About Ottawa County, MI

ABC's 20/20 has been doing a series on the "New Normal."

In the feature this past Friday New Normal: Workers Learn New Skills ABC introduced to the nation two gentlemen who I have been fortunate enough to come to know during the past year and hold in high regard.

Mike Hess and John Holcomb.

A small part of what these two have accomplished over the past year is to bring affordable, self-generated power to the world. The Windspire is the newest appliance for your home.

The Radarrange by Amana received the

"Top 10 Gadgets That Changed the World" award.

Akin to Radarrange that was first introduced to households in 1967, I believe the Windspire will take it's spot in the top 10 Gadgets That Changed The World.

Photo Credit: Sang Nguyen

Latest statistics show that 25% of the world's population does not have power. This vertical axis wind turbine can have a huge affect on the lives in those areas of the world.

According to Global Issues 1.6 Billion people, one quarter of humanity, live without electricity. In Southeast Asia there are 706 million without electricity, 547 million in Sub-Saharan Africa, 224 million in East Asia, and 101 million in other areas of the world. The Windspire was designed and is being manufactured with these less fortunate in mind.

70% of the Windspire Wind Electric Appliances are planned for overseas installation, places where 2000 kilowatt hours per year will make a HUGE difference in a person's life.

This is the bigger part of what Mike Hess and John Holcomb are committed to.

Back in the U.S., Mike Hess and John Holcomb are committed to jobs and local economies.

In a conversation with John, you will learn that he has found a way to make the Windspire better and less expensively than it can be done overseas. This makes the appliance affordable to the average homeowner or business owner.

These gentlemen are committed to increasing jobs in the United States.

Throughout the country, Windspires will be installed by local contractors using local subs. This will keep the dollars local.

John Holcomb says he is doing this,

"for the veterans."

The veterans have fought for the United States, many have given their lives for our country.

Through John's eyes...the Windspire is for memory and honor to our Veterans.

Made by Americans.....For America

To hear more from Mike Hess and John Holcomb be sure to take 5 minutes to watch the ABC News 20/20 special:

New Normal: Workers Learn New Skills

**sidebar: the house in the 20/20 piece belongs to one of our happy homeowners, Gloria Noyce. Her windspire was installed by our own Devon O'Shea and his capable crew. Gloria and her sister Janie are both proud owners of our systems. Although they were taped for the 20/20 special, unfortunately, only Gloria's Windspire and house made the cut!

Here's a photo of the girls filming!

From left to right: sisters Linda, Gloria and Janie.

And of course...the film crew from ABC's 20/20!

It was a fun filled day!

Copyright 2009 Mary McGraw Bigelow. All rights reserved.

For more information visit: Windows Wind and Solar

This tax credit can give you a refund in the next 60 day. If you buy a house from me today and have not owned a home in 3 years your 2008 tax return can be amended and you can get a refund in the next 60 days.

Expanded Tax Break Available for 2009 First-Time Homebuyers

IR-2009-14, Feb. 25, 2009

WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service announced today that taxpayers who qualify for the first-time homebuyer credit and purchase a home this year before Dec. 1 have a special option available for claiming the tax credit either on their 2008 tax returns due April 15 or on their 2009 tax returns next year.

Qualifying taxpayers who buy a home this year before Dec. 1, 2009 can get up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married filing separately.

"For first-time homebuyers this year, this special feature can put money in their pockets right now rather than waiting another year to claim the tax credit," said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. "This important change gives qualifying homebuyers cash they do not have to pay back."

The IRS has posted a revised version of Form 5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit, on IRS.gov. The revised form incorporates provisions from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The instructions to the revised Form 5405 provide additional information on who can and cannot claim the credit, income limitations and repayment of the credit.

This year, qualifying taxpayers who buy a home before Dec. 1, 2009, can claim the credit on either their 2008 or 2009 tax returns. They do not have to repay the credit, provided the home remains their main home for 36 months after the purchase date. They can claim 10 percent of the purchase price up to $8,000, or $4,000 for married individuals filing separately.

The amount of the credit begins to phase out for taxpayers whose adjusted gross income is more than $75,000 or $150,000 for joint filers.

For purposes of the credit, you are considered to be a first-time homebuyer if you, and your spouse if you are married, did not own any other main home during the three-year period ending on the date of purchase.

The IRS also alerted taxpayers that the new law does not affect people who purchased a home after April 8, 2008, and on or before Dec. 31, 2008. For these taxpayers who are claiming the credit on their 2008 tax returns, the maximum credit remains 10 percent of the purchase price, up to $7,500, or $3,750 for married individuals filing separately. In addition, the credit for these 2008 purchases must be repaid in 15 equal installments over 15 years, beginning with the 2010 tax year.

Fully Furnished Vacation Rental in Spring Lake with Access to Lake Michigan, All Sports Lake, plus 1 Block to The Spring Lake Beach

I find myself glancing at the cities you all are from and thinking... uhhmmm... what's your neck of the woods like? (sorry Mr. Al Roker!)

So hey...I'll go first!

My favorite place....drum roll.....GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN is a wonderfully inviting beach town known as Coast Guard City, USA. It includes a host of beautiful classic cottages up the winding hills with majestic views of Lake Michigan. My Mom tells story's about the fun she had at party's on the hill in the mid 1950's.

You will find tranquil beaches, trolleys, shops, restaurants, boardwalk, boats and fun galore! So come visit and enjoy the history and sites of my Grand Haven!

Hello All,

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