What's Happening MoCo?

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Curious about how AI can revolutionize local government? Join us in this episode of "What's Happening MoCo" as we sit down with Marc Elrich, the County Executive of Montgomery County, live from the MACo Conference in Ocean City, Maryland. Learn firsthand how attending these conferences can spark innovative ideas and collaborations. Marc shares his insights on the transformative power of AI technology in enhancing county operations and the inspiring innovation boot camps that empower frontline workers to propose impactful improvements. 

Learn about Council Member Gabe Albornoz’s legislative journey, particularly his efforts to combat ghost guns, and Councilmember Dawn Lutke's support of an innovative "Drone as First Responder" program to improve public safety. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode promises a comprehensive overview of the people and initiatives steering Montgomery County toward a brighter future. Tune in to explore how local governance meets cutting-edge innovation and community well-being.

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In this episode of "What's Happening MoCo," we sit down with Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown to unpack the crucial responsibilities of his office. Brown speaks candidly about his initiatives aimed at reducing the over-incarceration of young Black men, fostering fairness, and leveraging technological advancements like AI to protect vulnerable populations. You'll also gain insights into the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative and a new civil rights division, and learn why networking opportunities at the MACo Conference are so beneficial for public servants.

Next, join us at the MACo Conference in Ocean City, Maryland, for an inspiring conversation with Andrew Friedson, President of the Montgomery County Council. Friedson reflects on his 15-year attendance at the conference and its significance for state and county leaders. He highlights key accomplishments such as the Nonprofit Preservation Fund and an unprecedented $20 million economic development package. Friedson underscores the importance of innovation, particularly in biotech, and the powerful impact of government-private partnerships and community-based organizations in enhancing local services, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

We also talk with Jon Monger, Director of the Department of Environmental Protection, Sarah Kogel-Smucker, Montgomery County’s Climate Change Officer, Patrick Sawyer from the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation and Michelle Whittaker, chief of staff for Councilmember Will Jwando. Join us to discover how you can contribute to making Montgomery County a better place to live.

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Join us as we speak with Mallory and Anthony, standout members of the Junior Board at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. They share their journey of organizing pivotal events like the parade, complementing the efforts of the senior board, and reveal how the influence of 4-H shapes aspiring leaders. Discover the familial bonds and generational involvement that make this fair a cornerstone of community pride and continuity.

Abby Zimmerman, the newly crowned queen of the Montgomery County Ecological Fair, takes us behind the scenes of this vibrant event. Abby's family has long been entwined with the fair, and she brings a unique perspective on the educational and volunteer opportunities it offers. From workdays to leadership roles, Abby emphasizes the value of community participation, urging listeners to engage and contribute to this multifaceted celebration of agriculture and ecological awareness.

Suzanne Burton, a dedicated fair participant and mother to multiple fair queens, joins us to discuss the passion and dedication required to earn the crown at the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. She reflects on her family's extensive involvement and the joy of supporting her children's journeys to the royal court. As the fair approaches its 100-year jubilee, Suzanne shares her vision for balancing cherished traditions with modern technology, ensuring that the fair remains a beloved event for future generations. Tune in to be inspired by the commitment and community spirit that make this fair a lasting legacy.

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Join us as we explore Montgomery County, Maryland, with the enthusiastic students at Geneva Day School in Potomac. We'll uncover the top 10 summer activities for kids, from attending the exciting Geneva Summer Camp to exploring butterfly gardens, enjoying nature walks, and getting creative with outdoor art. Hear firsthand from the kids about their favorite summer activities, and you'll soon be inspired to plan an extraordinary summer for your family.

In this episode, we also delve into the importance of early childhood education with insights from Geneva Day School's instructors. Learn about the school's philosophy of fostering a lifelong love of learning and understand why these formative years are crucial for future success. Tune in for valuable tips on enriching your child's summer.

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Discover the secrets to transforming waste into valuable resources on our latest episode of "What's Happening MoCo." This week, we sit down with Eileen Kao, Chief of the Waste Reduction and Recycling Section, who shares her invaluable insights on how Montgomery County is leading the way in waste reduction and recycling. From practical tips on reusing and repairing everyday items to the county's innovative textile recycling program, Eileen's expertise will inspire you to rethink your waste habits and contribute to a more sustainable community.

Hungry to know how Montgomery County is tackling food waste? We'll explore the county's forward-thinking approach to food scrap management, launched in 2018. Learn about the "Food is Too Good to Waste" campaign, which educates residents on reducing food waste through smart meal planning and portion control. Additionally, you'll hear about the award-winning Commercial Food Scraps Recycling Partnership Program that helps businesses convert food scraps into renewable resources and the efforts in edible food recovery to support those in need.

Finally, witness the groundbreaking work of DC Water under the stewardship of Chris, Director of Resource Recovery. Chris takes us through the process of turning human waste into "Bloom," a nutrient-rich fertilizer that's revolutionizing gardening and farming practices. Steve Dubik from the Montgomery County Master Gardener Program joins us to discuss ornamental horticulture and the fantastic resources available to residents, such as plant clinics and demonstration gardens. This episode is packed with inspiration and practical advice on how to live more sustainably and make the most of our resources.

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As the nation and County celebrates Juneteenth, the What's Happening MoCo podcast interviewed VIPs  live from the BlackRock Center for the Arts during Montgomery County's Juneteenth Celebration. Interviewees include Sidney Katz, County Councilmember, Laurie Anne Sayles, County Councilmember, Katie Hecklinger, Black Rock CEO, and Barry Jackson, Rockville Councilmember.

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From a PE teacher to a social media maven, Alex Tsironis, a.k.a. Mr. MoCo 301, joins us to chart his meteoric rise from the humble beginnings of #MoCoSnow to steering the MoCo Show platform towards millions of views. As Montgomery County's very own Community Engagement Manager, Derrick Kenny, reveals the multifaceted nature of his role, which spans far beyond communications into the realm of cable TV stations and content production. Our live audience at the Universities of Shady Grove buzzes with excitement as we unravel the tapestry of content creation and delve into the hearts behind the voices that resonate through podcasting's growing influence.

This episode is steeped in the transformative power of local expertise and personal passion as it shapes the digital landscape. We dissect the strategy behind going viral, the responsibility of factual reporting, and the dance of monetization for small news outlets in the age of user-generated content. It's an open book into the highs and lows that come with the territory, from the story of local entrepreneurs who flipped the fast-casual food scene on its head with Cava, to the precision and care needed to handle the psychological toll of online negativity.

As we wrap up, we address the critical art of managing an online presence, understanding your audience demographics, and the pure joy found in producing content that's true to who you are. Whether we're discussing the global marketplace's impact on local creators or the personal strategies for handling social media stress, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and the real stories of content creators shaping their own paths in Montgomery County and beyond. Guest Alex Tsironis exemplifies this journey, showing us the power of evolving a brand while staying grounded in community values. Join us for a heartfelt exploration of what it means to craft stories and build connections in today's buzzing content creation landscape.

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Melissa Rosenberg, executive director of the Autism Society of Maryland (AUSOM) joins the latest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast to mark the end of Autism Acceptance Month (April). According to Rosenberg, nearly 1 in 43 children received an Autism diagnosis in the state of Maryland. Her organization, AUSOM, provides free guidance and resources to assist people with Autism and their families. In addition, the podcast hears from the County’s Autism Voucher Program which provides financial support for services critical to students with Autism and their families.

During the informative episode available today, Rosenberg’s colleague Kristen Letnick, resources coordinator for AUSOM, shares her experiences serving people impacted by Autism as a person diagnosed with Autism. Her unique perspective and extensive history as a counselor added value to the discussion which covered topics such as how to identify people with autism, when a family should have their child diagnosed, and the characteristics associated with the condition.

To hear the full interview, listen to the What’s Happening MoCo podcast via a podcast platform, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music (ask Alexa to play the What’s Happening MoCo podcast), iHeartRadio, TuneIn and others. The video version of the podcast can be viewed on the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page or on the County Cable Montgomery, Xfinity channel 996, RCN 1056 or Verizon 30. 

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Kisha Davis, Montgomery County’s health officer, returns to the What’s Happening MoCo podcast during National Public Health Week to share the good news that the County earned recognition as one of the healthiest counties in America.  In the latest episode of the podcast, Dr. Davis also shared updates on dealing with COVID-19, social isolation, heart disease and other challenges to living healthier, longer lives.

Larissa Johnson, a County-based laughter yoga instructor, also joined the episode. Ms. Johnson leads listeners through a lively laughter yoga session. Ms. Johnson said that just two minutes of laughter equals the same cardio benefit as a 20-minute run. 

Residents and others interested in asking a question or suggesting a topic for a future episode are encouraged to engage via the Facebook page, group or e-mail at [email protected].  

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Montgomery County’s Economic Develop Corporation’s (MCEDC) Senior Vice President Brad L. Stewart joined the latest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast, which is now available. The episode centers on biotech and life sciences business in the County. 

Mr. Stewart will share his career journey and provide insight into the County’s biotech and life sciences industry and will talk about the growth of AstraZeneca and United Therapeutics in the region.  

To hear the interview and gain some tips for local entrepreneurs, listen to the What’s Happening MoCo podcast via a podcast platform including Apple Podcasts Spotify, Amazon Music (ask Alexa to play the What’s Happening MoCo podcast), iHeartRadio, TuneIn and others. The video version of the podcast can be viewed on the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page or on County Cable Montgomery, Xfinity Channel 996, RCN 1056 or Verizon 30.