Iowa Western Community College

Friday, May 2, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
Learn the secrets to making fresh pasta from scratch! In this hands-on class, you'll master the art of pasta dough, whip up simple sauces to highlight your homemade noodles, and savor the fruits of your labor.
Menu – • Fresh Pasta Dough • 3 Cheese Tortellini w/ pesto • Tagliatelle w/ Sausage Ragu
 

Class will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10 AM – 1 PM at the Council Bluffs Campus, Looft Hall. Learn the traditional double-dig method to prepare your garden bed for optimal plant growth and long-term soil health. This hands-on class covers soil structure, the benefits of double-digging, and step-by-step guidance to create a fertile growing space. You'll also explore best practices for filling and maintaining raised beds, including soil composition, layering techniques, and strategies to maximize space and productivity. Whether you're starting a new garden or improving an existing one, this class will provide the knowledge and techniques for a thriving, bountiful harvest.

This class will be held Mon. 5/5/25 6:30-8:00 PM at Looft Hall Council Bluffs Campus. Explore how wood has been one of the most historic renewable energy sources and how it can still be a sustainable heating option today. This class will cover wood selection, burning efficiency, and emissions reduction techniques. While the warm months are here, now is the perfect time to take care of your hearth, ensuring it gets the attention it needs before the fall and winter months arrive again. 

Tues.5/6/25 6:30-8:00 PM Kinney Hall Room 044. This informational class is for individuals interested in taking on small-scale DIY solar projects. Topics include installing or utilizing solar-powered gadgets like solar-powered security systems, lighting systems, or electric fences. Understanding how these projects can save money and reduce your environmental footprint. By the end of the session, participants will learn how to evaluate the feasibility of solar energy for their home or business and discover practical ways to integrate solar solutions into everyday life.

Class will be Tuesday, May 6, 2025 – 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus – Looft Hall 
This course covers the safe and effective application of herbicides in land management. Learn how to identify invasive plant species, select appropriate herbicides, and apply them using best practices to minimize environmental impact. Topics include safety protocols, equipment use, and integrated pest management strategies for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

This workshop will be held on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at Kinney Hall Room 044. Are you ready to start your hydroponic growing journey? This beginner-friendly workshop is part of our Sustainable Living Series and is the perfect introduction to soilless gardening! You'll learn the essentials of getting started with hydroponics, including what plants are best for beginners, how to mix nutrient solutions, and the importance of light treatments. Whether you want to grow fresh herbs and leafy greens or explore a new hobby, this class will provide the knowledge and confidence to help you succeed. Spaces are limited, so secure your spot today, and start growing with confidence! 

May 15th, 2025 from 9am-5:30pm 
This course is designed to help individuals plan and transition smoothly into retirement. Participants will explore key aspects of retirement planning, including financial strategies, healthcare considerations, lifestyle adjustments, and legal preparations. 

Friday, May 16, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
Cajun and Creole Cuisine dazzles with bold flavors and simple techniques. Master the art of a flavorful Cajun Seasoning, a rich, dark Roux for Gumbo, and the fiery flair of Bananas Foster, a dessert that's sure to leave a lasting impression.
Menu • Cajun Spice Blend • Dark Roux • Andouille Sausage Gumbo • Mardi Gras Chicken Fettuccini • Bananas Foster

Friday, May 23, 2025 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
Join us for an unforgettable evening of Italian steakhouse classics where you’ll master the art of grilling and creating delicious, restaurant-quality dishes. 
This hands-on class will guide you through the preparation of a luxurious Italian-inspired steakhouse menu, perfect for steak lovers and Italian cuisine enthusiasts alike. Come hungry and ready to cook!
Menu: • Tuscan Creamy Cannellini Bean and Leek Soup • Tagliata | Arugula Salad (Italian Sliced Steak) • Italian Cream Cake
 

May 24th, 2025 9am-3pm 
A babysitting course is designed to teach individuals, typically between the ages of 11 and 15, the skills needed to safely care for children. These courses typically include both practical and theoretical components. 
• Childcare Skills 
• Safety and Emergency Procedures
• Behavior Management
• Basic Housekeeping
• Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
 

June 5th, 2025 from 9am-5:30pm 
This course will provide you information about private insurance plans, Affordable Care Act, All things related to Medicare and Medicaid and Supplement plans. If you are looking for affordable insurance this class will provide the resources where to receive it at a low affordable cost. 

Friday, June 6, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
Master the art of recreating your favorite Indian restaurant dishes right in your own kitchen. We'll dive deep into the secrets behind those bold, complex flavors that make Indian cuisine so special, and explore the vibrant world of spices that bring them to life.
Menu • Cucumber Raita • Butter Chicken • Saag Paneer • Naan Bread
 

Saturday, June 7, 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 Sat. June 7, 2025, 10 AM-12 PM at the Council Bluffs Campus, Looft Hall. Learn the basics of raising rabbits, including care, feeding, and housing. This class will provide practical advice on breeding, health management, and the benefits of raising rabbits for meat, fur, or as pets. 

ZOOM: Monday, June 9  6:30 PM – 9:00 PM 
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+.

Class will be Tuesday, June 10, 2025 – 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus – Looft Hall 
This course is part of the Land Stewardship Series. Learn to identify native and invasive trees, plants, and shrubs that impact western Iowa’s prairie and savanna ecosystems. This hands-on course will teach you how to recognize species that need protection and those that require management or removal to preserve fragile landscapes. Gain practical skills to support effective land stewardship and conservation efforts.

ZOOM – Tuesday, June 10, 2025  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+

June 12th, 2025 from 9am-5:30pm 
This course will walk you through how to buy your first home with a tax advantage of pursuing the American Dream. You will understand the mortgage qualification process and how to build equity and have a tax advantage. 

Friday, June 13, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
Indulge in the comforting yet intriguing flavors of Greek meatballs (soutzoukakia), a delightful blend of familiarity and novelty. Pair them with a versatile feta and green bean salad, perfect for picnics and easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables. For a touch of sweetness, try the Greek Semolina Cake or Ravani, a beloved sponge cake infused with citrusy notes and finished with a delicate syrup.
Menu • Greek Meatballs with Tomato Sauce • Feta & Green Bean Salad • Lemon Rice Pilaf • Semolina Cake with Pistachios 
 

June 14th, 2025 9am-3pm 
A babysitting course is designed to teach individuals, typically between the ages of 11 and 15, the skills needed to safely care for children. These courses typically include both practical and theoretical components. 
• Childcare Skills 
• Safety and Emergency Procedures
• Behavior Management
• Basic Housekeeping
• Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
 

Join us for a workshop at River City Chimney & Hearth in Council Bluffs on Sat. 6/21/25, from 9AM to 3PM. Learn to build a cob oven using natural materials, many of which you may already have at home. Earthen cob ovens are not only affordable to construct but also enjoyable to use, providing a unique baking experience that is difficult to replicate in a conventional kitchen. With expert guidance from Ron of River City Chimney, you'll gain the skills to create a functional and attractive earthen oven, perfect for baking pizzas and bread in your own backyard! Please Bring: a packed lunch/drinks & pizza ingredients as we will bake our pizzas in the cob oven during the workshop. Wear clothing that can get muddy, closed-toe shoes, and sun protection. 

Friday, June 27, 2025 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
The plant-forward movement is growing around the world, but the change starts with you by learning plant-forward recipes and moving vegetables from the sidelines to the center of the plate!
Menu • Avocado Toast with Grilled Asparagus and Tomato • Grilled Zucchini Kebib w/ Chamula • Honey and Cumin Roasted Carrots with Farro and Ricotta
 

Class will be Tuesday, July 8, 2025 – 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Council Bluffs 
Learn the basics of operating essential equipment for effective land management. This hands-on course covers the use of machinery like Bobcats for shearing, grinding, and mulching; Bush Hogs for mowing and shrub removal; brush cutters; and other tools. Gain practical skills for maintaining and restoring landscapes safely and efficiently.

Class will be Tuesday, August 5, 2025 – 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm – Hitchcock Nature Center
This course focuses on the principles of designing sustainable soft trails in natural landscapes. Learn how to plan, layout, and build trails that minimize environmental impact while providing access for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. Topics include trail alignment, erosion control, and long-term maintenance strategies, with an emphasis on creating trails that blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment.

Friday, August 22, 2025 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center 
Enjoy a fun and delicious evening with this hands-on, three-course cooking class. Perfect for date nights or a girls’ night out, you’ll work in groups to create a mouthwatering menu featuring braised short ribs, creamy cheddar grits, and a sweet finish with Banana’s Foster Bread Pudding. Come hungry and ready to cook! Please bring your apron and a beverage of your choice.
Menu: • Apple Cider Salad • Braised Short Ribs | Caramelized Onions • Glazed Carrots • Banana's Foster Bread Pudding | Vanilla Cream Sauce

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.