An Interview with the Editor

Published right here in the historic Richards Building, DOVERNOW magazine stands as the region’s sole bilingual magazine, committed to shining a light on the people, places, and topics that influence life across Dover and beyond. The magazine is not only one of the "OG" Richards Building tenants, it is also under the same ownership as the building, and is carrying on a long legacy of publishing local news in the Richards Building.

Back in the late 1800s and well into the early 1900s, the local newspaper was called "The Iron Era." Published out of 1 West Blackwell Street, Dover, it was aptly named for the times it covered: Dover's prosperous years as an iron mining town.

If that paper was so aptly named for the times, well, what could be more fitting for a magazine that covers what's happening in Dover now, than DOVERNOW?

And the first person you’re likely to see when you first walk into the Richards Building?  Dave Chmiel, the Editor of DOVERNOW.  I sat down with Dave to talk about the magazine’s roots, its growing role within the Richards Building, and its vision for the future of storytelling in Dover.

Sophie Wiss: What inspired the creation of DOVERNOW and what gap does the magazine fill in Dover's creative and business community? 

Dave Chmiel: Dover has more than 250 years of journalistic history. We saw an opportunity to reconnect with this legacy, tell important and entertaining stories. We are thrilled to connect with the creatives and businesses that are essential to everyone in town.

SW: Are there any challenges you face as a hyper-local publication?  How do you turn those challenges into opportunities? 

DC: We are proud to be a local small business in a community full of hard-working people. We all face challenges these days. We take great comfort that, just like those around us, we support each other as we find ways to succeed.

SW: How do you see the magazine contributing to the creative energy and community being built within the Richards Building? 

DC: We can feel the creative energy build every day. It's exciting to see the pride in the eyes of everyone involved in this massive project. 

SW: In your view, where is Dover's creative scene headed, and how does DOVERNOW play a role in shaping that direction? 

DC: I am in awe of Dover's creative scene. It is impressive in scope and variety, where creators of every age group are encouraged to spread their visions across every art form. We appreciate the vibrant culture of the art community and will be thrilled to cover every new inspired artist.

SW: Are there any upcoming collaborations or features you can tell us about that will highlight the businesses, artists or makers in the Richards Building? 

DC: We'll be featuring a pair of stories about the past, present and future of Richards Building in our March/April issue that will give our readers everything they need to know about this incredible place! In addition, we will celebrate the men and women who worked incredibly hard – in some of the most frigid conditions – to get it ready for its opening.

SW: How can people in the community get involved with DOVERNOW, whether as contributors, storytellers or partners?  

DC: We are always open to finding storytellers, artists, photographers, advertisers, and business partners. I welcome anyone interested in working with us to email me at editor@dovernow.com – or come down and meet me at the Richards Building!

If you haven’t yet had the chance, pick up the newest issue of DOVERNOW at one of over 200 locations - newsstands, cafés, restaurants, shops and more - in and around Dover.

If you'd like to stay informed about the goings-on about town, make sure to subscribe for updates from DOVERNOW.com and the DOVERNOW Newsletter!