Wait...What Happened To Famous Footwear And Regal Movie Theater?

Upon arriving to the Fishkill Town Center to shop for new and affordable kids shoes at Famous Footwear, the store was gone. And so was the Regal Movie Theater. The Bass shoe-store had left long ago. The Read Scout Reservation Shop is there, as is Dogtopia with all of their dogs, but Olivia’s Barber & Unisex Salon was gone as well.

Photo Credit: Screenshot of photo from WPDH.

Inside the former movie theater, the floor had been ripped up, and renovation work of some kind looked active. WPDH reported on October 4, 2024 that Facebook users of the East Fishkill Community Forum reported that the theater had closed. According to the radio station: “The person that posted the news of the closing, Heather L. Dini, also said that the workers had just found out the week prior. No other information on the closing of the theater was available at the time of this writing.”

On October 3rd, a photo of a man in a truck working on the forever-faded Regal Cinemas sign was taken and published to WPDH, a day before they published their news article about the closure.

ALBB has not verified with Regal Entertainment Group as to when they notified employees of the closure. The media outlet also reported that the movie theater group had announced dozens of closings: “Back in January 2023, Regal Cinemas announced that they would be closing 39 theaters across the U.S. and unfortunately that included a one Hudson Valley theater, the Cortlandt Town Center Regal 'United Artist Theaters' in Mohegan Lake.”

Upon the news of this suddenly almost vacant building, readers of ALBB chimed in with different reactions. Bespoke suit tailor David Reese said: “I remember a time of chaos... ruined dreams... this wasted land. But most of all, I remember The Road Warrior.”

Wearable art designer Selma Karaca said: “We are bankrupt but we have $ to supply all the wars in the other side of the world.”

Jillian Rotsky aka @therealpurpletutu said: “It's pretty dead. But there is an excellent wine store, Boutique Wines Spirits and Cider, and a great Indian restaurant!” OliveGaza and others agreed: “Gymkhana the Indian restaurant is 🔥 (esp the lunch buffet!)”

Now residents must drive further up to the Poughkeepsie Mall to find Famous Footwear and DSW for a wider variety of lower priced kids shoes. Plato’s Closet is coming to Poughkeepsie, and there are other consignment shops in the area to help with this.

ALBB readers also chimed in to say that Planet Fitness is moving in to the movie theater spot, which has been confirmed.

Deer Virus May Be Causing Increase In Dead Deer In Yards Near Mountain - Councilperson Aymar-Blair Provides Guidance

Councilperson Dan Aymar-Blair, representing Ward 4 near Mount Beacon, gave residents guidance during this week’s City Council meeting on what to do if they found a dead deer in their yard: call the Highway Department to remove it. Additionally, the Highlands Current reported early in September about the increase in dead dear in the region, which New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) confirmed was the result of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD), which is carried by a midge who bites a deer.

One was found near the Fishkill Creek in Madam Brett Park, and 32 EHD fatalities in the Cold Spring area and 26 across the Hudson River near Goshen, according to the article. Depending on the movement patterns of the local midge population, say officials, the disease could be spreading. It could be paused by prolonged freezing weather.

According to the article, written by Brian PJ Cronin: “After a deer is bitten by a midge carrying the virus, it takes about 7 days for symptoms to appear. Once they do, the end comes swiftly, usually 8 to 36 hours after being affected. Besides acting disoriented, appearing lame and losing their normal fear of humans, infected deer have high fevers that cause extreme thirst, which is why most deceased deer are found near water sources (one of the first reported cases was a doe found in a Putnam County lake). Other visible symptoms include swelling of the head, neck, tongue and lips.”

According to the article, and to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the disease is not transmittable to humans or pets, like dogs. It is limited to white-tailed deer, mule deer and pronghorn antelope. In other words: ruminants, which are hoofed, even-toed animals, according to ODFW. Colder weather with a freeze would drive the midges into hibernation mode.

Though the disease is not transmissible to humans, it can cause deer to die quickly near humans, and begin decomposing, which can cause a foul smell. The dead deer should not be eaten. According to the Highlands Current: “Deer that succumb to EHD decompose at a much higher rate than normal as a result of weakened blood vessel walls and an elevated body temperature from fever. This leads to extremely rapid meat spoilage, so infected deer should not be eaten.”

The article encourages people to contact the wildlife department at the DEC’s Region 3 office in New Paltz by calling 845-256-3098 to report sick or dead deer. Councilperson Dan encouraged Beaconites to call Beacon’s Highway Department at (845) 831-0932 and by emailing the Highway Superintendent, Michael Manzi, mmanzi@cityofbeacon.org.

Sexy Nails Leaves Beacon - Replaced By Beans Cat Café - Coming Soon

Left: The writer Izdihar Dabashi holding her newly adopted cat. Right: The storefront of Beans Cat Cafe, formerly Sexy Nails. Photo Credits: Izdihar Dabashi (left), Katie Hellmuth Martin (right).

Editor’s Note: This storefront, 325 Main Street, is in the Ritter Building, owned by Beacontie and photographer Frank Ritter. This location used to be Sexy Nails, the nail salon that many Beaconites went to regularly. In the middle of the shutdown, Sexy Nails left. A couple months later, rumors of the cat cafe started, and A Little Beacon Blog’s writer Izdihar Dabashi pursued the story, which you can read below.

Cats and Coffee… Hey All You Cool Cats and Kittens

Quarantine has been a whirlpool of Netflix binges, seemingly spontaneous pet adoptions, and baking addictions. A majority of us have fulfilled our destinies of becoming Betty Crockers or Crazy Cat Ladies. Personally, I have become a plant hoarder and while most of my plants are thriving, a few have crossed over to the great unknown. Maybe more than a few. At this point, I no longer need to eat or drink or sleep, I simply photosynthesize.

Izdihar’s newly adopted cat, Aladdin, striking the pose for the recent “adoption photo” post. Photo Credit: Izdihar Dabashi.

I will admit, I fell victim to the cute adoption posts posted all over my socials. I am now a proud aunt to a 6-month-old kitten. I love the little troublemaker so much, that I would love more little clumsy kittens teetering around my living room like the Rugrat toddlers. Sadly, there are far too many cons outweighing the pros on my list.

If you have also been thinking about adopting a cat or simply want an adorable cat to cuddle with, then you will be excited to hear about Beacon’s first-ever cat cafe, Beans Cat Cafe, a concept seemingly straight out of a dream (or nightmare for all you Tiger King fanatics). Beans Cat Cafe hopes to create an experience for people unable to welcome cats in their own homes perhaps due to living space restrictions, allergies, whatever the reason may be. New to the idea of cat cafes? They have been trending for a while now, and in 2018, there were 40 across the country, according to The Sauce.

Coming Soon-ish

Beans Cat Café plans to open on Main Street this October, and set a GoFundMe fundraiser to help make it happen. The actual opening date may be later in the year, because it takes a lot to open a business. Owners Jessica Cruz-Strika and Justin Strika were inspired by their own love for cats, and were introduced to the idea of a cat café through various articles. Both owners graduated from Highland and have maintained connections to the Beacon community. While Justin grew up in a cat household, Jessica became obsessed with cats after adopting her first cat, Luca, a few years ago and started regularly visiting Dutchess County SPCA (DCSPCA).

Luca, aka Bean, is credited with the origins of the name of their cat café. The day-to-day operations of the cat café will mainly be run by Jessica, who has experience in the food/beverage service industry, while Justin will continue to work as a Direct Support Person working for the Anderson Center for Autism.

How This Cat Café Will Work

When visitors enter Beans Cat Café, they will be greeted with the café side that includes baked goods from Frida’s Bakery and Café in Milton, NY, as well as a wide variety of beverages that will only be served in the café area. Guests who wish to include the cat lounge in the experience will be offered entrance through the partition walls for a small fee and are welcome to bring their food with them.

The cat lounge will have seating, board games, and up to 8 cats at a time that are all adoptable through Hudson Valley Animal Rescue and Sanctuary (HVARS) in Poughkeepsie. All portions of the adoption including the fee are exclusive to HVARS.

Beans Cat Café is currently completing construction in anticipation of their opening later this year. Currently, there is not a set date to open, but guests who have contributed to the business through GoFundMe and Bonfire will receive invitations for a soft opening. There are even Cat Café face masks for sale as part of the fundraiser. More information will hopefully become available as we approach the end of October.

Nadia, A Tiger At The Bronx Zoo, Tests Positive For COVID-19

Photo Credit: Wildlife Conservation Society

As reported by Gothamist and released by the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo in New York today, the 4-year-old Malayan tiger, Nadia, has tested positive for COVID-19. According to the press release: “She, her sister Azul, two Amur tigers, and three African lions had developed a dry cough and all are expected to recover.” These tigers live in the Tiger Mountain exhibit at the zoo.

While the zoo has been closed since March 16, 2020, the big cat was infected by her human caregiver. According to the WCS statement: “Our cats were infected by a person caring for them who was asymptomatically infected with the virus or before that person developed symptoms. Appropriate preventive measures are now in place for all staff who are caring for them, and the other cats in our four WCS zoos, to prevent further exposure of any other of our zoo cats.”

According to the WCS, the positive COVID-19 test was confirmed by USDA’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory, based in Ames, Iowa. Other big cats also living in Tiger Mountain have not shown symptoms, which include one male Amur tiger and a Malayan tiger and two Amur tigers.

In terms of symptoms, the infected big cats have a decrease in appetite, but are otherwise bright, alert and interactive with their caregivers. Says the WCS: “It is not known how this disease will develop in big cats since different species can react differently to novel infections, but we will continue to monitor them closely and anticipate full recoveries.”

Several organizations were involved with the testing effort, named in the press release: “We are grateful for the cooperation and support of the New York State Diagnostic Laboratory at Cornell University and the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, where the initial COVID-19 testing of samples from the tiger were performed; the USDA National Veterinary Services Laboratory where confirmatory testing was conducted; USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service; and the New York and Illinois State Veterinarians and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for their assistance.”

Donald McNeal, Father And Owner of Beacon Barkery, Passes Away. Son Jon Continues To Run The Store

Donald McNeal, pictured at left, was a well-known pest exterminator who had an Orkin franchise (he once removed a hornet nest from our front bushes) and was a jazz drummer in certain circles before he bought the Beacon Barkery at the urging of his son Jon, who was an employee at the time. Donald bought the shop from Libby Faison and Nanci Pate, who were retiring, in November 2016. Soon after moving in, the landlord raised the rent, and Donald and Jon moved over to the storefront next door. The business was humming along ever since. They opened a second location in New Windsor.

A couple years ago, Donald suffered from a stroke which left him impaired. He had been recovering ever since with the help of his family. The Beacon Barkery, under Libby and Nanci, spearheaded the organization of the Beacon Barks Parade. Donald and Jon took over organizing the parade when they bought the store. This year, to help out, Libby and Nanci were stepping back in to help run the parade, when the coronavirus pandemic stopped everything.

Earlier this month, Donald passed away in his sleep, at home, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Arlene Golpe, and by his sons, Donald C. McNeal III, of Wappingers Falls and Jonathan E. McNeal of Hopewell Junction, according to the Highlands Current. He is also survived by the family’s four pugs, Angel, Casper, Eddie, and Louie.

Beacon Barkery Is Open And Delivers Pet Food

The Beacon Barkery remains open, and is managed by Jon and pug Angel. Jon has been doing deliveries for years, including to my front porch. Also recently, Jon designed and launched the Beacon Barkery’s website, making online ordering very easy. Jon has a system in place where he counts how many bags you get, in order to qualify for a free bag. During the pandemic, the store will be closed on Mondays.

At the Barkery, you’ll find food and treats for cats and dogs, as well as clothing for small dogs, leashes, flea treatment, and more. Jon is extremely helpful, and can get you whatever you need. If you want some of the best pet food around - you will find it at the Beacon Barkery. My cat enjoys the frozen rabbit pellets (no cans, great for the environment, and is real game meat), and mixtures of dry food.

Our prayers are with Jon and his family during this difficult time. He’s at work, the Open flag flying. Give him a six-foot wave.

PETS: Consider Fostering A Dog Or Cat If Someone Gets Too Sick To Care For Them

Photo Credit: DSPCA. Pictured here is Horace: He is 2 years old, and available for adoption.

Looking around us today, we do not personally see a lot of people out super sick. But do you? Do you know if someone is inside their home, too sick to care for their pet? Animal enthusiasts are trying to spread the word to encourage people to foster a cat or dog, in the unlikely or unplanned event that their human owner cannot take care of them while they are healing.

Animal shelters are deemed as necessary businesses under New York State’s PAUSE Plan, and not closing, but they have put emergency plans into place. DSPCA is closed to the public for adoptions, yet are taking adoptions by appointment). DSPCA is only accepting emergency intakes only, according to their website. They are highly encouraging fostering if many people at once cannot care for their animal while they are infected and healing.

Form From DSPCA If You Want To Foster: Apply Here

Recommendations from the ASPCA On How To Prepare Your Pet Life: Get Ideas Here

Adopting Through ARF of Beacon (the place near the cat sanctuary … yes, they have dogs): Learn how to adopt here

NEED YOUR HELP NOTE: ARF, a no-kill shelter here in Beacon, was in the midst of promoting their annual fundraiser for this year when this shutdown happened. Consider donating to ARF now, as this was supposed to be a time of fundraising for them.

Puppy And Dog Yoga Adoption Event A Success - And The Pictures Are Adorbs

All Sport Health and Fitness has teamed with Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts (C.A.R.E. of Dutchess County) to bring the community a special Puppy Yoga and Adoption Day and it was a huge success. “We had such a demand that we added a second session - that sold out, too! - and raised some funds for the C.A.R.E. of Dutchess County organization,” said Ashley Valitutto, marketing manager for All Sport. “We know that some lucky doggies found forever homes, and the day was full of smiles and puppy kisses.”

Puppy Yoga Programming

Puppy Yoga was led by Mind Body director Megan Wiley for two 30-minute sessions. The all-levels yoga class allowed participants to practice their downward dog pose while getting puppy kisses and seeing wagging tails. The puppies get some much-needed socialization, and attendees got a unique way to brighten up their day and exercise routine for the day.

More Animal Rescue Support Opportunities at All Sport

In addition to Puppy Yoga, All Sport will continue to have a table in their lobby all month long for collecting pet goods to support the animals at the rescue. Some of the items being collected are Purina Pro-Plan puppy food, puppy and dog toys, Wee-Wee pads, blankets, and other basic needs for operation. 

About C.A.R.E of D.C.

Compassionate Animal Rescue Efforts of Dutchess County (C.A.R.E. of D.C.) is a “No Kill” non-profit pet adoption agency formed in 2016. Founder Karen LeCain established C.A.R.E. of D.C. after many years of successful animal rescue and placement. Karen has dedicated her life to ensure that all animals are given a chance at life, whether they’re found sick and afraid, injured, or abandoned. She is takes great care in properly selecting the right applicants for the animals being adopted to ensure the best fit with the pet’s health, well-being, and happiness.

To learn more about CARE of DC, please visit their website at careofdc.org, or call them at (845) 240-4862. 

All Sport Health & Fitness is located in the Village of Fishkill. To learn more, please call (845) 896-5678 or visit www.allsporthealthandfitness.com. 

Photo Credits: All Sport Health & Fitness.

Dr. Nick Opens New Practice as Beacon Veterinary Associates After Purchasing Roosevelt Vet on the Hudson (Sponsored)

Pictured Left: Dr. Bethany Souers, and Right: Dr. Nicholas Spaccarelli

SERVICES & SPECIALTIES:

• Wellness care
• Cat vaccinations
• Dog vaccinations
• In-house pharmacy
• In-house lab diagnostics
• Advanced dental services
• Digital radiology
• Soft tissue surgery
• Affordable orthopedic surgery with both general practitioners and board-certified orthopedic surgeons
• Chronic pain management

Major work has been going on in the center of Main Street at The Beacon Veterinary Associates, the new vet in the same strip as More Good, Towne Crier and Oak Vino. Six months ago, Dr. Nicholas Spaccarelli (aka Dr. Nick) bought Roosevelt Vet on the Hudson and has been enhancing it ever since, working with the existing staff and veterinarians like Dr. Bethany Souers, and preparing for their major name change.

Celebrating this Saturday at their Open House from 12 to 4 pm, you're invited to stop into their hospital and office location at 345 Main St., where they will personally take you on tours of the facility. You'll recognize several faces of the team if you visited prior, including Morgan, Dr. Souers, Nicole, and Heather. Soon you can meet Mike McCabe, LVT (Licensed Veterinary Technician) who sees patients during select Saturdays.

About Dr. Nick Spaccarelli

“Our Motto is: ‘21st-century medicine and surgery, paired with 20th-century care and compassion.’ We feel we are small enough to offer that hometown community feel yet still provide advanced medicine and surgery. If we can’t offer you a service in-house, then we will make sure to find the right specialist to come to our hospital or facilitate a referral to the best specialty centers in the area.””

— Dr. Nick

Dr. Nick Spaccarelli was born and raised in the Hudson Valley. He went to SUNY Delhi where he received a degree as a veterinary technician. He later attended Purdue University and continued on to Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

In 2007, Dr. Spaccarelli returned to the Hudson Valley to begin working in private practice and to pursue his professional interests in surgery, rehabilitation and pain management in pets that have chronic issues. A few years later in 2011, he went back to Ross University as a faculty member and clinician at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

After three years on the island of St. Kitts, Dr. Spaccarelli returned to the Hudson Valley to fulfill his lifelong dream of practice ownership. He brings over 10 years of small animal experience to the Beacon Veterinary Associates. He is excited to be adding orthopedic surgery and chronic pain management to a long list of advanced offerings at the practice.

Dr. Spaccarelli resides in Hopewell Junction with his wife Megan and their newborn daughter Mackenzie. They have a dog named Marshall that they rescued, along with two red-footed tortoises - named Harry and Sally - from St Kitts. He is an avid traveler and has been to Europe, Australia, Canada, the Caribbean and Central America. His passions include surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, fishing, hiking, cooking and spending time with family and friends.

This article has been a Partner Post with Beacon Veterinary Associates as a Spotlight Sponsor. Thank you for supporting businesses who support this publication and the community!