Jeremy

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

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

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

Did you know that when you hear “Farm Bureau,” there’s so much more happening than just insurance? Today, we’re talking with Melanie Avery, a 12-year veteran of the Jones County Farm Bureau, who reveals how this local non-profit is investing membership dollars directly back into scholarships, FFA programs, 4-H initiatives, and community events that matter most to Jones County families. Melanie shares insider details about their upcoming Field Fest – a community celebration featuring food, games, prizes every 10 minutes, and demonstrations that showcase agricultural community connection. Whether you’re a longtime resident or someone looking to get more involved locally,