Ray Routhier

Staff Writer

Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.

Business, Local & State, News

Even with customers scarce, some businesses decide it’s worth staying open

by Ray Routhier March 18, 2020March 18, 2020

Bowling alleys, diners, movie theaters and micro-breweries were among the businesses that stayed open Tuesday, juggling financial survival with the potential for spreading coronavirus.

Do This

How some people are keeping busy away from crowds

by Ray Routhier March 16, 2020March 13, 2020

Here’s what a few of your fellow Mainers are doing to relax a little and de-stress during the current tense times.

Arts & Entertainment, Do This, Times Record

Plans canceled? Here’s what to do instead

by Ray Routhier March 16, 2020March 18, 2020

If you were hoping to do something that got canceled by coronavirus precautions, we have some alternate ideas.

Business, Local & State, News, Uncategorized

When it comes to stocking up, some people have tissues

by Ray Routhier March 12, 2020March 13, 2020

But many don’t. As Mainers worry about the coronavirus crisis, toilet paper is the one thing they don’t want to be caught without.

Do This, Local & State

Closings, cancellations and postponements: Check before you go

March 12, 2020March 17, 2020

The latest events and activities canceled or postponed as a result of coronavirus.

Arts & Entertainment, Business, Local & State

TV antenna users in southern Maine should rescan sets Wednesday

by Ray Routhier March 10, 2020March 10, 2020

Three Portland-area stations are switching frequencies at 7 a.m., affecting people who watch TV using an antenna.

Do This, Food

Fresh from the oven, Ada’s pizza is a cut above

by Ray Routhier March 9, 2020March 9, 2020

Square-cut slabs of oven-fresh pizza from Ada’s in Portland – including a Margherita with fluffy puffs of mozzarella cheese and whole basil leaves – is not exactly ordinary.