America’s Youth Salute the Flag


Submitted by Gerry Clare
Roving Reporter

March 27, 2015 11:00 a.m.

Thanks to the the local Everett P. Pope Det. 1017 US Marine Corps League, America’s Youth group and local volunteers gathered to salute the flag on their new flagpole on Wednesday, March 25th .

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Judy Loper and Barbara Noden joined by American’s Youth.

Volunteers from the First Presbyterian Church, headed by Barbara and Mac Noden, were checking on the new gardens, planted next to the building last year. Kids of all ages were mixing with the visitors and waiting for the flag to go up. The sun shone through and the stage was set.

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Everett P. Pope Det. 1017 US Marine Corps League helps to raise the flag.

Commandant, Paul Kicker led the raising of the flag ceremony with remarks, followed by Sherry Cobb-Thompson (Board director), and John Gilbert, founder and CEO at the building located at the corner of Indigo and South 11th Street.

America’s Youth, Inc., a non-profit 501c3 organization was started 16 years ago “to provide a safe, enriching environment for disadvantaged and impoverished children aged 5-18 after school, Saturday and during the summer months. There are no salaried employees and Mr. Gilbert runs this program entirely with donations of food services and monies. He feeds the children 6 days a week with the help of Hope House for dinners 4 days a week.” After school tutoring, computers and individual attention with outings as possible are also part of the program.

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John Gilbert, director of America’s Youth and volunteer Barbara Noden.

There are 34 children registered during the school year and 50-60 in the summer camp. Several area churches are also supporting Mr. Gilbert’s program, but much is needed. The Board of Directors is currently raising money to replace his 20 year old station wagon and is half way funded.
The group is very grateful for the support of the Marines donation and ceremony on this day and looks forward to more community support. If you wish more information or wish to help, you can go to www.americasyouthinc.com .

Our thanks to Barbara Noden for contributing the background for this article.

Wendy Priestand and Judy Loper stand in front of  raised beds.
Wendy Priestand and Judy Loper stand in front of raised beds.