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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Good afternoons Southeast Texas. You're listening to the Roy West
Show here on News Talk five sixty k l V.
I also heard anytime on the free iHeartRadio app and folks.
This week I have with me a regular on the
show and has hosted in the past, April Tover, Welcome
back to the show.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello Roy, Thank you so much for having me back again.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
My pleasure. And April has Farmers Insurance here in Beaumont
does insurance all across the state of Texas, and we
do talk to her about insurance, but today we're actually
talking to her about a role with Crime Stoppers. She's
on the board of directors of the incoming chair she's
been chairing the past. But I'd like to keep people
(00:46):
informed and remind people about the option of crime Stoppers,
how it works and why it's such a valuable part
to our community at our schools.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
And you know you hear all the time, Roy, and
I know you in your community service that you're you're
involved in. You hear, oh, it's a crime. Oh it's
a crime. Oh, crime is so terrible, crime, crime, crime,
You hear it all the time. And what are we
doing about crime? Well as citizens as a residence of
Southeast Texas. We have a tool at our fingertips, a
(01:20):
resource that's there. The Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas provides
an app that you can download on your phone. We
provide an anonymous tip line that you can call for
our website. Every tip that is reported is one hundred
percent completely anonymous. It is guaranteed by state government code
(01:43):
or fourteen. So it is the law that your identity
cannot be revealed. And you've got a group of local
citizens that run the crime Stoppers program. It is not
run by law enforcement. It is run by people who
live and work right here in Southeast Texas. So we
want to help make our community, make our streets safer.
(02:05):
And how can we do that. We can get involved.
We can Number one, you can volunteer. We love volunteers.
We love for people to step up and say I
want to be a part of the solution. So we
will tell you a little bit later about how to
do that, but we'd love you to be a part.
But every citizen can can make our community safer by
(02:26):
telling people about crime Stoppers. Tell your neighbors, tell your family,
tell your friends, Hey, get the crime Stoppers the P
three P three tips app. Download it on your phone.
If you see something, say something. If there's a strange
car driving through your neighborhood, doesn't look like it's supposed
to be there, you're walking through the mall parking lot
(02:48):
and you see suspicious activity, see something, say something. That's
what Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas does for.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Us well and even done so much more than that.
I mean it is. It is a tool for the citizens.
It's also in the schools now and uh. You know,
you can even use crime Stoppers if you're not concerned
about a reward, but you just want to you want
to do something anonymously and it could be uh in
(03:19):
terms of uh vicious dogs in your neighborhood and you
don't want your neighbors to call. There's all kinds of
way use uses for it, so don't hesitate to find
that out. And also a great website at eight three
three tips dot com. UH talk a little bit about
the school program as well.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Yes, and it's something that a lot of people are
not aware of. And if you're a parent or a grandparent,
I want you to be aware that you're your kids
that are in school any of the local schools in
the four counties we serve, so don't if you're asking, well,
I don't know if our school is involved. If that
school is in Jefferson County, Hardin County, Orange County, or
(04:03):
Jasper County. The four counties the Crimestoppers of Southeast Texas serves.
We serve your students in schools, in every school in
those four counties. And all that means is that if
they see something, they know something. And you know, Roy,
what I love about the campus program of Crime Stoppers
and the more that we get into schools and talking
(04:25):
to kids and learning about some of the things they
deal with on campus on a day to day basis,
those kids know what's going on in their schools. They
may not want to go into the principal's office and
go tell somebody, right, they don't want to be the
one that narks, but they know. They know who has
drugs on campus, they know who's bringing weapons to campus,
(04:47):
they know who's who are the at risk kids are.
You know, they know what the dangers are in their
school and the P three tips at crime Stoppers the
phone line. Most kids don't like to actually pick up
phone and calls, so we really try to promote the app,
downloading that anonymous P three tips app on your mobile
(05:08):
device or smartphone, because that is a way that they
can truly just go on anonymously report. And if that
information that is provided, either through the tip line or
the app is found to lead to any kind of
administrative discipline at the schools or if it is something
(05:32):
that law enforcement pursues, if that law enforcement or the
school administration gives crime stoppers the greenlight that yes, this
was a good tip, it was good information, then they
could be eligible for a reward. And I also find
that people don't necessarily understand how can I provide the
(05:54):
information anonymously truly not have to give my name or
any information about myself? How are they going to get
me money? That's got to be that that can't be right. Well,
I'm here to tell you it is right. Roy has
seen it too, We have watched it for years and years.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Work.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
You do not have to give any identifying information. They
give you a number. It is the unique so many
digit number that they give you. That is your tipster ID.
That is how you identify yourself. If your calling back
or you're going onto your app to see if your
tip did become eligible for a cash reward, you just
(06:34):
use that unique identifying number to identify yourself and then
when the time comes and it says yes, you do
have a reward, it will have information of what bank
you go to, and you just go through the drive
through and you put that unique tip number on a
piece of paper, nothing else, no identifying information, no, no
(06:55):
photo ID, nothing like that. You put that in the
canister and you send it through to the to the
teller and they send you back out your cash. It's
that easy.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Well and uh, it really is, and it's been proven.
And the truth of the matter is because of the
laws in Texas, they we can't. I served on the
board at one time, so I said yes, but crime
stoppers can't know your name so that it's not like
they're trying to find it out. So recognize that is
(07:27):
the benefit of crime stoppers is the aminemity and that
is protected.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
You'll go to great uh resources to do that. And
now that it's across four counties, and I'm glad you
did explain that because a lot of people don't understand that,
and sometimes people think, you know, it's got to be
a crime like Uh, you know when they hear on
the radio or see on TV or in the newspaper,
but it's it's any criminal activity and uh and the
(07:56):
whole sees something, say something. The reason that that applies
is sometimes you have information that may not necessarily you
don't know, but you just it gives you a bad feeling.
The police can work with that with their criminal investigation division.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
That's exactly right. And Crime Stoppers a local nonprofit organization
run by citizens. But we do have great relationships with
all the law enforcement agencies within our four counties. So
whether you're in Beaumont, whether you're in Port Arth, or
whether you're in a rural area where your responding department
is one of the sheriff's departments. We have amazing law
(08:38):
enforcement organizations in Southeast Texas and they work with Crime
Stoppers and the citizens to help take that information and
really do research it. They really do have people who
check into every tip and see if it is legitimate
and then they let us know, as the Crime Stoppers organization,
(09:00):
if that information did lead to something that should be
eligible for a reward payout.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
Absolutely, and you know, reminded people that this is run
by a board of directors. It's a not for profit
organization for people, businesses out there, people that are out
there that are interested in Halftime and want to serve
on a board or want to volunteer their time for
a worthy organization that's been here in Southeast Texas and
(09:31):
Beaumont since what nineteen eighty three, eighty one, nineteen eighty one, Channel.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Six we're a huge part of getting that started here
and some local names that you would know, and it's
been going ever.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
Since, absolutely, and it's been making a big difference. And
you know, originally with Beaumont PD, and now as you've
pointed out, has expanded to four counties that's Jefferson, that's Orange,
that's Hard and Jasper counties. So and then into the schools,
which you know, in today's world, given these kids resources
(10:10):
to be able to give information anonymously to authorities, whether
it's regarding another kid's personal safety, whether they're talking about
hurting themselves or anything else, that's a great tool.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
Yes, and we as a board of directors, we do
get reports monthly that tell us not only how many
tips came in, how many how many were eligible for rewards,
but also how many weapons were recovered how many school
administration disciplines. All of the things we see and so
(10:45):
we can tell you, we can tell you that the
program works and we love the fact that the youth,
the young people in schools are using it, they are reporting.
So please tell tell your children, your grandchildren. Please make
them aware and let them know that it's okay, it's
okay to see if you know something something that can
(11:06):
harm you, harm someone else, please report that because you
had that's your responsibility to take part in your safety
and the safety of your your kids and I mean
your friends in school as well as the administration. They're
at the teachers. That safety is up to you too.
(11:29):
If you know something, say.
Speaker 1 (11:31):
Something absolutely and again. Website phone number and app.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
Eight three three tips that's four of nine eight three
three t I p s eight three three tips dot
com or download the mobile app at P three tips.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
Well, thank you so much. We are out of time.
April Tolbert Farmers Insurance and also Board of Directors of
Crime Stoppers of South East Texas. Talk to you again soon,
April Thysory, Good afternoon, Southeast Texas. You're listening to the
Roy West Show, heard every Sunday from noon to one
PM right here on News Talk five sixty KLV, and
(12:15):
it can be heard anytime on the free iHeartRadio app,
Apple podcast and Android podcast. And I have Amanda who's
the executive director of the Beaumont Children's MUDDAM that is
one happening place here in Southeast Texas. Amanda, welcome back
to the show.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
Now.
Speaker 4 (12:34):
Thank you so much for having me. We're so happy
to have it speak with you today, but also to
have all of the wonderful guests and travelers that are
coming to the museum this summer. It's been quite a fun,
exciting summer and even though we're coming towards the end
of the summer and working on back to school, it
has been quite an interesting and very exciting, hot summer.
Speaker 1 (12:59):
Well, and sir, I agree with you, and I've actually
been over to the Children's Museum two or three times
this summer seeing your activities. Because you know, y'all bring
in a whole lot of kids from across the community
to participate in these it's lots of fun and lots
of fun for the kids and you know, and give
(13:22):
parents a break, but it's also not just fun. There's
an education process to it and y'all do a great
job with that, and.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
That is very true. We want to provide environment where
you're creating lasting memories and moments with your children. But
while doing that and having fun, you're playing, which is
a kid's job for itself, but you're also working in
educational moments, working on steam resources, science, technology, engineering, art, math.
(13:52):
These are the things that are fundamental developments that by
adding them in while they're naturally developing, you're creating interest
and love for subject matters that will make a difference
to them but also as they grew up to the
community around them. So we love having these opportunities, and
we have a lot of things happening with back to
(14:12):
school right around the corner.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Well, and so let's talk about that because certainly back
to school time is a busy time for parents and
but for also other activities and how to extend kids learning.
Speaker 4 (14:31):
Yes, that is very true, and so with back to
school happening just right around the corner, we have several
of our programs that kick back into gear. But also
one of our some special events that happen in the fall.
So for our programs, we have our homeschool programming that
will kick back into gear the first week after Labor Day.
(14:53):
Labor Day, so our homeschool programming will kick back into
gear and that literally is age range to grade kindergarten
through eighth grade. So we have programs that are focused
on robotics and other subject matters that are really good
for our homeschool families. Then we also have our toddler
programming that will kick back into year the Wednesday after
(15:14):
that holiday. Every Wednesday at nine thirty, we have about
twenty families and it's a mix and mingle of young
families that get to enjoy our toddler takeover. We have storytime,
music and movement. We have science for toddlers and art
for titlers. So I promise with an open door of
(15:34):
creative activities, these toddlers start getting their hands dirty and
learning to and then along with that we have our
actual special events which everybody's gonna love. We have a
Bougie Bengo on September fourth, so mark the calendar. Then
we also have a golf tournament on October third, and
(15:56):
then our favorite event of the year is such a
Truck on October eleventh. So I promise the fall does
not slow down.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
Well, and you know it is. Y'all do a great
job of working at engaging all of the community. And
whether you're a kid or not, whether you know, grandparents
can bring grandkids when they're in town. But y'all, you know,
y'all also have memberships, you know, and how many days
a week y'all are open, so people don't can just
(16:30):
come to enjoy the museum when there's not any designated
program happens, and.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
That is very true.
Speaker 4 (16:38):
Sometimes it's good to just get away and have some
fun with your family, and so we have a lot
of caretakers who come and hang out with us in
the museum exhibits. After Labor Day, we're open Tuesday through Saturday,
nine am to four pm, and that is unlimited entry
right there for you guys to come hang out and
have fun. The great thing about it is a lot
(16:59):
of those family enjoy memberships that allow them to get
in for unlimited entry for a single cost a year.
And those memberships can be anywhere from ninety dollars for
thirteen months, not twelve thirteen months, or even up to
one hundred and fifty dollars for up to five people.
So it really depends on how the size of your
(17:20):
family and how many people. And if you visit us
once a month, you literally pay for your membership right there.
So there's lots of opportunities. And with that membership you
also get discounted opportunities to programs, birthday parties, and other
special events that are happening throughout the year. So along
with being able to visit, you can enjoy other luxuries
(17:42):
at the Children's Museum.
Speaker 1 (17:45):
Well, and that is something y'all also homes birthday parties, correct, Yes.
Speaker 4 (17:50):
Birthday parties are a fun, fun, entertaining weekend activity for us.
And so the great thing about it is a lot
of our families probably young entry toddler ages all the
way up through about age eight, nine and ten, we'll
have family activities at family birthday parties over here. And
we've actually had a birthday party for a ninety nine
(18:12):
year old here at the Children's Museum. So I promise
we know how to bring the fun no matter what
the age is.
Speaker 5 (18:19):
Well, we're all kids, that's right, We're all kids at heart,
so you know, and certainly the annual membership it may
make you think about going more.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
You may think, well, I'm only going to go once
a month, but when you have it available to you, Yes,
then you can. You can certainly go more often. And
I know y'all do a lot work a lot with
social media, but also I get regular emails from you too,
reminded me about things and the activity is going on.
And again a lot of adults cycle through so that
(18:56):
they see the programs. I know y'all just had a
big successful fishing tournament.
Speaker 4 (19:00):
That fishing tournament over two hundred teams and lots of fishing,
but of course a Captain's Dinner was a huge success.
So we're still tallying up numbers to be able to
get the full final fundraising efforts. The great thing about
that is that fishing tournament raises funds to put back
funds into the school districts the colleges around here to
(19:24):
help with improving steam resources in our educational system. And
so it's great to say that after four years of
this event, we have actually exceeded a million dollars of
putting money back into our school systems for resources, CTE
ad advancements, CTE technology at LAMAR, so different resources that
(19:46):
are used in anywhere from K through college age. We
have helped put back into the classrooms to help the
teachers and professors.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
Well, and with today's world, I mean that what an
added a resource. And you know, when when people are
coming to downtown, we have a number of museums down
there that you can take advantage of.
Speaker 4 (20:09):
It's so much fun coming downtown Beaumont is not just
it should be a multiple visits. So you should come
to the Children's museum, come to the Art museum, the energy,
go down and have some lunch somewhere and then enjoy
the Fire Museum or the as An Edison Museum. I mean,
all of us are friends, we all have fun together.
(20:29):
And the idea is that coming and enjoying one museum,
you should enjoy us all because they we have so
many great things to share.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
But definitely don't forget about.
Speaker 4 (20:38):
The Beaumont Children's Museum.
Speaker 1 (20:41):
Well, and I don't think people do. Y'all get lots
of people coming in to the Children's Museum. And I
know during the school year too, I've seen school buses
over there, so evidently they have some field trips there.
Speaker 4 (20:56):
Absolutely, and we love to see all the teachers bringing
their classrooms. But I will tell you if you need
to learn more about those field trips. Our programs, our activities.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Go to our website.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
It is the most educational, well we'll say, informative website
to get the information you need Beaumont Children's Museum dot org.
And then you can also call. Some people don't like
the website, so call us at four oh nine three
four seven seven nine one nine. But for constant like
quick updates, definitely check our Facebook page at Beaumont Children's
(21:28):
Museum at Facebook and Instagram to be able to get
constant new updates that are happening right now.
Speaker 1 (21:35):
Well and if you missed any part of that, you
can google Beaumont Children's Museum and it's easy to find
and all the resources are right there. And you know,
I'm just so proud that we have the Children's Museum
here in town. I appreciate all y'all's outreach and continued
efforts and I know that it'll continue to be a
(21:56):
huge success and make this make Southeast Texas. Do you
make it a better place to live?
Speaker 4 (22:03):
Yeah, we want to make sure to entertain all and
welcome all guests too. So thank you for one Beaumont
supporting the Children's Museum. You guys are what have really
kept us going. So thank you to South East Texas well.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Thank you so much. Aman to talk to you soon.
Speaker 4 (22:19):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (22:23):
We are back with the Roy West Show here on
News Talk five sixty k LBI. Folks. We always have
the best guest and Jeffrey Richardson, executive director of the
McFadden Ward House, is my next guest.
Speaker 6 (22:37):
Welcome to the show, Jeffrey.
Speaker 3 (22:39):
Thank you for having me, Mayor West. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (22:42):
It's a pleasure. And if you would for people that
have been around Bom in a long time. I can't
imagine anybody's not aware of McFadden Ward but there's new
people moving to town and also not everybody's been there,
So if you would share a little bit about the
McFadden Ward House, su sure.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
The McFadden Ward is a Bose Arts Colonial style home.
Some may refer to it as a mansion, but because
of the people that lived in it, you know, it
was a house and a home, It was not just
a building. It was constructed in nineteen oh five nineteen
oh six, and it is really emblematic of kind of
the oil boom and the wealth and the prosperity that
(23:22):
brought to this region at this particular time. The McFadden family,
the McFadden Ward family that lived in the house for
seventy five years, were very prosperous before Spindle Top, but
it was on their property that Spindle Top was discovered,
so it led to an extraordinary amount of wealth and
opulence for the family. But the family were more than
just you know, rich people. They were people that were
(23:43):
really really part of Beaumont's history and heritage, and it
through the house we're able to tell a much larger story,
not just the story of the family, which is really
really important, but we're also able to tell the story
of the people who worked and lived in the house,
were able to tell the story of the individual rules
who partook in the social and cultural activities that the
(24:03):
family sponsored. So it really was a center for Beaumont
for seventy five years, and we have preserved it as such,
and we look to share it in a variety of
different ways with the general public through tours, programs and
educational opportunities.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Well, and with that, let's talk about wind tours are available,
and then also y'all have annual events and tell people
about those as well.
Speaker 3 (24:32):
Sure, so our self guided we're open basically, you know,
Tuesday through Sunday. We try to focus Tuesdays for those
larger guided tours, but then kind of walk in tours
Wednesday through Saturday nine am to two thirty pm, and
then Sunday it's twelve thirty to two thirty a little
bit shorter hours. We offer two different options. We offer
(24:54):
really informative docent led tours. They will take you to
all three floors of the house. You'll learn all about
the family or learn all about the region, some of
the furnishings that are on display in the house as well.
But we also have a self guided option so if
people want to go in the house at their own pace. Now,
the self guided option only allows access to the first floor,
but both tours also allow access to the historic carriage house,
(25:17):
which was constructed one year after the main residence, and
our grounds, which are beautiful with a variety of plantings
throughout the year. People often focus on the rose garden
in the back, but we have a variety of beautiful
plantings on the grounds as well. So your tour, whether
it be a docent lead tour or a self guided tour,
provides access to all three areas and the most important
(25:40):
aspect of all of this everything that we do is
admission free through the Mami McFadden Ward Heritage Foundation, which
provides us with a guidance, oversight and financial support. We're
able to offer just about everything that we do at
the McFadden Ward House free to the public. And it's
really an amazing resource to come to a house like
this that is preserved like it is that the programmatic
(26:03):
elements that we have throughout the year, we bring in
people from across the country, big names to come talk
on a variety of subjects. You know, we do just
a little bit of everything. And the fact that again
we're able to do all of it admission three through
the support of the foundation is really really fantastic.
Speaker 6 (26:18):
Well it is, and it's not something that certainly many
charitable organizations are able to do, but through their generosity
and as you said, I've been there several times now
and it does give you a great historic view of
Beaumont and their commitment to Bomont and.
Speaker 3 (26:38):
They were at the forefront. I mean, obviously we've referenced
you know, we've referenced oil, I mean, which what we
kind of think of naturally, but the history of Beaumont,
the economic history of Beaumont prior to that, when we're
talking about ranching, we're talking about muskrats, we're talking about rice.
There's so many different things that the McFadden and Ward
families were involved with that really again tells a much
(27:00):
larger story than just the history of this really important
informative family. But we're able to tell a much larger
story of Beaumont and the Texas Gulf Coast region through
this remarkable family and this amazing house that they preserved well.
Speaker 6 (27:13):
And so if people have family coming in, are there's
groups coming in, can they get with y'all in schedule
docent lead tours?
Speaker 3 (27:24):
Absolutely, So they just need to go to our website
and it's going to provide contact information to reach out
to us that they can schedule a docent lead tour
in advance if for some reason, again, a docent led
tour would not be available for that time. We do
offer the self guided options, but we're always looking for
ways to make things easier for smoother for the public.
Simply because we're free doesn't mean we can't do more
(27:46):
to encourage and cultivate people to come to our site.
And I think when we think about Beaumont as well,
you know, we really want to make sure that we're
serving the larger community.
Speaker 1 (27:56):
You know, there are.
Speaker 3 (27:57):
Many people in the Beaumont community that are often under
so that don't have the resources necessary, you know, and
time is one of those greatest resources. And then you know,
just being able to come to the house. So we
look for other ways to try to bring the mcfaden
ward family in the story of the house to people.
So we do a classroom outreach it's our museum and
a box program where we go again free of charge
(28:18):
to classrooms to provide lesson plans to tell stories. You know,
we're involved with other activities and events throughout town. So
we're always trying to find new ways to engage with
the larger Beaumont community, being mindful of again the diversity
that we have in our community and trying to make
sure that we are have services that offer to all
(28:39):
of these different types of people. We're not trying to
please everyone at once, but we are certainly trying to
make sure that we have a variety of different types
of program that made appeal to not only a large
group of people, but individual sub communities as well well.
Speaker 6 (28:54):
And you know, certainly historically we owe a lot to
that family even today, as the history and heritage is
able to continue through their planning and foresight and now
through leaderships of the foundation itself. So do y'all have
(29:14):
any upcoming events right around the corner?
Speaker 3 (29:17):
Well, I certainly don't want to sound like a self promoter,
but you know, we're going to be kicking off our
annual lecture series. We're going to be kicking it off
in the fall in September, and I am actually our
first speaker, And I wrote a book a few years
ago on Howard Hughes's tenure as a motion picture producer.
Howard Hughes was a really big name in the twentieth century.
(29:39):
He's fallen a little bit on hard times, and I
think because of some of the eccentricities of his later life,
a lot of his contributions to American society have been overshadowed.
But we're going to talk about, you know, Hughes's tenure
as a motion picture producer and a studio mobile and
the really informative tenure that he had that really dramatically
changed what we think of as the Golden Age of
(30:00):
Hollywood and really set the stage for the Hollywood that
exists today. And it's important to note Howard Hughes was
born a little less than an hour from where we
are now, so he was born in Humble, Texas, just
down the road from us. So it's certainly a story
not only with national ramifications, but it's a local story
as well. So this is again the start of our
lecture series. We're going to be releasing the larger series
(30:24):
schedule very very soon, but we're looking to again as
we always do, present a very large swath different topics
that are going to appeal to a large group of individuals.
As we get towards the end of the year, we
always have our holiday events. Our photo shoot where we
allow people to come to the house and we help
them get a really beautiful backdrops for holiday cards or
(30:45):
anything else they want to send out. That's going to
be on November ninth, and our holiday open house really
where we open up the house, let people come in,
we provide them with a wonderful holiday experience. That's going
to be taking place over the weekend of December sixth
and seven, and so lecture series more information forth coming
beyond the one. On September eighteenth, at six thirty pm,
(31:06):
the photoshoot holiday events November nine, December sixth and seven.
We're going to have a little bit more information on
our website.
Speaker 6 (31:13):
As well well, and I know y'all have a great
presence on Facebook as well, so that if people want
to get information about upcoming events and be able to
reach all there as well as your website. But y'all
certainly stay engaged with the community. And I've been there
many times and always enjoy it, and it is a
(31:36):
jewel right here in Southeast Texas, and you know so
often you know, it's a great place to take your
kids or grandkids too, to help them understand the history
of this area.
Speaker 3 (31:48):
We're part of the community and we thank you for
your support and we look forward to again serving the
community in a variety of fashions through the McFadden Wardhouse
and the amazing history of the family that lived there.
So we're excited in me a new transplant to Beaumont.
I'm especially excited to be more in the community and
do all that we can to serve this wonderful area
in which we live.
Speaker 1 (32:10):
Well, Jeffrey, welcome to the community. I'm excited to have
you here. I'm excited for the mcfad and Ward House
and in the exposure that it gets to Southeast Texas
and Beaumont, because I know it brings a lot of
people through. So we'll talk again soon. Thank you, thank you.
(32:31):
We are back with the Roy Wentz Show here on
News Talk five sixty k LV. It can be heard
every Sunday from noon to one pm, and it could
be heard anytime on the free iHeartRadio app as well
as Apple podcasts and Android podcasts. And I have with
me Jeanette Harvey with the Hope Women's Resource Clinic here
(32:53):
in Southeast Texas in Beaumont. And Janette, welcome back to
the show. Thanks for having me, well, no, thank you
for all that you do and certainly tell people about
the services that you provide here to women.
Speaker 7 (33:12):
Sure, we provide first medical services for women who find
themselves pregnant with pregnancy testing, free ultrasounds. We do STD
testing and treatment for women and their partners the men,
to kind of help things go healthy for their pregnancy.
Once they've gone through the medical process, then we have
(33:34):
a whole parenting side called the Hope Academy where they
can take parenting classes, budgeting, nutrition, all of those good
and healthy things, and then they earn points and they
trade those points for everything they need for that baby
till the baby turns one, so baby beds, car seats, diapers, wives, formula, anything.
(33:55):
You can imagine, if you get into our program, you
would not have to spend a dime your baby for
that first year.
Speaker 1 (34:03):
Well, and this is a resource that is desperately needed,
and ll y'all see that all the time because of
the lack of resources that are out there. So first
of all, you're meeting an important need here in Southeast Texas. Yes,
and y'all serve a lot of different women, and y'all
(34:25):
are always in need of volunteers and resources to be
able to continue to serve because this is a five
O one C three Yes, Yes, charitable organization it is.
Speaker 7 (34:37):
And we just recently opened a three thousand square foot
parenting center on our property that would allow us to
meet even more needs. But what that has done has
left us with a little bit of a deficit. It
cost us one hundred and ninety two thousand dollars, which
actually in itself was a miracle because the budget was
two hundred and ninety.
Speaker 2 (34:56):
Five thousand dollars.
Speaker 7 (34:57):
So we did it way under budget, but the funds
that we used for that, we really need to put
that into programming and serving our clients. We have over
five hundred and fifty clients enrolled in that parenting program,
So not only do we need to make up that deficit,
but we need the diapers, the wipes, the formula, the
(35:18):
baby clothes, all those things to give to all of
these people who are now in our program. And so
anyone that might want to help with that, Hope Clinic
Partners dot com has everything on our Amazon list a
way to donate, where we're located, if you want to
come and help, how to volunteer. All of that is
on that website.
Speaker 1 (35:39):
Well, and y'all have a lot of event. Well you
have one big event a year where people can come
and hear about it and also make a financial commitment.
And because this is something that really changes people's.
Speaker 7 (35:57):
Lives, it really does, we do and I'm so excited.
This is the first official public announcement of this year's gala.
We just got confirmation on Friday, so I wasn't able
to say anything, but on Tuesday, October twenty eighth, at
Ford Park, we are going to host our annual gala
which has a time of explaining what we do a
(36:19):
wonderful meal, and our keynote speaker will be Eric mctexas.
If you don't know who that is, he's a conservative
talk show host. But he also wrote the book and
the movie Bonhoffer, which if you haven't seen it, it's
an incredible movie. And what a lot of people don't
know is he narrated the episode of the Veggie Tails
(36:40):
about Queen Esther, so if you're a Veggietails fan, you
would have recognized his voice. But we're really excited to
have him and that information can be found at Hope
Clinic Partners dot com as well about how to buy
tables to be able to.
Speaker 1 (36:54):
Attend that event, which is very well attended.
Speaker 7 (36:58):
I might have, yes, yes it is.
Speaker 2 (37:00):
That's why we had to move to Ford Park, so.
Speaker 1 (37:03):
Well, a good problem to have, and as well, I know,
I have a good friend that is partially retired, he
not even fully retired, and he volunteers and sometimes people
don't realize that men volunteers will.
Speaker 7 (37:20):
Yes, we have a full time pastor on staff that
meets with the fathers of the babies and he has
six volunteers who are also men. Who are looking to
help mentor men to be the men that God called
them to be and to be the fathers that they
are walking right into. Because it takes two people to
get that lady pregnant, and we hope to keep those
(37:43):
dads involved with the with the babies.
Speaker 6 (37:46):
Well, I would certainly agree with that.
Speaker 1 (37:48):
And if somebody is listening right now and would like
to give money, is the website the best way to
do that? Or if they want to get more information,
how would they go about that.
Speaker 7 (38:02):
The website's a good start. Hope Clinic partners dot com.
It has all the information there. They can stop by
the clinic at thirty seven forty Laurel. We love for
people to hand us checks, but we also love to
give him a tour so they can see all the
things that we do firsthand. People are really blown away
by the just the professionalism of the facility, and honestly,
(38:27):
we are faith based, so just that feeling of God's
presence here when you walk in, you can just feel
how He's a part of this ministry.
Speaker 6 (38:36):
Well, I know that y'all are having a huge impact
in the community, and I'm grateful for all that you
do because this is just another example of how Gods
showing up across the community. Yes, and resources are being
provided to young ladies that may not know what their
(38:57):
alternative is. And that's why it's important to get the
inbation out there, Yes, so that they can know that
there are options and you know, in some cases with
the health care, but also whether they want to keep
the baby or whether they don't want to keep the
baby up for adoption.
Speaker 7 (39:14):
Right, and we do help facilitate that for those moms
who are looking into adoption. We are pro life, so
we do talk to them about choosing life for that baby.
Even though abortion is illegal in the state of Texas,
it is very accessible, very easy for women to access
the abortion pill and that's a new program that we've
(39:38):
started called Abortion Pill Reversal. There's a national organization that
helps with the protocols where if a woman has taken
the abortion pill and changes her mind within seventy two hours,
she will be connected with us where we will start
a regiment, a medical regiment to help counteract that pill
and then do weekly ultrasounds to make sure that the
(39:59):
baby is is thriving in the womb. And so our
very first one that we ever had was about a
year ago. She turned out to be pregnant with twins.
We just celebrated their one year birthday with giving them
free our seats, so that was super fun. So there's
a lot to what we do and more than we
(40:19):
could do in this short radio interview. So come by
and see us at the clinic on Laurel and we'll
give you a tour and tell you all about it.
Speaker 1 (40:28):
Thank you so much. We are out of time, but
y'all also have a great website, so folks find them,
donate and participate and I'll see you again soon. Thank you. Well,
here we are at the end of another Roy West
show right here on news Talk five sixty kl. Remember
(40:50):
if you missed any part of this show, you can
always download the free Alheart radio app and stream the
show live or check it out on podcasts. It's also
podcast on podcast Android podcasts. Today's guests were April Tober
with Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas and now there's campus
Crime Stoppers, so it is four counties now making a
(41:13):
big difference. And the aminimity is the key to the
program with the rewards and UH and that also works
through the schools for kids to be able to UH,
you know, share concerns they have with their UH through
anonymous means, whether it's a crime or against UH school policy.
(41:38):
Then we spoke with Amanda Yarborough with the Beaumont Children's
Museum and all their different activities. You need to follow
them on Facebook or go to their website for more information.
They always have lots of programs. Then I talked to
Jeffrey Richardson, who's the executive director with the McFadden Ward
House here in Beaumont and certainly been making a huge,
(42:00):
huge difference here in Southeast Texas for a long time.
He's new to the area, but the McFadden a. Ward
House is a five oh one C three that is
for all the tours and the education. Most all of
it's free, So that is pretty remarkable in today's world
and incredible resources, so be sure to check them out.
(42:22):
And then we finish the show with the executive director
Jeanette Harvey with the Hope Women's Resource Center, and she
announced that October twenty eighth is their Gala annual Gala,
which is a great event. Follow them on Facebook, are on,
just go to their website and until we talk again,
(42:43):
God bless you all.
Good afternoons Southeast Texas. You're listening to the Roy West
Show here on News Talk five sixty k l V.
I also heard anytime on the free iHeartRadio app and folks.
This week I have with me a regular on the
show and has hosted in the past, April Tover, Welcome
back to the show.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Hello Roy, Thank you so much for having me back again.
Speaker 1 (00:25):
My pleasure. And April has Farmers Insurance here in Beaumont
does insurance all across the state of Texas, and we
do talk to her about insurance, but today we're actually
talking to her about a role with Crime Stoppers. She's
on the board of directors of the incoming chair she's
been chairing the past. But I'd like to keep people
(00:46):
informed and remind people about the option of crime Stoppers,
how it works and why it's such a valuable part
to our community at our schools.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
That's right.
Speaker 2 (00:57):
And you know you hear all the time, Roy, and
I know you in your community service that you're you're
involved in. You hear, oh, it's a crime. Oh it's
a crime. Oh, crime is so terrible, crime, crime, crime,
You hear it all the time. And what are we
doing about crime? Well as citizens as a residence of
Southeast Texas. We have a tool at our fingertips, a
(01:20):
resource that's there. The Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas provides
an app that you can download on your phone. We
provide an anonymous tip line that you can call for
our website. Every tip that is reported is one hundred
percent completely anonymous. It is guaranteed by state government code
(01:43):
or fourteen. So it is the law that your identity
cannot be revealed. And you've got a group of local
citizens that run the crime Stoppers program. It is not
run by law enforcement. It is run by people who
live and work right here in Southeast Texas. So we
want to help make our community, make our streets safer.
(02:05):
And how can we do that. We can get involved.
We can Number one, you can volunteer. We love volunteers.
We love for people to step up and say I
want to be a part of the solution. So we
will tell you a little bit later about how to
do that, but we'd love you to be a part.
But every citizen can can make our community safer by
(02:26):
telling people about crime Stoppers. Tell your neighbors, tell your family,
tell your friends, Hey, get the crime Stoppers the P
three P three tips app. Download it on your phone.
If you see something, say something. If there's a strange
car driving through your neighborhood, doesn't look like it's supposed
to be there, you're walking through the mall parking lot
(02:48):
and you see suspicious activity, see something, say something. That's
what Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas does for.
Speaker 1 (02:56):
Us well and even done so much more than that.
I mean it is. It is a tool for the citizens.
It's also in the schools now and uh. You know,
you can even use crime Stoppers if you're not concerned
about a reward, but you just want to you want
to do something anonymously and it could be uh in
(03:19):
terms of uh vicious dogs in your neighborhood and you
don't want your neighbors to call. There's all kinds of
way use uses for it, so don't hesitate to find
that out. And also a great website at eight three
three tips dot com. UH talk a little bit about
the school program as well.
Speaker 2 (03:39):
Yes, and it's something that a lot of people are
not aware of. And if you're a parent or a grandparent,
I want you to be aware that you're your kids
that are in school any of the local schools in
the four counties we serve, so don't if you're asking, well,
I don't know if our school is involved. If that
school is in Jefferson County, Hardin County, Orange County, or
(04:03):
Jasper County. The four counties the Crimestoppers of Southeast Texas serves.
We serve your students in schools, in every school in
those four counties. And all that means is that if
they see something, they know something. And you know, Roy,
what I love about the campus program of Crime Stoppers
and the more that we get into schools and talking
(04:25):
to kids and learning about some of the things they
deal with on campus on a day to day basis,
those kids know what's going on in their schools. They
may not want to go into the principal's office and
go tell somebody, right, they don't want to be the
one that narks, but they know. They know who has
drugs on campus, they know who's bringing weapons to campus,
(04:47):
they know who's who are the at risk kids are.
You know, they know what the dangers are in their
school and the P three tips at crime Stoppers the
phone line. Most kids don't like to actually pick up
phone and calls, so we really try to promote the app,
downloading that anonymous P three tips app on your mobile
(05:08):
device or smartphone, because that is a way that they
can truly just go on anonymously report. And if that
information that is provided, either through the tip line or
the app is found to lead to any kind of
administrative discipline at the schools or if it is something
(05:32):
that law enforcement pursues, if that law enforcement or the
school administration gives crime stoppers the greenlight that yes, this
was a good tip, it was good information, then they
could be eligible for a reward. And I also find
that people don't necessarily understand how can I provide the
(05:54):
information anonymously truly not have to give my name or
any information about myself? How are they going to get
me money? That's got to be that that can't be right. Well,
I'm here to tell you it is right. Roy has
seen it too, We have watched it for years and years.
Speaker 3 (06:10):
Work.
Speaker 2 (06:11):
You do not have to give any identifying information. They
give you a number. It is the unique so many
digit number that they give you. That is your tipster ID.
That is how you identify yourself. If your calling back
or you're going onto your app to see if your
tip did become eligible for a cash reward, you just
(06:34):
use that unique identifying number to identify yourself and then
when the time comes and it says yes, you do
have a reward, it will have information of what bank
you go to, and you just go through the drive
through and you put that unique tip number on a
piece of paper, nothing else, no identifying information, no, no
(06:55):
photo ID, nothing like that. You put that in the
canister and you send it through to the to the
teller and they send you back out your cash. It's
that easy.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Well and uh, it really is, and it's been proven.
And the truth of the matter is because of the
laws in Texas, they we can't. I served on the
board at one time, so I said yes, but crime
stoppers can't know your name so that it's not like
they're trying to find it out. So recognize that is
(07:27):
the benefit of crime stoppers is the aminemity and that
is protected.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
Uh.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
You'll go to great uh resources to do that. And
now that it's across four counties, and I'm glad you
did explain that because a lot of people don't understand that,
and sometimes people think, you know, it's got to be
a crime like Uh, you know when they hear on
the radio or see on TV or in the newspaper,
but it's it's any criminal activity and uh and the
(07:56):
whole sees something, say something. The reason that that applies
is sometimes you have information that may not necessarily you
don't know, but you just it gives you a bad feeling.
The police can work with that with their criminal investigation division.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
That's exactly right. And Crime Stoppers a local nonprofit organization
run by citizens. But we do have great relationships with
all the law enforcement agencies within our four counties. So
whether you're in Beaumont, whether you're in Port Arth, or
whether you're in a rural area where your responding department
is one of the sheriff's departments. We have amazing law
(08:38):
enforcement organizations in Southeast Texas and they work with Crime
Stoppers and the citizens to help take that information and
really do research it. They really do have people who
check into every tip and see if it is legitimate
and then they let us know, as the Crime Stoppers organization,
(09:00):
if that information did lead to something that should be
eligible for a reward payout.
Speaker 1 (09:08):
Absolutely, and you know, reminded people that this is run
by a board of directors. It's a not for profit
organization for people, businesses out there, people that are out
there that are interested in Halftime and want to serve
on a board or want to volunteer their time for
a worthy organization that's been here in Southeast Texas and
(09:31):
Beaumont since what nineteen eighty three, eighty one, nineteen eighty one, Channel.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Six we're a huge part of getting that started here
and some local names that you would know, and it's
been going ever.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
Since, absolutely, and it's been making a big difference. And
you know, originally with Beaumont PD, and now as you've
pointed out, has expanded to four counties that's Jefferson, that's Orange,
that's Hard and Jasper counties. So and then into the schools,
which you know, in today's world, given these kids resources
(10:10):
to be able to give information anonymously to authorities, whether
it's regarding another kid's personal safety, whether they're talking about
hurting themselves or anything else, that's a great tool.
Speaker 2 (10:24):
Yes, and we as a board of directors, we do
get reports monthly that tell us not only how many
tips came in, how many how many were eligible for rewards,
but also how many weapons were recovered how many school
administration disciplines. All of the things we see and so
(10:45):
we can tell you, we can tell you that the
program works and we love the fact that the youth,
the young people in schools are using it, they are reporting.
So please tell tell your children, your grandchildren. Please make
them aware and let them know that it's okay, it's
okay to see if you know something something that can
(11:06):
harm you, harm someone else, please report that because you
had that's your responsibility to take part in your safety
and the safety of your your kids and I mean
your friends in school as well as the administration. They're
at the teachers. That safety is up to you too.
(11:29):
If you know something, say.
Speaker 1 (11:31):
Something absolutely and again. Website phone number and app.
Speaker 2 (11:37):
Eight three three tips that's four of nine eight three
three t I p s eight three three tips dot
com or download the mobile app at P three tips.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
Well, thank you so much. We are out of time.
April Tolbert Farmers Insurance and also Board of Directors of
Crime Stoppers of South East Texas. Talk to you again soon,
April Thysory, Good afternoon, Southeast Texas. You're listening to the
Roy West Show, heard every Sunday from noon to one
PM right here on News Talk five sixty KLV, and
(12:15):
it can be heard anytime on the free iHeartRadio app,
Apple podcast and Android podcast. And I have Amanda who's
the executive director of the Beaumont Children's MUDDAM that is
one happening place here in Southeast Texas. Amanda, welcome back
to the show.
Speaker 3 (12:34):
Now.
Speaker 4 (12:34):
Thank you so much for having me. We're so happy
to have it speak with you today, but also to
have all of the wonderful guests and travelers that are
coming to the museum this summer. It's been quite a fun,
exciting summer and even though we're coming towards the end
of the summer and working on back to school, it
has been quite an interesting and very exciting, hot summer.
Speaker 1 (12:59):
Well, and sir, I agree with you, and I've actually
been over to the Children's Museum two or three times
this summer seeing your activities. Because you know, y'all bring
in a whole lot of kids from across the community
to participate in these it's lots of fun and lots
of fun for the kids and you know, and give
(13:22):
parents a break, but it's also not just fun. There's
an education process to it and y'all do a great
job with that, and.
Speaker 4 (13:30):
That is very true. We want to provide environment where
you're creating lasting memories and moments with your children. But
while doing that and having fun, you're playing, which is
a kid's job for itself, but you're also working in
educational moments, working on steam resources, science, technology, engineering, art, math.
(13:52):
These are the things that are fundamental developments that by
adding them in while they're naturally developing, you're creating interest
and love for subject matters that will make a difference
to them but also as they grew up to the
community around them. So we love having these opportunities, and
we have a lot of things happening with back to
(14:12):
school right around the corner.
Speaker 1 (14:15):
Well, and so let's talk about that because certainly back
to school time is a busy time for parents and
but for also other activities and how to extend kids learning.
Speaker 4 (14:31):
Yes, that is very true, and so with back to
school happening just right around the corner, we have several
of our programs that kick back into gear. But also
one of our some special events that happen in the fall.
So for our programs, we have our homeschool programming that
will kick back into gear the first week after Labor Day.
(14:53):
Labor Day, so our homeschool programming will kick back into
gear and that literally is age range to grade kindergarten
through eighth grade. So we have programs that are focused
on robotics and other subject matters that are really good
for our homeschool families. Then we also have our toddler
programming that will kick back into year the Wednesday after
(15:14):
that holiday. Every Wednesday at nine thirty, we have about
twenty families and it's a mix and mingle of young
families that get to enjoy our toddler takeover. We have storytime,
music and movement. We have science for toddlers and art
for titlers. So I promise with an open door of
(15:34):
creative activities, these toddlers start getting their hands dirty and
learning to and then along with that we have our
actual special events which everybody's gonna love. We have a
Bougie Bengo on September fourth, so mark the calendar. Then
we also have a golf tournament on October third, and
(15:56):
then our favorite event of the year is such a
Truck on October eleventh. So I promise the fall does
not slow down.
Speaker 1 (16:07):
Well, and you know it is. Y'all do a great
job of working at engaging all of the community. And
whether you're a kid or not, whether you know, grandparents
can bring grandkids when they're in town. But y'all, you know,
y'all also have memberships, you know, and how many days
a week y'all are open, so people don't can just
(16:30):
come to enjoy the museum when there's not any designated
program happens, and.
Speaker 2 (16:36):
That is very true.
Speaker 4 (16:38):
Sometimes it's good to just get away and have some
fun with your family, and so we have a lot
of caretakers who come and hang out with us in
the museum exhibits. After Labor Day, we're open Tuesday through Saturday,
nine am to four pm, and that is unlimited entry
right there for you guys to come hang out and
have fun. The great thing about it is a lot
(16:59):
of those family enjoy memberships that allow them to get
in for unlimited entry for a single cost a year.
And those memberships can be anywhere from ninety dollars for
thirteen months, not twelve thirteen months, or even up to
one hundred and fifty dollars for up to five people.
So it really depends on how the size of your
(17:20):
family and how many people. And if you visit us
once a month, you literally pay for your membership right there.
So there's lots of opportunities. And with that membership you
also get discounted opportunities to programs, birthday parties, and other
special events that are happening throughout the year. So along
with being able to visit, you can enjoy other luxuries
(17:42):
at the Children's Museum.
Speaker 1 (17:45):
Well, and that is something y'all also homes birthday parties, correct, Yes.
Speaker 4 (17:50):
Birthday parties are a fun, fun, entertaining weekend activity for us.
And so the great thing about it is a lot
of our families probably young entry toddler ages all the
way up through about age eight, nine and ten, we'll
have family activities at family birthday parties over here. And
we've actually had a birthday party for a ninety nine
(18:12):
year old here at the Children's Museum. So I promise
we know how to bring the fun no matter what
the age is.
Speaker 5 (18:19):
Well, we're all kids, that's right, We're all kids at heart,
so you know, and certainly the annual membership it may
make you think about going more.
Speaker 1 (18:30):
You may think, well, I'm only going to go once
a month, but when you have it available to you, Yes,
then you can. You can certainly go more often. And
I know y'all do a lot work a lot with
social media, but also I get regular emails from you too,
reminded me about things and the activity is going on.
And again a lot of adults cycle through so that
(18:56):
they see the programs. I know y'all just had a
big successful fishing tournament.
Speaker 4 (19:00):
That fishing tournament over two hundred teams and lots of fishing,
but of course a Captain's Dinner was a huge success.
So we're still tallying up numbers to be able to
get the full final fundraising efforts. The great thing about
that is that fishing tournament raises funds to put back
funds into the school districts the colleges around here to
(19:24):
help with improving steam resources in our educational system. And
so it's great to say that after four years of
this event, we have actually exceeded a million dollars of
putting money back into our school systems for resources, CTE
ad advancements, CTE technology at LAMAR, so different resources that
(19:46):
are used in anywhere from K through college age. We
have helped put back into the classrooms to help the
teachers and professors.
Speaker 1 (19:55):
Well, and with today's world, I mean that what an
added a resource. And you know, when when people are
coming to downtown, we have a number of museums down
there that you can take advantage of.
Speaker 4 (20:09):
It's so much fun coming downtown Beaumont is not just
it should be a multiple visits. So you should come
to the Children's museum, come to the Art museum, the energy,
go down and have some lunch somewhere and then enjoy
the Fire Museum or the as An Edison Museum. I mean,
all of us are friends, we all have fun together.
(20:29):
And the idea is that coming and enjoying one museum,
you should enjoy us all because they we have so
many great things to share.
Speaker 2 (20:37):
But definitely don't forget about.
Speaker 4 (20:38):
The Beaumont Children's Museum.
Speaker 1 (20:41):
Well, and I don't think people do. Y'all get lots
of people coming in to the Children's Museum. And I
know during the school year too, I've seen school buses
over there, so evidently they have some field trips there.
Speaker 4 (20:56):
Absolutely, and we love to see all the teachers bringing
their classrooms. But I will tell you if you need
to learn more about those field trips. Our programs, our activities.
Speaker 2 (21:06):
Go to our website.
Speaker 4 (21:07):
It is the most educational, well we'll say, informative website
to get the information you need Beaumont Children's Museum dot org.
And then you can also call. Some people don't like
the website, so call us at four oh nine three
four seven seven nine one nine. But for constant like
quick updates, definitely check our Facebook page at Beaumont Children's
(21:28):
Museum at Facebook and Instagram to be able to get
constant new updates that are happening right now.
Speaker 1 (21:35):
Well and if you missed any part of that, you
can google Beaumont Children's Museum and it's easy to find
and all the resources are right there. And you know,
I'm just so proud that we have the Children's Museum
here in town. I appreciate all y'all's outreach and continued
efforts and I know that it'll continue to be a
(21:56):
huge success and make this make Southeast Texas. Do you
make it a better place to live?
Speaker 4 (22:03):
Yeah, we want to make sure to entertain all and
welcome all guests too. So thank you for one Beaumont
supporting the Children's Museum. You guys are what have really
kept us going. So thank you to South East Texas well.
Speaker 1 (22:17):
Thank you so much. Aman to talk to you soon.
Speaker 4 (22:19):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (22:23):
We are back with the Roy West Show here on
News Talk five sixty k LBI. Folks. We always have
the best guest and Jeffrey Richardson, executive director of the
McFadden Ward House, is my next guest.
Speaker 6 (22:37):
Welcome to the show, Jeffrey.
Speaker 3 (22:39):
Thank you for having me, Mayor West. I really appreciate it.
Speaker 1 (22:42):
It's a pleasure. And if you would for people that
have been around Bom in a long time. I can't
imagine anybody's not aware of McFadden Ward but there's new
people moving to town and also not everybody's been there,
So if you would share a little bit about the
McFadden Ward House, su sure.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
The McFadden Ward is a Bose Arts Colonial style home.
Some may refer to it as a mansion, but because
of the people that lived in it, you know, it
was a house and a home, It was not just
a building. It was constructed in nineteen oh five nineteen
oh six, and it is really emblematic of kind of
the oil boom and the wealth and the prosperity that
(23:22):
brought to this region at this particular time. The McFadden family,
the McFadden Ward family that lived in the house for
seventy five years, were very prosperous before Spindle Top, but
it was on their property that Spindle Top was discovered,
so it led to an extraordinary amount of wealth and
opulence for the family. But the family were more than
just you know, rich people. They were people that were
(23:43):
really really part of Beaumont's history and heritage, and it
through the house we're able to tell a much larger story,
not just the story of the family, which is really
really important, but we're also able to tell the story
of the people who worked and lived in the house,
were able to tell the story of the individual rules
who partook in the social and cultural activities that the
(24:03):
family sponsored. So it really was a center for Beaumont
for seventy five years, and we have preserved it as such,
and we look to share it in a variety of
different ways with the general public through tours, programs and
educational opportunities.
Speaker 1 (24:19):
Well, and with that, let's talk about wind tours are available,
and then also y'all have annual events and tell people
about those as well.
Speaker 3 (24:32):
Sure, so our self guided we're open basically, you know,
Tuesday through Sunday. We try to focus Tuesdays for those
larger guided tours, but then kind of walk in tours
Wednesday through Saturday nine am to two thirty pm, and
then Sunday it's twelve thirty to two thirty a little
bit shorter hours. We offer two different options. We offer
(24:54):
really informative docent led tours. They will take you to
all three floors of the house. You'll learn all about
the family or learn all about the region, some of
the furnishings that are on display in the house as well.
But we also have a self guided option so if
people want to go in the house at their own pace. Now,
the self guided option only allows access to the first floor,
but both tours also allow access to the historic carriage house,
(25:17):
which was constructed one year after the main residence, and
our grounds, which are beautiful with a variety of plantings
throughout the year. People often focus on the rose garden
in the back, but we have a variety of beautiful
plantings on the grounds as well. So your tour, whether
it be a docent lead tour or a self guided tour,
provides access to all three areas and the most important
(25:40):
aspect of all of this everything that we do is
admission free through the Mami McFadden Ward Heritage Foundation, which
provides us with a guidance, oversight and financial support. We're
able to offer just about everything that we do at
the McFadden Ward House free to the public. And it's
really an amazing resource to come to a house like
this that is preserved like it is that the programmatic
(26:03):
elements that we have throughout the year, we bring in
people from across the country, big names to come talk
on a variety of subjects. You know, we do just
a little bit of everything. And the fact that again
we're able to do all of it admission three through
the support of the foundation is really really fantastic.
Speaker 6 (26:18):
Well it is, and it's not something that certainly many
charitable organizations are able to do, but through their generosity
and as you said, I've been there several times now
and it does give you a great historic view of
Beaumont and their commitment to Bomont and.
Speaker 3 (26:38):
They were at the forefront. I mean, obviously we've referenced
you know, we've referenced oil, I mean, which what we
kind of think of naturally, but the history of Beaumont,
the economic history of Beaumont prior to that, when we're
talking about ranching, we're talking about muskrats, we're talking about rice.
There's so many different things that the McFadden and Ward
families were involved with that really again tells a much
(27:00):
larger story than just the history of this really important
informative family. But we're able to tell a much larger
story of Beaumont and the Texas Gulf Coast region through
this remarkable family and this amazing house that they preserved well.
Speaker 6 (27:13):
And so if people have family coming in, are there's
groups coming in, can they get with y'all in schedule
docent lead tours?
Speaker 3 (27:24):
Absolutely, So they just need to go to our website
and it's going to provide contact information to reach out
to us that they can schedule a docent lead tour
in advance if for some reason, again, a docent led
tour would not be available for that time. We do
offer the self guided options, but we're always looking for
ways to make things easier for smoother for the public.
Simply because we're free doesn't mean we can't do more
(27:46):
to encourage and cultivate people to come to our site.
And I think when we think about Beaumont as well,
you know, we really want to make sure that we're
serving the larger community.
Speaker 1 (27:56):
You know, there are.
Speaker 3 (27:57):
Many people in the Beaumont community that are often under
so that don't have the resources necessary, you know, and
time is one of those greatest resources. And then you know,
just being able to come to the house. So we
look for other ways to try to bring the mcfaden
ward family in the story of the house to people.
So we do a classroom outreach it's our museum and
a box program where we go again free of charge
(28:18):
to classrooms to provide lesson plans to tell stories. You know,
we're involved with other activities and events throughout town. So
we're always trying to find new ways to engage with
the larger Beaumont community, being mindful of again the diversity
that we have in our community and trying to make
sure that we are have services that offer to all
(28:39):
of these different types of people. We're not trying to
please everyone at once, but we are certainly trying to
make sure that we have a variety of different types
of program that made appeal to not only a large
group of people, but individual sub communities as well well.
Speaker 6 (28:54):
And you know, certainly historically we owe a lot to
that family even today, as the history and heritage is
able to continue through their planning and foresight and now
through leaderships of the foundation itself. So do y'all have
(29:14):
any upcoming events right around the corner?
Speaker 3 (29:17):
Well, I certainly don't want to sound like a self promoter,
but you know, we're going to be kicking off our
annual lecture series. We're going to be kicking it off
in the fall in September, and I am actually our
first speaker, And I wrote a book a few years
ago on Howard Hughes's tenure as a motion picture producer.
Howard Hughes was a really big name in the twentieth century.
(29:39):
He's fallen a little bit on hard times, and I
think because of some of the eccentricities of his later life,
a lot of his contributions to American society have been overshadowed.
But we're going to talk about, you know, Hughes's tenure
as a motion picture producer and a studio mobile and
the really informative tenure that he had that really dramatically
changed what we think of as the Golden Age of
(30:00):
Hollywood and really set the stage for the Hollywood that
exists today. And it's important to note Howard Hughes was
born a little less than an hour from where we
are now, so he was born in Humble, Texas, just
down the road from us. So it's certainly a story
not only with national ramifications, but it's a local story
as well. So this is again the start of our
lecture series. We're going to be releasing the larger series
(30:24):
schedule very very soon, but we're looking to again as
we always do, present a very large swath different topics
that are going to appeal to a large group of individuals.
As we get towards the end of the year, we
always have our holiday events. Our photo shoot where we
allow people to come to the house and we help
them get a really beautiful backdrops for holiday cards or
(30:45):
anything else they want to send out. That's going to
be on November ninth, and our holiday open house really
where we open up the house, let people come in,
we provide them with a wonderful holiday experience. That's going
to be taking place over the weekend of December sixth
and seven, and so lecture series more information forth coming
beyond the one. On September eighteenth, at six thirty pm,
(31:06):
the photoshoot holiday events November nine, December sixth and seven.
We're going to have a little bit more information on
our website.
Speaker 6 (31:13):
As well well, and I know y'all have a great
presence on Facebook as well, so that if people want
to get information about upcoming events and be able to
reach all there as well as your website. But y'all
certainly stay engaged with the community. And I've been there
many times and always enjoy it, and it is a
(31:36):
jewel right here in Southeast Texas, and you know so
often you know, it's a great place to take your
kids or grandkids too, to help them understand the history
of this area.
Speaker 3 (31:48):
We're part of the community and we thank you for
your support and we look forward to again serving the
community in a variety of fashions through the McFadden Wardhouse
and the amazing history of the family that lived there.
So we're excited in me a new transplant to Beaumont.
I'm especially excited to be more in the community and
do all that we can to serve this wonderful area
in which we live.
Speaker 1 (32:10):
Well, Jeffrey, welcome to the community. I'm excited to have
you here. I'm excited for the mcfad and Ward House
and in the exposure that it gets to Southeast Texas
and Beaumont, because I know it brings a lot of
people through. So we'll talk again soon. Thank you, thank you.
(32:31):
We are back with the Roy Wentz Show here on
News Talk five sixty k LV. It can be heard
every Sunday from noon to one pm, and it could
be heard anytime on the free iHeartRadio app as well
as Apple podcasts and Android podcasts. And I have with
me Jeanette Harvey with the Hope Women's Resource Clinic here
(32:53):
in Southeast Texas in Beaumont. And Janette, welcome back to
the show. Thanks for having me, well, no, thank you
for all that you do and certainly tell people about
the services that you provide here to women.
Speaker 7 (33:12):
Sure, we provide first medical services for women who find
themselves pregnant with pregnancy testing, free ultrasounds. We do STD
testing and treatment for women and their partners the men,
to kind of help things go healthy for their pregnancy.
Once they've gone through the medical process, then we have
(33:34):
a whole parenting side called the Hope Academy where they
can take parenting classes, budgeting, nutrition, all of those good
and healthy things, and then they earn points and they
trade those points for everything they need for that baby
till the baby turns one, so baby beds, car seats, diapers, wives, formula, anything.
(33:55):
You can imagine, if you get into our program, you
would not have to spend a dime your baby for
that first year.
Speaker 1 (34:03):
Well, and this is a resource that is desperately needed,
and ll y'all see that all the time because of
the lack of resources that are out there. So first
of all, you're meeting an important need here in Southeast Texas. Yes,
and y'all serve a lot of different women, and y'all
(34:25):
are always in need of volunteers and resources to be
able to continue to serve because this is a five
O one C three Yes, Yes, charitable organization it is.
Speaker 7 (34:37):
And we just recently opened a three thousand square foot
parenting center on our property that would allow us to
meet even more needs. But what that has done has
left us with a little bit of a deficit. It
cost us one hundred and ninety two thousand dollars, which
actually in itself was a miracle because the budget was
two hundred and ninety.
Speaker 2 (34:56):
Five thousand dollars.
Speaker 7 (34:57):
So we did it way under budget, but the funds
that we used for that, we really need to put
that into programming and serving our clients. We have over
five hundred and fifty clients enrolled in that parenting program,
So not only do we need to make up that deficit,
but we need the diapers, the wipes, the formula, the
(35:18):
baby clothes, all those things to give to all of
these people who are now in our program. And so
anyone that might want to help with that, Hope Clinic
Partners dot com has everything on our Amazon list a
way to donate, where we're located, if you want to
come and help, how to volunteer. All of that is
on that website.
Speaker 1 (35:39):
Well, and y'all have a lot of event. Well you
have one big event a year where people can come
and hear about it and also make a financial commitment.
And because this is something that really changes people's.
Speaker 7 (35:57):
Lives, it really does, we do and I'm so excited.
This is the first official public announcement of this year's gala.
We just got confirmation on Friday, so I wasn't able
to say anything, but on Tuesday, October twenty eighth, at
Ford Park, we are going to host our annual gala
which has a time of explaining what we do a
(36:19):
wonderful meal, and our keynote speaker will be Eric mctexas.
If you don't know who that is, he's a conservative
talk show host. But he also wrote the book and
the movie Bonhoffer, which if you haven't seen it, it's
an incredible movie. And what a lot of people don't
know is he narrated the episode of the Veggie Tails
(36:40):
about Queen Esther, so if you're a Veggietails fan, you
would have recognized his voice. But we're really excited to
have him and that information can be found at Hope
Clinic Partners dot com as well about how to buy
tables to be able to.
Speaker 1 (36:54):
Attend that event, which is very well attended.
Speaker 7 (36:58):
I might have, yes, yes it is.
Speaker 2 (37:00):
That's why we had to move to Ford Park, so.
Speaker 1 (37:03):
Well, a good problem to have, and as well, I know,
I have a good friend that is partially retired, he
not even fully retired, and he volunteers and sometimes people
don't realize that men volunteers will.
Speaker 7 (37:20):
Yes, we have a full time pastor on staff that
meets with the fathers of the babies and he has
six volunteers who are also men. Who are looking to
help mentor men to be the men that God called
them to be and to be the fathers that they
are walking right into. Because it takes two people to
get that lady pregnant, and we hope to keep those
(37:43):
dads involved with the with the babies.
Speaker 6 (37:46):
Well, I would certainly agree with that.
Speaker 1 (37:48):
And if somebody is listening right now and would like
to give money, is the website the best way to
do that? Or if they want to get more information,
how would they go about that.
Speaker 7 (38:02):
The website's a good start. Hope Clinic partners dot com.
It has all the information there. They can stop by
the clinic at thirty seven forty Laurel. We love for
people to hand us checks, but we also love to
give him a tour so they can see all the
things that we do firsthand. People are really blown away
by the just the professionalism of the facility, and honestly,
(38:27):
we are faith based, so just that feeling of God's
presence here when you walk in, you can just feel
how He's a part of this ministry.
Speaker 6 (38:36):
Well, I know that y'all are having a huge impact
in the community, and I'm grateful for all that you
do because this is just another example of how Gods
showing up across the community. Yes, and resources are being
provided to young ladies that may not know what their
(38:57):
alternative is. And that's why it's important to get the
inbation out there, Yes, so that they can know that
there are options and you know, in some cases with
the health care, but also whether they want to keep
the baby or whether they don't want to keep the
baby up for adoption.
Speaker 7 (39:14):
Right, and we do help facilitate that for those moms
who are looking into adoption. We are pro life, so
we do talk to them about choosing life for that baby.
Even though abortion is illegal in the state of Texas,
it is very accessible, very easy for women to access
the abortion pill and that's a new program that we've
(39:38):
started called Abortion Pill Reversal. There's a national organization that
helps with the protocols where if a woman has taken
the abortion pill and changes her mind within seventy two hours,
she will be connected with us where we will start
a regiment, a medical regiment to help counteract that pill
and then do weekly ultrasounds to make sure that the
(39:59):
baby is is thriving in the womb. And so our
very first one that we ever had was about a
year ago. She turned out to be pregnant with twins.
We just celebrated their one year birthday with giving them
free our seats, so that was super fun. So there's
a lot to what we do and more than we
(40:19):
could do in this short radio interview. So come by
and see us at the clinic on Laurel and we'll
give you a tour and tell you all about it.
Speaker 1 (40:28):
Thank you so much. We are out of time, but
y'all also have a great website, so folks find them,
donate and participate and I'll see you again soon. Thank you. Well,
here we are at the end of another Roy West
show right here on news Talk five sixty kl. Remember
(40:50):
if you missed any part of this show, you can
always download the free Alheart radio app and stream the
show live or check it out on podcasts. It's also
podcast on podcast Android podcasts. Today's guests were April Tober
with Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas and now there's campus
Crime Stoppers, so it is four counties now making a
(41:13):
big difference. And the aminimity is the key to the
program with the rewards and UH and that also works
through the schools for kids to be able to UH,
you know, share concerns they have with their UH through
anonymous means, whether it's a crime or against UH school policy.
(41:38):
Then we spoke with Amanda Yarborough with the Beaumont Children's
Museum and all their different activities. You need to follow
them on Facebook or go to their website for more information.
They always have lots of programs. Then I talked to
Jeffrey Richardson, who's the executive director with the McFadden Ward
House here in Beaumont and certainly been making a huge,
(42:00):
huge difference here in Southeast Texas for a long time.
He's new to the area, but the McFadden a. Ward
House is a five oh one C three that is
for all the tours and the education. Most all of
it's free, So that is pretty remarkable in today's world
and incredible resources, so be sure to check them out.
(42:22):
And then we finish the show with the executive director
Jeanette Harvey with the Hope Women's Resource Center, and she
announced that October twenty eighth is their Gala annual Gala,
which is a great event. Follow them on Facebook, are on,
just go to their website and until we talk again,
(42:43):
God bless you all.
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