Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

Gaston County saw five residents -- two teens and three senior citizens -- recognized in 2026 with the Governor's Volunteer Service Awards. We spoke with some of the winners about what motivates them to give back to their communities and the projects they're passionate about. 

After serving nearly 1,500 students its first year, the Ready, Set, Grow event returns on August 1 for Year 2, bringing together local nonprofits, businesses and county government departments to provide back-to-school supplies and resources for those in need. 

Summer typically is a time of excitement for children, without classes and homework. But for those that are dealing with hunger, it can be a time of dread. On this month's Savvier Citizen, we dive into how different government agencies and local nonprofits are helping keep our children fed, and why this is more of a widespread issue than many people may be aware of. 

In this episode, Gaston County Museum Curator Alicyn Wiedrich joins hosts Elizabeth McGee and Adam Gaub to discuss a big new exhibit coming to the museum this summer. The Many Unheard Voices is a community-curated exhibit about the African American community in Gaston County, focusing primarily on the 1870s through the 1970s.

They're generating buzz all over the country: Data centers. While Gaston County doesn't have one, our Planned Party team of Jamie and Peyton break down the different rules and regulations that surround this type of industry, as well as some of the most frequently asked questions. 

Belmont resident Ashley Manley never anticipated becoming a published author. Or that once she'd written one book that she'd have more (much more) to say. On this week's Savvy Citizen, this women's fiction/romance author talks about her journey and her latest book, The History Between, ahead of a free meet-the-author event on June 30 at the Gaston County Public Library. Gaston Speaks co-host Kendall Ramsey joins as a special guest host. 

In our annual county budget episode, Financial & Management Services Director Scott Attaway, Budget Director Taylor Ricci, and Budget Coordinator (and Savvy Citizen Co-Host) Elizabeth McGee go in depth on the months-long budget process, with a highlight on how the county's updated strategic plan helped guide the process. 

In this episode, host Adam Gaub sits down with Gaston Arts Council Interim Executive Director Steph Newman to discuss an event called ArtsGaston Showcase, which is all about celebrating the creativity we have here in Gaston County.
 
https://gastonarts.org/artsgaston-showcase/

Melinda Suddes and Melissa Humbert from the Major William Chronicle Daughters of the American Revolution Chapter tell us about a special mural to be unveiled this week, with a focus on our local heroes from the American Revolution. 

Gaston College's softball team returns to the National Junior College Athletic Association's World Series for the third time in four years. Head coach Mike Steuerwald, outfielder Mary Hinson and pitcher Aidan Ledbetter talk with Savvy Citizen about the program's success, and this week's push for a national title.