What's Happening MoCo‪?‬ Derrick Kenny

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.
 

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 .

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.

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/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast
Subscribe/listen: https://bit.ly/whats-happening-moco
Learn more about Shine Brighter Together: https://www.montgomeryparks.org/about/parks/accessibility/inclusive-special-events-and-programs/autism-acceptance/

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-moco
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast

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.