Frequently Asked Questions
Membership
Is OWLS Club a non-profit or a for-profit organization?
OWLS Club is a tax-exempt nonprofit organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
Do I have to be a member of Trinity United Methodist to join Owls Club?
No! OWLS Club is open to all area residents age 55 and older.
Trinity is sharing its welcoming space with OWLS Club, as well as Trinity Preschool, Riverview Adult Day Center, Barklee basketball, and summer arts camps.
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Join OWLS ClubDo I have to be a person of faith to join OWLS Club?
No, the OWLS Club is a secular club, and all are welcome. We will have classes and activities on a broad list of topics that will appeal to a wide variety of audiences.
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Join OWLS ClubIs there a cost for membership?
Membership is free to area residents age 55 and over, but some activities and classes, day trips, or events may include a small fee to cover the cost of materials or instructors. These activities are clearly marked on our calendar of events and include full cost transparency.
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CalendarDo you provide transportation to the Club?
As of now, we do NOT have a transportation program set up for members who can’t drive themselves to the club. But we are exploring outside programs. If you’re in need of public transportation, please consider using local ride-sharing programs like Uber or Lyft to get to and from OWLS Club.
If you require financial assistance for public transportation, Indiana 211 services may be able to help.
How will you ensure my safety while on campus?
We have very specific participant guidelines that we will communicate and enforce. For example, liquor and firearms will not be permitted on our campus. You can find these guidelines on our website.
Program & Services
Who teaches your classes and leads your activities?
The majority of our classes are led by our very own members who have knowledge and talent to share. We also work with local instructors in the community for other local programming, such as author talks, partnerships with local businesses, as well as nutrition and medical advisory courses and services.
For details on our class and event schedule, please see our calendar or visit us on our registration site at MyActiveCenter.com.
Do all events and classes have a fee?
While some extensive classes, events, and day-trips may have fees to help cover the cost of materials or instructor fees, the vast majority of OWLS courses and events are completely free. Most of our fees are minimal, just costing a couple of dollars, while some day trips can cost more.
OWLS Club is a nonprofit organization whose majority funding comes from grants, sponsorships, and donations. You can find more information on which of our activities require fees on our event calendar.
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CalendarI have a class I’d like to teach. How can I get on your list of instructors?
The first step is to fill out our volunteer application, where you’ll provide your contact details, availability, and program idea. A volunteer coordinator from OWLS Club will then reach out to you directly.
How do I register for Pickleball as an OWLS Club member?
Members can sign up for free lessons or reserve court time for our indoor court space. To view available hours, visit our Pickleball topic page.
How can I learn about upcoming classes?
All of our classes are listed on our website, so check back often as programming often changes on a weekly basis.
When you sign up for a free membership at OWLS Club, you will automatically get weekly email announcements for new and featured activities as they are added to the calendar.
Once you’re a member, you will also be able to pick up our printed monthly calendar at the front desk at any time, which can also be printed directly from our calendar page.
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CalendarHow can I register for a class, event, or activity?
Register In-Person
If you’d like to register for a class or event in-person, you can stop by the main office at Door #12 at Trinity, and let our staff know which event you would like to register for. You will also find sign-up sheets and flyers near the front desk for many of our unique events throughout the year.
Register Online
Each of our calendar events will have a link in the description to register at our partner site MyActiveCenter.com. You can also go directly to MyActiveCenter and browse our schedule of activities.
Register by Phone
If you’re in a pinch or find online registration to be a bit tricky, simply pick up the phone and dial our Event Registration Hotline at:
Leave us a message with the following information:
- Your name
- The name of the event
- When you’d like to attend
After your registration is confirmed, you will receive a text or email letting you know that your spot is resreved.
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CalendarFacility & Campus
What are OWLS Club's operating hours?
OWLS Club is generally open on a regular schedule Monday through Friday, but hours may vary to accommodate occasional evening and weekend activities or special events. Please see our calendar or call ahead for open-door access to the facilities outside of normal business hours.
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CalendarAre OWLS Club facilities ADA/Handicap accessible?
The main entrances to our facilities have curb cuts access, as well as step-less doorways. For on-site assistance, please ring the doorbell located at the main entrance for more personal attention.
Elevators are also available for occasional 2nd-floor events. Restrooms and common areas are also equipped with ADA stalls and handles.
For all other inquiries related to accessibility centered around classes, events, and day-trips, please contact our office at (574) 336-2652.
OWLS Club and www.owlsclub.org strive to make every member’s experience enjoyable and accessible to everyone. If you encounter a service, class offering, facility challenge, or website challenge, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our staff during normal business hours, and we’ll be ready to offer you direct assistance.
Which entrance should I use?
The main entrance to OWLS Club, where you can be greeted by our volunteers, pick up your name badges, or check in and register for activities, is at the rear of the building, where there is ample parking, including handicap spaces.
Where is OWLS Club located?
OWLS Club is hosted inside the Trinity on Jackson Church in Elkhart, IN, and can be reached by postal or visiting:
OWLS Club
2715 E Jackson Blvd
Elkhart, IN 46516
See Map | Get Directions
For more ways to reach us, visit our Contact Us page.
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Contact UsVolunteering
Are your volunteers vetted?
Yes. Volunteers that play leadership roles must complete and pass background checks and Safe Sanctuary approvals before serving.
Do I have to be 55 or older to volunteer?
We welcome people of all ages to help make OWLS Club a warm and inviting place for all our members. If volunteering with a minor under the age of 18, we do ask that a legal guardian be present or provide direct consent for all opportunities. Transportation will not be provided for volunteer opportunities.
Do I have to be a member to volunteer?
When opportunities come up, OWLS Club members will be given the first opportunity to volunteer, but if members are not available, we love working with our local community to help with all sorts of needs.
How can I volunteer at OWLS Club?
There are many ways to support OWLS Club, whether it’s by teaching classes, leading activities, hosting and greeting new members, or providing administrative support.
Please see our volunteer page for all opportunities and details, or stop by the main office to fill out an application, and we’ll let you know when we have an opportunity that may interest you!