Heather's Blog

Great Starter Home in Move-In Condition!

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:36:58 -0500

This gorgeous 3 bedroom ranch home is in IMMACULATE condition and ready for your family to move right in! Priced to sell at $109,900 this home has the extras that you won't be able to find anywhere else. Large rooms, neutral decor, vinyl siding, central air and fenced-in backyard with attached deck. The 2 stall garage is a tandem that boasts an additional furnace and extra insulation for work all year round. This home is within walking distance to schools, parks and convenient to get to shopping. All appliances will stay and possession is immediate!

"Diverse Paths Shared Destinies

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 16:47:08 -0500

What: A Diversity Leadership Conference for Professionals

When: September 19, 2007. Conference is from 7am - 12pm and the Luncheon is from 12pm - 2pm.

Where: Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel, 350-1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Cost: $79 for the conference & luncheon or $29 for the luncheon only

An important and very exciting opportunity for professionals working in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area.

The conference will address a range of critically important themes relating to the ever-changing cultural climate both locally and in other communities. Hosted by Diversity Focus, the tools will be provided to assist local professionals and businesses become more welcoming as the scene continues to transform.

The opening keynote speaker is Rockwell Collins Chairman, President and CEO, Mr. Clay Jones. The luncheon keynote speaker is bestselling author, educator and entrepreneur, Mr. Stedman Graham. Mr. Graham will speak on embracing diversity. His latest book release, Diversity: Leaders not Labels, includes his unique approach to eliminating barriers to success.

To learn more or to register, contact Diversity Focus at: Diversity@DiversityFocus.org or (319) 363-3707 or visit the website at www.DiversityFocus.org

This is a fabulous opportunity! Shuffle your calendar if necessary and find a way to attend!

Mt Vernon Heritage Days 2007

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 01:24:33 -0500

ARE YOU STILL TRYING TO DECIDE WHAT YOUR FAMILY CAN DO THIS WEEKEND?

Visit Mt Vernon, Iowa and see what the fuss is all about! There are many events scheduled throughout the weekend, but bring the family Saturday to enjoy some of these things:

8am: 5K Run/Walk

10am: Bike Ride to Springville, Waubeek back to Mt Vernon

10am - 5pm: Over 20 artists will display their work in Memorial Park and many children's art activities will be offered

11am: Heritage Days Annual Parade

12pm - 10pm: The midway is open and has everything that a good summer festival should offer: rides, inflatables, games, street vendors, bingo and much, much more

9pm: The Large Midgets hit the Main Street Stage.

Spend Saturday, July 14th in Mount Vernon, Iowa and find something that everyone in your family can enjoy!

For more information, visit: www.visitmvl.com OR, as always, contact me: Heather@VoyagerRealty.com or (319) 329-6471. See you there!

2710 Spoonbill Drive, Marion

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:35:33 -0500

OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2007

2:30 - 4:00

Move in to this newly constructed 5 bedroom ranch and get your family settled before the new elementary school opens its doors for the first time. You will likely increase your equity right away as the newer, more expensive homes continue to be built in this very desirable area of Marion, Iowa and this one is priced to sell quickly at $294,900.

Sitting on a larger lot in a quiet, family-friendly street that is convenient so you won't struggle getting to work, shopping, etc.

Many extras have been added to this beautiful home including: finished lower level, 3 stall garage, vaulted ceilings and upgraded faucets and countertops. Take a drive into the neighborhood and you'll feel as if you have finally found the home you have been searching for.

Directions: 10th Street North to Indian Creek to 29th Avenue to 44th Street to Spoonbill Drive

For more information or to set up a private showing, please contact Heather Kramer: (319) 329-6471 or Heather@VoyagerRealty.com

To see inside pictures, visit: www.VoyagerRealty.com

2990 Roseberry Ct, Marion

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Sat, 14 Jul 2007 00:22:33 -0500

OPEN HOUSE

SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2007

12:30 - 2:00

Are you relocating to the Cedar Rapids area? Are you concerned about finding the perfect home for your family? Don't miss the opportunity to view this home on Sunday, July 15, 2007. Priced under appraised value at $314,550 you won't find anything better in this price range.

After weeks of searching for the perfect home, you will know you found it the minute you walk into this fabulous 5 bedroom ranch. Located in a very desirable Marion neighborhood, your kids will be able to walk to school and you will be near a convenient route to work, shopping or other entertainment venues.

With a large, pie-shaped lot you have the privacy you have been looking for in a safe, friendly neighborhood.

This home has many extras: the walkout lower level has a custom bar, surround sound and plenty of storage. There is a 3 stall garage, irrigation system, vaulted ceilings with a very open floorplan. It is a home your entire family will want to live.

Directions: 10th Street North (Marion) to Indian Creek to 29th Avenue to Roseberry Ct

For more information, contact Heather Kramer at: (319) 329-6471 or Heather@VoyagerRealty.com

OR visit www.VoyagerRealty.com

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Balloon Glow - Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 14:24:07 -0500

Brucemore Mansion, 2160 Linden Dr SE, Cedar Rapids will once again be the site for the Annual Freedom Festival "Balloon Glow" held on Thursday, June 28, 2007 from 7pm - 10pm. Admission is free with a Freedom Festival button.

Watch a kaleidoscope of color unfold during Balloon Glow. Relax and enjoy the warm summer evening as balloonists inflate their tethered, lighted hot air balloons on the beautiful lawns of historic Brucemore.

Faculty Lounge, Des Moines' premium 8-piece, teacher-friendly, horn-driven, multi-hyphenated funk machine that offers an eclectic assortment of jazz, fun, soul and R&B, promises a lively evening of family-friendly entertainment.

This event is sponsored by Linn Area Credit Union and the stage will be sponsored by Loving Care Learning Center.
Additional parking and shuttle buses to and from Brucemore at Washington High School, 2205 Forest Dr. SE.

For more information, visit the Freedom Festival website at: www.FreedomFestival.com

Calling all Families: Wiffle Ball Tournament

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 14:00:43 -0500

Play in the first-ever Freedom Festival All-Ages Wiffle Ball Tournament produced by the Oakland Church of the Nazarene. It is located at: 3000-42nd Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA.

Each 5-player team requires one child (age 12 or under), one teen (age 13-19) and one adult (age 20+). Round-robin play June 29 from 5am - 9pm, and the morning of June 30th. The championship rounds will be held in the afternoon on June 30th.

Top teams receive prizes and food will be available for purchase on-site. Registration fee is $10 per team.

For more information, or to register visit: www.oaklandnaz.org/wiffle or call (319)393-7399

Legion Arts Summer Stage -- BLUEGRASS

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Tue, 29 May 2007 02:01:53 -0500

If you like Bluegrass, you can't miss this performance on June 21st at 7:30:

DRUHA TRAVA, one of the most successful international bluegrass bands of all time.

Formed in 1991, the Czech ensemble (translated, the name means "Second Grass") quickly went on to become multiple award winners in their homeland.

Band leader Robert Krestan has been called the Bill Monroe of Prague. His bandmates are accomplished instrumentalists whose influences include jazz, rock and country. The result is a fresh and innovative sound and a concert experience that challenges all preconceptions - lively banter, dazzling bluegrass classics, jazz standards and covers of artists as diverse as Bob Dylan and Dire Straits.

Though chiefly referred to as a bluegrass group, Druha Trava actually incorporate elements of country, swing, jazz, folk and rock into their skillfully rendered music. Not only an international phenomenon, Druha Trava is also one of the most beloved bands in the Czech Republic.

Due to weather, the concert has been moved inside to CSPS which is located at 1103-3rd Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA. Their phone number is: 319-364-1580.

The concert is free and you can bring your whole family! Music will start at 7:30pm and end around 9:00pm during which time food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

See you there!

Take the Family to TRAIN DAY at Ushers Ferry on June 3, 2007

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Tue, 29 May 2007 01:43:32 -0500

Ushers Ferry's Annual Trains Day will be held on Sunday, June 3rd from 11:00am to 5:00pm

If you have never been out to visit Ushers Ferry, this is a great opportunity for your family to see all that they have to offer! A visit to Ushers Ferry Historic Village, located on the outskirts of northeast Cedar Rapids, is a step back in time 100 years to experience how Iowans lived before the modern day conveniences were made available.

The Trains Day is an annual event and this year the train that they will be highlighting is the Union Pacific.

There will be slide shows and exhibits highlighting the heritage of the Union Pacific Railroad and there will also be a Memorabilia Swap Meet and a special exhibit by the Garden Railroad Society.

Kids Activities will revolve around the School House with a special craft for each child to make and take home with them and all the buildings will be open for touring with special "Railroad Meals" being cooked in several of the village kitchens!

The children will be able to take train rides around the Village as well as play games that would have been available 100 years ago!

This year's featured train will be the Union Pacific.

Admission:

$4 for adults
$2 for kids age 5-14
Free if you're under 5

For more information about this event, visit their website at: www.cedar-rapids.org/ushers/index.html

OR contact me by phone at: (319) 329-6471 or email at: Heather@VoyagerRealty.com

Corridor Business Workshop

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Sun, 13 May 2007 22:52:27 -0500

SIGN UP TODAY! The first of three Workshops will be held Tuesday, May 15th.

The Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce, Diversity Focus along with several other organizations have teamed up to present three workshops with diversity as the overarching themes.

The Business Workshop will examine the distinction between management and leadership and also what the characteristics of a transformational leader should look like. Trainers will be Jude West, UI Professor of Business and Paul Retish, UI Professor of Diversity and Special Education.

The topics will be:

discussing audiences attitudes regarding diversity
economic, diversity and changing demographics of the USA
organizations commitment on how to diversify

When: May 15, 2007 from 9am to 4pm

Where: Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, 424 First Ave NE, Cedar Rapids

Cost: $75 / each session or $200 for all three

For more information, contact Joy Nicholson at 319-730-1406 or jnicholson@cedarrapids.org or visit the website at www.cedarrapids.org.

Exquisite Home located in the Heart of Anamosa!

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Mon, 07 May 2007 02:47:02 -0500

SALE PENDING: MAY 28, 2007

This is the home you've been searching for. With all the appeal and character of an older home without the maintenance usually required. Current owners have loved this home and it is obvious! Nestled in the heart of Anamosa and near historic Stone City, you won't find another one like it anywhere!

The picturesque, well-landscaped exterior will invite you to enter and you will be delighted with what you will find inside:

4 bedrooms and 2 baths
Peaceful screened-in porch with attached deck
Large living room with gas fireplace
First floor laundry
Updated kitchen
Formal dining room with hardwood floors
2 stall attached garage

The house you have been looking for is waiting to welcome you and your family home!

105 S Booth, Anamosa
$124,900
MLS #2702795

For more information or to schedule a showing, call me at: 319-329-6471 or email me at: Heather@VoyagerRealty.com

Family Fun Day to Celebrate Mothers

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Mon, 07 May 2007 02:35:25 -0500

Looking for something fun to do with the family this weekend?

A kid-friendly, playful exhibition is on display at the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art, located at 410-3rd Avenue SE, Cedar Rapids, IA. Take the family to the museum on Saturday, May 12th and you will be able to explore the galleries featuring Original Children's Book Illustrations including nearly 120 illustrations of the following classic characters: Curious George, Madeline, Charlie Brown, Babar, Little Toot and many more!

Kids of all ages can also enjoy story time, greet storybook characters, participate in an illustration workshop and meet local authors and illustrators. The first kids to arrive will receive a copy of the original Curious George story and FREE museum highlight tours.

Kids can go on a Treasure Hunt through the Museum and enter to win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card.

For more information, you can call me: 319-329-6471 or email me: Heather@VoyagerRealty.com

The event is free to the public.

Mount Vernon's "CHALK THE WALK"

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Mon, 07 May 2007 01:45:20 -0500

This weekend (May 4 & 5) Mt. Vernon, Iowa (the home of Cornell College) hosted Iowa's largest-ever Madonnari Festival. It lasted two days and hundreds of people from the State of Iowa visited the event. One full block of 1st Avenue (or Main Street) was blocked off as a large canvas for multiple events.

Many professional artists were on hand to create 10 X 12 chalk images and a massive 3,000 square foot area was blocked off in 2 X 2 squares for individuals of all artistic abilities to participate. My 4 yr old son and I drew a square as did my 7 yr old daughter and her friend. Luckily, the rain held off until the very end of the day on Sunday.

Craig Wilson, event coordinator, said it best, "imagine a beautiful spring day in Iowa with hundreds of community members and visitors from all walks of life, gathering together to work on a single collaborative piece of art. That is Mount Vernon's Chalk the Walk."

In addition to the artwork, there were street musicians and food vendors on hand.

I will be adding pictures soon.

Woman's Walking Workshop - April 28, 2007

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:19:12 -0500

On Saturday, April 28th, the Indian Creek Nature Center will be inviting women to make walking their adventure and to kick off their walking season at the annual WOMAN'S WALKING WORKSHOP.

Included at the workshop:

Karen McCaa, color commentator and life coach, will give an inspirational talk.
Jim Dwyer, Running Wild, will help participants know their feet and learn how to select the perfect fitting shoe.
Jan Temple, ISU Extension, will show how whole grains and legumes can be crafted into delicious meals.
Charlynne McFerren, Carlson College of Massage Therapy, will present an introduction to aromatherapy
Kim Flugga-Ciha will present closing meditation

There will be continental breakfast provided and Carlson College will provide chair massages.

Don't miss this great day to kick off Spring!

Admission: $35 for Nature Center members & $40 for non-members.

For more information, call 319-362-0664.

A Fun Family Event - Friday, April 27, 2007

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 13:07:57 -0500

A FROG WALK

Beginning at 7pm on April 27, 2007 Indian Creek Nature Center will be playing host to A FROG WALK for kids and families. The group will learn about Iowa's frogs from a naturalist and go an a guided walk to seek spring peepers, chorus frogs, tree frogs and others.

Admission: free under age 3 / $1 for kids 3 - 12 / $4 for adults (members=$3)

Location: Indian Creek Nature Center, 6665 Otis Rd SE, Cedar Rapids

For more information, please call: 319-362-0664, or email me: Heather@VoyagerRealty.com

We look forward to seeing you there!

Diversity Focus Brown Bag Event - EDUCATION

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:04:22 -0500

The second session of the Diversity Focus Brown Bag series will be held on Monday, May 7, 2007 from 12-1pm with a focus on Education:

Claire Cardwell, International Advisor at the University of Iowa's International Programs office will speak on her experiences working in Kosovo. Her first 6 months were spent working with children and the last 6 months were spent working with Albanian, Serbian, and Roma youth. She also worked on women's issues on the side developing a manual for domestic violence procedures in the area and assisted the UN police with Sexual Assault cases in Mitrovica.

This series is aimed toward arming the public with information, education and awareness on issues of diversity. Bring a lunch and spend some quality time learning new information and getting to know others in the Cedar Rapids community.

I look forward to seeing you there! For more information, you can call me at 319-329-6471 or email me at: Heather@VoyagerRealty.com.

To reach Diversity Focus, call them at 319-363-3707 or visit their website: www.DiversityFocus.org.

Cultural Express -- April 11th

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 21:54:45 -0500

Diversity Focus, Legion Arts and the Iowa Arts Council will be hosting the next Cultural Express event held to celebrate Iowa's diverse cultural arts on Thursday, April 11, 2007 starting at 6:30pm. This is the second of ten public programs and accompanying exhibits.

Tomorrow nights program is Polka! with Barefoot Becky and the Ivanhoe Dutchmen. This is a fabulous group that has been around for years and great entertainment for you and your family to enjoy.

This event will be held at the Lisbon Public Library:

101 East Main Street, Lisbon, IA

For directions to the event or more information, give me a call at 319-329-6471 or email me at: Heather@VoyagerRealty.com.

To contact Diversity Focus, visit: www.DiversityFocus.org or call them at 319-363-3707.

My Easter Joke

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 10:54:15 -0500

Why did the Easter Bunny fire the duck?

He kept "quacking" all the eggs.

Have a great Easter weekend everyone!

Finding Tina Palmer

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 21:27:55 -0500

I graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in 1988 with a class of 72. With our 20 year reunion fast approaching next summer, there are a few of us that are having trouble letting go of our youth! (Todd/Tina: if you see this....you know I luv ya!)

Two of my classmates are going to be the main event of a fundraiser being held on April 7, 2007. Check out the link here: www.FindingTinaPalmer.com If you are in the area, come watch if you can...and say hello if you see me!

It feels like I'm watching a Seinfeld episode! I'm going to try to go and I'll share the pictures next week...I'm sure it will be fun! Have a good week everyone!

Diversity Focus Brown Bag Series

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 18:31:23 -0500

Starting on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 and continuing through October, 2007, Diversity Focus (www.DiversityFocus.org) will sponsor a forum for individuals with varied backgrounds and experiences to meet and discuss a myriad of issues.

Paul Shultz, of the Iowa City Wesley Foundation (www.uiowa.edu/~wesley/wesley/welcome.html), will present on Faith with the topic: "The Meaning of Diversity: Spirituality, Religion and People"

The Brown Bag series will take place from 12-1 at the Diversity Focus office (located at 205-2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids). The theme for the series is "Our Stories" and will focus on giving participants insights on diversity, human rights and international experiences of individuals from the following seven sectors: education, community, business, government, faith, health and arts/culture. The speaker will present for 30 minutes and the rest will be dedicated to Q&A.

The Brown Bag series is informal and free to the public. For more information, contact me at 319-329-6471 or email: Heather@VoyagerRealty.com or call the Diversity Focus office at 319-363-3703.

Hope to see you there.

2007 Freedom Festival Concert

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 18:16:05 -0500

The Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival committee announced last night (Tuesday, March 27) that Finger Eleven and .38 Special will headline the annual festival which will last from June 19 - July 4th. The yearly event features many attractions that take place throughout the Cedar Rapids area and draws thousands of people to the community.

Finger Eleven will play June 26th at the US Cellular Center.

.38 Special will play June 30th at the Kirkwood Community College campus.

Ticket sales and price information have not yet been released, but you can check back at their website: http://www.freedomfestival.com to get updated information or a complete up-to-date schedule.

If you will be visiting the area, please give me a call at 319-329-6471 or email me at Heather@VoyagerRealty.com and I will provide you with passes to get in many of the events for a discounted price (if not free admission).

Cedar Rapids Community-Wide Health & Wellness Fair

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 09:21:33 -0500

On Saturday, March 31st 2007 from 9:00am to 3:00pm, the Jane Boyd Community Center (located at 943-14th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids) will host the Cedar Rapids Community-Wide Health & Wellness Fair in which over 80% of the major health problems that are highlighted in Healthy Iowans 2010 will be addressed. Some features of this event will include:

Blood Drive (10am to 2pm)
Blood Pressure check
Blood Cholesterol (a 12-hr fast is recommended prior to this screening)
Blood Glucose screening
Bone density check
Dental
Glaucoma (18yrs & older)
Spinal
Hearing
Vision (6mo - 4 yrs)
HIV/AIDS testing (COMPLETE CONFIDENTIALITY)
Diabetics can upgrade their meter at NO CHARGE

There will be lots of door prizes, free food, activities for children (including face-painting). Participants who visit at least 5 health screenings and 10 educational booths can "shop" for a bag of gently-used FREE CLOTHING.

Transportation is available by calling the Jane Boyd Community Center at 319-366-0431 or email: CRHealthFair@yahoo.com

If you know anyone who could benefit from this great event, please share this information. The turn-out is expected to be close to 300 people.

If you would like more information, you can contact me at 319-329-6471 or Heather@VoyagerRealty.com

Starter Home, Immediate Possession!

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 22:45:00 -0500

SALE PENDING - APRIL 10, 2007

SOLD - MAY 4, 2007

This beautiful, well-maintained 3 bedroom ranch is in move-in condition, includes all the appliances and is available for immediate possession:

3600 Bel Air Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403

MLS #2700492

$114,900

An absolute creampuff that you could move in tomorrow! Located in a family-friendly SE Cedar Rapids neighborhood, your kids can walk to school and/or the park. Some of the features of this great home include (but are not limited to):

Large, fenced-in corner lot
Finished walkout lower level with family room, bonus room and bathroom
Attached garage
New paint & ceramic tile
All appliances will stay

You can get more information here: http://www.voyagerrealtyhome.com/index_files/page635.htm or http://heatherkramer.point2agent.com

To set up a showing or get further information, email me at: Heather@VoyagerRealty.com or call (319)329-8122.

New Bohemia's 2X2XU in Cedar Rapids is Back!

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 22:29:12 -0500

If you're an artist (or just want to be), the 2X2XU is an event that you don't want to miss:

If you aren't familiar, The New Bohemia group's mission is "to create and promote an environment that attracts, encourages and rewards creativity, innovative works of art, and applied arts and sciences" and they sponsor this event.

All you have to do is go to CSPS (from now until April 15th) at 1103 Third Street SE from 11:00am to 6:00pm on Wed through Sun and for $15 (or $12 for students) you will get a 2' X 2' board. Keeping the theme "MY DREAM" in mind, you can paint it however you choose. It will be displayed outdoors in the New Bohemia Arts and Entertainment District from April 21 to August 26, with an opening reception for all artists and supporters on April 28th.

This is a GREAT event that I encourage you (if you live in the area) to visit. If you know someone moving to the area (Rockwell Collins has plans to hire several hundred employees), let them know as well. I will post pictures as soon as the event kicks off. I am takiing my daughter and her friend tomorrow to paint our boards!

What will they think of next?

Heather Armstrong (Iowa Realty) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 22:01:10 -0500

After hearing about an "internet hunting" bill going in front of the Iowa Legislature, I asked around and couldn't seem to find anyone that knew what it was (well, I had a few people guessing but no one seemed to actually know). So, I did some research and in the event you may be interested:

Internet Hunting allows a hunter (or rather, web surfer) to go to a website and with their mouse access a remote controlled .22 caliber rifle with a webcam mounted on top of it to kill whatever game is being offered by the website owner. Their trophy kill would be mounted and shipped to them for display.

Apparently this is an issue that was first recognized in the State of Texas and Iowa will be the 25th State to add the law banning this practice to their books (House File 671). It is believed to be a pre-emptive move as there are no reports that it is currently being done in the State of Iowa.

So, in the event that anyone asks you, now you know! Is anyone out there very knowledgeable about this? Thoughts? Honestly, what will they (or have they already) think of next???