{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"The County","home_page_url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm","feed_url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/json","description":"With more than 800,000 residents, 175 miles of shoreline, one of the 25 largest school districts in the nation, diverse and growing industry sectors, and a wealth of beautiful open spaces, Baltimore County is an exciting place to live, work and play. Join us as we explore issues important to the county, introduce you to our vibrant communities, and highlight some of the best the county has to offer.","_fireside":{"subtitle":"Baltimore County Government's Podcast","pubdate":"2025-02-20T08:00:00.000-05:00","explicit":false,"owner":"Baltimore County Government","image":"https://media24.fireside.fm/file/fireside-images-2024/podcasts/images/7/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/cover.jpg?v=3"},"items":[{"id":"82b20ea0-f9cd-4ff9-b11b-115cf17ea99c","title":"Black History Museums in Baltimore County","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/10","content_text":"In honor of Black History Month, we visit three museums in Baltimore County dedicated to perserving Black HIstory. The Benjamin Banneker Park \u0026amp; Muesum is 142-acre museum and park in Catonsville, Maryland. It honors the life of Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught astronomer, mathematician, and surveyor who was born free in 1731. The Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball inside the Baltimore County Public Library in Owings Mills holds a vast collection of memoribilia and features programs to promote the culture, history, ideals, and impact of the Negro Leagues and their players. The Turner Station History Center inside the Sollers Point Multipurpose Center in Dundalk contains exhibits that reflect the powerful heritage and spirit of a proud African American community and its residents who thrived through faith, family, education, and hard work. ","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn honor of Black History Month, we visit three museums in Baltimore County dedicated to perserving Black HIstory. The Benjamin Banneker Park \u0026amp; Muesum is 142-acre museum and park in Catonsville, Maryland. It honors the life of Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught astronomer, mathematician, and surveyor who was born free in 1731. The Simmons Museum of Negro Leagues Baseball inside the Baltimore County Public Library in Owings Mills holds a vast collection of memoribilia and features programs to promote the culture, history, ideals, and impact of the Negro Leagues and their players. The Turner Station History Center inside the Sollers Point Multipurpose Center in Dundalk contains exhibits that reflect the powerful heritage and spirit of a proud African American community and its residents who thrived through faith, family, education, and hard work. \u003c/p\u003e","summary":"In honor of Black History Month, we visit three museums in Baltimore County dedicated to Black History. ","date_published":"2025-02-20T08:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/82b20ea0-f9cd-4ff9-b11b-115cf17ea99c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":7971704,"duration_in_seconds":495}]},{"id":"9465caed-5c3a-4476-96f7-5e907e09cfa0","title":"Discover Baltimore County ","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/9","content_text":"Interview with Tom Yorke,  Chief, for Destination Marketing and Communications for Baltimore County's\nDepartment of Economic and Workforce Development. We discuss the new website aimed at helping both locals and tourists find events, experiences, and destinations. Special Guest: Tom Yorke.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eInterview with Tom Yorke,  Chief, for Destination Marketing and Communications for Baltimore County\u0026#39;s\u003cbr\u003e\nDepartment of Economic and Workforce Development. We discuss the new website aimed at helping both locals and tourists find events, experiences, and destinations. \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Tom Yorke.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Discover Baltimore County is focused on highlighting the County’s diverse assets and encouraging visitors to explore everything the region has to offer, focusing on events around the holidays. ","date_published":"2024-12-20T08:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/9465caed-5c3a-4476-96f7-5e907e09cfa0.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":4402916,"duration_in_seconds":273}]},{"id":"b1c63aed-653a-4aea-b933-469c8153f23f","title":"Winter Weather Preparedness","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/8","content_text":"Baltimore County's Director of Homeland Security \u0026amp; Emergency Management David Bycoffe talks about how residents can prepare for winter weeather. He also talks about the steps that the county takes before, during, and after a storm as well as offers tips to stay safe during the winter months. Special Guest: David Bycoffe.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eBaltimore County\u0026#39;s Director of Homeland Security \u0026amp; Emergency Management David Bycoffe talks about how residents can prepare for winter weeather. He also talks about the steps that the county takes before, during, and after a storm as well as offers tips to stay safe during the winter months. \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: David Bycoffe.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"How Baltimore County Government and Residents can prepare for and stay safe during winter weather","date_published":"2024-11-22T08:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/b1c63aed-653a-4aea-b933-469c8153f23f.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":12138377,"duration_in_seconds":504}]},{"id":"991a530c-9d5a-434f-8b97-97f234842b5b","title":"Data-Driven Government: BCSTAT","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/7","content_text":"An in-depth interview with Chief Data and Performance Officer of BCSTAT, Momen Abukdheir. We discuss the creation of BCSTAT, how the COVID-19 pandemic drove the program forward, and how a project moves from conception to analysis to implementation. Special Guest: Momen Abukhdeir.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAn in-depth interview with Chief Data and Performance Officer of BCSTAT, Momen Abukdheir. We discuss the creation of BCSTAT, how the COVID-19 pandemic drove the program forward, and how a project moves from conception to analysis to implementation. \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Momen Abukhdeir.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"BCSTAT's mission is to incorporate data into decision making and apply data-driven analysis to every day operations across Baltimore County departments. ","date_published":"2024-10-10T08:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/991a530c-9d5a-434f-8b97-97f234842b5b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":18983740,"duration_in_seconds":1183}]},{"id":"c0978af7-0ea3-43be-b95f-a373846eec7a","title":"Library Card Sign-Up Month","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/6","content_text":"September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. We talk about how the Baltimore County Public Library is celebrating, plus more details of their newly reopened Catonsville branch, and much more.Special Guest: Emily Williamson.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eSeptember is Library Card Sign-Up Month. We talk about how the Baltimore County Public Library is celebrating, plus more details of their newly reopened Catonsville branch, and much more.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Emily Williamson.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"September is Library Card Sign-Up Month. A library card gives you instant access to dozens of free resources!","date_published":"2024-09-13T08:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/c0978af7-0ea3-43be-b95f-a373846eec7a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":11345881,"duration_in_seconds":706}]},{"id":"72cea70e-6f10-48f3-aacc-74006b5abefc","title":"Reimagine Recreation \u0026 Parks","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/reimaginerecparks","content_text":"As Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks celebrates its 75th anniversary, the Department is leading a comprehensive effort to Reimagine Recreation and Parks, which outlines a long-term, community-driven roadmap to rethink the department based on national best practices. Special Guests: Bob Smith and Cortney Weinstock.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eAs Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks celebrates its 75th anniversary, the Department is leading a comprehensive effort to Reimagine Recreation and Parks, which outlines a long-term, community-driven roadmap to rethink the department based on national best practices. \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guests: Bob Smith and Cortney Weinstock.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Celebrating it's 75th anniversary, Baltimore County's Recreation \u0026 Park department is undergoing several changes to bring it into the 21st century","date_published":"2024-07-16T10:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/72cea70e-6f10-48f3-aacc-74006b5abefc.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":21713528,"duration_in_seconds":903}]},{"id":"a683ca18-1e98-4886-82e0-c4e42c60519a","title":"BCPL Summer Reading Challenge","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/bcplsummerreadingchallenge","content_text":"Explore the wonderful world of books with this year's Summer Reading Challenge, \"Adventure begins at Your Library.\"  Children of all ages can join the challenge and log their reading on Beanstack or a paper game board. Read for 10 hours to pick up a completion prize and enter in prize drawings!Special Guest: Conni Strittmatter.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the wonderful world of books with this year\u0026#39;s Summer Reading Challenge, \u0026quot;Adventure begins at Your Library.\u0026quot;  Children of all ages can join the challenge and log their reading on Beanstack or a paper game board. Read for 10 hours to pick up a completion prize and enter in prize drawings!\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Conni Strittmatter.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Details concerning this year's Summer Reading Challenge at the Baltimore County Public Library","date_published":"2024-06-13T08:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/a683ca18-1e98-4886-82e0-c4e42c60519a.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":11846628,"duration_in_seconds":739}]},{"id":"94618f19-6006-46a3-8a7c-1dcad6534aef","title":"Meet the New County Administrative Officer ","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/newcountyadministrativeofficer","content_text":"New County Administrative Officer D'Andrea Walker was appointed to the position by the County Executive \u0026amp; unanimously approved by the County Council in April. Under Walker’s leadership, Baltimore County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation modernized programs and improved services, including bringing back residential bulk trash collection for the first time since 1992, announcing plans to significantly extend the life of the County’s landfill, and launching the Towson Loop, Baltimore County’s first free locally operated transit service.\nNow as the County’s newest Administrative Officer, she will oversee the day-to-day operations as well as the efforts of the county’s various departments.Special Guest: D'Andrea Walker.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eNew County Administrative Officer D\u0026#39;Andrea Walker was appointed to the position by the County Executive \u0026amp; unanimously approved by the County Council in April. Under Walker’s leadership, Baltimore County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation modernized programs and improved services, including bringing back residential bulk trash collection for the first time since 1992, announcing plans to significantly extend the life of the County’s landfill, and launching the Towson Loop, Baltimore County’s first free locally operated transit service.\u003cbr\u003e\nNow as the County’s newest Administrative Officer, she will oversee the day-to-day operations as well as the efforts of the county’s various departments.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: D\u0026#39;Andrea Walker.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Interview with new County Administrative Officer D’Andrea Walker","date_published":"2024-05-30T06:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/94618f19-6006-46a3-8a7c-1dcad6534aef.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":8298653,"duration_in_seconds":516}]},{"id":"275e304d-0cf3-4d84-9bb6-af95c7e0fd07","title":"Pet Scanning Stations","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/petscanstations","content_text":"In February 2024, Baltimore County Dept. of Health \u0026amp; Human Services launched 5 pet scanning stations across the county, offering 24/7 access to microchip scanning to help lost pets reunite with their owners more quickly \u0026amp; prevent animals from being uneccessarily housed at the shelter. Baltimore Co. is the first jurisdiction in Maryland to provide these community scanning stations. Special Guest: Kayla Franczkowski .","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eIn February 2024, Baltimore County Dept. of Health \u0026amp; Human Services launched 5 pet scanning stations across the county, offering 24/7 access to microchip scanning to help lost pets reunite with their owners more quickly \u0026amp; prevent animals from being uneccessarily housed at the shelter. Baltimore Co. is the first jurisdiction in Maryland to provide these community scanning stations. \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Kayla Franczkowski .\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"New pet scanning stations placed around Baltimore County to help reunite lost pets with their owners","date_published":"2024-04-23T06:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/275e304d-0cf3-4d84-9bb6-af95c7e0fd07.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":13920661,"duration_in_seconds":868}]},{"id":"5803b67f-ca8b-46e8-867e-4e22cbb80232","title":"The Bring Your Own Bag Act Explained","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/byobaglaw","content_text":"Baltimore County’s new Bring Your Own Bag Act goes into effect November 1. \n\nOn this episode of 'The County,' Baltimore County's Bureau Chief of Solid Waste explains the goals and potential impact of the law, and answers frequently asked questions. Special Guest: Nick Rodricks.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eBaltimore County’s new Bring Your Own Bag Act goes into effect November 1. \u003c/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn this episode of \u0026#39;The County,\u0026#39; Baltimore County\u0026#39;s Bureau Chief of Solid Waste explains the goals and potential impact of the law, and answers frequently asked questions. \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Nick Rodricks.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Baltimore County’s new Bring Your Own Bag Act goes into effect November 1. \r\nOn this episode of 'The County,' Baltimore County's Bureau Chief of Solid Waste explains the goals and potential impact of the law, and answers frequently asked questions. ","date_published":"2023-10-30T10:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/5803b67f-ca8b-46e8-867e-4e22cbb80232.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":16453531,"duration_in_seconds":822}]},{"id":"62e41faf-0bc7-4379-9361-58f708ebd51b","title":"Baltimore County Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month ","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/5","content_text":"This episode of The County celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting Baltimore County's first Immigrant Affairs Outreach Coordinator, Giuliana Valencia-Banks. It is presented in both English and Spanish, with the Spanish version beginning at 8:30.Special Guest: Giuliana Valencia-Banks.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThis episode of The County celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting Baltimore County\u0026#39;s first Immigrant Affairs Outreach Coordinator, Giuliana Valencia-Banks. It is presented in both English and Spanish, with the Spanish version beginning at 8:30.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: Giuliana Valencia-Banks.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"This episode of The County celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, highlighting Baltimore County's first Immigrant Affairs Outreach Coordinator, Giuliana Valencia-Banks. It is presented in both English and Spanish, with the Spanish version beginning at 8:30.","date_published":"2023-09-13T01:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/62e41faf-0bc7-4379-9361-58f708ebd51b.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":10391944,"duration_in_seconds":1188}]},{"id":"bf99afb4-c6fa-4d4c-808b-da6e50dca659","title":"Explore New Recreation Opportunities","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/4","content_text":"On this episode of The County, we take a look at all the work Department of Recreation and Parks has done to improve recreational opportunities across Baltimore County.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOn this episode of The County, we take a look at all the work Department of Recreation and Parks has done to improve recreational opportunities across Baltimore County.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"On this episode of The County, we take a look at all the work Department of Recreation and Parks has done to improve recreational opportunities across Baltimore County.","date_published":"2023-08-25T12:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/bf99afb4-c6fa-4d4c-808b-da6e50dca659.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":8199393,"duration_in_seconds":341}]},{"id":"5ffdabce-8677-451f-9ef8-d1669bc4077c","title":"Baltimore County Celebrates Pride Month","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/3","content_text":"On this episode of The County, we sit down with the Baltimore County Police Department's first LGBTQIA+ Liaison, and travel to the Department of Recreation and Parks' annual Pride event!","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eOn this episode of The County, we sit down with the Baltimore County Police Department\u0026#39;s first LGBTQIA+ Liaison, and travel to the Department of Recreation and Parks\u0026#39; annual Pride event!\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"On this episode of The County, we sit down with the Baltimore County Police Department's first LGBTQIA+ Liaison, and travel to the Department of Recreation and Parks' annual Pride event!","date_published":"2023-06-21T14:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/5ffdabce-8677-451f-9ef8-d1669bc4077c.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":11365547,"duration_in_seconds":473}]},{"id":"e682c79f-dc41-4ee6-93c3-b5c0946ae952","title":"Baltimore County Executive's FY24 Budget Proposal Explained","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/fy24-budget","content_text":"Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski explains his proposed FY24 budget and all that it means for employees, residents, and visitors! Special Guest: County Executive Johnny Olszewski.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eBaltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski explains his proposed FY24 budget and all that it means for employees, residents, and visitors! \u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSpecial Guest: County Executive Johnny Olszewski.\u003c/p\u003e","summary":"Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski explains his proposed FY24 budget and all that it means for employees, residents and visitors! ","date_published":"2023-04-25T12:00:00.000-04:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/e682c79f-dc41-4ee6-93c3-b5c0946ae952.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":8786178,"duration_in_seconds":491}]},{"id":"2f67644d-7261-4e2f-a832-fc6e0a4ad1c5","title":"Baltimore County Celebrates Black History Month ","url":"https://thecounty.fireside.fm/1","content_text":"From the past, to the present, Baltimore County has so much to be proud of. On this episode of The County, we tell the stories of barrier breakers Berley Roberts Sr. and Stacy Rodgers. ","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eFrom the past, to the present, Baltimore County has so much to be proud of. On this episode of The County, we tell the stories of barrier breakers Berley Roberts Sr. and Stacy Rodgers. \u003c/p\u003e","summary":"From the past, to the present, Baltimore County has so much to be proud of. On this episode of The County, we tell the stories of barrier breakers Berley Roberts Sr. and Stacy Rodgers. ","date_published":"2023-02-23T14:00:00.000-05:00","attachments":[{"url":"https://aphid.fireside.fm/d/1437767933/71b1579d-493a-4b45-89ab-69d81bab5f30/2f67644d-7261-4e2f-a832-fc6e0a4ad1c5.mp3","mime_type":"audio/mpeg","size_in_bytes":14884742,"duration_in_seconds":618}]}]}