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CCW/CPL Class Notification E-List |
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CCW/CPL Class Student Testimonials |
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| The Following Are On File In Our Office: |
"Rick, Sorry that it has taken me so long to thank you. Although the class alone can't protect me or
my family from danger, it has improved our ability to defend ourselves. The techniques and information that
we covered in the class have taught me to be more aware and prepared period. I am more confident and
comfortable when I leave home, knowing that I'm better prepared to address potentially dangerous
confrontational situations. Once again thank you and I look forward to Session II (Personal Protection
Outside The Home Course)."
- Mr. A. L. Odell III, Auto Industry Employee, Southfield, Oakland County,
Michigan 48075 |
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"Rick, I really enjoyed your CCW Class and found it to be very informative. Having an attorney come in to
speak about various laws and priviledges with the permit was very helpful. I would have enjoyed more shooting
time at the range. Good class, very efficient, and informative. I will be sure to pass along your name to
anyone considering their CCW."
- Mr. B. C. Jaussi, Novi, Oakland County, Michigan 48575 |
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"Hello Rick. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Just to let you know, I've got my CCW license and
I bought a 9mm S+W (M&P) semi-automatic. I had intentions of getting a revolver, but after seeing and
shooting your semi-automatic, I changed my mind. As for your class, I found that you were not only
knowledgeable but you were also enthusiastic. What really impressed me was the fact that when we went to the
gun range, I was a little short on money, you were kind enough to let me use your gun. This is what convinced
me to buy a 9mm. I appreciate your help and I would (and do) recommend your class to anyone wanting to get
their permit. Thank you."
- Mr. C. W. Miller, Retiree, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48219 |
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"Rick Ector's firearm safety class provides a comprehensive introduction to the possession and use of
firearms for personal defense. The knowledge gained in this class is invaluable to both novices and
experienced firearm owners. Mr. Ector's sincere presentation of the materials is insightful and serves as a
reminder of the care and safety which must be exercised when using firearms. The course is taught in a
comfortable environment which is not intimidating to the first-time gun user. Any gun owner can benefit from
taking this course."
- Mr. J. Boyer, Attorney At Law, Detroit, Wayne county, Michigan 48207 |
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"Rick's Firearm Academy of Detroit CCW class provided an excellent introduction to understanding personal
firearm basics, personal safety best practices, ccw application procedural instructions, and legal
implications with firearm ownership. Rick Ector and his assistant kept the class interesting with sharing
personal experiences, demonstrating basic firearm techniques, discussing legal matters with a lawyer, and
concluding with an exciting practice session at the firing range. Whether or not you pursue a CCW
application, this class is certainly a memorable one."
- Mr. N. Franklin, Automotive Engineer, Rochester
Hills, Oakland County, Michigan 48309 |
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“Rick, it’s been a while since I took your course, but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the
experience. When I signed up, I had no idea of what to expect, but I found a warm and fun environment to
learn the ins and outs of obtaining my CCW. There was a lot of information put out that day, and because
there were so many real life examples, rather than just throwing out facts, I have been able to retain a
lot. It’s funny how much my awareness of my environment has improved. I notice things I did not see before
taking the class, and I feel I am better prepared to protect myself and my family. Thanks for the training
and let me know when you plan to expand your training program. Regards,
- Mr. J. Grady, Network Engineer,
Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48206 |
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"Rick Ector, you are a very funny man but very knowledgeable in the firearms department: 'It is not a
bullet; it is called a round of ammunition!' 'Do not call it a weapon; it is a gun!' '8-1/2 x 11 center
mass - it is going to be on the test!' I had a great time in the class. The eight hours really went quick.
Keep up the good work, Rick!"
- Ms. D. R. Lambert, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48224 |
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“Hello Rick, I apologize for the delay. I truly enjoyed your class! You did not only inform me about
guns and gun safety but also about general safety rules on how to stay alert! I wish we would have had more
time at the gun range. Having never even touched a gun, I was initially unaware on how to load the
ammunition (I felt like a girl! LOL) Also, I believe we shot between 30-60 rounds. I wish we could have
spent more time learning how to load the ammunition into the magazine. Also, I wished we could have spent
an additional 60-90 minutes at the gun range. Or maybe just another 4 hour class on ‘How to load the gun’ and
an additional 2 hrs at the range. Thank you and I hope all is well.”
- Ms. L. Johnson, Business Owner,
Southfield, Oakland County, Michigan 48037 |
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“Rick, prior to taking your class, my thought process was to arm and protect myself in this violent
world in which we live in. You have taught me that owning and carrying a firearm also brings much more
responsibility. This decision was not taken lightly and forced me to research firearms, perfecting the fit
(size does matter), practice handling a firearm, loading and unloading the magazine, in addition to
understanding the regulations and laws associated with owning and carrying a firearm. I just wanted to
thank you and your associates with all the valuable information required to obtain a CCW license.”
- Ms.
T. Clifton, Harper Woods, Wayne County, Michigan 48225 |
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"I appreciate the realness of the seriousness in obtaining a CCW/CPL. The class was informative,
especially the lawyer and how the both of you agreed and disagreed on handling certain situations. However, I
wished we could have practiced even longer at the range. I am going to recommend you and your class, for
first-hand knowledge, to anyone who didn't have a clue, such as myself. Thank you!!!"
- Ms. A.
Gilliard-Garner, RN, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48235 |
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"Mr. Ector's class was well worth the fee. He was very informative. He really was an excellent teacher.
Under his instruction I learned more than I had planned. The things that I thought I knew about guns and
their use was all wrong. He made the class easy and made me feel comfortable at the range. If you are getting
a gun permit, his class is definitely the one to take."
- Ms. C. Boyce, Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48205 |
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“This class is highly recommended. If you want to know the advantages and benefits of concealed carry and
of firearm ownership, this class is for you. You may go in a skeptic, but you will come out a believer.”
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Mr. N. Hardeman, Business Owner, Canton, Wayne county, Michigan 48188 |
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“Rick, I think that the Personal Protection Class was great. I also believe having the attorney present
for questions was also great. I would recommend this class to anyone who is interested in a personal
protection firearm class.”
- Mr. E. Jackson, Detroit, Wayne county, Michigan 48235 |
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"Dear Mr. Rick Ector, I was in your class and really enjoyed it. I really thought that you were very
helpful and you made me understand how important was all of the information that you gave us for safety
reasons. I do appreciate your service and keep up the good work!"
- Mr. A. Gjergji, Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan 48312 |
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"Rick, you're great! You taught me everything that I didn't know. You did a great job! Just the class
was too long. I guess that's not up to you. That's the state's fault or the federal government's. Thank you.
You were great!"
- Mr. W. N. Kiryakoza, Farmington Hills, Oakland County, Michigan 48331 |
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"Rick, from the very beginning you showed a very professional demeanor. You also did this while being
a friendly guy. You extended your knowledge, experience, and information, in a fun way but when it came time
to get critical info or techniques across you became very serious to get the point across effectively. I
totally appreciated your class and when I am ready to advance in my training in the area of becoming a
'PROFESSIONAL' in the use of a sidearm I will be in touch. I am sorry it took so long to get back to you but
I pray that 'better late than never' applies. Sincerely,"
- Mr. M. Kleckler, Ferndale, Oakland County,
Michigan 48220 |
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"Mr. Ector: I very much enjoyed your firearm safety class on February 24, 2008. I have been around guns (weapons for us
military types) all of my life. Your comments about Rule Number Zero, "All weapons will be treated as if they are loaded
even if we have confirmed that they are not," is a basic rule and is one that I learned as a child on the farm in
Pennsylvania. The class was very informative and your repeated insructions and demonstrations on the important safety
precautions, that each of us will need to follow to prevent accidents, was outstanding. The additional information provided
from your legal counsel was also very good. In summary, I will recommend anyone seeking to learn about handguns attend your
class. You have my permission to quote from my comments and use those quotations in your ads, brochures, mailings, and other
marketing promotions. Good Luck! Thanks for the class."
- Mr. R. W. Bryson, Harrison Township, Macomb County, Michigan
48045 |
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"Rick, I want to thank you again for the class. It was very informational and
helpful to my knowledge as to how to properly use and store a sidearm as well as knowing the whole concept of personal and
family self-defense. Bringing in an attorney to answer legal questions was a huge plus. You mentioned something about an
advanced class where there are tactical concepts and other aspects of pistol training. I may be interested in taking that
class in the future. Would you have any information on that? The range was a great experience. All the information being
said was one thing, but nothing beats the experience to tie in the practical use to what was being taught in class in terms
of properly handling a sidearm and to follow all the safety rules regarding it. Thanks again very much! If I have any
questions I will be sure to contact you. You have been a great instructor. Sincerely,"
- Mr. H. Sam, Sterling Heights,
Macomb County, Michigan 48313 |
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"I have been involved with firearms since I was 12 years old. I am an avid hunter and I also participate
in various shotgun sports like Sporting Clays and Skeet. My experience with handguns has been minimal and I
have thought about participating in a class like this for quite a long time. I have several friends that have
taken a similar class and earned the CCW/CPL permits and after talking to Rick about his class and asking
questions about the class experiences of my other friends I decided to sign up for Rick's class. I think this
was a great decision and I thoroughly enjoyed the class. The format of the class was very informal and
participative. Rick does a great job involving those in the class with questions and in doing so gets people
to participate and absorb the material. I really like the inclusion of an attorney to discuss the legalities
and Rick's questions at the appropriate time to emphasize points the attorney was making. The two of them
have a great rapport and it really helped move the class along. The class flowed along at a great pace and
kept everyone's attention for the whole time. Personally - I learned a bad habit in firing a handgun for my
two hand position which definitely put my left thumb at risk for firing a semiautomatic pistol. Rick's
watchfull eye saved my thumb at the right time. Old habits are hard to break and I'm glad for the one-on-one
range time and his help. Thanks Again for a great class Rick!"
- Mr. A. Kropiewnicki, Oxford, Oakland
County, Michigan 48370 |
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"Thank you, thank you, thank you is all I can say due to your leadership in the classroom as well as at
the firing range. I took the time to get a better understanding of the privilege to carrying a CCW. The class
is not boring and the time flew by because the information was very interesting and kept my attention. The
time spent was well worth it."
- Mr. J. M. Brown Jr., Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan 48235 |
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Confessions Of A Firearms Instructor: Part IIB - By Rick Ector |
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| Confessions of A Firearms Instructor IIB: Our Greatest Frustration |
| Detroit is the most violent city in the USA. Acording to the FBI's crime stats for the first half of 2007 - January
through June - the following violent crimes occurred in Detroit: 210 murders, 357 forcible rapes, 3,445 robberies, and
6,539 aggravated assaults. |
| Stated another way, each and every day in Detroit one (1) person will be murdered, two (2) people will be forcibly raped,
nineteen (19) people will be robbed, and thirty-six (36) people will be victims of an aggravated assault. Also, be advised
that these numbers only reflect crimes that were reported; criminals, as a rule, do not report crimes committed against them. |
| Recently, a publishing company - CQ Press, a division of Congressional Quarterly - released its annual crime study. They
coronated Detroit as "The Most Violent City in America." The study, reportedly, was the result of an analysis of the crime
statistics reported, by American cities with populations of more than 100,000, to the FBI. |
| As expected crime-stats apologists, including Detroit Chief of Police Ella Bully-Cummins, were quick to respond to the
media that violent crime in Detroit isn't as bad as the data would suggest. In one televised interview, Chief Cummins,
quiped, "After today, what people will walk away with is that if you set foot in the city of Detroit, you are going to get
killed, and that is absolutely not true." |
| I absolutely agree with the Police Chief's statement. However, the facts - according to the data - remain that one person
per day will be killed in Detroit. If you are in Detroit on any given day, you will have a one-in-900,000 chance of being
killed, a two-in-900,000 chance of being raped, a nineteen-in-900,000 chance of being robbed, and a thirtysix-in-900,000
chance of being a victim of an aggravated assault. |
| Further, Bully's assault upon the study's results continued with an observation that "that most shootings in Detroit are
drug-related and not random." Detroit police say that their analysis of the crime stats show that 79% of all the homicide
victims had prior contact with the police and that more than 60% of all homicides were drug related. |
| Somehow, this info - if true - is supposed to allay the fears and concerns of Detroit residents. Instead of breathing a
sigh of collective relief upon hearing this bit of trivia, many residents may now question why there are so many people
engaging in "drug related" activities walking freely among us. Why aren't they locked up? Why haven't we shut down the
known drug-houses? If Bully can be believed, all we need to do to reduce our murder rate is to lock up all the dope boys. |
| The other inference to be drawn from the observations of Detroit police about the crime statistics is that we shouldn't
be upset if almost eighty percent of Detroit homicides are from people who had "prior contact" with the police. Just a few
days ago it was reported in the media that Detroit Police have an abysmal clearance rate for homicides. |
| Currently, Detroit police reportedly ony make an arrest in only one-third of its murder cases. It is widely believed that
this rate is the lowest clearance percentage of all major urban cities of the country. It almost makes you wonder if they
even try to find the murderers. After all, eighty percent of them were reported bad guys. Who cares about the other twenty
percent? |
| It wasn't that long ago, when four people - two adults and two children - were found shot to death. It was reported that
the shootings occurred in the wee hours of the morning while the victims slept in a reported "drug-house." When discussing
this case to the media Chief Cummings stated, "I'm tired of seeing our children die. We as adults have a responsibility to
our children to allow them to grow up as adults in a safe environment, and we're failing them." |
| Truer words probably were never spoken, but are area residents relieved that this "drug-related" incident was not random?
Of course not. Residents should not only be outraged at the murders but also at the police for allowing this "reported
drug-house" to stay in operation. |
| Another criticism levied against the CQ Press crime study was the fact that cities Chicago (pop.2,842,518) and Minneapolis
(pop. 372,811) were excluded from study due to incomplete data. This point has only moderate weight if Detroit police
officials believe for some undisclosed reason that violent crime in Chicago and Minneapolis is worse than Detroit's. |
| Let look at the flip-side of the argument. Let's look and see what other large cities that were in study: NYC,NY
(pop. 8,143,197), Los Angeles, CA (pop. 3,844,829), Houston, TX (pop. 2,842,518), Philadelphia, PA (pop. 2,016,582),
Phoenix, AZ (pop. 1,461,575), San Antonio, TX (pop. 1,256,509), San Diego, CA (pop. 1,255,540), Dallas, TX (pop. 1,213,825),
and San Jose, CA (pop. 912,332). |
| Bottom line: on a per capita basis, Detroit has too much crime for the relatively few residents it has when compared to
other large cities that were in the study. A concession to the study's detractors on this point - the omission of Chicago
and Minneapolis - would make the city the "Third Most Violent City in America," but I believe most people in this community
believe that we are number one. |
| If we agree that Detroit has a serious crime problem, why are so few willing to do something about it? Certainly,
desensitivity may play a part. Detroiter's are for the most part extremely sensitive to any criticism of their city
however well deserved - especially if it comes from outsiders. As a community, they have had the bear the brunt of
being the nation's punchline for any joke that signifies urban violence. |
| Detroiter's have had to live down the 1968 riots, being known as the "Murder Capital" in the 1980's, the 1984 Detroit
Tigers celebration, Devil's Night fires, the Fireworks Beating, the St. Aubin Street Massacre, the Brawl at the Palace,
and the antics of Jack Kervorkian. It's no wonder that the nation sees Detroit as a city of wanton lawlessness. |
| However, this sensitive collective psyche also explains why Detroiters are so receptive to anyone who can offer up any
explanation - however flawed - for what is wrong in our community. In this vein, many Detroiters echoed Police Chief
Bully's sentiments about the CQ Crime Study and got another reprieve to live in denial about Detroit's crime problem. |
| A lack of urgency or misprioritized priority placed on protecting himself may also cause a person not to do something about
our crime problem. Personally, I know this mindset all to well, as I used to have it. I managed to get to thirty-something
years of age before I came into contact with violent predators. I was lucky; I just got robbed of a few paltry possessions. |
| Most robbery victims aren't so lucky; most get shot, pistol-whipped, or killed. It's too easy to live in denial. In fact the
law of large numbers helps to perpetuate the delusion. For example, on any given day, someone is going to be murdered within
the Detroit city limits. Any one singular person has a one-in-900,000 chance of being the murder victim. But make no mistake
about it somebody is going to die at the hand of another on that day. |
| Thus, on average, you as a single person have a very small chance of being killed that day. So, in general terms, you are
still relatively safe - shielded by the large numbers of people who live in the city. The flip-side of the argument is that
sooner or later you will be a victim of a violent crime: murder, rape, robbery, or aggravated assault. |
| The only issue is whether you will be trained and equipped to protect yourself. Make no mistake about it - if you are targeted
for victimization by predators it will not be a pleasant experience. |
| As a firearms instructor I hear from people that are curious about taking on a greater role in their own personal protection
all the time. A certain percentage of these folks have every excuse in the book as to why they aren't ready to enroll in the
next available class: wife said no, can't find a kennel for the dog, have a hair appointment, daughter is visiting from
out-of-town, money is tight, waiting for friend to take class with me, got called into work, taking a trip, just got custody
of my daughter, my child has a recital, and etc. |
| These folks are the people who want to "kick the tires" by having you call them whenever a class comes up. These are the
time-wasters. I do my best to screen these people from my contact lists; after a while their appreciation for my persistence
degenerates into tolerated annoyance. |
| Although I run my training service as a for-profit exercise, monetary compensation is not my primary motivation. I am
gainfully employed in the technology field for a well known transportation firm. I don't need to do this to support my
lifestyle. I train people to defend themselves as a community service exercise. I make my services available for folks in an
underserved market so that they can better defend themselves during these increasingly violent times. |
| In short, I have my Concealed Pistol License and I feel extremely confident about defending my life and the lives of my loved
ones. The only question that remains is whether you want to achieve what I have already accomplished: peace of mind,
security, and self reliance. It is a slight - sharply felt - when a prospect acts like he is doing me a favor by allowing me
to waste my time by calling him when I am conducting a class. |
| The other class of people that I come into contact with as a trainer are the victims. They need no explanation as to why
they need to take a greater role in their own personal protection. They have been followed, chased, robbed, raped, cut,
beaten, stabbed, shot, and stalked. The only thing they need to know is how much the class costs, when the class will be
held, and where the class will be held. |
| There is a big difference between being a potential victim and an actual victim. Actual victims know that it can happen at
any time and at any place. Potential victims feel that they have time to plan attending the class at the best possible time
that is most convenient for them. Never mind that they failed to convey their personal victimization timetable to the
criminal element of our city. There is never a perfect time to be a victim. If you wait long enough, it will surely happen
at the most inopportune time. |
| The single greatest frustration of a firearms trainer is trying to convince people why they should be trained to defend
themselves. I go through the frustration solely due to the fact that there are people out there who realize the value of
what I provide. I am literally making a difference in this world one class at a time. I truly can't put a dollar figure on
the feeling I get when I train a complete novice how to safely hold, load, operate, and unload a firearm. It is truly the
greatest feeling in the world. |
| I am a firearms instructor, a defender of freedom, and an empowering force in my community. |
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| Confessions Of A Firearms Instructor - Part IIA |
| Confessions Of A Firearms Instructor - Part I |
Return to our Articles & Essays Page
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Registering For Our Next Michigan CCW/CPL Class Is Easy! |
Our next three "Personal Protection in the Home" (Michigan CCW/CPL) classes will be
conducted on the following dates:
- Saturday, April 4th, 2009 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 7 Seats Left!
- Sunday, April 19th, 2009 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 10 Seats Left!
- Saturday, May 12th, 2009 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 12 Seats Left!
- Sunday, May 17th, 2009 (Southfield Hampton Inn) - 15 Seats Left!
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| All classes start at 8:00 a.m. sharp! |
Please note that the openings (i.e. "seats left" counts) are not made in "real time." Thus, we may have even fewer openings than
is currently listed. We strive to update our web site at least once daily.
RSVP now with your tuition investment to avoid missing out on this event!
If you require a training date further ahead than listed above, visit our 2009 Schedule Page to RSVP Now!
Our classes are usually conducted in the Oakland Conference Room at the Hampton Inn in Southfield, Michigan 48034. This hotel's address is
27500 Northwestern Highway. (Map to Hotel)
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Please note that unexpected and unforeseen circumstances may necessitate a change in the class's location. If an change is made, you will notified
in advance of the new venue.
The tuition investment for this training event is $170.00 - A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your seat.
Thus, you must either pay the full tuition amount or remit a deposit.
Please note that if you pay the full tuition in advance, you will receive a $20 discount. We provide this discount
to encourage students to pay in advance so that we can pre-pay expenses necessary to hold these events: hotel conference
room rental, attorney's speaking fee, official NRA program materials, refreshments, and etc.
To RSVP for our class on the date of your selection, you must choose exactly one of the following five personal
investment options:
Option 1. Remit Full Tuition Now via PayPal™
Option 2. Remit A Tuition Deposit Now via PayPal™
Option 3. Schedule An Appointment To Pay Full Tuition In Person.
Payment options 1, and 2 require you to click the PayPal™ "Buy Now" button for the class date of your choice.
Your web browser will then load a secure web page from the PayPal™ site where you will then be able to safely and
securely enter your credit card info to complete your registration.
Note: Payment options 1 and 2 do not require you to register with PayPal™ to use their secure, free, fast, and
convenient service to register for our classes. |
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| Open Enrollment Class - Saturday, April 4th, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Full Tuition ($150) in Advance and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($85) in Advance and Pay Balance ($85) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $170 + Range Expenses) |
|
| Open Enrollment Class - Sunday, April 19th, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy.
(Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Full Tuition ($150) in Advance and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($85) in Advance and Pay Balance ($85) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $170 + Range Expenses) |
|
| Open Enrollment Class - Saturday, May 2nd, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Tuition in Advance ($150) and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($85) and Pay Balance ($85) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $170 + Range Expenses) |
|
| Open Enrollment Class - Sunday, May 17th, 2009 - 8:00 a.m. Start |
| Location: Southfield Hampton Inn - 27500 Northwestern Hwy. (Map to Hotel) |
| Option I |
Pay Full Tuition ($150) in Advance and Save $20!
(Total Cost: $150 + Range Expenses) |
| Option II |
Pay Tuition Deposit ($85) in Advance and Pay Balance ($85) at the Door.
(Total Cost: $170 + Range Expenses) |
|
Frequently Asked Questions About Registering For Our Class!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Class!
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If you are interested in attending any of the aforementioned classes, don't delay! They fill up fast and are limited to the first
fifteen students that have registered. So, RSVP now!
When we receive notification of your registration
from Paypal™ you'll receive a confirmation from us via email. |
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