Happy Wednesday!
This is the Community Caring Collaborative Weekly Communiqué where we share announcements about trainings, meetings and other events, including announcements from our collaborative partners. Look for links to meeting minutes and agendas in the Meetings section, training registration forms and flyers in the Events section, and job postings and other items of interest in the Announcements section. Subscribe here to get the Communiqué. Make sure to add Community Caring Collaborative to your contacts at claurel@cccmaine.org. Gmail users, check for the Communiqué under the Promotions tab. This mailing goes out every Wednesday, so if you have announcements, please send them to Christine by 5 pm Monday to be included. Thanks!
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Announcements
A Night of Stars
Join Next Step DV Project on November 7th at Big Cats Catering for our Annual Meeting in A Night of Stars! At this event we will be recognizing our invaluable volunteers in a fun “red carpet” event. Feel free to dress up like a movie star or get interviewed like celebrity! Download a flyer for more information. To RSVP by November 1st, contact Katie Harriman at 667-0176.
Healthy Acadia’s Advisory Council Meeting
Community members, organizational and business partners from both Hancock and Washington counties, as well as regional partners, are invited to attend Healthy Acadia’s Advisory Council Meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, from 11:30 am-2 pm, in our new Healthy Acadia office space, focused on recovery supports programming, located at 24 Church Street, Ellsworth. The Advisory Council meeting is an opportunity for us all to connect, learn about each other’s work, and to engage in Healthy Acadia’s strategic planning for the coming years, during which we will seek your input, guidance, and planning on key issues and questions. We very much look forward to hearing about your efforts, your ideas and priorities, and your input on Healthy Acadia’s strategic direction. Lunch (provided) and formal networking will be from 11:30 am to 12 pm; the meeting will formally begin at 12 pm. Please RSVP by no later than Friday, November 15, 2019, so that we may best plan for lunch. If you are unable to access the form, please email Darlene Megno or call 207-255-3741.
RecoveryCorps Coaches
See Healthy Acadia’s recruiting announcement for RecoveryCorps Coaches in the Needs & Offers section of this newsletter.
MRBN October 31st Meeting
Registration is open for our October 31st membership meeting. Please join us! Details and registration information are available here. To read our most recent newsletter, click here.
Join the Downeast Rainbow Alliance
The Downeast Rainbow Alliance has the mission of Advocacy, Education, and Support for the LGBTQ Community in Washington County. Meetings alternate between those held at the Eastport Community Health Center and the University of Maine at Machias. All are welcome. Last meeting of the year is November THU, NOV 21 AT 6:30 PM in Torrey Hall 234 at UMaine Machias. Parking is to the side of the building with accessible parking and elevator. FMI: downeastrainbowalliance@gmail.com.
Toys Needed for FFD
Family Futures Downeast needs some new or gently used toys for our family rooms on campus at UMM and WCCC. Details in the Needs & Offers section of this newsletter.
Smart Home Tech 101
Learn about smart homes as assistive technology in the Favorite Resources section of this newsletter.
Your announcement could go here: email the details to Christine by 5 pm Monday for inclusion in Wednesday’s Weekly Communiqué. Photos and links are appreciated.
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Updates
Updates on programs, research, initiatives and pending legislation
Sen. Kaine Cosponsors Bipartisan Bill to Improve Veterans’ Caregiver Program
“U.S. Senator Tim Kaine cosponsored the Transparency and Effective Accountability Measures (TEAM) for the Veteran Caregivers Act. The bill is to improve the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) caregiver program.
This bill would give caregivers and veterans an opportunity to appeal any downgrade or termination of benefits and ensure all caregivers are recognized as part of the clinical team attending to veterans, the release states.
To be eligible for the program, veterans must have sustained or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, and need personal care services for supervision and protection to help them with daily living activities.”
From: WSET-ABC 13 | October 17, 2019 |
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One-Time Events
Fairs, trainings, conferences and more in the state of Maine
Aging America: Coping with Loss, Dying and Death in Later Life
October 25, 2019
Down East Hospice Volunteers will be presenting the Hospice Foundation of America’s 26th Annual Living with Grief, Conference Series: “Aging America: Coping with Loss, Dying and Death in Later Life” on Friday, October 25, 2019 at Downeast Community Hospital in the Boardroom from 9 am — 1 pm (sign-in is at 8:30). This program is free of charge to everyone through a grant from Maine Community Foundation. Those needing CEU’s should plan to stay for a one half (½) hour discussion and to obtain the information for registering for the Continuing Education Credits. 2.0 CE’s are available through a variety of boards, the cost is $21.00 per certificate. To register, contact our office at 454-7521-ext. 126 or email: dehvservices@yahoo.com.
Free Family Harvest Meal
October 25, 2019
With help from our partners, the CCC is planning a free, nutritious meal for families with children who participate in Trick or Treat on Main Street this year. Help us offer children and families a (not too) spooky good time! We expect hundreds of children to visit businesses in downtown Machias on October 25th and would like to offer a free, hot meal in the Lee Pellon Center — the end of the trick-or-treating route, with a few simple activities for kids and a table for organizational materials. The meal hours will be 4 to 6 pm — just about supper time for most families. We will need help setting up, running activities, serving, and cleaning up after the event. Bring your kids to Trick or Treat on Main Street and join us after — costumes encouraged! Download a flyer to help spread the word.
Children’s Halloween Party
October 26, 2019
The Calais Downeast Recovery Support Center is hosting a children’s Halloween party with fun activities like pumpkin carving (bring your own pumpkin) and face painting. Snacks will be provided. Costumes welcome but not required. 1 – 3 pm (download flyer).
Innovations in Dementia Care:
October 28, 2019
Register now for the Fourteenth Annual University of Maine Clinical Geriatrics Colloquium, 8 am-4 pm at the Wells Conference Center, University of Maine. Orono, ME. Anticipated topics include:
- Population Health, Prevention, Genetics, Risk, & Resilience
- Environments of Care
- Screening & Diagnosis
- Dementia & Driving
- Caring for the Caregiver
- What is High Quality Dementia Care?
Details in this flyer.
Autism Fall Conference:
November 2, 2019
The Autism Society invites you to a free conference on November 2nd at Black Bear Inn, Orono. This event is designed for participants to exchange ideas, resources and knowledge that will inspire hope and innovation for those who live and work with individuals with autism. This year’s keynote is “You Can’t Make Me: Proactive Strategies for Positive Behavioral Change,” delivered by James Ball, Ed.D., BCBA-D, author of the book, Early Intervention & Autism: Real-Life Questions; Real-Life Answers. 6 contact hours. Details and registration info here. Registration expected to fill up quickly.
Tools and Topics:
skills for helping clients achieve their financial goals
November 6, 2019
Join the Community Caring Collaborative in the large conference room at SCEC from 11:30 am — 12:50 pm for a brown bag lunch presented by Joe Connors, Financial Coach with Downeast Community Partners. Joe will review useful tools for building budgets with clients (if you have a budget template you’re currently using, bring it with you!); discuss having conversations with clients about personal finances; and even harder conversations about financial privacy and accessing benefits. Bring your lunch, we’ll provide beverages and dessert. RSVP to Christine. Participants are welcome to stay for the Work Group meeting following at 1 pm. Download a flyer to share with staff & colleagues.
A Night of Stars
November 7, 2019
Join Next Step DV Project from 5:30 — 7 pm at Big Cats Catering for our Annual Meeting in A Night of Stars! At this event we will be recognizing our invaluable volunteers in a fun “red carpet” event. Feel free to dress up like a movie star or get interviewed like celebrity! Download a flyer for more information. To RSVP by November 1st, contact Katie Harriman at 667-0176.
Sunrise County Economic Summit:
Where We Are Now and Where We Are Going
November 8, 2019
Sunrise County Economic Council invites you to a day of shared learning about Washington County’s Economy at the Cobscook Community Learning Center on November 8th, 9 am – 3 pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Register by Friday, October 25th. Email Cathy Lookabaugh at clookabaugh@sunrisecounty.org with questions.
Estate Planning Workshop
November 12, 2019
Sunrise County Economic Council invites individuals and business owners to this workshop at SCEC (7 Ames Way, Machias) from 3–4:30 pm. Like many people, you may hope to leave a substantial legacy for your loved ones and charitable causes. But without proper planning and the appropriate financial strategies, you may not be able to protect your assets from probate and other unintended consequences. As a result, your estate may be settled in ways you did not intend. This workshop will provide practical and essential information and dialogue that may help you assess your current situation and develop a strategy that may help preserve your assets. Perhaps best of all, you’ll have an experienced professional to answer your questions and provide guidance to preserve your estate.
To register: Estate Planning.
Helping Hands with Heart Seminar
November 14, 2019
Helping Hands with Heart/The Maine Highlands Investment Partnership (MHIP) is offering this professional developmental seminar for its members and colleagues, including folks who have supported some of our activities the past year, focusing on the Impact of Poverty with Aleigh Suffern, who has been trained by Donna Beegle. As the poorest county in Maine, this discussion has profound meaning for service providers and advocates. This session will be offered at The Commons from 11 am — 2:30 pm, at no cost to participants; a light luncheon will be provided. Register no later than Friday, October 4th!
Healthy Acadia’s Advisory Council Meeting
November 20, 2019
Community members, organizational and business partners from both Hancock and Washington counties, as well as regional partners, are invited to attend Healthy Acadia’s Advisory Council Meeting on Wednesday, November 20, 2019, from 11:30 am-2 pm, in our new Healthy Acadia office space, focused on recovery supports programming, located at 24 Church Street, Ellsworth. Lunch (provided) and formal networking will be from 11:30 am to 12 pm; the meeting will formally begin at 12 pm. Please RSVP by no later than Friday, November 15, 2019, so that we may best plan for lunch. If you are unable to access the form, please email Darlene Megno or call 207-255-3741.
Building Age-Friendly Communities from the Group Up
November 22, 2019
The CCC and Washington County Thriving in Place invite town managers and select board members to a lunch meeting on November 22nd from 12:30 — 3:30 pm at the Kay Parker Building in Machias facilitated by Patricia Oh, AARP Age-Friendly Consultant. We will explore how joining AARP’s network of age-friendly communities can benefit your town. Hear from representatives of communities in Washington and Hancock Counties that have already joined this network. Learn the process for receiving an age-friendly community designation. Lunch will be provided. Please share this flyer with your town manager and select board members. Pre-registration is appreciated.
CCC Vision Day 2019: Focus on Childcare
December 4, 2019
The Community Caring Collaborative invites you to Vision Day 2019 on December 4th from 9 am to 3 pm at Cobscook Community Learning Center. This is an opportunity for all members of the collaborative — service providers, administrators, educators, advocates, volunteers and community members — to bring ideas to the table that address a specific set of needs for Washington County residents. We do this every couple of years in the relaxed atmosphere of our favorite vision day venue — the CCLC — where creativity and dreaming big are encouraged. This year we’re focusing on childcare. Help us envision a Washington County where all childcare needs and wants are met. Dream of all the ways childcare in Washington County can support children, families, and the economy. It will take people with experience in all aspects of this equation (parents, child care providers/managers, policy makers, educators and workforce development experts) to fully tackle the issues, but we can start on December 4th and go from there. Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. Sign up here and share a flyer with staff and colleagues.
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Serial Classes & Groups
Classes, play groups, support circles and other repeating events
The Business of Women: Book & Discussion Group
Ruth Feldman, Program Director/Business Advisor with the Women’s Business Center at CEI, invites women in business or thinking about starting a business to a new book & discussion group at the Porter Memorial Library on Tuesday evenings from 5-6:30 pm beginning October 22nd. “We will use the following books as a basis for conversations and try out some free, online tools that can help us to think, plan and take action. We will invite guests who can help to bring the books and topics to life and serve as real-world models from women within our community who have taken a leap in following their dreams. Books are available on a first-come, first-serve basis to be picked up from Porter Library in Machias. Registration required. $25 refundable book deposit or bring your own books.”
- Lean In – Women, Work and the will to lead by Sheryl Sandberg
- The Creator’s Code – The Six Essential Skills of Extraordinary Entrepreneurs by Amy Wilkinson
- Do Cool Sh*t – (Quit your day job, Start your own business & Live happily ever after) by Miki Agrawal
- The Confidence Code – The science and art of self-assurance – what women should know by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
- Women Going for It! – Taking Risks After 50 by Diana Coleman
- The Sassy Ladies’ Toolkit for Start-Up Businesses – by Michelle Girasole, Wendy Hanson, and Miriam Perry
Thursday Webinar Series at WCCC
Join Washington County Community College for HR Thursdays beginning in Fall 2019! This is an exciting series of quick lunch-n-learn webinars lead by an exclusive cadre of regional and statewide HR professionals. We will be tapping the robust talent that exists regionally to share best practices and provide technical assistance. See flyer for details, or visit this link.
CAN Council Groups
- Weekly infant toddler playgroup in Machias: Fridays from 10-11 at the Kay Parker Building. See flyer for details.
- Weekly Social Hour for children 6-11 who are engaged with section 26/65 to come with their BHP’s for a craft/activity/game on Fridays from 3-4. BHP’s and their kiddos are welcome any Friday, but we do ask that they send an RSVP (263-5270) with the kiddo’s age at least 2 hours prior. This way we can make accommodations or modifications to our activities if needed. This will be held at WCCP (232 Court St, Machias). See flyer for details.
- Grandparents raising grandchildren – First Thursday of the month from 3:30 — 4:30 at Woodland Public Library
- Parents in Recovery (Calais) – Second Thursday of the month from 3:30 — 4:30 at Downeast Recovery and Support Center, Calais
- Parents in Recovery (Machias) – Second Monday of the month from 3:30 — 4:40 at Downeast Recovery and Support Center, Machias
- Machias Circle of Parents – last Monday of the month from 3:30 — 4:30 at Sunrise Opportunities (232 Court St, Machias)
- Nurturing Program – The CAN Council invites parents to a multi-session educational program sharing tips and tricks to help navigate the difficult challenges of parenting. Lots of opportunity for discussion and questions – free refreshments and childcare. Location: Harrington Family Health Center, 52 East Main Street, Harrington, every Thursday from 12:30 — 2 pm. Text/call Mandie at 263-5270 to sign up.
Caregivers Facebook Group
The CCC is launching a private facebook group for caregivers in Washington County – professional caregivers like RNs and CNAs, and informal caregivers like family members providing care for a spouse, parent, specials needs child, sibling or the neighbor across the street. Our goal is for this group to provide a platform for caregivers to talk to each other, ask questions, offer solutions based on experience with similar challenges, and point to helpful resources. Use this link to join.
Recovery Dharma
The Downeast Recovery Supports Center is now hosting weekly meetings of Recovery Dharma, a Buddhist-inspired approach to recovery from addiction. Meetings are on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. No prior experience with Buddhism is required. Meetings are free and all who seek recovery are warmly welcomed. Learn more about Refuge Recovery at: www.refugerecovery.org.
Hepatitis C Support Group
Health Equity Alliance has begun a Hepatitis C support group at the Downeast Machias Recovery Center. They also offer a syringe exchange and FREE HIV and HEPC testing. Hours are Tuesday: 3-6 pm and Friday: 10 am to 1 pm, closed to Walk-In Services on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. FMI: Arielle Metcalf at arielle@mainehealthequity.org, 207-255-5849.
Downeast MAT Expansion ECHO
Healthy Acadia in collaboration with Qualidigm (formerly Maine Quality Counts) invites you to join a local effort to respond to Maine’s opioid epidemic through education, skill-building, and networking for Downeast clinicians. The Downeast MAT Expansion ECHO program seeks to build local capacity to treat individuals who are struggling with OUDs across Hancock and Washington Counties by offering free education, skill building, and networking to clinicians and the practices they work in. Healthy Acadia, working closely with many key community partners, is offering a two-part Project ECHO program over the coming year. Sign up for Part 2 now: Second Wednesday of the month from September 2019 to May 2020; 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Meetings will be held virtually using Zoom.
Download a flyer for more information. Project ECHO® (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) is an evidence-based educational model developed by researchers at the University of New Mexico
Community of Practice Groups:
6-8 pm
Maine Roads to Quality invites Early Care & Education professionals to join one of 2 community of practice groups:
- Calais Community of Practice meets on the second Tuesday of each month at WCCC – Riverview Hall, Room 115 (Multi Media Room
- Machias Community of Practice meets on the 4th Monday of each month at UMM – Torrey Hall, Room 228
For more information or to register, please contact Theresa Fisk, District Early Childhood and Youth Coordinator – 207-956-2070 or email: theresa.fisk@maine.edu.
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Standing Meetings & Calendars
Monthly and quarterly meetings, agency/initiative calendars at a glance and other meeting schedules
MRBN October 31st Meeting
Registration is open for our October 31st membership meeting. Please join us! Details and registration information are available here. To read our most recent newsletter, click here.
Downeast Rainbow Alliance
The Downeast Rainbow Alliance has the mission of Advocacy, Education, and Support for the LGBTQ Community in Washington County. Meetings alternate between those held at the Eastport Community Health Center and the University of Maine at Machias. All are welcome. Last meeting of the year is November THU, NOV 21 AT 6:30 PM in Torrey Hall 234 at UMaine Machias. Parking is to the side of the building with accessible parking and elevator. FMI: downeastrainbowalliance@gmail.com.
GEAR Fall Quarterly Workshops
Shannan Boyorak, Regional Parent Support Coordinator for the G.E.A.R. Parent Network, is circulating a flyer with their statewide schedule for workshops being offered this fall. If you have any questions or are interested in more information or attending one of these workshops, feel free to reach out to Shannon or call the 1-800 number listed on the flyer. Download the flyer here.
Calais Area Breast Cancer Support Group
Meetings on the 4th Friday of each month at 3 PM at the Calais United Methodist Church, 849 Main St. (downstairs parlor), in Calais. This free “gathering” is a comforting and safe environment to find encouragement and hope. Open to all that have a breast cancer diagnosis. FMI call Marianne at 454-0501. Download a flyer for more information.
Caregivers Support Group
Join other family/informal caregivers monthly for a supportive meeting at the Maine Veterans Home in Machias, facilitated by Lisa King, LCPC, on the first Friday of the month from 2-4 pm. Contact Lisa King for more information.
Work Group & Poverty Busters
Join this meeting of direct service providers to share resources and network with other providers in your area. The next meeting is November 6th in the large conference room at SCEC, 7 Ames Way, Machias, from 1 — 3 pm, immediately following a brown bag lunch beginning at 11:30 presented by financial coach Joe Connors of DCP. October notes coming soon. Send your questions to Christine.
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Needs & Offers
Send us your agency/community needs or offers, such as job recruiting or housing needs.
Toys Needed for FFD
Family Futures Downeast needs some new or gently used toys for our family rooms on campus at UMM and WCCC. We are looking for some little 4-inch action figure people for our playhouses. Also any wooden toys or items for “pretend play” (such as little pots & pans, food items for the play kitchen) would also be appreciated. (Please, no legos). You can drop them off at our office at Sunrise County Economic Council, 7 Ames Way in Machias or contact Marsha Sloan directly at msloan@sunrisecounty.org.
RecoveryCorps Coaches
Do you have a passion to help those struggling with substance use disorder to be successful in recovery? Healthy Acadia is now actively recruiting full-time (32-36 hrs per week) and part-time (8-10 hours per week) volunteers to serve in our AmeriCorps / RecoveryCorps program for the 2019-2020 service year, starting in September, 2019. Download full job description. If you are interested, the first step is to fill out a Pre-Screening Questionnaire found at this link.
Hope Fund is Open!
The Hope Fund Committee is now accepting applications for the new Hope Fund award year. After receiving helpful feedback from providers and exploring ways to better serve families throughout the year, the committee has divided the Hope Fund award year into 3 segments. Funds are allocated evenly for each trimester. October 16th is the beginning of the first trimester. The committee will meet weekly to review applications until funds are depleted, then will stop accepting applications until the beginning of the next trimester. Keep abreast of Hope Fund developments and download the application form and other helpful documents on the CCC website.
Free Window Insulation Kits
Maine Seacoast Mission is once again offering free, reusable interior storm windows in different sizes to seniors and families to help lower heating costs. Contact the Downeast Campus in Cherryfield (546-5870) to pick up your kit, or connect with a Community Caring Collaborative staff member about picking up a kit from their office.
Assistant Director/Adult Education Teacher
Axiom Education & Training Center is seeking to fill a position for 25 hours to start as an Assistant Director/Adult Ed. teacher. Minimum requirement is a Bachelors degree in education. Some travel is required. Training will be provided. Please send a resume and cover letter to: jane.blackwood@aetc.us
Addison Point is hiring!
Addison Point is hiring for two positions:
- Direct Support Professional (DSP)/Employment Specialist:
Are you looking for a rewarding job? Addison Point has an immediate opening for a Direct Support Professional (DSP)/Employment Specialist in our Adult Learning Center in Addison. You would assist adult clients with disabilities in a center-based setting and accompany clients to their jobs in the community. Position will be 21 hours per week, T/Th/F from 8:30 – 3:30pm. There is a possibility of more hours if you are willing to work across environments. Wage based on level of experience. Training provided. EOE. For more information and an application, please contact Kendra Nelson, Adult Program Director at 483-6500 ext. 103 or knelson@addisonpoint.org.
- Behavioral Health Professionals (BHPs):
Would you like to make a difference in a child’s life? Addison Point has immediate openings for Behavioral Health Professionals (BHPs) in our Children’s Program in the Alexander, Calais, Indian Township and Milbridge areas. You would provide direct support to children & young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism or other similar disorders in a community-based/home-based setting. Wage based on level of experience. Training provided. EOE. For more information and an application, please contact Mike Ferris, Children’s Program Supervisor at 483-6500 ext. 107 or mferris@addisonpoint.org.
Resource Advocate/Social Worker
Downeast Community Partners is hiring for the full-time position of Resource Advocate. This person will work with individuals and families who are economically vulnerable to provide assistance and support in managing the challenges they are experiencing. The position will include both short-term assistance with immediate needs as well as ongoing work with more long-term goals; the overall goal being to help people improve their quality of life and ultimately move out of poverty. This will mean working on smaller goals in many different areas of life depending on the needs. The successful candidate will preferrably have a 4-year degree in Social Work or a related field, be willing to travel throughout Washington County and occasionally outside Washington County, and demonstrate the skills necessary to help participants be successful. To apply send letter of interest, references and resume to Human Resource Department, Downeast Community Partners, P.O. Box 648, Ellsworth, ME 04605
Fedcap Feedback
Maine Equal Justice has created a survey for individuals who have received services from Fedcap to provide feedback on their experience. Here’s a link to the survey.
EMDC Workforce Development Services
EMDC has moved to the Career Center in Machias (53 Prescott Drive, near the Hannaford Shopping Plaza). Connect with EMDC staff for employment and training assistance to eligible individuals in EMDC’s five county service area. For assistance in Washington County call Amanda Smith at 951-2349 or email asmith@emdc.org, or call Samantha Giasson at 610-1521 or email Samantha.Giasson@emdc.org if you’ve worked in agriculture/farm work in the last two years. Additional information can be found at https://www.emdc.org/page/954/workforce.
Free Financial Coaching
Thanks to support from Downeast Community Partners, Joseph Connors has been able to continue offering free coaching on any financial matter to individuals and families in Washington County, following the termination of this program at the end of March by the Consumer Protection Bureau. To make an appointment with Joe, call him at 207-598-5657 or email joe.connors@downeastcommunitypartners.org.
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Favorite Resources
Send us your favorite links to share with other Communique readers.
Smart Homes as Assistive Technology 101
Maine CITE invites you to watch this webinar recorded on October 2nd and presented by Ben Jacobs, retired USAF Staff Sergeant who served as a Technology Controller and is an expert in smart home technology and assistive technology solutions. Join Ben as he shows how to unlock the full potential of smart speakers (Amazon Echo, Google Home, etc.) shares strategies for starting a smart home, which devices to consider, and some uses for environmental controls you might not normally consider. More details and links to webinar recording here.
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