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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Brenda Hall, who traded her executive career in radiation oncology for a mission that feeds both body and spirit. From her kitchen in New Bern, North Carolina, Brenda shares how a personal health journey led her to discover the transformative power of Mediterranean cooking – and how she’s now using those lessons to nurture her community through the Filling Station. This episode serves up practical wisdom about healthy eating, the joy of cooking with purpose, and the magic that happens when good food brings people together. FS Podcast 051525 Episode #7 with Brenda […]
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This interview provides an in-depth look into the life and experiences of Sabrina Bengal as she shares her background, her involvement in the community, her role during Hurricane Florence, and the legacy of her mother-in-law, Ella Jones Bengal (born in Trenton), who served as the first woman mayor of New Bern. This conversation with Mary Ann LeRay, Executive Director, highlights her passion for her community and commitment to making a positive impact which has had a ripple effect into Jones County and support of The Filling Station. Note: Sabrina has her “rockstar glasses” on due to some recent eye surgery. […]
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