Iowa Western Community College

What would you think of going to China for a year? Living in Xi, China and visiting the Terracotta Warriors?

 Class is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in room 109 at the Shenandoah Center. 

 Fee is $5.00.  Instructor is Carleen Perry

What would you think of going to China for a year? Living in Xi, China and visiting the Terracotta Warriors?

Come check this out with our guest speaker Carleen Perry and find out some very interesting history on China.

Class is from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026.  Fee is $5.00

Friday, April 24, 2026  6:00pm – 8:30pm   Council Bluffs Campus – Student Center
Risotto Milanese is a total Italian classic, packed with saffron and parmesan flavors. You'll learn how to nail a great risotto every time. And then there's Tiramisu – Italy's signature dessert with that delicate combo of cream, chocolate, and coffee that always hits the spot.
Menu • Risotto Milanese • Seared Chicken with Fresh Herbs • Tiramisu
 

How our National Parks came to be with the help of Theodore Roosevelt and a Congressman from Oskaloosa. Class is on April 30th at the IWCC center in Shenandoah.

Pastor David Clark is the guest speaker.  Class is from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Fee $5.00

A 4-week series at Bent Tree Golf Club led by PGA Professionals!

Whether you are new to golf or looking to sharpen the basics, these lessons are designed to build your skills and your confidence in a supportive environment.  Sign up with a friend or come on your own- all are welcome! Lessons are offered in a group format, creating a fun and social learning experience while still providing personalized instruction from PGA Professionals.

You'll learn:

• Chipping
• Putting
• Full Swing
• Golf Etiquette and rules
   

Thursdays in May from 6:00-7:30pm
$100 for the full 4-week session
18 years and older
Clubs preferred but not mandatory 

May 14, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:00pm
Did you know the story of your hometown stretches back more than 2,500 years? In this interactive class, discover fascinating facts and the moments that made your hometown what it is today!

This class takes students back 2,500 years to the first known local inhabitants, and then on to Lewis and Clark, the fur traders, and the forced reaction of the Potawatomi.  We wrap up with the arrival of the Latter Day Saints and their years here, which profoundly impacted the future of what became Council Bluffs.

Class taught by Richard Warner and Troy Stolp. 
Richard Warner serves as the president of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County and vice president of the Pottawattamie County Genealogical Society. Troy Stolp serves on the board of directors of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County. 

Friday, May 15, 2026, 6:00PM-9:00PM – Kitchen Council 1001 S 6th St Council Bluffs

Ready to bring the steakhouse experience home? Join us for a fun date night cooking class where you and your partner will pick up the skills to cook a pro-level meal, right down to the dessert! We'll walk you through searing a perfect medium-rare steak, roasting garlic for a creamy kale side, and getting those potatoes just right—crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. To wrap things up, you'll learn how to whip up a rich chocolate pot de crème.

Menu
•    Seared Steak topped with Gorgonzola-Shallot Butter
    
•    Creamed Kale with a hint of Roasted Garlic
    
•    Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Herbed Brown Butter
    
•    Decadent Chocolate Pot de Crème with Sea Salt

May 21, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:00pm

Did you know in the early railroad era, Council Bluffs was the 5th largest rail center in the country? In this interactive class, discover fascinating facts and the moments that made your hometown what it is today! This class examines why we had such a railroad dominance and how the impact of that is still felt today! The mood in Council Bluffs at the close of the 19th Century was euphoric with the pervasive feeling our growth was unstoppable; the national economy revolved around railroads, and we had more of them than just about anywhere else.  

Class taught by Richard Warner and Troy Stolp. Richard Warner serves as the president of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County and vice president of the Pottawattamie County Genealogical Society. Troy Stolp serves on the board of directors of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County.

Friday, May 22, 2026, 6:00PM-9:00PM Council Bluffs Campus-Student Center Room 1024
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: OPA!!! • Spanakopita – Buttery, golden pastries stuffed with spinach and tangy
     feta • Soutzoukakia: Greek baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce • Scratch-Made Baklava – Delicate layers of pastry, honey, and nuts for the perfect sweet finish
 

Friday, May 29, 2026  6:00pm – 9:00pm  Council Bluffs Campus – Looft Hall 
Join Tom O’Brien, owner of Gardens on Glen, for a hands-on workshop exploring the rewarding practice of cultivating mushrooms outdoors. Participants will learn how to prepare growing beds using wood chips and sawdust spawn, manage moisture and shade conditions, and integrate mushroom patches into existing garden spaces. Tom will explain how outdoor mushroom cultivation not only yields delicious, nutrient-rich, sometimes perennial-like harvests but also enhances soil health, boosts microbial activity, and supports companion plants. Attendees will gain step-by-step experience inoculating their own substrate and understanding the life cycle of fungi. Each participant will prepare a take-home mushroom starter setup, ready to establish a thriving outdoor mushroom bed.

June 5- June 25

This is a 4-week series at Bent Tree Golf Club led by PGA Professionals!

Looking for a fun way to spend time together? Spend your Thursday evenings at Bent Tree Golf Club during this 4- week couples golf lesson series. Whether you're new to golf or just want to strengthen the basics, this series is designed to help you build skills, confidence, and enjoy time together!

You'll learn:
-Chipping
-Putting
-Full swing
-Golf etiquette and rules

Walk away with a skill you can continue to enjoy together!

Open to adults 18 years and older.
Thursday evenings in June from 6:00-7:30pm
$120 per person for the full 4-week session. Must register each person individually.
 

Friday, June 5, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM Council Bluffs Campus-Student Center

Get ready for some hands-on fun! You'll pick up all the tips and tricks for choosing and pairing the best meats, cheeses, fruits, and nuts to build a crowd-pleasing spread. Whether you're planning a grand gathering, a cozy evening in, or simply want to up your hosting game, this class will teach you how to craft a board that's as visually stunning as it is delicious!

June 6, 2026, from 10:00am-11:30am.
Gold & Silver Basics for Beginners is a practical, education-first workshop for anyone who owns gold or silver (or is thinking about buying) and wants a clearer understanding of what they have and how pricing works. We will cover spot price vs. premiums, common product types (rounds, bars, and constitutional silver), basic weight/purity markings, and how to compare offers using the same units. Students will leave with a simple take-home checklist to help evaluate quotes and avoid common mistakes.
Council Bluffs campus in Looft Hall room 023.

June 11, 2026 from 6:00pm-7:00pm

At the turn of the 19th Century the Chamber of Commerce was saying Council Bluffs was unstoppable. By the middle of the century our Chamber president called us “The Appalachia of Iowa.” How could we go from first to worst in sixty years or less? It's a great story! The class ends on a positive note as we talk about the Iowa West Foundation era and our new position as a growing center of cultural enlightenment and a great place to live!

Class taught by Richard Warner and Troy Stolp. Richard Warner serves as the president of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County and vice president of the Pottawattamie County Genealogical Society. Troy Stolp serves on the board of directors of the Historical Society of Pottawattamie County. 

Ever wanted to master the art of sourdough? Come hang out with us for a hands-on workshop in Council Bluffs! Regardless of whether you are a novice or an experienced baker, we will guide you through the process of consistently achieving the ideal combination of tangy flavor, crisp crust, and chewy center. This is an enjoyable way to engage with a classic tradition and elevate your bread-making abilities to new heights!

What to bring: 
3 qt/9in bowl or larger (any material is fine)

What is provided:
A round 9” banneton proofing basket, All of the ingredients for bread baking, A lot of fun

What you will take home: Knowledge and Confidence, A Tummy full of Sampled Breads, Sourdough Starter, Recipes from Class, Your Own Loaf to Bake at Home
 

This entire 4-class series is offered at a discounted rate. 
Series starts Saturday, June 13 and continues through August 8. All classes held at the Council Bluffs Campus.
From the first cool-weather crops of early summer to the peak of the main growing season, this series walks you through what to grow, when to harvest, and how to preserve it all before it goes to waste. Each class pairs seasonal growing knowledge with hands-on preservation skills, giving you a complete picture of how to get the most out of your garden all summer long. 

 Early-Season Fruits & Vegetables: What to Start, Plant, Harvest — 06/13/26, 11 AM–1 PM, Hands-on Preserving Early-Season Fruit & Vegetable Harvests NOW — 06/27/26, 11 AM–2 PM, Main-Season Fruits & Vegetables: What to Start, Plant, Harvest — 07/11/26, 11 AM–1 PM, Hands-on Preserving Main-Season Fruit & Vegetable Harvests NOW — 08/08/26, 8:30–11:30 AM

Class is Saturday, June 13, 2026 11:00am – 1:00pm  – Council Bluffs Campus 
A well-designed privacy screen or windbreak can dramatically improve comfort, reduce wind exposure, and enhance the beauty of your property. In this class, you’ll learn how to select the right trees and shrubs for your goals, whether you’re creating year-round privacy, blocking prevailing winds, or establishing a natural boundary. We’ll cover spacing, growth rates, layering strategies, and maintenance considerations to ensure long-term success. You’ll also learn how to balance fast-growing species with long-lived plantings for both immediate and lasting results. By the end of the class, you’ll have a clear plan for designing and establishing your own effective screen or windbreak.

Class is Saturday, June 13, 2026  11:00am – 1:00pm   – Council Bluffs Campus 
Early-season gardening sets the tone for your entire growing year. In this class, you’ll learn which crops thrive in cooler temperatures and how to time your seed starting, transplanting, and direct sowing for optimal results. We’ll cover cold-hardy vegetables, early fruits, succession planting strategies, and how to extend your harvest window using simple techniques. You’ll also learn how to avoid common early-season mistakes that limit yield. Whether you’re planting your first garden or refining your approach, this class will give you a clear, actionable plan for maximizing your spring and early summer harvests.

Friday, June 26, 2026   6:00PM-9:00PM  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 entire 5-class series is offered at a discounted rate. Series starts Saturday, June 27 and continues through September 19. All classes held at the Council Bluffs Campus, 8:30–10:30 AM. Ready to turn your backyard into a productive, resilient system? This series covers everything you need to design, grow, and profit from the space you already have. From laying out a smart backyard plan to raising chickens and rabbits, growing high-value crops, and building real income streams, each class stands on its own while building toward a complete picture of backyard self-sufficiency. 

Designing Your Own Self-Sufficient Backyard — 06/27/26, Earning an Income with Urban Farming — 07/11/26, Raising Chickens in the Backyard, The Basics & Beyond — 07/25/26, Sustainable Income & Crop Stacking Strategies — 09/05/26, The Benefits of Raising Rabbits — 09/19/26

Class is Saturday, June 27, 2026  11:00am – 2:00pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
Don’t let your early harvest go to waste—learn how to preserve it at peak freshness. In this hands-on class, you’ll work directly with early-season produce to practice simple preservation techniques such as quick pickling, basic water bath canning, and refrigeration methods. We’ll focus on crops like greens, radishes, early cucumbers, and berries, showing you how to turn them into shelf-stable or ready-to-use products. You’ll leave with practical experience, preserved items to take home, and the confidence to continue preserving your harvest throughout the season.
**PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING AN APRON**
 

Class is Saturday June, 27, 2026 – 8:30am – 10:30am – Council Bluffs Campus 
Designing a self-sufficient backyard starts with intention and smart planning. In this class, you’ll learn how to assess your space, map out productive zones, and build a system that works with your goals—whether that’s feeding your family, reducing grocery bills, or creating surplus. We’ll cover garden bed placement, perennial vs. annual crops, water access, composting systems, and how to stack functions within limited space. You’ll leave with a clear framework for designing your own backyard system and the confidence to begin implementing it immediately.

Class is Saturday, July 11, 2026  8:30am – 10:30am – Council Bluffs Campus 
Urban farming isn’t just a hobby—it can be a profitable venture when approached strategically. In this class, you’ll learn how to identify high-value crops, maximize production in small spaces, and create multiple income streams from a single property. We’ll explore real-world examples of market gardening, plant sales, value-added products, and subscription models like crop shares. You’ll also gain insight into pricing, marketing, and building a loyal customer base. Whether you’re looking for side income or a full-scale operation, this class will help you see what’s possible and how to get started.

Class is Saturday, July 11, 2026  11:00am – 1:00pm – Council Bluffs Campus 
The main growing season is where your garden reaches its full potential—but only with the right plan in place. This class covers what to plant for peak summer production, including warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, and more. You’ll learn how to time plantings for continuous harvests, manage plant spacing for maximum yield, and support heavy-producing crops. We’ll also discuss pest and disease prevention strategies during the hottest months and how to keep plants productive longer. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for managing a thriving summer garden.

Class is Saturday, July 25, 2026 11:00am – 1:00pm – Council Bluffs Campus 
Fall gardening is one of the most overlooked opportunities for productive growing. In this class, you’ll learn how to transition your garden from summer into a highly productive fall system. We’ll cover which crops thrive in cooling temperatures—such as leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas—and how to time plantings for continuous harvests before and after the first frost. You’ll also learn techniques for season extension, including row covers, low tunnels, and strategic planting windows. Whether you’re looking to get a second harvest from your space or maximize production late into the year, this class will give you a clear and actionable plan.

This entire 4-class series is offered at a discounted rate. Series starts Saturday, July 25 and continues through October 3. All classes held at the Council Bluffs Campus.
From planning your fall garden at the height of summer to preserving the last harvests of the season, this series walks you through what to grow, when to harvest, and how to make the most of every crop before winter sets in. Each class pairs seasonal growing knowledge with hands-on preservation skills, giving you a complete picture of how to keep your garden productive and your pantry stocked well into the colder months. Fall-Season Fruits & Vegetables: What to Start, Plant, Harvest — 07/25/26, 11 AM–1 PM, Late-Season Fruits & Vegetables: What to Start, Plant, Harvest — 08/22/26, 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, Hands-on Preserving Fall-Season Fruit & Vegetable Harvests NOW — 09/19/26, 11 AM–2 PM, Hands-on Preserving Late-Season Fruit & Vegetable Harvests NOW — 10/03/26, 8:30–11:30 AM

Class is on Saturday, July 25, 2026  8:30am – 10:30am – Council Bluffs Campus 
Chickens are one of the most versatile and productive additions to any backyard. In this class, you’ll learn everything you need to get started—from selecting breeds and setting up coops to feeding, health care, and egg production. We’ll also go beyond the basics, exploring how chickens contribute to soil fertility, pest control, and overall system resilience. Whether you’re raising a few hens for eggs or looking to expand into meat birds and small-scale sales, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to do it right.

Class is Saturday, August 8, 2026  8:30am – 11:30am – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
When the garden is in full production, preservation becomes essential. This hands-on class focuses on managing and preserving larger volumes of produce at peak ripeness. You’ll learn and practice techniques such as water bath canning, basic sauce preparation, and batch preservation methods suited for tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, peppers, and fruits. We’ll emphasize efficiency, safety, and flavor—helping you turn abundance into long-term food security. Participants will leave with preserved goods, tested recipes, and the confidence to handle even the heaviest harvest weeks.
**Participants should bring: 3–4 pint or quart jars with lids and rings, dish towel, apron**

This entire 4-class series is offered at a discounted rate. Series starts Saturday, August 8 and continues through October 3. All classes held at the Council Bluffs Campus.
From water bath basics to pressure canning meat and complete meals, this series covers the full range of home food preservation so you can stock your pantry with confidence. Each class builds your skills and knowledge one method at a time, giving you a complete toolkit for preserving your harvest safely and efficiently. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand beyond what you already know, you'll leave each class with real, actionable knowledge.

Water Bath Canning — 08/08/26, Noon–3 PM
Pressure Canning Low-Acid Produce — 08/22/26, 8:00–11:00 AM
Pressure Canning Meat — 09/05/26, Noon–3 PM
Pressure Canning Meals — 10/03/26, Noon–3 PM

Class is Saturday, August 8, 2026  12:00pm – 3:00pm  Student Center Room 1204 – Council Bluffs Campus 
Water bath canning is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to begin preserving food at home. In this class, you’ll learn how to safely can high-acid foods such as fruits, jams, jellies, and pickled vegetables. We’ll cover preparation techniques, proper acidity levels, processing times, and sealing methods to ensure long-term success. This class is perfect for beginners as well as those looking to refine their skills. Participants will gain hands-on experience and leave with the confidence to preserve seasonal abundance using simple, proven methods.
**Participants Should Bring an Apron**

Class is Saturday, August 8, 2026  6:00pm – 9pm – LOCATION TBD
Wine-making is an approachable and rewarding way to turn fruit, juice, or garden harvests into something truly special. In this class, you’ll learn the full wine-making process step by step—from selecting ingredients and starting fermentation to racking, aging, and bottling. We’ll cover essential equipment, sanitation practices, and how to avoid common mistakes that can affect flavor and clarity. You’ll also explore different types of wines, including fruit wines beyond traditional grapes. Whether you’re looking for a new hobby or a way to add value to your harvest, this class will give you the knowledge and confidence to get started.

Class is Saturday, August 22, 2026  11:00am – 1:00pm – Council Bluffs Campus 
Late-season gardening is about precision and planning. In this class, you’ll learn how to push
your garden beyond the traditional growing season using cold-hardy crops and strategic timing.
We’ll cover what can still be planted late in the season, what should already be established, and
how to manage crops through frost and colder temperatures. You’ll also learn about
overwintering techniques, cold frames, and how to protect crops for extended harvests. This
class is ideal for gardeners looking to maximize production and maintain fresh food availability
as the season winds down.

Class is Saturday, August 22, 2026  8:00am – 11:00am  – Student Center Room 1204 Council Bluffs Campus 
Pressure canning is essential for safely preserving low-acid foods like vegetables, and this class will walk you through the process step by step. You’ll learn how pressure canning works, why it’s necessary for certain foods, and how to properly prepare, pack, and process your jars. We’ll cover key safety principles, equipment use, and common mistakes to avoid. Participants will observe and assist in the canning process and leave with a clear understanding of how to confidently preserve their own garden produce at home.
**Participants Should Bring an Apron**

Class is Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:00pm – 9:00pm – LOCATION TBD 
Hard cider is one of the simplest and most rewarding fermented beverages to make at home. In this class, you’ll learn how to transform apple juice or fresh-pressed cider into a flavorful, naturally fermented drink. We’ll cover yeast selection, fermentation basics, flavor variations, carbonation options, and bottling techniques. You’ll also learn how to adjust sweetness and alcohol levels to suit your taste. Whether you’re working with store-bought juice or apples from your own trees, this class will show you how to produce consistent, high-quality cider at home.

Class is Saturday, September 5, 2026 12:00pm – 3:00pm  – Student Center Room 1204 Council Bluffs Campus 
Pressure canning meat is one of the most powerful tools for building a self-sufficient food system. In this class, you’ll learn how to safely preserve a variety of meats for shelf-stable storage without sacrificing quality. We’ll cover raw pack vs. hot pack methods, proper processing times, and how to ensure safe, reliable results every time. You’ll also learn how pressure-canned meat can save time in the kitchen and provide quick, ready-to-use protein for meals. Participants will gain hands-on exposure to the process and leave prepared to confidently can meat at home.
**Participants Should Bring an Apron**

Class is on Saturday, September 5, 2026  8:30am – 10:30am – Council Bluffs Campus 
The key to making the most of small acreage—or even a backyard—is stacking functions and income streams. This class dives into the concept of crop stacking: growing multiple crops in succession, combination, or shared space to maximize yield and efficiency. We’ll cover examples like pairing perennials with annuals, integrating mushrooms, using livestock for fertility, and creating overlapping harvest windows. You’ll learn how to design systems that produce continuously throughout the season while building soil health and reducing inputs. By the end, you’ll understand how to turn one growing space into multiple layers of productivity and income.

This hands-on class guides new and experienced beekeepers through the complete honey harvesting process from start to finish. Participants will learn how to assess hive readiness, safely remove frames, and use essential tools such as smokers, uncapping knives, and extractors. The class also covers best practices for filtering, bottling, and storing honey, along with practical tips for keeping equipment clean and protecting hive health during and after the harvest. Whether you are preparing for your first season or looking to sharpen your technique, this session offers clear steps, demonstrations, and plenty of time for questions.

Class is Saturday, September 19, 2026  8:30am – 10:30am – Council Bluffs Campus 
Rabbits are one of the most efficient and overlooked livestock options for small-scale and backyard production. In this class, you’ll learn how rabbits can provide a reliable source of high-quality meat, valuable manure for gardening, and an additional income stream—all within a compact footprint. We’ll cover housing, feeding, breeding basics, and humane care practices, along with how to integrate rabbits into a broader garden or farm system. This is an ideal class for anyone looking to increase productivity and sustainability without needing more land.

Class is Saturday, September 19, 2026  11:00am – 2:00pm – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
Fall harvests bring a different set of flavors and preservation opportunities. In this hands-on
class, you’ll work with fall crops such as root vegetables, apples, and hardy greens to learn
practical preservation techniques. We’ll focus on methods like water bath canning, pickling, and
simple storage strategies that help extend shelf life and reduce waste. You’ll gain direct
experience preparing and preserving seasonal produce, along with guidance on adapting these
methods at home. Participants will leave with preserved items and the confidence to make the
most of their fall harvest.
**PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING AN APRON**

This course teaches new and developing beekeepers how to prepare colonies for a successful Iowa winter. Participants will learn how to assess colony strength, manage mite loads, ensure proper food stores, and configure equipment for cold-weather survival. The class covers insulation options, moisture control, entrance management, wind protection, and how to monitor colonies without disrupting the cluster. We also explore common overwintering challenges in the Midwest and practical steps to minimize losses. Whether this is your first winter or you want to refine your approach, this session provides clear guidance to help your bees emerge healthy and strong in spring.

Online via ZOOM – Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 9am-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.    
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. This allows the student to continue their lessons on their own. Class is held online using zoom and is partly hands on instruction and partly lecture demonstration. 

Instrument on hand recommended. 
Instructor is Craig Coffman who is an experienced piano and guitar professional. 
Ages 13+

Online via ZOOM: Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 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. 

Instrument on hand recommended. 
Instructor is Craig Coffman who is an experienced piano and guitar professional. 
Ages 13+

Online via ZOOM- Thursday, October 1, 2026 from 6:30pm-9:00pm
In just a few hours you can learn enough about playing the ukulele to give you years of musical enjoyment and you won’t have to take private lessons to do this.   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 access to optional live periodic question and answer sessions at no additional cost.  This allows the student to continue lessons on their own. Class is online using zoom and is partly hands on and partly lecture/demonstration.  

Instrument recommended.
Instructor: Craig Coffman who is an experienced piano and guitar professional. 
For ages 13+.  

Class is Saturday, October 3, 2026  8:30am – 11:30am – Council Bluffs Campus Student Center Room 152
As the season comes to a close, preserving your final harvest becomes essential. This hands-on class focuses on handling larger quantities of late-season produce such as squash, root crops, apples, and storage vegetables. You’ll practice preservation techniques including
water bath canning, batch processing, and proper storage methods for long-term use. Emphasis will be placed on efficiency, safety, and maximizing shelf life. Participants will leave with preserved goods, practical skills, and a clear understanding of how to carry their harvest into the winter months.
**PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING AN APRON**

Class is Saturday, October 3, 2026  12:00pm – 3:00pm – Student Center Room 1204 Council Bluffs Campus 
Take pressure canning to the next level by preserving complete, ready-to-eat meals. In this class, you’ll learn how to safely combine ingredients like meats, vegetables, and broths into balanced, shelf-stable meals. We’ll cover proper layering, liquid ratios, processing guidelines, and recipe considerations to ensure both safety and flavor. This approach is ideal for busy households, emergency preparedness, or anyone looking to simplify mealtime. Participants will see the process in action and leave with practical knowledge for creating their own canned meal options at home.
**Participants Should Bring an Apron**