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In this episode, we learn about the County's new Director of Permitting Services Rabbiah Sabbakhan , Building Safety Month, types of permits needed for new projects and how to file a complaint.

In this episode of the What's Happening MoCo Podcast, our host talks to an interesting group of residents, small business owners, and government employees during the County's #Greenfest in the City in Wheaton, MD.Guests include Cindy Pena, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, Brian Booher,  Montgomery County Electric Car Guru,  Jason Gedeik, Montgomery Parks, Luis Martinez, Montgomery County Health and Human Services, Wheaton High Schools' Society of Women Engineers, Eric Cathcart, Civic Community Leader, Zack Klein, founder of A.I.R., Swamp Rose Cooperative, and Silver Quill Studios.

In this episode, we meet the residents behind popular social media accounts and blossoming media organizations:@MoCoPGNews  (FB/TW/IG) -  shares information about public safety incidents around Montgomery and Prince Georges County@ModeratelyMoCo (FB/TW/IG)  -  shares information and editorial content involving current political and social issues around Montgomery County@bubbles_n_bourbon (IG) - shares information about enjoying cocktails and the nightlife of Montgomery County, MDThese residents of the County have either asked to be on the program or have been suggested as a featured guest by others. You ask. We answer.  What's Happening MoCo? If you like this episode, please subscribe and share.

Councilmember Kristin Mink joins the podcast this week to share her "viral" video birth into public service, her journey to becoming a Montgomery County Councilmember, and new legislation that will impact rent stabilization and renter's rights. To learn more about Councilmember Mink visit https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mink/To testify or share your comments regarding the rent legislation: https://www.homeactmc.com/Follow us on FB: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast

In this episode, we learn about the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation and the benefits of doing business in Montgomery County Maryland. We talk with Bill Tompkins, president and CEO of MCEDC about these and other topics including their marketing efforts to raise awareness of business opportunities and resources.#BeNext @ThinkMoCo http://thinkmoco.comBe sure to:Listen: https://bit.ly/whats-happening-ccmLike: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcastShare: https://whatshappeningmoco.buzzsprout.com/shareJoin: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3021741651268653#BeNext @ThinkMoCo http://thinkmoco.com

In this episode of What's Happening Moco, we talk with Cory Van Horn, Chief Strategy Officer with Visit Montgomery. He shares opportunities for residents, families, visitors and others to celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth in Montgomery County, MD. Be sure to connect with his organization via your favorite social media platform by searching @visitmoco or visit their website for more information about events and tourism at https://visitmontgomery.com.Please be sure to subscribe to this podcast via one of your favorite podcasting platforms: https://whatshappeningmoco.buzzsprout.com/share

Current and potential future owners of electric vehicles generally have many questions as the mobile technology evolves. In the latest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast, host Derrick Kenny learns about electric cars, benefits to owners and an incentive program that will involve Montgomery County to make electric vehicle ownership easier.The episode’s guests include Brian Booher, senior planning specialist—zero emissions vehicles (ZEV) for the County Department of Environmental Protection. “Over the last year, 12 percent all the newly registered vehicles [in the County] are electric, and we are expecting that number to increase over the next few years,” said Mr. Booher. Mr. Booher said that, when it comes to operating an electric vehicle, most things are the same except for “refueling.” Electric cars do not refuel—they charge. Atiq Panjshiri, the right-of-way plan review manager, and Linda Kobylski, the land development division chief, of the County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) also are part of the podcast. They talk about EV charging options and raise awareness of a program that makes it easier for residents to charge at home. The DPS program on EV charging stations in the right-of-way allows residents that do not have the space on their property to install a charging station to create a station in the public right of way. For more info about this program, listen to the episode or visit: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DPS/Process/rci/residential-EV-charging.html.

In this episode, we talk about the safety of infants and answer a resident's question about housing. These babies under one-year-old count on their parents to know how to care for their safety.  We talk to Whitney Dula, lactation consultant with the County's Baby Healthy Program about the top five ways to keep infants safe.Check it out and please share!!

In this episode, we share the onsite, live interviews recorded with the people, businesses, and royalty at the 2022 Montgomery County Agricultural Fair.

Much goes into a year’s worth of planning to create the annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair, which this year will be held Aug. 12-20 at the fairgrounds in Gaithersburg. A lot will become evident when the fair springs to life with rides, attractions, animal displays and the best of garden products and homemade goods. However, what goes on to pull it all together is interesting on its own—and that will be the focus as Marty Svrcek, executive director of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fairgrounds, is the featured guest on the next edition of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast.For more information about this year’s Fair, visit https://mcagfair.com. From ‘Music on Maple” to “Touch a Truck” to the literally “Cool Chilly Mall,” the podcast will address new attractions and hidden gems about this year’s fair—and some of the history behind the event that was first held in 1945. Among the special features of this year’s fair will be a Reggae band performing Saturday evening; a motorcycle stunt show, drag races, big trucks up close and opportunities learn about farm animals and technology. The Montgomery County Agricultural Fair was born out of the desire of 4-H leaders to provide a show for the 4-H members in the County. The fair was designed to allow the 4-H members to exhibit their prize livestock, garden products and home economics projects. The Montgomery County Fair is now one of the largest county fairs in Maryland. It operates with the help of more than 2,000 volunteers each year.

In this episode recorded live from the Council Office Building in Rockville, MD, we talk to Laura Anaya, program manager for the Tranzed Academy for Working Students, TAWS. She shares information about a program offered to MCPS seniors that have jobs. This special program is meant to provide valuable skills and opportunities through a program using a flexible scheduling approach. Students gain a leg up in jump starting their careers or college preparation. The audio version launches next week!! Be sure to comment questions below and visit this link for more info about the program: https://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/caree.../taws/index.aspx

Many homeowners are planning home improvement projects this spring and summer, which makes the recognition of May as “Building Safety Month” especially timely. On the latest edition of the “What’s Happening MoCo” podcast, James Sackett, residential inspections manager for the Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services (DPS) will talk about the importance of scheduling a free residential deck maintenance inspection and how to know when a home project needs a permit to proceed. Tune in to the What’s Happening MoCo podcast via 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, and Google Podcasts. The video version of the podcast can be viewed on the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast or by visiting https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.

Just a few short weeks ago, the world let out a collective gasp as actor Will Smith slapped comedian Chris Rock during the Academy Awards show in response to Rock’s joke about Smith’s wife, actress Jada Pinkette Smith. On this episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast, Montgomery County’s Director of the Department of Health and Human Services, Raymond Crowel, shares his insights regarding the controversial incident and provides tips on conflict resolution & managing stress.Learn more about the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services: https://montgomerycountymd.gov/hhs.Follow the What's Happening MoCo Podcast on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast

In this quick update, Dr. Gilberto Zelaya from the Montgomery County Board of Elections shares what poll workers are and how residents can become one.

En esta actualización rápida, el Dr. Gilberto Zelaya de la Junta Electoral del Condado de Montgomery comparte qué son los trabajadores electorales y cómo los residentes pueden convertirse en uno. As required by law, this voter education series will be shared in English and Spanish.

In recognition of National Public Health Week, the What's Happening MoCo Podcast teamed up with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services to produce two special podcast episodes. In this episode, we talk to Pat Keating, co-Chair of the Fetal Infant Mortality Review's Community Action Team (FIMR) about how her organization helps improve outcomes for mothers and infants in Montgomery County, MD.

In recognition of National Public Health Week, the What's Happening MoCo Podcast teamed up with the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services to produce two special podcast episodes. In this episode, we talk to Cristina Ruiz, program manager with Department of Health and Human Services Cancer and Tobacco Prevention Program. Cristina shares information about lifestyle changes that can help reduce cancer risks and resources available to residents including screenings.

Dr. Z is back on the podcast with an important update regarding voting in Maryland. Gilberto Zelaya, public information officer for the Montgomery County Board of Election, provides a critical update and valuable information for County voters.Be sure to like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcastAnd subscribe via your favorite podcasting platforms

What are the top five things that Montgomery County residents need to know when considering their voting experience this year? Gilberto Zelaya (Dr. Z), the public information officer for the County’s Board of Elections,   joins the newest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast to share important information for voters and potential new voters as they begin preparing to participate in this year’s gubernatorial primary and general elections.Visit https://777vote.com for more MoCo voter information.

The Montgomery County Commission for Women (CFW) is entering its 50th year of helping ensure that women and girls are treated fairly in all aspects of their lives. On the latest episode of the What’s Happening MoCo podcast, CFW Chair Donna Rojas talks about the organization’s accomplishments and its upcoming Women’s Legislative Briefing that will take place virtually on Sunday, Jan. 30.  The virtual Women’s Legislative Briefing will be from 12:30 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Jan. 30, marking the 42nd iteration of the event. Residents can register to participate at https://montgomerycountymd.gov/cfw/wlb.html.The video version of the podcast can be viewed on the What’s Happening MoCo Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WhatsHappeningMoCoPodcast or by visiting https://montgomerycountymd.gov/CCM/whats-happening-moco-podcast.html.