Over the past two years, members of the Maine Capitol Police have visited state capitols across the country, learning how various law enforcement agencies are handling the increase in security issues.

These include bomb threats, hoaxes, and suspicious powder on mail — all of which happened in Maine just last year — in addition to armed protests seen in places like Michigan in recent years. 

Threats of violence have been made against Maine’s political leaders at all levels. Last March, there were emailed threats made against two state lawmakers who co-sponsored a controversial bill about reproductive health services and gender-affirming treatments. And on Thanksgiving, U.S. Rep. Jared Golden was reported to have bomb threats sent to his home in Lewiston. 

Though these politically-charged security risks are widespread, states may take their own approach to keeping their facilities safe. Maine Capitol Police Chief Matt Clancy said agencies throughout the country are working on developing best practices, but he’s focused on adopting policies and procedures that he feels are best for Maine. 

Some state capitols Clancy visited felt a little too “tight,” white others didn’t even screen visitors upon entry, as is done in Augusta. 

“Here we’re trying to build a balance of providing the type of security that we feel makes the facilities here very accessible and inviting without being overbearing,” Clancy said. 

Maine State House evacuated after hoax bomb threats against legislators, Democratic Party

As a result of this work, Clancy said there will be some new security measures in place for the 132nd Maine Legislature. The session is starting to ramp up, with legislators sworn in, committee orientation meetings on the calendar for this week and cloture, the deadline for bills to be submitted, set for Friday. 

While many of the enhanced security measures are “unseen,” as Clancy described them, there will be some noticeable changes, especially for people who frequent the State House.

One such change is the new Capitol Police K9. Visitors will see Ted — a nod to Red Sox legend Ted Williams, which was changed from Jeter to keep peace with New England sports fans — regularly patrolling the State House, but he will also be called in to assist with bomb threats. 

Hoax bomb threats have been particularly problematic in recent years. Last year, there were several threats, including one the first day of the session that forced lawmakers and visitors to evacuate. 

Though he couldn’t speak to the procedural details of responding to such threats, Clancy said his team’s goal is to thoroughly vet them while letting the Legislature get back to its business quickly — or in some cases, without any disruptions. Having a K9 will help improve that response, he said.

The other more noticeable changes will be in the Burton Cross Building, which sits next to the State House and connects through a tunnel. The building houses many of the legislative committee rooms in addition to agencies, such as the Maine Secretary of State’s Division of Elections.

Last session, Capitol Police started staffing the Cross Building with security personnel. This year, there will be even more of a presence, Clancy said. 

Additionally, in the coming months, construction will begin on a new security screening area in the Cross Building, similar to what people have to go through to enter the State House. Clancy said they are currently accepting bids for the $7 million project and he expects it will take about 18 months to complete. 

Though Clancy said there is pressure in being responsible for the safety and security of facilities, lawmakers, and visitors, “you also have to understand that it’s the people’s house.”

“This is their house, they can come in and do their thing, be heard,” he said. 

Striking that balance, he said, will take regular evaluation of how new and old procedures are working in today’s political climate. One way the Capitol Police hope to stay vigilant without being overbearing is through its new security operations center located at its satellite station on the East Campus, which is situated across the Kennebec River. 

Clancy said his team decided to create that space after visiting other complexes across the country. The operations center has three workstations and a camera wall, allowing officers to remotely keep tabs on spaces in the State House and communicate concerns with those on the ground.

Since the political world exists outside of the walls of the State House, Capitol Police are also monitoring chatter online — like they did with the threats made against lawmakers last year that was said to be related to a social media post. 

Vetting online discourse and threats requires the same nuance as protecting the physical security of the building, he said, balancing First Amendment rights and being prudent about the information that’s out there. The chief said it’s the cases where there were warning signs ahead of a bad scenario that keep him up at night. 

With two in Boston and one down the Cape, these coastal locations are beautiful backdrops in any season.

Five-Star Fabulous

Boston Harbor Hotel
Boston, Massachusetts

Awash in luxury, the venerable Boston Harbor Hotel is one of the city’s most coveted places to stay. The hotel’s sweeping harbor views are unrivaled, and the five-star hotel, rife with rich fabrics, marble, and carved-wood finishes, exudes a modern classic appeal. There are several on-site wedding venue options. Optimal for larger receptions as well as ceremonies, the Wharf Room features dramatic, high ceilings and views from three sides, along with a private outdoor terrace. The second-story Meritage Room is oriented toward smaller celebrations, and Foster’s Pavilion is the hotel’s outdoor space, which can be enhanced with an outdoor tent. The Atlantic Room is a larger space that can be broken down into two separate areas. The hotel’s wedding planning and catering staff are attentive and experienced; executive chef David Daniels’s cuisine features fresh, seasonal fare that elevates any occasion held at the hotel.

Among the best parts of hosting your wedding at the Boston Harbor Hotel is its elegant accommodations, which include more than 200 guest rooms and suites. The John Adams Presidential Suite is among the city’s most luxurious: featuring two-, three-, or four-bedroom configurations with a private elevator, spacious living areas, a media room, and an expansive waterfront terrace, you will never want to leave.

PHOTO OPS

Just outside the restaurant is Fan Pier Park, a verdant stretch of green space along the waterfront. The landscaped area features manicured grassy areas and beautiful harbor vistas with the city rising in the distance, which make a gorgeous backdrop for wedding photos.

Restaurant Chic

Davio’s
Boston, Massachusetts

Well-known and loved for its cuisine, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse is a longtime staple in Boston’s fine-dining restaurant scene. Its perfectly cooked steaks, handmade pastas, and fresh seafood have broad appeal. With multiple locations in and around the city—and in other states, too—Davio’s Seaport location offers elegant dining overlooking Boston Harbor.

With several private dining spaces of varying sizes, the restaurant is in a prime position for hosting weddings and rehearsal dinners. The private dining rooms feature high ceilings, majestic columns, elongated windows, and plenty of space. Flexible spaces can accommodate 10 to 200 guests for full-service sit-down dinners and up to 350 for a reception. Rooms are equipped with high-back upholstered chairs and round and square tables. For larger events, the entire restaurant can be reserved for up to 500 guests. The patio, with stunning waterfront views, holds up to 150 guests. There are several different menu options for both sit-down dinners and buffets, and the attentive catering staff will even work with couples to create custom appetizers, entrées, and desserts that appeal to their specific tastes.

SAY “I DO” IN CHOO

Among the hotel’s exclusive wedding offerings is the opportunity to be treated to an after-hours store consultation at the Jimmy Choo Boutique in Copley Place—along with a pair of shoes to wear on your special day!—if you book a Friday or Sunday wedding.

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Boater’s Paradise

Flying Bridge
Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Set on glorious Falmouth Harbor, the Flying Bridge has long been a Cape Cod mainstay. With 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor entertaining space, the restaurant was remodeled in 2023. The bride and groom often arrive here by boat while their guests watch them from the deck. Featuring a grand-stairway entrance, the second-floor event space provides an idyllic backdrop with floor-to-ceiling windows and accordion doors overlooking the harbor and a deck that wraps around the building. A quartz-topped U-shaped bar, an ample dance floor, and the ability to accommodate a 200-person seated dinner prepared by chef Leon Biscoe and his team, which includes an on-site master sushi chef, are all part of the program.

The restaurant also hosts on-site ceremonies in an arbor overlooking the harbor or, for smaller groups, on the upper deck. If your dream is to have a beach ceremony, the Flying Bridge’s sister property, the Tides, can accommodate that, as well as a rooftop reception with 360-degree views. The nearby beachfront hotel is also a great spot to set your guests up in; with 29 rooms, including a bridal suite, it’s one of the most desirable hotels to stay in town.

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DAY-TRIPPING

Also set on Falmouth Harbor, directly across from the Flying Bridge and a short stroll from the Tides, is the Island Queen Ferry, which makes several daily trips to Martha’s Vineyard. The quick 35-minute ride to Oak Bluffs makes for a great summer day trip for wedding guests looking to make the most of their downtime.

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First published in the print issue of Boston Weddings 2025 with the headline, “View Finders.”

Two people who were inside an ambulance had to be taken to the hospital when the emergency vehicle crashed Monday evening.

Firefighters responded to the crash on Old Candia Road just before 7:00 p.m.

First responders arrived to find that the driver of the ambulance was not responsive and another person inside the ambulance also needed medical treatment. Both were transported to the Elliot Hospital.

Candia firefighters say one occupant has been discharged from the emergency department while the other has been admitted to the hospital in stable condition.

An initial investigation determined the driver suffered a medical emergency while it was returning to the station, veered into the opposite lane of travel, hitting several small trees and a traffic sign before crashing into a water-filled ditch.

The ambulance passenger was able to exit the crashed vehicle and helped to treat the driver until additional medical units arrived on the scene.

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