Old Glory could be seen hanging precariously by a single grommet Monday morning in front of the Hometown Realtors’ office at 486 Main St. in Athol. The Holiday Decorating Committee, which is seeking more members, is tasked with the maintenance of the decorative flags and poles along Main Street.
Old Glory could be seen hanging precariously by a single grommet Monday morning in front of the Hometown Realtors’ office at 486 Main St. in Athol. The Holiday Decorating Committee, which is seeking more members, is tasked with the maintenance of the decorative flags and poles along Main Street. Credit: DEBORRAH PORTER

ATHOL — At least one veteran in town noticed the wear and tear on the U.S. flags lining Main Street from downtown to uptown Athol and took action.

He delivered one flag he found knocked or torn from its post uptown to the town manager’s office Monday morning, and reported at least three flag poles are empty along the route, as well, and a couple flags are in obvious disrepair.

The town has a Holiday Decorating Committee, which in past years worked to keep Main Street decorated for the holidays, including Memorial Day, and through the Christmas season.

Downtown merchant Herb Wheeler, owner of Flowerland and former chairman of the Decorating Committee, said originally there were seven or eight members on the committee, but the task to maintain the flags and poles eventually fell upon only a few members, including himself, Charlie Shatos and Roger Watts.

He said the three were truly committed to the responsibility, and over the last six years, the committee had obtained enough donations from individuals and local businesses, including Athol Credit Union, Athol Savings Bank, bankHometown and Whipps Inc., to purchase and install roughly 72 flags and poles along the main drag. It was noted that the larger, older 3- by-5-foot flags get tangled up on the poles, causing damage.

“The U.S. flag is something to be cherished,” said Wheeler.

He said the care of the flags and poles fell constantly to a couple people, although others had been officially named to the committee. “We need the help of more volunteers from the community at large,” said Wheeler. He noted there are donations remaining in the account to be used for maintenance.

The current chairman of the Holiday Decorating Committee is Patrick DiPietro, who with his wife Diane own and operate Tintagels Gate, another downtown business. DiPietro collected the damaged flag that was turned in Monday, as well as a bag of 2½-foot by 4-foot flags that were being stored in Town Hall. DiPietro also traveled the route to ascertain which flags need replacing. DiPietro did not return a call seeking information prior to deadline Monday afternoon.

Presently serving on the seven-member committee are Ann Willhite, owner of Deja Vu, also downtown, and Shatos. The town is seeking more volunteers to fill the committee. For information or to be considered for appointment by the town manager, contact DiPietro at 978-830-4611.