How did your career as a newscaster change when you started your family?
I was working in the T.V. business for about 8 years when my daughter was born. TV news is a very unconventional business. There are no 9-5 hours. I tried to make mine work for my family. I worked Sunday through Thursday. Sunday was a very manageable day with set hours. We lived around the block from work, so it was very easy for me to go home during non-broadcast times.
How did your children inspire you in your career?
I definitely became more focused on family issues, like education and child safety.
What was the greatest challenge when trying to balance your family life and your career at Fox 5 News? What kept you driven and motivated?
The biggest challenge in balancing family life and a career is time. When my children were little, I volunteered at their school so I could see them more. I worked 3-11pm. I would come home around 6pm for family dinner and to help with homework. Then, it was back to work around 8:30 to get ready for the 10pm newscast. It was a very delicate dance but I knew I wanted to make this work. I knew I couldn't "have it all" but I was determined to try.
We are big supporters of family businesses, as ours is a family affair, how do you like working with your family in the restaurant business?
Working with my family at Fresco by Scotto is so rewarding. I have the easy part. I don't do the day-to-day operations of the restaurant. I am the schmoozer! I like to socialize with the people who dine at Fresco. I am a sounding board when there are decisions that need to be made at the restaurant. And I will tell you, on holidays, we make a point of not discussing business, so that we can really enjoy family time.
You manage to wear so many hats, between your role as a mother of 2, your newscasting at “Good Day New York,” your family business at Fresco, and of course a wife to your husband, Louis. How do you carve out time for yourself? How do you like to spend this time?
Life is busy now even though my children are adults. Lou and I like to joke that we make appointments with each other. We have to make an effort to have alone time. Usually weekends are when we try to slow down our lives. Now that our kids are older, my husband and I like to get away. And we continue the tradition of Sunday being family day with a big meal!
What has been the most difficult age with your children, to date? What helped you overcome the challenges of that time?
When my children were in school it was very stressful. All the homework and afternoon activities left everyone cranky. Usually on the weekend, we tended not to make any plans so that we could relax.
What is your favorite activity to do as a family in NYC?
We love to go to the Museum of Natural History.
What was your most memorable family vacation, and why?
We used to travel to a different part of Italy every summer. It was memorable because it included grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins. It was great family time...and lots of eating too!
What core values do you hope to instill in your children?
I hope that my children understand the value of family, and extending that generosity to the greater NY family in giving back.