Off the CUPF: Community Use of Public Facilities

Derek Ross and Emily Brewster-McCarthy

Welcome to Off the CUPF, a Community Use of Public Facilities Podcast. We are one of many Montgomery County Government podcasts that focuses on sustainability and innovation, all while making sure our community is aware of the services provided in Montgomery County, Maryland. Are you looking to reserve an outdoor or indoor facility at a library, school, or County Government building? Available venues are here to be reserved, and we are the office that can make it happen.

  1. 2d ago

    Behind the Buzz: Reliving CUPF's August 10, Opening Day Go Live Reservation Rush

    Relive the excitement of our Opening Day Reservation Live Episode as Community Relations & Special Projects team member Emily Brewster‑McCarthy and Communications & Outreach Specialist Derek Ross revisit the energy of reservation morning—starting right at 6:30 AM on Monday, August 10. In this episode, they walk listeners back through the go‑live rush, sharing what unfolded as community groups, residents, and organizations prepared to secure indoor school facilities like cafeterias, gymnasiums, auditoriums, classrooms, and more. Emily and Derek reflect on CUPF’s ongoing commitment to equitable access, strong community partnerships, and making Montgomery County school spaces available for meaningful community use. They also revisit helpful reminders about logging into ActiveMONTGOMERY, planning ahead, and navigating reservation morning with confidence. Tune in to relive the real‑time moments, behind‑the‑scenes insights, and the fun, countdown‑style energy that makes Opening Day one of CUPF’s most exciting events of the year. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! The transcript for this episode is available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420072/19624929-behind-the-buzz-reliving-cupf-s-august-10-opening-day-go-live-reservation-rush/transcript Connect with Off the CUPF Follow CUPF on Instagram and X  Email us at CUPFPodcast@montgomerycountymd.govFor the latest updates go to Community Use BridgeFor more info about CUPF go to our websiteThanks for listening!!

    Behind the Buzz: Reliving CUPF's August 10, Opening Day Go Live Reservation Rush

  2. Jul 14

    CUPF Connections: Working Together Across County Services | The Animal Services Adoption Day Recap!

    In this episode, Community Relations & Special Projects team member Emily Brewster-McCarthy and Communications & Outreach Specialist Derek Ross share highlights from their recent outreach visit to the Montgomery County Animal Services and Adoption Center. During the center’s lively “Mutt Madness” Adoption Day event, they volunteered alongside staff, volunteers, and community members, all working together to help animals find their new homes. Tune in as they revisit the experience, celebrate the impact of animal services, and catch listeners up on CUPF’s most recent Opening Day Reservation held on May 4. Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! The transcript for this episode can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420072/19493152-cupf-connections-working-together-across-county-services-the-animal-services-adoption-day-recap/transcript Connect with Off the CUPF Follow CUPF on Instagram and X  Email us at CUPFPodcast@montgomerycountymd.govFor the latest updates go to Community Use BridgeFor more info about CUPF go to our websiteThanks for listening!!

    CUPF Connections: Working Together Across County Services | The Animal Services Adoption Day Recap!

  3. Apr 18

    Opening Day, the Rush, the Reservation, and the Community Buzz!!

    We're back with another conversation regarding Opening Day Reservations!! In this episode, Communications and Outreach Specialist, Derek Ross and Community Relations & Special Projects, Emily Brewster-McCarthy will be joined by Operations Analyst, Heather Fine. Listen as Heather explains the role of Core Services and the Priority and High-Volume Processes.  Are you ready for Monday, May 4th? Here's a friendly reminder, opening day to reserve Auditoriums and Indoor School facilities is coming up soon. Of course, we can't forget about Government Building Meeting Rooms. Click to Learn more about our upcoming reservation dates. Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast! A transcript for this episode can be found here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420072/19035136-opening-day-the-rush-the-reservation-and-the-community-buzz/transcript Connect with Off the CUPF Follow CUPF on Instagram and X  Email us at CUPFPodcast@montgomerycountymd.govFor the latest updates go to Community Use BridgeFor more info about CUPF go to our websiteThanks for listening!!

    Opening Day, the Rush, the Reservation, and the Community Buzz!!

  4. Mar 19

    Stepping Back Outside: The Warm Weather Reset CUPF Edition

    Welcome to another episode of Off the CUPF. In this episode, Community Relations & Special Projects, Emily Brewster-McCarthy and Communications and Outreach Specialist, Derek Ross will discuss their excitement for warm weather. Listen as they get ready to go back outside to experience fun activities and events in Montgomery County, Maryland. Plus, we are getting ready for more Adopt A Road street cleaning. ActiveMONTGOMERY.org have you heard of it? No worries, we got you covered. Want the latest news from CUPF, check out our Community Use Bridge | Blogger. Don't forget, MoComCon coming soon!! The Transcipt of this episode is available here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2420072/18875719-stepping-back-outside-the-warm-weather-reset-cupf-edition/transcript Connect with Off the CUPF Follow CUPF on Instagram and X  Email us at CUPFPodcast@montgomerycountymd.govFor the latest updates go to Community Use BridgeFor more info about CUPF go to our websiteThanks for listening!!

    Stepping Back Outside: The Warm Weather Reset CUPF Edition

  5. Feb 9

    Welcome to the team Miguel Lozada | It’s a Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza Takeover!!

    In this episode, we’re welcoming a new voice to the team! Join us as we sit down with one of our newest staff members, Operations Manager, Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza, Miguel Lozada. During this episode we will learn more about Miguel’s journey and role within the organization. Tune in as Community Relations & Special Projects, Emily Brewster-McCarthy and Communications and Outreach Specialist, Derek Ross share additional information, such as CUPF’s upcoming opening day reservation on, February 9. Don’t forget MoComCon 2026 is coming soon to Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL). Learn more! Connect with Off the CUPF Follow CUPF on Instagram and X  Email us at CUPFPodcast@montgomerycountymd.govFor the latest updates go to Community Use BridgeFor more info about CUPF go to our websiteThanks for listening!!

    Welcome to the team Miguel Lozada | It’s a Silver Spring Civic Building at Veterans Plaza Takeover!!

  6. Feb 5

    Staying Connected: Why We Don’t Build Alone

    Great teams aren’t just assembled – they’re aligned. In this episode, Communications and Outreach Specialist, Derek Ross and Community Relations & Special Projects, Emily Brewster-McCarthy focus on building unity and fostering team collaboration through clear communication and mutual respect. Are you familiar with the HVAC (heating ventilation and air conditioning) guidelines in school facilities? No worries. We got you covered. Plus, did you know? MoComCon 2026 is coming soon to Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL). Learn more! Connect with Off the CUPF Follow CUPF on Instagram and X  Email us at CUPFPodcast@montgomerycountymd.govFor the latest updates go to Community Use BridgeFor more info about CUPF go to our websiteThanks for listening!!

    Staying Connected: Why We Don’t Build Alone

  7. 12/30/2025

    Countdown to NYE!! | We Want to Thank You All

    In this podcast, Community Relations and Special Projects, Emily Brewster-McCarthy and Communications and Outreach Program Manager Derek Ross will discuss the visible changes at CUPF. During this discussion, they give shoutouts to all the new faces at CUPF. On this episode, we are joined by our special guest, CUPF's new Director of Community Relations, Eric Rasch!! Connect with Off the CUPF Follow CUPF on Instagram and X  Email us at CUPFPodcast@montgomerycountymd.govFor the latest updates go to Community Use BridgeFor more info about CUPF go to our websiteThanks for listening!!

    Countdown to NYE!! | We Want to Thank You All

  8. 12/26/2025

    New Faces, New Leadership, New Us!!

    In this podcast, Communications and Outreach Program Manager Derek Ross and Community Relations and Special Projects, Emily Brewster-McCarthy will be discussing their plans for 2026. During this discussion we will learn more about the new faces at CUPF. More importantly, why should you listen to our podcast. Connect with Off the CUPF Follow CUPF on Instagram and X  Email us at CUPFPodcast@montgomerycountymd.govFor the latest updates go to Community Use BridgeFor more info about CUPF go to our websiteThanks for listening!!

    New Faces, New Leadership, New Us!!
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About

Welcome to Off the CUPF, a Community Use of Public Facilities Podcast. We are one of many Montgomery County Government podcasts that focuses on sustainability and innovation, all while making sure our community is aware of the services provided in Montgomery County, Maryland. Are you looking to reserve an outdoor or indoor facility at a library, school, or County Government building? Available venues are here to be reserved, and we are the office that can make it happen.

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