Montgomery County-based beverage 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.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.comThe Maryland Beer, Wine and Spirit Festival is coordinated by Grow and Fortify. More information about the festival is available at https://growandfortify.com/.

What's Happening MoCo?

Maryland Beer, Wine & Spirit Festival - What's Happening MoCo #39

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.PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS SOLD OUTSubscribe to this podcast via: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-happening-moco/id1444934081?mt=2, https://open.spotify.com/show/68ULmxWRpmiav5qeIUfBpP, https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5idXp6c3Byb3V0LmNvbS8yMjA3NDgucnNz

Active Aging Week - What's Happening MoCo #38

The latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast provides residents with information to identify and react to scams that are currently circulating. The episode features Montgomery County Office of Consumer Protection (OCP) Administrator Tracy Rezvani, who talks about “parking lot pirates,” unsolicited door knockers and COVID-19 scammers. Ms. Rezvani also discusses the limited protections of popular payment options such as Venmo, Cash App and debit cards.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.

Consumer Protection Warns Residents to Beware of Certain Scams - ‘What’s Happening MoCo’ #37

The latest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast features a conversation with Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan. During the interview, Senator Kagan shares her passion for 911 service improvement. Senator Kagan has dedicated significant time over the last several years as part of a statewide 911 commission that she created and currently chairs. She noted that technology, funding, staffing, cyber-security/technology and oversight and accountability list among the priorities addressed by the commission. 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 and her constituents.The interview was recorded live during the recent Montgomery County Agricultural Fair. 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.

Maryland State Senator Cheryl Kagan - What's Happening MoCo #36

The Moco Show website earns more than a million page views per month and it has earned more than 48,000 “likes” on Facebook as The Moco Show. 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 the story of how his media organization grew from bulletin board forecasting weather for Montgomery County Public Schools students to a valued source of information for residents.For more information about the MoCoShow visit https://www.mocoshow.comBe sure to like us on Facebook and subscribe via your favorite podcasting platform! Try asking "Alexa." "Alexa play the What&apos;s Happening MoCo Podcast"

Alex Tsironis & The MoCoShow - What's Happening MoCo #35

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. Mr. Svrcek said this year’s “nine best days of summer” will feature more than 40 family-friendly carnival rides. It 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.For more information about this year’s Fair, visit https://mcagfair.com.The podcast 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.Like us on Facebook!! https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast

The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair - What's Happening MoCo #34

What are the best places to visit in Montgomery County? In the latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast, Kelli Groff, president and CEO of Visit Montgomery, shares a list of some of the County’s most interesting destinations. Some are well-known to people who live in the County—and to visitors who travel a long way to see them. Others are hidden gems.  Places discussed in the podcast include local attractions such as Brookside Gardens in Wheaton and Glen Echo Park. Listeners also will want to hear more about National Capital Area Trolley Museum in Silver Spring and the newly opened Josiah Henson Museum in Bethesda. Ms. Groff also talks about her role leading the efforts of Visit Montgomery, the destination marketing organization for Montgomery County and the three new initiatives that Visit Montgomery recently launched. More information about Visit Montgomery is available at its website at https://visitmontgomery.com.Be sure to like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast and subscribe to the podcast: https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco 

Top Attractions in Montgomery County, MD - What's Happening MoCo #33

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.Watch the episode on Facebook and Like Us! https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast/Watch Make a Difference: http://bit.ly/makeadiffmoco

What's Happening MoCo #32 - Sandy Smith & Make a Difference

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. In recognition of Juneteenth and as part of its official reopening, the Sandy Spring Slave Museum will offer free tours on June 19 from noon-6 p.m. The on-demand video of this 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. 

Exploring Juneteenth - Episode #31

As the County warms up to encouraging vaccination numbers and its lowest COVID-19 positivity statistics since the health crisis began, the latest episode of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast introduces the redefinition of the “new normal.” Jerome Fletcher, one of the County’s assistant chief administrative officers, will provide details of the updated County restrictions starting Friday, May 28, and the continuation of economic recovery efforts.  Throughout the pandemic ACAO Fletcher played a key role in keeping residents and businesses abreast of the changing regulations due to COVID. He participated in MoCo4Business podcasts and in town hall meetings for businesses and later introduced a series of reopening town halls. During the podcast interview, ACAO Fletcher reflects on the challenges the County faced over the last year, answers questions about easing restrictions and shares where businesses and residents can find more 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, Amazon Music, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Google Podcasts, and others. Learn more about reopening by visiting the Montgomery County government website https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov. Businesses can learn more about the restaurant assistance program mentioned during the episode by visiting the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation website https://thinkmoco.com .

What's Happening MoCo #30 - County Reopening

The devastating impact of the COVID-19 health crisis has placed many residents’ homes in financial jeopardy. However, the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs (DHCA) continues to provide guidance and help for homeowners who are facing issues because of COVID-19. On the latest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast, DHCA Director Aseem Nigam discusses renter’s rights, the eviction moratorium and resources available through DHCA’s website.The on-demand video of this 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, Google Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio and others.

What's Happening MoCo #29 - Interview with Aseem Nigam

In this episode, we talk to Jennene Blakely, inclusion and community outreach specialist for Montgomery Parks, about autism, Autism Acceptance Month and the Shine Brighter Together program. Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcastSubscribe/listen: https://bit.ly/whats-happening-mocoLearn more about Shine Brighter Together: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/parks/accessibility/inclusive-special-events-and-programs/autism-acceptance/

What's Happening MoCo #28 - Autism Acceptance Month

Podcast guests Sydney Palinkas, community outreach and education manager for the ElderSafe Center Program, and Maria Brianconn, president of the Poolesville Senior Center share advice that will empower seniors to overcome the challenges that many face such as elder abuse, financial scams, and isolation.Subscribe to the podcast: https://bit.ly/whats-happening-mocoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast

What's Happening MoCo #27 - Seniors Quality of Life

In this episode, we talk with Elizabeth Qiu, an organizer with MoCo Hacks, a free, 36 hour coding event for Montgomery County Public Schools students, organized by Montgomery County Public School students. Joining Ms. Qiu, are two County Technology professionals, Shayna Taqi, manager of Change Management, and Skyler Grubbs, Change Management specialists. They share advice for information technology professionals.

What's Happening MoCo - MoCoHacks & Change Management

In this episode, we highlight behavioral health resources within Montgomery County.  We talk with Dorne Hill, acting senior administrator for crisis and trauma services with Montgomery County&apos;s Department of Health and Human Services and Cynthia Elliott-Amadon, team leader with Common Ground, a peer-to-peer support services center for people facing mental health or substance abuse struggles. Hill&apos;s team facilitates live behavioral health live streams every two weeks on Wednesday. Links are below.Like our FB:  https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcastBehavioral Health Live stream info: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/get-help/mental-health-wellness.htmlHotline for behavioral health crisis 24/7: 240-777-4000Subscribe to our podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-happening-moco/id1444934081

What's Happening MoCo #25 - Interview with Dorne Hill, Cynthia Elliott-Amadon

An update from County Cable Montgomery highlighting items that residents should know from its County government cable tv station. This program will feature interviews with elected officials, employees, public servants, and residents.