Every once in a while, I’ll find a local Richmonder we’d all like to know a bit more about. Same questions each time, from the Prying Publisher (that’s me!) And the answers are just for you.
This month, I talked to CBS 6 News co-anchor Stephanie Rochon. This broadcast journalist and mom of two boys got her start in radio and quickly found her niche on the news desk. “Motherhood and working in news are similar,” says Stephanie. “Every day is different and you never know what the day will bring. I love both.” Stephanie has lived in Richmond for over ten years now, but grew up in a military family and traveled throughout the nation and overseas as a child. While in the Army, her father had several assignments on the East Coast. The family lived in Petersburg, Northern Virginia, and Maryland when he worked at the Pentagon. Stephanie says moving to Richmond in 1999 was “like coming home.” In addition to anchoring the six, seven and 11 o’clock news, she produces special reports throughout the year, and a monthly segment on breast cancer called Buddy Check 6.
Mountains or beach?
The beach. My husband Jeff grew up in San Diego. As our sons, 7-year-old Miles and 4-year-old Pierce, get older, we can tell they really love beach vacations.
Dogs or cats?
I grew up with dogs – a cocker spaniel and a bichon frise. I’m still a dog lover.
Blackberry or iPhone?
Neither. I’ve been slow to move beyond a regular cell phone.
What book is on your nightstand right now?
A Life with Karol: My Forty-Year Friendship with the Man Who Became Pope, by Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what food would you want to grow on trees?
Crawfish. My family is from Louisiana and I grew up eating mud bugs.
Same island – what’s the one CD you would want to have with you?
The Best of Chaka Khan. I’m a huge fan. The first time I met Chaka was in Richmond.
What’s the last song you downloaded to your iPod?
Window Seat by Erykah Badu
Favorite Richmond restaurant to take the whole family?
Red Robin. The boys can be noisy, and it doesn’t distract anyone because their kids are making noise, too.
What if you have a sitter?
Ruth Chris Steak House. Delicious.
What is your favorite way to spend a rainy Sunday?
Playing board games with Miles and Pierce. Catching up on reading.
What is your favorite vacation spot?
Virginia Beach. It’s not too far from home and we always have a lot of fun.
What is your energy source?
Yoga. I’ve been practicing for ten years.
Finish this sentence: “My family loves it when I… cook a big breakfast on Saturday morning.” Favorite family day outing?
My husband and sons gave me a new bike for my birthday, so we can all ride bikes together.
Readers will be surprised to know…
I attended first grade while living in Asmara, Ethiopia, and I graduated from high school in Wiesbaden, Germany.