Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

Keep Gastonia Beautiful is participating in a national effort tied to the upcoming celebration of America's 250th Birthday -- The Greatest American Cleanup. Learn how you can get involved to help make our community really shine in time for next year's big celebration.

The annual Gaston Globe Awards celebrate employees who go above and beyond in their work. On this week's episode, hear from Maddie Moore from the Gaston County Public Library, and her supervisor, Andrew Pierce, on how Maddie is making the library an even more special place to be. 

In this episode, Detective Smith of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Hannah Hopper of Hope United Survivor Network join our host Adam Gaub to discuss the implications of House Bill 301 and how to keep children safe online.

We had some technical hiccups, but our episode on the Gastonia Concert Series is ready to take the stage! The first concert was held Thursday, May 1, and they've got three more great shows on tap, with funds raised at the shows going right back into the community through Gaston East Rotary. 

In the third episode of our Planned Party miniseries, Jamie and Peyton walk us through the different exemptions that are available if you own or are interested in owning land for agricultural purposes. 

On Wednesday, Gaston County Public Health leaders will partner with local nonprofits and community leaders to host the Gaston County Mental Health summit. Two of the event's organizers, Krystle White and Trey Sarter, talk about why the conversation around mental health is changing for the better, and how that might allow more people to get the help they need.

Tug Deason recently retired from the town of Stanley after a nearly three-decade career serving the town's Parks and Recreation department. In this episode, Adam Gaub and Gavin Stewart look back at the highlights of Tug's career and find out how Tug is spending his retirement. 

Saturday, April 12 - Chalk the Walk (Mount Holly) https://www.mtholly.us/departments/parks___recreation/special_events/chalk_the_walk.php   Friday, April 25-Saturday, May 3 - Mount Holly SpringFest https://www.mtholly.us/departments/parks___recreation/special_events/springfest.php   Friday, May 2-Saturday, May 3 - Goat Island Games (Cramerton) https://www.cramerton.org/departments/parks___recreation/gig.php

Jamie and Peyton are back for episode 2 of our miniseries, A Planned Party. Dive into the ins and outs of how a major development was recently approved, as well as how annexations can occur under North Carolina law. Have questions or topic ideas? Email them to planning@gastongov.com with the subject line 'A Planned Party.'

Family Justice Center Director Tara Joyner, District Attorney Travis Page and Gaston County Police Assistant Chief Jon Cole and Detective Max Rhienson talk about the Homicide Family Support Group and the dozens of families in and around Gaston County being supported through this effort. 

You've got questions & we've got answers. Gaston County is hosting its inaugural Get to Know Gaston event on Thursday, April 3, from 4-8 pm, at the Rotary Pavilion in Downtown Gastonia. This week's podcast gives you the rundown on an event that promises to be both fun and informational. 

Fire and Life Safety Educator Leigh Kish talks about why we've already seen some flare-ups during the peak of wildfire season and provides some simple tips for residents to protect their homes, their families and themselves. 

Gaston MAX -- The Multicultural Arts eXperience -- returns to downtown Gastonia on Saturday, March 22. Get a look inside what to expect from the musical performers, to the dance groups to craft vendors and more. 

We're excited to introduce a new miniseries, Planned Party, which will be airing once a month. It goes inside some of your questions on how Planning & Zoning can strengthen a community. Jamie Kanburoglu and Peyton Wiggins host. 

There's a lot that goes into your bloodwork report when you go to the doctor or have a wellness exam. This week, Gaston County Wellness Coordinator Heather Huth and Atrium Health Family Nurse Practitioner Logan Breakfield break down what you need to know about good cholesterol, lipids and what that blood pressure readout actually means for your health. 

Bessemer City High School senior Tionna Pettus tied the state single-game scoring record in girls basketball... set 30+ years ago by Konecka Drakeford, who now works for with foster care children in Gaston County. Hear these two hoop legends discuss how the sport has impacted their lives. 

Noah Williams and Kelly Gilbert talk about what it took to put together the first marching band and color guard for the Highland School of Technology, and how that work has gone a long way in deepening school spirit at one of Gaston County Schools' most renowned schools. 

Dallas Mayor Hayley Beaty talks about her idea to create a mayor for a day program, and the partnership she established with Carr Elementary that saw 3rd grader Kyleigh Camp get to experience leadership at a whole new level. 

The United Tennis Organization is introducing children of all backgrounds to the game of tennis. Founder and Executive Director Belén Gómez-Jordana talks about starting the nonprofit organization and the opportunity some of the students had recently to meet tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Frances Tiafoe in an exhibition event. 

Founding Historic Preservation Commission members Lucy Penegar and Robert Carpenter talk about the work they did getting the group going in the late 1970s and why its more important than ever to continue on the work of recognizing Gaston County's historic places. 

Transportation planning can often take a backseat at the county level, but not in Gaston County. Senior Transportation Planner Juan Garcia and GCLMPO Administrator Tori Dellinger talk about the unique opportunity Gaston County has to map out its transportation needs. 

New residents are coming to Gaston County nearly every day, and the county is making sure it can provide the services those residents expect. Executive Director of Capital Improvements Ray Maxwell and Public Works Director Dan Ziehm kick off Season 6 of Savvy Citizen with a look ahead to some major projects in the pipeline and some already underway. 

It's our last episode of 2024! We're highlighting the work of the Passport Team inside the Register of Deeds Office, which won the Team Award during the 2024 Gaston Globe Awards. Learn how some planning and hard work has helped make this program a huge success for residents in our area.

Heather Kauffman, who oversees programming at The Lighthouse Children's Advocacy Center and the Cathy Mabry Cloninger Domestic Violence Shelter, talks to Savvy Citizen about the many initiatives she's a part of and how Gaston County is taking a leading role in serving victims of abuse.

Gaston County Extension Agent Christie German talks about the upcoming 4-H Day Camp as a great way to try out everything 4-H has to offer. The Discover 4-H Day Camp is Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost per youth, ages 8-14, is $15. The deadline to register is December 20, 2024: https://www.cognitoforms.com/GastonCounty1/Discovery4HDayCamp2024 Now through Dec. 15, 2024, you can shop at Tractor Supply, 1630 Edgewood Road in Bessemer City, and round up your purchase to benefit Gaston County 4-H. 4-H will also have ornaments for sale (100% of ornament proceeds will go to 4-H).  Interested in learning more about Gaston County 4-H? Head to gaston.ces.ncsu.edu/Gaston-County-4-H.

Gaston County Police Officer Zully Castaneda talks about how she put her Spanish-language skills to use to help detectives within the department work a homicide case where a language barrier needed to be overcome. 

Gaston County Cooperative Extension Volunteer Coordinator Kayla Adams brings some special guests with her for this week's show to talk about the 4-H International Exchange Program, and her family's decision to get involved. 

Registered dietitian Linda Minges stops by to talk about added sugars in our food and drinks and why they've become so prevalent and so damaging to our diets. 

Savvy Citizen hosts Elizabeth McGee and Dandria Bradley talk with employees and participants of a new Veterans Treatment Court in Gaston County to see how this specialty court is helping put the lives of some of our vets back on the right track.

The Gaston County Museum of Art & History has teamed up with community partners to host the Dia De Los Muertos celebration on Saturday, November 2. Education Manager Alex Brooks tells us how the festival has grown over the years and why it was important to get all the cultural details correct.

In this special episode of Savvy Citizen, hosts Adam Gaub and Dandria Bradley interview several Gaston County employees who volunteered to lend a hand in Western NC following the devastation of Hurricane Helene. 

Registered Dietitian Linda Minges talks about the value of meal prepping and some easy ways to get started to help improve your diet and save money. 

GAMTRA member and Cotton Ginning Days founder Ray Medford talks with Savvy Citizen about how an idea nearly four decades ago has turned into a multi-day festival attracting tens of thousands of people to Dallas Park. 

(Ret.) Nashville Police Lt. Mark Wynn is the keynote speaker for this year's Threads of Hope fundraiser on Oct. 24 at the Barn at Blue Sky Farm in Dallas. Mark talks with Savvy Citizen about his career working domestic violence cases, and how his personal experience with abuse has allowed him to help others. 

Matt Rhoten took over as Gaston County's Manager on August 5, and already we're beginning to see some of the vision he has for the organization. In this interview with Savvy Citizen, Matt describes his passion for public service, his goals for Gaston County and provides insight into what drives him. 

GEMS Medical Director Dr. Drew Matthews talks about his volunteer work training medical professionals during the midst of the war in Ukraine, and why he is drawn to helping people stuck in dire situations. 

Former Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts and former NC Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr join Savvy Citizen to talk about their work with the Commission on the Future of NC Elections, and how they're working to increase knowledge and trust in our state's elections system ahead of the 2024 general election. 

Volunteer extraordinaire Sandy DeMarco talks to Savvy Citizen about her time spent supporting the Friends of the Gaston County Public Library, Keep Gastonia Beautiful, the Gaston Literacy Council and the Backpack Weekend Food Program and her recent Governor's Volunteer Service Award. 

Captain Billy Downey of the Gaston County Police Department and Arin Farmer of the Alliance for Children & Youth Communities in Schools join the show today to discuss the work being done by the Gaston County Firearm Safety Committee. They talk about why firearm safety is so important, the resources they have available for the public, and how the community can get involved.

Linda Minges from the Gaston County Cooperative Extension is back on the show to talk about ways our diet and everyday habits can change to help fight inflammation. 

Each year during the Gaston County Employee of the Year Awards, the County Manager makes their pick for the prestigious Manager's Award. This year's winner is longtime IT Application System Architect and Air Force Veteran Richard Dodd. Richard talks to us about his career at both Gaston County and the Air Force and what drives him to succeed. 

Belmont Rotary Club Past President Whitney Norton and Cramerton physician Dr. Omer Shedd talk about Promise for Haiti, and the work they are doing to fund a children's hospital in a country marred by years of gang violence. 

Gaston County is receiving nearly $40 million in opioid settlement funds, and we want the public's input on how it is spent. In this week's bonus episode, GEMS Lt. Justin Greer, Olive Branch Ministries Executive Director Michelle Mathis and Gaston County Community Support Services Opioid Outreach Coordinator Carly Kyre talk about meetings happening later this month where you can make your voice heard.

Steve D'Avria from the Gaston Business Association and Molly Prescott from Downtown Gastonia's Faded Cuts & Shaves join the show today to discuss business development and downtown revitalization.

Pastor Shannon Williams of Finish Line Christian Center in Mount Holly joins host Adam Gaub to talk about how he spent five days living as a homeless person in order to gain a better understanding of their plight. He recorded a documentary of this experience that will be available online. A watch party for the first episode is being held on Sunday, August 4, at Finish Line Christian Center at 6 pm.

As she prepares for retirement, Gaston County Parks & Recreation Director Cathy Hart talks about some of her favorite memories in her decades of public service to Gaston County residents. 

Savvy Citizen is celebrating its 200th episode! Thank you to all our listeners for your support and feedback over the last four years. On the show, we take you behind the scenes at the Government Access Channel -- another great way of getting information about Gaston County. 

Danette Dye from the City of Gastonia stops by the studio to talk about an upcoming home ownership seminar with information on down payment assistance programs and more.

Local teacher and artist Laura Sexton talks to Savvy Citizen about a special project she's taken on for the Blumenthal Arts Center taking used grocery bags and turning them into a special work of art. Learn more about how you can help contribute and where you can see the finished project this September. 

Play ball! Jo-D Franklin from Bessemer City Parks & Rec and Brandon Black from Gaston County Tourism Development join us today to talk about the upcoming NC Dixie Softball Tournament 2024 that's bringing over 60 teams to Gaston County this weekend. They discuss the importance of sports tourism in Gaston County, its impact on local businesses, and the opening ceremony that's happening on July 5.

Happy Fiscal New Year, everybody! In this installment of our annual county budget episode, host Adam Gaub talks to Janet Schafer and Elizabeth McGee from the Budget and Strategy office about all the behind-the-scenes work it takes to put the budget together. They discuss inflation, define terms such as "natural growth," and declare their Fiscal New Year Resolutions.