News & Events

Filling Station Podcast #26, February 11, 2026 – David Mallard, Jones County Recreation

Feb 12, 2026

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 #25 – Pollocksville Elementary Lighthouse Team

Jan 31, 2026

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 #24 January 22, 2026 – Ken Spivey

Jan 23, 2026

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 #23, January 15, 2026 – Sheri Smith, Triune Holiness Church

Jan 15, 2026

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 #22 January 8, 2026 – Mary Ann LeRay

Jan 12, 2026

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 […]

January 2026 Food for Thought Newsletter

Jan 12, 2026

January 2026 Food for Thought Newsletter

Filling Station Podcast #21 December 11, 2025 – Jones County Veteran Services

Dec 12, 2025

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 […]

Christmas on Main 2025

Dec 8, 2025

Pasta Class -registration required

Dec 2, 2025

Stretch It, Save It, Store It: Making the Most of Your Food Dollar! The first class in this series is the Handmade Pasta Class! Learn how to make fresh pasta from simple pantry ingredients in this hands on class that blends flavor, savings, and skill. Participants will mix, roll, and shape dough while learning safe drying and storage techniques to make meals that last. Class fee is $10 (exact cash or check only!) Register here: go.ncsu.edu/stretchsavestore Jones: December 12th from 10am – 1pm Address: The Filling Station, 221 Main Street, Pollocksville, NC 28573