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REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 November 2024
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
How We Traded New York Hustle for New Jersey Tranquility A New Home and New Adventures
It’s always a pleasure to ensure our clients not only find their ideal home but also feel secure and informed throughout the entire process. Seeing Dan and Jayne settle happily into their 55+ community, embracing new opportunities and a vibrant lifestyle, truly highlights the importance of what we do.
were incredibly helpful, making everything from the home search to the final paperwork feel effortless. The experience was so positive that we have been recommending them to everyone! It wasn’t like our first homebuying experience (which was downright nerve-wracking); this time, everything was clear and straightforward. As we get older, we appreciate simplicity and efficiency, and that’s precisely what we got. We had lived in Staten Island all our lives, so the decision to leave was in no way easy. Yet, our sons had moved out, and it seemed like the perfect time for a new adventure. We found a lovely 55+ New Jersey community that perfectly fits our lifestyle. The community is not only peaceful, eliminating the constant city noises we used to face, but it also offers plenty of activities. We’ve taken up bowling and shuffleboard and have been active in various clubs here. Socially and emotionally, this move has had an incredible impact on us. We’ve made new friends and have traveled more than ever before, visiting places like Las Vegas, Portugal, Costa Rica, and, most recently, Alaska! The freedom to explore and engage in new hobbies has been refreshing, and we’re even planning a river cruise to keep the adventures coming.
Moving from Staten Island to a 55+ community in New Jersey was one of the best decisions we could have ever made. We’re Jayne and Dan Silletti, longtime Staten Islanders who decided in 2021 that it was time for a change. Being in our 70s meant we needed some real peace and quiet, along with lower prices to accommodate our fixed income. We were ready to make the big move but weren’t entirely sure where to start. Fortunately, we were urged to contact Merlino & Gonzalez, who made this life transition as seamless and stress-free as possible, thanks to their exceptional service. When we sold our house on Staten Island and began looking for a new home in New Jersey, we knew we needed a reliable attorney who understood our needs. Our real estate attorney back in Staten Island recommended John and Ken at Merlino & Gonzalez, and it was the best advice we could have received. Their team, including Stephanie and Michele,
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PAW-SOME ADVENTURES
How you set up your workspace can be the difference between being productive and falling into a pit of procrastination. If you have a cluttered, unkempt, and drab desk and work area, you may lack the inspiration to produce your best work, regardless of the project or task you’re working on. If you’re unsure how to improve your workspace, don’t stress; we’ve gathered a few easy-to-implement tips to help refresh your area. Keep It Clean A cluttered, disorganized, and dirty workspace will distract you no matter what. So, take a few hours at the beginning or end of every week to clean up your area by wiping down surfaces and putting everything in its home. A great way to make this easier is to have organizers or trays for all your items. That way, you won’t have pens, papers, or other items all over your desk. Additionally, keep a small trash can in your room, preferably under your desk, to prevent garbage from piling up. Personalize If you want your workspace to inspire you, it needs to reflect your goals, personality, and values. Add items to your workspace that make you smile, whether pictures of loved ones, candles with scents you enjoy, or even a few toys like your favorite action figure or Funko Pop! Another great thing to include in your workspace is a vision board outlining your future goals and desires. Looking at something to inspire and encourage you can go a long way toward accomplishing your goals. Add Color Avoid the dreary blues and blacks that make up most people’s workspaces. Instead, add your favorite colors to the area through your keyboard, mousepad, and decor. If you’re feeling adventurous, add string lights to the bottom of your desk to give your workspace a colorful glow.
CREATE A PRODUCTIVE SANCTUARY Transform Your Workspace With These Simple Tips
Your Guide to a Smooth Replacement Process SAY GOODBYE TO OLD CARPET
On average, carpet flooring in your home will last 5–15 years. It could last longer or shorter depending on how often people stand on it, the materials used, and whether a professional installed it. But once you hit the five-year mark, inspect your carpet to see if replacement is in order. If your carpet is flat and compressed or has stains, rips, and other damage throughout, it’s probably time to rip out the old carpet for something new. Removing old carpet is a straightforward task you can complete within a few hours, and then you’ll be ready for the new carpet or flooring installation. To start, remove all furniture, appliances, doors, baseboards, and moldings from the room. You don’t want anything resting on the carpet or in your way. If you plan to throw out your old carpet, you’ll want to cut it into strips using a utility knife. From there, detach the carpet from the tack strip. For this process, it’s best to wear gloves and kneepads to avoid cutting or poking yourself. You can cut the carpet away from the tack strip with your utility knife or use pliers to pull it away from the tack strip and unhook it.
may need to use pliers to get a better grip. Secure each strip with duct tape to preserve space in your garbage bag. Repeat this process until there is no carpet left in the room. You’ll want to remove the padding underneath the carpet, too. Pry out staples holding the padding using a floor scraper or pliers. If the carpet padding has adhesive, you will need a floor scraper and potentially some commercial adhesive remover to make progress. All that’s left is removing the tack strip, which you can do using a prybar. After removing
everything, clean the floor using a broom, vacuum, and mop before you place new flooring or carpet. Just like that, you’ve removed your old carpet and are ready for the next project!
Once the carpet is no longer attached to the tack strip, it’s time to start pulling. While wearing gloves, grab the carpet, pull it, and roll it up. You
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A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO CHOOSING A HEALTH CARE PROXY FOR PEACE OF MIND Your Health in Trusted Hands
Establishing a health care proxy is paramount to ensure your medical wishes are followed should you ever become unable to make those decisions yourself. The person whom you choose as your health care proxy will have the authority to oversee your medical care based on your designated preferences. This legal process is essential for everyone, so it’s time to learn how to thoughtfully select your proxy. Understand the role of a health care proxy. A health care proxy involves entrusting someone to make medical decisions on your behalf, guided by your specified directives. The process to establish this proxy involves selecting a person you trust, creating a legal document to formalize their authority, getting it notarized, and having two witnesses sign it. Choose the right person for the job. Choosing a proxy should not be taken lightly. It’s essential to consider not just who cares for you but who can respect and advocate for your health care wishes. For instance, if you have specified that you do not want extraordinary life-saving measures taken in certain situations, your proxy should be able to honor that wish against emotional pressures that might arise.
Ideally, your proxy should live near enough to be involved quickly if needed and can be present at critical times. Their ability to speak directly to doctors and confirm that your care aligns with your preferences is an invaluable part of their role. Provide clear written guidance. Putting your specific wishes into writing within the legal document is vital. This not only aids your proxy in making decisions that reflect your desires but also provides a clear guideline that can be legally upheld should disputes arise. The more thorough your instructions, the easier it will be for your proxy to navigate the complexities of your health care needs. Always consult with a professional. The process of choosing a health care proxy and drafting the necessary legal documents to empower them can be complex. At Merlino & Gonzalez, we specialize in helping people navigate these sensitive issues, ensuring they feel confident and secure in their decisions. Call 718-698-2200 today to schedule a consultation and ensure your medical wishes are respected, no matter what the future holds.
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GREEK CHICKEN AND RICE Michele’s Recipe Corner
Nobody is promised tomorrow, so we knew a big change was needed to live our lives to the fullest while we still can.
Meanwhile, transitioning to another state meant we needed to update our estate planning documents. Once again, we turned to Merlino & Gonzalez. Ken Gonzalez helped us organize our new estate plans, ensuring all our documents were up to date and compliant with New Jersey laws. Their responsiveness and attentiveness to our needs during this process were as outstanding as during our property purchase. If you need real estate and estate planning assistance, we can’t recommend Merlino & Gonzalez enough. The seamless experience they provided saved us from the usual stress associated with buying and selling property and allowed us to focus on enjoying our new chapter, especially when dealing with other personal matters like health issues. Now, this winter, we don’t have to worry about shoveling the snow on our driveway — that’s someone else’s job! Moving can be daunting, especially as you get older, but with the right support, it can lead to a thrilling new phase full of opportunities and growth. We’re grateful for the smooth transition and the new life we’ve begun here in New Jersey, thanks to our trusted legal team at Merlino & Gonzalez.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed • 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme • 2 cups chicken broth • 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice • Juice of 1 lemon • 1/2 cup feta cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened. 2. Add chicken, oregano, and thyme and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 3–4 minutes. 3. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. 4. Stir in the lemon juice and feta cheese, then season with salt and pepper.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Jayne & Dan Find New Beginnings in New Jersey Page 1
How to Optimize Your Workspace for Success
Carpet Replacement 101 Page 2
Secure Your Medical Wishes With a Health Care Proxy
Greek Chicken and Rice Page 3
Staten Island’s Upcoming Events Page 4
Fall Festivities Unfold on Staten Island
The Canine Stars: Stunt Dog Show Sunday, Nov. 17, 4 p.m. StGeorgeTheatre.com/the-canine-stars Experience the genuinely unbelievable Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show at St. George Theatre! This incredible team, as featured on “America’s Got Talent,” comprises talented trainers and their amazing adopted dogs, all showcasing jaw-dropping stunts and tricks. Founded in 2012, The Canine Stars have transformed from rescues to rock stars, promoting animal
Fall in Staten Island is a spectacle of cultural celebration and community spirit, with an array of events perfect for the whole family. Each event uniquely showcases the rich tapestry of local traditions, crafts, and performances, making Staten Island the perfect place to savor the season.
Hearth & Harvest Festival Saturday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. HistoricRichmondTown.org/events/hearth-amp- harvest Visit Historic Richmond Town for a day immersed in Native American life and culture. This exhibition offers a vibrant showcase of indigenous dance, storytelling, and crafts within the Native Encampment and the 3rd County Courthouse. The whole family can dive into the heart of historic culinary arts with demonstrations of hearth cooking, featuring 18th and 19th century recipes, tools, and techniques in the historic village kitchens. Celebrate the rich traditions of harvest celebrations and witness the communal spirit that has thrived among Native cultures for thousands of years.
Edible Island + Holiday Card Making Saturday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. StatenIslandMuseum.org/event/edible-island- holiday-card-making Step into a festive wonderland at the Staten Island Museum at Snug Harbor! Experience the Holiday Hop and wander through a delightful market curated by Pamela Silvestri, Staten Island Advance’s Food Editor. Here, you’ll find an enchanting selection of local and regional treats, from artisanal goods to specialty items perfect for gifting. Add a personal touch to your presents at the free holiday card-making workshop, where you can craft a heartfelt note to accompany your thoughtful gifts. Admission is free, with donations appreciated.
adoption and the joy of training. Discover how these dogs, once strays and shelter residents, have become beloved family members and skilled
performers. Come for a day of excitement and leave inspired to perhaps find a furry friend of your own at a local shelter.
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