Take a look at our October newsletter!
REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 October 2025
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING Gabriel From Richmond Plumbing & Heating Shares His Fall Prep Guide! Summer Shutdown to Winter Warm-Up
year. Dust off your unit and clear any leaves or debris around your outdoor condenser. If you’ve noticed the system wasn’t running as well as you’d like, now’s the time to consider getting it serviced or even replaced. Contractors are much more available (and prices are more competitive) in the off-season. Waiting until that first hot day next year could mean delays and higher costs. Now, let’s talk about your heating system. We see a lot of homeowners wait until the first real cold snap to flip that switch, and then panic when it doesn’t turn on. Don’t let that be you. Schedule your heating startup in October when it’s still mild out. Whether you’re running on oil, gas, or electric, having a pro give your system a once-over ensures you’re not left in the cold. Check your thermostat batteries and clean your filters, and if your system involves hot water and needs to be bled, now’s the time. The rule of thumb here is simple: Being proactive saves you money, time, and stress. Waiting until your house feels like an icebox or your AC won’t cool during a heatwave will always be more expensive and cause a headache you could have avoided! Beyond seasonal prep, let me just say how proud I am to be part of Richmond Plumbing & Heating. I started here in 2010 as a helper, worked my way up, and today I’m a proud co-owner of this incredible company that’s been serving the community for more than 60 years. We’re a full-service shop offering plumbing, heating, air conditioning, you name
We know how important it is to maintain your home year-round, especially when the seasons change. That’s why we’re spotlighting Gabriel Ponterio of Richmond Plumbing & Heating in this month’s newsletter. Gabe is not only a licensed master plumber and co-owner of one of New York’s most trusted plumbing companies, but also a dedicated husband, father, and homeowner himself. From prepping your AC for hibernation to firing up the heat before the first frost, Gabe shares timely, practical advice every homeowner should hear. We’re proud to feature a true professional who keeps our community running smoothly. Hey there, Gabe Ponterio here from Richmond Plumbing & Heating! If my name sounds familiar, it might be because my wife and I were featured a few years ago when we bought our first home in New Jersey with help from the team at Merlino & Gonzalez. These days, I’m still doing what I love, working as a licensed master plumber, raising four daughters, and enjoying life here in New Jersey. And with October rolling in, I wanted to share a few tips from the job (and from life) that I think every homeowner should know, especially this time of year. Let’s start with air conditioning and how just a little end-of-season TLC goes a long way. I always recommend doing one last filter change before winter hits because, trust me, your future self will thank you when it’s time to crank it back on next
it. Whether it’s a small leak or a full system replacement, we’ve got it covered. We’ve grown a lot, but we still have that mom-and-pop feel that keeps our customers coming back. I’ve learned a lot in this trade and even more as a husband, father of four, and homeowner here in New Jersey (thanks to Merlino & Gonzalez). Homeownership is a journey, and it requires a bit of foresight and a lot of care. The better you maintain your systems, the more peaceful your home life will be — no surprise breakdowns, no unexpected bills, just a warm (or cool) house you love coming home to. So, if you have questions or concernsor just want to make sure everything’s running as it should, call our team at Richmond Plumbing & Heating at 718-273-7970 and check out our website at RichmondPlumbing.com . We’re always here to help. Let’s make sure your home is ready for the seasons ahead.
–Gabriel Ponterio
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If your idea of fun seasonal travel is touring a spooky castle in October rather than hitting a sandy beach in July, here are three vacation ideas that will take your Halloween fun to spine-tingling new heights this year! Where Witches Wander When it comes to Halloween-themed adventures, no other place on the East Coast offers more macabre merriment than Salem, Massachusetts. Known for its infamous witch trials of the late 1690s, the city transforms its dark past into a destination that balances historical facts with tongue- in-cheek kitsch. The weeks leading up to Oct. 31 are filled with more magic shows, tours, special events, and Halloween-themed shopping opportunities than you can shake a broom at. If you decide to partake in the area’s devilish fun this year, visit the Salem Witch Board Museum — which boasts the world’s most extensive Ouija board collection — and the Salem Witch Museum. Bourbon Bone-Chillers If you want to add Southern charm to your Halloween chills, a trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, is in order. From above-ground cemeteries and ghost tours to ghoulishly adorned shops in the French Quarter (including the must-visit Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo on Bourbon Street) and an annual Halloween parade, The Big Easy will surely put you in touch with your spooky side. Haunted Horizons A HALLOWEEN TRAVEL TRIO
Detour to Dracula’s Den From the classic 1922 film “Nosferatu” to the Francis Ford Coppola- directed cinematic masterpiece “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” that premiered 70 years later, our cultural interest in vampires has spanned decades — and, in the case of Transylvania, Romania, centuries. Anyone with a passport and a desire to catch a glimpse at the real-world aesthetic that helped define the image of Dracula and other distinctive undead characters should visit Bran Castle, an amazing monument of Gothic architecture and the long-rumored residence of infamous 15th century- era prince and mass murderer Vlad the Impaler — widely believed to be the real-life inspiration behind the Dracula character. While many of the legends associated with Transylvania may be more fiction than fact, the locale remains the go-to spot for anyone with an affinity for apparitions.
THE SECRET TO A COZIER HOME Add Comfort Without Spending Much
This time of year, we’re all looking for ways to make our homes cozier. Colder weather and fewer hours of sunlight have many of us inside more and craving indoor comforts. Coziness isn’t about square footage or designer furniture. It’s about creating a space that’s easy to live in and somewhere you want to be. And while Pinterest boards are full of staged rooms and expensive upgrades, you can make your home feel warmer without spending that much. Start by thinking in layers. No matter how nice the furniture is, a bare room will feel cold. But drape a blanket or two over the couch, toss a couple of textured pillows on the chair, and add a shaggy rug underfoot, and suddenly everything feels softer and more inviting. Texture is a shortcut to comfort, and bringing more of it into your space doesn’t cost much.
stringing fairy lights above a reading chair. When you’re trying to make things more cozy, it’s more about glow than brightness. Indirect lighting, candles, and a shaded lamp or two can change the entire mood of a room. Scent is another layer people often overlook. Remember, coziness is as much — if not more — about what you feel as it is about what you see. A familiar scent can settle the body and mind, whether a stovetop simmer pot, an oil diffuser, or a favorite candle. It also helps to make space for the things you enjoy. If you love to read, set out a book you’ve been meaning to finish and keep a blanket nearby. If you journal or sketch, leave your notebook where it’s easy to grab. And don’t forget the other little touches, like your favorite slippers or a comfy sweater. Ultimately, coziness goes beyond a style trend. It’s a way of being more comfortable at home and doesn’t have to be complicated. Simply start with what you have and build from there.
Lighting matters, too. Overhead lights often feel harsh, especially in the evening. Try switching to a floor lamp with a soft bulb or
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Don’t Leave Your Family Guessing — Secure Your Digital Assets Today Your Online Life Needs an Offline Plan
When most people think about estate planning, they picture wills, trusts, and dividing up physical assets like homes and bank accounts. But what about your digital life? From your Gmail account to your cryptocurrency wallet, and even your small-business website, your online presence needs just as much protection. Without the proper legal setup, your loved ones could end up locked out of everything. Different Types of Digital Assets It’s more than just email and social media. Digital assets include:
Some hold financial value. Others are deeply sentimental. Either way, someone needs legal access once you’re no longer here to manage them. Common Mistakes to Avoid One of the biggest misconceptions we see is the assumption that a spouse or family member can simply step in and access your accounts when you’re gone. Unfortunately, most digital platforms don’t work that way. Companies are bound by strict privacy policies, and without legal authority spelled out in your estate plan, your loved ones could be locked out regardless of how long you’ve been married or how close you are. Another common misstep is sharing passwords with family members or jotting them down on paper. While that may seem like a helpful workaround, it can create serious security risks and often violates the terms of service of major platforms. Passwords change over time,
and once they’re lost or outdated, there’s little anyone can do without formal access.
The truth is that even the best intentions can fall short if your digital assets aren’t included in your estate plan. How to Start Protecting Your Digital Assets Begin with a simple inventory of all your accounts, from email to subscriptions. Set up legacy contacts wherever possible, and work with an estate planning attorney to include clear instructions in your legal documents. Storing key account information securely with your attorney or in a trusted password manager ensures your executor can carry out your wishes smoothly. At Merlino & Gonzalez, we help you build an estate plan that covers both the traditional and digital parts of your life. Contact us today to protect your legacy, online and offline.
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Cloud-stored family photos
Online banking and investment accounts
Cryptocurrency wallets Domain names and blogs Subscription services
Personal writings or artwork saved online Business tools like customer databases and e-commerce platforms
Maple Bourbon Smash Cocktail MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
INSPIRED BY WHATMOLLYMADE.COM
INGREDIENTS Spiced Maple Simple Syrup • 1/2 cup water • 1/2 cup maple syrup • 2–3 cinnamon sticks • 1–2 star anise •
DIRECTIONS 1.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add simple syrup ingredients and
bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium- low and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, strain out spices, and let cool (this makes enough for multiple cocktails; store in the fridge). 2. In a cocktail shaker, add orange wheel, rosemary, lemon juice, and orange juice. Using a muddler or spoon, muddle together and add 2 tbsp of the spiced maple syrup. Pour in bourbon and orange bitters, and shake well to combine.
1-inch piece fresh ginger
Maple Bourbon Smash • 1 orange wheel •
1 sprig fresh rosemary, plus extra for serving 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp fresh orange juice 2 tbsp spiced maple simple syrup
Take a Break
• • • • • •
2 oz bourbon
3.
In a glass, add ice and strain bourbon mixture over ice, topping with ginger beer or soda water. Garnish with rosemary.
5 drops orange bitters Ginger beer or soda water
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718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH A Plumber’s Playbook for Stress-Free Homeownership Page 1 Wicked Wanderlust Make Your House a Home Without Breaking the Bank Page 2 Locked Out? Avoid the Most Common Digital Estate Planning Mistakes Maple Bourbon Smash Cocktail Page 3 Make It a Magical October Page 4 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
WHERE TO CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN AROUND STATEN ISLAND AND NEW JERSEY Carve Out Time for Fall Fun!
From pumpkin patches to spooky markets and glowing jack-o’-lantern displays, families and friends can make the most of crisp autumn weekends with festive events that celebrate the sights, tastes, and traditions of the season. Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm Every weekend in October HistoricRichmondTown.org/events Celebrate the best of fall with Pumpkin Picking at Decker Farm, returning to Historic Richmond Town every weekend in October! From Oct. 4–26, the whole family can explore Staten Island’s most charming pumpkin patch, take a classic hayride, launch pumpkins through the air with a pumpkin chucking device, and decorate your pick at the painting station. Capture picture-perfect moments with
festive photo-ops and savor autumn treats like doughnuts, cider, and pumpkin spice coffee from Mark’s Bake Shoppe. Open Saturdays and Sundays, 12–5 p.m. at 435 Richmond Hill Road! Staten Island Spook-tacular Craft Market Oct. 24–26 EmpireOutlets.nyc/events-sales Get ready for a frightfully festive weekend at the Staten Island Spook-tacular Craft and Vendor Market! This three-day Halloween- themed event is packed with local vendors offering unique handmade goods, seasonal treats, spooky décor, and one-of-a-kind finds perfect for fall. Whether you’re shopping for Halloween essentials or looking to support small businesses, this is the perfect place to get into the spirit of the season. Shop till you
drop on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come shop, celebrate, and enjoy all things eerie, creative, and local, if you dare! Pumpkin Illumination in Morristown Saturday, Oct. 25, from 5–7 p.m. MorrisArts.org Experience the magic of autumn at Pumpkin Illumination 2025, happening on the Vail Mansion Lawn in Morristown, New Jersey. This free, family-friendly evening invites the community to enjoy live music, a festive art workshop, a glowing luminary parade, and a dazzling display of carved pumpkins. Dress in costume, bring your own jack-o’-lantern, and celebrate the season in a beautiful outdoor setting.
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