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IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
A Cop’s Transition From Crime‑Fighting to Scene-Stealing From Street Smarts to Stardom
I immediately knew Steve would be an incredible feature in our newsletter, from his past work in the film industry to his exciting new plans. I’m thrilled to introduce Steve Stanulis, actor, producer, director, and published author, to our readers and tell them how we had the opportunity to help him and his family find their new home in New Jersey.
where I shared a scene with Gandolfini. At this point, I was thinking that acting was easy. I knew I wanted to continue, so I decided to start being serious about my career and begin training. But, back then, it wasn’t typical for actors to also direct and produce. It was even seen as vain to an extent, but the problem was that I was getting the same role types repeatedly. I knew then it was time to take the leap and produce my own work. I started my own film company and have been doing that ever since. For recent projects, I’m proud to have produced “Monica,” which was nominated for multiple awards ranging from the Spirit Awards to the Venice Film Festival. With some Oscar buzz, I can’t wait to see what else is in store for “Monica.” Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to season two of the original series “Great Kills” that I star in. I’m busy, that’s for sure!
–John R. Merlino Jr., Esq.
I didn’t know I wanted to be an actor until I became one. Under a strange series of almost Forrest Gump-like events, I found myself acting alongside superstars like Gene Hackman, Daniel Day-Lewis, and even the late James Gandolfini. I’m sure it’s absurd to hear, but it’s definitely more absurd to experience. Before working in the film industry, I was in the NYPD. Years later, I was offered a security job for Leonardo DiCaprio in 1999. This was right after “Titanic,” and the young actor was looking for off-duty cops, not beefed-up giants. Fortunately, I fit the bill, and before I knew it, my job was to keep DiCaprio safe.
Aside from movies, my family moved from my hometown of Staten Island to New Jersey. To add to the mayhem, we also welcomed a new family member: a 2-month-old Siberian husky named Nova. She’s a complete rascal, and it’s almost as if we have a baby in the home. Of course, no matter what she does, you only have to look at her little face to forgive her.
I’ve previously lived in the City and New Jersey, too, but I had been a native Staten Islander for around 50 years, and it was strange to move out officially. I’ve worked with plenty of attorneys (still not sure if that’s good or bad), and working with John Merlino was the best experience by far. John and his staff were the image of professionalism, and I could not recommend them enough. The attention and care they provide their clients is truly unmatched. Second to none! If I ever move again, I know exactly who to call. -Steve Stanulis
While on duty, I was at a party where someone randomly asked me if I ever played football. Strange question, but I had! This man told me a movie was being filmed in Baltimore, and they needed some extras acting as football players. Only a week later, I was flying to Baltimore and shooting a scene with Keanu Reeves and Gene Hackman in “The Replacements.” From then on, I had the bug.
Afterward, I somehow ended up in “Gangs of New York,” acting with Daniel Day-Lewis, and even starred in an episode of “The Sopranos,”
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Imagine stepping into a room where the air feels fresher and the ambiance is more relaxing. This isn’t just a dream — it’s the reality you can create with the right indoor plants. From the elegant Peace lily , known for its air-purifying qualities, to the hardy Zanzibar Gem that thrives in low light, each plant brings a unique touch to your living space. But it’s not just about aesthetics. Indoor plants like the Ficus elastica and Philodendron Hope are more than just decor; they’re companions that grow with you, adapting to your home’s environment and adding a touch of nature’s resilience to your daily life. Whether a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, you can find a plant that fits your home and skill level. Create your own indoor oasis today. Embrace the joy and tranquility plants bring, and watch as they transform not just your home but also your well-being. Discover the Power of Indoor Plants! BREATHE LIFE INTO YOUR HOME
A CRAFT FOR YOUR VALENTINE
Unique DIY Valentine’s Gifts to Cherish
Valentine’s Day is not just about the grand gestures; the little things count, too. Nothing speaks louder than a handmade token of love in a world brimming with store-bought gifts. This year, dive into DIY and create gifts from the heart. Here are seven DIY Valentine’s Day crafts you can make from home.
beads, seashells, and glitter to create a unique frame, then insert a favorite photo of you and your loved one. Customized Candle Holders Transform ordinary glass candle holders into something special. Use paint, glitter, or etching to add a romantic touch. Place a scented candle inside, and you’ve got a perfect mood-setter for a romantic dinner at home. Love-Themed Garden Stones For those who love gardening, creating love- themed garden stones is a great idea. Paint rocks or stepping stones with heartwarming messages or designs. These can be placed in your garden as a reminder of your affection. Homemade Bath Bombs Mix a batch of bath bombs using simple ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and
essential oils. Choose scents and colors that your partner loves. It’s a great way to add a bit of luxury to your partner’s relaxation time. Knitted or Crocheted Items If you’re skilled with knitting needles or a crochet hook, you can make a cozy scarf, hat, or even a small plush heart. These handmade items carry the warmth of your love. Heart-Shaped Baked Goods Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked goods. Whip up a batch of heart-shaped cookies or a cake decorated with your partner’s favorite colors. Crafting a Valentine’s Day gift is an intimate and enjoyable journey. It’s about embedding a piece of your heart into something tangible. This Valentine’s Day, let your love take a creative form and watch as these crafts bring a smile to your loved one’s face.
Personalized Love Jars Gather some Mason Jars and fill them with notes of appreciation, favorite memories, or future date ideas. Decorate the jars with ribbons, stickers, or paint to personalize them. Every note is a reminder of the special moments you share.
Handcrafted Photo Frame Nothing says “I cherish our memories” like a handmade photo frame. Use materials like
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Essential Elements of a Valid Real Estate Contract
Real estate contracts occupy a special place in the legal system, as they combine property law and contract law, meaning they must comply with requirements arising from both fields of law. A real estate contract may be deemed void (or voidable) if it fails to meet all these requirements. Whether you are a landlord, tenant, seller, buyer, or lender, a defective contract represents a disaster for your home or business. Read on to find out how to avoid this issue. All contracts, regardless of subject matter, must have mutual assent, meaning one party made an offer and the other accepted it. Suppose a buyer offers $10,000 for a piece of property, and the seller responds, “I accept your offer to buy the property, but give me $20,000.” There was no mutual assent in that case, as the two
did not agree to the same deal. The contract is void if a property contract lacks mutual assent or consideration. Typically, if there has been a failure of mutual assent or consideration, only one party thinks a contract exists while the other party knows that one does not. So, in most situations, these transactions are easy to unwind. Contracts must also have consideration, which refers to a promise to do something or refrain from doing something. They must be in writing and signed by the person who had the real estate before the transaction. The person receiving the real estate interest must also sign the contract for leases and sales. The “four- corners doctrine” requires you to look only at the contract’s language to determine its terms. Suppose you have already conducted a real
estate transaction, and a dispute arises over the contract. You need to know what will happen to the property and anything the parties exchanged for it. Before investing time and money into your transaction, you should ensure your real estate contract is valid and enforceable. You can read more about valid real estate contracts on our blog at RealEstatePlanningLaw.com . To review your transaction or any contracts presented to you, contact Merlino & Gonzalez; we’ll ensure everything is above board.
SUDOKU
MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
PUFF PASTRY BERRY HEARTS
INGREDIENTS
• 1 package frozen puff pastry, defrosted • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 tsp powdered sugar • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or berries of your choice)
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400 F. Unfold the puff pastry and use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut into heart shapes. 2. On a baking sheet, place puff pastry hearts and bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden brown. 3. In a standing mixer, whip the cream on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes. Add the powdered sugar and beat on high for 30 more seconds or until thick and fluffy. 4. Remove hearts from the oven and allow to cool completely. Slice each heart in half between pastry layers to create 2 hearts. Top the bottom half with whipped cream and berries, and place the other half on top to form a sandwich.
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718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
A Former Cop’s Thrilling Journey Into Acting Stardom Page 1
Home Harmony: Unveil the Secret of Indoor Plants!
Heartfelt DIY Crafts for Your Valentine Page 2
Two Things That Make a Real Estate Contract Valid
Puff Pastry Berry Hearts Page 3
Local Events for the Whole Family Page 4
Events in February Aren’t Just for Valentine’s Day
Many events in February focus on the romantic aspect of Valentine’s Day, ignoring the love you have for friends and family. Valentine’s is for everyone, and we’re here to help you celebrate with everyone you love. The Science Behind Pixar Wednesdays–Fridays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; and Saturdays–Sundays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; through May 5 Admission: $25.99—$32.99 lsc.org/explore/exhibitions/science-behind-pixar
even make your own short film! This works perfectly for families, but this can also be a sweet date for you and your partner!
Just in Time for Valentine’s Vendor Fair Feb. 4, 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. Admission: Free!
allevents.in/old%20bridge/just-in- time-for-valentines-vendor-and-craft- fair/200025849634015
This month, make education fun with some familiar characters by exploring The Science Behind Pixar exhibition at the Liberty Science Center. This exhibition helps people of all ages see how the artists create movies like “Toy Story,” “Monsters Inc.,” and “Finding Nemo.” There are even photo opportunities with these characters that you can otherwise only find at Disney World or Disneyland. You and your loved ones can build models, explore lighting, work on character design, and witness the magic of movies “guided by the creative geniuses behind
A cute craft fair 10 days before Valentine’s is the perfect opportunity to buy local and support small businesses while having a fun day on Sunday. You can treat yourself to
handmade goods or buy your special someone a gift. This event also boasts food, refreshments, and a photo booth if you need a break from shopping. Also, this event supports the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life so you can continue the giving season spirit. These are just two local events being held this month — one more obviously Valentine’s themed, the other a great outing for all your loved ones when you want a break from all the pink and red. We wish you a happy Valentine’s Day!
it all.” This event is enormous, with 10,000 square feet to explore. You can
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