Goodness Weekly 3.17.25

"May your troubles be less, your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door."
-Irish Proverb

What’s Good

The Art Room is a space to create, connect, and unwind.
Making art can reduce stress, promote mindfulness, and spark joy—so come discover the benefits of creative expression in a welcoming community.

Our first workshop, Watercolor Wellness, is designed for beginner adults looking to experiment with watercolor in a relaxed, judgment-free space. Led by Suzan Browning—an experienced artist and illustrator—this class introduces basic watercolor techniques with a focus on creativity over perfection.

Spots are filling up! Limited to 8 participants for a meaningful, hands-on experience.
All supplies provided.
March 29, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Room 207 (upstairs, elevator not available)
Class fee: $10

Register Today

A Meditation on Trees

Mae Czarnecki, Storytelling Manager, Sunset Ridge Collective

There’s a black-and-white photograph I took in Mexico City—a little black lamb standing among a pen of sheep. I keep returning to it, drawn to its quiet presence, its sense of being both among and apart.

Growing up, I was told we were Irish. My mother held onto this idea, tracing it back to my great-great-grandmother, Irene. It was a piece of identity she claimed, and so I did, too—until I learned otherwise. A DNA test later confirmed what I had long felt in my bones: I was something else, someone else. I had a different biological father than my sisters, and though it was a family secret for much of my childhood, I always sensed I didn’t fully belong in the way I was expected to.

But what I didn’t know then, and what I have come to see so clearly now, is that belonging isn’t about fitting in. It’s about finding the people who see you fully, who celebrate what makes you different, and who welcome you exactly as you are. That is what this community has given me.

At Sunset Ridge, I meet people every day who carry some version of this story. We come from different backgrounds, different families, different places, but we share the search for a life that feels whole. Whether it’s through sustainability, parenthood, spiritual practice, or creative work, we’ve each found parts of our identities edified in this space. We’ve built something together—a community that allows us to be fully ourselves.

That’s why it is such a deep honor to be recognized at this year’s For Her Gala on Friday, March 28th, at the Witte. In past years, I’ve attended this event as a photographer, joyfully documenting the people and moments that define this space. This year, I’ll stand as an honoree, recognized for something I could never have built alone—community.

I hope you’ll join me at the gala, not just to celebrate, but to witness what it means to belong. Thank you for being part of this with me.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

This Week

Saturday, March 22nd, 9 AM - 1 PM, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Charis Park

Coming Up…

Every Saturday, Sunset Ridge Farmers Market, Charis Park
March 25th - April 2nd, Betty’s Co. Mobile Health Clinic on Campus
March 28th, Terrell Heights Neighborhood Association Family Movie Night, Charis Park
March 29th, Watercolor Wellness Workshop, Room 207, Sunset Ridge Collective

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.