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The Open Agenda

QACTV

The Open Agenda is a weekly series designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at how local government works and the issues shaping the community of Queen Anne's County Maryland. Hosted by QACTV’s Bruce Grove and Queen Anne’s County Public Information Manager Beth Malasky, The Open Agenda aims to make government more accessible, transparent, and engaging. Each episode will feature conversations with county leaders, staff, and community partners, offering insight into county operations, current initiatives, and opportunities for public involvement. Topics will range from public safety and infrastructure to communications, economic development, and community services. The podcast will also highlight ways residents can get involved, from attending public meetings to serving on boards and commissions. “The Open Agenda is about creating a more open and accessible line of communication with our residents,” said Commission President Jim Moran. “This podcast gives people a chance to hear directly from those serving the community, better understand the decisions being made, and stay connected to the work happening across Queen Anne’s County.”Through QACTV, we’re always looking for ways to better connect residents with their local government, and this podcast gives us the opportunity to have more in-depth, meaningful conversations,” said Bruce Grove, QACTV Producer and Host. “We wanted to create something that helps people better understand how their local government works and feel more connected to what’s happening in their community,” said Beth Malasky, Public Information Manager for Queen Anne’s County. For more information about Queen Anne’s County Government programs and services, visit qac.org.
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  • 10 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 47 min
  • English
  • #8
    August 31 · 51 min

    The Warden's Journey: A Conversation with LaMonte Cooke

    PART I LaMonte Cooke, a resident of Chestertown, Maryland, began his career in law enforcement in 1975 as Kent County’s first African American Deputy Sheriff. He joined Queen Anne’s County in 1987 and has served as Warden of the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center ever since. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous honours and accolades. Recent recognitions include the 2023 Frederick Douglass Achievement Award, the renaming of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Professional Recognition Award to the LaMonte Cooke County Service Award, and his selection as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Chestertown Tea Party Festival. Warden LaMonte Cooke was, recently, recognised by Governor Wes Moore during the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Awards Ceremony and Banquet for his extraordinary career in corrections and public service.

  • S1 · E9
    August 31 · 41 min

    More Than a Warden: A Conversation with LaMonte Cooke

    PART II LaMonte Cooke, a resident of Chestertown, Maryland, began his career in law enforcement in 1975 as Kent County’s first African American Deputy Sheriff. He joined Queen Anne’s County in 1987 and has served as Warden of the Queen Anne’s County Detention Center ever since. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous honours and accolades. Recent recognitions include the 2023 Frederick Douglass Achievement Award, the renaming of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Professional Recognition Award to the LaMonte Cooke County Service Award, and his selection as Grand Marshal of the 2026 Chestertown Tea Party Festival. Warden LaMonte Cooke was, recently, recognised by Governor Wes Moore during the Maryland Correctional Administrators Association (MCAA) Awards Ceremony and Banquet for his extraordinary career in corrections and public service.

  • #6
    August 17 · 1 hr 5 min

    Edge of our Seats: Bobby Wooley Talks Sports and Giving Back to the County

    Join hosts Bruce Grove and Beth Malasky as they sit down with Bobby Wooley, owner of The Edge and founder of the Giving the Edge Foundation. Through athletics, mentorship, and community partnerships, Bobby has spent years creating opportunities that encourage leadership, confidence, and healthy choices for young people across Queen Anne’s County. In this episode “Edge of Our Seats”, we talk about Bobby’s journey, the vision behind Edge Arena, the work of the Giving the Edge Foundation, and how partnerships with our schools, local organizations, and the Drug Free Coalition are helping make a difference in the lives of local youth. We also highlight something at the heart of The Open Agenda: residents who choose to get involved. Bobby’s story is a great example of how one person’s passion and commitment can have a positive impact throughout the community.

  • S1 · E4
    August 3 · 49 min

    Don't Shoot the Messenger: Getting Information from the PIO's

    Whats a PIO? What do they do? How do they do what they do? In this episode we chat with two Public Information Officers and let them give you, the public, all of the information that they officially have. You know, because they are being official which is close to officer because and officer is official. You know what? I'll let them explain. :)

  • S1 · E3
    July 27 · 1 hr 17 min

    From Kickoff to Construction: A Conversation with Amy Moredock and Jody Schulz

    We often talk about what happens behind the scenes in county government and how residents can get involved. In today's episode, we're diving into a topic that always sparks conversation in our community: the development process. Join hosts Bruce Grove and Beth Malasky as they sit down with Amy Moredock, Director of Queen Anne's County Planning and Zoning, and local business owner and developer Jody Schulz for an informative discussion about how development works from both the public and private perspectives. Whether you've ever wondered how projects move from concept to construction or why the process can take time, this conversation offers valuable insight into the many steps involved.

  • S1 · E2
    July 20 · 49 min

    Talk Dirt to Me: Chatting with Jay Falstad from the Queen Anne's Conservation Association

    Join us as we sit down with Jay Falstad, Executive Director of the Queen Anne's Conservation Association for a conversation about protecting the places that make Queen Anne's County special. From land conservation and environmental stewardship to balancing growth with preserving our natural resources, Jay shares insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our community. We also discuss the partnerships that help shape the future of Queen Anne's County and why conservation benefits everyone who lives, works, and visits here. Whether you're passionate about the environment, interested in local government, or simply want to learn more about the future of our county, you won't want to miss this episode.

  • S1 · E1
    July 13 · 2 min

    Fur the Record: Barking and Meowing with QAC Animal Services

    A conversation featuring the dedicated team from Queen Anne's County Animal Services. Listeners will learn about the important work Animal Services performs every day, from protecting public safety and promoting responsible pet ownership to caring for animals in need and helping them find loving homes. Hosted by Bruce Grove of Queen Anne's County Television - QACTV and Beth Malasky, Queen Anne's County Public Information Manager, the podcast offers relaxed, informative conversations with county staff, community partners, and local leaders. Each episode explores the programs, services, and projects that impact life in Queen Anne's County while giving listeners a closer look at the people working behind the scenes.

  • #1
    May 5 · 29 sec

    Welcome to The Open Agenda

    The Open Agenda is a weekly series designed to give residents a behind-the-scenes look at how local government works and the issues shaping the community of Queen Anne's County Maryland.

Showing 1–10 of 10 episodes