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Send us a text A major winter storm doesn’t have to become a household emergency. We sat down with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue’s Pete Piringer to unpack clear, no-nonsense steps for staying safe when the snow and ice arrive—starting with what to do today. From smoke alarms and escape plans to smart heating, our conversation focuses on the real risks people face when they hunker down: unattended cooking, overloaded outlets, and space heaters too close to things that burn. If you find this helpful, subscribe, leave a quick review, and send this episode to someone who needs a calm, clear winter plan.

Send us a text A winter storm is closing in, and we’re pulling back the curtain on how Montgomery County keeps people moving when snow stacks up and temperatures plunge. With Storm Operations Center manager Tim Serano, we walk through the real plan: early weather briefings, staffing and contractor call-ups, and why brining primaries and feeders changes the game before the first flake lands. You’ll hear how a 23 percent salt brine creates a thin barrier that prevents snow from bonding to pavement, making plowing faster and cleaner. We talk through the order of operations during an active storm, why crews may cycle on arterials before shifting into neighborhoods, and how jurisdiction lines matter—state-numbered routes and city streets like Rockville and Gaithersburg have their own teams. Safety stays front and center: giving plows room, avoiding abrupt moves around spreaders, and planning trips with updated timelines. We also spotlight the county’s snow portal at montgomerycountymd.gov/snow, If this was useful, follow the show, share it with a neighbor, and leave a quick review so more residents can stay storm-ready.

Send us a text On January 19th, at 9:30 am we’re inviting you to join the Montgomery County Volunteer Center in a celebration of the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr at the Silver Spring Civic Building, where volunteers, students, families, and neighbors roll up their sleeves alongside 50+ nonprofits to turn care into action.  Faith McNeil from the Montgomery County Volunteer Center walks us through the essentials: how to register via montgomeryserves.org, where to book a blood donation appointment, and what to expect the moment you check in at 9:30 a.m.  And when the morning wraps, the work keeps going: the Volunteer Center connects residents to 1,900+ organizations and hosts the Montgomery Service Awards each June to honor sustained commitment. Come for the energy, stay for the connection, and leave with a plan to serve beyond a single day. Ready to make January 19 count? Register at montgomeryserves.org, bring a friend, and share this episode to spread the word. If this conversation resonates, follow the show, leave a review, and tell us how you plan to serve. Your action might inspire someone else to start.

Send us a text Ready for a fitness reset that’s real, local, and doable? Kayla Kavoukas with Montgomery County's Department of Recreation dives into how Montgomery County residents can use free Rec Fit Pass access for gyms, open courts, and family-friendly spaces across 21+ recreation centers—plus rotating free offerings like indoor cycling and urban line dancing.  We explore movement that matters with Bando chief instructor Lon Walls, a sixth-degree black belt who translates a centuries-old Burmese martial art into modern fitness and self-defense.  Then we map a sustainable path with Soldier Fit founder and Army veteran Danny Farrar. His Core Four—workout, meal plan, accountability, and education—cuts through the noise and gives you a simple formula to win long term.  Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and tell us the one small habit you’ll commit to this week.

Send us a text Want a clearer way to give that actually moves the needle in Montgomery County? We sit down with Anna Hargrave, Executive Director for the Greater Washington Community Foundation’s Montgomery County branch, to unpack how smart philanthropy turns good intentions into measurable local impact.  Anna also opens the curtain on the annual open call for nonprofit applications, the rigorous vetting process, and the behind-the-scenes role of volunteer evaluators who help surface the most promising ideas. Also, the What's Happening MoCo Top Four Things to Do this holiday season.

Send us a text Paychecks paused, budgets stretched, stress rising—when a shutdown hits home, the first question is simple: where can I get help today? We invited Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Earl Stoddard to walk us through the fastest, most reliable ways Montgomery County residents can find support for food, rent, mental health, and work options, all without getting lost in red tape. The theme is practical and human: one call to 311 connects you to real people who assess your situation and build a plan around your needs. Be sure to like, subscribe and share.

Send us a text The health disparities affecting minority communities in Montgomery County demand urgent attention and innovative solutions. In this candid conversation, Councilmember Lori Ann Sales—the first Jamaican American and Black woman to serve in countywide office—brings her unique background in public health to address the systemic challenges facing underserved populations. In the second segment, Monica Martin, Chief of Behavioral Health and Crisis Services, offers practical guidance for Suicide Prevention Month. She demystifies mental health support, explaining warning signs like persistent sadness, social withdrawal, and changes in sleep patterns. Martin emphasizes that seeking help demonstrates strength, not weakness, while providing concrete resources available to all county residents regardless of insurance status. Join this important conversation about health equity, access to care, and the innovative approaches Montgomery County is taking to ensure everyone—regardless of background—can achieve optimal health and wellbeing. 

Send us a text As communities across America grapple with tension and uncertainty, Montgomery County's 11th annual Friendship Picnic offers a powerful antidote to division. Nestled under the canopy of trees at Wheaton Regional Park, residents from all walks of life gather to celebrate what connects us rather than what separates us. "Whatever happens around us here in Montgomery County, we're going to make it work across our various diverse lines, across cultural lines, across religious lines," declares Jim Stowe, Director of the Office of Human Rights and driving force behind the event. His vision of Dr. King's "beloved community" isn't just rhetoric—it's being lived out through food, music, and genuine human connection. The magic of the picnic lies in its simplicity: "Zero drama, 100% fun, 100% food, 100% music." Children form instant friendships at the reptile petting zoo while adults sample unfamiliar cuisines and engage in conversations that go beyond superficial greetings. County Council members, public safety officials, and department representatives mingle with residents, breaking down barriers between government and the people it serves. When asked why friendship matters, responses range from the profound to the practical. "Friendship is the family we choose for ourselves," reflects a visitor from New York. "We learn together and we grow together." A young boy offers the simplest truth: "Without friendship we would all be lonely." In these divided times, the Friendship Picnic stands as a testament to what's possible when we focus on our shared humanity. As County Councilmember Andrew Friedson puts it, the event shows "hope at a time of despair" and demonstrates "what belonging and community really looks like." Join us next September for this annual tradition that reminds us all: in Montgomery County, we're making community work, one friendship at a time.

Send us a text The semicolon tattoo on Alnicia Gibson's wrist tells a powerful story - it represents choosing to continue when she could have ended her life. As chair of Montgomery County's Out of the Darkness Community Walk, Gibson transforms her lived experience into action, rallying the community against a crisis that ranks as the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15-24 in Maryland. This eye-opening conversation reveals the devastating prevalence of suicide in our communities while highlighting Montgomery County's comprehensive response system. Manuel Calero, a therapist with 25 years of experience at the Montgomery County Crisis Center, explains their revolutionary approach to mental health emergencies - a free, 24/7 service that functions like "an ER for people having emotional issues."  The episode concludes with Rosalyn Houston from the Montgomery County Volunteer Center highlighting their upcoming "Fall into Service" event, offering a reminder that community connection serves as a powerful antidote to isolation and mental health struggles. Whether you're personally affected by suicide or simply want to support those who are, this episode provides concrete resources, upcoming events, and hope-filled perspectives for anyone navigating these difficult waters. Join the Montgomery County Out of the Darkness Community Walk on September 21st at the Adventist Healthcare Soccerplex in Boyds, MD. Registration begins at 9am, with the walk starting at 10am. Your presence matters in bringing this critical issue out of the shadows and into the light.

Send us a text Groundbreaking innovation emerges from right here in Montgomery County as we speak with Jasmin El Kordi, CEO of M Blue Labs. Their patented ingredient methylene blue is revolutionizing skincare with dual benefits. The conversation takes an enlightening turn when therapist Marilyn Spinadel joins us to share practical mental wellness techniques you can incorporate into daily life.  Both segments showcase Montgomery County as a hub for innovation - whether developing cutting-edge skincare technology or pioneering approaches to mental wellness. Subscribe to hear more inspiring local stories and practical wisdom from the people making a difference in our community.

Send us a text Step into the vibrant world of the 76th Annual Montgomery County Agricultural Fair as we take you behind the scenes of this cherished summer tradition. Through conversations with dedicated volunteers, passionate 4-H members, and innovative vendors, we discover the heart and soul of what makes this nine-day celebration so special. Whether you're planning your visit or simply curious about this cornerstone of Montgomery County culture, this episode captures the educational value, family traditions, and pure fun that have made the Agricultural Fair a beloved institution for over seven decades. Come experience the "endless fun included" at this celebration of our County's agricultural heritage! Subscribe to What's Happening MoCo for more stories that highlight the people, places, and events that make Montgomery County special.

Send us a text Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes at your local fire department? Chief Corey Smedley pulls back the curtain on Montgomery County's Fire and Rescue Service, revealing surprising truths that challenge everything you thought you knew about emergency response. From practical summer safety tips about barbecuing and AC maintenance to flood preparedness advice, Chief Smedley provides life-saving information every resident should know. His journey from being inspired by his firefighter sister to leading one of the region's largest emergency service departments showcases the power of mentorship and personal growth. Whether you're interested in public safety, leadership principles, or simply want to better understand the evolving role of first responders in your community, this conversation offers valuable insights into the people who work tirelessly to keep Montgomery County safe. Ready to learn more? Visit mcfrs.org to explore resources and career opportunities with the department.

Send us a text In this episode of "What's Happening MoCo," Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director of WorkSource Montgomery, discusses the organization's role in supporting the county's workforce through nine job centers. He highlights the Mobilize Montgomery coalition's efforts to assist highly-skilled professionals affected by federal workforce reductions. Dr. Elizabeth Carr joins to talk about the importance and implementation of internship programs. The episode offers practical strategies for job seekers, small business owners, and students.  For job resources, visit worksourcemontgomery.com or visit the job center at 11510 Georgia Avenue.

Send us a text In this episode of the What's Happening MoCo Podcst, we talk to father and son Potato Chip business duo Gary and Brian Edell. When Gary Edell started making homemade potato chips for his son Brian's baseball team gatherings in 2009, he never imagined those crispy, thin-sliced snacks would eventually become a thriving business competing against industry giants. From an operation that once produced 20 pounds of potatoes in two hours in Gary's kitchen, they now process 2,000 pounds per hour and can be found in over 950 stores including Giant, Wegmans, and Fresh Market. Gary's advice to fathers everywhere: support your children's passions, even when they differ from your own. 

Send us a text Nestled in the heart of Rockville, Maryland lies a community treasure that many Montgomery County residents might be surprised to discover is open to everyone. The Bender JCC of Greater Washington isn't just a fitness center or cultural hub—it's a 119,000-square-foot community crossroads where diversity thrives and inclusion isn't just talked about, it's lived daily. CEO Joshua Bender (coincidentally sharing the name with the center's benefactors) paints a vivid picture of what makes this space special: "If you stand in our lobby long enough, you'll hear 12, 15 languages throughout the day."   Visit benderjccgw.org to learn more about how you can become part of this vibrant community hub that's been serving the region since 1969.  This episode also includes excerpts from interviews recorded during National Bring Your Child to Work Day at Montgomery County Government.