I would like to respond to Mr. William Fitch’s letter regarding the Old Saybrook Main Street flags [June 26 “Sweeping Out Excuses”].

The Old Saybrook/Westbrook Exchange Club is responsible for purchasing, and maintaining the flags. Many of the collars that hold the flag brackets are damaged. There is no commercially available collar to fit our street poles. Each one is custom made. To date, we have received offers, but no help. We are hopeful someone with such expertise will come forward.

July 4th weekend two of us did the best we could to patch up what we have to fly as many flags as possible. Some poles are missing flags and that is because we could not make the brackets usable. Many of the ones we did adjust will not last long term.

We haven’t had a flag fund drive recently. We are appealing for money to keep this program going and restore our fund. Each one of the 46 flag units along Main Street costs $47. Each year many will be damaged by weather or other mishap.

Mr. Fitch in his letter claimed the lack of flags recently made no sense. I hope the above clarifies what has been happening. I’m pleading for help both financially and labor to fashion new collars.

If your readers cherish the flags as much as I do, I encourage them to provide support.

Donations may be made to the Old Saybrook Westbrook Exchange Club P.O. Box 400 Old Saybrook 06475. Donations can also be dropped off to Andy at the Paint Shop. Andy also has a sample of what needs to be done on the repairs.

I look forward to Mr. Fitch and the entire community’s support to keep this program in place. Those with questions can reach me at dehunt31@gmail.com.

Don Hunt

Old Saybrook

Exchange Club