Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

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The Gaston County team of Adam Gaub, Janet Schafer, Elizabeth McGee and Gavin Stewart host Savvy Citizen -- taking you behind the scenes on issues that matter to you as a Gaston County resident. New episodes drop every Monday.

  1. New Leaders, Same Mission

    DEC 15

    New Leaders, Same Mission

    The Gaston Community Foundation transitioned to a new president and executive vice president this year -- though not ones new to the organization. Richard Rankin and Elizabeth Patton talk to us about GCF's continued mission and the work they've done to strengthen Gaston County over the years.

    30 min
  2. Giving Voice to Gaston County's Labor Rights Struggle

    DEC 8

    Giving Voice to Gaston County's Labor Rights Struggle

    Dr. Sequina DuBose and Dr. Laura Hope-London are taking the Loray Mill strike of the 1920s and its most famous participant, Ella May Wiggins, and breathing new life into that history through a musical called Threads. They speak with our Elizabeth McGee and Janet Schafer about the work that has gone into this production and a special panel discussion happening on Dec. 11 at UNC Charlotte.

    31 min
  3. Lighting the Night, Safely

    DEC 1

    Lighting the Night, Safely

    After a break for the Thanksgiving holiday, we're back to talk about... well, the holidays. Specifically, those fancy Christmas light displays. Leigh Kish from our Office of Emergency Management and Fire Services has tips on how to keep you and your family safe while spreading that festive cheer.

    22 min

  4. NOV 17

    Preserving Our Past

    With the help of the Planning & Zoning Department's Shelby Barkley and the Tax Office's Katie Self, Jamie and Peyton take us inside the world of historical preservation in Gaston County: What qualifies and what steps are involved to save an important piece of local history.

    24 min
  5. Gaston County's Employment Matchmakers

    NOV 10

    Gaston County's Employment Matchmakers

    Gaston County's NC Works Career Center has a new home inside Loray Mill. We take you inside their offices for an up-close look at the services they provide to Gaston County jobseekers and employers.

    27 min
  6. BONUS: Gabby Petito's Parents' Mission to Prevent Domestic Violence

    NOV 6 · BONUS

    BONUS: Gabby Petito's Parents' Mission to Prevent Domestic Violence

    Nichole and Jim Schmidt, the mother and stepfather of Gabby Petito, join us on the pod ahead of their keynote address at the 2025 Threads of Hope fundraiser. Joined by Gaston County District Attorney Travis Page, we discuss the work of the Gabby Petitio Foundation, new legislation to prevent domestic violence, and the positive outcomes from the Schmidts' advocacy and training efforts.  Gabby Petito was tragically killed while on a road trip in 2021. Her story is the center of the Netflix documentary series, "American Murder: Gabby Petito," which premiered earlier this year.  Threads of Hope is an annual fundraiser supporting Hope United Survivor Network, which supports survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, elder abuse, and child abuse.  Free domestic violence bystander training (virtual) featuring Nichole & Jim Schmidt on Nov. 13, 2025: https://www.purpleone.org/trainings Learn more about the Gabby Petitio Foundation: https://gabbypetitofoundation.org/ Get involved with Hope United Survivor Network: https://hopeunitedgaston.com/

    48 min
  7. Authors and Singers and Poets, Oh My!

    NOV 3

    Authors and Singers and Poets, Oh My!

    Writers of every form will be on hand at the first annual Gaston Writers Expo on Saturday, November 8, at the Gaston County Public Library. Event organizer Bree Thurman and featured guests Dwayne Burks and Beth Gatlin talk about the inspiration they hope this event provides for others.

    28 min
  8. The Time is Now

    OCT 31 · BONUS

    The Time is Now

    Gaston Cares -- one of five teams part of the One Gaston 2040 Initiative -- has been tackling issues of food insecurity over the last two years. But with a possible delay in SNAP benefits for more than 36,000 residents less than 24 hours away, this group is helping rally the community to support our neighbors in need. Want to learn more? Email Regina Knox at Gaston County Public Health at Regina.Knox@GastonGov.com.

    32 min
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The Gaston County team of Adam Gaub, Janet Schafer, Elizabeth McGee and Gavin Stewart host Savvy Citizen -- taking you behind the scenes on issues that matter to you as a Gaston County resident. New episodes drop every Monday.

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