Take a look at our June newsletter!
REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 June 2025
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
What the Season Teaches Us About Home, Legacy, and Slowing Down The Gift of Summer
Summer has a way of nudging us to pause. The days are longer, the pace is slower, and for many of us, the calendar finally has a little breathing room. During this time, between the vacations, cookouts, and weekends spent in the backyard, I often encourage people to slow down long enough to think about two essential parts of life: home and legacy. At Merlino & Gonzalez, I work with people at all stages of life. Some are buying their first home, others are preparing to sell the home they’ve raised their family in for decades. Some are creating a will for the first time, while others are updating theirs to reflect life’s inevitable changes. And while these tasks may not feel urgent in the way daily responsibilities do, they are incredibly important, and summer is perhaps the best time to give them the attention they deserve. With all its barbecues, beach trips, and porch conversations, this season quietly reminds us of what we truly value. It invites us to think not just about the next to-do list item, but about the bigger picture: What kind of legacy am I building? What memories do I want my family to carry? What kind of place do I want them to come home to? Home, after all, is more than a mortgage. It’s where life unfolds, where Sunday dinners become tradition, where first steps happen, and stories are passed down over the kitchen table. Whether you are buying your first home, passing one on to the next generation, or simply trying to preserve the one you are in, summer offers a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with what that space means to you. The same goes for legacy. Legacy isn’t just about documents and legal language. It’s about values. It’s about ensuring the people you love are cared for, your wishes are clear, and your story is preserved. These
conversations are so easy to postpone, but I believe they are some of the most important we can have. And summer, with its gentle reminders to slow down and savor, creates a perfect moment to begin. Maybe that means finally scheduling a planning meeting or talking with your spouse about what you hope to leave behind, not just financially, but emotionally. Maybe it means writing down a few family stories for your grandkids or deciding how you want to give back to a cause that matters to you. Whatever it looks like, I encourage you to use this season not just for rest but also for reflection. Let the slower pace guide you to the bigger questions. Let it remind you that the best plans are rooted in love, intention, and the quiet knowing of what matters most. There is no perfect time to tackle these things, but there are better times, and summer is one of them. With fewer school schedules, less daily chaos, and a little more room to think clearly, now is a great opportunity to focus on the things that truly matter. So, yes, enjoy the pool days and fireworks. But also take advantage of the calm. Make space for those conversations. Reflect on your home, how you protect it, and what it means to your family. And think about your legacy, not just the assets you will leave behind, but the clarity and care you can pass on through thoughtful planning.
Summer will come and go. But the decisions you make today can provide peace for a lifetime.
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MAKE A SPLASH! PAW-SOME ADVENTURES Water Fun for the Whole Family
Snorkeling Snorkeling is a great family activity for all ages if you’re vacationing near an ocean. Flippers, watertight goggles, and snorkels are easy to rent or buy. Exploring the wonders beneath the waves is as easy as floating on the surface and paddling your flippers. While any clear ocean waters can be fun to explore, consider trekking to Hawaii or Cozumel to see spectacular schools of fish and rock formations. Canoeing and Kayaking Few aquatic activities offer more opportunities for reflection and quiet conversation than paddling a canoe or kayak. These watercraft are usually available to rent near lakes and rivers, and, barring rough weather, navigating with them is relatively safe and easy. Pack a picnic, explore, and see what you can find along a river or lakeshore.
Few outdoor activities are more fun to do as a family than beating the heat in the water. A facility as simple as a community pool can offer fun for all ages, including wading, diving, and lap swimming. As summer gets underway, consider making plans to try more complex aquatic sports as a family. Here are four exciting options that will inspire the whole family to take the plunge. Stand-Up Paddleboarding This sport originated among Hawaiian surfers and began gaining momentum nationwide about a decade ago. Participants stand upright on a flat, buoyant board and propel themselves over lakes, rivers, and oceans with a single paddle. Paddleboards are bigger than surfboards and are stable enough to hold a picnic in a waterproof bag!
Waterskiing While this sport requires access to a speedboat and a skilled operator, arranging to try it can offer unforgettable thrills. Nothing can compare to the exhilaration as you first rise above the waves and stand on your skis; participants also get a full-body workout! Waterskiing poses a challenge for beginners when crossing the wake and keeping their legs beneath them, but the rewards are worth the effort! This summer, consider vacationing near a body of water to explore these aquatic activities or others, such as sailing or bodyboarding. You will create lasting memories and may ignite passions your kids will enjoy for years!
PLAYTIME GETS A BOOST BACKYARD PROJECTS TO SPARK YOUNG IMAGINATIONS
Ages 3–5 Toddlers ages 3–5 start using their imaginations to create, build, and pretend. You can inspire their inner architect, chef, survivalist, or artist by creating outdoor spaces that encourage their creativity to shine. Give them opportunities to draw or paint by making a chalk art wall where they can use washable chalk to doodle on a special spot in the sunshine. A playhouse or homemade fort allows them to create their own little world. You could set up a tent or build an outdoor fort from PVC pipe and canvas, or you can leave the construction work up to them by setting out oversized foam building blocks they can use to create their own play structure. Ages 6–12 By the time kids reach 6, they’re starting to step into who they are and developing better coordination. This is a time for them to keep building their problem-solving skills, teamwork, and understanding of structured games. A backyard playset with swings, tunnels, and slides will help them burn off energy and keep them physically active. If you have a sturdy tree in your yard, a treehouse is a special place for them to experience nature and a little independence. If you want something less permanent, create a sports “field” with temporary grass, chalk, paint, and cones.
Are you ready to turn your backyard into the ultimate adventure zone for your little ones? Whether your kids are budding explorers, curious scientists, or future Olympians, a backyard project awaits to transform their playtime into a new level of fun. From toddler-size treasures to preteen-approved hangouts, we’ve got you covered with ideas for every age group that will let their imaginations thrive. Ages 0–2 For children 2 and under, the world is brand-new, and they are learning about everything. As you design a backyard play zone for them, focus on engaging their developing senses with sights, sounds, and textures. DIY sandboxes or water tables allow them to practice hand-eye coordination and expose them to the feel of water or sand. Both can be built
inexpensively and are safe tools for them to explore their motor skills by digging, scooping, or splashing.
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Leave a Legacy, Not a Legal Headache
WHY TRUSTS MAKE ALL THE DIFFERENCE
You’ve built a life full of memories, milestones, and meaning. But here’s the question: When the time comes, will your loved ones spend months tangled in legal red tape, or will they receive the legacy you envisioned with ease and clarity? It doesn’t have to be complicated. The right trust can help you bypass probate, sidestep unnecessary taxes, and give your family something far more valuable than money: peace of mind. Avoiding probate can make all the difference. Imagine your family grieving a loss … and then having to navigate court hearings, paperwork, and mounting legal fees. That’s probate, a public, often lengthy process that can turn a simple inheritance into a frustrating ordeal. Now, picture an alternative: your loved ones receiving what you left for them without delay, hassle, or courtroom drama. That’s what a trust can do. It lets your assets pass directly to the people you care about quietly, quickly, and privately. Build the right trust for your life story. Not all trusts are created equal. A revocable living trust offers flexibility — you stay in control and can make changes throughout your lifetime.
For those seeking greater protection from creditors or to reduce estate tax exposure, an irrevocable trust might be the better fit, though it’s more permanent. Setting up a trust involves a few key steps: creating the trust itself, naming a trustee, and transferring your assets into it. That includes your home, investment accounts, or other valuables. Once everything’s in place, the trust becomes the legal holder of those assets and manages their distribution when the time comes. Your family’s needs, financial picture, and long-term goals are unique. That’s why the right trust solution should be, too. Whether you’re concerned about safeguarding property, preserving privacy, or minimizing taxes, working with an experienced estate planning attorney can ensure every detail aligns with your vision. Let’s make your legacy work for you. At Merlino & Gonzalez, we believe planning your future should be empowering, not overwhelming. We’ll help you craft a plan that speaks to your heart and protects the people you love. Let’s talk about your story and how we can bring it all together beautifully, securely, and with intention. Your future deserves that.
NO-BAKE ICEBOX CAKE Michele’s Recipe Corner
INSPIRED BY ALLRECIPES.COM
INGREDIENTS • 3 cups heavy cream •
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1 (9-oz) package chocolate wafer cookies 1/2 cup chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional)
1/3 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract
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DIRECTIONS 1. Line an 8x4-inch loaf pan with plastic wrap, allowing it to hang over the sides. 2. In a mixing bowl, whip cream, sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. 3. Spread a small amount of mixture in the loaf pan and layer cookies in a single layer on top. 4. Continue layering whipped cream and cookies, finishing with cream on top. 5. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, preferably overnight, until cookies soften. 6. To serve, uncover and invert on a plate. Dust with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, if desired.
Take a Break
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718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Use the Quiet of Summer to Ask the Big Questions Page 1 New Family Aquatic Sports for Summer Fun Transform Your Yard Into a Play Paradise Page 2 Protect Your Estate and Avoid Probate With a Well‑Planned Trust No-Bake Icebox Cake Page 3 History, Freedom & Blueberries: Summer Events That Bring the Fun Page 4
Celebrate Culture, Community, and Independence This Summer Summer Starts Here!
Summer is heating up with exciting events across Staten Island and New Jersey!
These family-friendly events offer the perfect mix of fun, food, and festivity. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and get ready to make the most of the summer season.
5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival Saturday, June 21, 12–6 p.m. SICommunityAlliance.org Looking for something meaningful and fun to do on Staten Island this June? Don’t miss the 5th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival — Family Reunion Style: “Celebrating Family, Freedom, and the Future.” Held at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, this joyful event will feature live music, dance performances, art exhibits, and mouthwatering bites. With cultural ceremonies, community spirit, and even celebrity appearances, it’s a powerful way to celebrate history, unity, and freedom with the whole family.
Red, White & Blueberry Festival Sunday, June 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. HammontonNJ.us/red-white-blueberry-festival Celebrate summer at the Red, White & Blueberry Festival on June 29 at Hammonton High School in Hammonton, New Jersey, aka the Blueberry Capital of the World! This beloved South Jersey tradition offers all things blueberry, including pies, jams, and treats galore. Enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, local craft vendors, fun activities for kids, and a classic car show that draws enthusiasts from all over. It’s a sweet summer event perfect for family and friends!
Independence Day Celebration Friday, July 4, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. HistoricRichmondTown.org/events
Step back in time this Fourth of July at Historic Richmond Town’s Independence Day Celebration! Enjoy old-fashioned family fun with costumed interpreters, meet founding fathers and mothers, and even sign a replica of the Declaration of Independence. Experience 19th century fireworks demonstrations, Revolutionary-era musket displays, patriotic music, and classic food. Perfect for all ages, it’s a fun and educational way to celebrate our nation’s founding with hands-on history, heritage, and holiday spirit.
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