FOXBORO - Just one word could never come close to describing Fox 25 News anchor Maria Stephanos, but the closest may be "engaging."

The popular, down-to-earth Stephanos is no mere TV talking head with ironed hair. She is a warm, sharp and respected journalist known far and wide for her exuberance, while engaging viewers, sources, friends, her Foxboro community and too many area causes and charities to name.

Stephanos, 41, a native of Groveland, has lived in Foxboro for more than 10 years with her husband, Dale Stephanos - a freelance political illustrator whose work has appeared in Atlantic Monthly, Rolling Stone, Mad Magazine and The New York Times - and her two children, Isabella, 9, and Liam, 6.

When not anchoring Fox 25 News each night, you may find her jogging down Mechanic Street or speaking at her local YMCA breakfast or at a dozen other functions. No matter how successful she might be, Stephanos knows where she came from. And she never forgets that for a second.

SUN CHRONICLE: How did you get your start in the news business? MARIA STEPHANOS: I was a Statehouse reporter in Massachusetts. I had long black hair and wore jeans all the time. Weld was the governor at the time, and I cut my teeth at the Statehouse, for sure.

SC: What's the worst, muddiest, funniest or trickiest story you ever had to cover as a rookie reporter? A cat fashion show? Pit bull parade?

STEPHANOS: Actually, in New Bedford I did a strange cat story. There were so many cats in this house, you could smell it a block away. I thought 'This is really incredible.' Wow, I couldn't believe it. But it didn't turn me away from the news business. It was memorable, that's for sure.

SC: Why did you gravitate to news and television? Were you inspired by a TV icon like Walter Cronkite? Barbara Walters?

STEPHANOS: No, I was inspired by Elvis dying. When Elvis died, I couldn't believe how my parents were reacting to his death, how they were mesmerized by the news anchors delivering that news. I thought, 'Wow, look at that! Look at the power of that.' How it could hold my parents like that; that really intrigued me.

SC: You got your TV start in Rhode Island. What was the biggest story you ever covered there?

STEPHANOS: Are you kidding me? Buddy Cianci's trial, please!

I was sitting behind him every single day in court. But, what's interesting, is before that, I had been in Sturdy Memorial giving birth to my daughter, Isabella, and who sent me the biggest bouquet of flowers in the room? Buddy Cianci. That guy knew how to shake hands and hold babies better than anybody.

SC: What was the biggest story you ever covered in Boston?

STEPHANOS: September 11, because the planes came out of there. Nothing was ever bigger. SC: Are you a Sox fan?

STEPHANOS: God, yes. I've been going to Fenway Park since I was 2. It doesn't get any better than 2004. That was pretty exhilarating.

SC: Do you find yourself ever defending the legitimacy of TV journalism vs. print?

STEPHANOS: No. It honestly doesn't (affect me) because I don't accept that. I don't adhere to that. I honestly believe if you do a good job, are a good journalist, you are going to get respect.

SC: You do a great deal of charity work. You just spoke at the local YMCA breakfast. You've worked with Foxboro's Cindy McGinty in her annual 9/11 salute. They ask you, even to the WEEI Whiney Awards, and you show up enthusiastically. Why so much of this work?

STEPHANOS: Because I want to never forget where I came from and I always want to give back. I was with Cindy McGinty when she stood in her kitchen on September 13, two days after she lost her husband and her life crumbled. That is the reason I do it.

You just try to help as much as you can. It's not about being a good anchor. It's about being a good citizen, and I'm proud of being a part of this community.

SC: Family, full-time job, charity, how do you fit all of this in with such a busy schedule?

STEPHANOS: I'm just a really good multi-tasker. I don't drink alcohol, I don't drink coffee and I don't smoke. So, just having a clear mind helps me juggle it all.

SC: How do you stay in shape? The YMCA? I hear cars barely avoid you mornings as you jog down Mechanic Street in Foxboro.

STEPHANOS: I run five days a week. I put the kids on the bus, I lace up my sneakers and go on a 4- to 5-mile run five days a week on the streets of Foxboro. They talk about TV people having personal trainers? That's my personal trainer.

SC: What about your clothes, your shoes. Are they given to you? Are you costumed by the pros?

STEPHANOS: What? (Laughs) People always ask about it! I buy all my own clothes and jewelry and shoes, but I have to have everything approved before I go on air. They just want to make sure you're dressed appropriately.

SC: What would your viewing public be surprised or stunned to know about you. You do the hula? You can yodel? You hate Greek food, what?

STEPHANOS: Oh, no! That I am a really good cook. And I love it. And I live it and I cook Greek food all week long for the family to eat for the rest of the week.

SC: What haven't you done yet that tops your eternal 'To Do list?'

STEPHANOS: Ohhhhh.....(long pause). What haven't I done? I'm pretty happy with where I'm at right now. And I like mystery and surprise. Who knows what it is, but I welcome it with open arms.