Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

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. 

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.

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.