Community Columns

Wading River News: New owner of Shoreham Wines & Spirits

As the Eagles have sung, “There’s a New Kid in Town.” Kiran Malhotra is now the owner of Shoreham Wines & Spirits on Route 25A. Kiran is a 22-year resident of Shoreham, a graduate of Shoreham-Wading River High School, a military veteran and former staff member of the store. 

Kiran is also a proud five-year member of Shoreham Fire Company No. 3 and a former member of the Fighting 69th Army National Guard. A “God Bless America” plaque hangs behind the register while other military pictures line the walls, along with patches of firemen and police, in all totaling over 100 items from proud men and women who have put their lives in danger to protect the community and Americans.

While I was talking with Kiran, a gentleman named Tom dropped by and presented him with a patch from the House of Pain F.D., Engine Company 277/Ladder Company 112 in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Kiran immediately replied, “It’s going on the wall.”

Once every three months Kiran donates a basket of cheer to the Suffolk County Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which receives 100 percent of the proceeds from its sale. He also donates a scholarship for the Unsung Hero Award at Shoreham-Wading River High School.

John Kolakowski, Kiran’s friend and fellow SWR high school alumnus, is his right-hand man at the store.

Thank you for your time, Kirin. Best of luck to you in your new endeavor.

As you pass by Shoreham Fire Company No. 3 on Route 25A you’ll see that Megabucks raffle tickets are up for grabs. With the projected 1,000 tickets sold, $65,000 will be given out in cash prizes. The price of a ticket is $100. We are well acquainted with Company No. 3, as Poodie Logan started my husband’s heart again after it had stopped. (A world of thanks again, Poodie.) The department puts on a wonderful afternoon and evening, with a terrific barbecue, a 50/50 raffle, the planned 65k in cash prizes, gift baskets and live music in the picnic area by The Hackensack Men & The Trenton Horns. The Megabucks event will be held Sept. 13, beginning at 3 p.m. Children are not invited; spirits will be served.

Due to the upcoming Labor Day holiday and the office being closed Monday, Sept. 1, all information for my next column must be sent to me by Thursday evening, Aug. 28. Thank you and have a great two weeks until we meet here again.

Liz Taggart_BwContact Wading River columnist Elizabeth Taggart at [email protected] or 929-5933.