Latest ‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast Episode Features a Conversation with Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro

In a conversation that includes managing adversity while serving as an elected official, on the newest edition of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast, Montgomery County Councilmember Nancy Navarro describes details of her political journey from her tenure on the Montgomery County Board of Education through her time serving three terms on the County Council.

The podcast is now available.

In the interview with host Derrick Kenny, Councilmember Navarro talks about her first successful run for County Council and some of the highlights of her career. Now concluding her last of 12 years on the Council, she addresses serving as Council president in 2019 and decisions that had to be made by the Council during the COVID-19 health crisis to help residents.

Throughout the podcast, listeners will get to know Councilmember Navarro and learn more about some of the obstacles she has faced.

The interview concludes with Councilmember Navarro offering advice to future generations of County leaders. More information about Councilmember Navarro is available at https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Navarro/about.html.

To hear the episode, listeners can go to popular podcasting platforms including Apple Podcasts at https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco. Spotify, Amazon Music (ask Alexa to play the What’s Happening MoCo podcast), iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts and others.

The video version of the podcast can be seen via the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast or by visiting https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

In past episodes, podcast host Kenny has addressed a wide variety of subjects. The show’s guests have included elected officials, Montgomery employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month.

Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page or via e-mail at derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the podcast’s webpage at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast’s Next Episode Features Susan Kenedy, Who Has Retired After 30 Years as the Montgomery County Council’s Main Reporter-Producer on County Cable Station CCM

The latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast will feature an interview with Susan Kenedy, a senior communications officer for the Montgomery County Council who reflects on her 30 years as the main reporter-producer for the Council on cable station County Cable Montgomery (CCM). She retired last week after three decades using her unique and compelling style to highlight actions of the Council and focus on untold stories of County people and businesses.

During the interview with podcast host Derrick Kenny, Ms. Kenedy talks about her journey in communications and shares insights about some of her most popular video packages.

Ms. Kenedy’s work can be found by watching shows such as The Bottom Line and Made in Montgomery via County Cable Montgomery’s website at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/ccm/ or on shows still running on CCM (cable channels 6 and HD 996 on Comcast, channels 6 and HD 1056 on RCN and channel 30 on Verizon).

The latest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast will be available after 3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11.

Episodes of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast include complete live recordings of interviews to ensure an authentic presentation of information.

The on-demand video of the newest episode can be viewed via the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast. The podcast also can be heard via several popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts at https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco, Spotify, Amazon Music (ask Alexa to play the What’s Happening MoCo podcast), iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts and others.

Some videos discussed during the podcast that feature Ms. Kenedy can be seen at:

• Warrior Canine Connection: https://youtu.be/Y-OrhvA6C3M
• Bruce Pascal Hot Wheels Museum: https://youtu.be/LVpuAKVmfqc
• Katie Ledecky: https://youtu.be/bPDLZ7zzOq8
• Heroin the Quiet Epidemic: https://youtu.be/RkHtrNxkXPE
• Society of Extraordinary Gentlemen: https://youtu.be/sQU6tGMqJJ8

In past episodes, podcast host Kenny has addressed a wide variety of subjects. The show’s guests have included elected officials, Montgomery employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month.

Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page or via e-mail at derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the podcast’s webpage at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

County Companies Astro Lab Brewing, Twin Valley Distillers and Urban Winery Featured on Latest Episode of ‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast

Montgomery County-based companies Astro Lab Brewing, Twin Valley Distillers and the Urban Winery will be featured on the latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast. Company representatives will discuss how they started, talk about popular products, and relate their experiences managing during the COVID-19 health crisis.

The featured businesses on the podcast are among a large group of Maryland breweries, distilleries and wineries attending the upcoming Maryland Beer, Wine and Spirit Festival on Saturday, Oct. 30, at the Montgomery County Agricultural (MCAG) Fairgrounds.

William Herrera, event and sponsorship coordinator for MCAG, joined the podcast to share specifics about the festival. Along with Mr. Herrera, the insightful discussion included Emma Whelan, co-owner of Astro Lab Brewing; Damon Callis, owner of Urban Winery; and Edgardo Uniga, owner and master distiller of Twin Valley Distillers.

More information about the podcast guests and their operations can be found at:

• Astro Lab Brewing: https://www.astrolabbrewing.com/
• Urban Winery: https://www.theurbanwinery.com/
• Twin Valley Distillers: https://twinvalleyd.com/
• Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds: https://mcagfair.com

The Maryland Beer, Wine and Spirit Festival is coordinated by Grow and Fortify. More information about the festival is available at https://growandfortify.com/.

The newest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo is now available.

Episodes of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast include complete live recordings of interviews to ensure an authentic presentation of information.

The on-demand video of the newest episode can be viewed via the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast. The podcast also can be heard via several popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts at https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco, Spotify, Amazon Music (ask Alexa to play the What’s Happening MoCo podcast), iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts and others.

In past episodes, podcast host Derrick Kenny has talked with guests on a wide variety of subjects. The show’s guests have included elected officials, Montgomery employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month.

Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page or via e-mail at derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the podcast’s webpage at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

Montgomery Parks Program on ‘Go, Grow, Get Active’ for Those 50-and-Over Will Be Featured Topic on New Episode of ‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast

Montgomery Parks will host the fourth annual “Go, Grow, Get Active” senior wellness event at Brookside Gardens in Wheaton on Wednesday, Oct. 6. The latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast features MaryBeth Dugan, program access coordinator for Montgomery Parks, who talks about that special day of instructor-led activity geared toward County residents 50-and-older.

Joining Ms. Dugan on the podcast are instructors Noelia Serrano Gonzalez, program specialist with Senior Sports and Fitness for Rockville Recreation and Parks, and Maureen Ivusic, volunteer at the Poolesville Senior Center. During the podcast, Ms. Dugan, Ms. Gonzalez, and Ms. Ivusic explain what residents can expect from Go, Grow, Get Active and featured sessions, such as Zumba, Tai Chi, Laughter Yoga, Walks with a Doc and presentations from County agencies.

Go, Grow, Get Active is the signature event of the County’s Department of Health and Human Service’s recognition of Active Aging Week. Founded by the International Council on Active Aging, Active Aging Week celebrates the capabilities of older adults as fully participating members of society.

The new podcast episode also highlights County resources to help seniors stay active beyond this period of planned events. More information about Active Aging Week and Go, Grow, Get Active can be found at https://www.montgomeryparks.org/events/go-grow-get-active-active-aging-week-signature-event/.

Episodes of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast include complete live recordings of interviews to ensure an authentic presentation of information.

The on-demand video of the newest episode can be viewed via the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast. The podcast also can be heard via several podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts at https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco, Spotify, Amazon Music (ask Alexa to play the What’s Happening MoCo podcast), iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts and others.

In past episodes, podcast host Derrick Kenny has talked with guests on a wide variety of subjects. The show’s guests have included elected officials, Montgomery employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month.

Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page or via e-mail at derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the podcast’s webpage at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast Talks to Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan in Newest Episode

Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan shares her passion for 911 emergency call service and talks about how the system must continually adjust and improve to help residents in potential crisis situations in the latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast. Senator Kagan has dedicated significant time to the statewide 911 commission, whose creation she strongly supported, and currently chairs. In addition to outlining her work as it relates to 911 service modernization, Senator Kagan shared her journey in Maryland politics and how COVID-19 has affected her role.

A member of the Senate since 2015, Senator Kagan represents Montgomery County’s District 17. She is vice chair of the Senate’s Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, Previously, she served in the House of Delegates from 1995-2003.

The interview with Senator Kagan was recorded live during the recent Montgomery County Agricultural Fair in Gaithersburg. The podcast is now available.

For more information about Cheryl Kagan visit http://www.mdsenate.com/senator-cheryl-kagan/ or https://www.youtube.com/c/SenCherylKagan/.

The on-demand video of the newest episode can be viewed via the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast. The podcast also can be heard via several popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts at https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco, Spotify, Amazon Music (ask Alexa to play the What’s Happening MoCo podcast), iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts and others.

In past episodes, podcast host Derrick Kenny has talked with guests on a wide variety of subjects. Guests have included elected officials, Montgomery employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month.

Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page or via e-mail at derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the podcast’s webpage at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast Talks to ‘MoCoShow’ Founder Alex Tsironis

The “MoCoShow’ website earns more than a million page views per month and it has earned more than 48,000 “likes” on Facebook as @TheMoCoShow. Those analytics make it one of the most successful organizations sharing news and information about Montgomery County. In the latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast, Alex Tsironis, founder of the MoCoShow, shares how his media organization grew from a bulletin board forecasting weather for Montgomery County Public Schools students to a valued source of information for residents.

The What’s Happening MoCo episode was recorded at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds in Gaithersburg during this year’s annual County Agricultural Fair. The new episode is now available.

In addition to describing his journey in the media business, Mr. Tsironis discusses his approach to covering County news, events, and happenings. During the interview, he also outlines the top five things that he loves about Montgomery County. More information about the MoCoShow is available at https://mocoshow.com.

The on-demand video of the newest episode can be viewed via the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast. The podcast also can be heard via several popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts at https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, and others.

In past episodes, podcast host Derrick Kenny has talked with guests on a wide variety of subjects. The show’s guests have included elected officials, Montgomery employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month.

Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page or via e-mail at derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the podcast’s webpage at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast Features an Overview of Upcoming Montgomery County Agricultural Fair

The What’s Happening MoCo podcast visited the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds for a conversation with Marty Svrcek, executive director of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds, about the upcoming County Agricultural Fair that will take place Aug. 13-21 in Gaithersburg. Mr. Svrcek was joined by Sara Olsen, the media specialist for the Fairgrounds.

The new episode is now available.

Mr. Svrcek said this year’s “nine best days of summer” will feature more than 40 family friendly carnival rides. The fair also will include options for free entertainment and an abundance of tasty traditional, ethnic and unique fair foods. Among the highlighted attractions will be a pirate-themed show, an illusionist and a host of Agricultural education activities, such as the "Mooternity Ward," livestock pavilions and the Ol’ Timers area. In respect to COVID-19, the fairgrounds will host a free vaccination area in partnership with the Montgomery County government.

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair was born out of the desire of 4-H leaders to provide a show for the 4-H members in the County. That would allow the 4-H members to exhibit their prize livestock, garden and home economics projects to the community. The first fair was held in 1945. The Montgomery County Fair is now one of the largest county fairs in Maryland. It operates with the help of more than 2,000 volunteers each year. The fair was not held in 2020 due to the COVID-19 health crisis.

For more information about this year’s Fair, visit https://mcagfair.com.

The on-demand video of the newest episode can be viewed via the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast. The podcast also can be heard via several popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts at https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, and others.

In past episodes, podcast host Derrick Kenny has talked with guests on a wide variety of subjects. The show’s guests have included elected officials, Montgomery employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month.

Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page or via e-mail at derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the podcast’s webpage at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

County Cable Montgomery’s ‘Make a Difference’ Show That Highlights Volunteer Opportunities Will Be Featured on ‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast

 

Sandy Smith, host of the County Cable Montgomery show “Make a Difference,” will discuss her unique journey to joining the program that highlights volunteer opportunities on the latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast. She also shares her experiences working with the show during the COVID-19 health crisis.

The Montgomery County Volunteer Center produces Make a Difference in collaboration with the County’s Office of Public Information. Each month, residents can find a new episode via County Cable Montgomery on Xfinity (channels 6 and HD 996), RCN (channels 6 and HD 1056) and Verizon (channel 30). Residents also can watch the program on-demand via https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ccm/makeadifference.html or YouTube at https://youtu.be/yysRRS9aJ28.

The new episode is now available.

The on-demand video of the newest episode can be viewed via the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast. The podcast also can be heard via several popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts at https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts and others.

In past episodes, podcast host Derrick Kenny has talked with guests on a wide variety of subjects. The show’s guests have included elected officials, Montgomery County employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month

Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page or via e-mail at derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the podcast’s webpage at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

Olney Resident Reflects on His Family’s Special Connection with ‘Juneteenth’ on the Latest Episode of Montgomery County’s ‘What’s Happening MoCo’ Podcast

Reynauld Smith, an Olney resident and board member of the Sandy Spring Slave Museum, shares the experiences of his ancestors’ emancipation from slavery on June 19, 1865, on the latest episode of Montgomery County’s “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast. The date is now known nationally as “Juneteenth.”

In the podcast, Smith offers a unique view of the 155-year-old holiday. He talks about how a slave owner tearfully read Lincoln’s Executive Order No. 3 and describes the first celebrations of Juneteenth in Texas.

In recognition of Juneteenth and as part of its official reopening, the Sandy Spring Slave Museum will offer free tours on Saturday, June 19, from noon-6 p.m. The tours will include lectures on Juneteenth and there will be special presentations from the African, Latino and Caribbean communities. Smith said there will be opportunities for all residents to enjoy themselves—and learn about history.

“We are going to have music. We’re going to have vendors. We’re going to have food. And it’s just going to be a lot of fun,” said Smith.

The new episode is now available. The on-demand video of the newest episode can be viewed via the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast. The podcast also can be heard via several popular podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts at https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, and others.

The Sandy Spring Slave Museum is located at 18524 Brooke Rd in Sandy Spring. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 301-774-4066 or visit https://www.sandyspringslavemuseum.org.

In past episodes, podcast host Derrick Kenny has talked with guests on a wide variety of subjects. The show’s guests have included elected officials, Montgomery employees who specialize in specific aspects of government, business leaders and entertainers who live in the County. New podcasts are released twice a month.

Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic to be addressed in a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page or via e-mail at derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

What’s Happening MoCo podcast episode archives can be accessed by visiting the podcast’s webpage at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

Montgomery County Ranked One of the Most Culturally Diverse in the U.S.

Montgomery County’s rich cultural diversity is recognized by a 2019 WalletHub study, which ranked Gaithersburg as the nation’s second most culturally diverse city in the U.S. Germantown is ranked as the third, Silver Spring as the fourth and Rockville ranked ninth.

WalletHub took a snapshot of America’s current cultural profile, comparing more than 500 of the largest U.S. cities across three key metrics of ethnic diversity.

To view the WalletHub study, go to 2019’s Most & Least Ethnically Diverse Cities in the U.S.

MC 311 on Twitter

The County’s 311 Customer Service Center has launched a new Twitter account that allows residents to get non-emergency County government information and request services via Twitter. The address is @311MC311. Initially, tweets will be monitored Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Customers can now tweet MC311 with a question or request for service. They will receive a response with the Service Request number and a time frame for a follow-up response for services handled by departments.

Information will also be tweeted about some of the most common topics coming into MC311. These include: Ride On Bus Real Time information; reporting a dead animal along the roadway; reporting a street light outage; and reporting a pothole on a County road.

Individuals who don’t already have a Twitter account can go to www.twitter.com, register for a free account, then follow @311MC311.