Jeremy

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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Filling Station Podcast #13 August 21, 2025 – Kirk Ronzheimer with The Epiphany School

Twenty-two years of overseas missionary work doesn’t just change where you serve—it transforms how you see service itself. In Episode #13 of the Filling Station Podcast, discover how one chaplain’s global perspective is revolutionizing local education and creating measurable community impact. This isn’t just another feel-good story about volunteering—it’s a blueprint for an authentic partnership that has generated over $50,000 in documented community value. Host Mary Ann LeRay welcomes Kirk Ronzheimer, Chaplain at Epiphany School of Global Studies, for a conversation about their remarkable five-year partnership. From “Odyssey Days” that launch each school year with purposeful service, to seniors dedicating

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Win a Gourmet Dinner for 10 – The Perfect 10 Raffle is Back!

The Filling Station is excited to announce the return of our “Jones County – A Perfect 10” Raffle! This year’s grand prize is an unforgettable dining experience for you and nine of your guests — a five-course Prime Rib and Shrimp & Grits dinner, prepared and served by The Filling Station Board of Directors. Tickets are just $10 each or 5 for $40, giving you multiple chances to win this incredible evening of food, fellowship, and community celebration. Proceeds from the raffle directly benefit The Filling Station’s programs, helping us continue our mission to fill unmet needs in Nutrition, Education,

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Filling Station Podcast #12 July 31, 2025 – Melanie Avery with Farm Bureau

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,

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Filling Station Podcast #11 July 24, 2025 – Holly Williford with Girl Scouts

In the next episode of The Filling Station podcast, we delve into the remarkable five-year partnership that’s revolutionizing back-to-school support in Jones County, North Carolina. Join host Mary Ann as she sits down with Holly Williford, a dynamic Girl Scouts staff member whose passion for community connection has helped create something truly special. You’ll discover how Girl Scouts is breaking down barriers by bringing programming directly into schools, serving 80+ students during the school day, and how a simple conversation about a whiteboard sparked the creation of the now-legendary Jones County Back to School Bash. Holly shares her journey from

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Filling Station Podcast #10 June 26, 2025 – Souleymane ‘Solo’ Sana

Join Mary Ann and Malian dance instructor, Soleymane ‘Solo’ Sana, as they discuss bringing cultural connection and joy to Jones County’s youth through The Filling Station’s annual dance, art, and music camp. Solo shares his passion for preserving traditional West African culture while creating unforgettable experiences for local children. Learn how drumming, dance, and community spirit unite to transform young lives in Eastern North Carolina.   Filling Station Podcast #10 June 26, 2025 – Souleymane Solo Sana

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Filling Station Podcast #9 June 19, 2025 June Happenings

Welcome to Episode #9 of “The Filling Station Podcast,” where we share the latest developments from The Filling Station in Jones County. In this episode, Executive Director Mary Ann LeRay brings us exciting news about our expanding programs and community impact. From our growing warehouse project to increasing food pantry services now reaching over 250 households weekly, we continue to strengthen our ability to serve our neighbors. You’ll hear updates about our partnerships with local farmers, upcoming events like the Dance, Art and Music Camp, Back to School Bash, and our Perfect 10 annual fundraiser, plus our collaborative with the

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Filling Station Podcast #8 with Tharesa Lee, May 22, 2025

Welcome to episode #8 of The Filling Station Podcast! Today, we’re diving into the Leadership Jones program, an inspiring community leadership initiative based in Jones County, North Carolina. Our guest is Tharesa Lee, co-founder and leader of the program, who shares her journey of empowering local leaders through a unique curriculum focused on grassroots leadership, local government, and community building. Join us as we explore the origins of the program, its incredible impact on participants, and how it’s helping to shape the future of Jones County. From discussing key partnerships with organizations like Chick-fil-A and State Employees Credit Union to

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