People’s decisions to wear or not wear a face covering during the COVID-19 pandemic has created anger and defiance in some, but a feeling of solidarity in others.
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.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Things to Do
Check out what local libraries are doing now
With physical locations closed, southern Maine libraries are offering a range of online services and activities, from books and movies to author talks, cooking demos and writing groups.
advertisement
Posted inMaine
Take a tip from Mainers who lived in isolation long before coronavirus
We might all gain perspective from the experiences of ‘North Pond Hermit’ Christopher Knight, Donn Fendler of “Lost on a Mountain in Maine” or Burt Shavitz of Burt’s Bees.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Things to Do
Go ahead, touch that dial; it’s time to rediscover local radio
Now that you’re home all day, tune into what you’ve been missing.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
What Maine writers read when they need the comfort of a good book
Authors offer their suggestions for books to soothe the mind in tumultuous times.
Posted inThings to Do
Brain getting dull as the walls close in? Sharpen it up with these Maine-centric quizzes
You’re already spending most of the day online; check these out to test your knowledge of news, history, music, culture and sports.
Posted inMaine, News
Seed sales soar as Mainers put down roots at home
Amid fears of food availability and looking for ways to feel useful, Mainers are taking to gardening in a big way.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime
Window washer charged with stealing N95 protective masks in Bangor
Jonathan McCue, hired to wash windows at Bangor City Hall, allegedly stole 80 N95 masks meant for first responders.
Posted inBusiness, Health, Maine, New England
Governor orders travelers to self-quarantine, suspends all lodging businesses
The executive order requires anyone traveling from out of state to Maine to self-quarantine for 14 days.
Posted inElections, Maine, Politics
Maine Democrats cancel May convention
The convention was to be held May 29-30 in Bangor but delegates will now vote remotely because of the coronavirus risk.