WEDDING PLANNING TIP: How to maintain the spark at your reception

Some couples are blessed with friends or family who own property that's ideal for a wedding and reception. If you are staging your party at the home of friends or family or at another non-traditional venue, be sure to verify that the electric service available will be sufficient to handle the demands of your big day.Several years ago I photographed a lovely wedding on a farm near Bangor. When the band started warming up, a circuit breaker in the house blew. Fortunately, there was a generator nearby, and after a short break, the music started again. That same year at a waterside wedding Down East, the DJ couldn't understand why his CDs were skipping and stopping mid-song; the problem cleared up as soon the caterers finished cooking and turned off their portable ovens.

With a little planning you can insure that your day is not marred by flickering lights or sagging voltage.

Experts at Central Maine Power and Bangor Hydro Electric suggest that you call an electrician, who can check the amperage available at your site. If your home has up-to-date wiring sufficient for a clothes dryer, chances are you have enough amps for a band or DJ, tent lighting and a caterer's appliances. But, it pays to be sure, especially if your party is large and has unusual needs.

You will want to check with your vendors (your caterer, musicians, lighting supplier, etc.) for the wattage of the equipment they will be bringing.Even if your house has sufficient service, it still pays to plan your power use wisely. If at all possible, you want to pull from different circuits (zones) in the home. If your caterer is drawing lots of power with stove, oven, hot plates, etc. in your kitchen, you'll want to put your band on another circuit, perhaps running the extension cord for amplifiers from a bedroom on the opposite end of the house. And, your lighting might be connected to an outside outlet which is on yet another circuit.

Chances are you'll be using extension cords, and if so, you'll want to pay attention to extension cord safety tips from Underwriters Laboratories. You'll want to pick the correct cords for the job, most likely commercial grade extension cords rated for outdoor use. You'll want to avoid using cords that are longer than necessary, as electricity is less steady over longer distances and cords can "leak" power where multiple cords are joined together.If you don't have enough power to meet demands, both CMP and Bangor Hydro can add temporary service to your site--a second line and a second meter, but you need to call at least a month ahead of time to schedule installation. If you're considering a site that is more than 150 feet from existing power poles, be aware that it might be necessary to install an new power pole to carry the line.

Questions? Bangor Hydro has service planners on staff who can help you prepare for your power needs.

Down East goes Far East

I never considered using paper lanterns in my home decor until I stumbled across Pearl River while in New York City last fall for a photography trade show. Self-described as a "Chinese American department store," Pearl River is a three-story mother lode of all things Chinese. For those not fortunate enough live in or visit Manhattan, there is a web site, but it doesn't hold a candle to cruising--in person--aisles of blue willow dishware, butterfly kites, Buddhas and giant gongs.

I stopped dead in my tracks when I entered the lighting section; it held the largest and most diverse display of paper lanterns I had ever seen: floor and table lamps with rice paper shades, hanging lanterns in colors, shapes and sizes beyond my imagination.

I had just bought a house four months earlier, only a few rooms had overhead lights, and I was very much in need of lighting. But paper lanterns in a Maine cottage? "Naw," I thought snobbishly, "paper lanterns are only for college dorm rooms and first apartments. I couldn't put one in my house! What would people think?"

But, since returning home I've flirted with the idea of putting a trio of paper lanterns in that empty corner of the guest room. And, I've wandered over to the Pearl River web site several times threatening to place an order. Paper lanterns have been dogging me everywhere, in the newly-opened Target in Topsham, on the Martha Stewart web site, in the homes of friends who could afford much more expensive lighting, and today in Bohemian Rose in Bath. I had dropped into the trendy boutique looking for a new wristwatch, but was struck by a rice paper lantern by Cultural Intrigue. With tiny perforations mimicking eyelet lace, it was a perfect fit for the guest room. My resistance finally worn down, I gave in and joined the paper lantern camp.

Now to round out that trio, I'll finally place my order with Pearl River or with Party Lights, which carries more of Cultural Intrigue's line. Thank goodness I'm not planning a party in the near future, or I might blow my whole budget on paper lanterns!

Bowdoin season ends in Gorham

Bowdoin College's advance through the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament came to an end Saturday at the hands of cross-state rival University of Southern Maine. The Polar Bears were eliminated 56-53 when a last-second desperation three-point shot failed. It was the second Polar Bear loss this season against the Huskies, both on the Huskie's home court.The game capped an outstanding career for seniors Justine Pouravelis, Vanessa Russell, Ashleigh Watson and Lauren Withey who have been to the NCAA Elite Eight each of their four years, and in 2004 played in the National Championship gameFor more photos from the USM game, click here.

Bowdoin women crack "Elite Eight"

The Bowdoin College women's basketball team inched its way into the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament with a hard-fought win Friday night over the University of Mary Washington of Fredericksburg, Virginia. The Polar Bear women came out on top 62-54 in a back-and-forth battle; the Polar Bears started slow and trailed by as many as eleven points before going into the half tied at 26-26. The game was played on the campus of the University of Southern Maine in Gorham, and even though Bowdoin is in its Spring Break, a vocal contingency of fans--students, parents and friends--made the trek to Gorham. The host USM Huskies, ranked #1 in Division III, overcame Bridgewater College of Bridgewater, Virginia, 68-55 in the second sectional Friday night to set up a rematch between USM and Bowdoin for Saturday night on the USM campus; when these two rivals played earlier in the season, the Huskies dealt the Polar Bears a 64-55 blow, one of only two Bowdoin losses this season.On a night when many of the Polar Bears struggled to make shots, Bowdoin Junior Eileen Flaherty (below right) turned in a stellar performance, leading all scorers with 29 points.For more photos from this game, click here.

Bowdoin women advance to "Sweet Sixteen"

Congratulations to the Bowdoin College women's basketball team, which advanced to the Sweet Sixteen of the of the NCAA Division III Women's Basketball Tournament with two wins this weekend.This will be the sixth consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearance for the Polar Bears, coached by Stefanie Pemper. Pemper, who is in her eighth year at the Brunswick college, was named NESCAC Coach of the Year.The smart and athletic Polar Bear team played before a packed house on campus.With a comfortable 73-54 win over Colby-Sawyer Friday evening and a 59-56 nail-biter over Brandeis on Saturday evening, the 26-2 Polar Bears set the New England basketball record with 70 straight victories at home, surpassing the record formerly held by the UConn women.
Tournament play continues Friday on the University of Southern Maine campus in Gorham. Bowdoin takes on Mary Washington at 5:30 p.m., while host USM takes on Bridgewater at 7:30 p.m. The winners will square off Saturday at 7 p.m. For more photos from the Colby-Saywer game, click here. For more photos from the Brandeis game, click here.