Overview:

Michael Flye, president of the Phillipston Historical Society, was awarded the Alphonse W. Chartier, Sr. Public Service Award during a ceremony at Phillipston Congregational Church. Flye was recognized for his contributions to the town, including his involvement in Civil War reenactments and his work on improving the audio system for town meetings.

PHILLIPSTON – Michael Flye was honored with the town’s Alphonse W. Chartier, Sr. Public Service Award during a ceremony Sunday evening at Phillipston Congregational Church.

The award, which has also come to be known as the Citizen of the Year Award, was first presented to Alphonse Chartier in 1986, according to historical society member Linda Langevin.

“You caught me off guard. Thank you all very much. This is quite an honor. I always try to stay out of the limelight and just make sure things run smoothly. And I just…it’s such a big honor. Thank you very, very much.” 

Michael flye

“Since that time, we’ve had over 50 people who have received this prestigious honor in our town,” Langevin told the audience. “And our town is very fortunate to have so many citizens deserving of this award, and this year is no exception.”

“You caught me off guard. Thank you all very much,” said Flye. “This is quite an honor. I always try to stay out of the limelight and just make sure things run smoothly. And I just…it’s such a big honor. Thank you very, very much.” 

The award was presented by 2024 honoree Gerhard Fandreyer, who lauded Flye for his many contributions to the town. He noted that Flye, who serves as president of the historical society, “has a deep passion for history and the Civil War. He has been involved in reenactments throughout New England, the Carolinas, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Mike’s involvement in reenactments has been a way for him to share his knowledge and expertise with others, making history come alive for visitors.”

Flye, added Fandreyer, has been joined by fellow reenactors to lead the Memorial Day parade to Uptown Cemetery and set up a Civil War camp on the Town Common. He also said that Flye is active as a member of the Finance Committee.

“He has also taken on getting a much-improved audio system for town meetings…as the old system was becoming obsolete,” he said.

In closing, Fandreyer said of Flye, “His empathy, adaptability, positive attitude, collaboration, reliability, respectfulness, creativity, and communication skills have made him a tremendous asset to the Town of Phillipston.”

Flye was also presented citations from the Massachusetts House and Senate by state Rep. Susannah Whipps and Dan Hickey, an aide to state Sen. Peter Durant.