Candid camera
Photos by Seen in Saratoga
From the editor
Hey, Dispatchers,
After two days of haze, Seen in Saratoga’s (very) recent sunny pics seem almost otherworldly.
Keep reading for my favorite outtakes, and visit her Instagram to see her full set of 20 candids taken just last weekend.
She and I hosted more than 50 Dispatchers at Whitman Brewing last night. That’s right — the fourth Dispatch Dinner Club is officially one for the books. As smiling diners came in after breaking bread with strangers they entrusted me to set them up with, they told us some amazing stories…
Nothing makes me happier.
Thank you for reading, coming to my events, helping to spread the word — and believing in non-corporate, real-deal journalism in Saratoga Springs.
— Abby
In this issue:
Events Calendar July 16-22
Sunnier skies: Seen by Saratoga.
May the Schwartz be with … Saratoga
Calling all theater kids
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FEATURED EVENT
#SUPPORTLOCAL at Chow Bella’s Ladies’ Night tonight
Opening Weekend: After kicking off with a Ladies’ Night event tonight, The Collective indoor market — offering both dog and human goods — will be open during Chow Bella’s business hours. (Shown: Peachtree Cottage)
Marijo English’s Chow Bella indoor dog park and grooming (260 Broadway) has expanded to become a permanent home for 18 local makers.
A year after moving from Ballston Spa to downtown Saratoga, English was inspired to maximize the extra space in her new enormous digs behind Death Wish Coffee: Vendors such as TogaNola and Upstate Thrift & Apparel now rent stalls of various sizes to sell their goods under one roof, called The Collective.
"They each have their own space now,” English says, herself inspired by a collaborative spirit among the vendors. “One painted this wall for me, and everything looks so pretty now. Everybody's supporting each other here."
Doggie items include gem-encrusted food bowls and (by appointment) acupuncture, while humans will browse endless unique gifts, home goods ,and treats such as homemade brown butter chocolate chip cookies.
Tonight, the shop hosts its first Ladies’ Night, which English hopes will be monthly. Expect after-hours shopping, a Bars Without Boundaries bar pouring cocktails and mocktails, hands-on candle-making, and a private corner “spa” (my word) for permanent jewelry, a charm bar, teeth whitening and tooth gems.
Tonight’s schedule
When: 4:00–8:00 p.m.
Candle-making with Midnight Twelve:
5:30 and 6:30 p.m. (Reserve ahead)
Spray tans: 6-8 p.m.
📌 ICYMI…
📰 IN BRIEF
Stewart’s bought land on Lincoln Avenue for a major upcoming expansion, reports Albany Business Review.
Two hand grenades were found during a routine traffic stop, reports the Adirondack Daily Enterprise (the story spread like wildfire on the Nextdoor app).
Seneca is getting a new neighbor: a bubble tea and ramen emporium’s fourth location, reports Albany Business Review.
Check your lottery ticket if you shop at Dyehard Fan Supply; a $50,000 winner was sold there this week, says CBS6.
A new plan is expected to add 300-400 parking spots at the Albany airport, reports Albany Business Review.
Were you seen…
by Seen in Saratoga?
Nothing says “summer” like a bustling Broadway thoroughfare, which Seen by Saratoga captured beautifully in her newest collection of candid photographs.
“I started at Second Sunday Market, which was closing up when I got there, and made my way up to Broadway,” she says. “There were lots of locals, plus the usual tourists getting their Broadway fix before heading out.”
The photos make for a fitting throwback to a clearer, pre-wildfire sky. “It was the perfect July afternoon,” she says. “So people were enjoying being outside in the warm sun.”
The way we walk: Three men stroll downtown in perfect lockstep.
🏇 Today’s track report, from the orange “moon” to the plans for that Pick 6 to finally finish up today — Tracksider.
‘Spaceballs 2’ plot released
It took only 40 years, but Spaceballs is finally getting a sequel — and details of the plot were finally released this week.
In the filmmakers’ own words:
“Somehow, Dark Helmet has returned!
…With Lone Starr in hiding, Queen Vespa on the throne, and the Schwartz stretched thinner than a franchise releasing TV episodes theatrically, the only hope for the galaxy is Vespa’s undisciplined son, Prince Starburst, and a mysterious Palace advisor named Destiny.
Together, they must find Lone Starr, Yogurt, and … discover the hard way that, while some threats you can fight, the reboot is not one of them.”
May the Schwartz be with… Saratoga: Spaceballs: The New One lands April 23, 2027, with Mel Brooks, Rick Moranis and Josh Gad. Entrusted with this beloved project as the director? None other than Saratoga Springs High grad Josh Greenbaum (class of '97).
Calling all theater kids!
Take a bow: Youth theatre Workshop “uses the arts,” says founder Will Severin, “as a catalyst for learning.
Registration is currently open for iTheatre Saratoga’s summer Youth Theatre Workshop (August 17 to 28).
“iTheatre strives to empower children with a hands-on approach to crafting their own story, emphasizing individual integrity, and honoring the dignity of all people,” says founder Will Severin. “The program is unique.”
The workshop launched in 2017 with The Golden Phoenix. “Young participants challenged the mores and prejudices often entrenched in fairy tales,” he says. “Out of the ashes of olden times, a brand-new play arose. Our youth theatre workshops have continued in subsequent years, always with distinctive themes.”
This year’s young participants will perform in the concert reading of Every Other Thursday.
To enroll your child (10 and up), visit itheatresaratoga.org.