News & Events

Jones County Commissioners Approve Cost Share Agreement

Jun 2, 2026

Jones County commissioners recently approved a cost-share agreement between Jones County and The Filling Station to bring a dedicated family and consumer sciences agent to N.C. Cooperative Extension’s Jones County Center. Previously shared with Onslow County, Sarah Ware will now serve Jones County exclusively, with The Filling Station and Jones County each covering 33% of the salary and N.C. State University covering the remaining 34%. It is a meaningful partnership, and one that reflects exactly the kind of community-rooted collaboration The Filling Station was built on. Part of what makes Sarah’s work possible is knowing where the need is greatest. […]

Episode #35: Mandy Gillis – A Principal Led by Purpose

May 21, 2026

Mandy Gillis didn’t just find her way to Maysville Elementary. By her own account, she was led there. After 26 years in education, including a difficult final year in Onslow County during Hurricane Florence that took a real toll on her health, Mandy stepped back and trusted that the right path would open. It did, in the most unexpected way, during a conversation at Vacation Bible School. She updated her application materials on the spot, and the rest, as they say, is history. Seven years later, she is the current Jones County Principal of the Year and describes every day […]

Episode #34: Your Gut Is Talking. Are You Listening? A Practical Guide to Gut Health With The Filling Station

May 14, 2026

Your Gut Is Talking. Are You Listening? A Practical Guide to Gut Health With The Filling Station

There’s Always Another Side: Faith, Endurance, and Joy With Marathon Swimmer Stephen Wargo

May 8, 2026

Solo marathon swimmer Stephen Wargo joins Mary Ann LeRay to talk faith, Lake Erie, the Neuse River Bridge Run, and finding joy through serving others.

May 2026 Food for Thought Newsletter

May 4, 2026

May 2026 Food for Thought Newsletter

Where Does Your Money Go? A Financial Wellness Conversation for Jones County (Episode #32)

May 3, 2026

Tommy Stanfield of Southern Bank joins Mary Ann LeRay to launch financial wellness workshops at The Filling Station. First session May 21 in Jones County.

The Salt Problem: How Rural Heart Failure Patients in Eastern NC Are Being Heard (Episode #31)

Apr 30, 2026

The Salt Problem: ECU nurse Brendan Lake studies how rural heart failure patients in Eastern NC manage low-salt diets. Join the conversation in Jones County.

Filling Station Podcast #30 – April 9, 2026 When health comes first, everything else follows

Apr 22, 2026

Marcy joins Mary Ann LeRay to unpack Three Circles Living and why mindset, not another diet, is the foundation of lasting health. A new program is launching.

Filling Station Podcast #29 – March 31, 2026 (Eileen Dove – Jones County National Day of Prayer)

Apr 1, 2026

Join Mary Ann LeRay and Eileen Dove to celebrate the Jones County National Day of Prayer — May 7 at the Civic Center. All generations welcome.