53rd Yarmouth Clam Festival Takes Center Stage July 20th-22nd

Yarmouth, Maine - Fifty third annual Yarmouth Clam Festival takes center stage Friday, July 20th through Sunday, July 22nd, 2018 in Yarmouth, Maine.

The Yarmouth Clam Festival is an annual three-day event which takes place in the American town of Yarmouth, Maine, during the third weekend in July.

Festival promotes the community and provides opportunities for Yarmouth-based non-profit organizations to raise funds in support of their missions. Admission to the Festival is FREE!

According their website, Every year approximately thirty non-profit groups volunteer thousands and thousands of hours to bring the Festival to life. Come join us for a long weekend (always the 3rd Friday in July) and enjoy all that we have to offer; Friday night parade, Saturday night fireworks, live music from 3 stages, fantastic food served by our non-profit volunteers, arts & crafts shows, road races and more. The Carnival on the Midway opens Wednesday evening and runs through Sunday. All other Festival activities start Friday at 10:00 am.

FRIDAY

10:00 am – 10:15 am

Opening Ceremonies

Celebrate the Official Opening of the 51st Yarmouth Clam Festival on Memorial Green. Assisted by Boy Scout Troop #35 and The Downeaters Barbershop Harmony Society.

Location: Memorial Green

10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Fine Arts Show

Invitational Fine Arts Show featuring artists from Maine and New England.

Location: Library Lawn

10:00 am - 9:00 pm

Craft Show

Juried Craft Show has a fine selection of jewelry, clothing, collectibles, pottery, wood carvings, and

Yarmouth, Proposed At-Grade Public Crossing for Pedestrian and Bicycle Traffic

Yarmouth, Maine - Pursuant to 23 M.R.S.A. Section 7202, the Maine Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing to receive evidence about a proposed public at-grade crossing for pedestrian and bicycle traffic in Yarmouth, Maine. The proposed crossing would be located over the tracks owned by the State of Maine at mile marker 10.12. St. Lawrence and Atlantic Railway has operational rights, however, currently no rail operations are ongoing at this location.

Interested parties and the public are invited to attend this hearing and may offer comments and present written information. Any person who seeks formal intervener status under 5 MRSA § 9054 shall, by April 18, 2017, deliver or mail written notice of intervener status to Toni L. Kemmerle, Office of Legal Services, Maine Department of Transportation, Child Street, 16 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0016. Questions may be directed to Toni L. Kemmerle by calling telephone number (207) 624-3020, TTY users dial Maine relay 711. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Auxiliary aids will be provided upon advance request. Arrangements for such accommodations may be made through Toni L. Kemmerle.

Any inquiries regarding this project may be directed to the attention of Toni L. Kemmerle, Chief Counsel, Maine Department of Transportation, Office of Legal Services, 24 Child Street, 16 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0016. Telephone: (207) 624-3020.

**TTY Users Dial Maine Relay 711**

Yarmouth, Intersection Improvements at The Route 1 and I-95 Northbound Exit 17 Off Ramp

Yarmouth, Maine - The Maine Department of Transportation is seeking public input on the design and installation of a traffic signal at the intersection of Route 1 and the I-295 NB Exit 17 off-ramp in Yarmouth. Please join us at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 8, 2017, held at the Merrill Memorial Library at 215 Main Street, in Lewis Hall, at which time representatives from the MaineDOT and the design firm will discuss the proposed improvements, listen to concerns, receive comments, and answer questions from persons interested in the project to ensure transportation needs are being addressed. Accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities. Auxiliary aids will be provided upon advance request. Any inquiries regarding this project may be directed to the attention of Brian Keezer, Project Manager, Maine Department of Transportation, Multimodal Program, 24 Child Street, 16 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0016. Telephone: (207) 624-3612. Email: Brian.Keezer@maine.gov.

**Work Identification Number 021841.00**

**TTY Users Dial Maine Relay 711**

Inspection Forces Detour on the Cotton Mill Bridge in Yarmouth

Yarmouth, Maine - Crews will be performing a bridge inspection on the Cotton Mill Bridge on Bridge Street in Yarmouth tomorrow, November 10th that will necessitate a detour.


The bridge will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the entire day. Motorists will be detoured around Route 115, Route 88 and Willow Street for approximately 2.5 miles.


All work is anticipated to be completed by the end of the day on Tuesday, November 10th.

City of Portland Responds to Nova Scotia Ferry News

PORTLAND, Maine – The following is a statement from the City Manager in light of the news that the Nova Scotia government intends to award a new operator, Bay Ferries Ltd, for ferry service between Portland and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.


"We'd like to welcome Bay Ferries and we look forward to negotiating a contract for operations with them," said City Manager Jon Jennings. "We'd like to thank the provincial government for their commitment to the ferry, and we are pleased that they have chosen an operator that has experience in providing this service."

Route 115 Bridge in Yarmouth to Get New Surface

Yarmouth, Maine - For a period of four weeks beginning on Tuesday, May 27th, crews will be installing a new concrete wearing surface on the Route 115 Bridge that spans the railroad tracks.

During the duration of the project there will be alternating one-way traffic over the bridge. Signs will alert motorists as they approach.

The scope of work will include removing one side of the wearing surface at a time, then replacing with new concrete. The new concrete requires a curing time of one week before traffic will be allowed on the new surface.

Motorists should plan ahead for possible slight delays during the length of this project.

Army Corps of Engineers Allocates $3 Million to Dredge Royal River

Royal River at Yarmouth. photo by  Dudesleeper at en.wikipedia

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has allocated $3 million in federal funding to dredge the Royal River as soon as this coming fall.

“Our nation’s ports and harbors, especially those in Maine, play an integral role in supporting local economies, commerce, and marine trade jobs. There is an ongoing need to see that they are properly maintained and managed,” Senators Collins and King said in a joint statement. “These funds are welcome news for the Town of Yarmouth and will help ensure that the Royal River can continue serving the economic interests of local businesses and the region as a whole.”

In March 2013, Senators Collins and King wrote a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, requesting that the Army Corps of Engineers complete the full maintenance dredging of the Royal River.

Yarmouth Exit 15 Park and Ride Now Open

Yarmouth, Maine - MaineDOT is pleased to announce that a Park & Ride Lot located on US Route 1 in Yarmouth is now open for public use. The lot can be accessed using Exit 15 on I-295 - both northbound and southbound ramps. The lot provides for 300 parking spaces, 8 handicapped parking spaces and bicycle racks. It is also designed to accommodate bus turnarounds.

This project was identified as a regional priority in various planning studies and responds to an increase in carpooling and commuting activities in the region. The new lot at Exit 15 provides commuters with additional parking spaces as the existing lot at Exit 17 in Yarmouth is more limited and is often times at capacity.

The Park & Ride Lot Program is a statewide program that originated from a 1986 Transportation Needs Study to reduce congestion and air pollution, improve air quality and reduce dependence on foreign oil. To date, there are 52 Park & Ride lots available to the public and provide for safe, secure and convenient commuter facilities for the traveling public. They encourage carpooling, vanpooling and use of public transportation systems.

The facility at Exit 15 is open to the general public and does provide for overnight parking, but requires permission from MaineDOT to use the facility beyond a 24 hour period. MaineDOT works in conjunction with the Maine Turnpike Authority in administering the statewide program. For more information regarding the Park & Ride Lot Program, please visit the department's website: http://www.exploremaine.org/commuters/parknride/index.shtml

317 Main Community Music Center presents a HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2013

11:00 am - 2:00 pm

at 317 Main Community Music Center

317 Main Street

Yarmouth, ME 

Free and open to the public

www.317main.org

Yarmouth, Maine - Join the faculty, staff, and Board of Directors at 317 Main Community Music Center in Yarmouth for the annual Holiday Open House, featuring refreshments and hot cider, cookie decorating, tours, and of course, lots of music from students and faculty of all ages.

The Open House is a relaxed and informal opportunity to explore Yarmouth's nonprofit music school, meet the teachers, and get information about lessons, groups, jams for all ages.

The 13-week Winter Session of lessons, classes, and ensembles begins Monday, December 9. Registration is now being accepted.

For more information, contact the 317 Front Desk at (207) 846-9559 or visit www.317main.org.

Middle School and High School Acoustic Music Festival Auditions Application Deadline November 1st, 2013

Yarmouth, Maine - The Maine Acoustic Festival is an annual statewide student festival celebrating traditional acoustic music styles that have shaped Maine's culture. Now in its second year, the festival is presented by 317 Main Community Music Center, North Yarmouth Academy, and Portland Ovations.

The deadline for audition applications is Friday, November 1. All middle school, high school, and home schooled acoustic musicians, vocalists, and songwriters from Maine are invited to apply. Applications must be postmarked by Friday, November 1. Visit www.MaineAcousticFestival.com to download the application. Registered students will be given an audition time at the location of their choice.

Auditions will be held on Saturday, November 16 at 317 Main Community Music Center in Yarmouth, and on Saturday, December 7 at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington.

Students are selected by audition to participate in an intensive three-day festival of workshops, rehearsals, and performances. The students perform in five categories: Bluegrass, Old Time, Franco-American, Singer/Songwriter, and Celtic.

This year's festival will take place March 27 - 29, 2014 at North Yarmouth Academy and 317 Main Community Music Center in Yarmouth, Maine. The festival ends with a special Student Showcase performance.

For more information, contact 317 Main Community Music Center at (207) 846-9559 or visit www.MaineAcousticFestival.com

BREAKING NEWS: Yarmouth To Portland Ferry Deal Reached

Ferry service to resume between Yarmouth and Portland in May 2014
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia - The province of Nova Scotia has reached an agreement with STM Quest Inc. to operate a cruise ferry between Yarmouth and Portland, Maine.

Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Graham Steele made the announcement Thursday, Sept. 5, in Yarmouth.

"We have a deal," said Steele. "STM Quest has a plan to put a cruise ferry in the water in May, and the province and STM Quest have negotiated an agreement that will benefit families, local businesses and tourism operators in southwestern Nova Scotia."

Steele noted that much of the final negotiations on the agreement had taken place in Yarmouth last week.
STM Quest has committed to create new jobs for Nova Scotians and purchase products and services from Nova Scotia businesses.

The province will provide STM Quest $21 million over seven years, with a number of terms and conditions that must be met. Of the $21 million, $10.5 million will go toward start-up costs, with $1.5 million each year for marketing over the seven years.

"We are very pleased with the tremendous progress that we have made," said Mark Amundsen, president and CEO of Quest Navigation. "We are working to finalize the details of our joint venture, and we're excited to start moving 'full steam ahead' with our plans to re-establish the Yarmouth-Portland cruise ferry service in May of 2014."

Some of the terms and conditions STM Quest must meet include:
• a finalized joint-venture agreement between ST Marine and Quest Navigation
• all required licences and permits
• the ferry being operated on the agreed schedule

The sailing schedule will be May 1 to Oct. 31, departing Yarmouth daily at 9 a.m. and arriving in Portland at 5 p.m., local time. The return trip would leave Portland at 8 p.m. and arrive in Yarmouth at 7 a.m., local time.

"This is the news we have been waiting for," said Yarmouth Mayor Pam Mood said in a news release. "The feeling here in Yarmouth and throughout the province is one of both relief and excitement. Thank you to all parties involved for the hard work and dedication.

"There's still much to be done and I know the town and surrounding communities are on board. A warm welcome STM Quest. We're so glad to have you and look forward to the relationships we'll build."
Steele said reaching an agreement is a big piece of the puzzle, but he added there are still a number of things that have to fall into place for a 2014 ferry service to happen.

"We will continue to work with our partners to create the conditions needed for a viable and successful ferry between Yarmouth and Portland,” he said.

RCN America Network is excited about this news and can't wait for the ferry service between these two ports are restored.

Maine Company To Restore Portland-Nova Scotia Ferry Service

STM Quest, Inc., a joint venture between Maine-based Quest Navigation and ST Marine of Singapore, will offer ferry service between Portland and Nova Scotia starting next spring. The 161-meter vessel, built in Singapore, will have capacity for 1250 passengers and 300 vehicles. (Photo courtesy of Quest Navigation)

Augusta, Maine - Nova Scotia has chosen STM Quest, Inc., an Eliot-based company, to set up and run a
new ferry service between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and Portland, scheduled to begin next year. This will help partially restore a nautical passage between Canada and the United States that was discontinued in 2009.

In a letter to the Premier of the Province of Nova Scotia, Hon. Darrell Dexter, Governor Paul LePage expressed formal support to STM Quest. STM Quest is one of three companies that submitted plans to operate the ferry service. In addition, the Governor offered state assistance to STM Quest through the allocation of marketing dollars to promote the ferry service, assistance in securing an operating line of credit for the amount of $5 million, and the inclusion of Quest Navigation's capital needs into Portland waterfront planning to ensure consistency with the freight and business focus of the International Marine Terminal plans, according to a release issued Aug. 13.

"Since 2009, Nova Scotia and Maine have missed a critical link between our citizens and economies," said LePage. "On behalf of the people of Maine, we would welcome restoration of this vital service and economic driver."

STM Quest, Inc., is a joint venture between Quest Navigation of Maine and ST Marine, of Singapore, and was the only Maine-based company to bid and commit in its plans a port of call in Portland. The ferry service is proposed to begin in the spring of 2014 using a new 161 meter ship that has capacity for 1250 passengers and 300 vehicles.

A prior ferry service from Nova Scotia to Portland, operated by Bay Ferries Ltd., ended in 2009. According to CBC News, Bay Ferries cancelled the CAT service between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and Bar Harbor, Maine, after Nova Scotia decided it would no longer subsidize the service annually with $6 million.

This new service between Portland, Maine to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia as early as 2014

Exit 15 Yarmouth to Reopen Monday

Yarmouth, Maine - MaineDOT has announced that highway construction crews plan to reopen Interstate 295 northbound Exit 15 and unveil a new northbound on-ramp on Monday, July 1 after several months of intensive highway improvements and new construction.

Work began at the busy Yarmouth interchange in early March, and motorists have had to access Route 1 in Yarmouth via I-295 Exit 10 in Falmouth or Exit 17 in Yarmouth.

The reopening of the northbound exit marks a critical point in the schedule comprising a number of different goals within the Exit 15 project.

"Our first priority for the Exit 15 interchange was to close northbound Exit 15, which would help us complete that portion of the job quickly and safely, and be back open in time for the Yarmouth Clam Festival," said Ted Talbot, MaineDOT Director of Communications. "Being back open before the Fourth of July is a win-win result for everyone."

The new northbound on-ramp will make I-295 travel more convenient for thousands of residents and visitors and also reduce traffic along Yarmouth's Route 1 corridor.

While completion of the Exit 15 components is a measurable sign of progress, construction will continue at the interchange through the summer.

Central to the project is the construction of a new 300-vehicle Park & Ride commuter lot accessible from Route 1, which will encourage commuters and others to carpool, traveling together in fewer cars, and help reduce highway congestion, fuel expenses, and emissions.

Other improvements still under way include relocating the I-295 southbound entrance and on-ramp to make it easier and safer for entering traffic to merge with highway traffic. Construction crews will also make off-ramp adjustments at Exit 15 Southbound.

Motorists are cautioned that construction crews are still at work within the project area and work zone speed limits are still in place. MaineDOT estimates that all of the interchange improvements will be completed, weather -permitting, by November.

MaineDOT appreciates the patience of all drivers during this construction period, and also asks motorists to travel safely through all work zones.

UPDATED BREAKING NEWS: Duplex Explodes In Yarmouth

Photo Credit: Will Graff | The Forecaster

UPDATE 11:24pm According to the Portland Press Herald, Peter Corey was killed in this explosion that leveled a duplex on Gables Drive in Yarmouth.

Much of the power has been restored to those in the Yarmouth area.

UPDATE 8:57am: It is now clear this morning that a duplex on Gables Drive has exploded with 1 resident and 1 firefighter injured with one person still missing.

Several homes in the area have been damaged with debris littering the street.

The town of Yarmouth voting today will now be done at the Town Hall due to the blast.

BREAKING NEWS: Yarmouth, Maine - There are reports coming in this morning that two houses in Yarmouth exploded on Gable Drive off North Drive. The explosions happened just 6:30am with several people missing..

Central Maine Power has shut off power to Yarmouth.

Stay tuned for more information about this story as it becomes available. Please send us pictured to rockycoastnews@live.com from the scene.

317 Main Community Music Center Welcomes New Development Director

Yarmouth, Maine - Molly Gallagher Burk of Cape Elizabeth recently joined 317 Main Community Music Center as Director of Development. She will work closely with the 317 staff and Board of Directors to guide fundraising activities at the Yarmouth-based nonprofit music center.

As Development Director, Burk will work to identify opportunities for individuals, foundations, and businesses to invest in the organization’s mission.

She brings a strong background in development and communications to the organization. Burk previously held positions at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Bowdoin College, and Sweetser. She earned a B.S. in communications at Boston University and an M.B.A. in organizational and environmental sustainability at Antioch University New England.

Burk's appointment represents an expansion of the 317 Development Office at the thriving nonprofit where her work will be complemented by Grant Coordinator Amy Kuhn.

317 Main Community Music Center is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2004 with the mission of providing a  welcoming environment for musicians of all ages and abilities in which to foster connections, inspire creativity, and build community.

For more information, visit www.317main.org.

317 Main Community Music Center presents a HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE

Yarmouth, Maine - Join the faculty, staff, and Board of Directors at 317 Main Community Music Center in Yarmouth for the annual Holiday Open House, featuring door prizes, refreshments, children's activities, and of course, lots of music from students and faculty of all ages.

The Open House is a relaxed and informal opportunity to explore 317 Main, meet the teachers, and get information about lessons, groups, jams, and more for ages 3 - adult.

The 317 Winter Session for lessons, groups, and ensembles begins Monday, December 10. Call 317 to register for all classes.

For more information, please contact the 317 Front Desk at (207) 846-9559 or email frontdesk@317mainst.org.


SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2012
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
at 317 Main Community Music Center
317 Main Street
Yarmouth, ME
Free and open to the public
www.317main.org