Beat the Heat: Responding to Scorching Summer Temperatures

The summer heat in Beaumont may be typical in Southeast Texas, but that doesn’t make it any less unbearable.  For 12 years now, Entergy Texas has partnered with The Salvation Army for the “Beat the Heat” initiative.

The heat can be particularly stifling to those without air conditioning at home.  As such, “Beat the Heat” makes fans available for elderly low-income residents.  Clients only need to bring an electric bill and identification.

Entergy Texas has donated 120 fans to The Salvation Army of Beaumont for this year’s program.  “With the demand for fans growing every year, we are pleased to provide oscillating fans this year in order to help our customers remain as comfortable as possible,” says Pam Williams, manager for customer operations support for Entergy Texas.  The program certainly has gotten very popular and is one of the most anticipated summer services in Beaumont.

Madison’s Restaurant, owned by Frankie Randazzo, will also be supporting this project with their 7^th Annual Box Fan Bash on July 15^th from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Local bands will be performing, and a silent auction will be held.  It will be a great evening of entertainment, but more importantly, it will be a significant contribution to a good cause.

Many thanks to Entergy Texas and Madison’s Restaurant for helping The Salvation Army help others! 

Debi Derrick of Entergy Texas

Special Contribution to the Emergency Shelter

The Beaumont community has many supporters for the work of The Salvation Army.  This collaboration makes it possible for The Salvation Army to continue meeting “human needs in His name without discrimination.”  

The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of St. Mark’s Church made a gift of $2,000 to The Salvation Army.  This gift was for the purchase of 2 new commercial dryers for the Emergency Shelter as well as to the food pantry.  “We are so glad that we can play a role in helping you meet critical needs in our area,” says Gail Davis, Chairman of the Community Outreach Fund.

The 2 new dryers arrived on Wednesday, July 27.  Many thanks to the ECW!

A Letter From the Majors

Friends of The Salvation Army:

For over 112 years, The Salvation Army has been fulfilling our mission to “meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”  This year is no exception.

Through our shelter, soup kitchen, social service, and our Boys & Girls Club, we are reaching out to serve those most in need.

In the last few years, the numbers of individuals and families that come to our facilities for help have been increasing.  The economic crisis has greatly impacted Southeast Texas.

While monetary donations have been decreasing, services to the community have actually been increasing as a response to the growing demand.

The time has arrived for our local Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club to expand our facility so that we may be able to serve more youth in the area, particularly expanding the age group to include teenagers as well.  This is a big project, and we invite you to be a part of it.  Together, we will succeed in having this extension built.  We will have a positive impact on the lives of our young people.  You may look under the Announcements tab for more details on this project.  I know that many of you will be interested in helping us because the people in Jefferson County are among the most compassionate and caring people in Texas.

We thank God for the opportunity that He gives in being a part of the process to help so many people.  We thank God for each one of you who make this work possible, through your monetary donations, through the time you give volunteering, and through your prayers.

Together, We Do The Most Good!

Majors Floiran & Eloisa Estrada

June 17: Father’s Day, VBS Sunday & Family Carnival

June 17 was a day for special observances: Father’s Day and VBS Sunday.

At The Salvation Army church, we had a great worship service with so many families whose children were from our VBS program. The chapel was so full – there were no empty seats!

A video summary of the “VBS experience” was shown at the beginning of the service.  It included many highlights of the week: special visit from our favorite clowns, praise & worship, arts & crafts, recreation, Bible quizzes, and much more!  “It’s great for giving the parents a small taste of what their children experience this week,” says Joanna Estrada, Christian Education Director.

VBS kids enthusiastically performed two songs: "Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" and "Majestic.”  Plenty of proud parents had their cameras out and ready recording this special moment.

The message was given by Major Floiran Estrada, based on Deuteronomy 6:5-7.  After the worship service, there was a Family Carnival with refreshments, games, and prizes!  Games included Archery, Egg-citing Spoon Race, Bean Bag Toss, Hula-Hoop Competition, Ducky Pond, Roulette Wheel, Water Game: Cops & Robbers, Knock ‘em Down, and One-Shot Mini-Golf.  When not playing to earn tickets for prizes, children were jumping around in the bounce house.

The canteen was out serving refreshments: lemonade, hotdogs, and watermelon.  While the parents were relaxing under the shade of the tent, children couldn’t get enough of the games.  As the kids kept winning, the parents became bombarded with stuffed animal prizes.

It was a great time for family and fellowship.

Cooling Station Open for the Summer

The summer heat in Beaumont can be unbearable – not surprising when 100+ temperatures are not uncommon for the summer.  For those without air conditioning, having a place to go to cool off during the hottest hours of the day is essential. 

That’s what the Cooling Station at The Salvation Army is for.  It provides those in need with a respite from the heat.  Visitors enter the sitting area where they can relax and cool down, enjoying the air conditioning and watching television or read a magazine.  Cold water and snacks are also provided to anyone free of charge.  “But the real draw,” says one volunteer, “is simply catching a break from the heat.”

The Cooling Station is located at The Salvation Army Social Service Center on 1490 7^th Street and operates from Monday to Friday; it’s open from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (except on Friday when it closes at 3:00).  Beat the heat!

Last Day of Vacation Bible School - Huge Success!

Today was the last day of Vacation Bible School "Deep Blue Sea" at The Salvation Army.  With our program running from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., our schedule is as follows:

• Opening Assembly
• Bible Class
• Arts & Crafts
• Music Class
• Snacks
• Recreation
• Closing Assembly

VBS this year served over 130 children!  On the first day, kids are sorted into 4 pods by age.  (Why pods?  A group of dolphins is called a pod.)  Each pod goes to the different classes after the Opening Assembly. 

Activities
In Bible Class, they learn a new Bible story and memory verse on which they will be quizzed the following day.  Those who memorize the Bible verse and/or answer questions correctly earn prizes!  In Arts & Crafts, children paint, make bead-work, color, and arrange interesting crafts.  Music Class is where they learn new praise songs and motions to go along.  Two special songs will be performed on Sunday, June 17 in celebration and recognition of VBS Sunday.  Towards the end of Music Class, it's time for snacks and fellowship.  Of course, all fun programs need some time for recreation, and the children always enjoy playing active games in the gymnasium.

The Prize Room
Every year, we give the children a special treat: The Prize Room.  So what is The Prize Room?  Well, you can guess it's full of prizes - dolls, remote-control cars, board games, and lots of other toys!  The "best pod of the day" - determined by behavior and participation - get to visit The Prize Room.  Like last year, all the pods this year were chosen for these special rewards.

Free VBS T-Shirts
Another popular aspect of VBS at The Salvation Army is the free t-shirt.  "From the first day of VBS, I had lots of kids asking me when they would get a t-shirt like mine," says Joanna Estrada, Christian Education Director.  These t-shirts have the Deep Blue Sea theme, complete with a submarine picture and a Bible verse on the back - "Deep is the love of Christ" (Ephesians 3:18).  The children wear their shirts proudly for the rest of the week as well as the special performance on VBS Sunday.

Special Awards - Top 3
Today, on the last day of Vacation Bible School, we had some special awards for the 3 most outstanding students in the week: Alexa Fuentes, Crystal DeAnda, and Alex Beacs.  These winners were determined on the basis of behavior, participation, and attendance.  "When you have so many kids in the program, it's difficult to choose just 3!" says one of the volunteers.  While these 3 stood out for an extra award, all the children were certainly winners!

VBS Sunday & Family Carnival - this June 17 at 2350 i-10 East at 11:00 a.m.  Don't miss out!

VBS Sunday & Family Carnival - June 17

This Sunday will be a blast at The Salvation Army church.  Not only will it be a great Father's Day (what better way than to spend it in the Lord's house with your family?), but it will also be VBS Sunday!

This is our 3rd Annual VBS Sunday.  All the children who participated in Vacation Bible School this week are invited, along with their families, to attend this special Sunday.  VBS kids will perform 2 special songs, wearing their VBS themed "Deep Blue Sea" T-shirts.  Parents get to see their children perform some of the songs they sang during the week and a small taste of the VBS experience.

After the worship service, there will be a family carnival with games, refreshments, and prizes!  Children will get to jump in the bounce house, hop to the finish line in a potato sack relay, aim for the bull's eye in the archery zone, and play many more games.  Parents can play too!

It's a great day for the whole family, so don't miss out!  VBS Sunday at The Salvation Army, located at 2350 i-10 East.  Worship service begins at 11:00.

From the Chairman

The Salvation Army continues to serve the many who are in need of a place to sleep and a meal to eat. The economy is still suffering and gasoline prices continue to rise. A lot of construction jobs are ending and unemployment is still high. 

Thanks to you, our many donors, Channel 6 Toy Drive and the Angel Tree program, The Salvation Army was able to provide Christmas gifts and food to more than 500 families and continues to assist families today.

With the summer heat around the corner, we'll be providing fans to many families with the help from Entergy and Madison's Restaurant as our partners in this endeavor.

The Boys & Girls Club is now in the middle of a Capital Campaign to expand the facilities so we can meet the much needed room for children of our area. The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe and learning environment for our boys & girls. If we can help them today, then they will succeed in the future.

Remember these boys and girls are our future and desperately need our help. If you can contribute to our campaign or know someone who might want to help, please give us a call.  Pledges can be paid out in 3-5 years.  Also remember to visit our Family Thrift Store located at 4295 College and see the many bargains we have. 

From our Advisory Board to you, we want to say thank you.  You have made a difference in the lives of many.  To quote Charles Stanley, “It is not what we get out of life but what we give that God honors.”

Thank you and may God bless you and smile upon you always!

Pat Anderson

Advisory Board Chairman

HOPE FOR TOMORROW! Luncheon & Style Show

Pencil us in for August 23rd!

The first annual “Hope for Tomorrow” Luncheon & Style Show benefitting The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club will be held Thursday, August 23 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Beaumont’s beautiful Botanical Gardens at Tyrrell Park.

“The theme ‘LEARN from yesterday, LIVE for today, HOPE for tomorrow’ will bring together lessons learned from the past, setting goals for today and reaching out with great HOPE for a brighter future tomorrow for all of our youth,” says Judy Kelfstrom, Event Coordinator.

Macy’s at Parkdale Mall will provide the fashions headed up by Macy’s own Dee Ware.  Michael Perez, executive director of the Boys & Girls Club along with Majors Floiran and Eloisa Estrada have invited several students from the BISD elementary, junior high and high school to join members of the Boys & Girls Club as guest models in the style show.  Each student selected was nominated by a teacher for their academic achievement and community service during the 2011 – 2012 school year. You might even see a teacher showing off the latest Macy’s fashions.

Don’t be surprised when our celebrity models take to the stage as well, but shhhh, no peeking just yet.  We don’t want the Paparazzi crashing our show!

Pencil us in for a great afternoon of food, fashions, fellowship and fundraising.  You will be amazed at the treasures you will find in our very own Boutique featuring the latest in gently used fashions and accessories all at bargain prices.  There is sure to be a silent auction item or two that you just can’t live without.  Proceeds will benefit the new building club expansion.

For ticket information, contact any of our committee members:

• Judy Kelfstrom - Event Coordinator @ 409.338.3106
• Pat Barker
• Tina Breland
• Georgia Dunlap
• Alberta Jones
• Evelyn Lord
• Dora Nisby
• Birdie Harrison
• Major Eloisa Estrada
• Joanna Estrada
• Shelly Vitanza
• Michael Perez                               

Club 316: Character Building for Kids

The Salvation Army offers a number of ministry programs and events for young people that will help them to develop an unwavering character while at the same time helping them to grow in an understanding of God’s love through a life-long relationship with Jesus Christ.  Like other scout and troop programs, Club 316 uses achievement emblems as an incentive for further learning and accomplishments.

Some of the badges earned include: Cooking, Bible Study, Indoor Sports, Astronomy, Friend to Animals, and Service to Others.  Badges often take about a month to earn, doing various activities and assignments.  “One of the activities we did when learning about the Solar System was to calculate our weight on each planet.  We had to multiply our weight [on earth] by another planet’s gravity factor.  It was very interesting,” says Joanna Estrada, Christian Education Director.

Because students often visit a planetarium for a school field trip, it was decided that Club 316 would do something different.  As part of their astronomy badge, they took a field trip to the Johnson Space Center in Houston.  They were able to take a tour around NASA and participate in a Feel of Space simulation to learn about how astronauts live in a space environment.  There were modules to demonstrate actual training exercises astronauts have to take as well as an astronaut gallery that had many different spacesuits.

Several of the children also presented projects on a given planet of the Solar System providing visuals and relevant information.  They presented at the Sunday morning worship service at The Salvation Army.

Club 316 really takes a hands-on approach to learning.  In order to experience how the blubber of arctic animals like penguins and seals can protect them from extreme temperatures, they prepared a large bowl filled with water and ice – it was freezing!  All the children wore a food service glove on their left hand and dipped it into a can of solid shortening; then they took turns to place both hands into the water, with only the left hand covered in shortening.  The result was very cold right hands!  “The idea was to discover how the shortening acted like insulation, keeping the left hand warm just like blubber helps to keep arctic animals warm too,” says Joanna.

 
As part of their assignments for the Friend to Animal badge, the troop made a visit to PetSmart where they were given a fully detailed tour of the pets, how to care for them, and unique facts about them.  Other activities to earn the badge included: giving a presentation on a specific animal, a group project caring for live hermit crabs and learning about various animals in the wild.

More recently, the children have been working on a Service to Others badge. They visit nursing homes, help serve food, and volunteer to help in other activities as well.

On Saturday, May 12, Club 316 went on a field trip to the Houston Zoo where they were able to see and learn about many different animals, even pet some in the petting zoo.  On Sunday, May 17, Club 316 troopers made a special presentation to complete their Bible Study badge.

Summer Day Camp at the Boys & Girls Club

Summer Day-Camp at the Boys & Girls Club has arrived!  “We’re averaging over ninety kids a day,” says Executive Director, Michael Perez. 

The Club Staff are busy gearing up for extended operating hours and increased numbers of kids.  The Club will be open for nine weeks this summer, Monday to Friday from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm. 

Club members will not only enjoy plenty of recreation and exercise, but also both educational and recreational field trips as well as classes on nutrition, etiquette, conflict resolution, vocational skills training and drug prevention. 

 

The demand for this kind of program is huge.  Club Site Director, Linda Fleming, notes that she opened summer registration on April 2 with 140 spots available and all spots were filled by April 25—less than four weeks later!

 

Families that inquire after all the spots are full will be placed on a waiting list that often tops one hundred names before the staff stops placing additional names on the list. 

If you would like to visit the Club for a tour and additional information, please contact Executive Director Michael Perez at michael_perez@uss.salvationarmy.org or (409) 350-1268.

National Salvation Army Week

National Salvation Army week was May 14-19. The week was observed in Beaumont with some of our traditional activities, such as the Free Book Fair. Considering the success of this event in this past, this year we had 2 Free Book Fairs.

The book fair took place at Pointe North Apartments and Regency Apartments. The canteen was out serving cool orange juice, water, fruits, and snacks while children were making their picks of the books offered. Hundreds of books were given out!

The book fair is a great event because it encourages reading, imagination, and education among the children of the community.

It also offers an opportunity to speak with and inform children and parents about the programs and services of The Salvation Army.

Aside from the Free Book Fair, the Family Store had a special 25% off sale on all merchandise for the entire week. On Wednesday, even the boutique had a 25% discount on all items. These special sales make bargain prices even lower and make for a great shopping experience at The Salvation Army Family Store.

Basketball Season at the Boys & Girls Club

"The 2012 Basketball season at the Boys & Girls Club was another huge success!" says Michael Perez, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club. Over 100 Club members participated, playing on a total of 10 Boys & Girls Club teams ages 5-13.

The impact of this program has expanded beyond our own Club members as our league grew from 20 teams last year to 28 teams this year. In addition to our own teams, there were 18 additional teams from the surrounding area that played in our league. Our Club is becoming a leader in Southeast Texas for organized sports as other youth sports programs look to us to lead the way in organizing city wide leagues.

Participating organizations in this year’s league include The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Orange, Success Through Athletics (STA Raiders), The Beaumont Bees, Harvest For Lost Souls and the Lumberton Heat.

The season lasted for 7 weeks of regular season play followed by a two week play-off and championship. Games were played in our gym with some additional games played each week either at the gym at The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club of Orange or at the West Tabernacle Church gym. The average game-day this year saw over 500 men, women and children visit the Boys & Girls Club to watch or participate in the games.

We would like to thank our dedicated volunteer coaches for giving so much of their time and energy to coach our kids, teaching them the fundamentals of the game, and providing mentorship, and character building experiences.

7th Annual Box Fan Bash

The Seventh Annual Box Fan Bash will be held at Madison’s on Dowlen again this year.  Lee Pelly (promoter) and Frankie Randazzo (owner) invite everyone to stop by on Sunday July 15 from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to enjoy great food and fantastic entertainment, all to help a worthy cause.

Local bands will be performing on stage inside and outside in the garden.  Performers like Jimmy Kaiser, Chris Harper, Six String Mafia and many more will woo the crowd all evening.  A silent auction and raffle will keep you on the edge of your seats all night long as the names are drawn.  Come on down and bring the entire family for an evening of great fundraising entertainment; you’ll feel great that you did.

No cover, however donations are welcome – either a box fan or cash.  Anyone wanting to sponsor, donate or perform can contact Lee on his facebook page or by email at Lpelly11@yahoo.com.  Don’t miss out!