Dover Download

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Deb Clough, a local volunteer who leads the Dover Doers group focused on beautifying downtown Dover through projects like planting and maintaining flower boxes on the Central Avenue Bridge and along the Community Trail. Clough shares how the group started modestly with just a few flower boxes, but grew in popularity and support from the community. She emphasizes the importance of volunteerism in building a sense of community and bringing people together for a common purpose. Clough welcomes anyone to get involved, even if it's just for an hour a month, and stresses that volunteering is a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about an incident in 1923 when the bronze sword held by the sailor figure on the Soldiers and Sailors Civil War Monument was found bent, leading to a police investigation.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the final in a series on the regional economy, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with James Burdin from the Office of Business Development in the City of Dover. Burdin shares his experience working with local businesses during his first year in the role. He discusses the importance of understanding a business's vision and providing guidance through city processes and available resources. Burdin emphasizes the value of collaboration with regional economic development professionals, leveraging their expertise and data-gathering capabilities. He also highlights the significance of housing availability in attracting and retaining a skilled workforce for local businesses. Burdin touches on initiatives like surveys and newsletters aimed at gathering community input and promoting engagement.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a raucous event in 1904 involving University of New Hampshire students at the Boston and Maine Train depot in Dover. Freshmen and sophomores engaged in a premeditated melee to mark the freshmen's arrival, with coats torn, hats trampled, and police intervention required to restore order.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Brian Early from the Media Services Department and Erin Basseigio from the Planning Department about the activities of Dover's boards, commissions, and committees in March.

Brian Early highlights the City Council's approval of the Fifth and Grove reconstruction project, updates to tax exemptions, and the purchase of a solar array for the Indoor Pool and Children's Museum of New Hampshire. Erin Basseigio talks about the Planning Board's ongoing work on impact fees, the Open Space and Conservation chapter of the Master Plan, and initiatives by the Community Trail Advisory Committee, Arts Commission, and Conservation Commission, including tree-planting efforts.

Parker also offers updates from the Parking Commission and the Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee. Additionally, they touch upon the City Council's budget review process, the School Board's new English language arts curriculum, the Joint Building Committee for the Dover High School Athletic Complex, and the search for a new Recreation Director.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the Flying Yankee, a pioneering streamlined passenger train that debuted in Dover in 1935, representing the latest innovation in rail transportation technology at the time.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Darren Winham, the Economic Development Director for the Town of Exeter. They discuss the challenges and opportunities of economic development in Exeter, which operates under the SB2 form of government. Winham emphasizes the importance of building consensus and engaging the voting public, especially older residents, for zoning changes and other initiatives. He highlights the region's housing affordability crisis as the biggest economic development issue facing the Seacoast. Winham also talks about Exeter's efforts to revitalize its downtown and attract more dining and entertainment options, transforming the town into a "foodie" destination. The conversation touches on the collaborative nature of economic development across Seacoast communities and the importance of considering factors like infrastructure capacity when recruiting new businesses.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover's transition from a town to a city government, with Andrew Pierce becoming the first mayor. This change aimed to improve municipal services like fire departments, water works, and public schools.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the third in a series, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Sean Clancy, the Assistant City Manager for Economic and Community Development for the City of Portsmouth. Clancy discusses his role in promoting Portsmouth's diverse economy, which includes manufacturing, service industries, arts and culture, and a vibrant nonprofit community. He emphasizes the importance of two-way communication with businesses, residents, and visitors to understand their priorities and address potential conflicts, such as the debate over outdoor dining and its impact on parking spaces for retailers. Clancy also highlights the collaborative nature of economic development efforts across the Seacoast region and the need to provide a welcoming experience for visitors while addressing the needs of residents and businesses.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the Dover High School fishing team, which was the first of its kind in the country when it was formed in 1946.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the second in a series, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Michael Scala, the Economic Development Director for the city of Rochester. Scala shares his background, growing up in a family with a small business, and how that led him to a career in economic development. He discusses the city's focus on revitalizing downtown Rochester by increasing residential density, working with developers to create new housing units at various income levels. Scala highlights successful projects like the Scenic Theater and Salinger Building redevelopments and plans for improving streetscapes and pedestrian amenities. He emphasizes the importance of a diverse housing stock to attract and retain workers for local businesses. Scala also touches on Rochester's collaboration with neighboring communities, the limitations of state incentives for economic development, and the impact of outdoor dining during COVID-19.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back to 1996, when the Dover City Council established a Historical Designation Committee and created an honorary City Historian position to identify and commemorate sites of historical significance in the city, aiming to attract tourists and businesses by promoting Dover's rich history.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Brian Early from Media Services and Erin Bassegio from the Planning Department to discuss updates and activities for Dover's public boards, commissions, and committees in February.

Brian Early highlights the City Council's ongoing fiscal year 2025 budget review, including upcoming meetings and workshops. He also mentions the Council's approval of a contract to rebuild the Portland Avenue retaining wall, the acceptance of a $440,000 grant from InvestNH to help increase attainable housing units, the allocation of federal Community Development Block Grant funding to local nonprofits, and the Council's directive for the Solid Waste Advisory Committee to evaluate the city's trash and recycling options.

Erin Bassegio discusses the activities of various land use boards, including the Community Housing Needs Committee's discussion of a housing opportunity planning grant, the Conservation Commission's endorsement of environmental conditional use permits, and the Planning Board's approval of a two-phase project for a new building to house the city's Inspection Services and other offices.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Captain John Riley, a prominent Dover sea captain from the 1800s, and his family's legacy in shipbuilding and maritime activities.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the first in a series, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Steve Fournier, Town Manager of Newmarket, about economic and business development strategies. They discuss how Newmarket has shifted its focus from industrial development to improving quality of life for residents by revitalizing downtown. The transportation enhancements and mill redevelopment sparked additional investment like a small grocery store to serve downtown residents. The pandemic accelerated this strategy as people wanted amenities within walking distance. Parker notes similarities between redevelopment patterns in Dover and Newmarket as former mill towns and college housing markets. Fournier explains Newmarket’s approach to providing diverse housing stock for young professionals, empty nesters and others as part of economic growth. They agree regional coordination has been crucial and communities support rather than compete with each other. Looking ahead, Fournier outlines plans for mixed-use development at Newmarket’s gateways to extend downtown and see more recreation-oriented business near the rail trail.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn how Garrison Hill embraced skiing in the 1920s with the addition of a ski jump.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Manager J. Michael Joyal about the municipal budgeting process. Joyal explains that he must present a proposed budget to the City Council by February 15 each year. The Council then reviews the details over several weeks through public workshops and hearings, soliciting feedback from residents, boards and commissions. The goal is to decide spending levels across services to meet community priorities and needs. After final discussions, the Council votes to adopt the budget in early April, which takes effect July 1.

The budget serves as a policy document reflecting priorities, a financial plan allocating resources, an operational guide for service delivery, and a communication tool. Factors influencing it include Council directives, contractual obligations, state/federal mandates, economic conditions, operational needs, and financial policies. This year's proposed $198 million budget across all funds prioritizes public safety, education, and infrastructure while addressing inflationary pressures and recruitment/retention challenges.

In his presentation, Joyal outlined the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025, including expenses, revenues, and tax impacts. He explained the budget process and highlighted strategic priorities like education, public safety, infrastructure, economic development, and fiscal stewardship. After detailing key increases and departmental budgets, he invited further review and public input over the coming weeks before the Council votes to adopt the budget on April 3.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Eric Chinburg, owner of Chinburg Properties, which has owned and redeveloped the mills in downtown Dover for the past 15 years. They discuss the changes Chinburg has spearheaded in redeveloping the mills into vibrant mixed-use spaces, the process and incentives involved in rehabilitating historic buildings, and the current challenges developers face with construction costs and financing. Chinburg also talks about his company's approach of having in-house teams for development, construction, and property management, as well as their focus on saving and repurposing historic mills and buildings in downtown areas. He shares examples of projects in Dover and other New Hampshire cities and towns, addressing factors that make redevelopment feasible or challenging, such as availability of parking, zoning allowances, and sewer infrastructure capacity. Chinburg and Parker also discuss trends in the residential rental market.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Maria Ricker, a prominent women's rights activist who lived in Dover in the late 19th/early 20th century. As one of the most influential suffragists of her time, she tirelessly advocated for women's right to vote through writing, public speaking, and protests. She made history as the first woman to attempt to vote in NH in 1870, to apply for bar membership in 1890, and more.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Bill Simons, the city's Parking Manager. They discuss the evolution of paid parking in Dover over the past 25 years, including the rollout of multi-space "master" meters to replace single-head meters 15 years ago and the recent shift to pay-by-plate technology. Simons explains the move to progressive pricing that allows people to stay parked longer while discouraging all-day parking in prime spots. He also talks about the adoption of mobile payment apps to extend time remotely and reduce the need for as many meters. Parker and Simons cover the different parking permit options for residents, commuters, and downtown employees to free up high-demand spaces for downtown visitors and customers. They also touch on coordinating parking needs with local businesses, planning for future development, and the customer-focused approach of Dover's parking enforcement.

In "This Week in Dover History," Mike Gillis describes the opening night festivities of the city's new 1,000-foot toboggan shoot on Garrison Hill in February 1924, which attracted over 3,000 people.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Manager J. Michael Joyal, Jr. about the strategic goal-setting process that the Dover City Council recently held. Joyal explains that the city has conducted goal-setting with each new council for over 30 years. The process allows new council members to bring ideas from their constituents, while also reminding returning members of previous goals. Over time, the city has embraced a more robust strategic planning system, with goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. This allows the city administration to be held accountable for making progress. Joyal also discusses how the council goals align with and drive budget priorities.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a devastating 1907 fire that took six lives at the Cocheco Manufacturing Company's Mill No. 1. The sprinkler system failed, fire crews battled equipment freezing in the cold, and crowds of spectators hampered efforts.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Heather Worrall, the new Human Resources Director for the City of Dover. Worrall discusses her background in HR and recruiting and what attracted her to the field. She talks about the various responsibilities of HR, including labor negotiations, benefits, liability analysis, and recruitment/retention. They discuss the current tight labor market and some creative solutions for recruitment, like employee referrals. Worrall emphasizes the good benefits of working for the city, including health insurance, retirement matching, and opportunities for career growth. The conversation concludes with discussing Worrall's goals in her new position.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the early 20th-century origins of many popular winter sports activities in Dover, including hockey, ice skating, sledding, and skiing at Garrison Hill. Over time, this led to things like a public ice skating rink downtown, the opening of the Dover Ice Arena in the 1970s, and a study in 1999 supporting the addition of a second rink at the arena.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with John Storer, Community Services Director, and Brian Landry, Public Works Supervisor, about winter preparations and challenges in snow removal. The conversation covers the extensive planning and preparation undertaken by the team before snowfall, including equipment readiness and crew briefing. They discuss the types of equipment used, like wing plow trucks, loaders, and sidewalk tractors, emphasizing the all-hands-on-deck approach during plowing events.

Storer and Landry detail the difficulties in handling different types of snow, especially wet snow, and the slow pace of clearing sidewalks in such conditions. They address the high expectations of Dover citizens and the logistical challenges they face, such as staffing shortages and equipment breakdowns. The discussion also includes how residents can stay informed about parking bans during storms.

Moreover, they discuss environmental concerns, particularly regarding the use of salt for de-icing roads. Efforts to reduce salt usage through brining equipment and more efficient application methods are mentioned. They also touch on the importance of community participation in clearing hydrants and catch basins post-storm.

In "This Week in Dover History," Mike Gillis discusses an event from 1924, where eight women employees from the Dover office of Twin State Gas and Electric attended a company meeting in Berlin, New Hampshire.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Ryan Pope, the City of Dover's Housing Navigator. They discuss the state's ongoing housing crisis, emphasizing the complexity of housing issues, including infrastructure, transportation, and the need for more housing units, particularly smaller ones. Pope highlights the community's feedback, gathered through surveys, indicating a desire for increased housing availability. They explore the challenges of implementing higher-density housing and balancing development with environmental concerns. The conversation also touches on financial aspects of addressing the housing crisis.

In This Week in Dover History, Mike Gillis reflects on the retirement of Schools Superintendent Gerald "Gerry" Daley in 1999.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Mike Gillis about the evolution of the podcast over its first two seasons and what listeners can expect going forward. They discuss improvements in the podcast's production quality, as well as shifts toward more authentic, informative conversations that tell the story behind policies and decisions shaping Dover. Looking ahead, they plan to continue highlighting major policies and volunteers, while also diving deeper into city budgets, goals, and issues interconnecting Dover with surrounding communities. Parker and Gillis ask listeners to give feedback on potential live episodes, topics to cover, and personal stories to share.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the devastating fire that destroyed the Morrill Block Building, a large complex housing over two dozen businesses, apartments, and offices in downtown Dover on Jan. 3, 1932. The fire required firefighters from numerous surrounding towns and caused over $1 million in damage.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Dover City Manager Bob Steele about his time working for the city in the late 1970s and 1980s. Steele recounts growing up in Maine and falling into a career in city management after graduating from the University of Maine. He shares what drew him to take the Dover city manager position, including the challenges the growing community was facing at the time such as issues with the city-managed hospital, the Tolend landfill, and securing an adequate water supply. Steele describes working to educate a fractious City Council on their role in a council-manager form of government. After over a decade as city manager, Steele made a surprise career change by taking a management job with Waste Management. He shares his unexpected journey into the private sector and how he helped Waste Management innovate on landfill gas capture and making Turnkey Landfill into a showplace.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a remarkable Christmas Eve gathering in 1923 at the former Dover City Hall and Opera House. More than 700 underprivileged children were treated to a festive party and gifts courtesy of the generosity of Mayor Fred Beckwith and other community members. Dressed as Santa Claus, the mayor made a dramatic entrance to cheers from the children and presided over a joyous event focused on community spirit and giving.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Dover City Councilor John O'Connor about his time serving on the council from 2014-2017 and 2020-2021. This episode is the fifth and final in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades. O'Connor discusses running for City Council, the steep learning curve in understanding the city budget and Capital Improvements Program, passionate debates over issues like sidewalk construction, what he enjoyed about meeting constituents, and his advice for future Council candidates on connecting with all facets of the community. O'Connor also shares perspective on working alongside other councilors, collaboration with the School Board, infrastructure needs, stormwater/wastewater issues, and more from his time in office.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn that the city's oldest hook and ladder firefighting company was formed on Dec. 21, 1831. Originally the Volunteer Hook and Ladder Company, it later became known as the Invincible and Lincoln hook and ladder companies over its decades of service. The company was renowned for its lively annual banquets that brought together local dignitaries. It began using horse-drawn and later motorized trucks, remaining active for over 100 years.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Jason Hindle, who served on the Dover City Council from 2000-2008. This episode is the fourth in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades. Hindle reflects on major events and policy decisions during his tenure, including the city's response to 9/11, transportation and infrastructure investments, zoning changes to enable future development, the creation of the McConnell Center, and new fire and schools facilities. Hindle explains why transparency and staff support are critical for good governance. He decided not to run again in 2008 due to career demands but applies lessons from his council service in his current federal government role.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn how in 1790, as legislators proposed moving parts of Strafford County to Rockingham County, a committee formed to lobby for preserving Strafford’s unity.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Parks "Skip" Christenbury, a former Dover City Councilor and lifelong Dover resident. This episode is the third in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades. They discuss the issues facing Dover in the 1990s when Christenbury served on the City Council, including financial struggles and the need for strong leadership. Christenbury reflects on policies and projects from that time, like expanding Enterprise Park, enhancing ambulance services, and laying the groundwork for the current waterfront development. He shares his perspective on the collaborative yet debates-driven dynamic on the 1990s City Council. Christenbury and Parker also delve into the relationships between City Council and staff at that time, the extent of local media coverage of local issues then versus now, and the value of being actively engaged in the community before seeking election.

In "This Week in Dover History," we learn about the appointment of Captain Thomas Wiggin as a commissioner on Dec. 10, 1641 to help enact a new governance structure for the Piscataqua region, which had the authority to ensure peace, order, and justice in Dover's early days.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Donna Benton, Director of Planning and Community Development, about Dover's Capital Improvements Program (CIP). They discuss what the CIP is, the process for creating it each year, how projects are financed, the timeline for approval, and how residents can provide input. The CIP will be presented to a joint session of the City Council and Planning Board on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Thanksgiving celebrations in Dover in 1905, gleaned from old newspaper ads.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Dover Mayor Jesse Andrew Galt about his time as a policymaker in Dover during the 1980s. This episode is the second in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades.

Galt served on the Dover City Council beginning in 1983, and then as mayor. Galt explains that he first got involved with local politics to oppose zoning changes on Central Avenue that would have transformed the residential neighborhood into an office and commercial area. After speaking out at public meetings, Galt was asked to join the City Council, representing Ward 1. As mayor, Galt focused on building consensus among the diverse Councilors to make decisions that benefited the whole community. Key issues he worked on included moving the downtown sewage treatment plant to rejuvenate the waterfront, passing a sprinkler ordinance for new multifamily housing, and rewriting the outdated city master plan and zoning laws to better manage rapid growth and development in the 1980s. Galt also reminisces about starting the tradition of the Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Henry Law Park and cutting ribbons for many new businesses opening in Dover during his tenure.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a boxing match in 1900 that took an unexpected turn.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with former Dover Mayor Jack Buckley about his time as a policymaker in Dover during the 1970s. This episode is the first in a series with Dover policymakers over the decades.

Parker and Buckley discuss Buckley's various roles in Dover, including as a city councilor, mayor, and director of the Dover Housing Authority. They reflect on major events and policies from the 1970s that impacted Dover, such as urban renewal, reconstruction of a key bridge, and Buckley's work to establish a code of ethics for the City Council. Buckley shares perspectives on hiring a city manager, Bob Steele, and working to preserve historic downtown buildings. He and Parker also talk about the changes Dover has undergone and Buckley's continued community involvement.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a tragic accident that occurred in 1856 involving a celebratory cannon on Garrison Hill.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Leah Garnett from the Finance Department and Patty Moniello from the Office of the City Attorney. Garnett and Moniello discuss their backgrounds and what brought them to work for the City of Dover. They talk about the learning curve coming from different sectors into government work, the surprises and day-to-day aspects of their roles, starting their jobs during COVID-19, and their career plans going forward.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the founding of Franklin Academy, Dover's first public brick building.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Clerk Jerrica Vansylyvong-Bizier and Deputy City Clerk Annie Baker about the upcoming municipal election in Dover on Nov. 7, 2023. They discuss voter registration, absentee ballots, polling locations, hours, ID requirements, and more.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about three boys from Dover who encountered the notorious hermit of Goat Island in 1912.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Kristian Theodore, co-owner of Forward Merch, a Dover-based entertainment merchandising company. Theodore discusses the history of his company, which prints T-shirts, hoodies, flags, and other merchandise for bands, Broadway shows, and immersive experiences. He shares how his business has grown over the years, including expanding into a larger facility in Dover and recently adding a second location in Somersworth. Theodore talks about the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, labor shortages, and quick turnarounds to meet clients' needs. He expresses his passion for the entertainment industry and love for operating his business in Dover.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Dover residents petitioning the King of England in 1677 to remain part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony rather than come under direct English rule.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Jamie Stevens, the Cochecho Waterfront Development project manager, and John Storer, Director of Community Services, about infrastructure projects around Dover.

Stevens provides an overview of the multi-year waterfront redevelopment project, including installing new municipal infrastructure like water, sewer, and stormwater systems and public spaces like trails, picnic areas, and a potential pavilion. Storer discusses several road and utility projects on Court and Union streets, Fifth and Grove streets, the River Street Pump Station, and a new water storage tank being built off Webb Place to provide redundancy and additional storage capacity.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back at the Spartan Hotel and Sweetland Restaurant, a former downtown mainstay for decades.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with two local business owners, Derek Fisher of Wing-Itz and Christina Van Blake of Home and House & Home, about locating and expanding their businesses in Dover. Fisher and Van Blake discuss their entrepreneurial journeys and share the sacrifices they made to get their businesses off the ground. Both emphasize the importance of asking questions, staying humble, and constantly evolving their businesses. Looking ahead, Fisher talks about his plans for the old Pythian Castle building on Central Avenue he recently purchased. Van Blake continues to grow her business and wants to pass it on as a legacy.

In This Week in Dover History, we get a glimpse of how Dover baseball fans got live updates from the World Series before television and social media.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Margaret Joyce, Executive Director of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce, and Hope Anderson, Program Coordinator for the Chamber, about the upcoming 39th annual Apple Harvest Day festival on Oct. 7.

Highlights of this year's event include the 5K road race, pie baking contest, over 300 vendors, live music, kids activities, and a cider garden. Joyce and Anderson share feedback they've received and efforts to keep the festival fresh.

They also preview other fall events like the candidate forums and Citizens Leadership Academy. Parker emphasizes the importance of civic engagement opportunities like the Academy.

In This Week in Dover History we look back to the inaugural Apple Harvest Day in 1985. Activities at that first event included farm stands, a craft fair, petting zoo, parade, hot air balloon rides, and more. The festival aimed to showcase downtown Dover and has now grown into a beloved regional tradition organized by the Chamber.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Patty Falconer, the newly appointed Deputy Director at the Dover Public Library. They discuss Falconer's background and career at the library, from starting as the Children's Librarian in 2016 to her new leadership role.

Falconer talks about the library's focus on community outreach and engagement through events at local businesses and festivals. She emphasizes the library's role as a free, equitable "third place" for families and residents to gather. They also discuss changes in library usage, from shifts away from physical media to increased demand for meeting and event space. Falconer shares her passion for early literacy and children's storytimes. As she moves into her new position, she looks forward to thinking more strategically and supporting the library's upcoming renovation project.

In This Week in Dover History, we recall an event in 1983 that signaled the start of an amazing career for a Dover native and athlete.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Jackson Kaspari, the city's Resilience Manager and board member for Community Power New Hampshire, and Henry Herndon, the Member Services Director at Community Power New Hampshire, about the recent rollout of the community power program in Dover. They discuss how community power allows the city to procure lower-cost electricity on behalf of residents while still using Eversource's distribution network. They also dispel some of the myths about Community Power.

In This Week in Dover History, we reach back to a mysterious discovery in the 1800s that tells a story about an even earlier period of Dover's history.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Chad Kageleiry, a longtime real estate developer in Dover. Kageleiry discusses growing up in Dover, getting started in real estate by buying and fixing up small properties, and gradually expanding into larger commercial and residential projects over his 35-year career. He talks about some of his most significant developments in Dover such as the mixed-use Pointe Place community. Kageleiry and Parker also discuss the importance of public-private partnerships between developers and the city government to enable mutually beneficial growth and investment in the community.

In This Week in Dover History, we remember the former publisher of Foster's Daily Democrat, who died this week in 2009.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Katherine Ferguson-Iacovelli from Snapology, a child-enrichment center focused on STEM education through classes, camps, and creative play, and Kristen French from Gallivant Global Eatery, a globally-inspired restaurant specializing in brunch. They discuss the challenges of navigating permits and regulations as new business owners in Dover, evolving to meet the needs of Dover's changing demographics as a younger city, and getting feedback from customers to improve their businesses.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back at the life of Dover's first mayor.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Harbron about starting up another school year in Dover. They discuss Dr. Harbron's seven years as Superintendent, changes being implemented this year, such as further development of multi-tiered systems of support, meeting students' social-emotional and mental health needs, teacher recruitment challenges amid a nationwide teacher shortage, and further affected by the pandemic. Dr. Harbron expresses his continued passion for making a positive difference in students' lives after 50 years in the profession.

In This Week in Dover History, we take a short jaunt back in time to the opening of Dover's new public middle school.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Dover Police Lt. Marn Speidel about pedestrian and traffic safety in Dover. They discuss the role of the Transportation Advisory Commission (TAC) in fielding requests and concerns from residents about traffic issues, the role of crosswalks, criteria for new crosswalks, traffic calming measures like speed awareness signs and refuge islands, speed limits, and balancing neighborhood traffic concerns with the public's right to use public roads.

In This Week in Dover History, we remember when President Theodore Roosevelt visited the city. He arrived by train and gave a stirring speech at Franklin Square to a massive crowd. Roosevelt emphasized the need for honesty, courage, and common sense in American life before departing to great fanfare.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Deputy Mayor Dennis Shanahan and the City of Dover's Environmental Projects Manager Gretchen Young about the city's efforts to establish a stormwater utility. They discuss how stormwater is currently managed and funded in Dover, as well as the need for a dedicated funding source to improve stormwater infrastructure and flood resilience.

This week's guests also discuss what a stormwater utility is and how it would assess fees based on impervious surface area to more equitably distribute costs. They outline the recommendation of the Ad-Hoc Committee for Stormwater and Flood Resilience to create a utility and the ongoing process of developing a potential ordinance to establish it. Also discussed are the benefits of improving water quality, credits for on-site stormwater management, and increasing public outreach and education.

In This Week in Dover History, we explore the enigmatic life of a Civil War veteran whose melodies once resonated through Dover's streets.

In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker catches up with Aaron Daniel Williams, a resident of Dover for about a year. Williams also recently concluded the third season of his Your City podcast, which features Dover. Williams reflects on his first year in Dover and what he learned about the city from his podcast. The podcast is available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCymzv6aioviTBh0EDH75p6A or wherever you get your podcasts.

In This Week in Dover History, we return to the devastating fire that destroyed Dover's third City Hall.

In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Colleen Bessette, the Executive Assistant to the City Manager, and Ann Legere, the city's Deputy Finance Director, about what it's like to work for the city for more than two decades. Both women have worked for the City of Dover for about 25 years.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back at a Civil War veteran who was also a well-known gatekeeper for the Dover mills.

In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Otis Perry, a longtime volunteer who has served on a variety of Dover's many boards and commissions, including the City Council. He currently serves on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back at the history of the annual fireworks display in Dover.

In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Hope Anderson from the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce about this year's lineup for the Cochecho Arts Festival. The popular summer concert series begins this week and is teaming up with Dover400 to help continue Dover's 400th-anniversary celebration.

In This Week in Dover History, our final look back to 1923, when Dover was celebrating its 300th anniversary, we revisit Dover's Independence Day celebration.

In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Ryan Pope, who the Planning Department recently hired as a housing navigator. The new position is funded by a grant from InvestNH and aims to increase the housing supply by helping communities overcome barriers to regulatory reforms. The housing navigator provides financial and technical assistance to municipalities, working towards affordable and diverse housing options, and collaborating with stakeholders, and align local regulations with community housing goals.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back 100 years to a special reunion held at Three Rivers Farm.

In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Steve Bird, a longtime city planner who oversaw the waterfront development project, and Jeff Johnston of the development firm Cathartes, the development firm chosen to develop the city's 23-acre parcel on the Cochecho River. Bird and Johnston discuss what to expect next as site work begins and a formal ribbon-cutting is scheduled.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back 100 years at a Dover caterer whose clambakes were renowned through the region.

In this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Kevin McEneaney, the president of Dover400, and Dover400 board member Stephanie Bolduc about the special events the nonprofit committee has planned in the coming weeks and months for Dover's 400th anniversary this year.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back 100 years to one local newspaper's work to report up-close and personal.

On this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Rick Mikulis, chair of the Arena Commission, and Recreation Director Gary Bannon about the commission's role and work.

In This Week in Dover History, we look back 100 years to Memorial Day in 1923.

On this episode of Dover Download, and in recognition of Public Works Week, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Community Services Director John Storer and Deputy Director of Community Services David Fredrickson about public works in Dover. National Public Works Week is observed annually during the third full week of May, which this year is May 21 through 27. It’s a time to reflect and recognize the importance of public works in an organized society and shed light on the essential role that public works employees play in society. Public works help keep communities strong by providing an infrastructure of services in transportation, water, wastewater, and stormwater treatment, public buildings and spaces, parks and grounds, solid waste, and right-of-way management. They are what make communities great places to live and work.

In This Week in Dover History, we revisit the 50th anniversary of Foster's Daily Democrat, celebrated 100 years ago in 1923.

On this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with the City of Dover's Director of Human Resources Susan Daudelin about the city as an employer.

In This Week in Dover History, we step back 100 years to 1923 and a special Mother's Day.

On this episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Heather Twombly, chair of the Recreation Advisory Board, and Recreation Director Gary Bannon about the Recreation Advisory Board's role and work.

In This Week in Dover History, we step back 100 years to explore the arrival of the "scarifier" to Dover.