GDC Past Projects

(Please note this is not a complete list. These are just a few of our past projects)

Recycle Delaware:  A voluntary glass recycling program was initiated by the Greater Dover Committee in conjunction with the solid wast authority.  IN 1990 the first accounting of the program reported 5, 850 pounds of glass were piced up.  Landfill and collection savings totaled $172.87 and the Greater Dover Committee received its first check of $43.88 in May of 1990.  This initial program has grown to an expanded recycling program in the State of Delaware.  (Once I get it we will put up a picture of some recycling containers with this description)

Public Forums/Debates:  In 1990, Greater Dover Committee sponsored the first public forum event that allowed for a debate between mayoral candidates.  Since that time the Greater Dover Committee has sponsored and helped organized numerous debates for mayoral, City Council and Kent County Levy Court candidates

First Night Dover: First Night Dover was born thanks to the vision of Greater Dover Committee, lead by Lynn Appel, Joe McDaniel and the generous support of the City of Dover.

Since inception in 1995, Downtown Dover is transformed into a festival allowing our city to usher out the old and welcome in the first magical night of the New Year. First Night Dover is our area’s premier New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts that takes place on December 31 from 3:00 p.m. to midnight.   First Night Dover is more than a great time for our citizens; it creates community synergy as we celebrate our unique community and what we can dream of for ourselves, our families and for Dover.  

First Night is an alcohol free celebration—promoting responsible celebrating through the arts.  First Night Dover combines nationally-recognized talents with tomorrow’s budding artists and has earned a strong reputation for the quality of its artistic programs. The celebration begins in the afternoon with performances geared towards children and continues into the evening with entertainment for all ages.   The nine-hour festival offers spirited street entertainment as well as indoor performances, beginning with early performances for young children and continuing until a musical midnight fireworks finale on Legislative Mall.

Hundreds of performances are staged simultaneously in over 20 venues including bank lobbies, museums, store windows, government buildings, historic houses, and churches. Most venues are non-traditional indoor spaces with minimum technical support. These performances are scheduled at the various times to allow maximum exposure of the artists to the patrons of First Night Dover.
 
First Night Dover is a great example of the type of community projects the Greater Dover Committee is committed too.  The Greater Dover Committee functioned as the “parent” of First Night Dover.

First Night Dover established itself as an independent 501(c) 3 organization, complete with its own Board of Directors.  As the event became established in the community and continued to grow, First Night Dover was “spun off” and now functions completely independent of The Greater Dover Committee. The Greater Dover Committee continues to seek additional projects that may follow this example.  

For more information about First Night Dover visit www.firstnightdover.com or email firstnightdover@comcast.net.  

Town Clock: In 1998, led by Joe McDaniel, the Greater Dover committee contributed to and orchestrated the purchase of a new town clock, and gifted it to the citizens of Dover. 

John W. Pitts Center :  The GDC, seeing a significant need for additional indoor recreation space for our youth in the greater Dover area supported this City project.  After speaking to City Council about the need for such a facility the GDC donated $10,000 towards the project.  In addition, the GDC designated an additional $8,000 from the Greater Dover Foundation for the naming rights of the scoreboards at the new center.  The John W. Pitts Center is now open and running a variety of programs for our youth.