Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, entertainment, music, TV and lifestyle issues for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is 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 children.
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PublishedDecember 4, 2023
These activities can make holiday shopping in southern Maine less of a chore
From curling at L.L. Bean to fireworks in Kennebunkport, these retail hot spots are ready to entertain you.
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PublishedDecember 3, 2023
Illustrated memoir ‘Maine: A Love Story’ reveals Portland printmaker’s deepest cuts
After years of creating Maine scenes for notecards and calendars, Blue Butterfield got help from Maine author Susan Conley to write a book of essays accompanied by her woodcuts.
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PublishedNovember 30, 2023
Fred, the dog who helped a Maine combat veteran ‘live again,’ dies of cancer
Craig Grossi found Fred in war-torn Afghanistan and wrote 2 books about how the dog helped him gain control of his life, making the pair in-demand public speakers and Fred a social media star.
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PublishedNovember 27, 2023
Kitchen skills need sharpening? These classes could help
Sign up for these lessons in sushi making, holiday mixology, cheese basics and more.
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PublishedNovember 24, 2023
Meet the cheer squad – the people behind the holiday magic
These folks were on the job Friday helping kick off the Christmas season at attractions around southern Maine.
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PublishedNovember 17, 2023
He started playing Dungeons & Dragons as a kid in Portland. Now he does it professionally
Ned Donovan is starring in a new streaming series, called ‘Encounter Party,’ on which actors play Dungeons & Dragons. It debuted this month and is based on a podcast he helped create.
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PublishedNovember 12, 2023
New nonprofit revives Colonial, giving Belfast its movie theater back
After going dark for a year, the screens at Belfast’s historic Colonial Theatre will light up again this month. The theater is now owned by a nonprofit community group.
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PublishedNovember 6, 2023
‘Godfather’ actor doesn’t refuse offers from new Maine friends
Gianni Russo played Carlo in ‘The Godfather’ and wrote a book about his life with mobsters and movie stars. In February, he’ll sing songs and tell stories in Portland.
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PublishedNovember 6, 2023
Eat & Run: Barber Bros. brings South Portland market back to life
The new tenants of the beloved Legion Square Market space have kept the meat counter and added creative sandwiches to go.
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PublishedOctober 31, 2023
Stephen King on shootings near childhood home: ‘It always means more when you know the place’
Maine’s most famous author, a vocal advocate for stricter gun laws, went to high school in Lisbon Falls, where the Lewiston shooter was found dead.
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Maine real estate industry braces for changes to home sales commissions
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Saco retirement development plagued by problems, some residents say
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Incoming storm to bring flood threat, high winds and heavy rain to Maine
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The pandemic gave Maine a population boom. Will climate change be next?
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Fans energized as UMaine men’s hockey returns to national spotlight