September 4, 2010 from 9 AM- 2PM.

The Brevard/Transylvania Chamber of Commerce is announcing the 2nd Annual Farm Fair, an exciting Labor Day weekend event. Due to the large amount of producers in our county, and the success of the 1st event, it was decided to hold the Second Annual Transylvania Farm Fair on Saturday, September 4. The event will take place at the American Legion Building, both indoors and outdoors, from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm. The purpose of the event will be to promote our Transylvania County producers.

Don’t miss the Jam/Jelly contest and the Ugly Truck Contest!

Plan to spend the day! The Heritage Museum will also be celebrating their 2nd Annual Founders Day from 11-5.

There has been letters sent to more than 4000 property owners in Transylvania County who claim residence outside of the county in an effort to get an accurate count. It is pointed out how folks may hesitate to fill out the form to be counted from their 2nd home location in fear of lack of confidentiality. “Title 13 of the U.S. Code protects the confidentiality of all your information and violating this law is a crime with severe penalties.” according to the U.S. Census web site.

Transylvania County wants and needs your census count.

Remember there will not be another untill 2020!

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schulz?

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America pageant.
4 Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade’s worth of World Series winners.

How did you do? The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday.

These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields.

But the applause dies.. Awards tarnish.. Achievements are forgotten.

Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here’s another quiz.

See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special!!

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials.. the most money…or the most awards.

They simply are the ones who care the most!

“Be Yourself.. Everyone Else Is Taken!”

Brevard’s Dancing with the Stars Hosted by Heart of Brevard

Sweetheart Dancing with Our Stars – Valentine’s Weekend Dance Sponsored by Heart of Brevard Talent doesn’t just thrive in Hollywood, California. Western North Carolina has plenty of community celebrities who are willing to compete for one night of glory on the dance floor. Come join us for Dancing with Our Stars on Valentine’s Weekend February 13, 2010 in downtown Brevard. The audience votes for their favorite—$1.00 per vote—which means you can vote as many times as you want and for as many couples as you want! This dance event is held at the Brevard Little Theatre/American Legion Hall located at 55 E. Jordan Street. The Sweetheart Dance is from 8:00 pm through 11:00 pm, with the Dancing with Our Stars program beginning at 9:00 pm. Admission is $10 per person at the door. The evening is a fundraiser sponsored by the Heart of Brevard to raise scholarship funds for TC Arts Council’s Summer Kids Art Camps. For more information, contact the Heart of Brevard 884-3278 (www.brevardnc.org)

Feb 12, 2010 – Mar 12, 2010 Monday – Friday from 10 am – 4 pm

Gallery Exhibit: BODY & SOUL -

by Transylvania Community Arts Council

Location: 349 S. Caldwell Street Brevard, NC – View Map

February 12 – March 12 BODY & SOUL: Gallery Exhibit at TC Arts Council The TC Arts Council is hosting an art exhibit entitled “Body & Soul” from February 12 – March 12. Art mediums include: paintings, photography, mixed media, sculpture, glass and wood. The gallery is located at 349 S. Caldwell Street in Brevard. The gallery is open Monday – Friday from 10 am – 4 pm. An artist reception will be held on Friday, February 12 from 4-7 pm. This event is part of the Heart of Brevard’s Valentine Weekend Getaway from February 12 – 14. To see other events on that weekend go to www.brevardnc.org.

Over these last few days I have been following closely the desperate pleas of a fellow Rotarian and friend, Matthew Beck, as he tries to get word about his brother missing in the rubble of Hotel Montana in Haiti. Brendan, an engineer doing consulting work in Haiti, checked into the hotel for a night to catch a flight to another part of the country the next day. His mother is angry that she’s not getting information from the government; U.S. officials say they’re doing what they can under difficult conditions. As I followed postings on Face Book, my heart and emotions wrenched with him and his family as they tried to gleam any information leading to Brendan’s whereabouts.   The highs – the lows – the unknown – the known – was all not without a mixture of emotions. Seeking help from all avenues – running into road blocks – mixed signals – miss information.

I want to share a posting Matthew made Friday the 22nd of January:

“Life is precious. Never did I anticipate the possibility that the last glimpse of my brother would be looking over my shoulder to see him walking toward Pennsylvania Avenue on January 1. It’s something I’ll never forget. Treasure the moments you have with those you love.”

Below you will find a a of video feed from CNN and a news report from WLOS channel 13 in Asheville NC telling about Brendan Beck.

If you are so moved, please contact your elective officials to make sure they bring all the missing Americans home.

FROM WLOS CHANNEL 13: Arden resident Matthew Beckand his father Barry are in Santo Domingo desperately trying to find out the fate of his brother who’s missing in Haiti. Brendan Beck was believed to be inside the Montana Hotel when it collapsed in the January 12th quake. He was last heard from minutes before the earthquake struck. They say they’ve had trouble getting information from the State Department and have had to rely heavily on information from social networking sites. Brendan’s 35th Birthday was last Friday. He was in Haiti working as an engineer.

1. Who is eligible to claim the $6,500 tax credit?
   Qualified move-up or repeat home buyers purchasing any kind of home are eligible to claim this credit.
2. What is the definition of a move-up or repeat home buyer?
   The law defines a tax credit qualified move-up home buyer (“long-time resident”) as a person who has owned and resided in the same home for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. That is, both spouses must qualify as long-time residents, with at least five years of principal residency for each. Repeat home buyers do not have to purchase a home that is more expensive than their previous home to qualify for the tax credit.
3. How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
   The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500. Purchases of homes priced above $800,000 are not eligible for the tax credit.
4. Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?
   Yes. The income limit for single taxpayers is $125,000; the limit is $225,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. The tax credit amount is reduced for buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above those limits. The phaseout range for the tax credit program is equal to $20,000. That is, the tax credit amount is reduced to zero for taxpayers with MAGI of more than $145,000 (single) or $245,000 (married) and is reduced proportionally for taxpayers with MAGIs between these amounts.
5. What is “modified adjusted gross income”?
   Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine “adjusted gross income” or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as “adjustments” or “above-the-line deductions”), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and the first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains.

   To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts of foreign-earned income. See IRS Form 5405 for more details.

6. If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify for any tax credit?
   Possibly. It depends on your income. Partial credits of less than $6,500 are available for some taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds the phaseout limits.
7. Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined?
   Just as an example, assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $235,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $225,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by the phaseout range of $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $6,500 by 0.5. The result is $3,250.

   Here’s another example: assume that an individual home buyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $138,000. The buyer’s income exceeds $125,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by the phaseout range of $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $6,500 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,275.

   Please remember that these examples are intended to provide a general idea of how the tax credit might be applied in different circumstances. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.

8. How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congress enacted in July of 2008? How is this different than the rules established in early 2009?
   The previous tax credits applied only to first-time home buyers and were for different amounts of money.
9. How do I claim the tax credit? Do I need to complete a form or application? Are there documentation requirements?
   You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. Specifically, home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, and then claim this amount on line 67 of the 1040 income tax form for 2009 returns (line 69 of the 1040 income tax form for 2008 returns).

   No other applications are required, and no pre-approval is necessary. However, you will want to be sure that you qualify for the credit under the income limits and repeat home buyer tests. Note that you cannot claim the credit on Form 5405 for an intended purchase for some future date; it must be a completed purchase. Home buyers must attach a copy of their HUD-1 settlement form (closing statement) to Form 5405 as proof of the completed home purchase.

10. What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?
    Any home that will be used as a principal residence will qualify for the credit, provided the home is purchased for a price less than or equal to $800,000. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses and condominiums, manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes) and houseboats. The definition of principal residence is identical to the one used to determine whether you may qualify for the $250,000 / $500,000 capital gain tax exclusion for principal residences.

    It is important to note that you cannot purchase a home from, among other family members, your ancestors (parents, grandparents, etc.), your lineal descendants (children, grandchildren, etc.) or your spouse or your spouse’s family members. Please consult with your tax advisor for more information. Also see IRS Form 5405.

11. I read that the tax credit is “refundable.” What does that mean?
    The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit.

    For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding the tax credit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of $4,000 for the year, then without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS $1,000 on April 15th. Suppose now that the taxpayer qualified for the $6,500 home buyer tax credit. As a result, the taxpayer would receive a check for $5,500 ($6,500 minus the $1,000 owed).

12. Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I hired a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit?
    Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence that is constructed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been “purchased” on the date the owner first occupies the house. In this situation, the date of first occupancy must be after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010 (or by June 30, 2010, provided a binding sales contract was in force by April 30, 2010).

    In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date. Be sure to check with a tax advisor in cases where a HUD-1 form is not used at settlement to be sure you have sufficient documentation to attach to IRS Form 5405.

13. Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgage revenue bond (MRB) program?
    Yes. The tax credit can be combined with an MRB home buyer program.
14. I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit?
    Perhaps. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS) and who has owned and resided in a principal residence in the United States for at least five consecutive years of the eight years prior to the purchase date can claim the tax credit if they meet the income limits. For married taxpayers, the law tests the homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. The IRS provides a definition of “nonresident alien” in IRS Publication 519.
15. Is a tax credit the same as a tax deduction?
    No. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $6,500 in income taxes and who receives an $6,500 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.

    A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $6,500 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives a $6,500 deduction, the taxpayer’s tax liability would be reduced by $975 (15 percent of $6,500), or lowered from $6,500 to $5,525.

16. Is there a way for a home buyer to access the money allocable to the credit sooner than waiting to file their 2009 or 2010 tax return?
    Yes. Prospective home buyers who believe they qualify for the tax credit are permitted to reduce their income tax withholding. Reducing tax withholding (up to the amount of the credit) will enable the buyer to accumulate cash by raising his/her take home pay. This money can then be applied to the downpayment.

    Buyers should adjust the withholding amount on their W-4 via their employer or through their quarterly estimated tax payment. IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding. Prospective home buyers should note that if income tax withholding is reduced and the tax credit qualified purchase does not occur, then the individual would be liable for repayment to the IRS of income tax and possible interest charges and penalties.

    In addition, rule changes made as part of the economic stimulus legislation allow home buyers to claim the tax credit and participate in a program financed by tax-exempt bonds. As a result, some state housing finance agencies have introduced programs that provide short-term second mortgage loans that may be used to fund a downpayment. Prospective home buyers should check with their state housing finance agency to see if such a program is available in their community. To date, 18 state agencies have announced tax credit assistance programs, and more are expected to follow suit. The National Council of State Housing Agencies (NCSHA) has compiled a list of such programs, which can be found here.

17. HUD allows “monetization” of the tax credit. What does that mean?
    It means that HUD will allow buyers using FHA-insured mortgages to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase immediately rather than waiting until they file their 2009 or 2010 income taxes to receive a refund. These funds may be used for certain downpayment and closing cost expenses.

    Under the guidelines announced by HUD, non-profits and FHA-approved lenders are allowed to give home buyers short-term loans. The guidelines also allow government agencies, such as state housing finance agencies, to facilitate home sales by providing longer term loans secured by second mortgages.

    Housing finance agencies and other government entities may also issue tax credit loans, which home buyers may use to satisfy the FHA 3.5 percent downpayment requirement.

    In addition, approved FHA lenders can purchase a home buyer’s anticipated tax credit to pay closing costs and downpayment costs above the 3.5 percent downpayment that is required for FHA-insured homes.

    More information about the guidelines is available on the NAHB web site. Read the HUD mortgagee letter (pdf) and an explanation of the FHA Mortgagee Letter on Tax Credit Monetization (pdf). An FAQ about monetization (pdf) is available at the NAHB web site.

18. If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009 (or 2010), can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 (or 2009) tax return?
    Yes. The law allows taxpayers to choose (“elect”) to treat qualified home purchases in 2009 (or 2010) as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008 (or if in 2010, December 31, 2009). This means that the previous year’s income limit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed. A benefit of this election is that a home buyer in 2009 or 2010 will know their prior year MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer know whether the income limit will reduce their credit amount.

    Taxpayers buying a home who wish to claim it on their prior year tax return, but who have already submitted their tax return to the IRS, may file an amended return claiming the tax credit using Form 1040X. You should consult with a tax professional to determine how to arrange this.

19. For a home purchase in 2009 or 2010, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in the prior or present year, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest?
    Yes. If the applicable income phaseout would reduce your home buyer tax credit amount in the present year and a larger credit would be available using the prior year MAGI amounts, then you can choose the year that yields the largest credit amount.
20. How can two unmarried buyers allocate the tax credit if one qualifies for the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit and the other qualifies for the $6,500 repeat home buyer credit?
    The buyers can allocate the tax credit in any reasonable manner, provided neither claims a tax credit higher than the one they qualify for and the home purchase does not yield a total of more than $8,000 in tax credits. For example, the repeat home buyer could claim $6,500 and the first-time home buyer could claim $1,500. Alternatively, both buyers could claim a $4,000 tax credit.
21. Does a married couple qualify for any home buyer tax credit in the following situation? Spouse A has lived in and owned the same principal residence for at least five years. Spouse B has lived in and owned the same principal residence for less than five years.
    In this situation, the couple does not qualify for any home buyer tax credit. Because the couple is married, the law tests the ownership history of both spouses. Spouse A clearly does not qualify for the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit, so neither does Spouse B.

    Spouse A does appear to qualify for the $6,500 repeat buyer credit, but because Spouse B has not owned and lived in the same principal residence for at least five years, neither of them can claim the repeat home buyer tax credit.

Transportation Institute found that truck drivers who were texting were 23 times more at risk of a “crash or near crash event” than “nondistracted driving.” As per talking on a cell phone, the same study found no increased risk for truck drivers and 1.3 times the risk for car drivers. The study also found that “texting took a driver’s focus away from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds–enough time…to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph.”

Texting drivers are easy to spot. Like drunken drivers, they’re the ones going too slow or too fast, or weaving, says Gregory Massak, the police chief of Shirley, Mass. “They’re concentrating more on [the phone] than on driving.”

His officers are well aware of the impact of this behavior. In September, an 18-year-old died when she crashed her car into a tree seconds after receiving a text message.

To those who don’t text regularly, these dangers might seem obvious. But for many teens, and a growing number of adults, texting is a central way of communicating – a virtual conversation that doesn’t stop in the car. Even with the growing restrictions, 73 percent of teens admit to texting while driving, according to a Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) study.

“Some of them say that they’re good at typing without looking at the screen; others say they hold it up by their eyes as they text,” says Stephen Wallace, national chairman and CEO of SADD.

Heather Barrett, a college student in Ohio, says she probably receives and sends more than 500 messages a day: “I prefer to text and drive rather than talk and drive. I can put the phone down in the middle of the text if something is going on.”

The ban on sending and reading emails and texts while driving became effect December 1, 2009. This law prohibits a motorist from texting and/or emailing while driving. Motorists who are in violation of this new law face a fine of $100 plus court costs. The law includes exceptions for emergency responders, as well as people who use voice-activated technology or access global navigation systems.

As the holidays swiftly approach let us all be safe and don’t text and drive!

Here is the RISMEDIA article:

What do you think of when you think of the Holidays? If you’re like most people, the first things you think of are the long lines, the massive amounts of traffic and the over emphasis on consumerism. What if this holiday season, you could turn that around by creating your own unique version of the holidays? What would your version be like?

Using the Law of Attraction as our model, let’s explore how through the focusing of consciousness, you can magnetize more of what you desire. What would that be? Warmth, coziness, closeness of friends and family, peace and harmony?

The Law of Attraction:
The Law of Attraction is simple. There are basically 5 steps:

1. Clarify what you don’t want
2. Clarify what you do want
3. Clear your beliefs
4. Create your “desire statement”
5. Allow it to come to you

Step 1: Clarify what you don’t want. Take a piece of paper and draw a line vertically. Then, an inch from the top, draw a horizontal line, so you have two columns. On top of the left column, write “Don’t want.” When it comes to the holidays, what are the things you don’t want? Some examples might be stress, confusion, exhaustion, pressure and family feuds. Write those in the left column.

Step 2: Clarify what you do want. On top of the right hand column, write “Do want.” What are the things you want this holiday season? Some examples might be time with family, love, harmony, peace, and joy. Write those and any others you can think of in the right column.

Step 3: What hidden or not so hidden beliefs do you have that might get in the way of you receiving what you want? Here are some examples:
-“My relatives never get along at holiday gatherings”
-“The more expensive my gifts, the more approval I’ll receive”
-“There’s no way around the hustle and bustle”
-“Every year someone gets sick”
-“My income never meets my expenses during the holidays”

When you have identified your self limiting and self sabotaging beliefs, ask yourself if you still want to hold onto them. If yes, then you’ll pretty much get what you’ve always gotten. If you decide you’re really ready to let them go, write a set of new beliefs that cancels out each and every one of the old ones.

For example, you could start to reprogram yourself to think that:
-“I can help to facilitate the interactions between my relatives and myself”
-“The only person’s approval I need is my own. I’ll give gifts from the heart”
-“I can create my pace to be any way I want. I give myself permission to experience balance this year.”
-“I visualize radiant health for myself and everyone”
-“I can figure out a way to raise my income or I can figure out a way to minimize my expenses.”

Once you have ridden yourself of your old beliefs and created a whole new set of empowered beliefs, you are free to create your “desire statement.”

Step 4: Create your Desire Statement. Now that you have more clarity about what you do and don’t want and you’ve cleared out the old beliefs, you’re ready to write your Desire Statement. It’s simple, just take the top 5 items of your ‘Do Want’ list and create a statement of what it feels like to have them now.

What does it feel like to have a warm, cozy, relaxed holiday season that you custom designed? Write down all the emotional and physical feelings you get as you experience it happening right now. It’s similar to acting “as if.”

Read your Desire Statement aloud every day for at least 16 seconds. This is enough time for you to create a vortex. Remember, like energy attracts like energy. So you are making yourself extremely magnetic to having what you want.

Step 5: Allow this to come to you. How does one “allow?” To allow, you must suspend your fears and doubts. Notice you don’t have to get rid of them; you just need to separate from them. Keep your focus on what you want and give yourself supportive, encouraging self talk. Withdraw your energy from your fears and doubts and they will start shrinking.

What does it feel like to have a holiday season that is unique to you? Relish in the enjoyment so you are ready to roll in the New Year.

RISMEDIA 12-10-09 Marketing Strategies: Create Your Own Version of the Holidays

In this age of instant information -

instant gratification -

data overload -

we at times forget the humanity behind the written word.

So I would like to say a simple THANK YOU for following my Blogs.

It’s nice to know what interests me also interests some of you.

I enjoy connecting with great folks all around this great country

and the world we all share.