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   Established 1960

Classes

Registration for summer classes is CLOSED.  Fall classes will begin in mid/late September.  The new schedule will be posted around August 18.

Class Schedule, Summer 2022

(classes starting mid-June, ending late August)

When can you register?

It depends on who you are and what kind of class it is:

  • For SOTC members, registration opens on 5/23
  • For non-member current students, registration opens on 5/25 for Puppy, Pre-Basic, Basic, Intermediate, CGC, and Flyball  (with permission code), and on 6/1 for other classes  (limited availability, with permission code)
  • For non-member new students, registration opens on 6/1 for Puppy, Pre-Basic, and Basic (no permission code required).  Other classes, particularly agility and scentwork, are generally not available to new students, but you can check with the Registrar after ~6/10.

Cancellations

No evening classes after 7pm on General Membership meeting nights:  Monday July 11, Tuesday August 9

No classes at all (due to trials & other events):  Monday July 4;  Thursday July 7; Friday July 8; Saturday July 9;  Friday August 5; Saturday August 6; Friday August 12; Saturday August 13.


Find a class & register

Need help? Have questions?

Try these links first:

How to Register    

Policies & Procedures

Still having trouble? Need a permission code?

Email the Registrar

Basic Obedience

Only one dog per household per Puppy, Pre-Basic, or Basic class. Owners with multiple dogs must enroll them in separate classes.

Students in Puppy, Pre-Basic, and Basic must bring proof of the dog's age-appropriate vaccination to the first class.

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Puppy

For puppies that will be between 12 and 20 weeks of age on the first day. The class is based on the AKC STAR program, the puppy level of the Canine Good Citizen program. To qualify for the STAR certificate, students must attend at least 6 of the scheduled class meetings. Puppies must have received at least the 2nd DAP shot by the start of class. Limit 6-8.

PREREQUISITE:   None! Just follow the age and vaccination guidelines above. Students must bring proof of puppy's vaccination (2nd DAP at a minimum) to the first class.

MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

  • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
    PUP-M8
        
    Monday 8pm starting 6/20  (will not meet on 7/4, 7/11)
    (for puppies born between 1/31/22 & 3/28/22)

    Instructor Leah Pekarsky Smith, assistant TBA

  • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED   
    PUP-M7
        
    Monday 7pm starting 6/20  (will not meet on 7/4, 7/11)
    (for puppies born between 1/31/22 & 3/28/22)   
    Instructor Roberta Hennigan, assistant Janine Ramsden


Pre-Basic

For older puppies 5-14 months of age.  Appropriate both for those who have taken our Puppy class, and for those new to our program and too old for Puppy class. Designed for the older puppy to introduce basic obedience commands while recognizing the special needs of the younger dog. Limit 6.

PREREQUISITE:   None! Just follow the age guidelines above. Students must bring proof of vaccination (DAP and, if dog is old enough, rabies) to the first class.

MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 45 minutes

PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

  • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED 
    PRE-M6      Monday 6pm starting 6/20
    (will not meet on 7/4) 
    Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Lisa Garofalo
    • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED 
      PRE-TU6      Tuesday 6pm starting 6/21 
      Instructor Judy McManus, assistants Ann Hardy & Jennifer Precourt
    • CANCELLED 
      PRE-W730     Wednesday 7:30pm starting 6/15  
      Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Jennifer Precourt
    • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED 
      PRE-TH7     Thursday 7pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 7/7) 
      Instructor Tim Faulkner, assistant Danielle Knobel

    Basic

    For those continuing from Pre-Basic or new to obedience with an older dog (14 months of age and up). Includes walking under control on leash and development of basic obedience commands, including come, sit, down and stay. Limit 6.

    PREREQUISITE:   None! Just follow the age guidelines above. Students must bring proof of vaccination (DAP and rabies) to the first class.

    MEETINGS:  8 meetings, 45 minutes

    PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

    • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED 
      BAS-TU7    Tuesday 7pm starting 6/21  (will not meet on 8/9)
      Instructor Renee Louise, assistant Tom Weickert
    • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED 
      BAS-W530    Wednesday 5:30pm starting 6/15
      Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Bari Tassinaro
      • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED 
        BAS-TH6     Thursday 6pm starting 6/16  (will not meet on 7/7)
        Instructor Larry Krieger, assistant Rachael Beattie

        Beyond Basic

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        Intermediate

        Introduction to on-lead heeling, off-lead recalls, and stays; continued work on basic obedience skills. Limit 6-8.

        PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Basic graduate or permission

        MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 45 minutes

        PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

        • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED 
          INT-W630      Wednesday 6:30pm starting 6/15
          Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Bari Tassinaro
        • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED 
          INT-TH715     Thursday 7:15pm starting
          6/16  (will not meet on 7/7)
          Instructor Larry Krieger, assistant  Martina St. Leger


        Canine Good Citizen (Prep Class with Test)

        Teaching you how to train your dog to be a Canine Good Citizen as defined by the AKC. At the last class meeting you will be able to take the AKC test for CGC certification. Limit 6.

        PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Basic graduate or permission

        MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

        PRICE:  SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

        • FULL, WAITLIST FORMING   CGC-SA1130      Saturday 11:30am starting 6/18  (will not meet on 7/9)
          Instructor Patty Warner, assistant Martina St. Leger

        Tricks

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        Clicks for Tricks

        The clicker is a small hand-held device used to mark very precisely a point where your dog is doing what you want.  It can be used in typical training of any household dog and can be very useful in training tricks or skills for dog sports such as obedience, agility and scentwork.  In the time span of the class, you should be able to teach a few tricks. We will be concentrating on tricks for the AKC Trick Dog Novice title and perhaps a couple of tricks useful in obedience training such as going to a pad and/or rotating on a perch.  Limit 4.

        EQUIPMENT REQUIRED: You will need to supply some equipment.  Bring your own clicker (available at most pet supply stores or at Amazon.com or Chewy.com). Bring a a box big enough for your dog to get into comfortably and cut down the sides to one-quarter to one-third your dog’s leg length.

        PREREQUISITE:  SOTC Basic grad or permission.  No dog-reactive or food-aggressive dogs (we will be tossing treats for the dogs to chase). Students must have basic control of their dogs. 

        MEETINGS: 4 meetings, 45 minutes

        PRICE:  SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members $52

        • TRX1-F515     Friday 5:15pm starting 6/17
          (will not meet on 7/8; decision about meeting on 7/1 TBA) 
          Instructor Lynn Miller


        Advanced Tricks

        For students looking to add some higher-level tricks to their freestyle routines or Rally-FrEe courses, anyone wanting some more pizzazz for their trick titles, or anyone looking to work on some fancy moves.  We'll cover tricks like the back-around, reverse front, rebound, alternative heel positions, and more. Limit 6.

        PREREQUISITE: Dogs and handlers should have a strong understanding of how to use platforms, training gates, and target sticks and be familiar with shaping. 

        MEETINGS:   4 meetings, 45 minutes

        PRICE:   SOTC members $36 or 4 points, non-members  $52
        • TRX2-TU7       Tuesday 7pm starting 6/21 
          Instructor Jamie Ohman

        FLYBALL

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        Beginner Flyball

        This class will teach the basics: retrieving a tennis ball; coming back with the ball; going over jumps to get the ball; doing a swimmers turn off the flyball box while catching; and doing all of this while running fast. Limit 6.

        PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Basic graduate or permission. Handlers must have basic control of the dog. Dogs should be at least 1 year old. No people- or dog-aggression.

        MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

        PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

        • FLY1-W630     Wednesday 6:30pm starting 6/15
          Instructor Jessie Burgess, assistant Jessica Sielawa

        Conformation

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        Conformation Drop-ins

        Drop in class for training dog and handler for the conformation (breed) ring.  If appropriate for class make-up, breed standards, conformation rules, grooming of dog and handler will be discussed.

        PREREQUISITE:   None! Dogs should be at least 12 weeks of age and should have received age-appropriate vaccinations.

        MEETINGS:   6 meetings (6/23, 6/30, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/11), 45 minutes

        PRICE:   SOTC members $9 or 1 point, non-members $13 (per drop-in, pay as you go -- checks, exact change, or click here to pay on-line)

        TO REGISTER:  To reserve a spot for a particular meeting and to confirm that class will be held, email the instructor via the link below

        • CON-TH8     Thursday 8pm starting 6/23  (will not meet on 7/7, 8/4)
          Instructor Ann Marie Letto, assistant TBA

        Rally

        Rally students must crate their dogs while they walk the course (non-members must bring their own crate and carry it out at end of class).

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        Rally Novice

        An introduction to AKC Rally, with an emphasis on learning the signs and how to run a smooth and efficient course. Students will work their way through the Rally Novice signs and will learn to walk a course. Dogs will be leashed on course. Limit 6-8.

        PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Basic graduate or permission. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course. 

        MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

        PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

        • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED 
          RAL1-SA9       Saturday 9am starting 6/18 (will not meet on 7/9)
          Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Peggy Anderson


            Rally Advanced / Excellent

            Work on the Advanced/Excellent signs. Limit 6-8.

            PREREQUISITE:   Dogs should be able to work off-lead.  Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course. 

            MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

            PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

            •  RAL3-SA1015       Saturday 10:15am starting  6/18 (will not meet on 7/9)
              Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Peggy Anderson

            Rally Excellent

            Courses with instruction. Limit 6.

            PREREQUISITE:  Rally Intermediate/Advanced title or permission. Dogs must be able to work off-lead. Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course.

            MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 90 minutes

            PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

            • RAL4-M9    Monday 9am starting  6/20  (will not meet on 7/4)
              Instructor Debbie Keith, assistant Jean Rand


            Rally Master

            Courses with instruction.  Limit 6.

            PREREQUISITE:  Students must crate their dogs while they walk the course. 

            MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 90 minutes

            PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

            • RAL5-M1030       Monday 10:30am starting  6/20 (will not meet on 7/4)
              Instructor Pat John, assistant Jean Rand

            Competition Obedience

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            Intro to Novice Obedience

            Beginning off-lead heeling; continued work on recalls; refining and adding distractions to stays. Limit 6.

            PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Intermediate graduate or permission

            MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

            PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

            • CANCELLED  NOV1-TU6    Tuesday 6pm starting 6/21
              Instructor Kathy Morse, assistant Carolyn Pover

              Intermediate Novice

              For those familiar with the Novice exercises but not ready for competition. This class will continue work on Novice skills, including the recent changes to the CD requirements. Limit 6.

              PREREQUISITE:   Prior Novice class, BN/PN title, or permission. Students must have Novice skills prior to sign-up.

              MEETINGS:   5 meetings, 45 minutes

              PRICE:   SOTC members $45 or 5 points, non-members $65

              • NOV2-M7     Monday 7pm starting 7/18  (note later start date; will not meet on 7/25, 8/22)
                Co-instructors Sue Eaton & Kelly Mueller

                Advanced Novice

                A class for dogs that need proofing for Novice or work on particular exercises that are weak.

                PREREQUISITE:  Working knowledge of the Novice exercises

                MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                • NOV3-TU5     Tuesday 5pm starting 6/21
                  Instructor Nan Bonnell, assistant Rachael Beattie


                Open & Utility Foundations

                An ongoing class that will break down each of the Open and Utility exercises into the skills necessary to perform it. The skills will be taught before they are chained together into a full exercise. Limit 6.

                PREREQUISITE:  This class is appropriate for students who have never competed in Open/Utility or for those with green dogs.  Preference given to students continuing from the previous session.

                MEETINGS:  8 meetings, 90 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 8 points, non-members $104

                • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
                  OUF-M215    Monday 2:15pm starting 6/20  (will not meet on 7/4)
                  Instructor Dottie Hamblin


                Foundation Jump Grid

                Listed among the Agility classes HERE, but appropriate for students jumping their dogs in obedience as well.


                ** NEW **  Intro to Open

                An introduction to the Open exercises. Limit 6.

                PREREQUISITE:  

                MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                • OPN1-M5     Monday 5pm starting  7/11 
                  (note later start date; will not meet on 7/25, 8/22
                  )
                  Instructor Kathy Helmke


                Open Proofing & Polishing

                For those who have learned all the Open exercises and are getting ready to show. Limit 6.

                PREREQUISITE:   Working knowledge of all the Open exercises

                MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                • OPN3-M6     Monday 6pm starting  7/11  (note later start date; will not meet on 7/25, 8/22)
                  Instructor Kathy Helmke


                Intermediate / Advanced Utility

                For dogs and handlers who understand and can perform the Utility exercises but need refinement. Limit 6.

                PREREQUISITE:   Prior Utility class, CDX/PCDX, or permission. Students must have Utility skills prior to sign-up.

                MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:  SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                • CANCELLED
                  UTL2-M5     Monday 5pm starting starting  7/11  (note later start date; will not meet on 7/25, 8/22)
                  Instructor Kathy Helmke

                Scentwork

                *** Registration for Scentwork classes will open on June 1) ***

                Scentwork classes are held offsite, at  American High  (the old A.V. Zogg Middle School), 800 4th St., Liverpool. 

                We cannot admit non-member scentwork students at this time.

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                Introduction to Scentwork

                For those who have never done Scentwork before or who need a refresher.  At the end of the class there will be a basic Novice container test. Limit 8.

                PREREQUISITE:  None! But no aggressive dogs. Preference given to students repeating the class with the same dog.

                MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25)

                • SCT1-TH3     Thursday 3pm starting 6/16  (will not meet on 6/23)
                  Instructor Nat Lussier, assistant Jean Rand
                • SCT1-TH630     Thursday 6:30 starting 6/16 (will not meet on 6/23)
                  Instructor Terri Botsford, assistant TBA

                Novice / Advanced Scentwork

                For those who have the basics of scentwork and need more experience with different container and interior set-ups. Limit 8.

                PREREQUISITE:  Successful completion of Introduction to Scentwork or one leg earned at a Novice-level scentwork trial. Preference given to students repeating the class, or moving up from the prior class, with the same dog.

                MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25)

                • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
                   SCT2-TH4     Thursday 4pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 6/23)
                  Instructor Terri Botsford, assistant Jean Rand

                Novice/Advanced Practice Hides

                Hides only, no instruction. Limit 8. Preference given to students moving up from the prior class with the same dog.

                MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $79 (or 6pts + $25)

                    • SCT3-TH530    Thursday 5:30pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 6/23)
                      Instructor Jean Rand, assistant Janine Crane

                Agility

                With the exception of Agility Foundations, we are unable to admit any new non-member agility students at this time.

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                Agility Foundations

                Agility Foundations is a prerequisite for all future agility classes. The class will cover such aspects as teamwork, self-control, body control, and shaping, as well as several other agility foundation skills. Limit 6.

                PREREQUISITE:   SOTC Basic graduate or permission. Dogs should be at least 5 months old.

                MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 45 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED 
                  AFN-W630      Wednesday 6:30pm starting 6/15
                  Instructor Janine Ramsden, assistant Jenna Hassett


                Beginner Agility 

                Introduction to contact equipment, jump training, practicing lead-outs, and basic handling. Building drive while maintaining focus and control.  Limit 6.

                PREREQUISITE:   Students who have not previously competed in agility must have taken SOTC Agility Foundations or an equivalent class elsewhere. Dogs should be at least 8 months old. Preference given to students repeating the class, or moving up from the prior class, at the recommendation of the instructor.

                MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 90 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $96 or 12 points, non-members $136

                • AGL1-W5    Wednesday 5pm starting  6/22 
                  Instructor Dottie Hamblin, assistant Janine Ramsden


                Advanced Beginner Agility

                Building confidence on contact equipment, introduction of weave poles, developing dog and handler skills, beginning simple sequencing, and doing grid work. Limit 6.

                PREREQUISITE:   Successfully passing SOTC Beginner Agility or run-through.  Preference given to students repeating the class, or moving up from the prior class, at the recommendation of the instructor.

                MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 90 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $96 or 12 points, non-members $136

                • AGL2-M630    Monday 6:30pm starting 6/20  (will not meet on 7/4, 7/11)
                  Instructor Linda Aloi,  assistants Leah Pekarsky & Tom Weickert


                ** NEW CLASS! **
                Intermediate Agility (8-week 90-minute version)

                Getting ready for the Novice ring! Developing confidence on obstacles and weaves. Starting to put things together: sequencing, handling techniques, what to do and where to do it, working through distractions.  Limit 6.

                PREREQUISITE:   Successfully passing SOTC Advanced Beginner Agility or run-through. Off-lead control is required. Dogs should be confident jumping at full height, going through all "hoop" obstacles, negotiating full-height contacts with mild support, doing 6 weaves with mild support, doing a sequence of 5-8 obstacles.  Preference given to students moving up from the prior class at the recommendation of the instructor.

                MEETINGS:   8 meetings, 90 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $96 or 12 points, non-members $136

                • AGL3-M445    Monday 4:45pm starting 6/20 (will not meet on 7/4)
                  Co-instructors Donna Deal & Michele Maier

                Intermediate Agility (6-week/60-minute version)

                Same description as above, but shorter.

                MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                • AGL3-TH745     Thursday 7:45pm starting 6/16 (will not meet on 7/7)
                  Instructor Meg Donley, assistant TBA

                2x2 Weaves

                For teams learning 2x2s or not weaving 6 poles with confidence. Limit 6.

                PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be at least 12 months of age

                MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

                PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points, non-members $78

                • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED
                  AGW-TU5    Tuesday 5pm starting 6/21
                  Co-instructors Karen Vanderburgh & Sue DeRienzo

                  Verbals & Crosses

                  Learning crosses and when to use verbals. Appropriate any level after beginner level.

                  MEETINGS:  6 meetings, 60 minutes

                  PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points

                  • AGV-TH5    Thursday 5pm starting  6/16 (will not meet on 7/7) 
                    Co-instructors Jeri Fishack & Kris Hart


                  Foundation Jump Grid

                  The Foundation Jump Grid class is for dogs around 12 months and up who have never jumped or who have been actively jumping. The jump heights are generally kept low but will be adjusted based on the height and age of the dog. The grids can be useful to train jumping skills for agility,
                  obedience / rally and flyball. The jump grids teach a dog to adjust his stride to cover ground more efficiently, jump cleanly and find the perfect take-off spot. Several types of jump grids will be covered such as the foundation grids, stride grids and bend work.  Grids will be progressed throughout the class. Limit 4.

                  PREREQUISITE: Dogs must be at 12 months of age.

                  MEETINGS:  5 meetings, 90 minutes

                  PRICE:  SOTC members $60 or 7.5 points

                  • FULL, REGISTRATION & WAITLIST CLOSED 
                    AGJ-F1030     Friday 10:30am starting 6/24 (will meet 6/24, 7/1, 7/15, 7/29, 8/19) 
                    Instructor Linda Kaufman, assistant Janine Ramsden

                   

                  Novice Agility

                  For students preparing for Novice. Limit 6.

                  PREREQUISITE:   Successfully passing SOTC Intermediate Agility or permission. Dogs must be able to perform full-height contacts, do 6 weave poles, and negotiate sequences of 8-10 obstacles.

                  MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

                  PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points

                  • AGL4-TU645     Tuesday 6:45pm starting 6/21
                    Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino


                  Open Agility

                  For students preparing for Open. Limit 6.

                  PREREQUISITE:   Novice agility titles or permission

                  MEETINGS:   6 meetings, 60 minutes

                  PRICE:   SOTC members $54 or 6 points

                  • AGL5-TU8     Tuesday 8pm starting 6/21
                    Instructor Becky Konst, assistant Tom Canino


                    Excellent / Masters Agility

                    For students preparing for Excellent/Masters. Students are expected to help set up the course. Limit 6.

                    PREREQUISITE:   Open agility titles or permission

                    MEETINGS:  6 meetings, 75 minutes

                    PRICE:   SOTC members $72 or 9 points

                    • FULL, WAITLIST FORMING  AGL6-TH615     Thursday 6:15pm starting 6/16  (will not meet on 7/7)
                      Co-instructors Sandy Madaio & Diane Eggleston

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                      Copyright 2023

                      The Syracuse Obedience Training Club, Inc. 

                      PO Box 3457, Syracuse NY 13220-3457

                      A New York State-registered 501(c)3 educational corporation (organized not-for-profit)

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