Shows
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastTrust the ProcessSavvy Citizen co-host Janet Schafer spent years in Gaston County's budget office, but now is heading up a new effort within the county on process improvement. Learn how some private sector practices are helping county teams improve the way they serve residents.
2025-07-2841 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastA Passion for AnimalsCaptain Kyle Yancey, who oversees the Animal Care and Enforcement Shelter for Gaston County PD, talks to Savvy Citizen about his passion for animals, his service to the community and why he was shocked to learn he was the Manager's Award winner for the county.
2025-07-2131 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastThe Misconceptions of Zoning PermitsPeyton and Jamie are back for this month's 'A Planned Party' miniseries, where they break down the common misconceptions behind zoning permits, and the value they serve in keeping our county from descending into chaos.
2025-07-1431 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastThe Big Budget BreakdownWe're celebrating the fiscal new year by taking you behind the scenes in the Gaston County budget process. Taylor Ricci, Scott Attaway and Elizabeth McGee explain why a strenuous budget year is producing good outcomes for residents.
2025-07-0742 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastDefeating DisinformationIn this edition of the Savvy Citizen podcast, host Adam Gaub sits down with Bret Schafer and Krystyna Sikora of the Alliance for Securing Democracy--an organization devoted to exposing, analyzing, and developing strategies to counter foreign information manipulation and interference in democracies. They talk about the role several foreign governments played in spreading disinformation in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene.
2025-06-3035 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastConnecting Gaston with the WorldIn this edition of the Savvy Citizen podcast, host Adam Gaub sits down with Justin Amos of Gaston County and Bruce Clark of the Center for Digital Equity to talk about a special project that is seeking to increase broadband access for residents of Gaston County, as well as increase knowledge of folks who are a little less tech-savvy.
2025-06-2328 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastSubdividing Land (Part 1)On the fourth installment of A Planned Party, Jamie and Peyton talk subdivisions! We've all talked about subdivisions in our community, but what are they actually? And who all is involved in the process of subdividing land? Stay tuned for Part 2 of this topic! Do you have questions about this series? Email planning@gastongov.com.
2025-06-1615 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastFun (and Safety) in the Sun!In this week's episode of the Savvy Citizen podcast, host Adam Gaub sits down with Leigh Kish of the Office of Emergency Management & Fire Services to discuss all things summer safety--from the pool and grill to those all-American summer fireworks.
2025-06-0920 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastClassy, Not TrashyKeep 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.
2025-06-0226 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastA Far-Reaching ImpactThe 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.
2025-05-2731 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastKeeping Kids Safe OnlineIn 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.
2025-05-1944 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastNothing Like a Little Free MusicWe 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.
2025-05-1225 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastWhat If? (Ag Land Edition)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.
2025-05-0536 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastMaking Mental Health Top of MindOn 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.
2025-04-2835 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastStanley's Parks and Rec ChampionTug 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.
2025-04-1430 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastSpring Events: Chalk the Walk, SpringFest, & Goat Island Games!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
2025-04-1034 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastDiving Into the Details on a Major DevelopmentJamie 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.'
2025-04-0734 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastSupport Through the Darkest of TimesFamily 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.
2025-03-3139 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastGet to Know GastonYou'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.
2025-03-2428 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastDon't Get BurnedFire 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.
2025-03-1721 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastMAXimum EffortGaston 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.
2025-03-1017 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastStep Inside the World of Planning & ZoningWe'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.
2025-03-0334 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastKnowing Your NumbersThere'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.
2025-02-2449 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastHoop DreamsBessemer 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.
2025-02-1730 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastMaking The BandNoah 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.
2025-02-1040 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastThe Children Are Our Future MayorsDallas 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.
2025-02-0319 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastServing Up A Unique OpportunityThe 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.
2025-01-2724 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastMaking Time Stand StillFounding 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.
2025-01-2035 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastOur Man With A PlanTransportation 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.
2025-01-1326 min
Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastBuilding For the FutureNew 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.
2025-01-0631 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastAn Opportunity Too Good To Pass UpIt'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.
2024-12-3028 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastAn Extraordinary ReachHeather 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.
2024-12-1621 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastMaking a Connection That Could Last a LifetimeGaston 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 i...2024-12-1021 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastSeeking Justice in Any LanguageGaston 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.
2024-12-0324 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastFrom Across the Globe to Gaston CountyGaston 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.
2024-11-1842 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastHiding EverywhereRegistered 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.
2024-11-1329 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastHow a Specialty Court is Helping Our VeteransSavvy 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.
2024-11-0424 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastBringing the Day of the Dead to LifeThe 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.
2024-10-2916 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastHelping Our Western NC NeighborsIn 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.
2024-10-2155 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastA Little Planning Goes A Long WayRegistered 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.
2024-10-1533 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastCotton Ginning Days: From Seed to BollGAMTRA 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.
2024-10-0717 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastHealing From a Place of Pain(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.
2024-10-0434 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastManager on a MissionMatt 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.
2024-09-3026 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastBringing Healing to a War ZoneGEMS 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.
2024-09-2327 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastOn a Mission of TrustFormer 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.
2024-09-1629 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastThree Cheers for This VolunteerVolunteer 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.
2024-09-0935 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastTruth and ConsequencesCaptain 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.
2024-09-0329 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastFighting InflammationLinda 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.
2024-08-2629 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastHe's Our 'IT' GuyEach 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.
2024-08-1925 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastBringing Hope in the Midst of ChaosBelmont 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.
2024-08-1236 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastFunds to Fight Opioids Head OnGaston 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.
2024-08-0621 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastGrowing DowntownSteve 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.
2024-08-0538 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastBONUS EPISODE: A Mile in Their ShoesPastor 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.
2024-08-0235 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastDecades of ServiceAs 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.
2024-07-2917 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastCelebrating 200 Episodes With a Look Behind the ScenesSavvy 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.
2024-07-2339 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastPutting Home Ownership Within ReachDanette 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.
2024-07-1513 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastFrom Grocery Bags to Lifesize ArtLocal 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.
2024-07-0820 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastBatter Up, Gaston County!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.
2024-07-0333 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastHappy Fiscal New Year!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.
2024-07-0133 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastA Novel ApproachLocal author Dr. Dixie Abernathy joins the show to talk about how she began her writing career, the interesting story behind her pen name, and some details of her upcoming novel. Check it out! (Get it? Like a library?)
2024-06-2434 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastStill Training for the TopGaston County native Kyndal Knight returns to the show to talk about her participation in the diving trials happening this month for the 2024 Olympic Games. She discusses her training, her backstory, and what's been happening since she last appeared on the show.
2024-06-1725 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastHeld By a SlaveJuneteenth is right around the corner, and in this week's episode we're interviewing Stella Antley, who is going to be the Grand Marshal of Gastonia's Sixth Annual Juneteenth Parade on June 15. Stella discusses her ties to a matriarch of Gaston County history--Aunt Charlotte--and her efforts to keep her memory alive and well.
2024-06-1029 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastStarted From The Bottom, Now We HereLowell City Manager Scott Attaway and Gaston County Public Safety Manager Vincent Wong were selected as two of the Top 100 local government influencers by the Emerging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) organization earlier this year. The pair talk about their passion for public service and why they'll never forget entry-level employees.
2024-06-0331 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastNothing Better Than the BluesOne of the area's most popular concert series returns -- Blues out Back. After a 6-year hiatus, Gaston County Museum of Art & History Education Manager Alex Brooks talks about what's new about the concert series, as well as some of the new performers they have on tap.
2024-05-2829 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastHello From the Great Beyond (The Dais)We crossover this week with El Paso County, Colorado's "Beyond the Dais" podcast, and its host Scott Anderson. Janet Schafer and Adam Gaub talk with Scott about local government podcasting, finding new ways to connect with residents, and why Adam's dad jokes need a bit more work.
2024-05-201h 00Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastSafe, Sound and Fun All AroundGaston County DHHS is mixing fun with some safety tips at its Keeping Families Safe Event at Dallas Park on Friday, June 7, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Listen to this week's show to learn more about what to expect, and why family safety is a major focus for DHHS.
2024-05-1317 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast'Threads' of Gaston's Past Come to LifeDrs. Sequina DuBose and Laura Waringer from the University of North Carolina Charlotte talk about their new original musical, "Threads," which is based on the life of Gaston County mill worker and activist Ella May Wiggins. The play is a work in progress, and a free table reading of the play is happening Wednesday, May 8, at the Loray Mill in Gastonia.
2024-05-0623 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastMaking it to the MountaintopAshton Lamb with the Carolina Thread Trail tells us about some exciting developments in the upcoming creation of a new trail extending to the top of Spencer Mountain that will become a part of the regional trail system.
2024-04-3027 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastTurning Over a New LeafMt. Holly is reviving its Arbor Day celebration, and Special Events and Communications Coordinator Chloe Clary talks about why this event is important to the city's identity.
2024-04-2216 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastTaking Stock of the TreesPayton Flowers with the Gaston County Cooperative Extension comes by the studio to talk about the tree inventory work being done and why its critical to the health of Gaston County's natural environment.
2024-04-1533 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastRhinos on a RollGaston College's Athletics program may still be in its infancy, but some of its teams are already playing with (and beating) the big kids. Athletics Director and Head Baseball Coach Shohn Doty talks about why the Rhinos have had so much early success and what this means for the program's future.
2024-04-0827 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastBuilding Community With BooksA brand-new independent bookstore is quickly becoming a place to build community in downtown Belmont. We take you on a tour of the Belmont Bookshop just in time for this month's Greater Charlotte Book Crawl.
2024-04-0125 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastSocial Media's Impact on TeensAfter a report in 2023 about the damage social media can cause to the mental health of teenagers, we sat down with Marissa and Autumn from the County's Teen Action Council to get their thoughts on how social media impacts their lives and the lives of their peers.
2024-03-2525 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastMaking a Mark on the Housing MarketCity of Gastonia Housing and Community Engagement Director Danette Dye talks to Savvy Citizen about the City's 3-day housing forum in April, and how they are fighting for greater equality and opportunity in the local market.
2024-03-1820 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastExcelling Behind BarsThe Gaston County Jail's educational programs and partnerships are helping those incarcerated place a focus on education to help them succeed when they return to society. Corporal Danielle Gibson talks about why she's so passionate about making the jail's education program top-notch.
2024-03-1125 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastSaving Cramerton's Historic SchoolhouseWendy Cauthen and Fred Glenn talk about the work being done to preserve the Historic Baltimore Village School in Cramerton, and why the schoolhouse has such a critical place in the history of Gaston County.
2024-03-0622 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastPairing Reading With ExerciseJuliann Lehmann with Keep Gastonia Beautiful and LaVerne Partlow with the Department of Health and Human Services talk about the grant-funded partnership to create the Storywalk experience at Rankin Lake Park.
2024-02-1918 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastBONUS EPISODE: Give it a Try!On this special bonus episode, we talk to some of the members of the Gaston County Rugby Football club about recruiting for their women's and men's teams (the Hellhounds and the Gargoyles), and why they're serious when they say "No Prior Experience Required."
2024-02-1615 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastMeeting a Special NeedBrandi Proffitt, founder of the nonprofit Buddy Break program, talks about how the organization helps provide a much-needed service to families of special needs children in our area.
2024-02-1221 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastMaking Fossils FreshThe Schiele Museum's Fossil Fair is set for this month. Learn about what makes this yearly event so special, and why you'll want to check it out -- regardless of whether you have kids in tow or not.
2024-02-0515 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastFood JediHave a passion for food and helping your community? The Master Food Volunteer Program may be for you! Linda Minges from the Gaston County Cooperative Extension talks to us about why those who participate in this program can become such a valuable asset to their community.
2024-01-2927 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastAll the World's a StageThe Little Theater of Gastonia has been around since 1950, and are still going strong. Executive Director Lauren Parker stops by to talk about some recent awards, upcoming shows, and why the Theatre means so much to Gaston County.
2024-01-2239 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastWhen a Meal Makes All the DifferenceLeigh Spach with the Backpack Weekend Food Program talks about the partnership her nonprofit has developed with local schools and how these food deliveries can be a critical lifeline for Gaston's least fortunate students.
2024-01-1520 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastECA Building Its RanksThe Gaston County Extension & Community Association is recruiting new members and it's a great way to get to know some of your fellow residents while giving back to your community. Take a dive into what they do on this week's episode of the show.
2024-01-0927 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastFilling That Volunteerism New Year’s ResolutionLucas Shires, the chair of Gaston County's Board of Adjustment, swings by the podcast studio to talk about the need to fill seats on the volunteer board and the critical need the board plays in serving as a voice for residents.
2024-01-0221 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastStarting 2024 with a BANGHosts Elizabeth McGee and Janet Schafer sit down with Charles Sisk and Rusty Wise from the Cherryville New Years Shooters to discuss how their organization is keeping alive one of the oldest traditions in Gaston County.
2023-12-2225 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastA Bunny For Your ThoughtsThere's a Gaston County nonprofit that is all about lowering stress levels and making lives better. We speak to two of the key folks behind Bunny Blessings about why something floppy and fluffy can be fabulous for your mental health.
2023-12-1829 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastBob Barker Would ApproveTerry Kenny from the Gaston Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic stops by to talk about the work their organization is doing to help control the pet population in Gaston County.
2023-12-1125 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastTo Tree or Not to Tree, That is the QuestionIt's that time of the year where Christmas trees are on full display. Payton Flowers with the Gaston County Cooperative Extension stops by to talk about why North Carolina really shines when it comes to these Christmas traditions.
2023-12-0532 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastHappy Birthday, Confluence!In this week's episode, our hosts discuss Confluence's 1-year anniversary--the past, the present, and the bright future for this gem in Cramerton.
2023-11-2829 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastGobble Without The WobbleIt's Thanksgiving Week -- but how did some of our favorite dishes end up making it on to the table? We talk to Linda Minges from the Gaston County Cooperative Extension about how what we eat on this holiday has changed over the years.
2023-11-2034 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastMaking Farmland a PriorityMembers of the Gaston County Cooperative Extension and Natural Resources Department are here to talk about updates to the Farmland Protection Plan and how that'll help farmers across our county for years to come.
2023-11-1324 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastA Look Inside the World of Foster CareGet a look inside the world of foster care with Gaston County Department of Social Services employee Seth Derner, who has experience working in the foster care system as well as being a foster care parents himself.
2023-11-0635 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastExploring One of Gaston County’s Natural WondersOn this special episode of Savvy Citizen, our team takes you on a hike at Crowder's Mountain, as our expert guides provide some history and little known information about Gaston County's most prominent natural wonder.
2023-10-3025 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastStepping in to the Light(house)Join us as we talk to two young women who interned in 2023 with the Lighthouse Children's Advocacy Center about what drew them to such important and challenging work.
2023-10-2319 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastBehind the Scenes of a Major DevelopmentWhat does it take to get a major project approved? We take you behind the scenes of the Riverbend Preserve project -- one that will transform the face of northeastern Gaston County in the coming years -- with Planning & Zoning Director Jamie Kanburoglu.
2023-10-1619 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastSavvy Citizen Turns 3 and Celebrates With Country Musician Rob WillifordIt's been three years since we launched Savvy Citizen, and we're celebrating with Country musician Rob Williford. Rob is a Gaston County native and played with Luke Combs for many years before striking out on his own earlier this year, releasing his debut solo album, 'Wildcard.' You can hear our interview with Rob here OR watch it and hear a bit of his music on our video project, Savvy Sounds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dxEhG9BndE
2023-10-1232 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastPutting GIS Day on the MapGaston County is hosting a GIS Day for the first time on November 15, and GIS analyst Naomi Paul stops by to talk about why the event will be both fun and informative (and attract geocaching buffs as well).
2023-10-0926 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastBONUS EPISODE: A Thread of Unbelievable StrengthIt's Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Gaston County has critical resources available to anyone who needs them. Also, the Threads of Hope fundraiser is just around the corner, and its a great way for everyone in the community to help support survivors of domestic violence, child and elder abuse.
2023-10-0633 minSavvy Citizen: A Gaston County PodcastScaring Up Some FunIt's one of our favorite episodes of the year -- our Halloween Spooktacular! Members of the Dallas Branch Library talk about some unexplained happenings and Alex Brooks from the Gaston County Museum of Art & History joins us to talk about the return of paranormal walking tours later this month.
2023-10-0236 min