Roy West Radio Show 08/31/25--with guests Sarah Hardin, Seth Wells, Amy Lovoi, and Teressa Robertson
August 29, 2025 • 42 mins
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
You're listening to the Roy Web Show and you can
hear us every Sunday from noon to one pm, or
you can hear us anytime on the free iHeartRadio app,
our Apple podcast or Android podcast. And I have with
me Sarah Harden with the Ark of Greater Beauma. Welcome
back to the show.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Sarah, Hey, thanks for having me today.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
It's a pleasure. And if you would, I know most
people have heard about the Arc of Southeast Texas, but
I'm sure there's some people out there that may not
be familiar. So if you would, if you had shared
some information.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Okay, sure. So the Arc of Greater Beaumont is a
nonprofit located here right near Pardo Mall, and we have
programs for adults and kids with disabilities and supports for
their families. We have three main program tracks. Our adult
services are a lot of social opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
(00:58):
You know, a lot of the times they're not naturally
good at making plans, creating new relationships. Transportation is always
an issue for our friends, and so that's where we
come in. We have a lot of social opportunities like dances,
We've got game nights, we've got two, three book clubs.
(01:20):
We've got three art classes now. We do weekly extracise classes.
We do bingo nights and bowling nights, and guys and
Girls' nights. They're a popular one. We also do a
date night, a date night every two to three months,
and those are always a blast, and it's a safe
place for our adults to you know, work on relationship
(01:41):
skills and learn what's appropriate and what's not appropriate, and
then you know, hang out with have fun. At the
same time, we do a lot of children and family events.
We've got a Parent's Night Out that we regularly have
each month where parents of kiddos with disabilities can just
drop them off and they can go out to eat,
if they can go to the birgery store, they can
(02:01):
go home and sit on their booties and not do
anything if they want just a little break. And so
that's one of our most popular kids activities. They it's
you know, parents kids with disabilities a lot of times
don't just have anybody that they can drop their kids
off with, and so we're a safe place for that.
We do summer camps for teens and our younger kiddos.
(02:24):
We just finished those up in July. That was fun
and exhausting, but totally worth it. We've got Family Fun
Days that we meet in different places around the community.
Those a lot of times are scheduled around holidays like
Christmas and Easter. We do parent education and like learning
(02:44):
lunch and learns. We like to call them where they
can learn more about specific issues that are more are
more like directed towards kiddos and families that have disabilities.
And then we've got a baby Basket program all kinds
(03:04):
of good stuff, Moms Lunch where you can kind of
make friends and create new relationships with moms that are
in similar situations to yourself. And then we have our
self Advocacy Track, where are independent adults that have disabilities
really learn how to better advocate for themselves, to speak
their mind, to advocate here locally in Austin, Washington, d C.
(03:31):
About issues that really really pertain to their lives and
howl walls can really affect the quality of life they have,
and we also kind of help them have the tools
they need to present its conferences. Our group is real
popular at different advocacy and disability conferences and had opportunities
(03:53):
to present here in the state and then in other States,
and so that's pretty neat. They also really really try
to be more contributors to our community instead of consumers,
and so they're a fantastic group to get out and volunteer.
If anybody listen and needs groups to come help out,
call us because they love the opportunity to give back
(04:14):
to the community. But that's about us in a nutshell.
We do have a couple of fundraisers during the year,
but our programs are all at no cost to our
people because they are on such limited budgets already. We
wouldn't want anyone to not be able to come, and
(04:35):
so that's a huge focus for us. A big part
of my job is to find the support in our
community through grants and direct public support to make sure
that our programs can continue, new ones are added as
they're needed, and our people can come without ever worrying
about not being able to pay for it.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Well, I've had the privilege of being there many times
and it's a blast. It is a blast, and everybody
is having a good time. But you also you I
certainly recognize the need and oftentimes you don't realize what
you're missing in a community. But the ARC certainly is
(05:17):
an important link and tool in the community that brings
happiness and joy and education to families that and people
with this ability.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
Yeah, we're a lot of our services are unduplicated in
the community, and that's what makes us so important and
crucial for us to you know, maintain the funding that
we need so that we can keep doing stuff. For
one of our big things that I'm real receptive to
parents and our adults as well when they come to
us with the need something that we're not doing already
(05:55):
to figure out a way to make it happen or
figure out a specialist in that certain area. Like for example,
we had a living and learning series on healthy habits,
hygiene and appropriate relationships, and we had a counselor come
in and talk about what's right to say and what's
not right to say, what's acceptable and what's not acceptable,
and so you know, it's it's stuff that everybody should know,
(06:19):
but a lot of our people need that extra instruction
or extra explanations on why it's appropriate, why it's not
and reminders they may have learned it already. So it's
it's it's really good, really good thing for us to
be able to have that two way communication with our
people and parents that come in and try to meet
(06:40):
those needs.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
Well, it's a it's a very joyous place and I
know that for uh, for family members as well as
those with disabilities. It's it's certainly a safe place, but
it's a place to come where everybody feels like family
when you go there.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
Yeah, you know, it's sure.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
Everybody is very welcome.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
Yep, yep, there's no there's no exclusion here. We're all
about having everyone feel comfortable and feel like they belong.
And so it's fun and it's a fun I love
coming to work. It's easy. It's easy job to come
to because you know, we get stuff done. We make
(07:22):
a lot of difference. You know, we advocate for our people.
We work hard, but we have fun pretty much the
whole time we're doing it, and so it makes it easy.
I guess you could say.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Well, I want people to know how they can be involved.
In terms of that, you always need volunteers, but you
also always need revenue.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Yeah, so we have. Like I said earlier, we have
two big fundraisers during the year, our annual dinner and
style shows every April at different people, individuals organizations in
the community have opportunities to buy a table or sponsor
a model. At that point. We have that at the
(08:06):
Holiday Inn and it's a style show and all of
our models are adults and kids with disabilities and it's
a blast. It's so much fun. Kelly and Bob Phillips
or our MC's every year and so they have done
it so many years. I think this is their thirteenth.
Next year will be their thirteenth year to do it,
so they know all our people and it's so personal.
(08:26):
It's a lot of fun. But then our second one
coming up here in October is our I think it's
our thirteenth annual Buddy Walk, and that is at the
event Center. It's a one mile walk celebrating all of
the individuals that come to our programs or that live
in our community that have Down syndrome, and there's teams
(08:49):
built around all of these individuals and the team's fundraise,
we find sponsors for the event, and it's just a
huge day of celebration. That's one of our big fundraisers,
and it's a lot of work, but it's also so
much fun. That smiles on people's faces and knowing that
we're celebrating them makes that day, the best probably one
(09:12):
of the best days that we have all year up here,
but that you can be a sponsor, you can come out,
which leads to my next thing, volunteering. All the programs
that we do up here, the stuff that I've talked about,
we do with four regular employees and some contract workers
that help us out, and so all of the people
(09:33):
that help us man these big events like our dance,
for example, we have one hundred and forty or one
hundred and fifty people here. Sometime volunteers from our community
are crucial for nights like that. Last night we had
a dance and Do Good was here and there was
about seven of them, and then American valvend Hydrant came
and cooked the center for our people and served it
(09:55):
and helped put up tables and track pick up trash
and everything. So because of volunteers from our community, from businesses,
individuals and other nonprofit organizations, a lot of times will
even come up and help, we're able to do a
lot so well. Another way that can people can help, well.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
I can tell folks that it is you're going to
get more out of it than you're going to give.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
By participating, you'll be back you will be back.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
That's right, and it is so important in the community.
And also for those that don't have a family member
with disabilities, don't necessarily are aware of all the different
challenges are Yeah, they just not they don't think about it.
And this also helps you understand that how important it
(10:50):
is as a community to embrace and acknowledge.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Yeah, and support and support and include and every all
of all of those little things that you know in
a whole will make our community more cohesive, and you know,
you know it just it makes it more real when
you're kind of out of touch with it. But it's
(11:17):
not a bad real, it's a fun, good normal for you,
and you in turn become a resource to somebody else
that potentially may need to come to an ARC event
one day, you know.
Speaker 3 (11:27):
So that's right.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Well, we've got about thirty seconds left, So how do
people get in touch with you?
Speaker 2 (11:33):
Our Facebook page is the best way to see what
we've got going on up here. If you search the
Ark of Greater Beaumont on Facebook. We put all of
our events up there. A lot of the smaller events
we'll have a link. Just so we make sure we
have enough food supplies, spots open our bigger events, we
have you call the office and get on the list,
and you can call the office at four O nine
(11:55):
eight three eight nine zero one two with any questions
and we can get you on our mailing and list
for a calendar that we send out quarterly as well.
So that's the best way to see what's going on.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
All right, Sarah, we're out of time.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
Thank you, sir, thanks for having me again.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Absolutely good afternoon, Southeast Texas. You're listening to the Roy
West Show here on News Talk five sixty klv H.
It's heart every Sunday from noon to one, but you
can hear it anytime on the free iHeartRadio app. Apple
podcasts are Android podcasts, and I have with me Seth
Wells from the American Legion Post thirty three. Welcome back
(12:35):
to the show.
Speaker 3 (12:36):
Seth. Good to see us. There always a pleasure to
be with you.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
Well, it's a pleasure to have you and you are
always very active in the community and so people see
you around a good bit so. But we're talking about
the American Legion Post thirty three, which explained to people
that are that might be unfamiliar or they've heard of it,
but what the American Legion is right.
Speaker 4 (12:58):
So the American Legion is national congressionally recognize Veteran Service organization.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (13:04):
We we accept anybody that's served on active duty that
that is a veteran.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
So you don't have to be a combat veteran as.
Speaker 4 (13:13):
You do with the with the VFW, but we just
we we accept all veterans, any any age, any generation,
and we're just a fraternal organization where we come together
to help our brother and sister veterans in our communities.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
Well and I know that y'all always have activities go
on and uh so tell people about if you would,
the type of services if you will, and why why
veterans get involved.
Speaker 4 (13:43):
Absolutely so many times when we when we leave service,
we we miss a purpose in our lives. So that's
one thing that American Legion posts do is they give
veterans a sense of purpose.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
So we we do direct assistance for veterans.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
You know, we have funding from BINGO. So every time
that every quarter we're required to give funds back to
the community, whether that's a Veteran Service organization or or
any type of organization that's helping the community. And American
Legions given out tens of thousands of dollars over the
past couple of years directly back into Southeast Texas communities,
(14:23):
whether that be Junior League, you know, Backpack Drives, the
Dream Center, Southeast Texas, Veterans for Veterans, the Marine Corps League.
So we just like to to help our brother and
sister veterans out and it's just a myriad of different programs,
and we like to make sure that the people that
are vetting folks and organizations have the funding to keep
(14:47):
on helping veterans. And we know we can't see everyone,
so we want to make sure every veteran organization or
our community organization has a chance to keep helping.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
Do y'all meet on a regular scale.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
Yes, we meet every second Saturday at thirteen twenty Pennsylvania
Avenue downtown, right across the street from the Port. So
that's from eleven thirty to food.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
We eat at.
Speaker 4 (15:13):
Around eleven thirty and the meeting starts at noon usually
lasts about an hour or so.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
So that's every second Saturday, yes, sir.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
Well, and you've got some upcoming events happening right.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
Absolutely, so.
Speaker 4 (15:25):
September is a big month one at suicide Awareness Month,
So we want to make sure that we're talking about
that in the veteran community. That impacts veterans at a
much higher rate than it does our civilian counterparts. So
we want to make sure people are going to the
VA and talking to mental health professionals and making and
addressing that issue. That can always dial nine to eight
eight and press one for the Veteran Crisis Line at
(15:48):
any time, twenty four.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
Hours, seven days a week.
Speaker 4 (15:51):
But on September eleventh is Patriot Day, and we'll commemorate
that day at the Rock and A Cafe with the
Golden Triangle RSVP group.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
They always host us every year.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
It's for military first Responders, e MT, active duty, veteran whatever.
It's a free, free breakfast in a way for us
to come together and remember that day and how it
impacted us. I'll be the master of ceremonies that day
and SHAYL Williams with Post eight one seven, commander of
the second District in the American Legion, will be speaking.
(16:23):
So that's September eleventh, and the program starts at eleven
thirty at the Rock and A So that'll that'll be
a fun event.
Speaker 1 (16:30):
And will will I've been to some in the past,
and I know their full house, so it's you need
to show up, get there at about eleven thirty or
eleven fifteen. Huh, that's right.
Speaker 4 (16:42):
Yeah, it's always a good idea to feed veterans and
first responders, right, that'll get us there, and that that
leads us to the second Friday of every month is
our Buddy Check Lunch, where we provide a free lunch
for veterans. That's from eleven thirty to one thirty every
second Friday, and American Legion Post thirty three hosts it,
and then the next month that switches to VFW Post
(17:05):
eighteen oh six, right down the street from us on
Park Street, so we're always within a quarter mile of
each other. So every second Friday, veterans and their families
can come down to one of these vsos and get
a free lunch on us.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
Well, I know that this has been a passion of yours,
and it's pretty exciting that we're getting a new VA
center here in town and on College Street, and because
currently people have to go over to Houston for a
lot of those services.
Speaker 4 (17:35):
Absolutely, yeah, we have a community based out patient clinic now.
We're very excited about the expansion of any type of
veteran affairs office or medical complex here. We do want
to remind veterans that you don't have to make that
drive to Houston anymore if you don't want to do that.
We have a regular shuttle that leaves every Monday through
(17:57):
Friday at seven thirty in the morning. We're in returns
no later than two thirty every afternoon. So that's just
one more burden that we take off of our veterans
that especially our elderly veterans or folks with significant disabilities.
It's hard to get over to Houston and park and
deal with the traffic. But you can get to the
Beaumont Clinic on the day of your appointment and they'll
(18:19):
get you over there. It's fully accessible, there's a bathroom
air condition. It's a great service that's being provided now.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
That is very nice.
Speaker 1 (18:27):
And I know that getting the word out and being
a conduit for all the different resources because y'all help
with that as well, right, I mean, when veterans are
going through challenges.
Speaker 4 (18:40):
Absolutely so we work with of course to the Southeast
Texas standowns, which are the large vendor fares that we have,
and the next one the final one of the year
will be October third in Beaumont at the Beaumont Civic Center,
and our fantastic city partners are always great with the
use of that facility.
Speaker 3 (18:56):
It's usually our largest and most well attended event. We
just like to.
Speaker 4 (19:00):
Connect resources to veterans and veterans to resources, put them
all in one room, so you know, we can't say, well,
I didn't know where.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
To get them.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
It's like, well, we bring them to you five times
a year all throughout Southeast Texas. And we're excited about
the next one on October third at the Civic Center.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
Well, and any other activities coming up? Are those your
two big ones right now?
Speaker 4 (19:23):
That's the big one, but we do have an exciting
In the spring, we started a partnership. Some vsos got
together with Lamar and we bought one hundred tickets to
Lamar baseball games and we allowed veterans and their families
to come. And we want to do that with as
many of the different sports at Lamar as possible. So
(19:43):
November eighth, the home football game before Veterans Day, we'll
have a with Southeast Texas Veterans for Veterans Post thirty
three and the Marine Corps League of Port Arthur. We'll
have a veteran tailgate where we'll feed you for free,
and we're also going to give tickets to veterans and
their families to attend that Lamar football game and go
see the Cardinals beat Southeastern Louisiana.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
There you go, and they're coming off two winning seasons,
which is the first time in a long time.
Speaker 3 (20:12):
So I'm excited for.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Coach Pete Rosamondo and the Lamar Cardinals and UH in
this football season because it is that time of year.
But you know, I want to applaud you and in
your commitment because you know this is something that when
people are in need oftentimes being able to find those
resources can be challenging.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
And UH and.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Y'all help people get where they need to go too.
Speaker 4 (20:40):
Absolutely, we want to just make sure that if you
know a veteran that needs something, have them reached out.
Speaker 3 (20:45):
That's the number one.
Speaker 4 (20:46):
Thing we tell all our veterans is we can't we
don't know. If we don't know about you, we can't help.
We're not about you know, giving handouts. We want to
we want to address your issue. If you can't pay
your light bill this month, then how can we work
we can pay it next month. I can't always pay
your light bill, but maybe we can work out some
financial assistance or get you with the.
Speaker 3 (21:06):
VA and hooked up with some services there.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
We know that people maybe have been out of service
for a long time and they think the VA is
it for them.
Speaker 3 (21:17):
That's not true. A lot has changed.
Speaker 4 (21:19):
We want to make an impact in our veteran community
and the only way we can do that is to
get them connected to services.
Speaker 3 (21:25):
So we want to just.
Speaker 4 (21:26):
Make sure that all veterans were here for you and
there's somebody out there watching your.
Speaker 1 (21:31):
Six So the second Saturday at y'all's post across from
the port, and is there another way they can contact
you if they have any questions?
Speaker 4 (21:42):
Absolutely, So we have a Facebook group Talposts thirty three Beaumont,
and we also have a website Beaumont al Post thirty
three dot org that they can message and we'll get
back to you as soon as we can.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
Say us. Well's the American Legion Post thirty three. Thank
you for all that you do in the in the
area and for the veterans, and I know that it
is a real passion that you work hard in and
I thank you for that.
Speaker 4 (22:14):
It's always a pleasure to talk with you, sir, and
serve our fellow brothers and sisters.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
Thank you very much, Yes, sir.
Speaker 1 (22:25):
Good afternoon Southeast Texas. We are back with the Roy
West Show here on News Talk five sixty k LV. Folks. Remember,
if you're driving down the road, you're getting out of
the car, you can always download the free iHeart Radio
app R. You can listen to any of our shows
on Apple Podcast, Android podcast, and iHeart Radio. And I
(22:45):
have with me Amy Levoy, the CEO of the Greater
Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. Welcome to the show, Aid.
Speaker 5 (22:53):
Thank you, Roy. I appreciate you having me absolutely.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
And you know, everybody's heard of the Chamber of Commerce
generally speaking, you know, because they're throughout the nation and
they're in areas. But you know, sometimes businesses may not
be a part of it. And let's talk a little
bit about what the Chamber does and w businesses all
to consider being a member.
Speaker 6 (23:17):
Oh well, thanks to Roy for asking that question, giving
me this opportunity to speak on behalf of the chamber.
The Chamber here in Beaumont, the Greater Beaumont Chamber of
Commerce has been around for one hundred and twenty two years.
Actually was formed right after the Spindle Top gusher and
has been an integral part of our community all these years.
(23:39):
We're here to represent our members and to be a
catalyst to have a positive impact on the economic and
well being of Beaumont in the Greater Southeast Texas. So
we have just over about nine hundred members from different
businesses in the community and we have we support them
(24:01):
through economic development advocacy, business development, leadership, opportunities in the
community involvement, so a lot of opportunities to be a
part of our Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce.
Speaker 1 (24:20):
Well, and there's a lot of benefits too.
Speaker 5 (24:25):
That that is correct.
Speaker 6 (24:27):
We have on Fridays we actually have a business Connection
coffee that we have members come together and a network
and share what's going on with their businesses.
Speaker 5 (24:39):
It's one of the perks.
Speaker 6 (24:41):
We actually have different events throughout the year that you
can participate in and also serving on the committees, you know,
and the ability to network and you know, meet people,
share what you do with your business. We also provide
other support if you need one on one assistance with
(25:02):
your business. So lots of opportunities here at the Chamber.
We have our website that you can go to to
see what events we have and come and participate where
we would love to have you.
Speaker 1 (25:18):
And I know you're also social media, so y'all get
your information out. But for businesses that you know, most
businesses are pretty relational. I mean there are exceptions to that,
but most of the businesses that get involved in the Chamber,
or certainly relational businesses too, they want to know other
(25:38):
members of the community and it helps with good practices
and everything else in terms of getting acquainted with these
other businesses and building relationships and also having a little
bit of an insight to what's going on.
Speaker 5 (25:57):
That is correct. You know, we have different members ship levels.
Speaker 6 (26:01):
We have something for nonprofits and then different levels and
depending on you know your budget and what you want
to expend to spend. We also have an email and
blass our membership matters that on Tuesday's reaches over three
and a half thousand email addresses to inform our members
what's going on in the community and perhaps you want
(26:23):
to do a little bit of advertising. We offer advertising
also on our website.
Speaker 1 (26:29):
Well, and that's another good way to get your name
out across the community. With people that are doing business
here and people that are engaged with Beaumont in Southeast
Texas and tell people, I mean, I know you have
the business networking, you have a lot of luncheons as well.
Tell people a little bit about you know, there also
(26:52):
is an advantage to being able to go because the
prices are a little bit cheaper on some of those
activities right.
Speaker 6 (26:58):
As correct, We do all for discounts to our members
on certain programs that we offer in certain events. That's
super helpful and informative. Some of our events. Actually there's
a maximum number that I attend, and so I encourage
people to become members because that's also a way that
(27:19):
you can participate in some of the programs that we have.
So that's also a nice thing to do. Is the
benefits home or the discounts that you get as a member?
Speaker 1 (27:30):
Right and this fall? Do you have your any of
your calendar information right up right now?
Speaker 6 (27:38):
Actually, I'm finishing our fiscal year. We're working through our
budget which will be approved this week, and then in
the upcoming two weeks you will start to see our
calendar being populated with the events for our next fiscal year.
Speaker 1 (27:56):
Well, this is important for people to get involved stay
involved in their community, because connecting with others is going
to help raise your profile in that community and be
able to get that additional business.
Speaker 5 (28:14):
I know it is, and I will say too.
Speaker 6 (28:16):
You know, have grown up in Beaumont and had a
small business here for many years now, you think you
kind of know everyone in the community, And the next
thing you know, I've gotten into this job and I've
met so many new people and excited about our small
businesses and what.
Speaker 5 (28:31):
We have to offer here in Southeast Texas.
Speaker 6 (28:34):
So it has been a pleasure to meet so many
new people and to see all of the different businesses
that we have here in the community.
Speaker 1 (28:43):
Well, and what is y'all's website address? Do you have
that off the top of your head? And I think
I have it pulled up right now.
Speaker 6 (28:51):
Yeah, it's BMTCOC dot org.
Speaker 5 (28:55):
That's bmt COOC dot org.
Speaker 6 (28:58):
And I will tell you also, you go to our
events page into our calendar, you actually we will populate
it with our community events as well, so you know
there are some major milestones that are going on in
the community in the city here. We try to make
sure that we put that on our calendar as well.
Speaker 1 (29:17):
Well, and I have it up right now. It's a
very robust website and it's an opportunity too. There is
a directory to be able to contact other members as
well right there on the website.
Speaker 6 (29:29):
Certainly you can actually search if you're looking for, you know,
something specific, and it will pull up all like restaurants
or hotels. So it is and that is available to
anyone that goes to the website.
Speaker 1 (29:44):
And if you get involved, you can also become an ambassador,
which allows you then your networking at a higher level.
Speaker 6 (29:52):
Absolutely, and we're so thankful for our ambassadors. They help
us at ribbon cuttings, they deliver deliver our welcome package
to our new members, and are volunteering and spreading the
good word about the Chamber and our businesses here. So
we appreciate our ambassadors and also our Young Professionals. Young
Professionals of Southeast Texas also an organization that is within
(30:18):
the Chamber and doing great things, for example like our
forty under forty nominees that will take place in November.
Speaker 1 (30:28):
And I've noticed just looking at the calendar, it looks
like the YPO lunch and sold out, which is another
thing why you want to be a part of it
because oftentimes you're not going to be able to get
plugged in because some of the events do sell out.
Speaker 5 (30:43):
I appreciate you pointing that out.
Speaker 6 (30:45):
And you know there is throughout all of your age,
from a young child, someone that is in university or
high school, we have events for every one of all
ages and so encourage parents and students, young professionals to
reach out to the Chamber and you know, look at
(31:07):
our website and social media to see what activities.
Speaker 5 (31:11):
We have that you can become involved in.
Speaker 1 (31:14):
Well, I'm looking in September already looks pretty busy with
different events on the calendar. So, Amy Lavoy, I just
want to thank you. We've got the Greater Beaumont Chamber
of Commerce CEO. Thank you so much for being on
the show.
Speaker 5 (31:29):
Thank you Roy, thank you for all you do for Beaumont.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
Yes, ma'am, we are back with the Roy West Show
here on News Talk five sixty k l V. And
if you miss any part of the show, you can
always download the pre iHeartRadio app, stream the show live
wherever you are, or get this show or any of
my shows on podcasts. You can also go to Apple
(31:54):
podcast and Android podcasts and I have Teressa with this
Lamar University Center for Resilience back on the show. Welcome
back to the show, Thanks Roy.
Speaker 7 (32:08):
I appreciate you having me.
Speaker 1 (32:10):
Well and tell people about Lamar University Center for Resilience.
Speaker 7 (32:16):
So we are.
Speaker 8 (32:19):
We are large, large center, one of the largest centers
in the Texas State University Center in the one of
the largest center here on campus. We work on the
topic of resiliency and that is so vague because as
we all know, resiliency is a very vague topic. It
looks different for small business, for nonprofit industry. Our mention
(32:43):
as a state funded center is to work with communities
along the Gulf Coast region Felth established resiliency and support
the Gulf Coast resiliency as a whole in kind of
whatever way that looks like. One of our primary goals
is to create what we call a network hub or
a collaborative and that's where we sort of connect nonprofits
(33:07):
with other nonprofits or nonprofits with business or with government,
you know, and then the same with business to nonprofits
or local government and all really with the mission to
make Southeast Texas in the Gold Coast region more resilient
against natural disasters, nade disasters, you know, things like COVID
(33:28):
or you know, hurricanes, so it looks kind of difference
for everyone.
Speaker 7 (33:33):
The second largest thing that we are working on here.
Speaker 8 (33:35):
Is what we call a data collaborative and that is
sort of like a web based data sharing system that
we are hoping. When I say hoping, because we're still
kind of in the planning, you know.
Speaker 7 (33:48):
Stages of getting this together.
Speaker 8 (33:50):
The goal is to offer a storage space for local government,
for business, for nonprofits to store important data that's secure
in auccessful only for them. It frees up expenses to
smaller agencies who don't have a large budget. It also
will hopefully serve as another part of our networking hub,
(34:12):
so agencies and organizations and businesses can kind of pull
information from that to help with resiliency our community planning.
Speaker 7 (34:22):
So that's something that's kind of in the work still.
Speaker 8 (34:25):
I believe it's center three year plan, but we're a
little further ahead than what we had expected. So we're
hoping by mind Spring next year we will have this
web based opportunity to start offering to the public. So
networking and providing networking support for the community is our
number one focus for.
Speaker 1 (34:45):
Now well, and resiliency is something that we know how
important it is when we have event. It's a cur
but sometimes there can be periods of time we're you know,
you hadn't dusted it at all if you will. Are
there change of personnel, there could be a change of technology.
(35:08):
All of that can be challenging and that one reason
I suppose that Texas State system is the recognize that
there is that need and through collaboration you might be
able to be kind of on the cutting edge.
Speaker 8 (35:25):
That's our hope, and we still have the research going
at the same time. We've been offerable for about three
years now. In the first three years have been mostly
focused on research.
Speaker 7 (35:35):
Now we're trying to take everything that.
Speaker 8 (35:37):
We've learned in that research and put it into practice
in an applical way that sort of fits everyone. We're
working on a knowledge transfer system, which is really just
sort of bridging the gap between the science in.
Speaker 7 (35:51):
The every day.
Speaker 8 (35:53):
You know, we've learned to run of stuff over the
past three years about disasters, just as broad as that is,
and resiliency. Now we're trying to put those two together
and have something a little more tangible to offer to
the golf Coast community.
Speaker 1 (36:09):
Well, and y'all got a showcase coming up on September
twentieth out at Lamar and you've got a couple of
things going on out there. Y'all are really doing a
great job of inviting the public out because you have
a little bit of something for everybody.
Speaker 7 (36:25):
We do, yes, and we're super excited about this.
Speaker 8 (36:30):
The university has joined the Collegiate Rodeo circuit, so we
are forming our own competitive rodeo team, which is very
very exciting all in itself. And to kick off the rodeo,
we're hosting what we're calling Big Reds Round Up and
it's going to be held at the Spindlet Boomtown Center
(36:51):
in partnership with what we're calling a Community Resilience Showcase.
Speaker 7 (36:56):
And that showcase is kind of like.
Speaker 8 (36:58):
A standard sort of source fare that I know we've
all kind of been to.
Speaker 7 (37:02):
You know. We'll have tables in boots for a lot.
Speaker 8 (37:04):
Of nonprofits social service agencies.
Speaker 7 (37:07):
We're sitting at around forty.
Speaker 8 (37:10):
Nonprofit agencies from here to your Harden County to just
for houton Counting Range and even Court Offer that are
going to come out and let the community.
Speaker 7 (37:20):
Know who they are and what services they offer.
Speaker 8 (37:23):
We're also going to have the Live Share of Blood
Think they're hosting a blood drive, which is very very neat.
We have places like takes Us Master Naturalists that are
going to come talk about, you know, nature programs that
they offer for the kids and sort of their role
within the education system, the Guard House, We've got Endeavors,
(37:44):
We've got all of those those big social service agencies
that offer resources to the community that a lot of
community is in need of it just doesn't really know about.
And it's going to be a great networking opportunity for
these agencies to network with each other. We also have
the jazzper Newton Long Term Recovery Group that are gonna
be there also kind of brings some awareness to Jazz
(38:06):
ber Newton County and share their information.
Speaker 7 (38:09):
And all of this is going to run.
Speaker 8 (38:10):
Between twelve and five, and we're still looking for anyone
that would like to have a table or have a
booth out there. There's no costs for that at all.
The rodeo events are going to start around three and
they're going to happen across the street from the boom
Town's been on Top Center in the Grassy area. We're
gonna have Mutty muston professional full riding.
Speaker 7 (38:33):
I think there's cap roping.
Speaker 1 (38:36):
Who are you? Are you back? I lost your first time?
Speaker 7 (38:50):
Yes, I got a little timer that I was talking
too long.
Speaker 5 (38:53):
I guess I ran.
Speaker 1 (38:53):
Oh no, you're not talking too long at all. So
this is an exciting time. And this is for the
general public, so and also for the kids, because this
is about collaboration because oftentimes we people aren't aware of
all the services. They get real interested in services when
something happens, but this to be aware of before something
(39:17):
happens can be really valuable. And as you said, also
it helps with collaboration with these different organizations because sometimes
you know, they all live in their own world too,
so visiting with others and see how well they can
collaborate and avoid redundancy of services or understand the difference
thereof So how do people? Do people need to get tickets?
(39:40):
What do they need to do? We got about a
minute left.
Speaker 7 (39:46):
I'm sorry out again, all right, so.
Speaker 1 (39:48):
We've got about a minute left. Do people need to
get tickets or what do they need to do?
Speaker 8 (39:52):
Yes, so you can go to our website. It is
Lamar not eating you and on the homepage. There a
link there for the Big Reds round up. There's a
list of events and registration links on their tickets are
ten dollars, but children.
Speaker 7 (40:09):
Twelve and hundred.
Speaker 1 (40:18):
Well, folks, you can go to Lamar University.
Speaker 8 (40:22):
You can also follow us on Facebook at Lamara dot
edu forwards Slash Center for Resiliency.
Speaker 1 (40:28):
All right, well we are out of time. Thank you
so much, and I look forward to seeing you on
September twentieth.
Speaker 3 (40:35):
Yes, we are.
Speaker 1 (40:40):
Wrapping up another Roy West show here on News Talk
five sixty k LV. We always have the best guest
folks that today. We started out with Sarah Harden with
ARC which it helps people with disabilities, provides all kinds
of service. It's a great organization in Sarah is the
(41:00):
executive director. And then we talked with Seth with RISE
and he also is a part of the Veterans organization
here locally and how they serve veterans throughout Southeast Texas.
And then I had the pleasure of speaking with the
new CEO and President, Amy Levoy with the Greater Beaumont
(41:22):
Chamber of Commerce, who's been on the job about six
months now and certainly has been doing great things here
in Southeast Texas and in Beaumont, and she is a
native and she is back and making a difference. And
then Teressa Robertson with Lamar University Center for Resiliency and
they're having a community showcase on Saturday, September twentieth out
(41:47):
at Gladys City and the rodeo is going to be
across the street at the field. That's right, Lamar University
is having their first rodeo September twentieth.
Speaker 3 (41:56):
Everybody needs to check that out.
Speaker 1 (41:59):
I like the remind find people that the Roy West
team of Guild Mortgages we do all types of home loans,
whether you're looking to refinance, purchase your first home, purchase
investment property, or upgrade your house. Roy West Team with
Guild Mortgage has a.
Speaker 3 (42:17):
Product for you.
Speaker 1 (42:18):
So give us a call at four zero nine eight
six six nineteen oh one, or you can go to
our website at roywesteam dot com. And folks, remember when
you're listening to the Roy West Show, you can always
hear it on the free iHeartRadio app as well as
Apple podcasts and Android podcast And until we talk again,
God bless you all
You're listening to the Roy Web Show and you can
hear us every Sunday from noon to one pm, or
you can hear us anytime on the free iHeartRadio app,
our Apple podcast or Android podcast. And I have with
me Sarah Harden with the Ark of Greater Beauma. Welcome
back to the show.
Speaker 2 (00:21):
Sarah, Hey, thanks for having me today.
Speaker 1 (00:24):
It's a pleasure. And if you would, I know most
people have heard about the Arc of Southeast Texas, but
I'm sure there's some people out there that may not
be familiar. So if you would, if you had shared
some information.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Okay, sure. So the Arc of Greater Beaumont is a
nonprofit located here right near Pardo Mall, and we have
programs for adults and kids with disabilities and supports for
their families. We have three main program tracks. Our adult
services are a lot of social opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
(00:58):
You know, a lot of the times they're not naturally
good at making plans, creating new relationships. Transportation is always
an issue for our friends, and so that's where we
come in. We have a lot of social opportunities like dances,
We've got game nights, we've got two, three book clubs.
(01:20):
We've got three art classes now. We do weekly extracise classes.
We do bingo nights and bowling nights, and guys and
Girls' nights. They're a popular one. We also do a
date night, a date night every two to three months,
and those are always a blast, and it's a safe
place for our adults to you know, work on relationship
(01:41):
skills and learn what's appropriate and what's not appropriate, and
then you know, hang out with have fun. At the
same time, we do a lot of children and family events.
We've got a Parent's Night Out that we regularly have
each month where parents of kiddos with disabilities can just
drop them off and they can go out to eat,
if they can go to the birgery store, they can
(02:01):
go home and sit on their booties and not do
anything if they want just a little break. And so
that's one of our most popular kids activities. They it's
you know, parents kids with disabilities a lot of times
don't just have anybody that they can drop their kids
off with, and so we're a safe place for that.
We do summer camps for teens and our younger kiddos.
(02:24):
We just finished those up in July. That was fun
and exhausting, but totally worth it. We've got Family Fun
Days that we meet in different places around the community.
Those a lot of times are scheduled around holidays like
Christmas and Easter. We do parent education and like learning
(02:44):
lunch and learns. We like to call them where they
can learn more about specific issues that are more are
more like directed towards kiddos and families that have disabilities.
And then we've got a baby Basket program all kinds
(03:04):
of good stuff, Moms Lunch where you can kind of
make friends and create new relationships with moms that are
in similar situations to yourself. And then we have our
self Advocacy Track, where are independent adults that have disabilities
really learn how to better advocate for themselves, to speak
their mind, to advocate here locally in Austin, Washington, d C.
(03:31):
About issues that really really pertain to their lives and
howl walls can really affect the quality of life they have,
and we also kind of help them have the tools
they need to present its conferences. Our group is real
popular at different advocacy and disability conferences and had opportunities
(03:53):
to present here in the state and then in other States,
and so that's pretty neat. They also really really try
to be more contributors to our community instead of consumers,
and so they're a fantastic group to get out and volunteer.
If anybody listen and needs groups to come help out,
call us because they love the opportunity to give back
(04:14):
to the community. But that's about us in a nutshell.
We do have a couple of fundraisers during the year,
but our programs are all at no cost to our
people because they are on such limited budgets already. We
wouldn't want anyone to not be able to come, and
(04:35):
so that's a huge focus for us. A big part
of my job is to find the support in our
community through grants and direct public support to make sure
that our programs can continue, new ones are added as
they're needed, and our people can come without ever worrying
about not being able to pay for it.
Speaker 1 (04:54):
Well, I've had the privilege of being there many times
and it's a blast. It is a blast, and everybody
is having a good time. But you also you I
certainly recognize the need and oftentimes you don't realize what
you're missing in a community. But the ARC certainly is
(05:17):
an important link and tool in the community that brings
happiness and joy and education to families that and people
with this ability.
Speaker 2 (05:32):
Yeah, we're a lot of our services are unduplicated in
the community, and that's what makes us so important and
crucial for us to you know, maintain the funding that
we need so that we can keep doing stuff. For
one of our big things that I'm real receptive to
parents and our adults as well when they come to
us with the need something that we're not doing already
(05:55):
to figure out a way to make it happen or
figure out a specialist in that certain area. Like for example,
we had a living and learning series on healthy habits,
hygiene and appropriate relationships, and we had a counselor come
in and talk about what's right to say and what's
not right to say, what's acceptable and what's not acceptable,
and so you know, it's it's stuff that everybody should know,
(06:19):
but a lot of our people need that extra instruction
or extra explanations on why it's appropriate, why it's not
and reminders they may have learned it already. So it's
it's it's really good, really good thing for us to
be able to have that two way communication with our
people and parents that come in and try to meet
(06:40):
those needs.
Speaker 1 (06:41):
Well, it's a it's a very joyous place and I
know that for uh, for family members as well as
those with disabilities. It's it's certainly a safe place, but
it's a place to come where everybody feels like family
when you go there.
Speaker 2 (06:57):
Yeah, you know, it's sure.
Speaker 1 (06:59):
Everybody is very welcome.
Speaker 2 (07:01):
Yep, yep, there's no there's no exclusion here. We're all
about having everyone feel comfortable and feel like they belong.
And so it's fun and it's a fun I love
coming to work. It's easy. It's easy job to come
to because you know, we get stuff done. We make
(07:22):
a lot of difference. You know, we advocate for our people.
We work hard, but we have fun pretty much the
whole time we're doing it, and so it makes it easy.
I guess you could say.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Well, I want people to know how they can be involved.
In terms of that, you always need volunteers, but you
also always need revenue.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Yeah, so we have. Like I said earlier, we have
two big fundraisers during the year, our annual dinner and
style shows every April at different people, individuals organizations in
the community have opportunities to buy a table or sponsor
a model. At that point. We have that at the
(08:06):
Holiday Inn and it's a style show and all of
our models are adults and kids with disabilities and it's
a blast. It's so much fun. Kelly and Bob Phillips
or our MC's every year and so they have done
it so many years. I think this is their thirteenth.
Next year will be their thirteenth year to do it,
so they know all our people and it's so personal.
(08:26):
It's a lot of fun. But then our second one
coming up here in October is our I think it's
our thirteenth annual Buddy Walk, and that is at the
event Center. It's a one mile walk celebrating all of
the individuals that come to our programs or that live
in our community that have Down syndrome, and there's teams
(08:49):
built around all of these individuals and the team's fundraise,
we find sponsors for the event, and it's just a
huge day of celebration. That's one of our big fundraisers,
and it's a lot of work, but it's also so
much fun. That smiles on people's faces and knowing that
we're celebrating them makes that day, the best probably one
(09:12):
of the best days that we have all year up here,
but that you can be a sponsor, you can come out,
which leads to my next thing, volunteering. All the programs
that we do up here, the stuff that I've talked about,
we do with four regular employees and some contract workers
that help us out, and so all of the people
(09:33):
that help us man these big events like our dance,
for example, we have one hundred and forty or one
hundred and fifty people here. Sometime volunteers from our community
are crucial for nights like that. Last night we had
a dance and Do Good was here and there was
about seven of them, and then American valvend Hydrant came
and cooked the center for our people and served it
(09:55):
and helped put up tables and track pick up trash
and everything. So because of volunteers from our community, from businesses,
individuals and other nonprofit organizations, a lot of times will
even come up and help, we're able to do a
lot so well. Another way that can people can help, well.
Speaker 1 (10:17):
I can tell folks that it is you're going to
get more out of it than you're going to give.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
By participating, you'll be back you will be back.
Speaker 1 (10:28):
That's right, and it is so important in the community.
And also for those that don't have a family member
with disabilities, don't necessarily are aware of all the different
challenges are Yeah, they just not they don't think about it.
And this also helps you understand that how important it
(10:50):
is as a community to embrace and acknowledge.
Speaker 2 (10:56):
Yeah, and support and support and include and every all
of all of those little things that you know in
a whole will make our community more cohesive, and you know,
you know it just it makes it more real when
you're kind of out of touch with it. But it's
(11:17):
not a bad real, it's a fun, good normal for you,
and you in turn become a resource to somebody else
that potentially may need to come to an ARC event
one day, you know.
Speaker 3 (11:27):
So that's right.
Speaker 1 (11:29):
Well, we've got about thirty seconds left, So how do
people get in touch with you?
Speaker 2 (11:33):
Our Facebook page is the best way to see what
we've got going on up here. If you search the
Ark of Greater Beaumont on Facebook. We put all of
our events up there. A lot of the smaller events
we'll have a link. Just so we make sure we
have enough food supplies, spots open our bigger events, we
have you call the office and get on the list,
and you can call the office at four O nine
(11:55):
eight three eight nine zero one two with any questions
and we can get you on our mailing and list
for a calendar that we send out quarterly as well.
So that's the best way to see what's going on.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
All right, Sarah, we're out of time.
Speaker 2 (12:08):
Thank you, sir, thanks for having me again.
Speaker 1 (12:11):
Absolutely good afternoon, Southeast Texas. You're listening to the Roy
West Show here on News Talk five sixty klv H.
It's heart every Sunday from noon to one, but you
can hear it anytime on the free iHeartRadio app. Apple
podcasts are Android podcasts, and I have with me Seth
Wells from the American Legion Post thirty three. Welcome back
(12:35):
to the show.
Speaker 3 (12:36):
Seth. Good to see us. There always a pleasure to
be with you.
Speaker 1 (12:39):
Well, it's a pleasure to have you and you are
always very active in the community and so people see
you around a good bit so. But we're talking about
the American Legion Post thirty three, which explained to people
that are that might be unfamiliar or they've heard of it,
but what the American Legion is right.
Speaker 4 (12:58):
So the American Legion is national congressionally recognize Veteran Service organization.
Speaker 3 (13:04):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (13:04):
We we accept anybody that's served on active duty that
that is a veteran.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
So you don't have to be a combat veteran as.
Speaker 4 (13:13):
You do with the with the VFW, but we just
we we accept all veterans, any any age, any generation,
and we're just a fraternal organization where we come together
to help our brother and sister veterans in our communities.
Speaker 1 (13:28):
Well and I know that y'all always have activities go
on and uh so tell people about if you would,
the type of services if you will, and why why
veterans get involved.
Speaker 4 (13:43):
Absolutely so many times when we when we leave service,
we we miss a purpose in our lives. So that's
one thing that American Legion posts do is they give
veterans a sense of purpose.
Speaker 3 (13:55):
So we we do direct assistance for veterans.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
You know, we have funding from BINGO. So every time
that every quarter we're required to give funds back to
the community, whether that's a Veteran Service organization or or
any type of organization that's helping the community. And American
Legions given out tens of thousands of dollars over the
past couple of years directly back into Southeast Texas communities,
(14:23):
whether that be Junior League, you know, Backpack Drives, the
Dream Center, Southeast Texas, Veterans for Veterans, the Marine Corps League.
So we just like to to help our brother and
sister veterans out and it's just a myriad of different programs,
and we like to make sure that the people that
are vetting folks and organizations have the funding to keep
(14:47):
on helping veterans. And we know we can't see everyone,
so we want to make sure every veteran organization or
our community organization has a chance to keep helping.
Speaker 1 (14:57):
Do y'all meet on a regular scale.
Speaker 4 (15:00):
Yes, we meet every second Saturday at thirteen twenty Pennsylvania
Avenue downtown, right across the street from the Port. So
that's from eleven thirty to food.
Speaker 3 (15:12):
We eat at.
Speaker 4 (15:13):
Around eleven thirty and the meeting starts at noon usually
lasts about an hour or so.
Speaker 3 (15:18):
So that's every second Saturday, yes, sir.
Speaker 1 (15:21):
Well, and you've got some upcoming events happening right.
Speaker 3 (15:25):
Absolutely, so.
Speaker 4 (15:25):
September is a big month one at suicide Awareness Month,
So we want to make sure that we're talking about
that in the veteran community. That impacts veterans at a
much higher rate than it does our civilian counterparts. So
we want to make sure people are going to the
VA and talking to mental health professionals and making and
addressing that issue. That can always dial nine to eight
eight and press one for the Veteran Crisis Line at
(15:48):
any time, twenty four.
Speaker 3 (15:49):
Hours, seven days a week.
Speaker 4 (15:51):
But on September eleventh is Patriot Day, and we'll commemorate
that day at the Rock and A Cafe with the
Golden Triangle RSVP group.
Speaker 3 (16:01):
They always host us every year.
Speaker 4 (16:02):
It's for military first Responders, e MT, active duty, veteran whatever.
It's a free, free breakfast in a way for us
to come together and remember that day and how it
impacted us. I'll be the master of ceremonies that day
and SHAYL Williams with Post eight one seven, commander of
the second District in the American Legion, will be speaking.
(16:23):
So that's September eleventh, and the program starts at eleven
thirty at the Rock and A So that'll that'll be
a fun event.
Speaker 1 (16:30):
And will will I've been to some in the past,
and I know their full house, so it's you need
to show up, get there at about eleven thirty or
eleven fifteen. Huh, that's right.
Speaker 4 (16:42):
Yeah, it's always a good idea to feed veterans and
first responders, right, that'll get us there, and that that
leads us to the second Friday of every month is
our Buddy Check Lunch, where we provide a free lunch
for veterans. That's from eleven thirty to one thirty every
second Friday, and American Legion Post thirty three hosts it,
and then the next month that switches to VFW Post
(17:05):
eighteen oh six, right down the street from us on
Park Street, so we're always within a quarter mile of
each other. So every second Friday, veterans and their families
can come down to one of these vsos and get
a free lunch on us.
Speaker 1 (17:19):
Well, I know that this has been a passion of yours,
and it's pretty exciting that we're getting a new VA
center here in town and on College Street, and because
currently people have to go over to Houston for a
lot of those services.
Speaker 4 (17:35):
Absolutely, yeah, we have a community based out patient clinic now.
We're very excited about the expansion of any type of
veteran affairs office or medical complex here. We do want
to remind veterans that you don't have to make that
drive to Houston anymore if you don't want to do that.
We have a regular shuttle that leaves every Monday through
(17:57):
Friday at seven thirty in the morning. We're in returns
no later than two thirty every afternoon. So that's just
one more burden that we take off of our veterans
that especially our elderly veterans or folks with significant disabilities.
It's hard to get over to Houston and park and
deal with the traffic. But you can get to the
Beaumont Clinic on the day of your appointment and they'll
(18:19):
get you over there. It's fully accessible, there's a bathroom
air condition. It's a great service that's being provided now.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
That is very nice.
Speaker 1 (18:27):
And I know that getting the word out and being
a conduit for all the different resources because y'all help
with that as well, right, I mean, when veterans are
going through challenges.
Speaker 4 (18:40):
Absolutely so we work with of course to the Southeast
Texas standowns, which are the large vendor fares that we have,
and the next one the final one of the year
will be October third in Beaumont at the Beaumont Civic Center,
and our fantastic city partners are always great with the
use of that facility.
Speaker 3 (18:56):
It's usually our largest and most well attended event. We
just like to.
Speaker 4 (19:00):
Connect resources to veterans and veterans to resources, put them
all in one room, so you know, we can't say, well,
I didn't know where.
Speaker 3 (19:08):
To get them.
Speaker 4 (19:08):
It's like, well, we bring them to you five times
a year all throughout Southeast Texas. And we're excited about
the next one on October third at the Civic Center.
Speaker 1 (19:17):
Well, and any other activities coming up? Are those your
two big ones right now?
Speaker 4 (19:23):
That's the big one, but we do have an exciting
In the spring, we started a partnership. Some vsos got
together with Lamar and we bought one hundred tickets to
Lamar baseball games and we allowed veterans and their families
to come. And we want to do that with as
many of the different sports at Lamar as possible. So
(19:43):
November eighth, the home football game before Veterans Day, we'll
have a with Southeast Texas Veterans for Veterans Post thirty
three and the Marine Corps League of Port Arthur. We'll
have a veteran tailgate where we'll feed you for free,
and we're also going to give tickets to veterans and
their families to attend that Lamar football game and go
see the Cardinals beat Southeastern Louisiana.
Speaker 1 (20:05):
There you go, and they're coming off two winning seasons,
which is the first time in a long time.
Speaker 3 (20:12):
So I'm excited for.
Speaker 1 (20:13):
Coach Pete Rosamondo and the Lamar Cardinals and UH in
this football season because it is that time of year.
But you know, I want to applaud you and in
your commitment because you know this is something that when
people are in need oftentimes being able to find those
resources can be challenging.
Speaker 3 (20:35):
And UH and.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Y'all help people get where they need to go too.
Speaker 4 (20:40):
Absolutely, we want to just make sure that if you
know a veteran that needs something, have them reached out.
Speaker 3 (20:45):
That's the number one.
Speaker 4 (20:46):
Thing we tell all our veterans is we can't we
don't know. If we don't know about you, we can't help.
We're not about you know, giving handouts. We want to
we want to address your issue. If you can't pay
your light bill this month, then how can we work
we can pay it next month. I can't always pay
your light bill, but maybe we can work out some
financial assistance or get you with the.
Speaker 3 (21:06):
VA and hooked up with some services there.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
We know that people maybe have been out of service
for a long time and they think the VA is
it for them.
Speaker 3 (21:17):
That's not true. A lot has changed.
Speaker 4 (21:19):
We want to make an impact in our veteran community
and the only way we can do that is to
get them connected to services.
Speaker 3 (21:25):
So we want to just.
Speaker 4 (21:26):
Make sure that all veterans were here for you and
there's somebody out there watching your.
Speaker 1 (21:31):
Six So the second Saturday at y'all's post across from
the port, and is there another way they can contact
you if they have any questions?
Speaker 4 (21:42):
Absolutely, So we have a Facebook group Talposts thirty three Beaumont,
and we also have a website Beaumont al Post thirty
three dot org that they can message and we'll get
back to you as soon as we can.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
Say us. Well's the American Legion Post thirty three. Thank
you for all that you do in the in the
area and for the veterans, and I know that it
is a real passion that you work hard in and
I thank you for that.
Speaker 4 (22:14):
It's always a pleasure to talk with you, sir, and
serve our fellow brothers and sisters.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
Thank you very much, Yes, sir.
Speaker 1 (22:25):
Good afternoon Southeast Texas. We are back with the Roy
West Show here on News Talk five sixty k LV. Folks. Remember,
if you're driving down the road, you're getting out of
the car, you can always download the free iHeart Radio
app R. You can listen to any of our shows
on Apple Podcast, Android podcast, and iHeart Radio. And I
(22:45):
have with me Amy Levoy, the CEO of the Greater
Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. Welcome to the show, Aid.
Speaker 5 (22:53):
Thank you, Roy. I appreciate you having me absolutely.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
And you know, everybody's heard of the Chamber of Commerce
generally speaking, you know, because they're throughout the nation and
they're in areas. But you know, sometimes businesses may not
be a part of it. And let's talk a little
bit about what the Chamber does and w businesses all
to consider being a member.
Speaker 6 (23:17):
Oh well, thanks to Roy for asking that question, giving
me this opportunity to speak on behalf of the chamber.
The Chamber here in Beaumont, the Greater Beaumont Chamber of
Commerce has been around for one hundred and twenty two years.
Actually was formed right after the Spindle Top gusher and
has been an integral part of our community all these years.
(23:39):
We're here to represent our members and to be a
catalyst to have a positive impact on the economic and
well being of Beaumont in the Greater Southeast Texas. So
we have just over about nine hundred members from different
businesses in the community and we have we support them
(24:01):
through economic development advocacy, business development, leadership, opportunities in the
community involvement, so a lot of opportunities to be a
part of our Greater Beaumont Chamber of Commerce.
Speaker 1 (24:20):
Well, and there's a lot of benefits too.
Speaker 5 (24:25):
That that is correct.
Speaker 6 (24:27):
We have on Fridays we actually have a business Connection
coffee that we have members come together and a network
and share what's going on with their businesses.
Speaker 5 (24:39):
It's one of the perks.
Speaker 6 (24:41):
We actually have different events throughout the year that you
can participate in and also serving on the committees, you know,
and the ability to network and you know, meet people,
share what you do with your business. We also provide
other support if you need one on one assistance with
(25:02):
your business. So lots of opportunities here at the Chamber.
We have our website that you can go to to
see what events we have and come and participate where
we would love to have you.
Speaker 1 (25:18):
And I know you're also social media, so y'all get
your information out. But for businesses that you know, most
businesses are pretty relational. I mean there are exceptions to that,
but most of the businesses that get involved in the Chamber,
or certainly relational businesses too, they want to know other
(25:38):
members of the community and it helps with good practices
and everything else in terms of getting acquainted with these
other businesses and building relationships and also having a little
bit of an insight to what's going on.
Speaker 5 (25:57):
That is correct. You know, we have different members ship levels.
Speaker 6 (26:01):
We have something for nonprofits and then different levels and
depending on you know your budget and what you want
to expend to spend. We also have an email and
blass our membership matters that on Tuesday's reaches over three
and a half thousand email addresses to inform our members
what's going on in the community and perhaps you want
(26:23):
to do a little bit of advertising. We offer advertising
also on our website.
Speaker 1 (26:29):
Well, and that's another good way to get your name
out across the community. With people that are doing business
here and people that are engaged with Beaumont in Southeast
Texas and tell people, I mean, I know you have
the business networking, you have a lot of luncheons as well.
Tell people a little bit about you know, there also
(26:52):
is an advantage to being able to go because the
prices are a little bit cheaper on some of those
activities right.
Speaker 6 (26:58):
As correct, We do all for discounts to our members
on certain programs that we offer in certain events. That's
super helpful and informative. Some of our events. Actually there's
a maximum number that I attend, and so I encourage
people to become members because that's also a way that
(27:19):
you can participate in some of the programs that we have.
So that's also a nice thing to do. Is the
benefits home or the discounts that you get as a member?
Speaker 1 (27:30):
Right and this fall? Do you have your any of
your calendar information right up right now?
Speaker 6 (27:38):
Actually, I'm finishing our fiscal year. We're working through our
budget which will be approved this week, and then in
the upcoming two weeks you will start to see our
calendar being populated with the events for our next fiscal year.
Speaker 1 (27:56):
Well, this is important for people to get involved stay
involved in their community, because connecting with others is going
to help raise your profile in that community and be
able to get that additional business.
Speaker 5 (28:14):
I know it is, and I will say too.
Speaker 6 (28:16):
You know, have grown up in Beaumont and had a
small business here for many years now, you think you
kind of know everyone in the community, And the next
thing you know, I've gotten into this job and I've
met so many new people and excited about our small
businesses and what.
Speaker 5 (28:31):
We have to offer here in Southeast Texas.
Speaker 6 (28:34):
So it has been a pleasure to meet so many
new people and to see all of the different businesses
that we have here in the community.
Speaker 1 (28:43):
Well, and what is y'all's website address? Do you have
that off the top of your head? And I think
I have it pulled up right now.
Speaker 6 (28:51):
Yeah, it's BMTCOC dot org.
Speaker 5 (28:55):
That's bmt COOC dot org.
Speaker 6 (28:58):
And I will tell you also, you go to our
events page into our calendar, you actually we will populate
it with our community events as well, so you know
there are some major milestones that are going on in
the community in the city here. We try to make
sure that we put that on our calendar as well.
Speaker 1 (29:17):
Well, and I have it up right now. It's a
very robust website and it's an opportunity too. There is
a directory to be able to contact other members as
well right there on the website.
Speaker 6 (29:29):
Certainly you can actually search if you're looking for, you know,
something specific, and it will pull up all like restaurants
or hotels. So it is and that is available to
anyone that goes to the website.
Speaker 1 (29:44):
And if you get involved, you can also become an ambassador,
which allows you then your networking at a higher level.
Speaker 6 (29:52):
Absolutely, and we're so thankful for our ambassadors. They help
us at ribbon cuttings, they deliver deliver our welcome package
to our new members, and are volunteering and spreading the
good word about the Chamber and our businesses here. So
we appreciate our ambassadors and also our Young Professionals. Young
Professionals of Southeast Texas also an organization that is within
(30:18):
the Chamber and doing great things, for example like our
forty under forty nominees that will take place in November.
Speaker 1 (30:28):
And I've noticed just looking at the calendar, it looks
like the YPO lunch and sold out, which is another
thing why you want to be a part of it
because oftentimes you're not going to be able to get
plugged in because some of the events do sell out.
Speaker 5 (30:43):
I appreciate you pointing that out.
Speaker 6 (30:45):
And you know there is throughout all of your age,
from a young child, someone that is in university or
high school, we have events for every one of all
ages and so encourage parents and students, young professionals to
reach out to the Chamber and you know, look at
(31:07):
our website and social media to see what activities.
Speaker 5 (31:11):
We have that you can become involved in.
Speaker 1 (31:14):
Well, I'm looking in September already looks pretty busy with
different events on the calendar. So, Amy Lavoy, I just
want to thank you. We've got the Greater Beaumont Chamber
of Commerce CEO. Thank you so much for being on
the show.
Speaker 5 (31:29):
Thank you Roy, thank you for all you do for Beaumont.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
Yes, ma'am, we are back with the Roy West Show
here on News Talk five sixty k l V. And
if you miss any part of the show, you can
always download the pre iHeartRadio app, stream the show live
wherever you are, or get this show or any of
my shows on podcasts. You can also go to Apple
(31:54):
podcast and Android podcasts and I have Teressa with this
Lamar University Center for Resilience back on the show. Welcome
back to the show, Thanks Roy.
Speaker 7 (32:08):
I appreciate you having me.
Speaker 1 (32:10):
Well and tell people about Lamar University Center for Resilience.
Speaker 7 (32:16):
So we are.
Speaker 8 (32:19):
We are large, large center, one of the largest centers
in the Texas State University Center in the one of
the largest center here on campus. We work on the
topic of resiliency and that is so vague because as
we all know, resiliency is a very vague topic. It
looks different for small business, for nonprofit industry. Our mention
(32:43):
as a state funded center is to work with communities
along the Gulf Coast region Felth established resiliency and support
the Gulf Coast resiliency as a whole in kind of
whatever way that looks like. One of our primary goals
is to create what we call a network hub or
a collaborative and that's where we sort of connect nonprofits
(33:07):
with other nonprofits or nonprofits with business or with government,
you know, and then the same with business to nonprofits
or local government and all really with the mission to
make Southeast Texas in the Gold Coast region more resilient
against natural disasters, nade disasters, you know, things like COVID
(33:28):
or you know, hurricanes, so it looks kind of difference
for everyone.
Speaker 7 (33:33):
The second largest thing that we are working on here.
Speaker 8 (33:35):
Is what we call a data collaborative and that is
sort of like a web based data sharing system that
we are hoping. When I say hoping, because we're still
kind of in the planning, you know.
Speaker 7 (33:48):
Stages of getting this together.
Speaker 8 (33:50):
The goal is to offer a storage space for local government,
for business, for nonprofits to store important data that's secure
in auccessful only for them. It frees up expenses to
smaller agencies who don't have a large budget. It also
will hopefully serve as another part of our networking hub,
(34:12):
so agencies and organizations and businesses can kind of pull
information from that to help with resiliency our community planning.
Speaker 7 (34:22):
So that's something that's kind of in the work still.
Speaker 8 (34:25):
I believe it's center three year plan, but we're a
little further ahead than what we had expected. So we're
hoping by mind Spring next year we will have this
web based opportunity to start offering to the public. So
networking and providing networking support for the community is our
number one focus for.
Speaker 1 (34:45):
Now well, and resiliency is something that we know how
important it is when we have event. It's a cur
but sometimes there can be periods of time we're you know,
you hadn't dusted it at all if you will. Are
there change of personnel, there could be a change of technology.
(35:08):
All of that can be challenging and that one reason
I suppose that Texas State system is the recognize that
there is that need and through collaboration you might be
able to be kind of on the cutting edge.
Speaker 8 (35:25):
That's our hope, and we still have the research going
at the same time. We've been offerable for about three
years now. In the first three years have been mostly
focused on research.
Speaker 7 (35:35):
Now we're trying to take everything that.
Speaker 8 (35:37):
We've learned in that research and put it into practice
in an applical way that sort of fits everyone. We're
working on a knowledge transfer system, which is really just
sort of bridging the gap between the science in.
Speaker 7 (35:51):
The every day.
Speaker 8 (35:53):
You know, we've learned to run of stuff over the
past three years about disasters, just as broad as that is,
and resiliency. Now we're trying to put those two together
and have something a little more tangible to offer to
the golf Coast community.
Speaker 1 (36:09):
Well, and y'all got a showcase coming up on September
twentieth out at Lamar and you've got a couple of
things going on out there. Y'all are really doing a
great job of inviting the public out because you have
a little bit of something for everybody.
Speaker 7 (36:25):
We do, yes, and we're super excited about this.
Speaker 8 (36:30):
The university has joined the Collegiate Rodeo circuit, so we
are forming our own competitive rodeo team, which is very
very exciting all in itself. And to kick off the rodeo,
we're hosting what we're calling Big Reds Round Up and
it's going to be held at the Spindlet Boomtown Center
(36:51):
in partnership with what we're calling a Community Resilience Showcase.
Speaker 7 (36:56):
And that showcase is kind of like.
Speaker 8 (36:58):
A standard sort of source fare that I know we've
all kind of been to.
Speaker 7 (37:02):
You know. We'll have tables in boots for a lot.
Speaker 8 (37:04):
Of nonprofits social service agencies.
Speaker 7 (37:07):
We're sitting at around forty.
Speaker 8 (37:10):
Nonprofit agencies from here to your Harden County to just
for houton Counting Range and even Court Offer that are
going to come out and let the community.
Speaker 7 (37:20):
Know who they are and what services they offer.
Speaker 8 (37:23):
We're also going to have the Live Share of Blood
Think they're hosting a blood drive, which is very very neat.
We have places like takes Us Master Naturalists that are
going to come talk about, you know, nature programs that
they offer for the kids and sort of their role
within the education system, the Guard House, We've got Endeavors,
(37:44):
We've got all of those those big social service agencies
that offer resources to the community that a lot of
community is in need of it just doesn't really know about.
And it's going to be a great networking opportunity for
these agencies to network with each other. We also have
the jazzper Newton Long Term Recovery Group that are gonna
be there also kind of brings some awareness to Jazz
(38:06):
ber Newton County and share their information.
Speaker 7 (38:09):
And all of this is going to run.
Speaker 8 (38:10):
Between twelve and five, and we're still looking for anyone
that would like to have a table or have a
booth out there. There's no costs for that at all.
The rodeo events are going to start around three and
they're going to happen across the street from the boom
Town's been on Top Center in the Grassy area. We're
gonna have Mutty muston professional full riding.
Speaker 7 (38:33):
I think there's cap roping.
Speaker 1 (38:36):
Who are you? Are you back? I lost your first time?
Speaker 7 (38:50):
Yes, I got a little timer that I was talking
too long.
Speaker 5 (38:53):
I guess I ran.
Speaker 1 (38:53):
Oh no, you're not talking too long at all. So
this is an exciting time. And this is for the
general public, so and also for the kids, because this
is about collaboration because oftentimes we people aren't aware of
all the services. They get real interested in services when
something happens, but this to be aware of before something
(39:17):
happens can be really valuable. And as you said, also
it helps with collaboration with these different organizations because sometimes
you know, they all live in their own world too,
so visiting with others and see how well they can
collaborate and avoid redundancy of services or understand the difference
thereof So how do people? Do people need to get tickets?
(39:40):
What do they need to do? We got about a
minute left.
Speaker 7 (39:46):
I'm sorry out again, all right, so.
Speaker 1 (39:48):
We've got about a minute left. Do people need to
get tickets or what do they need to do?
Speaker 8 (39:52):
Yes, so you can go to our website. It is
Lamar not eating you and on the homepage. There a
link there for the Big Reds round up. There's a
list of events and registration links on their tickets are
ten dollars, but children.
Speaker 7 (40:09):
Twelve and hundred.
Speaker 1 (40:18):
Well, folks, you can go to Lamar University.
Speaker 8 (40:22):
You can also follow us on Facebook at Lamara dot
edu forwards Slash Center for Resiliency.
Speaker 1 (40:28):
All right, well we are out of time. Thank you
so much, and I look forward to seeing you on
September twentieth.
Speaker 3 (40:35):
Yes, we are.
Speaker 1 (40:40):
Wrapping up another Roy West show here on News Talk
five sixty k LV. We always have the best guest
folks that today. We started out with Sarah Harden with
ARC which it helps people with disabilities, provides all kinds
of service. It's a great organization in Sarah is the
(41:00):
executive director. And then we talked with Seth with RISE
and he also is a part of the Veterans organization
here locally and how they serve veterans throughout Southeast Texas.
And then I had the pleasure of speaking with the
new CEO and President, Amy Levoy with the Greater Beaumont
(41:22):
Chamber of Commerce, who's been on the job about six
months now and certainly has been doing great things here
in Southeast Texas and in Beaumont, and she is a
native and she is back and making a difference. And
then Teressa Robertson with Lamar University Center for Resiliency and
they're having a community showcase on Saturday, September twentieth out
(41:47):
at Gladys City and the rodeo is going to be
across the street at the field. That's right, Lamar University
is having their first rodeo September twentieth.
Speaker 3 (41:56):
Everybody needs to check that out.
Speaker 1 (41:59):
I like the remind find people that the Roy West
team of Guild Mortgages we do all types of home loans,
whether you're looking to refinance, purchase your first home, purchase
investment property, or upgrade your house. Roy West Team with
Guild Mortgage has a.
Speaker 3 (42:17):
Product for you.
Speaker 1 (42:18):
So give us a call at four zero nine eight
six six nineteen oh one, or you can go to
our website at roywesteam dot com. And folks, remember when
you're listening to the Roy West Show, you can always
hear it on the free iHeartRadio app as well as
Apple podcasts and Android podcast And until we talk again,
God bless you all
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