Iowa Western Community College

August 29th – October 10th  4:30pm-5:15pm 
Try out a fun Fitness Circuits suitable for all fitness levels. These workouts combine training the glutes, core, arms and legs for a great whole-body workout! Use weights, resistance bands and more to achieve a quick and fun workout! Modifications and challenges will be provided to accommodate all fitness levels. Head into the weekend with energy!!

Friday, September 5, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
There is almost nothing better than fresh salmon on the dinner table. Most people enjoy eating it, however many are not comfortable cooking it at home. Join Chef Tasos, in this hands-on class, as he demystifies salmon by teaching you how quick and easy it is to prepare amazing, picture perfect salmon in your kitchen. You will also make a fresh grilled corn and summer vegetable succotash to accompany your salmon. Lastly you will learn to create a rustic berry galette for dessert.
MENU • Garlic Herb Salmon • Grilled Corn and Summer Vegetable Succotash • Rustic Berry Galette with Fresh Whipped Cream
 

Class will be Saturday, September 6, 2025 – 9:30 am – 12:00 pm – Looft Hall Room #023
New to Cricut? This beginner class is the perfect place to start. Learn how to set up your machine, navigate Design Space, understand cutting materials, care for mats and blades, and complete basic cuts. You’ll leave with several small projects and the confidence to begin creating on your own. Class is for Cricut Explore series, Maker, and Maker 3 machines. Cartridges-only machines are not supported. Bring your Cricut machine, cords, mat, laptop (preferred) or mobile device with the Cricut app, and any tools you already own. Ensure Design Space is updated to the latest version. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for setup. Supplies are included.

Class will be Saturday, September 6, 2025 – 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Looft Hall Room #023
Discover how your Cricut can write and draw using pens and markers—perfect for addressing envelopes, creating gift tags, and journaling scrapbook pages. Just in time for the holidays, veteran instructor Veronica Rosman will guide you through this often-overlooked feature. Class is suitable for Cricut Joy, Explore series, Maker, and Maker 3. Bring your machine, cords, mat, laptop (highly preferred), or mobile device with the Cricut app, and any pens you already own. Instructor will have extras available. An updated version of Design Space and an active Cricut Access subscription (approx. $10/month) are required. Some prior experience with Design Space is necessary. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to allow time for setup. Supplies included.

Class will be Tuesday, September 9, 2025 – 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus – Looft Hall  
This course provides an overview of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations as they apply to land management and stewardship activities. Learn about safety standards for working with heavy equipment, herbicides, and in the field, as well as proper risk management practices. Ideal for land managers and those involved in outdoor conservation work, this course helps ensure a safe and compliant work environment.

Sept 9th to October 14th  5:30pm-6:15pm 
Tone your abs and gain flexibility and strength in this low impact workout. Pilates is great for improving posture, back health and toning the body. This workout is mostly on the mat, and your core will get a workout! Give it a try today! 

Sept 9th-Oct 6th 4:30pm-5:15pm 
High-Intensity Interval Training, is a workout method that alternates between short, intense bursts or exercise and brief periods of rest or lower-intensity activity. This helps improve fitness and burn calories. All levels of fitness are welcome! 

Friday, September 12, 2025  6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center 
If you enjoy partaking in all that a classic American steakhouse has to offer, then this class is for you. Rather than venturing out for an expensive steak dinner, come learn how to prepare a steak at home. In this hands-on class, you will learn to pan-sear the perfect steak and make complimentary sides for the perfect at-home date night or dinner party.
MENU • Classic Wedge Salad • Cornmeal Crusted Onion Rings with a Buttermilk Basil Dipping Sauce • Cast Iron Pan Seared New York Steak with Garlic Butter • Chocolate Molten Cake with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
 

This class will be held Sat. Sept. 20, 2025, 10 AM – 1 PM at the Council Bluffs Campus, Looft Hall. Discover techniques for drying herbs to preserve their flavor and medicinal properties for year-round use. This class will cover different drying methods, storage tips, and creative ways to use dried herbs in cooking and home remedies.

Tues.9/23/25 6:30-8:30 PM Kinney Hall Room 044. Looking to cut energy costs, boost sustainability, or stay prepared when the grid goes down? This hands-on, beginner-friendly class is for homeowners, farmers, and small business owners who want practical solar solutions. Learn how to power outdoor lighting, electric fences, security systems, and essential devices—perfect for home, ag, or business use. Led by an experienced instructor, you’ll get real-world tips and simple project ideas you can put to use right away. Sign up today and start powering your space—reliably and sustainably—with the sun!

Friday, September 26, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm  Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center 
If you are a fan of potato gnocchi, allow us to introduce you to its cousin: ricotta gnocchi (no potatoes required!). Lighter and slightly chewy, ricotta gnocchi is a simple dish to make that doesn't compromise our love for the delectable, pillowy dumplings we are familiar with. Chef Tasos will instruct you on how to prepare perfect gnocchi and teach you different rolling techniques. Once you pair braised Italian sausage with the light ricotta gnocchi, you will be won over!
 

Saturday, September 27, 2025, 2:00pm – 4:00pm. Council Bluffs Campus – Kinney Hall #066 
An array of fibers, dyes, and other art materials can be found growing here in our backyard. We'll practice techniques for identifying useful plants and students will create their own handmade sheet of paper using locally foraged plant fibers. Historical and contemporary examples of artists using foraged materials will be presented. 

ZOOM – Saturday, September 27, 2025  9:00AM – 12:00PM
In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give you years of musical enjoyment.  Learn to play piano the way professionals do-using chords. The chord method is LOTS of fun and dramatically easier to learn than reading notes.   Fee includes the online book, online recorded follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also an optional live periodic question and answer session.   Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and partly lecture demonstration.  Ages 13+

ZOOM: Saturday, September 27, 2025  1:00PM – 3:30PM
In just a few hours you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment, and you won't have
to take private lessons to do it. This crash course will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your
favorite songs right away. Fee includes the online book, online recorded follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also
an optional live periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and
partly lecture/demonstration. For ages 13+.

Friday, October 3, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm   Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center 
In this course you will learn, first hand, how to prepare a Neapolitan pizza. The secret of this world known Pizza Style is in the dough. You will learn how to prepare a perfect dough that is crunchy and airy. You will make homemade Pizza Sauce, and taste different pizzas. By the end of the class, you'll take home pizza dough ready for a second rise, along with your leftover pizza and calzone (if there are any!) and recipes to impress your family and friends.
Menu • Pepperoni Pizza • Caprese Pizza • Calzone with Ricotta filling
 

This class will be on Sat. Oct. 4, 2025, 10 AM – 1 PM at the Council Bluffs Campus, Looft Hall. Explore the methods and benefits of dehydrating food to extend its shelf life and maintain nutritional value. Topics include selecting the right foods for dehydration, equipment options, and tips for storing and using dehydrated foods in daily meals.

Class will be Tuesday, October 7, 2025 – 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus 
Discover the techniques and tools needed to harvest, process, and clean native seeds for restoration projects. This hands-on course covers best practices for collecting seeds, ensuring quality through proper processing, and preparing them for planting or storage. Perfect for anyone interested in conservation or land restoration efforts.

Friday, October 10, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm   Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center 
Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of France and explore the art of making crêpes, beloved both as a street food and a sophisticated plated dish.
Crêpes offer a delightful versatility, catering to both sweet and savory palates. In this hands-on class, Chef Tasos will guide you through the process of crafting classic crêpe batters, unveiling his expert techniques for achieving a smooth, silky consistency every time.
You will have the opportunity to create the world-renowned Crêpe Suzette, an exquisite make-ahead dessert perfect for entertaining, as well as another sweet crêpe and several savory options. Prepare to be captivated by the enchanting world of crêpe making!
Menu • Mushroom Béchamel Crêpes • Turkey Pesto Crêpes • Chocolate Hazelnut Cream Crêpes • Crêpe Suzettes
 

October 12th, 2025  8am-2pm 
This continuing education course is designed for licensed cosmetologists looking to refine their skills, stay updated on industry trends, and meet licensure renewal requirements. Participants will explore advanced techniques, products innovations, and business strategies to elevate their professional practice while fostering creativity and client satisfaction. 
This course will be 2 hours of Iowa Law and 4 hours of continuing education. 

Friday, October 17, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm   Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center 
Celebrate Oktoberfest with an evening of German-inspired comfort food. In this hands-on class, you'll learn to make festive dishes perfect for fall gatherings. The instructor will also share optional beer pairing ideas to enjoy at home.
Menu – Skillet Beer cheese with Soft Pretzel Bites • Brats, Sauerkraut and Potato Bake • German Chocolate Truffles

This class will be held on Fri. Oct. 17, 2025, 6 PM-9PM, at Council Bluffs Campus, Looft Hall. Learn the essentials of canning food using water bath methods. This class will cover safety guidelines, required equipment, and step-by-step instructions to preserve your garden harvests effectively.

Saturday, October 18, 2025 – 9:00 am – 11:00 am. Council Bluffs Campus – Looft Hall ground floor Lobby 
Join us for a hands-on Native Plant class at Iowa Western Community College! This class will introduce you to the beauty and benefits of native plants as you help beautify our campus. Under the guidance of experienced instructor Lance, you'll learn about the various native species that thrive in our region and how to properly plant and care for them. All supplies will be provided, so come ready to get your hands dirty and contribute to a sustainable landscape. Whether you're a beginner or have gardening experience, this class is perfect for anyone interested in creating an eco-friendly environment.

This class will be held on Sat. Oct. 18, 2025, 10 AM-1 PM at the Council Bluffs Campus. Learn the essentials of canning food using both pressure and water bath methods. This class will cover safety guidelines, required equipment, and step-by-step instructions to preserve your garden harvests effectively.

Friday, October 24, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center 
There's nothing like fresh-baked bread, and it’s even better when it’s homemade! Chef Tasos will walk you through the process of making focaccia and Naan Bread; flavorful breads that are easy to make and endlessly versatile. The focaccia is pillowy soft on the inside, and crispy on the outside. You won’t be able to stop eating it. Perfectly soft and chewy, this homemade Naan Bread recipe comes together quickly and easily. 
Menu • Focaccia • Tomato | Cheese | Herbs • Olive | Rosemary • Naan Bread

Class will be Tuesday, November 4, 2025 – 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus – Looft Hall 
Learn the foundational skills and strategies needed to start and manage a successful business. This course covers essential topics such as creating a business plan, understanding finances, marketing your services, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. Ideal for aspiring business owners or those looking to strengthen their business knowledge.

Friday, November 7, 2025 6:00 pm- 8:30 pm
As the crisp air of fall settles in, it’s the perfect time to create a comforting, homemade pasta meal. In this hands-on class, Chef Tasos will guide you through the process of making fresh pasta dough from just a few simple ingredients. While the dough rests, you'll prepare a quick and flavorful vodka sauce along with a vibrant fall salad. Once the dough is ready, you’ll use a pasta roller and gnocchi paddle to shape it into penne pasta. Chef Tasos will also share his recipe for mouthwatering garlic bread, a surefire hit with your family and friends.
MENU: Pasta Dough Hand shaped Penne Pasta with Vodka Sauce Seasonal Summer Salad Chef's Garlic Bread
 

Fri. Nov. 14, 2025 6-9 PM Looft Hall. Curious about raising your own chickens? Whether you want fresh eggs, quality meat, or simply a rewarding new hobby, this class is your perfect starting point! The instructor will guide you through everything from building cozy coops and choosing healthy birds to caring for your flock and turning waste into garden gold. Take control of your food source and join a sustainable community of proud flock owners!

Friday, November 14, 2026  6:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Student Center
There’s nothing quite like a homemade pie, and now you can master the art of baking your own! Join Chef Tasos in the inviting Iowa Western kitchen for a fun, hands-on class. You'll uncover the secrets to crafting beautiful, bakery-quality pies from scratch. 
This class will guide you through the process of making both flaky and mealy pie crusts—ideal for any sweet or savory creation. You’ll learn professional techniques for mixing, rolling, and crimping. Then, you'll fill your pie with a warm, spiced apple filling and bake it to golden perfection.
As our apple pies bake, we'll also prepare and sample other cherished favorites like pecan and pumpkin pie.
Menu • Classic Apple Pie (Yours to take home) • Pecan pie • Pumpkin Pie
 

Sat. Nov. 15, 2025 10AM-12PM Looft Hall Fall is the best time to plant garlic, and this hands-on workshop will walk you through every step! Learn the difference between hardneck and softneck garlic, why it matters for planting in our zone, and how to grow a successful crop from clove to harvest. We’ll cover site prep, planting depth and spacing, the best tools to use, and how to mulch properly for winter protection. Discover how to set your garlic up for strong spring growth and a bountiful summer harvest — and gain the confidence to make this low-maintenance, rewarding crop a long-term staple in your garden!

Friday, November 21, 2025  6:00PM – 8:30PM – Student Center 
Join Chef Tasos for a delicious adventure: a hands-on Polish Pierogi-making class! You'll master the art of creating these iconic dumplings completely from scratch.
Feel the magic as you roll out soft, pillowy dough and tuck it around flavorful fillings—think creamy potato & cheese, zesty sauerkraut, and even sweet treats that are basically dessert in a dumpling! From the first fold to the final golden sizzle in butter, every step is packed with flavor and fun.
You'll also learn how to freeze your pierogi like a pro, so the goodness doesn't end when class does!
Menu • Homemade Pierogi Dough • Potato & Cheese Pierogi with Caramelized Onion & Butter • Sauerkraut Pierogi with Sauteed Kielbasa •    Roasted Sweet Potato Fontina Pierogies with Brown Butter
 

Friday, December 5, 2025  6:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Student Center 
Ready to turn up the heat and dive into a night of amazing flavors, cool techniques, and awesome fun?! Come join us for a super fun French-inspired cooking adventure with Chef Tasos. We'll be whipping up classic dishes with a cool culinary twist, and every bite will be a story! From nailing that perfect steak sear to torching a golden brûlée, you'll learn to cook like a real Parisian pro in this hands-on, flavor-packed evening! Menu • French Onion Soup | Gruyere | Toasted Baguette • Filet Mignon Au Poivre | Cognac Cream sauce • Fondant Potatoes • Classic Crème Brûlée. Psst… Price is per person—come solo, with a fellow foodie, or your favorite dining companion… everyone’s welcome!

Friday, January 9, 2026  6:00 PM – 9:00 PM – Student Center 
Prepare to transform flour, water, and yeast into an extraordinary culinary creation. Join Chef Tasos for an exceptional, hands-on baking experience where you will uncover the intricacies of authentic artisan bread.
In this engaging and interactive course, you will knead, shape, score, and bake your way to achieving unparalleled bread perfection. Master the art of dough preparation and fermentation, and discover the significance of an optimal flour blend. We will guide you in crafting loaves of professional bakery quality that will undoubtedly elicit inquiries regarding their origin.
Menu • Rosemary & Roasted Garlic Focaccia • Dutch Oven No Knead Bread • Ciabatta

Friday, January 16, 2026 6:00 PM-9:00 PM-Student Center 
Embark on a culinary adventure to the breathtaking Mediterranean coasts without leaving Council Bluffs! Join Chef Tasos for a vibrant, hands-on cooking class that will transport you to the heart of Greece, Tuscany, and Morocco. You'll create dishes bursting with the bold, sun-drenched flavors of this iconic region. Get ready for a feast of flaming cheese, flaky pastries, and succulent meats – Each bite is a dance for your taste buds! Menu: Fresh Homemade Naan Bread, Saganaki – Flaming Greek cheese, Spanakopita – Buttery, golden pastries stuffed with spinach and tangy feta, Soutzoukakia: Greek baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, Seared Salmon with Rosé Pan Sauce – Tender, flaky salmon bathed in a luscious, aromatic rosé sauce.
Scratch-Made Baklava 

ZOOM – Monday, March 30, 2026  6:30 PM – 9:30 PM 
In just a few hours, you can learn enough secrets of the trade to give you years of musical enjoyment.  Learn to play piano the way professionals do-using chords. The chord method is LOTS of fun and dramatically easier to learn than reading notes.   Fee includes the online book, online recorded follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also an optional live periodic question and answer session.   Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and partly lecture demonstration.  Ages 13+

ZOOM: Tuesday, March 31, 2026  6:30PM – 9:30PM 
In just a few hours you can learn enough about playing the guitar to give you years of musical enjoyment, and you won't have
to take private lessons to do it. This crash course will teach you some basic chords and get you playing along with your
favorite songs right away. Fee includes the online book, online recorded follow up lessons, a recording of the class and also
an optional live periodic question and answer session. Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and
partly lecture/demonstration. For ages 13+.