, President’s Day
Event Rentals - Interested in hosting your event at Charis Park or in our facilities? We are currently booking for 2025–please email rentals@sunset-ridge.org
Community Partners: For updated schedules and events please follow One Another Coffee, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, NYX Wellness, Scott’s Pizza, Mission Compost, Sprouts School, Good Acres, Community First Food Pantry, and Betty’s Co.
Inhale: I am seen.
Exhale: I am loved.
Inhale: I bring my wounds.
Exhale: I am welcomed as I am.
Inhale: I am held in grace.
Exhale: I am safe to rest.
Inhale: I belong.
Exhale: I belong.
