Baby, it's cold outside

Earlier this month I thought, "Are we in April already?" Then this week happened. It has been chilllll-ly in the mornings. That said, the walk home hasn’t been as bad, with the sun staying up later. Except for yesterday's wind – that was cold.

In 2018, I read the book, "Our Towns: A 100,000-Mile Journey into the Heart of America," by James and Deborah Fallows. It is an interesting and relevant look at the worldview we have in the U.S. There is a wide variety of opinions and occurrences that make this book feel important and highly readable. The authors visited small to medium/large communities around the country over four years to see what was working in those communities. They focus on community and economic development and how they are intertwined. They marvel at things like the growth of libraries and recreation spaces as community-building locations. One point, relevant in 2018 and still relevant today, is the impact that immigrants and refugees have and how the larger the population of immigrants and refugees there are in a town, the less the community seems to be anti-immigrant.

This book is relevant to me this week because I was cleaning up my streaming video watch list and came across a bookmark for the documentary version on HBO. It’s a 90-minute distillation of the ideas explored by the book. If you have HBO Max, it's well worth the watch, if for no other reason to see how the number of breweries correlates to a community’s health. 

That is something Mike Scala, Rochester’s economic development director, has spoken about for a few years. This week, we began a regional conversation on the Dover Download podcast with neighboring communities about business development. Mike is coming up in two weeks. This week was Steve Fournier, Newmarket's town manager.

I noted in January that I had walked 6,392,502 steps in 2023. This worked out to 17,500 steps a day. A quick update: two months into 2024 I’m averaging 18,300 steps a day. 

Weird music week for me. I love the new Brittany Howard album, very Princelike, but have also been digging into old-school Beastie Boys, Bob Marley (I saw the biopic last weekend), and can never get enough Kiss or Grateful Dead. What do they say about variety?

For 34 years, Gary Bannon has been a fixture in the City of Dover. If you have directly or indirectly benefited from recreation programs in Dover, you owe a thanks to Gary. He announced his retirement this week. I don’t know a colleague I’ve had with more passion for his role. Hands down, he’s pretty amazing at what he does. Please congratulate and thank him when you see Gary next.

Have a great weekend,

Christopher G. Parker, AICP

Deputy City Manager: Development and Strategic Initiatives

New Business Highlight

By Reid Bickley,

Business Development Specialist

Black Heart Nail Studio

The last few weeks have been busy ones in Dover. The Office of Business Development is usually bustling in the springtime with new businesses opening or relocating, but this year it seems that spring has come early and the city’s downtown business community has welcomed an extraordinary addition for all the trendsetters and art lovers.  

As you step into Black Heart Nail Studio, you're not just entering a nail salon; you're stepping into a space where every corner whispers tales of mystique and luxury, with opulent furnishings and mesmerizing wall adornments that call for attention. The ambiance sets the stage for the magic that unfolds at the hands of the salon's artists.

The trailblazer behind Black Heart Nail Studio is none other than Michaela Leonard, an artist who has lived and breathed creativity her entire life. Michaela has created a sanctuary where nail artistry could flourish, surrounded by fellow visionaries Paige LaBranche and Gabe Dion. The team also recently welcomed Courtney Sullivan, a licensed Esthetician, who specializes in lash extensions, facial waxing, and skincare. I had the pleasure of attending the studio's open house, and the atmosphere was buzzing with energy, laughter, and the collective support of the community for Dover's newest business. 

Michaela Leonard at Black Heart Nail Studio

A visit to Michaela, Paige, Gabe, and Courtney's Instagram pages is a testament to their exceptional talent, showcasing nail designs that are nothing short of miniature masterpieces, and lash extensions that captivate and charm at every glance. Don't miss your chance to experience this unique blend of art and elegance. Drop by Black Heart Nail Studio at 330 Central Ave. Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Black Heart Nail Studio at 330 Central Ave.

Open House event at Black Heart Nail Studio

Shop Local Late Starting in March

Starting today, March 1, your favorite local merchants will be extending their hours to stay open until 8 p.m. on every "First Friday" of the month.

If you’re thinking about hitting the town for dinner, or have a busy schedule that makes it hard for you to get out during the day, this is your time to get out to some of your favorite places.

For a full list of participating businesses and hours, click here.

Question of the Week

The Office of Business Development is asking a “question of the week” to get your feedback on topics related to our local business community!

This week, we want to know:

How likely are you to shop locally in Dover with the new opportunity to shop later on the First Friday of the month?

Let us know here: https://polco.us/mzt8kk

Here are the results from last week's poll, which asked "What type of dining experiences do you prefer?"

Dover Download podcast: Your guide

to what's happening this week

In the latest episode of Dover Download, Deputy City Manager Christopher Parker chats with Newmarket Town Manager Steve Fournier about economic and business development strategies in the region.

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

The podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and by clicking here.

Business Event Happenings 

Looking for something in Dover? The Office of Business Development continues to update the community calendar to cover all the amazing Dover business events.

Click here or on the calendar below to find more community events!