Take a look at our September newsletter!
REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 September 2024
WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
HOW WE FUTURE-PROOFED OUR FAMILY BUSINESS WITH ESTATE PLANNING GROWING OUR BUSINESS, SECURING OUR FUTURE
This is why I love what I do. When I can help a local family and business with their estate plan, I’m reminded just how crucial it is for our community to have access to compassionate and uncomplicated legal guidance. Get to know Felicia and Joseph Regina, owners of Family Tree Service, who were recently able to get their estate plan in place, as well as their peace of mind.
Over the years, our small team, which began with just a nephew and a few friends, blossomed into a robust staff of 20 members. As the business expanded into Brooklyn and the Bronx, so did our responsibilities and our need to secure the future. Recently, my husband and I realized it was time to get serious about estate planning — not just for us but for our two sons, who are now men stepping into their own significant life chapters, with the eldest planning a wedding in July 2025. We wanted to ensure everything we worked for would be safeguarded and that our sons would be well cared for. That’s when we decided to consult Merlino & Gonzalez. I had known John and Ken because Joseph had done landscaping for them! It was only when I called about a bill that I discovered Ken’s expertise was in estate planning. The realization hit me — we needed to stop putting this off. Working with Merlino & Gonzalez was truly a revelation. They made the process as seamless as could be. Their team was personable, their office welcoming, and their approach straightforward and understandable. They never talked over our heads and were always ready to
explain the details, making sure we understood every step. It was this clarity and simplicity that made me wish we had started the process sooner. If there’s one thing I’d share from this experience, it’s the peace of mind that comes with having a solid plan in place. Knowing that our personal assets and our business are protected gives us immense comfort. It’s like knowing the family tree we’ve nurtured will continue to thrive, even in our absence. For any business owners out there, particularly those who consider their business part of their family legacy, I can’t stress enough the importance of timely estate planning. It’s not just about preparing for the unexpected — it’s about ensuring continuity and security for the ones you love and the business you’ve built. So, from one family business owner to another, take the step, consult the experts, and secure your legacy. It’s one of the most responsible decisions you can make for your family and your business. And, if you’re in need of tree service or landscaping, you can reach us at 718-698-2725 or find us at 110A Dinsmore Street in Staten Island. –Felicia & Joseph Regina
Owning a business is like nurturing a family; it grows and evolves, and you hope to leave it in good hands one day. That’s exactly how my husband and I feel about our business, Family Tree Service. We started this journey 31 years ago, back in 1985. Joseph had worked for my father’s tree-trimming business, which is how we met! The idea of running our own business sprouted from the skills and passion my husband gained working for my father in Brooklyn. When we launched our own venture in Staten Island, we carried forward not just expertise but a legacy. Family Tree Service was more than a name to us — it was our commitment to maintaining a family-oriented business, which now includes tree removal, pruning, planting, stump removal, and corporate landscaping.
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PAW-SOME ADVENTURES
DIY HOME SCENT SOLUTIONS THAT WORK HOME SWEET-SMELLING HOME
Trash Can Freshener The trash cans in our kitchens are often the source of the biggest stink in our house. It’s a great habit to replace your trash bag whenever you add something that will rot or smell bad, but if the can holder retains odors, you don’t need to buy a new trashcan. Instead, dab cotton balls with your favorite essential oil and place them in the bottom of your can. Changing out the cotton balls every time you replace a trash bag will help offset any bad trashcan scents. Shaving Cream’s Unique Use The bathroom floor is often one of the dirtiest areas in our homes, especially around the toilet. While you can get on your hands and knees to scrub away grime, there’s an
None of us wants to be known as someone with a stinky house. While we may become nose blind to the smell of our homes, anyone visiting will notice whether your house smells fresh or rotten from the moment they step through the door. While sprayable air fresheners and candles can improve the smell, these scents fade quickly. Plus, having to replenish your supply can get expensive. Thankfully, three quick tricks will easily refresh the scent of your home. The Smell of Fresh-Baked Cookies Have you ever gone house hunting and noticed that many homes you tour smell like freshly baked cookies? Realtors often use this strategy to make the home feel more welcoming to potential buyers,
and you can use the same trick to improve the smell of your house. Take a tablespoon or two of vanilla extract and place it in an oven-safe bowl or
easier way to clean the area and provide a refreshing new scent. All you have to do is mop the floor using shaving cream.
container. Bake it in the oven at 300 degrees for 10–20 minutes or until you notice the smell wafting through your house.
It’s less messy than traditional mopping and will leave your bathroom smelling clean!
HOW TO FOSTER POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH STEPCHILDREN Creating a Happy Family
Listen and Reinforce Be an active listener,
According to the Journal of Demography, 37% of married couples have at least one stepchild. Despite the prevalence of the stepparent/ stepchildren relationship, it is often not as harmonic as it could be. Stepparents can play a vital role in the development of young children and be positive role models to teens as well. As your relationship with your stepchildren grows, so will your relationship with your partner. Here are some tips to help you form a more positive relationship with your stepchildren. Grow Comfortable When first introduced into a stepchild’s life, you often have to circumvent some initial animosity and awkwardness. This is normal. It may take a little while for your stepchild to warm up to you and build a rapport between you. Find things
you have in common. Try to get to know them and be attentive to their hobbies and interests. However, it’s important not to come on too strong. You don’t want your stepchild to feel pressured to get along with you, so let them decide the pace and follow their lead. Plan Ahead You and your partner must be on the same page when parenting stepchildren. Taking a hard stance in the opposite direction can confuse and undermine your partner’s authority. You should cooperate when deciding how to discipline and care for the children and what boundaries to set. If you go in without a clear plan, you are planning for disaster. The last thing you want is for your parenting to drive a rift between you, your partner, and your stepchildren.
and try repeating some of what you see and hear. Make it clear you are listening and understand where your stepchild is
coming from. If they can rely on you to listen, they will be more open to talking to you and building a rapport. Moreover, take strides not to badmouth their biological parent — you want to be a positive influence. You won’t better your relationship with your stepchildren by worsening their relationships with others. With these tips, you can improve your standing with your stepkids and foster a more powerful and positive relationship as you move forward.
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Master the Art of Negotiation Essential Tactics for Commercial Real Estate Success
Expand your network. Knowledge is power, particularly in real estate. The more you understand the market, the stakeholders involved, and the specifics of each property, the better you are to negotiate effectively. Building a network of informed peers, bankers, city planners, and contractors enriches your understanding and equips you with the insights to make savvy decisions. Everybody wins. Approach negotiations with the mindset of achieving a win-win outcome. The goal isn’t to overpower the other party but to find a mutually beneficial agreement. Remember, walking away from a deal is perfectly acceptable if the terms do not meet your investment criteria. Not every opportunity is worth pursuing, and recognizing this can save you from potential pitfalls. Consult the experts. Perhaps the most invaluable tip for anyone involved in commercial real estate negotiations is to consult with a skilled real estate attorney. Our team can guide you through the nuances of negotiations, ensuring that you secure a favorable deal and protect your investments for the future.
Embrace silence. A powerful tactic in any negotiator’s arsenal is the strategic use of silence. Being an active listener and allowing pauses in conversation can unsettle the other party, potentially leading them to propose more favorable terms to regain your engagement. This subtle technique emphasizes the importance of patience and can tilt the negotiation in your favor. Honesty is the best policy. In the realm of real estate investment, your reputation precedes you. Engaging in dishonest tactics might offer a short-term gain, but it invariably damages long-term professional relationships. Transparency and integrity are not just moral choices; they are strategic ones that create trust and open doors to future deals.
Negotiating in the commercial real estate market requires more than just a good poker face; it demands a well-rounded strategy that respects the complexities of property investment. As a seasoned professional or a newcomer to the real estate arena, understanding the subtle art of negotiation is crucial to securing deals that not only close but also lead to long-term success. Stay composed and confident. One of the foundational elements of successful negotiations is maintaining your composure. It’s essential to approach each discussion with a calm demeanor and a confident presence. Avoid overassertive behaviors like boasting or appearing overly eager, as these can be seen as signs of inexperience or desperation. Rather than seeming either too desperate or too aloof, try to aim for a composed presence.
Michele’s Recipe Corner
Lime Chicken With Corn and Poblano Salad Perfect Peach Cobbler
INGREDIENTS • 6 cups sliced fresh peaches
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, 2 tbsp flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until blended, then spoon into prepared dish. 3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. 4. Cut in butter with forks or pastry knife until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 5. Add milk and stir until just blended. 6. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto peach mixture and drizzle melted butter on top. 7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until top is golden brown.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg • 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar • 2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces • 1/2 cup milk • 2 tbsp butter, melted
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718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Felicia & Joseph Are Planting Seeds for the Future Page 1
Clever Ways to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh
Tips for Getting Along With Stepchildren Page 2
Proven Negotiation Techniques
Perfect Peach Cobbler Page 3
Discover Staten Island’s Fall Festivities Page 4
STATEN ISLAND’S VIBRANT SEASON OF COMMUNITY EVENTS FALL INTO FUN!
As autumn colors cascade across Staten Island, the community comes alive with an array of festive events that showcase the rich tapestry of our local culture and history. From theatrical performances to unique culinary gatherings, fall has arrived in full force, promising plenty of food, fun, and festivities to kick off the season!
for Shakespeare lovers and novices alike! Performances are scheduled for Sept. 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 7 p.m. at Snug Harbor Cultural Center. Plan for an evening of timeless theater with a historic twist!
gender-neutral Fig King at 5 p.m., a tradition celebrating the best fig presentations. A suggested donation of $5 supports this organic gathering, a staple since 2010.
Staten Island Oktoberfest Oct. 5 SIOktoberfest.com
Fig Fest 2024 Sept. 15, 2–6 p.m. LighthouseMuseum.org/event/ fig-fest-save-the‑date
Shakespearean Theatre Company’s ‘As You Like It’ Sept. 13–21 SIShakespeare.org/events/ sist-presents-as-you-like-it
Celebrate Staten Island Oktoberfest with your family at the University Hospital Community Park! Organized by the Rotary Clubs of Staten Island and Rolling Thunder, this family-friendly festival features kid’s games, local vendors, German folk music, and an array of food and beverages, including German and local brews. Enjoy carnival games, rides, a bouncy house, and live performances. Veterans enjoy free entry, and there’s no charge for parking. All proceeds support veterans in need. Get ready for a day full of German culture, fun, and community spirit!
Head to the National Lighthouse Museum for a delightful afternoon celebrating the unique fig! Bring figs from your own farm to swap and discuss everything fig-related, or simply chow down on fig delights. This year’s special feature is the Paw Paw “Paw-tee,” honoring the Indigenous Lenni-Lenape people with tastings of pawpaws, a regional fruit. Enjoy this waterside event with food and beverages for sale and participate in crowning the
Step back in time with Shakespeare’s “As You Like It,” reimagined against the backdrop of World War II. Join Rosalind, her cousin Celia, and the humorous Touchstone as they escape to the Forest of Arden, finding refuge among exiles and a peaceful Resistance. This adaptation weaves romance and wit, perfect
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