SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ten members of the Saratoga Springs varsity field hockey team were named to Section 2 All-Star teams this week.
First team honorees included seniors Alexis Georgeadis, Mia Khazin, Emilia Hall, and Roisin Finnegan. Last month, Khazin famously broke her school’s single-season scoring record with her 30th goal of the year.
Named to the second team were Blue Streak seniors Esther Lodico and Andi Schiffer, as well as junior Catie Firehock.
Honorable mentions were awarded to sophomores Liza Sanita and Mila Phinney, and to senior Madison Finn.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College is presenting “Family Forms”—an exhibition that invites visitors to consider how families are made, remade, and represented—from Nov. 15 until April 12.
Photographs, artists’ books, collage, sculpture, and video provide visitors ways to explore the spaces between ideas about “the family” and the lived experiences of families. Much of the exhibition draws from the Tang collection. The installation includes a domestic vignette built from thrifted frames displaying found photographs gifted to the Tang from Peter J. Cohen. Arranged above a historic mantelpiece, the scene turns the gallery into a living room where family pictures naturally gather.
Artists with work on view include Julie Chen, Mike Disfarmer, For Freedoms, Jesse Freidin, Erika Kapin, Ann Lovett, Tracey Moffatt, PaJaMa, Milton Rogovin, Joachim Schmid, Yinka Shonibare CBE, Laurie Simmons, and Danielle St. Laurent, among others.
Visitors are invited to contribute to the exhibition by submitting their own family photographs via an online form (app.youform.com/forms/nlxjibua). These images will be shown in the gallery on a digital frame throughout the run of the exhibition.
The exhibition is free and open to the public.
The Tang Museum, located on the Skidmore College campus at 815 North Broadway, is open noon–5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with extended hours until 9 p.m. on Thursdays. For more information, visit tang.skidmore.edu.
Image via the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Awards.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Universal Preservation Hall and WEXT announced the eighth class of inductees into the Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame on Wednesday.
2026 inductees include: Dominick Campana, Ernie Williams, Lee Shaw, Maria Brink, Jim Furlong, Eddie Angel, Heavenly Echoes, and the owners of the Van Dyck Music Club in Schenectady, Don Wexler, Marvin Friedman, Peter Olsen, the McDonald Family, and Chris Sule.
Since its inception in 2019, the Eddies Hall of Fame has honored more than 55 individuals and groups whose artistry and dedication have been credited with enriching the cultural fabric of the Capital Region. This year’s class includes performers, producers, and educators who span generations and genres—from blues and jazz to gospel, rock, and metal—all united by their shared impact on the Capital Region’s musical legacy.
The 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 23 at Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga. The event will feature live performances, a social hour, video retrospectives, and acceptance speeches celebrating each inductee’s journey.
2026 Inductee Highlights:
• The Van Dyck owners Don Wexler, Marvin Friedman, Peter Olsen, the McDonald Family, and Chris Sule: Honoring the owners who, across generations, made the Van Dyck a cornerstone of the Capital Region’s music scene. From its early days as a jazz institution to its recent rebirth as the Van Dyck Music Club, these stewards have carried forward a legacy of live music, community, and creativity in Schenectady’s historic Stockade.
• Dominick Campana: A force in Albany’s music scene for more than 40 years, Campana is a musician, producer, and sound engineer whose career has spanned performance, recording, and education. From his early bands including Dirty Face to his work at Paint Chip Records, Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, The Egg, and Valentine’s, Campana’s influence has touched artists and audiences throughout the region.
• Ernie Williams: Known as the “Ambassador of the Blues,” Williams was the leader of Ernie Williams & The Wildcats, and, later, The Ernie Williams Band. He became an influential figure in the Albany music scene, performing for decades, mentoring young musicians, and giving back through benefit concerts.
• Lee Shaw: Considered the Capital Region’s “First Lady of Jazz,” Lee Shaw was a pianist, composer, and educator who shared a lifetime of creativity both on stage and in the classroom. Performing worldwide and teaching generations of young artists, she led her acclaimed trio for more than 40 years.
• Maria Brink: A Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and visual artist, Brink rose from the Capital Region to global stages as the front woman of In This Moment. Her groundbreaking artistry and theatrical performances continue to redefine women’s presence in hard rock and metal.
• Jim Furlong: Record shop owner, collector, and preservationist; Furlong has championed independent music culture in Albany for more than three decades. His shop, Last Vestige Music, remains a hub for collectors, musicians, and music lovers from across the world.
• Eddie Angel: A Grammy-nominated guitarist, songwriter, and performer from Rensselaer, Angel has toured internationally with Los Straitjackets and collaborated with Nick Lowe. His blend of humor, virtuosity, and love for classic rock and roll continues to inspire fans and fellow musicians alike.
• Heavenly Echoes: Founded in Albany in 1965, this gospel group has entertained audiences for six decades with their soulful harmonies and message of faith. Performing everywhere from churches to festivals and museums, they remain a cornerstone of the Capital Region’s cultural community.
“Each of this year’s inductees embodies the creative spirit and community connection that defines the Capital Region’s musical legacy,” said Kelly Auricchio, producer of the Eddies. “Their influence reaches beyond the stage, reminding us how music brings people together, shapes culture, and sustains our sense of place.”
More information on the Eddies Music Hall of Fame is available at theeddiesawards.com.
The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is hosting a Fall Food Drive to benefit Lifeworks Community Action. As winter approaches, SCHC seeks to support our community by raising funds and gathering food items to support those facing food insecurity. Please join us in generosity this holiday season. Funds can be donated directly to Lifeworks Community Action at their website, https://www.lifeworks.org/. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off during museum hours, Tuesdays-Sundays, from 12-4 p.m. Most needed items include canned fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice, oatmeal, mac and cheese, canned tuna, canned chicken, and peanut butter. Donations will be accepted through January 1, 2026.
Art Exhibition – A Brush with Magical Realism
Kelly Jean Smith has created a new series of oil paintings made possible by a 2025 Saratoga Arts Regrant which explores narrative illustration, the singular female image, and the space between joy and sorrow through expressive color and playful composition. Future prints will be made available to benefit Pitney Farm Food Insecurity Program. November 28, 4 – 8 p.m. Artist Talk 6 p.m. and November 29 and 30 at 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 79 Beekman St., Saratoga Springs.
Pet Photos with Santa
Saturday, November 29 from 10 am to 1 pm, Gateway House of Peace, 479 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa. The event is open to pets, children and families. A $25. donation covers the sitting fee, digital downloading and printing rights. Services are being donated by Ashley Wilbur Photography. Photos will be sent within one week via email. Appointments strongly encouraged. Walk-ins cash or check only. Register online. Gateway House of Peace is an end-of-life facility for those who have been diagnosed as terminally ill and have less than three months to live and who cannot stay comfortably at home. Twenty-four care is provided at no cost. Gateway receives no insurance reimbursements or public funding and relies on fundraising and community support.
Winter Wonderland Art Market
The event takes place on November 29 at 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. This event is free and open to the public. There will be over 50 artists participating in this year’s event. Shop small this holiday season and find one-of-a-kind gifts for everyone on your list, all while supporting local artists and artisans. The market has everything from pottery to jewelry to paintings to candles. There will photo ops with the Grinch and the chance to have your gifts wrapped by Saratoga Arts’ staff. Check out the artists below who will be joining us on the day!
Brookside Museum Holiday Market
The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is celebrating the 25th year of our annual Artisan Market, which will be open between November 29 and December 24, 2025. The opening of the market, on Small Business Saturday, will feature holiday music performed by the Ballston Spa High School Orchestra, from 12-1:30 p.m. This annual market features exclusively handmade and handcrafted products created by local artisans. Items featured at the market will include soaps, lotions, ornaments, jewelry, syrups, scarves, ceramics, hats, and much, much more! The 2025 hours are: Tuesdays-Thursdays, 12 – 4 p.m.; Fridays 12 -5 p.m., Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Holiday Concert
Historic First Baptist Church, 45 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs. Sunday, November 30, at 2 p.m.
As part of our new organ dedication concert series, experience classical and holiday favorites performed by a thrilling Horn Quartet accompanied by Organ. Featuring Gustav Holst’s Chorale from Jupiter from The Planets, G.F. Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus from The Messiah, J.S. Bach’s Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring and C.M. von Weber’s Overture to Der Freischutz. Holiday favorites include Angels We Have Heard on High, Arranged for Horn Quartet and Organ by Farrell Goehring, Joy to the World and O Come, O Come, Immanuel. Patrice Malatesttinic, Amy Baker, Sam Kennedy and Mallorie Meyer in concert with Organist, Farrell Goehring. Presented without charge to the public. Donations gratefully accepted toward the Bell Tower Restoration.
Concert – Mozart & More
Saratoga Chamber Players Concert will take place at the Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 30 at 3 p.m. Featuring cellist Ashley Bathgate, violinist Jill Levey and violist David Rose. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the day of the show or visit, saratogachamberplayers.org.
Holiday Opera “La bohème”
Celebrate the holidays with the original RENT — a story of young artists in love, from first blush to dying breath. This holiday season, Opera Saratoga invites you to be swept away by the romance, laughter, and heartbreak of Puccini’s timeless masterpiece, “La bohème.” In this special staged concert, the Skidmore Chorus and members of the Excelsior Vocal Ensemble joins forces with the most exciting rising stars from the Juilliard School and the Metropolitan Opera to bring to life the unforgettable arias, soaring ensembles, and rich choral moments that have enchanted audiences for generations. Single tickets are on sale now. The concert will be held on December 5 at 7 p.m. at Universal Preservation Hall
25 Washington Street, Saratoga Springs. Single tickets are on sale now at www.atproctors.org.
Simpson United Methodist Church, 1089 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls | 4 – 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cost is $8 per loaf. Bake sale on Saturday.
Saturday, November 22
6 Hour Defensive Driving Course
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cost $40 prepaid, $45 at door. A portion of the fee is donated to the church. 518-784-5009 or visit, www.facetofacecourses.com.
Annual Holiday Craft & Vendor Fair
Middle Grove United Methodist Church, 429 Middle Grove Rd., Middle Grove | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Homemade pies and lunch available for purchase.
11th Annual Saratoga Comic Con
Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs | Growing larger, also expanding into the Hilton Hotel attached to the! Tickets are on sale now. For more information on Saratoga Comic Con please visit http://www.saratogacomiccon.com.
Photography Club
Galway Public Library Community Room, 2112 East Street, Galway | Noon. At this meeting, club leader Dave Waite will share information on video recording techniques. Everyone is welcome to attend these relaxed and friendly gatherings. For more information, please get in touch with Dave Waite at davewaitefinearts@gmail.com.
Sunday, November 23
Bake Sale and Food Drive
ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs 8 – 11 a.m. To benefit the food pantry in Albany, that serves Veterans for 50 Miles. Sponsored by the Ladies Auxilary. Food Donations can also be dropped off at this time. For more information contact Betty at itam35ladies@gmail.com.
Breakfast Buffet
ITAM Post 35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs 8 – 11 a.m. Adults $11, Seniors $10, Children 10 & under $6, children under 5 free. Take out orders $13.
Monthly Indoor Craft and Garage Sale
Saratoga Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 11-3 p.m. Admission is free with over 40 vendors; great parking, bargains galore, and lunch available too. Just about anything you can imagine might be offered. There are lightly used children’s toys available and lots of Christmas Crafts available. It’s a fun activity the entire family enjoys. All proceeds go to the Elks Scholarship Fund. An 8’ table with chairs is $15. Email Debbie @ deborahozolins@gmail.com or call 518-226-5595 for information or to sign up for a table(s). Applications are available in the Elks Lobby after 3 pm Monday thru Saturday. Next sale is January 25, 2026.
A Nutcracker Tea
Canfield Casino, Congress Park, Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. A whimsical event with tea, delicious treats, dancing, and holiday fun. Children and families will enjoy holiday shopping from local vendors and artisans and a silent auction. Delight in a live performance from the Nutcracker Suite along with a reading of the Nutcracker story. For tickets go to eventbrite.com.
Breakfast Buffet
ITAM Post #35, 247 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs | 8 – 11 a.m. Eggs to order, bacon, pancakes, etc. $11 Adults, $10 Seniors, $6 Children (10 & under), Free for children under 5. $13 take out orders.
Holiday Display
Saratoga Spa State Park Warming Hut | 4 – 6 p.m. The Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park are creating a holiday display at the Avenue of the Pines entrance and we need your help! All are welcome to join us in decorating five trees with our handmade natural ornaments. The event will begin in the Warming Hut (parking available) where you can enjoy light refreshments and select one of the provided ornaments to place on a tree in the display. For those who wish to do so, there will also be an opportunity to honor a loved one or someone who loved the Saratoga Spa State Park by personalizing a provided ornament and placing it on our memorial tree. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of community and fun! Registration not required. For more information go to friendsofsaratogaspastatepark.org.
Monday, November 24
Felting Art Demonstration
Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd. Clifton Park | 6:30 p.m. Southern Saratoga Art Society will host a Felting Art Demonstration by artist Barbara Hurley. Barbara became interested in Felting two years ago through a class at a local fiber shop. Since then, she has taken many classes online through various shops and loves doing animals, birds and flowers. Barbara loves teaching and looks forward to sharing her knowledge of felting. This demonstration is open to the public, and all are invited. For more information, visit: southernsaratogaartist.com.
Tuesday, November 25
Mah Jongg Practice
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Come practice your Mah Jongg skills by playing here at the library! All experience levels are welcome to join in on the fun. Mah Jongg sets will be provided. Please register online. www.sspl.org.
Wednesday, November 26
Santa’s Playland
Quick Response Restoration, 2077 Route 9, Round Lake | 5 – 11 p.m. Open to the public on Wednesdays – Sundays. Toys for Toga will be collecting donations on December 12 and December 13. The event will be open through January 4. Admission is free. Event is drive through only.
Thursday, November 27
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
24TH Annual Christopher Dailey Foundation 5K Saratoga Turkey Trot
Downtown Saratoga Springs, 8:30 a.m. Packet pickup will take place at the Saratoga Hilton on Wednesday November 26 between 4 – 8 p.m. and Thursday between 6:30 – 8:15 a.m. The course starts at City Hall and finishes on the corner of Route 50 and North Broadway. Learn more and register here: https://www.christopherdaileyfoundation.com/turkey-trot-2022-1.
Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will open its 14th Annual Photography Show with a Holiday Reception on Monday, December 1, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. The celebration will take place in the beautiful new Welcome Cabin, part of The Larry Gordon Outdoor Education Center at the Town of Wilton’s Historic Camp Saratoga.
The evening will include an awards ceremony recognizing the winning photographs. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the winning images displayed in the Welcome Cabin. Guests are invited to enjoy a festive holiday reception celebrating another successful year for Wilton Wildlife.
A cherished annual tradition, the Photography Show brings together photographers, naturalists, and community members to appreciate the unique landscapes and wildlife of the Saratoga Sand Plains with images that celebrate the mission of Wilton Wildlife with its focus on environmental education, outdoor recreation, and conservation.
This year marks the first time the event will be held at the newly completed Welcome Cabin, the centerpiece of Phase I of the Larry Gordon Outdoor Education Center. In addition to the winning photographs that will be featured in the Welcome Cabin, the online gallery for the show will also open on December 1. To see the online gallery go to https://www.wiltonpreserve.org/annual-photography-show Light refreshments and friendly conversation will round out the evening, and all are welcome to attend.
The Welcome Cabin is located at Camp Saratoga (90 Scout Rd, Wilton, NY) and is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. In addition to the winning photographs, visitors can engage with exhibits about the natural and human history of the Saratoga Sand Plains and the hands-on exhibits and activities for kids.
Registration for the exhibition opening is appreciated. For details about the Annual Photography Show or the Larry Gordon Outdoor Education Center, or to RSVP, contact the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. For trail conditions, program updates, or general information, visit www.wiltonpreserve.org. Wilton Wildlife’s mission is to provide environmental education and opportunities for outdoor recreation while supporting conservation of ecological systems and natural settings.
Girl Scouts filled five 27 gallon totes with food and other supplies as part of the SnacPack Program ( Courtesy of Troop #3885)
Girl Scout Troop #3885, part of the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY), donated five large totes filled with food and essential items to the Saratoga Springs City School District’s SnacPack program on Thursday, November 13, at St. Clement’s School.
The troop organized the community food drive the previous weekend to support SnacPack, a local initiative that provides weekly bags of food, hygiene products, and school supplies to more than 250 students in need across the district. The girls collected a variety of items, including cereal, macaroni and cheese, snacks, socks, and juice boxes, filling five 27-gallon totes to the brim.
In addition to their donation, the troop partnered with a local dentist who contributed 300 toothbrush goody bags for participating students, further supporting the program’s efforts to promote good hygiene among youth.
“This effort by Troop 3885 demonstrates the heart of what Girl Scouting is all about, taking action to make a meaningful difference in their community,” said Brenda Episcopo, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. “We are incredibly proud of these girls for identifying a local need, organizing a thoughtful response, and inspiring others through their kindness and leadership.”
The troop also announced plans to organize another food drive in February, called the “Soup-er Bowl,” to restock supplies for the SnacPack program during a time when donations typically slow down.
Through service projects like this, Girl Scouts continue to build courage, confidence, and character while helping their communities. While Girl Scouts are widely known for their cookie program, across its 15-county footprint, Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York engage in year-round community service initiatives that support local families and the communities they serve.
Ag Science teacher Mary-Elizabeth Sedgwick (Foote) has been named the 2025 CASE Model Teacher, a major accomplishment in agricultural education. The national award from the Curriculum for Agricultural Science Education (CASE) recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to inquiry-based instruction, professional development, and student success. Sedgwick, who has taught agricultural science for nine years, is being recognized for transforming her classroom into a highly rigorous, hands-on learning environment that emphasizes critical thinking and real-world application. She holds eight CASE certifications, allowing her to offer a robust, sequential pathway for Schuylerville students, covering everything from Animal Health and Veterinary Science to Agricultural Research and Development.
The Model Teacher recognition also spotlights Sedgwick’s incredible dedication to building program resources. She has strategically secured more than $50,000 in grant funding from organizations including CASE, the National FFA Organization, and local community partners. This funding ensures students have access to modern, industry-relevant equipment, from Vernier sensors and lab workstations to a state-of-the-art mobile maple syrup production facility.
The program’s success has received New York State Career and Technical Education endorsement, and Schuylerville students have collectively earned over 200 college credits through the articulation with SUNY Cobleskill.
The real impact of the CASE curriculum, however, is seen in the students. Class of 2024 graduate, Juliana Schulze, who enrolled in Food Science on a whim, initially focused on animal science. Through the hands-on work and curriculum, Juliana discovered a deep, unexpected passion for the field. Her newfound interest led her to compete in the New York FFA Food Science Career Development Event, where she placed third out of over 100 participants, helping her team secure a state victory. Today, Juliana is a sophomore at Delaware Valley University, majoring in Food Technology with a focus on food safety.
“It is because of the CASE curriculum that she was exposed to an industry she had not previously explored, opening doors and paving the way for a meaningful career,” said Sedgwick.
Beyond her work in Schuylerville, Sedgwick is a recognized leader in agricultural education. She has served as a CASE Lead Teacher for three years, mentoring colleagues across the country and running her own “CASE: Now What?” mini-workshops to help fellow teachers implement the curriculum effectively. Looking ahead, Mrs. Sedgwick plans to launch the Agricultural Research and Development (ARD) course as a capstone experience, encouraging students to conduct authentic scientific research. Her long-term vision includes expanding the Schuylerville program to a full 6-12 pathway.
“Mary’s impact on our Agricultural Education program is nothing short of transformative,” said Superintendent Dr. Ryan Sherman. “Her passion, innovation, and commitment to hands-on learning have elevated opportunities for our students in ways that will benefit them for years to come. Being named the 2025 CASE Model Teacher is a well-deserved recognition of the remarkable work she does each and every day.”
An awards ceremony was held at the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo, during which she was presented with a commemorative plaque and $1,250 of Vernier Science Education supplies for her classroom.
A total of 116 Schuylerville High School students took part in the SUNY Adirondack Instant Admit Day, held right on the high school campus.
SUNY Adirondack offers a wide range of academic programs designed to help students seamlessly transfer to four-year colleges and universities or step directly into high-demand careers.
The Instant Admit initiative provides an accessible and stress-free pathway to admission, ensuring that every student can explore college opportunities regardless of their future plans.
“We’ve seen great success,” said Rhonda Triller, SUNY Adirondack’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “This is our second year in a row doing it, and we’re growing every year in terms of the number of districts who participate. Last year, four out of five participating schools saw an increased percentage of students attending. Instant Admit Days really show students—especially those who may not have believed they were college ready—that there are possibilities for them at SUNY Adirondack. And for students already planning to attend college, we offer excellent options and a great start toward a bachelor’s degree.”
How Instant Admit Works
• Schuylerville sends each participating student’s transcript to a SUNY Adirondack admissions representative.
• An application is created for the student on their behalf.
• Students receive an official acceptance letter directly from SUNY Adirondack—many on the same day.
HVCC Instant Admit Success
Schuylerville also hosted an HVCC (Hudson Valley Community College) Instant Admit Day for interested seniors. Thirteen students were accepted into various programs offered by HVCC, such as nursing, marketing, business administration, electrical construction & maintenance, paramedic studies, liberal arts & science, and more.
Students who completed their HVCC application ahead of time were scheduled for individual appointments on campus. An HVCC admissions representative met one-on-one with each student, to review the application, discuss the program they selected, and answer questions about next steps.
“These personalized approaches help students feel confident and informed as they move toward their post-secondary goals,” said Principal Mark Brooks. “We want every student to feel supported in finding the path that fits their interests and aspirations, and opportunities like Instant Admit Days make that process accessible to everyone.”
Saratoga Joinery, a nonprofit community woodworking space, held its first-ever “Wine & Cheeseboards” silent auction fundraiser on Nov. 13. The joinery’s Executive Director Tori Colarusso is seen here speaking to attendees. All proceeds from the event go towards “making woodworking education more accessible and building our creative community,” the organization said. “Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just love the idea of making things with your hands, you’re welcome here.” Saratoga Joinery is located at 69 Caroline Street in Saratoga Springs. Photo by
