Ray Routhier

Press Herald

Ray Routhier writes about pop culture, entertainment, music, TV and lifestyle issues. In more than 23 years at the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, he has been continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. The word he uses most for stories he’s drawn to is “quirky.” He’s written about the changing cable TV and Internet landscapes, and what those changes mean for the future of information and entertainment. He’s dug clams, raked blueberries and rode on the back of a garbage truck, all in pursuit of stories about real Mainers. He’s had a ball interviewing a range of celebrities from Anna Kendrick and Patrick Dempsey to Billy Joel and Tony Bennett. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, N.H., he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two daughters.

Latest

Published
December 21, 2020

Make the most of winter break with these kid-friendly activities

Like everything, school vacation week this holiday season will look and feel very different, but there are still lots of things to do virtually and outdoors.
Published
December 21, 2020

Run & Eat: Empire returns in time for birthday takeout

The Portland Chinese restaurant reopened for takeout and curbside pickup in the fall with an online ordering system.
Published
December 20, 2020

For shop clerks and DJs, it’s the most wonderful time for their ears

Incessant Christmas music started earlier than usual this year, but even people who have to listen to it nonstop don’t mind.
Published
December 7, 2020

No time like the present to make your own gifts

Crafty Mainers are offering classes that can make for a fun activity and help with your shopping list.
Published
November 30, 2020

How to deck the halls for a long winter at home

Make your home cozy and inviting with wreaths or holiday arrangements, pillows and blankets, and more natural light.
Published
November 23, 2020

Make time, and space, for these holiday events

Maine holiday events have been adapted for safety this year, including several driving events featuring festive light displays.
Published
November 23, 2020

Run & Eat: Sample several dumplings from BaoBao for a takeout treat

The Portland restaurant has online ordering and an easy curbside pickup system.
Published
November 13, 2020

As the weather cools, more outdoor diners become ‘early birds’

The pandemic has pushed the dinner hour up, especially this fall in Maine, as outdoor diners try to take advantage of the relative daytime warmth.
Published
November 9, 2020

Local theaters host virtual readings

Portland Stage presents John Cariani, reading from his new novel version of ‘Almost, Maine,’ and Acorn Productions puts on a reading of ‘Madeleines,’ by Bess Welden.
Published
November 8, 2020

Adaptive sports program helps veterans stay connected through outdoor recreation

Participants say the VAST program, run by veteran and olympic skier Kristina Sabasteanski through the New Gloucester nonprofit Pineland Farms, is even more important amidst the isolation of the pandemic.