Writing an end of year message can be daunting, especially in our current times. I’m not going to lie, it has been a tough year and I have been feeling overwhelmed. But when I started to think about it, there were many small, special moments of gratitude in 2025. While the big issues felt fraught, many of the little ones felt joyful. It reminded me of The Sylvia Center classes: progress rarely comes in sweeping gestures, but in small sparks—a new skill learned, a new flavor discovered, a student finding their way. Reflecting on these moments reminded me that the power of cooking—and the power of The Sylvia Center—lives in those tiniest moments of joy, connection, and growth. So, here’s my very unconventional list of things I am grateful for in 2025:
1. Family
I’ll start at the core; my own family, and all of our TSC students and families. My adult children are building independent lives away from home, both in different time zones, and I’m proud of them. I’m also so proud of the independence and resilience of TSC students and families this year as they faced rising food costs and uncertainty surrounding SNAP benefits. They showed incredible fortitude, of which I’m in awe. Many were making hard choices with precious funds, so I’m grateful that TSC was able to support them with access to healthy, free food.
2. Hives
Regular readers know that I’m an avid beekeeper. I love my girls and admire their community. The TSC community is also a hive, and our hive is the foundation of our work. I’m so grateful to the students, staff, board, alumni, partners, and supporters who contributed to our community’s vibrancy this past year.
3. Sunflowers
Sunflowers are among the 150 varieties of flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables we grow in our Learning Garden, and their beautiful blooms burst mid-summer on Katchkie Farm. Their regal presence is such a gift that The Sylvia Center’s logo honors the sunflower. And our sunflowers were everywhere this year—all five New York City boroughs, Columbia County, and the Capital District. I’m so grateful to the most amazing team who helped us grow. Our proliferation has us dreaming, so keep an eye out for even more sunflowers all over New York City and the Hudson Valley next year.
4. Condiments
The Sylvia Center staff knows that I couldn’t put together any top five list without having mustard on it. Mustard is my favorite, as I wrote after my visit to the National Mustard Museum in Middleton, WI this spring. I love condiments because they pack a big flavorful punch, in a cost effective and healthy way, and you can use them creatively to help season dishes in your own style. In April, students from our Teen Culinary Apprenticeship program did just that by dazzling our guests at our annual Art of Cooking gala. They showcased their creativity and flare by serving avocado crema, hari (green) chutney, preserved lemon yogurt and whipped ricotta that accompanied gougeres, spinach fritters, and chickpea handrolls. So many of our guests asked for the recipes and were impressed by the poise and presence of our teen students. You have to taste it and see it to believe it, so don’t miss out on next year’s event. Save the Date for Art of Cooking 2026 on March 11, 2026 at Prince George Ballroom.
5. Volunteers
I’m grateful for volunteers, both the human and vegetable kind. If you didn’t already know, vegetables can be volunteers, too. Volunteer vegetables are self-seeding plants that pop up in gardens from last year’s plantings. Our Garden Manager, Julie, delights in their appearance. In August, our Adult Farm Campers harvested some volunteer potatoes that popped up in our Learning Garden and turned them into delicious, herby crispy potatoes in our outdoor kitchen. Volunteer people are great too and we love to welcome them to TSC. If you or your company would like to volunteer—in a TSC class or at the Learning Garden—please be in touch! We’d be happy to host you, and you would instantly become part of the TSC hive.
There are so many small—and large—ways to sow, nurture, and harvest at The Sylvia Center. We look forward to having you grow with us in 2026. Happy holidays!
Until next time, be creative—and joyful—in the kitchen (and use a condiment),
Barbara, Executive Director
Barbara is The Sylvia Center’s Executive Director and a passionate beekeeper. Learn more about her bees here!
