Savvy Citizen: A Gaston County Podcast

(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.