March 2026 Food for Thought Newsletter
March 2026 Food for Thought Newsletter Read More »
Mary Ann LeRay shares how the Leadership Jones Grassroots Leadership Conference is bringing affordable, impactful leadership training to Jones County — just $50, March 19–20.
David Mallard talks about the New River Bridge Run, Jones County’s new fitness court, and plans for a recreation center on Filling Station Podcast #26.
Filling Station Podcast #26, February 11, 2026 – David Mallard, Jones County Recreation Read More »
Finding Their Voice: Student Leadership and the Lighthouse Program at Pollocksville Elementary In the latest episode of the Filling Station Podcast, host Mary Ann LeRay welcomes two special guests from Pollocksville Elementary School: Easton Cook, a fifth-grade student and member of the student Lighthouse team, and Megan Matticola, a first-year teacher and the school’s Lighthouse coordinator. Together, they share how the Lighthouse program is empowering students to discover their voice, develop leadership skills, and take meaningful ownership of their school community. Rooted in the Leader in Me framework and inspired by The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, the program
Filling Station Podcast #25 – Pollocksville Elementary Lighthouse Team Read More »
Marine Corps veteran Kenneth Spivey shares how leadership, service, and volunteerism shape communities in this Voices from the Filling Station podcast episode.
Filling Station Podcast #24 January 22, 2026 – Ken Spivey Read More »
New episode (#23): Mary Ann LeRay interviews Sheri Smith of Triune Holiness Church about partnership, board service, and how faith in action strengthens a community—plus Sheri’s personal connection to Journey of Hope as a two-time cancer survivor.
Filling Station Podcast #23, January 15, 2026 – Sheri Smith, Triune Holiness Church Read More »
Miracles, Not Magic: A New Year’s Message from The Filling Station
In this special New Year’s episode of The Filling Station Podcast, host Mary Ann LeRay reflects on the close of 2025 and looks ahead to what’s coming in 2026 for The Filling Station and the Jones County community. Mary Ann shares a powerful recap of November and December 2025 – a season that saw the food pantry serve more than 1,658 households while volunteers contributed 956 hours of service in just six weeks. From food assistance to leadership development, amateur radio education, holiday outreach, and nutrition programs, the episode […]
Filling Station Podcast #22 January 8, 2026 – Mary Ann LeRay Read More »
Serving those who served In this newest episode, host Mary Ann LeRay sits down with Nicole Jenkins, Veteran Service Officer, and Chad Day, Veteran Services Driver, to explore the vital work happening through Jones County Veteran Services. With roughly 10% of Jones County’s population being veterans—and even more when you include their families, spouses, and caretakers—this office serves as a critical bridge between our local heroes and the resources they’ve earned. Nicole and Chad shine a light on what makes Jones County’s approach unique, particularly in our rural setting. The transportation program, born from recognizing that veterans were missing crucial
Filling Station Podcast #21 December 11, 2025 – Jones County Veteran Services Read More »