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John Zollo

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A scene from the Town of Smithtown's 2024 tree lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
A scene from the Town of Smithtown's 2024 tree lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
A scene from the Town of Smithtown's 2024 tree lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
A scene from the Town of Smithtown's 2024 tree lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
A scene from the Town of Smithtown's 2024 tree lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
A scene from the Town of Smithtown's 2024 tree lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
A scene from the Town of Smithtown's 2024 tree lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
A scene from the Town of Smithtown's 2024 tree lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
A scene from the Town of Smithtown's 2024 tree lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
A scene from the Town of Smithtown's 2024 tree lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
A scene from the Town of Smithtown's 2024 tree lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown
A scene from the Town of Smithtown's 2024 tree lighting ceremony. Photo courtesy of Town of Smithtown

The Town of Smithtown held their Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Tuesday, December 3rd at Town Hall. Master of Ceremonies, John Zollo kicked off the evening by announcing the arrival of Santa Claus, courtesy of the Smithtown Fire Department, straight from the North Pole around 5:15  p.m.

Santa Claus, with help from volunteer Elves and our Smithtown Fire Marshall, Nick Kefalos interacted with little residents, taking photos and collecting big hugs for the duration of the event. Live performances from Great Hollow Select Chorus, Hauppauge HS Kickline, RJO Intermediate Chorus, Smithtown West Varsity Whisperettes, Accompsett Middle School Select Chorus, Sara Jean Dance Company, and Smithtown West Jazz Choir, entertained the crowd throughout the night. The magic of the holiday season closed the evening out, when the Town Administration and our youngest residents flipped the switch to light tree, just as snow flurries fell from the sky.

“This event gets better every year. People couldn’t believe that it started to snow! They kept asking if we got a snow machine… It was truly magical. I’d like to thank everyone who made this event possible; especially our talented team at the Recreation Department, our Parks, Buildings and Grounds crew, who didn’t stop working through the bitter cold weather for two days, our amazing Department of Public Safety, GTV film crew and of course our Chief Fire Marshall and the Smithtown Fire Department for getting Santa here safe!” said Town of Supervisor Ed Wehrheim.

“Also, a special thanks to the incredible school districts, dance companies, talented teachers, students and parents who made this event so much fun for everyone. Thank you to our Girl Scout Troops, and the Smithtown Youth Bureau volunteers for always making our events so community friendly! Finally, thanks to our vendors who participated this year, especially Smithtown Landing Caterers who donated the cookies and hot chocolate for the evening. We are so blessed and thankful to live in a town that comes together in such a wonderful way! Every year this ceremony gets bigger and better. It was the perfect kickoff to a wonderful holiday season,” added Supervisor Wehrheim.

The community based event is organized by the Department of Recreation, with support from the Parks Department and the Department of Public Safety. Volunteers included Girl Scout Troops 292, 1823, and 628 as well as a number of Local High School student volunteers who were enlisted thanks to the Smithtown Youth Bureau. The tree is decorated each year by the Department of Traffic Safety. Town Hall is transformed into a winter wonderland, quite literally, with decorations, designed and constructed by the Parks Department. Live event staging and pro audio services are provided by Taylor Productions.

Live performances that entertained a packed house included Great Hollow Select Chorus, Hauppauge HS Kickline, RJO Intermediate Chorus, Smithtown West Varsity Whisperettes, Accompsett Middle School Select Chorus, Sara Jean Dance Company, and Smithtown West Jazz Choir.  Each group performed seasonal favorites for a crowd of approximately 300 people.

Youth volunteers served Cookies and Hot Chocolate, donated courtesy of Smithtown Landing Caterers. Balloon Sculpting was provided for kids of all ages by Animations. The Big Black Food Truck and Pretzel Factory featured delicious snacks and light fare. New this year, Zag’s Photo Booth was set up for guests to pose for digital and print photos. Bins were loaded to the brim for the Smithtown Food Pantry and Toys for Tots. Residents may still drop off Toys for Tots at Town Hall now through December 13th. Residents who wish to make a donation to the Smithtown Food Pantry may do so in person at their location: 90 Edgewater Avenue in the hamlet of Smithtown.

TOYS FOR TOTS DROP SITE:

Did you know, you can donate new toys to the US Marines Toys for Tots drop off site, located inside Town Hall (at the main entrance.) The collection will be picked up by the Marine Corps on December 13th, 2024. Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 9AM – 5PM.

UPSIDE DOWN GIFT CARD TREE:

Residents looking for a unique way to give back during the holidays may stop by the Smithtown Senior Center (420 Middle Country Rd, Smithtown) during regular business hours and pick an ornament from the upside down tree. Each ornament lists a gift card which will be donated to Angles of Kings Park to assist local families and children in need. Gift Cards must be donated by Tuesday, December 10th. The Smithtown Senior Center is open Monday through Friday: 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. For more information please call: (631) 360-7616

Upcoming Events: 

The Town of Smithtown Recreation & Senior Citizens Departments will host an independent holiday shopping experience for kids. On Saturday, December 7th, from 10AM to 1PM, children (grades K-5) can shop with a chaperone, and enjoy giving gifts to family & friends, without spoiling the surprise. Extra little shoppers may shop with parents and older siblings after 12:30PM. The Tender Years Treasury event showcases handmade gifts, all modestly priced at $5 and under. The independent kids shopping experience is held at the Eugene Cannataro Senior Citizens Center.

Menorah Lighting Ceremony: The Town of Smithtown will hold its Annual Menorah Lighting Ceremony on December 26th from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM at Town Hall. The community based event, is hosted by Supervisor Wehrheim and the Town Board, featuring Rabbi Mendel Teldon of Chabad Mid Suffolk, music, Latkes, Donuts and gelt drop. Additional details to follow.

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John Zollo

By TBR staff

TBR News Media is endorsing Paul Damato (R, C) and John Zollo (R, C) for the two judges vacancies on the 4th District Court in the Town of Smithtown.

Both men’s dedication to the Smithtown community makes them an asset to a position that oversees a variety of cases, including but not limited to civil disputes, family matters, small claims and housing issues, all of which will directly affect their neighbors.

Their combined strong suits, which run the gamut from Zollo’s empathetic approach to justice, to Damato’s extensive experience in property evaluation, tax law and even serving as the Village of Port Jefferson assessor — will make for balanced and substantiated rulings.

Paul Damato. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

Damato is a man who has chosen a field of law that requires great patience and know-how, and his knowledge of legal study is impressive. Additionally, Damato views the judiciary as requiring a “balance of technical precision, and fair application of law,” further emphasizing that his decisions will be grounded in his comprehensive study of primary and secondary legal sources. His comfortability with property-related cases sets him apart from his peers, as Damato truly derives pleasure from the practice of legal intricacies.

Zollo’s posts as assistant county attorney, Suffolk County, as well as town attorney for Smithtown, have prepared him for the procedural handling of local government issues, civil litigation and community centric cases. His understanding of legal ordinances has provided Zollo with the type of “inside” knowledge he needs to properly serve his town. He has viewed his various positions as a way to connect with his community, one person at a time, and Zollo’s strong standing within local circles allows him insight into the individualized needs of local residents. He prides himself on approaching each one of his cases with compassion and respect, feeling that his duty is that of a public servant — not an authoritarian. He shared that being a judge “is not just about knowing the law, it’s about understanding people, and what they need from the law.”

In addition to both men’s numerous attributes, it is important to note that Damato has extensive leadership experience. He served as president of an attorney appraiser and architectural engineer association. As an academic, he has taught legal education courses at the law schools of St. John’s University and Fordham University.

With Maria Scheuring’s decision not to come in, we have no choice but to exclude the Democratic nominee from our consideration. However, Scheuring does not lack in experience, and is a seasoned lawyer, with over two decades of experience. She is a trial and appellate attorney with experience in matrimonial, family and guardianship law, who started her career as an assistant district attorney in the Bronx. Additionally, Scheuring founded two law firms in which she has represented a broad range of clients, including corporations, musicians and major insurance companies. She later served as an associate attorney in NYC firms, focusing on plaintiff’s no-fault litigation, workers compensation, social security disability and high-stakes corporate defense work for municipalities and international companies. She ran a 2021 campaign for Town of Smithtown supervisor, losing to Ed Wehrheim (R),

Consequently, we feel that John Zollo and Paul Damato are the best judges choices for the 4th District. They are intelligent, personable and, most importantly, veterans in the legal field. They have what it takes to serve their district with dignity and admiration for not only judicial, but also the Smithtown community.

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Paul Damato. Photo by Toni-Elena Gallo

While judges are not allowed to campaign, they were able to tell us about their backgrounds.

In their recent meeting at the TBR News Media office, John Zollo (R,C) and Paul Damato (R,C), both candidates for the Town of Smithtown’s 4th District Court Judge positions, showed they bring substantial legal experience and complementary qualifications to the race. While they share core beliefs about the role of a judge, they each bring different strengths from their varied careers. They are each running against the Democratic candidate, Maria Scheuring, who did not come in to tell us about her background.

John Zollo’s background, career and approach

John Zollo

John Zollo has developed a well-rounded career rooted in family and civil law, emphasizing his dedication to public service and community-centered justice. He said he wanted to be a lawyer “from the time I was in the third grade … [partially] because anyone who was anybody in history were mostly lawyers.” After graduating from Fordham University, Zollo attended New York Law School, which laid the groundwork for his legal path. He began his career as an assistant county attorney for Suffolk County, gaining extensive experience in handling a variety of local cases. Later, as the town attorney for Smithtown, Zollo became attuned to the specific issues affecting residents, from family law matters to municipal legal concerns.

Zollo describes his approach to the bench as one centered on accessibility and empathy. He believes that judges should be relatable and deeply invested in the well-being of their communities, stating, “It’s not just about knowing the law, it’s about understanding people and what they need from the law.” Personally, Zollo has strong ties to his Italian American heritage, which he embraces through family traditions such as cooking. His personable and warm demeanor aligns with his philosophy that a judge should be someone the community feels comfortable approaching, especially in cases involving personal and family disputes.

Paul Damato’s specialized expertise and perspective

Paul Damato brings a specialized focus in real estate tax and property valuation law, fields in which he has practiced for over 36 years. After earning his law degree from Hofstra Law School, Damato concentrated on real estate tax reduction law, representing both property owners and government agencies. This dual role — “working on both sides of the V,” as he puts it — has given him a balanced view of property-related cases, an area he believes is central to Long Island’s economy. In addition to his legal practice, Damato serves as the village assessor in Port Jefferson, a position that further informs his perspective on property and tax issues facing the community.

Damato’s life outside his profession is similarly community focused. He and his wife, who live in St. James, are raising a teenage son, and Damato values the family-oriented atmosphere of Long Island. Beyond his legal work, Damato has lectured at Fordham and St. John’s law schools on property law, reflecting his dedication to education and professional development within the legal community. His approach to being a judge is methodical and technically informed, aimed at delivering fair, well-reasoned judgments that take into account the complex economic factors influencing local property law. “Real estate is the heartbeat of Long Island,” he said, underscoring the importance of understanding property issues at a practical level.

Distinct but complementary judicial approaches

While Zollo and Damato share a common dedication to serving Smithtown’s residents, their judicial philosophies reflect their backgrounds. Zollo’s experience in family and civil law, combined with his community-oriented approach, positions him as a judge who prioritizes empathy and accessibility. His approachable nature and commitment to community well-being align well with cases that involve personal and interpersonal issues.

In contrast, Damato’s focus is rooted in the technical and procedural aspects of property and tax law. His extensive experience as both a representative and assessor offers a pragmatic, detail-oriented approach that could be highly valuable in cases involving property disputes, assessments or economic issues impacting the district. Damato’s balanced approach and deep understanding of property law provide a unique skill set that complements Zollo’s focus on people-centered justice.

Together, Zollo and Damato represent two experienced, community-centered options for voters in Smithtown. Their combined backgrounds — Zollo’s personable approach and Damato’s technical expertise — provide a comprehensive choice for the district’s judicial needs.

Summary written with some assistance from ChatGPT’s services, and all information proofed and vetted by TBR’s editing team.

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Supported by Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta
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Legislator Rob Trotta introduces Nicole Garguilo, Smithtown Public Information Officer, to sing the National Anthem.
Known as the “Singing Attorney,” many people in the audience recognized John Zollo when he took to the stage.
The audience was very impressed by the singing of Giuliana Gallone, who is starting her freshman year at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Cherie Stawecki, a music teacher, opened the concert series with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. Pictured right is Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

This year, the “Summer Concert Series at the Smithtown Library” celebrated its 20th year of bringing entertainment to the residents and neighbors of Smithtown. In 2021, the name of Dennis Cannataro, former Legislator Lynne Nowick’s late brother, was added to the title, as it was his idea for her to do such an event while she was a Legislator.

When Legislator Rob Trotta succeeded Nowick in office, he continued the concerts and invited residents from his legislative district to sing the National Anthem before each show. This year they were Cherie Stawecki of Kings Park, Nicole Garguilo of St. James, John Zollo of Smithtown and Giuliana Gallone, who attended the School of Rock.

A relatively new addition to the series is having students who attend the School of Rock and Musicology perform before the scheduled tribute bands

Trotta receives funding from the Suffolk County Office of Economic Development for the concerts. He is pleased that so many people attend the shows and support the downtown business community. “Julie Delaney, the Smithtown Library’s Director of Community Relations, did an excellent job of coordinating and organizing the concerts, as well as selecting the bands,” said Legislator Trotta.

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Cherie Stawecki, a music teacher, opened the concert series with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. Pictured right is Suffolk County Legislator Rob Trotta.

Legislator Rob Trotta introduces Nicole Garguilo, Smithtown Public Information Officer, to sing the National Anthem.

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The audience was very impressed by the singing of Giuliana Gallone, who is starting her freshman year at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Known as the “Singing Attorney,” many people in the audience recognized John Zollo when he took to the stage.

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John Zollo is looking to unseat Smithtown Supervisor Pat Vecchio. Photo from John Zollo

A Smithtown political institution has a new challenger, as John Zollo announced he’s throwing his hat into the ring for the upcoming race for town supervisor, a position currently held by 39-year incumbent Pat Vecchio (R).

Zollo, a Smithtown resident, has spent his life on Long Island, and graduated from the Commack school district in 1977 — a year before Vecchio first took office. He has experience working in town government, serving as Smithtown town attorney for 12 years, from 1992 to 2002, and then from 2013 to 2014.

“I’m running because I believe some things need to change in Smithtown,” Zollo said in a phone interview. “And I have a big sense of community.”

The 57-year-old is certainly involved in many aspects of the town, serving as president for the Rotary Club of Smithtown Sunrise, a member of the Smithtown and Nesconset chambers of commerce, a committee member of  Smithtown Historical Society, and a board member of the Suffolk County Bar Association, to name a few. Zollo has also lent his voice to the community, singing the national anthem for several Long Island Ducks baseball games, and dozens of judicial robing ceremonies for newly sworn in judges on Long Island.

“I am involved in a lot of stuff, sometimes too much,” Zollo said with a laugh, adding he enjoys contributing to his community in any way he can.

And he has already planned to continue that trend into his campaign, asking for anyone who attended his first campaign event April 26 to donate whatever change they had for Red Nose Day.

Zollo said his main concern in Smithtown government is the lack of transparency and communication on issues, and both are important topics he’d like to address if given the chance to lead.

“I have learned a lot of people get very frustrated with government,” he said. “Too many people get involved with government for the wrong reasons. My wife says I’m Don Quixote riding the Smithtown bull. I believe you can’t just yell from the sidelines when you see something going wrong.”

One recent example of miscommunication Zollo used was the land deal that fell through with the Smithtown school district and Southern Land Company earlier this year. Many residents were unhappy with the plan to develop an apartment complex at the district administration building on New York Avenue, and the town and district seemed to be on different pages as the plan moved forward. By last month the deal had collapsed.

“There should’ve been more of a dialogue with the school, the residents and the town,” Zollo said. “If you have dialogue you get something that works, it doesn’t mean everyone will be happy but it’ll work.”

The candidate said he wants the town to have more work sessions with an agenda, and more conversations that happen in front of the town, so residents can understand the government’s train of thought when making decisions.

“You shouldn’t have to hide anything from people,” Zollo said. “People should know what’s going on in their government. The government right now is being run in secret, by emails, and there is no dialogue in work sessions, no exchange of ideas.”

Zollo said while Vecchio has served a great deal to his community, he believes it’s time for new blood to take over.

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