Forest Hills-Regent Square, PA|News|
Weekly Typhoon Construction Update
Here's a look at the progress made on South Braddock Avenue since last week!
<strong>Contact: </strong>Stephanie.Rex@Patch.com
<strong>Hometown:</strong> Erie, Pennsylvania
<strong>Birthdate:</strong> 7/15/1984
<strong>Bio:</strong>
Stephanie Rex is the local editor for the Forest Hills - Regent Square Patch, which launched in December 2010.
Stephanie's previous work has appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Valley News Dispatch and the Butler Eagle, where she worked as a reporter for about two and a half years.
Stephanie graduated from Point Park University in 2007 with a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications. While in college, she moved to Regent Square after falling in love with the neighborhood. While freelancing for local newspapers, she paid her rent by waiting tables at Square Cafe on South Braddock, in the heart of Regent Square.
After leaving Pittsburgh to cover northern Butler County for the Butler Eagle newspaper shortly after graduating, Stephanie returned to Regent Square in early 2010, joining the Patch team.
Stephanie won the 2011 Golden Quill Award for Best Writing Online at The Press Club of Western Pennsylvania's annual banquet for her feature story, "A Very Creepy Christmas at Trundle Manor."
In her free time, she enjoys reading, working out, singing in her car and exploring different places in Pittsburgh. She also loves walking her two dogs—Bailey, a Jack Russell mix, and Chance, a Springer Spaniel mix—both from the Animal Rescue League.
Stephanie is a major music fan—her favorites include everything by Lady Gaga, everything by The Boss or Tom Petty, and many, many more.
<b>Politics </b><br>How would you describe your political beliefs?<br>Are you registered with a certain party?
I am a socially liberal and informed voter. I judge my candidates on their character -- a task that is becoming more and more difficult with each passing election. <br><br><b>Religion</b><br>How religious would you consider yourself? (casual, observant, devout, non religious)
I was raised Catholic and remain open to other faiths and ideas. I think that faith in a higher being is important. Prayer - whether it's in yoga, traditional prayers or meditation - certainly has power in my own life. <br><b><br>Local Hot-Button Issues</b><br>What do you think are the most important issues facing the community?<br>Where do you stand on each of these issues?
Some of the biggest issues in the Forest Hills and Regent Square areas involve the high level of municipalities that intersect in just one place. In Regent Square alone, the City of Pittsburgh, Edgewood, Swissvale and Wilkinsburg boroughs come together. What does this mean for borough services and safety? Are there opportunities to collaborate and save money? How do some issues cross boundaries and borders? These are a few of the issues I hear residents talking about at local meetings.
These neighborhoods are special in that they give you a small town feel in the big city. Everybody knows everybody here - from the guy behind the coffee counter to the woman serving you pancakes. At the same time, we have so many artists and cultural opportunities happening just a few blocks away - at any given location.
I think people in these neighborhoods are always looking for new ways to connect and hold onto those special bonds. I believe Patch will play a great role in an already beautiful community. I am honored to have the opportunity to tell the stories of Regent Square and Forest Hills.
Here's a look at the progress made on South Braddock Avenue since last week!
Sharon Jo Serbin is creating what she calls "Wild Woman Creations" from the peace she finds in nature.
DA Stephen Zappala met with local leaders Friday to discuss cameras that will be installed in the next 60 days.
Demar Jones is wanted by police - anyone with information is asked to call authorities.
SADD CEO to speak at the charter school Thursday, Feb. 17.
A local group of children is on-call for those snowy days when seniors and immobile neighbors need some extra help.
This spicy dish will make any winter day better!
Louise Walker of Swissvale is opening the discussion between parents, teachers and administrators to improve education in the Woodland Hills School District.
Council held its regular meeting Monday night.
Sherwood Road residents are in good condition.
Rachell Youngman currently has decorated piggy banks on display at Gallerie Chiz in Shadyside.
Here's your weekly photo gallery of the progress at Typhoon on South Braddock Avenue.
Suspect surrendered himself to Wilkinsburg Police Thursday morning.
Heinz Endowments gives grant to school district.
Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department building live-in program for college students interested in firefighting
Today marks the end of our feature this week
Edgewood artist will complete a new project at the center each winter in exchange for seasonal space
Students place first in local competition
Woodland Hills Junior High staff donate Wal-Mart gift cards after last week's annual fundraiser
New store to sell used home furniture, appliances and goods at a lower cost to the community to benefit the organization, construction projects and the local economy.