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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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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POLLOCKSVILLE, NC – The Filling Station marked a historic milestone on September 8, 2025, with its first-ever ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the completion of a new food warehouse building that will expand the organization’s capacity to serve Jones County residents through enhanced nutrition, education, and connection programs. The $310,000 facility represents the culmination of a four-year planning and development process, made possible through funding from the Golden Leaf Foundation ($227,720 grant), Harold H. Bate Foundation, Jones County Committee of 100, and Filling Station church partners. The ceremony coincided with The Filling Station’s eighth anniversary, which was celebrated on August 28. “This […]
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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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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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Welcome to The Filling Station Podcast – where inspiring stories meet practical insights for rural community transformation. Rooted in Psalm 107:5, our podcast shares how a vacant propane building became a beacon of hope serving 9,000+ households annually through Nutrition, Education, and Connection programs in Jones County, North Carolina. Join Executive Director Mary Ann LeRay and community leaders exploring: Real stories from families and volunteers Strategic insights for nonprofit leaders Cross-sector partnership models Faith-based community organizing Crisis response and community resilience Perfect for community members, nonprofit professionals, faith leaders, and rural development advocates seeking both heartfelt stories and actionable strategies. […]
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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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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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