Show Notes
In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with José Feliciano and Terry Ellen Carter from the Committee for Racial Equity and Inclusion (CREI). Carter opens with a land acknowledgment honoring the Abenaki, Penacook, and Wabanaki peoples, a practice the committee observes at every meeting. Feliciano, a mechanical engineer originally from Puerto Rico and current CREI chair, explains the committee was formed in response to the murder of George Floyd in 2020, serving in an advisory role to identify opportunities for Dover's government to address racial bias and promote inclusion. He highlights the committee's role in recommending the renaming of the First Settlers Cemetery to the Thomas Roberts Cemetery as an example of meaningful, representative action. Carter encourages broader membership, particularly business owners, noting gaps in Dover's offerings such as the lack of a salon serving Black women and the absence of an international grocery store. Feliciano discusses the committee's community outreach strategy, including attending a diversity celebration at Woodman Park Elementary School where they gathered feedback revealing a need for translation services in city offices. Looking ahead, the committee plans a chalk art event at Immigrants Park in partnership with the Arts Commission to represent the flags of immigrant communities not currently displayed there.
In This Week in Dover History, we learn about a 1923 incident involving the Soldiers and Sailors Civil War Monument. Residents discovered the bronze sword held by the sailor statue had been bent, with shoe prints along the base suggesting someone had climbed it. Police suspected youthful vandalism, given the monument's proximity to the high school. The local newspaper, Foster's Daily Democrat, called for repairs before Memorial Day and for the culprits to face the municipal court judge. The monument still served as the centerpiece of Dover's Memorial Day tribute that year, draped in an American flag and surrounded by flowers as 18 Civil War veterans marched in the parade.
More from Dover Download
In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Dian Maruca, executive director of the Dover Housing Authority, as part of the podcast's continuing look at local nonprofits and social service agencies. Maruca, who has led the authority since March 2026 after joining as deputy director in 2023, shares how a teenage landscaping job at the Newmarket Housing Authority grew into a career in subsidized housing. She says that hands-on experience shapes her respect for her maintenance and administrative staff.
In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Director of Planning and Community Development Donna Benton about the FY28-33 Capital Improvements Program, presented to the City Council and Planning Board on Oct. 7.
In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Director of Media Services Mike Gillis about September's board, committee and commission meetings.
In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Margaret Joyce and Jed Allen of the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce about the 42nd annual Apple Harvest Day. What began as a small craft fair on Orchard Street with about a dozen crafters has grown into a signature event often described as Dover's homecoming, with roughly 250 vendors, two food courts, a road race, an apple pie contest and entertainment on two stages. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the 5K road race starting at 8:30 a.m.
In this episode of the Dover Download podcast, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Kathy Beebe, executive director of Haven, as part of the podcast's continuing look at local nonprofits. Haven is the Seacoast's domestic violence and sexual assault prevention and support agency. It was formed through the merger of A Safe Place and Sexual Assault Support Services. Beebe explains that the new name was chosen deliberately to make clear its services are for anyone affected, including men, teens, adult survivors of childhood abuse, and family members.