Jeremy

Filling Station Podcast #20 November 6, 2025 – Jeff Mallard, Pollocksville Rotary Club President

In this episode of The Filling Station Podcast, host Mary Ann LeRay sits down with Jeff Mallard, president of the Pollocksville Rotary Club, to talk about community, service, and the magic of small-town Christmas. Jeff shares his journey from growing up in Pollocksville, to a career that took him across the South and overseas to Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey—before eventually bringing him right back home to Pollocksville. Now retired, he’s investing his time and energy into Rotary and the town that shaped him. The conversation centers on Christmas on Main, a beloved community event held on December 6, featuring […]

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Amateur Radio Operators to Receive National Traffic System Training at The Filling Station

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Amateur Radio Operators to Receive National Traffic System Training at The Filling Station POLLOCKSVILLE, NC – The Filling Station in Pollocksville will host a comprehensive Traffic Handling Seminar on November 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., offering essential training for amateur radio operators interested in public service communications and emergency message handling. John Riley, KO4OFO, NC Section Net Control Station, will lead the formal training session focused on National Traffic System formats and procedures. The three-hour seminar will concentrate on proper techniques for on-air message handling during public service events and emergency situations, with practical

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Filling Station Podcast #19 October 27, 2025 – Mary Ann LeRay

Community Updates with Mary Ann LeRay — What’s New at The Filling Station Introduction:In this special update episode of The Filling Station Podcast, host Mary Ann LeRay shares the latest happenings, events, and initiatives taking place at The Filling Station in Jones County. From a new Blue Cross Blue Shield–funded check-in system at the food pantry to major upcoming events like Jones County: A Perfect 10, the Veterans Luncheon, and Leadership Jones Cohort 6 Graduation, Mary Ann walks listeners through a season filled with gratitude, celebration, and community connection. Listeners will also hear about upcoming holiday programs, including Christmas on

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Filling Station Podcast #18 October 23, 2025 – Schumata Brown, Town Manager, Maysville, NC

In this episode of The Filling Station Podcast, host Mary Ann LeRay welcomes Schumata Brown, Town Manager of Maysville, NC — a lifelong resident and servant-leader who’s helping shape the future of his hometown through faith, transparency, and collaboration. Schumata reflects on how Maysville’s 13 churches form the heartbeat of community life, offering strength, hope, and unity even when other resources are limited. He shares his journey from growing up in local congregations to serving as commissioner and town manager, and how faith and discipline continue to guide his leadership today. Their conversation highlights the power of community engagement, the

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Filling Station Podcast #17 October 16, 2025 – Karen Plaster

In this new episode of The Filling Station Podcast, host Mary Ann LeRay welcomes Karen Plaster, a creative force and community leader whose vision helped shape one of Jones County’s most cherished traditions — A Perfect 10 Jones County. Karen shares the story of how a simple idea, born in her garden, grew into a community-wide celebration that showcases the beauty, generosity, and resilience of rural North Carolina. From the event’s early days along Ten Mile Fork Road to its new home on The Filling Station campus, “A Perfect 10” has become both a fundraiser and a homecoming — a

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Filling Station Podcast #16 October 9, 2025 – Renee Sutton, Retired

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Renee Sutton, founding board member of the Filling Station, as she shares the remarkable story of how our community came together to bridge service gaps in Jones County. In this heartfelt discussion with host Mary Ann LeRay, recorded at the Filling Station as we celebrate our eighth anniversary, Renee reflects on the organization’s journey from those first Sunday afternoon meetings in 2017 to becoming a vital community hub—especially during the challenges of Hurricane Florence. Discover how strategic partnerships with local churches and organizations have maximized resources without duplicating services, and hear about the

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Filling Station Podcast #15 September 2, 2025 – Zack Koonce, Zaks of Mallardtown

What does it take to build a legacy of service, resilience, and deep community pride? In this episode of the Filling Station Podcast, host Mary Ann LeRay sits down with Zack Koonce, a founding board member of The Filling Station, lifelong Jones County resident, and owner of the beloved family store, Zaks of Mallardtown. Together, they reflect on the organization’s eighth anniversary and the powerful role it has played in strengthening the county through challenges and celebrations alike. Zack shares how his family’s history in Jones County stretches back to the 1700s, his leadership during the early years of The

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Filling Station Podcast #14 August 28, 2025 – Jacob Morgan, NC Cooperative Extension

In this episode of The Filling Station Podcast, host Mary Ann LeRay welcomes Jacob Morgan, executive director of NC Carolina Cooperative Extension – Jones County Center, for a conversation about the upcoming Jones County Heritage Festival. Together, they highlight the festival’s exciting lineup—from parades, pageants, and car shows to unique competitions like the Toast Chee eating contest—while also exploring the important role of the extension office in community education and the creation of the Filling Station’s teaching kitchen. It’s a lively look at how local partnerships and traditions come together to celebrate Jones County’s heritage and strengthen community ties.

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