Dover Download City of Dover NH

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with City Engineer Ken Mavrogeorge and Director of Community Services John Storer to celebrate Public Works Week. They discuss the behind-the-scenes work involved in maintaining the city's infrastructure, such as streets and sidewalks, and ensuring safe drinking water and proper sewage treatment. Mavrogeorge and Storer highlight the importance of the diverse team of professionals required to keep the city running smoothly. Storer and Mavrogeorge also invite listeners to attend the Public Works Open House on Saturday, May 18th, where interactive displays and activities will showcase the various aspects of their work.



In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a 1923 event where prominent Dover residents shared reflections on their mothers in honor of Mother's Day.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Police Chief Bill Breault and Police Lt. Alex Mitrushi about National Police Week and the changing role of law enforcement. The chief and lieutenant discuss how policing has evolved from primarily responding to crimes to addressing social issues like mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness. They highlight the department's social work unit, which connects people with services, and the importance of mental health training for officers. Breault emphasizes treating people with respect and improving their quality of life. Mitrushi encourages community members to attend events, do ride-alongs, and engage with officers to learn about the job. They also share how the new police facility accommodates their expanded roles and programs.



In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a controversy in 1887 where a student newspaper accused the School Board of corruption and discrimination. The accusations sparked a heated public meeting and an investigation.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Fire and Rescue Chief Michael McShane and staffers Erin Bassegio and Brian Early.



Parker and McShane discuss the evolving role of firefighters, from traditional firefighting to a broader emergency response and community health support. McShane highlights the challenges of staffing and recruitment, as well as the increasing demands on firefighters due to climate change and severe weather events. They also touch on the history of the Dover Fire Department, including the oldest active fire station in the state, and celebrate International Firefighter Appreciation Day on May 4.



Later, Bassegio provides updates from various boards and commissions, including the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Energy Commission, Community Trail Advisory Committee, Conservation Commission, and Planning Board. Early covers City Council meetings, discussing topics such as a milfoil treatment grant for Willand Pond, waterfront development resolutions, a cease-fire resolution, merging advisory committees, and the annual street paving program. He also mentions the School Board's adoption of new curriculums.

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Gary Bannon, who is retiring after 34 years as the Director of Recreation for the City of Dover. They discuss Bannon's decision to retire now and his reflections on his long career with the city. Bannon shares how he ended up in Dover, initially applying for the job after seeing an ad in the newspaper while working in Rhode Island. He talks about the various programs, facilities, and infrastructure improvements he has overseen during his tenure, highlighting how community input and partnerships were crucial in making many of these projects a reality. Bannon emphasizes the importance of embracing the public, serving people, and providing opportunities for quality of life.



In This Week in Dover History, in 1997, Gary Bannon announced plans to launch the city's July 4th fireworks from Garrison Hill instead of the traditional location at Dover High School's football field, as part of the city's 375th anniversary celebration that year.

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.