Take a look at our May newsletter!
REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 May 2025
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
Helping Hank and Blanche with their estate planning and real estate journey felt like catching up with old friends because that’s exactly what they are. After working with them for over 25 years, it was an absolute joy to help them take this next step. Their trust means the world, and I couldn’t be happier for them! Why We’ve Been Loyal to the Merlino & Gonzalez Team for Decades If you told us 25 years ago that we’d one day move out of New York, we probably wouldn’t believe you. But here we are on our patio in the perfect 55+ community near the beach in New Jersey, and we couldn’t be happier. From buying and selling homes to updating our estate plan, Merlino & Gonzalez has been a trusted part of our story for decades, and we’re thrilled to share just how much their support has meant. Our journey with Ken and John began long ago. Blanche worked in the same firm with Ken before Merlino & Gonzalez was established way back when (over 25 years ago). Clearly, that connection stuck. As a Realtor, I knew the value of having someone sharp and reliable on your side. Over the years, I’ve helped clients buy, sell, and manage properties with the legal help of Merlino & Gonzalez. So, when it came time to find our new home, we knew exactly whom to call. We wanted a place that felt like home but was easier to manage (aka no more shoveling snow or mowing the lawn). After checking out several communities, even as far as Delaware, we realized we weren’t ready to give up that “New York feel.” New Jersey ended up being the sweet spot. We found a community that’s not only close to the beach, but close to our children, who are both living in the Garden State. That sealed the deal. A Friendship Years in the Making
Buying our new home and selling our longtime place in Staten Island was no small feat. But with Ken handling the New York sale and John handling the New Jersey purchase, it felt effortless. The team at Merlino & Gonzalez, including Stephanie and Michele, was attentive and professional. They made the entire process a pleasure — timely, clear, and, above all, personal. Our original wills were drawn up when our kids were still little, so we took the opportunity to update our estate plan. Now they’re grown and married, and it was time to make sure our wishes reflected our current stage in life. Ken walked us through everything, line by line, making sure we understood our options and helping us make informed decisions. He kept it simple and stress-free, which is all you could ever ask for when it comes to any sort of legal guidance. Since retiring (Blanche hung up her hat just this past April), we’ve been making the most of this new chapter. From lazy days by the pool to planning our next big trip — Portugal, Scotland, Spain, and Brazil are already in the books — we’re soaking up every moment. We even took a cruise to the Keys earlier this year, and we’ve got our sights set on a future winter escape in Florida. No more cold winters if we can help it!
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PAW-SOME ADVENTURES
HEALTHY FAMILIES START WITH SMART HABITS
TIPS FOR FIGHTING GERMS YEAR-ROUND
Keep your hands clean. Focusing on everyday hygiene is one of the best ways to prevent illness, and it all starts with hand-washing. Soap and water are the go-to combo, but hand sanitizer is an excellent option for cleaning on the go. Teach kids to wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom, playing outdoors, and visiting crowded places. You can even turn this habit into a fun family ritual by having your little ones sing their favorite song while scrubbing for 20 seconds. Fuel up with healthy choices. A strong immune system is also key to illness prevention. Getting adequate sleep and eating a nutrient-dense diet provides natural immune- system support. The kids and adults in your family can boost immunity by loading up on fruits and vegetables; focus on those full of vitamin C, such as strawberries, citrus fruits, and bell peppers. Lean proteins like chicken and fish and fiber-rich foods like avocados and broccoli also support a robust immune system.
Stay on top of surface cleaning. Germs love high-contact areas like countertops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, and light switches. Cleaning these surfaces daily reduces germ exposure and complements frequent handwashing. If someone has been sick, more frequent wipedowns will help prevent others from getting sick. And don’t forget about phones, tablets, and remote controls. These devices harbor bacteria and viruses and come into contact with our hands and faces. See a doctor when symptoms linger. Unfortunately, even the best prevention habits can’t guarantee an illness-free household. If a family member has a fever lasting more than two days or cold and flu symptoms lasting longer than 10 days, it’s time to visit your health care provider. When in doubt, trust your instincts — early treatment can be key to ensuring quick recovery.
For families, “sick season” can seem never- ending. Just when it feels like the sniffles are gone for good, someone else comes down with a cold. Even though the weather’s getting warmer, germs have not taken a vacation. Keeping your family healthy requires extra precautions, no matter the time of year.
HOW TO BUILD A HOME THEATER FOR LESS Cinema Dreams on a Popcorn Budget
Lights! Camera! Couch!
the entertainment options most important to you and focus on those. Maybe a new game console is the top item on your wish list, so it’s worth spending money on that rather than a new streaming service. And if you already have excellent speakers or a wide-screen TV that will fit perfectly into your plans in other rooms, you can shuffle your furniture around and reduce your costs. Create Star-Studded Effects Proper lighting, sound, and other features can transform a TV room into an authentic theater experience. If you can afford it, add ambient lighting, spotlights, and blackout curtains to set the mood. While a big-screen TV can do the job, projectors can create a real cinematic view. They also tend to be more compact, allowing more room for additional seating or a
popcorn maker. Give your screening space the surround sound feel by installing a soundbar, a space-saving audio system that delivers rich, theater-quality sound. Set the Stage Complete your family theater by adding movie- themed decor and extra cinema comforts. Display movie posters of your family’s favorite films, and consider creating a mini concession stand. You can use a bar cart or inexpensive cabinet as a snack area, complete with a mini fridge with drinks. So, gather your crew to turn your living room into a movie lover’s paradise! Now, all that’s left is to push play and let the good times and tasty snacks roll!
Ready to reel in the perfect movie night without breaking the bank? You can bring the theater into your living room by building a budget-friendly cinema your family will enjoy. You don’t need a Hollywood actor’s salary to bring the magic of film to your favorite sofa. With some creativity and planning, you’ll be directing a screening room remodel in no time, saving you money on tickets and popcorn at the chain movie theater! Let’s get the credits rolling on the home theater of your dreams — no blockbuster budget required. Cast Your Dream Scene Is your family a fan of TV show binges or video game competitions that last for hours? Since you are working with a limited budget, choose
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Most people know the estate planning essentials: wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. But there’s one crucial document that often goes unnoticed — until it’s too late. The HIPAA authorization may not make headlines, but its role is critical in protecting your family’s ability to help during a medical emergency. Why Privacy Protections Can Become Barriers HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is designed to safeguard your medical information. While it does an excellent job of protecting your privacy, it can unintentionally create major roadblocks for your loved ones when you’re unable to speak for yourself. A Small Form With Major Power Why Your Estate Plan Isn’t Complete Without a HIPAA Release
What Happens Without One Failing to include a HIPAA authorization can lead to:
A HIPAA authorization allows you to name specific individuals, such as your spouse, adult children, or a trusted health care agent, who may access your medical records and communicate directly with your doctors. Without it, even those closest to you may be left in the dark during a critical moment. How It Strengthens Your Estate Plan Adding a HIPAA authorization to your estate plan offers several critical benefits:
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Health care providers being legally restricted from sharing your medical information Delays in time-sensitive medical decisions Unnecessary disputes among family members or confusion about who is authorized to act
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Access Vital Information Faster: In an emergency, every moment counts. Granting access to medical details ensures your care team and family are aligned quickly and clearly. Inform Your Health Care Agent: If you’ve appointed someone through a medical power of attorney, they need to be fully informed to make the best decisions on your behalf. Reduce Emotional Distress: When your family members can communicate openly with health care providers, they feel more confident and reassured, which is precisely what they need in a difficult moment.
These outcomes are completely preventable with just a bit of planning and professional guidance. Your Next Step Toward Peace of Mind At Merlino & Gonzalez, we understand that thoughtful estate planning goes beyond the basics. A HIPAA authorization may seem like a minor detail, but in a crisis, it can make all the difference. We’re here to help you put every safeguard in place so you and your family are protected, supported, and confident in your plan. Ready to complete your estate plan with clarity and care? Contact our team today to learn how we can help.
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We look forward to entertaining family and friends in our new home, exploring our community, and continuing to discover new places together. After 45 years of marriage and all those years as high school sweethearts, we still enjoy the simple pleasures: beach days, family, and friends. And it’s comforting to know we have a team like Merlino & Gonzalez in our corner, helping us protect everything we’ve built. To anyone on the fence about estate planning: Don’t be intimidated. With the right people, it’s easier than you think. And if you’re looking to make a move or plan for the future, we can say from experience that you’re in good hands with this firm. They’ve been a part of our journey for over 25 years, and we’re glad to have them on this next adventure with us.
ASPARAGUS CASHEW RICE PILAF Michele’s Recipe Corner
INSPIRED BY ALLRECIPES.COM
INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup butter •
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1 1/4 cups uncooked jasmine rice
–Hank and Blanche Edwards
2 oz uncooked spaghetti, broken into bite-size pieces
2 1/4 cups vegetable broth Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 cup minced onion 1/2 tsp minced garlic
1/2 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
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1/2 cup cashew halves
DIRECTIONS 1. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. 2. Stir in spaghetti and cook until coated and lightly browned. 3. Stir in onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes until tender. 4. Stir in rice and cook for 5 minutes. Add the broth and season with salt and pepper. 5. Bring mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and cook for 20 minutes. 6. In a separate saucepan, cover asparagus with water and cook until tender. Drain water. 7. Mix asparagus and cashews into rice and serve warm.
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718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH Hank and Blanche’s Next Chapter: From Real Estate to Retirement Bliss Page 1 Everyday Habits to Keep Your Family Healthy Theater Vibes Without the Ticket Price Page 2 Don’t Overlook This Vital Estate Planning Document Asparagus Cashew Rice Pilaf Page 3 Where to Go and What to See This May Page 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Your May Bucket List Starts Here! MUSIC, WINE, AND MEDIEVAL MERRIMENT
May is shaping up to be a magical month filled with adventure, music, and unforgettable memories across Staten Island and New Jersey. Whether you’re sipping wine on a scenic train ride, stepping back in time at a Renaissance village, or enjoying a concert under the spring sky, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The Winery Train at Delaware River Railroad Excursions May 3–Oct. 26 877TrainRide.com/winery.htm All aboard for a day of wine, views, and vintage charm! The Winery Train offers a scenic ride along the Delaware River from Phillipsburg, New Jersey, with stops for wine tasting at Villa Milagro Vineyards, plus time to explore local pubs, stroll the historic Robling Wire Rope Bridge, and unwind at riverside picnic groves. With trains running every two hours from May through October, you can savor the experience
at your own pace. For just $45, enjoy wine samples, breathtaking views, and optional add-ons like a gem mining adventure at the Susquehanna Mining Company. SI Philharmonic Concert at The Conference House Sunday, May 25, 4–6 p.m. ConferenceHouse.org/events Spend your Memorial Day surrounded by music at the picturesque Conference House Lawn. The Staten Island Philharmonic will fill the air with heartfelt melodies in a tribute to those who served and sacrificed. Sponsored by the Conference House Association, this free concert invites families, friends, and neighbors to gather in gratitude. Bring a blanket and let the music carry us through an afternoon of reflection and unity, because remembering together makes the moment even more powerful.
New Jersey Renaissance Faire May 17–June 8 NJRenFaire.com
Step into the enchanting village of New Crossford for the New Jersey Renaissance Faire, happening weekends from May 17–June 8. Voted No. 7 Best Renaissance Faire by USA Today readers, this immersive outdoor celebration is bursting with magic, mischief, and medieval marvels. Enjoy live jousts, fire dancers, circus acts, and spontaneous performances around every corner. With seven stages, craft demos, kid-friendly shows, and whimsical characters that roam the shire, it’s a day of nonstop adventure. Come hungry — turkey legs, fairy floss, and giant pickles await!
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