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Sponsorship & Home Office Compliance – Lunch & Listen
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Join us for a free 30-minute Lunch and Listen session on everything you need to know about sponsorship and Home Office compliance in light of the recent changes to UK immigration rules.
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Delivered in partnership with Borderless, this focused session will cover:
✅ What’s changed since 22 July and why it matters to employers
✅ Common compliance risks under the new rules – and how to avoid them
✅ Live Q&A with an Immigration Expert
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Whether you’re currently sponsoring workers or considering applying for a licence, this is your opportunity to get up-to-date, practical guidance and have your questions answered.
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🌟 Nominate an Inspiring Individual! 🌟
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This week, we’re turning the spotlight on the individual awards as part of the 2025 East Sussex Care Awards. It’s time to celebrate the amazing people who go above and beyond every day to make a difference in care.
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Do you work with someone who stands out, shows exceptional dedication, or brings something truly special to their role? Nominate them today for one of the following individual categories:
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🏅 Aspiring Talent Through Learning & Development
🏅 Care Leadership Award
🏅 Care Newcomer of the Year
🏅 Care Worker of the Year
🏅 Excellence in Adult Social Care Nursing
🏅 Hidden Gem Award
🏅 International Excellence in Social Care
🏅 Outstanding Contribution to Social Care
🏅 Outstanding Unpaid Contribution to Social Care
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Let’s give our everyday heroes the recognition they deserve.
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📺 Hear more from Mike Bailey, Sussex Locality Manager at Skills for Care, in this short video – a passionate message on why nurturing aspiring talent is vital for the future of our sector.
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You Can Be the Nominator!
Did you know? Anyone can nominate someone for a Care Award—not just colleagues or employers. Whether you're family, friends, or someone they've supported, we welcome your nominations!
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Who Can Make Nominations?
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- People receiving care: Tell us about your carer(s) and the difference they make to your life.
- Family members: If your loved one receives care, tell us about the team or staff, not forgetting unpaid carers and volunteers providing it!!!
- Care workers: Nominate a colleague, manager, or your service for exceptional support and leadership.
- Care managers or owners: Highlight proud achievements of your staff and projects that made a difference.
- Visiting professionals (e.g. GPs, physio’s OT’s, nurses, social workers): Share how you’ve seen exceptional care delivered.
- Public and volunteers: If you know someone who goes above and beyond in social care, let us know.
- Self-nominations are also welcome!
- Basically…Anyone can make a nomination!
Full details including T&C’s can be viewed here
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This is your chance to shine a light on the individuals who make a real difference—whether it’s through their care, compassion, or unwavering dedication.
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We’re delighted to welcome Sean Walser to the ESPiC team as our new Membership Manager.
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Sean will be focusing on all aspects of your membership — from helping you make the most of your member benefits, to introducing a more streamlined renewal process, and launching a refreshed Members Only section on our website.
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If you have any membership queries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sean on 07429 139752 or membership@espic:.co.uk. You can also meet Sean in person at the Sussex Showcase at Brighton Racecourse on 10th September, where he’ll be supporting our stand. Do come along and say hello!
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With a mix of care sector experience and a background in operations, process improvement, and business development, Sean is passionate about making things work smoothly for members — from simplifying renewals to ensuring everyone gets the most out of their benefits. He believes in keeping processes people-focused and practical, and is always happy to chat about ideas, questions, or ways ESPiC can better support its members.
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💡 Not a Gold Member Yet? Now’s the Perfect Time to Join!
For just £150, you can become an ESPiC Gold Member and receive free IHSCM membership — not only for you, but for your entire team — until the end of December 2025!
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Your Gold Membership includes:
✅ Free IHSCM Hub membership
✅ Access to expert-led learning
✅ Invitations to exclusive events and workshops
✅ Tools, resources, and support tailored for social care leaders
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Invest in your growth and empower your team today!
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Manor Group Consulting has expanded its consultancy
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We have already got specialist consultants in place to support providers with their CQC compliance, governance and oversight. We’re excited to announce that we are now offering specialist financial Consultancy Services tailored exclusively for providers within the network.
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Running a care business is demanding and keeping the finances under control is critical to your success. That’s where we come in.
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- Payroll support
- Invoicing & Billing
- Cash flow Management training
- Management Accountancy
- Staff Training Compliance & Record Keeping
- Workforce Planning & Rota Support
Choose a Package That Works for You:
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- Weekly Support Packages
- Monthly Support Packages
- Flexible Hourly Consultations
Whether you need full financial oversight or occasional advice, Manor Group is here to support your care business every step of the way.
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To find out more or book a consultation, e-mail our management accountant consultant on:
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Free COSHH risk assessment guide
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COSHH breaches are now the Health & Safety Executive's top enforcement priority – and they're not holding back. Accounting for 17% of all enforcement notices in the first half of 2025, COSHH violations are costing businesses more than any other health and safety issue.
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With inspection powers and the authority to issue immediate enforcement notices, the HSE is making it clear that protecting workers from hazardous substances isn't optional anymore.
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So, to help you cut through all the complexity, our Partner, Citation has put together a FREE guide to explain exactly what you need to know and do to stay compliant.
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This simple, actionable free guide covers:
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- How to identify hazardous substances in 5 clear steps
- Who's at risk and how to protect vulnerable workers
- Practical control measures that actually work
- Recording requirements and review processes
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Get expert-backed advice in a quick, easy-to-follow format.
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Citation’s expert team helps businesses across the UK strengthen HR and Employment Law, Health & Safety and Employment Law compliance – so you can focus on what matters most. Call Citation on 0345 844 1111 or click the link above to learn more. Don’t forget to mention RCA East Sussex, Brighton & Hove to access your preferential rates!
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Our Partner Citation is bringing you expert-led sessions on two of the hottest topics in business right now: how to create a workplace where everyone can thrive, and what the upcoming Employment Rights Bill means for you.
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Packed with practical strategies, clear next steps, and insider know-how, these webinars will leave you ready to act with confidence.
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How to create a workplace that champions EDI
Tuesday 2 September | 10–11am
Learn practical steps to embed Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in your workplace culture from policy to practice and discover the business benefits of doing it well.
REGISTER NOW: https://tinyurl.com/ymw8wy3r
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The Employment Rights Bill unpacked – everything employers need to know
Tuesday 16 September | 10–11am
Get up to speed on what’s changing, when it’s happening, and how to prepare effectively.
REGISTER NOW: https://tinyurl.com/3wn8yr3s
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For tailored HR and Health & Safety support, call Citation on 0345 844 1111 or click here to request a call-back online – remember to quote ‘RCA East Sussex, Brighton & Hove’ to access preferential rates.
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HMRC National Minimum Wage Webinar for Care Providers in the SE region
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HMRC National Minimum Wage Webinar for Care Providers in the SE region:
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30th September at 11am for 1 hour (including Q&A)
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National Minimum wage is more than just a pay rate, it is a calculation. Many employers aren’t aware of the factors that impact working time, pay and status for NMW purposes, some of it may surprise you. This session is designed to raise awareness of National Minimum Wage issues that are commonly found in HMRC’s NMW compliance checks.
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The session includes some practical examples as well as advice on how to rectify any identified issues before HMRC open a compliance check and signposting to additional support.
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- Major Immigration Rule Changes Now in Effect – Overseas recruitment of care workers has now closed; in-country recruitment is still permitted
- Update on the Displaced Care
- Worker Recruitment Support Scheme, including revised grant funding
- Webinar Q&As now available on our website
- New Video: Understanding Rights for International Care Workers
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The session takes place on Wednesday 20th August from 09.30 to 1pm via Zoom.
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This masterclass teaches how to manage, report, and learn from medication errors, by seeing them as opportunities to learn (OTLs).
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It will enable you to provide the correct response to Safeguarding Teams and the Care Quality Commission,
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Participants will receive a supporting handout for the Medication Errors course, along with a free electronic copy of our medicines incident form and investigation protocols.
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CQC – What does good look like and how do I get to outstanding?
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Tuesday 9 September 2:00pm – 3:00pm
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Join us on 9th September CQC – What does good look like and how do I get to outstanding? to review what good and outstanding ratings looks like.
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Head of Social Care Philippa Doyle will review compliance with the regulations to spell out how to ensure you demonstrate to CQC your service is worthy of a good rating. Jolena Bullivant-Clark, solicitor, will then take those good ratings to outstanding and give you an analysis of some recent outstanding ratings and what those services did to secure that green star.
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CQC are looking for evidence of a culture of excellence and innovation that meets and exceeds expectations. Whether you are looking to strengthen compliance and governance or aim for higher standards, this session will give you practical guidance on the way forward.
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Many employers in the social care sector will be interested in the recent decision of the Court of Appeal in the case of Commissioners for HM Revenue and Customs v Taylors Services Ltd.
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The case provides a reminder that pay for travel time at National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates is generally only required once the worker has arrived at the workplace or is travelling between work assignments - not for standard commutes from home.
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Help Shape the Future of Adult Social Care – Share Your Views
East Sussex County Council (ESCC) is currently conducting important research into Adult Social Care (ASC) client payments, in partnership with the independent research agency Social Marketing Gateway (SMG).
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They’re looking to understand why some ASC clients pay their client contribution on time, while others do not – and what support can be put in place to help overcome any barriers to payment.
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If you work in the ASC sector, your insights are extremely valuable. Please consider taking a few minutes to complete this short, anonymous survey:
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The survey is completely confidential, and there’s an optional opportunity to take part in a follow-up interview if you’d like to share more detailed thoughts.
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If you have any questions, you can get in touch and we’ll pass them on to SMG, or contact SMG directly at research@smgateway.co.uk.
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Thank you for taking the time to contribute!
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Birdie Business Summer Camp – Free Webinar Series for Homecare Providers
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We’re excited to share a brand-new initiative from our sponsor Birdie: the Birdie Business Summer Camp – a series of free, live 30-minute webinars designed for homecare business owners tackling today’s biggest operational and financial challenges.
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Every Tuesday at 10:30am | 29 July – 26 August 2025
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Each session offers three clear, actionable strategies that you can implement straight away.
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💡 Why join?
✔️ 100% free – No costs or sales pitches
✔️ Expert-led – Live Q&A in every session
✔️ Practical – Walk away with 3 actions you can take immediately
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Support your care business with practical strategies that work – all in just half an hour a week!
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#Homecare #BirdieBusinessCamp #CareLeadership #CQCOutstanding #WorkforceSolutions #ESPICSponsors
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The most successful homecare providers have one thing in common - they use proven strategies to consistently attract private-paying clients.
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📅 Join us our partner Birdie for an exclusive lunch event for domiciliary providers:
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Wednesday 17th September | 11:30-14:30
Hilton London Croydon
What you'll learn:
✅ Master your customers' digital buying journey
✅ Craft a compelling elevator pitch that converts
✅ Discover Birdie's all-in-one solution for winning private clients
Plus you'll get:
📸 Complimentary professional headshots
🍽️ Lunch & networking
🎁 Take-home goodies
🅿️ Free parking
Limited places available!
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🗳️ Have Your Say: DHSC Consultation on Visiting in Health and Care Settings
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The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is seeking views on the proposed Regulation 9A, which would make visiting and accompaniment rights a legal requirement in CQC-regulated health and care settings in England.
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This consultation aims to strengthen the rights of people to be visited by, or accompanied by, someone important to them — including during future public health emergencies.
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📅 Consultation closes: 20 August 2025
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This is an important opportunity for providers, care staff, residents, and families to help shape future legislation.
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Sussex Digital: September 2025 Upcoming Events
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Artificial Intelligence -safe and practical applications in social care
Tue, 9 Sept 2025, 11:00
Event Link
MS Excel Tools
Tue, 16 Sept 2025, 11:30
Event Link
Interactive Workshop: Secure Email Systems for Social Care Providers
Tue, 16 Sept 2025, 14:30
Event Link
Managing Personal Devices at Work - A Practical Session
Wed, 17 Sept 2025, 10:30
Event Link:
Making Audits Work Smarter: Power BI for Social Care
Thu, 18 Sept 2025, 14:30
Event Link
Accessible Technology in Adult Social Care - Part 1of 2
Tue, 23 Sept 2025, 11:00
Event Link
WhatsApp in Care: Safe or Sorry?
Tue, 23 Sept 2025, 14:00
Event Link:
Accessible Technology and Problem Solving in Adult Social Care
Thu, 25 Sept 2025, 14:00
Event Link:
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Don’t miss these valuable sessions to enhance your digital security and compliance this summer!
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Services that support people with a learning disability and/or autistic people
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Webinar - Overview of the mandatory training requirement on learning disability and autism: What you need to know about the Code of Practice
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Thursday 11 September 2025 | 10:00 – 11:30
On this webinar, we will share an overview of the Oliver McGowan Code of Practice, which sets out how Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered providers can meet the statutory training on learning disability and autism appropriate to their staffs’ roles.
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We will be joined by the Department of Health and Social Care and CQC, where we will explain what the Code of Practice covers, provide an overview of Oliver’s Training, detail what support is available and describe how the CQC will use the Code of Practice and considering compliance with the learning disability and autism training requirement.
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Register your place here.
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Read this week's newsletter here:
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Other News in brief...
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Care England Responds: New Nursing Placement Strategy a Milestone for Adult Social Care
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The move will give student nurses structured, routine access to placements in residential care, supported living and home care settings — providing vital experience in community-based care and helping to shape the workforce needed for the future of health and care.
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AI in Care Homes: Keeping Cool and Comfortable
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When the summer heat arrives, staying cool isn’t just about comfort—it’s a vital part of maintaining residents’ health and wellbeing. AI technology can make it easier for care homes to manage temperature, hydration, and activities, helping everyone stay safe during hot weather.
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Ways AI Can Help Keep Residents Cool:
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AI can monitor indoor and outdoor temperatures to recommend the best times for outdoor activities, avoiding the hottest parts of the day.
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Helps maintain routines while reducing the risk of heat exhaustion.
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Real-Time Comfort Monitoring
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Wearable devices can track a resident’s heart rate, temperature, and hydration levels.
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If signs of overheating are detected, AI sends alerts so staff can act quickly.
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Hydration Prompts and Preferences
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AI can remind residents (and staff) when it’s time for drinks, adapting frequency based on individual needs.
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Tracks which drinks residents enjoy most, increasing the likelihood they’ll stay hydrated.
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Airflow and Cooling Optimisation
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AI-linked systems can adjust fans or air conditioning automatically based on room occupancy and heat levels.
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Maintains comfort while reducing unnecessary energy use.
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Cool Treat Recommendations
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Suggests refreshing, nutrition-friendly snacks and drinks—like fruit lollies or chilled smoothies—based on dietary needs and personal taste.
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With AI support, care homes can take a proactive approach to hot weather, ensuring residents remain cool, comfortable, and well cared for all summer long.
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Events and Training
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More events have been added this week! Click here to view all upcoming events.
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Our Sponsors & Partners
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Click here to view our new and updated website with all our Sponsors!
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