Gaston's Great

 This week on Gaston’s Great , we’re joined by Alexandrea Pizza from the Gaston County Museum of Art & History ! 🖼️✨   Dive into Gaston County’s rich heritage as Alexandrea shares how the museum preserves local stories, inspires creativity, and connects our community through art and history.   🎧 Tune in now at GASTONSGREAT.COM or your favorite podcast platform! #GastonsGreat #GastonCounty #L...

💜 Episode Summary: In this heartwarming episode of Gaston’s Great Podcast , we sit down with Jeff Thomas, the incredible leader of Rice N Beans Gastonia — an organization dedicated to providing hot meals, clothing, and personal care items to men, women, and children experiencing homelessness throughout Charlotte, Gastonia, Rock Hill, Wilmington, and Monroe. 💜 Tune in as we explore: 🍚 The inspir...

This week, Steven sits down with Dixie Abernathy & Jeff Ramsey for a candid conversation about serving Gaston County—showing up for people, building community, and staying grounded through it all. You’ll hear practical wisdom, heartfelt stories, and the kind of encouragement that reminds us why Gaston County is such a special place to live and work. In this episode: The “why” behind Dixie &amp...

In this inspiring episode of Gaston’s Great , we sit down with Amia Massey — HR Director for Gaston County and Chair of the Advisory board for Gaston Together. Amia shares her journey of leadership, faith, and family, reminding us that “God’s promises are yes and amen” and encouraging us to “do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.” 🙌 From personal stories about her son to her leade...

On this week’s episode of Gaston's Great, we’re thrilled to welcome Jeannine Beert, the passionate leader of Hearts 2 Home . 💜🏡 WATCH THIS EPISODE NOW ON YOUTUBE Hearts 2 Home is more than just a name — it’s a mission to bring comfort, care, and a sense of belonging to people who need it most. From providing essentials to lifting spirits, Jeannine and her team are pouring love into every pr...

This week on Gaston's Great , we sit down with John Forgan , who shares his incredible journey from the steel and foundries of Cleveland to the textiles, farms, and chicken coops of Gaston County. 🏭➡️🐓 John reflects on what it was like stepping into a whole new culture, learning an entirely different kind of business portfolio, and discovering that success comes down to one thing: adapting...

In this episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Sandi McCarter , a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones who found her true calling right here in Gaston County. Sandi opens up about her unique career journey — from starting out in social work to realizing her passion for helping people could be fulfilled through financial advising. She shares how her background in business ownership and he...

In this week’s episode of Gaston's Great , we’re honored to welcome Jimmy McCallister—a man whose story begins in West Virginia and unfolds into a legacy of faith-driven leadership in Belmont and Gastonia, NC. Jimmy takes us through his upbringing, the path that brought him to North Carolina, and the values that have shaped his service in the community. Whether through his career, ministry, o...

In this powerful episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Danielle Webb , CEO & Co-Founder of Displaced Roses , whose journey from surviving homelessness to leading a transformative outreach ministry is nothing short of inspiring. 🌹 Displaced Roses meets unhoused neighbors where they are—offering hot meals, hygiene services, case management, and even final respects for those who pass...

This week on Gaston’s Great , Steven sits down with longtime friend and local business leader Mike Sumner, CEO of The Sumner Group! 🌟 With nearly 40 years in business and a passion for community, Mike shares his journey in marketing, his time leading the Chamber of Commerce, and what continues to drive his creative vision in Gaston County. 💼🎉  👉 Learn more about The Sumner Group and connect wi...

This week on Gaston’s Great , Steven Long chats with hometown hero Jennifer Thomas—Market President of South State Bank and full-on Gaston County superfan! 🎉 Jen’s journey takes us from Ashbrook High to Gaston College to Belmont Abbey, and now she’s making major moves in local banking. 💼✨ Hear how her Gaston roots shaped her path, why she’s passionate about people, and how she’s helping our com...

This 4th of July, Gaston’s Great is lighting up the airwaves with something truly patriotic. Steven brings the Declaration of Independence to life in a powerful reading of the document that sparked a revolution and forever changed history. Celebrate freedom, courage, and the American spirit—tune in while the grills are sizzling and the fireworks are flying! 🎆🗽  #IndependenceDay #4thOfJuly #Decla...

 In this special Independence Day episode of Gaston's Great, we're celebrating the spirit of freedom and patriotism with a reading of the Declaration of Independence by our very own Steven. Join us as we take a journey back to 1776, honoring the courageous visionaries who laid the foundation for the United States of America.  Tune in, share with friends and family, and let's celebra...

This week on Gaston’s Great, we’re joined by Greg Dills—CEO of Page Power Systems, co-president of the Rotary Club, and one of Gaston County’s most respected leaders. But before all that? He was just Steven’s elementary school friend. 💼 Tune in as they talk about Greg’s journey in business, leadership, and community service, plus a few laughs and memories from growing up together in Gastonia. It’...

On this episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Steve D'Avria, Senior Vice President of the Gaston Business Association. From his early days at the Gaston County YMCA to leading initiatives in operations, communications, and downtown development, Steve shares his passion for strengthening our local business community. We dive into the evolution of downtown Gastonia, the importance o...

This week on Gaston’s Great , we welcome Adrien Sanders, the Recovery Court Coordinator for Gaston County, whose mission goes far beyond the legal system. Adrien speaks with clarity, compassion, and conviction about the need to see individuals in recovery not as former addicts, but as people — human beings worthy of dignity, belonging, and hope. In a society that too often defines others by their...

This is a re-release of episode 128! In this episode, we sit down with Susanna Kavanaugh, Executive Director of Least of These Carolinas, a nonprofit making a powerful impact in the lives of foster children and families. Susanna shares the heart behind the organization, the real-life needs they meet daily, and their vision for the future. Whether you're passionate about child advocacy, lookin...

In this week’s episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Andrea Stephens, a powerful force for good and a standout leader in Gaston County. 💪✨ As a key part of United Way of Gaston County, Andrea shares her journey—how she got started, what fuels her passion, and the leadership lessons she's learned along the way. From personal stories to community insight, Andrea offers inspiration...

In this inspiring episode of Gaston's Great , we sit down with Carenda Deonne—Christian motivational speaker, author, and founder of Stress Easy LLC. Carenda shares her powerful S.M.I.L.E. Method (Sleep, Meditation, Inventory, Laughter, Education), helping listeners reduce stress, build emotional resilience, and grow in personal leadership. WATCH NOW She also dives into what it means to lead...

Join us this week as we sit down with Jessica and Stephanie from the Gaston Arts Council to explore the vibrant arts scene in Gaston County. Discover how the Council has been a cornerstone for local artists and cultural initiatives since 1979, fostering creativity and community engagement. Learn about their ongoing programs, upcoming events, and how they're nurturing local talent to enrich ou...

This week on Gaston's Great , we sit down with retired Gaston County Chief of Police, Joseph Ramey , to talk about his inspiring journey in law enforcement and beyond. With decades of experience, Chief Ramey shares invaluable leadership lessons, the importance of community partnerships, and the wisdom he’d pass on to his 20-year-old self. WATCH NOW We explore the legacy he's built throug...

🎥 Watch Now on YouTube: https://youtu.be/elsV6u80aXk In this episode of Gaston's Great , we’re joined by Dr. Brian Wysong , co-owner of Gaston Family Practice , a trusted local healthcare provider in Gaston County. Brian shares how his passion for people and community inspired him to open a family medical practice rooted in care, compassion, and connection.  Whether you’re interested in lead...

 🐕‍🦺 In this episode , we chat with Walter J. Hart, founder of Canine Companions Ltd, about the incredible ways service dogs are transforming lives! From helping veterans with PTSD to expanding therapy dog programs in Gastonia, Walter shares heartwarming stories and the mission behind his organization. 🎖️🐾 Whether you're a dog lover or just love hearing about lives being changed, this epis...

🌟 This week on Gaston's Great , we're thrilled to welcome Darlene Norton, the inspiring Executive Director of Gaston Residential Services (GRS)! 🏠💪 GRS is making a difference by empowering individuals with developmental and other disabilities to live fulfilling lives as respected members of our community. 🌈👏 From residential supports to employment services, Darlene shares how GRS is...

This week on Gaston's Great , we’re joined by Garrison Batchelor, Stormwater Administrator for the Town of Dallas, NC! 🌟 Garrison explains how the Stormwater Department works to comply with the Clean Water Act, ensuring our local streams, creeks, and rivers stay free from harmful pollutants. 🏞️ Discover their efforts to educate citizens, businesses, and school-aged children about stormwater...