YOUR MONTHLY NEWS & UPDATES | |
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It's a Celebration: Women's History Month
Meet Some of Gastonia's Leading Women
Keep Gastonia Beautiful Wins National Award
Employee Appreciation Day
AND MUCH MORE!
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Employee Appreciation Day is March 3rd | |
Thank you, City of Gastonia employees for all that you do! | |
Celebrating Women's History Month 2023 | |
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March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements of women throughout history. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter issued a presidential proclamation declaring the week of March 8 as National Women's History Week. This week was expanded to a month-long celebration by Congress in 1987.
Women's History Month serves as a reminder of the struggles and achievements of women throughout history, and the ongoing fight for gender equality. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on several City of Gastonia employees who have helped the City progress. Up first, we'll get a glimpse of how several women with 20+ years of service got their start, advice they'd give to women, those who inspired them and what WHM means to them. Then we'll highlight some WHM facts and more women of impact who bring a strong sense of pride for what they do here in Gastonia.
Finally, throughout the month of March on our social media platforms, we'll highlight some additional women who help make Gastonia a great place to be. We hope you will join us in publicly celebrating the rich history of these women and their contributions to Gastonia.
Be sure to connect with the City at the links below:
Facebook: @CityofGastonia
Instagram: @Gastonia_NC
Twitter: @CityofGastonia
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Cindy Forrester, Division Manager Fleet Services - City News Source | I’ve been with the city for over 28 years now. I started in engineering as an office assistant. I was a college student who didn’t intend to stay with the city, but as opportunities came about I found myself enjoying what I did. I’m currently over garage which repairs city... | | | |
Danette Dye, Director of Housing & Community Engagement | Initially I started out in record keeping at the police department, working several positions there for 10 years. Later on I took an administrative position that opened in the Community Improvement department. After joining this department, I found the love for housing... | | | |
Judy Smith, Director of Human Resources - City News Source | I was only 18 years old fresh out of high school when I began a career with the City of Gastonia. I'm more of a behind the scenes person, but I wanted to see how I could have impact to help others to stay in the community. I found a position with the city through... | | | |
Kristy R. Crisp, Director of Economic Development | After receiving my bachelor's degree in biology and chemistry from UNC-Chapel Hill, I honestly had no idea of what I wanted to do. Taking my mother's suggestion, I became a teacher at Hunter Huss for two years after graduating. During the summer months I... | | | |
Melody Braddy, Assistant City Manager | Born and raised here in Gaston County, I've worked for the City of Gastonia for almost 33 years. I started my career in the Financial Services Department working in Payroll. This was after graduating Belmont-Abbey College with a bachelor's degree in Accounting. After a... | | | |
Stephanie Scheringer, Division Manager Wastewater Treatment | I was a Lab Technician for a local industry that was one of Gastonia's major wastewater customers. Since the City's Wastewater Treatment Division regulates major customers, my supervisor had regular contact with City staff. The industry had a layoff and my supervisor... | | | |
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The City employs 205 females and 716 males. Mostly males work in the Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works, and Public Utilities.
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Just over half of Gastonia’s residents, 52.8%, are female. That’s according to the 2020 Census.
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Equal Pay Day in the U.S. is March 14, 2023. It symbolizes how far into the year the average American woman has to work to be paid what a man was paid the previous year. On average, women are paid 82 cents for every dollar paid to men with the same skills and training doing the same job.
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Ella May Wiggins was a labor activist and songwriter who worked in the textile mills of Gastonia in the 1920s. She was a member of the National Textile Workers' Union and wrote songs about the struggles of working-class people. She was killed during a strike in 1929, but her legacy lives on as a symbol of the fight for workers' rights. Check out the video below to learn more about Ella May Wiggins.
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The National Women’s History Alliance, which spearheaded the movement for March being declared National Women’s History Month, has announced the women’s history theme for 2023, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”
Let's take a moment to recognize Gastonia's very own story teller!
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Mary Elliott, Director of Communications & Marketing
How I Began my Career in Public Service
After relocating to North Carolina, I feel like my current position found me because I've always had a passion for public relations. I started my career as an intern in the Public Relations department at the University of Detroit, and realized I wanted a career based in community affairs. My communications career span has involved several different industries including broadcast media, healthcare, higher education, and now city government. The common denominator was my ability to mediate and help foster dialogue for others.
Earliest Memory of Women’s History Month
I remember having to do a book report in junior high school and I decided to read about Barbara Jordan. She was the first black woman elected to the Texas Senate and first Southern black woman elected to congress. Reading about her inspired me to become whatever I wanted to be.
Women who Inspired Me
My mother set the tone for me to be stellar at whatever it is I do. She was very creative in the home and engrained in me to help others be stellar as well.
My Advice to Women looking to work in Marketing & Communications
Be stellar at whatever you do. Also, understand your limitations and take time for work-life balance. Also, use technology to help balance your workload.
Why Women’s History Month Should Be Recognized
I think it’s important to recognize how women think in the age of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Women can bring leadership styles that may be different from the norm.
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City Receives Keep America Beautiful
Innovation Award
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PHOTO: Juliann Lehman (center), Keep Gastonia Beautiful Administrator and Julie Heath (left), Keep Gastonia Beautiful Special Projects Coordinator, receive the Keep America Beautiful Innovation Award from Jennifer Lawson, Keep America Beautiful President & CEO (right). | |
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The City of Gastonia’s Keep Gastonia Beautiful program received an Innovation Award from Keep America Beautiful at its national conference in Washington, D.C. on February 22.
Gastonia’s program is one of nine awards recognized this year. The project is intended to creatively educate the community about the importance of bees and pollinators through public art.
“To have this project recognized on a national level by Keep America Beautiful was such an honor. We are excited to share why Gastonia is such a “Great Place to Bee” with citizens and visitors to our downtown,” said Juliann Lehman, Keep Gastonia Beautiful Administrator. "Being able to combine art and recycling into the project really allowed us to showcase our mission in a meaningful way.”
Read more about this prestigious award HERE. Congratulations Juliann & Julie and CHEERS to making more history!
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This month's featured employees are being recognized for Women's History Month. | |
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Allison Brockman, Division Manager Solid Waste
I’ve worked in solid waste for 13 years, beginning in Greenville, SC. I was thankful to have a mentor named Mildred with a similar background in solid waste services who helped me along my path. She gave me the courage to believe a woman could become a leader in public service. Since then I pursued a career path as a leader and I’m thankful to have been here with Gastonia almost 2 years now. Besides helping to lead 53 employees who handle solid waste services, I also help review city plans to ensure we are able to provide services to new residents.
I remember about 10 years ago while traveling with my daughter to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side, at the customs stop in Ontario they were having a parade in celebration about Women’s History Month. They were celebrating women like Sojourner Truth. That was my first encounter with seeing Women’s History Month celebrated on a large scale. Today, I think of Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Barbara Walters when it comes to Women’s History.
Read more HERE.
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Crystal Certain, Director Financial Services
I was born and raised in Gastonia, so coming from a mill family and city, working in city government was considered a stable job. I started my career in government as a deputy tax collector for Gaston County over 18 years ago. I have served as a delinquent tax collector, an admin assistant, a finance officer, a city clerk, and town administrator. Being exposed to these various areas of local government helped me realize that I like the area of finance the most and then decided to seek the additional certifications and knowledge to focus on this area. I then went on to serve as the finance director for a period of years. I joined the City of Gastonia about five years ago as the Director of Finance. I’m responsible for all financial decisions made within the city. The areas covered by Finance are accounting, budget, and revenue administration. This covers payments made for utilities, payroll, warehouse purchasing at the garage, and meter readers are all covered by Finance.
I think Women’s History should be celebrated more often. Women bring a unique perspective to the table.
Read more HERE.
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Praise for Solid Waste Truck Operators | |
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Praises can come in many forms and serve as reminder that we may not truly understand how our work impacts others in a positive way. Our Solid Waste Division was just reminded of how trash collection can be a favorite weekly event for some residents.
A young Gastonia resident named Deklan stands in fascination every Friday when the city garbage truck that comes by to pick up. Deklan's mother, Brittany James, recently sent a touching email to Wesley Mauney, praising Solid Waste crews for their work. She thanked Mauney for sending Deklan a toy truck and a card so they could set up a tour. See just how excited Deklan is about city garbage trucks in the email message below:
Hi there! My name is Brittany James. I am Deklan’s mom. Justin Vrla reached out to you about a little boy who had an obsession with garbage trucks. He’s three years old and loves everything garbage/recycling related! We live on N New Hope rd and trash day is his favorite day of the week! Every Friday he wakes up and opens the curtains and pulls up the shades and waits for the City of Gastonia trash truck to make its way down our street. Then he tells the truck driver how to do his job “get your grabber arm! Pick it up and dump it out! Get my trash can!” He says. Sometimes, we even go out on the porch and watch them. One time the friendly garbage man even honked the horn at him! After the initial shock, it made his day! He turned three in January and I had the brilliant idea to call and ask for a garbage truck tour since we don’t typically do birthday parties in our family, but I chickened out because I was afraid that I would get a firm “ABSOLUTELY NOT!” and I didn’t want to hear it. 😂😂 so I opted for a small get together with friends and a visit to a farm instead. We also got him tickets to see Blippi in March, but he’s only his second favorite to garbage trucks. I understand there are safety and insurance concerns when it comes to children being around heavy machinery, but even if I could just bring him out to greet the garbage man one day without them thinking I’ve lost my mind it would be so special. If not, we are completely content with watching them from the porch as he yells and tells them what to do. 😂😂😂 thank you for the special gift to add to his growing collection and thank you so much for all that you do for our community. It’s a stinky job, but somebody’s gotta do it.
Thanks,
Brittany James
Special thanks to Justin Vrla and Wesley Mauney for introducing us to our new friend Deklan. A huge THANK YOU goes to the crews at Solid Waste for all you do to serve our communities!
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Recent Promotions
Congratulations on your new roles!
See the list HERE.
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Service Anniversaries
Each month, we recognize the City employees who have completed
1, 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 years or more of service.
See the list HERE.
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Recent Retirements
Douglas Barker, Treatment Plant Supervisor
at Water & Sewer/Wastewater Treatment
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March Birthdays
These City employees are celebrating
a birthday this month!
Which zodiac sign are you?
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Diversity Training Sessions Available in March | |
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion training sessions are available during the month of March and June.
While the Cultural Competence in The Workplace session for March 22 is full, there is still some capacity left for March 24 Nondiscrimination & Title VI Compliance.
There is also availability for 'Disability Awareness' being held on June 8. Each employee should attend two of the three trainings offered by the end of the fiscal year (June 30).
For a full list of all available trainings visit Citynet.cityofgastonia.com. To sign up visit this LINK.
For more information on all things DEI, please contact:
Cherie Jzar
DEI Coordinator, City Manager's Office
(704) 866-6705
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CEC Vision Benefit: to all employees who are enrolled in our Vision plan… have you used your plan year allowance? Now is the time to schedule your eye doctor appointment if you haven’t!
Enrolled participants receive a $220 plan year allowance, which can be used for frames, lenses, contact lenses/lens enhancements, even non-prescription sunglasses! The $220 plan year allowance is available to participants in BOTH the base Eyewear Plan as well as the Comprehensive Plan.
For more information please contact
Teddi Daniels, Benefits Administrator
teddid@cityofgastonia.com /
direct dial 704.866.6861
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Optimum Result Fitness is giving City of Gastonia employees 30% off their Premier and Elite packages!
Are you looking for personal training, accountability check ins, group fitness classes and a great atmosphere to exercise?
Optimum Results Fitness has what you are looking for at a 30% DISCOUNT!! See the flyer with all the information and prices!
Premier Package: $41.30 per month
Elite Package: $83.33 per month
Stop in for a tour of the facility and get more info.
Location: 3372 Robinwood Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054
Phone: 704-215-6706
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2023 Annual Biometric Screening:
The 2023 annual health screens will be held on March 14 – April 6. All screenings will be held at the Erwin Center again this year. You will schedule your biometric screening appointment electronically after you complete the online questionnaire.
***If you are pregnant – you should complete the online assessment. Do not schedule a biometric screening appointment, but instead email me and let me know.
Go to https://www.mypathwaytohealth.com/ to log in or register your account – then complete the online health assessment and schedule your biometric screening.
There are TWO sets of instructions:
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Employees who screened last year: See instructions HERE.
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New Employees or those who did NOT screen last year: See instructions HERE.
Need Help? If you cannot get logged in – Please call or email:
Orthus Health
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More info about the health screenings or Wellness programs contact:
Wanda Flowers, MSM, CPT - Wellness Coordinator
Email: WandaF@cityofgastonia.com
Office Phone: 704-869-7857
Cell Phone: 704-616-2044
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Great American Cleanup
- Kickoff on weeks of April 17th & 24th
- Department teams and residents will clean up litter from trails, streams and neighborhoods.
- Pizza will be provided for team with most trash collected
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Email Juliann Lehman for a litter cleanup kit
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Friday Night Lights
- Fridays at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Schiele Museum
- Enjoy special evening presentations in the James H. Lynn Planetarium! A different program is presented each Friday night through April, ranging from live shows about the local night sky to feature presentations. Perfect for a night out with friends, a date under the stars, or a fun family experience.
- $8 per person
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Black Gold Sales
- Ground compost made from leaves collected at Gastonia residences and City properties
- March 31 and April 1
- April 14 and 15
- April 21 and 22
- April 28 and 29
- Fridays 1 to 5 p.m.
- Saturdays 8 a.m. to noon
- 3176 Duke Street
- $15 per scoop
- Proceeds benefit Keep Gastonia Beautiful
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Leprechaun Trek
- Saturday, March 18
- 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m.
- Schiele Museum
- Help find Patrick the Leprechaun’s pot of gold! Explore rainbows, meet the creature St. Patrick drove from Ireland and more during this scavenger hunt.
- For ages 2 through 7
- $5 per person and includes admission to The Farm
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Gaston MAX
- Multicultural Arts Xperience
- Saturday, March 25
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Rotary Pavilion
- Showcase artists, authors and entertainers
- Celebrate the wide variety of cultures in Gaston County
- Vendors and food trucks on site
- Co-sponsored by the City of Gastonia, Gaston County, Gaston County Public Library and Friends of the Gaston County Public Library
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Farm Babies
- Saturday, April 8
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Schiele Museum
- Celebrate the arrival of spring with a meet-and-greet featuring live farm animals! Guest baby animals will join resident pigs, sheep, goats, cows, and more on The Farm.
- Kids can enjoy an egg-themed scavenger hunt and hands-on learning activities. The Nature Trail, playground, and life-size mazes will be open for fun and exploration.
- $6 Museum Members ages 1 and up / $ 8 Non-Members ages 1 and up
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Easter Egg Hunt
- Wednesday, March 29
- 6:00 p.m.
- Martha Rivers Park soccer fields
- 1515 Neal Hawkins Rd.
- For kids 12 and younger
- Hunts are organized by age group
- Sponsored by City Parks and Recreation
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Spring begins Sunday, March 20. And we spring forward this month. Set your clocks ahead one hour the night of March 11. Daylight Saving Time begins on March 12. | | | | |
