Bellingham Highlighted on a Recent Boston 25 Zip Trip

Though the day dawned overcast with showers, the weather did not stop the crowds from turning out when Fox 25 News came to Bellingham for their infamous Zip Trips segment. Initially the early morning start, coupled with the rain, made residents slow to arrive, but by mid-morning the town common had a definite celebratory atmosphere. Reporters Gene Lavanchy, Elizabeth Hopkins, Tom Leyden, and Michelle Lazcano, along with meteorologist Shiri Spear, were on hand and set up under a big tent to conduct interviews, but once the showers stopped they came out onto the common to mingle with the locals and conduct more interviews.

Many booths had been set up by the news station’s sponsors, and a booth was also given to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry volunteers to collect cereal donations that Fox 25 had requested be brought to resupply this much-needed staple to a local food pantry that Zip Trip visits.  There were many prize giveaways and some fun activities for kids to enjoy as well.

Some of those interviewed were town officials Dennis Fraine and Dan Spencer, who talked about the history of the town common and the fact that our town hall is one of the oldest continuously operating town halls in the state and quite possibly the country. The chiefs of the police and fire departments were recognized for their service as part of the First Responder Friday segment, and Jennifer Altomonte, head of the town’s 300th Anniversary Committee, discussed some events for our year-long celebrations and had a booth set up with a beautifully decorated cake and cupcakes to offer to visitors as they stopped by to see what was going on for upcoming events.

Some of our other notable residents were honored as well. Jim Hastings, who had worked on the committee that brought the Wall that Heals to our town, mentioned that the wall was on display at our town’s middle school fields and described how emotional it was to see the welcome it received. Bill Delaney, a long-time resident and 6th-grade history teacher, was honored for his dedication to our students and encouraged viewers to see a part of history by visiting The Wall that Heals and understanding that our freedom comes at a big price for those who serve. Tina Kahiouteas, of our local Dairy Queen, was recognized for being one of our unsung heroes for how much she enjoys serving all the children who come to visit. 

Restaurants such as the Beef Barn, Coachmen’s Lodge, Rosewoods, and Town Pizza had their moments showcasing their establishments and talking about some of their tasty offerings. Gary Pandolfi of Pandolfi’s Chocolates was recognized along with New England Bonsai Gardens displaying their beautiful trees. Younger residents were highlighted such as young ventriloquist Nathan along with his funny puppet Jeffy, and the junior varsity and varsity softball teams were honored for making it into the TVL championships.

While the interviews were going on all around the Common, local band Pieces of Eight was playing on the bandstand to add to the party-like atmosphere. It was fun to see residents in the crowd get their moments of fame too, whether they were holding up special signs in the background while interviews were going on, getting pictures with the Zip Trip team, or being selected to be a part of the town trivia or junior reporter segment. All who left the common later in the morning were excited to have been a part of the show displaying all that our town has to offer.