Dover Download

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Perry Plummer, Dover's new Fire Chief, who is returning to the role after previously serving as Fire Chief from the late 1990s to early 2000s. Plummer discusses his extensive career, including his time as director of New Hampshire Homeland Security and Emergency Management and assistant commissioner for the state Department of Safety. He reflects on the changes in firefighting and emergency services over his career, particularly noting the evolution of EMS services from basic transport to advanced life support with 23 paramedics now providing hospital-level care in the field. Plummer addresses the challenges of leading a modern fire department, including longer wait times for equipment, staffing difficulties, and the increasing importance of emergency management. He also discusses his experience with the North End Fire Station project, which he helped shepherd through during his first tenure and has proven successful over nearly two decades of operation. Throughout the conversation, Plummer emphasizes the importance of effective communication, strategic planning, and continuous quality improvement in emergency services.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a tragic incident from November 1856, when a celebration of James Buchanan's presidential election turned deadly. During the festivities atop Garrison Hill, a War of 1812 cannon accidentally discharged, killing two men, John Foss and George Clark. The cannon was later moved to the Woodman Museum after years of vandalism on Garrison Hill.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Kevin Hebert, Dover's new Recreation Director, who replaced longtime director Gary Bannon in April. Hebert discusses his 25-year background in education and athletics, including roles as Athletic Director at various schools, including Somersworth High School and Spaulding High School in Rochester. As a Dover resident with three children in the school system and a wife teaching at Dover High School, Hebert brings both professional expertise and a local perspective to his new role. He shares his vision for regional recreation collaboration, plans to evaluate and potentially expand programs (including youth volleyball), and thoughts on better coordinating with local sports leagues and school athletics. Hebert emphasizes Dover's impressive recreation infrastructure, including two ice sheets, indoor and outdoor pools, and numerous parks. He discusses current projects, including the Jenny Thompson Pool renovation and waterfront development, while highlighting the importance of maintaining strong relationships with staff and being responsive to community needs. The conversation touches on his background as a local sports coach and his approach to strategic planning and program evaluation.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Earl Goodwin, who was named New Hampshire Municipal Association's Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in 1999.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Clerk Jerrica Vansylyvong-Bizier about voting in the upcoming General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. They discuss Dover's six polling locations, voter registration processes, absentee ballot procedures, and ballot counting methods. Vansylyvong-Bizier explains the rigorous checks and balances in place for vote counting. She also details the crucial role of poll workers, with some wards having up to 45 volunteers working from early morning until after the polls close at 7 p.m.

Parker then speaks with Brian Early of Media Services and Erin Bassegio of the Planning Department about recent city government activities. They discuss several developments, including parking rate adjustments, the completion of the Dover High School construction project (coming in under budget at $87.6 million), and the approval of a public art installation on traffic control boxes in collaboration with Dover High School's National Arts Society. They also cover updates to the city's Master Plan, including the upcoming Land Use chapter revision and the near-completion of the Conservation and Open Space chapter.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Dana Lynch, a long-time advocate and member of the Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee, and Jamie Stevens, the city's project manager for the waterfront development project. They discuss the progress of the project, which has been in the works for over 30 years. Lynch reflects on the project's evolution from its conceptual stages in 1990 to the current construction phase, highlighting how the vision of creating a place where people can live, work, and play has remained consistent. Stevens provides updates on the ongoing construction, including the completion of elevator shafts, infrastructure improvements, and the beginning of vertical development. They discuss the compact nature of the site, the importance of the public park component, and how the project will integrate with and expand Dover's existing downtown area. The conversation touches on the challenges of construction, the milestones achieved, and what the public can expect to see in the coming months as the project progresses towards its anticipated completion in spring 2026.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a devastating fire that destroyed Siegel's Department Store on Central Avenue in October 1956. The fire occurred on the same day that owner Meyer Siegel was in court defending his right to open on Sundays. The store, which sold a wide variety of goods, was a total loss with damages estimated at $250,000.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Planning Director Donna Benton about the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) for 2026 to 2031. Benton explains the process of creating the CIP, which begins in the summer with department heads submitting requests for new projects or changes to existing ones. The program covers various categories including general government, public safety, community services, education, and utilities. Projects must meet specific criteria, such as having an estimated cost of $25,000 or more and a useful life of at least three years. Benton highlights several new and ongoing projects, including the Littleworth Road Business Park, Durham Road Congestion Mitigation, citywide drainage improvements, and the Broadway neighborhood revitalization. She emphasizes the importance of the CIP in maintaining infrastructure, demonstrating community pride, and attracting investment. The rollout of the new CIP is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16, in Room 305 at the McConnell Center, beginning at 7 p.m. Subsequent reviews by the Planning Board and City Council will follow in the weeks ahead.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Arthur Whittemore, a prominent Dover citizen who passed away on Oct. 14, 1931. Whittemore served as mayor and state legislator and was involved in various community initiatives, including securing funding for the Dover Public Library.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Jackson Kaspari, former Resilience Manager for the City of Dover, about the one-year anniversary of Dover's Community Power program and the city's resilience plan. Kaspari explains that Community Power is a coalition of New Hampshire communities that have joined together to provide competitive electricity rates and give community members a voice in electricity supply. He discusses the program's success over the past year, including the ability of some communities to generate funds for energy efficiency projects. Kaspari also highlights future plans, such as attracting renewable energy suppliers to develop projects within member communities. The conversation then shifts to Dover's Citywide Resilience Plan, adopted in February 2023. Kaspari reports that 21 out of 32 action items from the plan have been completed or are in progress. He emphasizes the importance of continuing to update and implement the plan, suggesting it should be revisited every five years. The discussion concludes with reflections on Dover's forward-thinking approach to resilience and sustainability, and ways for community members to get involved through various city commissions.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a 1924 incident where Republican members of the Dover School Board failed to attend a meeting, preventing a quorum and halting important business. This episode highlights how local elections have changed from partisan to non-partisan contests over the past century.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Margaret Joyce and Jed Allen from the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce about the upcoming 40th annual Apple Harvest Day on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. They discuss the event's growth from its humble beginnings to becoming a major regional attraction, drawing visitors from far and wide. The conversation covers various aspects of the festival, including the 5K race, the first bite ceremony, entertainment stages, and the addition of a calm area for attendees needing a break from the festivities. They highlight new features such as the US Navy Band's performance, custom cornhole boards, and the relocation of the acoustic stage. Following the update on Apple Harvest Day, Parker speaks with Brian Early from the Media Services Department and Erin Bassegio from the Planning Department about recent activity by the city's public bodies.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the inaugural Apple Harvest Day in 1985, which featured apple-themed breakfast specials, farm stands, a Best Apple Pie contest, craft fairs, live music, parades, and even tethered hot air balloon rides.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, the final in a three-part series, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Amanda Russell, a former Dover School Board member who served for 10 years from 2012 to 2022. Russell discusses her experiences on the board, including her initial motivation to join due to concerns over budget cuts and program eliminations. She reflects on the challenges faced during her tenure, such as navigating budget constraints, dealing with the impacts of the Great Recession, and making difficult decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Russell also touches on her involvement in three superintendent searches and the high school construction project. She highlights the improvement in the relationship between the school board and city council over time, emphasizing the importance of communication and mutual understanding. Russell shares insights on the learning curve of being a new board member, the time commitment required, and the personal growth she experienced in choosing which battles to fight. The conversation concludes with Russell's reflections on the value of civil discourse and her focus on advocating for education and students' needs.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about Cocheco Printworks, a major textile manufacturing operation in Dover. The segment covers the printworks' history from its beginnings in 1826 to its eventual closure and transformation into Henry Law Park. It highlights the economic challenges faced by Northern textile mills and the subsequent repurposing of the mill buildings for commercial and residential use.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Britt Ulinski Schuman, a former Dover School Board member who served from 2007 to 2009. Schuman discusses her roots in Dover, her educational background, and her decision to run for the School Board as a way to give back to the community. She shares insights into her experience on the board, including the supportive dynamics among members and the challenges of balancing the role with other commitments. Schuman highlights some of the major projects during her tenure, such as curriculum revisions and the selection of architects for school renovations. She reflects on the time commitment required for the position and her decision not to run for a second term due to personal and professional obligations. Schuman offers advice for potential School Board candidates, emphasizing the importance of having the right motivation and capacity to serve. She also discusses how her perspective has evolved now that she has children in the Dover school system.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about an 1857 discovery of old ruins on Nelson Street, believed to be from Peter Coffin's garrison house or Dover's first tavern.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Sam Allen, who served on the Dover School Board from 1993 to 1996. Allen reflects on his time as a board member and later as chair, discussing the challenges and accomplishments during his tenure. He describes the community's atmosphere in the early 1990s, the board's efforts to increase accountability in schools, and a sometimes contentious relationship with the teachers' union. Allen recalls significant issues such as developing a comprehensive but controversial health education curriculum, and handling a school shooting. He also mentions the board's involvement in planning for a new middle school and implementing an innovative program that set aside 1% of the budget for creative teaching proposals.

In This Week in Dover History, we learn about the long and contentious journey to implement public kindergarten in Dover. The segment covers the period from 1981 to 1998, detailing various attempts, setbacks, and eventual success in establishing a public kindergarten program in the city.