Iowa Valley Continuing Education Classes

Tai Chi & Water Exercise Class:

Tai Chi is an ancient art that harmonizes mind, body, and spirit. It relieves stress, improves balance, and can even improve some medical conditions. It is a form of movement that is good for people of all ages and sizes; however, this class is geared toward beginners. Spend the first hour doing Tai Chi toning of your muscles and lifting your spirit. Then spend the last hour swimming, water walking & exercising in the pool or using the hot tub. No class on 4/27. Co-sponsored with the AmericInn, Iowa Falls. Endorsed by The Arthritis Foundation and taught by an experienced instructor who has assisted people with limited mobility.

Dates: Mondays, April 20 - May 18

Time: 4:30 – 6:30 pm

Location: AmericInn – Iowa Falls

Cost: $45

Iceland Trip Preview:

Iowa Valley Continuing Education will be offering a trip to Iceland in June 2009. Come to this free preview night of our tour that will help you discover the stark other-worldly beauty of Iceland! See how the "greenest" country on earth uses its natural resources to provide for all of its power needs. This active destination is only six hours by plane from Minneapolis, Iceland is truly unlike any other place you'll ever visit! Walk on glaciers, soak in natural hot springs, visit the original "Geysir," ride the unique Icelandic ponies, marvel at the stunning juxtaposition of volcanoes and glaciers. This trip is geared towards experiencing the natural wonders of Iceland rather than relaxing in luxury. All your travel questions will be answered by the host of our trip.

Date: Tuesday, April 21

Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Location: Ellsworth Community College

Cost: Free for the preview class

Czeck Republic Revealed:

A volunteer & a previous resident of the Czeck Republic will present their perspectives about this small, previously Communist Eastern European country. Volunteering several times to teach English to Czech students' offers insight into the Czech Republic's education, customs and current norms. A native Czech, who was educated, lived and worked until 1997 in the previous Czechoslovakia gives a personal account of his life. This land locked country of 10.4 million residents, about the size of Iowa, has its own formal language and a 98% literacy rate.

Date: Thursday, April 23

Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Location: Ellsworth Community College

Cost: $10

Iowa Sales, Use & Local Options Tax class:

New material will be covered which is updated and streamlined specific to the sales tax changes. This class covers what these taxes are, who is responsible for collecting and remitting, how to remit taxes, and who to contact if you have questions or problems. Bring your questions. Handout materials provided. If you've taken this previously, this new information will be helpful.

Date: Friday, April 24

Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm

Location: Ellsworth Community College

Cost: $15

Good Choices – Child Safety Fair:

This will be a fun and educational event for families. The information shared at this fun, interactive morning will help you and your child(ren) become more aware of safe healthy choices. Vendors/presenters will provide guidelines & ideas about activities, play, child-care, nutrition, exercise, services available and healthcare while helping parents/grandparents/caregivers to understand age appropriate behavioral & developmental stages for children 3 to10 years of age. This free family event (no childcare provided) is sponsored by the Hardin County Circle of Life, a collaborative organization of some non-profit agencies serving Hardin County. You will go home with a sack lunch and freebies.

Date: Saturday, April 25

Time: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

Location: Iowa Falls High School

Cost: $Free$

“An American Childhood” Book Discussion:

"An American Childhood", by Annie Dillard is about what it feels like to be alive and awake. Dillard evokes childhood's vigor, clarity and keenness. Register one week before class. You don't have to have read "An American Childhood" to learn from and enjoy the review. Bring food to share, (optional) and enjoy a cup of tea. The Prairie Women Literary Society offers lively conversation about books whose timeless themes intersect with the stories of all women, today and yesterday. For directions go to www.souloftheprairie.com/FindUs

Date: Sunday, April 26

Time: 4:00 – 6:00 pm

Location: Soul of the Prairie - Hubbard

Cost: $10

Tech Talk & Wellness Walk:

Presenters Michelle Sundholm, personal trainer and Terry Tikovitsch, Barlow Library director will demonstrate how to enhance your springtime "get out & about" regime. Learn how to download audiobooks to your home or work computers and then burn them to CD or MP3 formats. Once spring weather hits, you'll be able to take a healthy walk outside burning calories while listening to interesting books. Tikovitsch will talk about other technical devises available to library card holders and Sundholm will detail the benefits of walking.

Date: Tuesday, April 28

Time: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm

Location: Iowa Falls Public Library

Cost: $5

Mission Green:

Ellsworth Community College has dedicated a "green" day for campus & community, organized by the Phi Theta Kappa Chapter on campus through their International Service Project; Operation Green. Green Vendors from 3 to 8 PM will provide information and demonstrate "green" products. Speakers starting at 5 PM include: Tom Hurd, AIA NCARB, from Spatial Designs Architects and Consultants, Jim Collins from Alliant Energy, Jane McClellan a pharmacist, Jim Hoffman from Iowa Falls Plastic Recycling and Don Primus with DNR/Pine Lakes State Park. Activities will include a Fashion Show featuring "green" wear, a "trashy" art contest and other interesting projects provided by Ellsworth Community College student groups. The DNR's Mobile Education Trailer will also be available to tour. Co-sponsored by Phi Theta Kappa. To attend please donate a non-perishable food item for the local food bank.

Date: Wednesday, April 29

Time: 3:00 – 8:00 pm

Location: Ellsworth Community College

Cost: $FREE$

Making “Antiques & Art” Work:

Those interested in antiques, art, design, small business, environment and community development will learn from an informative session on characteristics of a local antique and art establishment. A brief overview of Antiques & Art's goals and accomplishments will be covered. A touch of usage of antiques in daily living will be presented. Register & pay by 4/23. Find out how and why this three year old business is successful in small town Iowa.

Date: Thursday, April 30

Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm

Location: Antiques & Art downtown Iowa Falls

Cost: $10

Hampton Today made possible by sponsors like: Michelle Hartman – Tupperware –641-373-8880 Denise Passehl – Watkins – 641-579-6227 Long Branch Supper Club – 641-458-8027 Patrick Palmer – The Computer Guy – 641-420-1234 Seven Stars Restaurant - 641-456-5378

picture courtesy of Diana Bella at flickr.com