Shopping Local: Dover Businesses Choose Community Over Competition

In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Doug Glennon from Jewelry Creations and Shelby Meyrowitz from Hip Finds Company about upcoming holiday shopping events in downtown Dover. They discuss several initiatives including Plaid Friday (Dover's version of Black Friday), Small Business Saturday, Artists Sunday, and a Holiday Stroll. The guests emphasize the importance of shopping local and highlight that downtown businesses also offer online shopping options. They announce free parking in downtown Dover on select Saturdays through the end of the year and discuss their organization's efforts to build community through events and collaboration rather than competition.

In the second segment, Parker speaks with City Planner Erin Bassegio and Media Services Administrator Brian Early about November's municipal activities. They discuss the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) workshop, including potential changes to Fire Department equipment purchases and updates on the Dover High School Athletic Complex project. Early notes that the School Board has begun its FY26 budget process, with adoption planned for January. Bassegio provides updates on various planning initiatives, including progress on a solar array at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, the Conservation and Open Space chapter update of the Master Plan, and the Community Housing Needs Committee's upcoming recommendations. Parker concludes with updates on the Cochecho Waterfront Development Advisory Committee.