What's Happening MoCo?

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.

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 derrick.kenny@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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.

In this episode we learn about the state of African American home ownership in the Country and locally through the SHIBA report (State of Housing in Black America), as well as what a realtist is. Meet Nicelle Hagins, president of the local GMAR, a division of NARAB. She also shares valuable tips for all of those who would like to purchase a home. We also hear from MCDOT's Chris Conklin about their "Love Bus" that will celebrate valentines day throughout the month of February.

It is a new year, but will there be a new and improved you? Are you staying true to your new year’s resolutions? Montgomery County’s Chief Health Officer, Kisha Davis, joins the latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast to help residents keep their physical and mental health resolutions. Armed with a “top five” list of tips for residents, Dr. Davis participates in a lively and educational conversation with podcast host Derrick Kenny. Be sure to follow the podcast on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast

In this episode, we talk with James Stowe, director of the Office of Human Rights after the recent African American Health Program's Alzheimer's Awareness event. We talk Human Rights, African American Health and why reconcilliation is important.

What's Happening with Maria Martinez, Special Secretary for Minority & Women Small Businesses? Recorded live in Ocean City Maryland, What's Happening MoCo spoke with a host of state and County leaders that were attending the Maryland Association of Counties Conference. This episode is a special bonus interview as part of a multi-part series highlighting the benefits of MACo, current takes on important issues, and some interesting facts about our public servants.

What's Happening with County Executive Marc Elrich? Recorded live in Ocean City Maryland, What's Happening MoCo spoke with a host of state and County leaders that were attending the Maryland Association of Counties Conference. This episode is the last installment of a multi-part series highlighting the benefits of MACo, current takes on important issues, and some interesting facts about our public servants.

What's Happening with MoCo Department of Environmental Protection Jon Monger? Recorded live in Ocean City Maryland, What's Happening MoCo spoke with a host of state and County leaders that were attending the Maryland Association of Counties Conference. This episode is part of a multi-part series highlighting the benefits of MACo, current takes on important issues, and some interesting facts about our public servants.

What's Happening with Maryland Secretary of State Susan C. Lee? Recorded live in Ocean City Maryland, What's Happening MoCo spoke with a host of state and County leaders that were attending the Maryland Association of Counties Conference. This episode is part of a multi-part series highlighting the benefits of MACo, current takes on important issues, and some interesting facts about our public servants.

What's Happening with Health and Human Services Director James C. Bridgers, Jr., Ph.D., MBA? Recorded live in Ocean City Maryland, What's Happening MoCo spoke with a host of state and County leaders that were attending the Maryland Association of Counties Conference. This episode is part of a multi-part series highlighting the benefits of MACo, current takes on important issues, and some interesting facts about our public servants.

What's Happening with Gabe Albornoz? Recorded live in Ocean City Maryland, What's Happening MoCo spoke with a host of state and County leaders that were attending the Maryland Association of Counties Conference. This episode is part of a multi-part series highlighting the benefits of MACo, current takes on important issues, and some interesting facts about our public servants.

What's Happening with Council President Evan Glass? Recorded live in Ocean City Maryland, What's Happening MoCo spoke with a host of state and County leaders that were attending the Maryland Association of Counties Conference. This episode is part of a multi-part series highlighting the benefits of MACo, current takes on important issues, and some interesting facts about our public servants.

What's Happening with Dawn Luedtke? Recorded live in Ocean City Maryland, What's Happening MoCo spoke with a host of state and County leaders that were attending the Maryland Association of Counties Conference. This episode is part of a multi-part series highlighting the benefits of MACo, current takes on important issues, and some interesting facts about our public servants.

What's Happening with Andrew Friedson? Recorded live in Ocean City Maryland, What's Happening MoCo spoke with a host of state and County leaders that were attending the Maryland Association of Counties Conference. This episode is part of a multi-part series highlighting the benefits of MACo, current takes on important issues, and some interesting facts about our public servants.

What's Happening with Natalie Fani-Gonzalez? Recorded live in Ocean City Maryland, What's Happening MoCo spoke with a host of state and County leaders that were attending the Maryland Association of Counties Conference. This episode is part of a multi-part series highlighting the benefits of MACo, current takes on important issues, and some interesting facts about our public servants.

What's Happening with Laurie-Anne Sayles? Recorded live in Ocean City Maryland, What's Happening MoCo spoke with a host of state and County leaders that were attending the Maryland Association of Counties Conference. This episode is part of a multi-part series highlighting the benefits of MACo, current takes on important issues, and some interesting facts about our public servants.

During this episode of What's Happening MoCo, we recorded interviews live from the 2023 Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. We talked to the cutest kids, the most interesting vendors, and adults enjoying the nostalgia of all the great food and attractions. Thanks to all the wonderful people we met this year including the #MoCoFair King and Queen.

In this episode, we visit with Marty Svrcek , executive director of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds, as he leads the preparations for this year's AgFair. We talk about some of the most popular features of the Fair, major contributors to the AgFair's success and what it takes to make the Fair success.

From an episode recorded June 10, 2021, we talk with Reynauld Smith, an Olney resident and board member of the Sandy Spring Slave Museum. Smith shares the experiences of his ancestors’ emancipation from slavery on June 19, 1865. The date is now known nationally as “Juneteenth.” Smith also offers information about the Sandy Spring Slave Museum which chronicles the African American history from slavery through modern times, as well as, African and Caribbean Art. Listen/subscribe: https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco 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.