LEWISTON – It’s been known by different names over the years, but there’s one constant for The Carriage House Plus: It’s all family.

“My grandmother works here,” says Melissa Beaule, speaking on behalf of her family. “My uncles, aunts. My cousins come in and help out. There are brothers and sisters. Sometimes they just stop by to visit, but they always end up helping out somehow.”

Right now, some are banging nails. Others haul off refuse. Still others help in the gift shop or with the wedding invitations.

And Beaule’s mother, Cecile Paradis, is taking reservations for the soon-to-open banquet hall that will feature catered meals.

It’s the hall that’s really new for The Carriage House – the “Plus” part of the business, says Beaule.

It’s also the hall that prompted The Carriage House – also once known as Jacob Shaines’ – to move from the Lewiston Mall up and across the road to its new location at 1119 Lisbon St.

Beaule said the hall, which is still being readied for use, will be able to accommodate up to 250 people – just right, she notes, for many weddings, anniversaries and even some class reunions.

The hall can also be sectioned off, she noted, to meet the needs of smaller groups.

“We’ll be able to handle baby and wedding showers, business meetings, even funeral lunches,” she said.

The hall’s unveiling is set for Aug. 28. That’s when The Carriage House Plus will host a public reception for some of the women gracing the pages of Gracefully Yours, a Maine-produced calendar featuring women age 45 and older with inspirational stories to share. A portion of the calendar profits will go to charities selected by the women, said Beaule.

Paradis is taking reservations for other events starting in September, Beaule added.

The business will also offer what Beaule called “one-stop shopping” for brides-to-be. Paradis and her family can arrange for everything from limo service and invitations to flowers and catering, Beaule said.

The same services, together or individually, can be arranged for functions other than weddings, she added.

The Carriage House Plus will continue to offer gifts such as knickknacks, greeting cards, flowers and wedding needs.

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