Meet Bill Jennings— College Park Crossing Guard and Long Time Resident
Meet Bill Jennings— College Park Crossing Guard and Long Time Resident
We are so excited to share this interview with College Park’s Bill Jennings— a resident of the 32804 since 1973 who has memories of the community most newer members could just dream of! Read on to get to know Bill as our crossing guard and so much more!
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Please tell us a little about yourself!
I have lived in College Park since 1973. I retired after 38 years in maintenance at Disney World. I am a past president of the College Park Neighborhood Association where I also served as chairman of the Historic Committee and led the Interstate Four Committee I am state certified as an instructor for the Orlando Fire Department Community Emergency Response teams. When I retired I was looking for something to do part time so I signed on with the Orlando Police Department as a crossing guard and was assigned to Princeton Elementary. This is my eleventh year at Princeton.
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My wife and I are both from Scranton, PA. I have been married to my wife Joan for fifty two years. She is retired as a Quick Books Pro. We have two sons. The oldest has a Ph.D. from Stanford and is employed at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston as a Biomedical Statistician. His wife is a professor at the University of Houston in health sciences. I have two amazing grandchildren, a grandson who is fourth grade and a granddaughter in first grade. My youngest son is a manager for Staples Online. His wife is director of bands at Lake Nona Middle Scholl
What do you do for work, and what do you love most about what you do?
I am currently the Crossing Guard for Princeton School. The parents and children make my day as I cross them on a daily basis. I have gotten to know many families, College Park families are the best. Having been there as long as I have I have watched many children on their first day of kindergarten go through graduation from fifth grade.
If a neighbor is hungry in College Park, what local restaurants would you refer them to?
I like my food simple therefore my favorite place to eat is Shakers. It is also my favorite place to meet people to plan meeting meetings
How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I moved into College Park in March of 1973 and have lived in the same house.
What is your favorite thing about College Park?
When we were looking to buy a home in Central Florida we were turned off by the cookie cutter developments that did not have trees and in many cases even sidewalks. We were fortunate to find a house listed for sale by owner. We were the second person to call and we were able to purchase the house that was built around 1929 in the early phase of development of College Park. A neighborhood with trees, great houses and sidewalks populated by outstanding Orlando citizens.
Who is the most interesting person you've met in College Park?
The most interesting person I have gotten to know in College Park is Grace Hagedorn. Grace and her husband Fred, now deceased, moved to College Park in 1985. Grace, was a Fulbright scholar. Her desire to preserve the History of College Park has become her life's passion. I met her through working with her on the Neighborhood Association History Committee. Grace, as President of the History Committee led the effort to sponsor the Historic Homes Tours. From her early days as a reporter she has a love for words and the proper use of the English language. It has been a honor to work with Grace. The community will continually be grateful to Grace for making the history of College Park available too future generations.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I would travel to London to see Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral. I have been an avid fan of the English Protestant Reformation. I would love to walk on the same stones that the giants of the faith walked. on. I would also add a side trip to #10 Downing Street just to walk the sidewalks where Churchill walked defying the German bombers that were flying overhead.
What is one of your favorite movies or TV shows?
If I had to pick a favorite TV shows it would simply be ESPN and HGTV. I love sports, my interest is broad, I actually watch the corn hole championship. Have worked in maintenance for thirty eights years I find home renovation fascinating.
What advice, thought, or quote would you share with the community?
As the school crossing guard my advice SLOW DOWN... and get off your cell phones.
What is something on your bucket list?
Considering the interest I have had in Fire Trucks since I probably ten years old (I married a fireman's daughter) I would to go to Phoenix Arizona to visit the largest fire truck collection in the United States.
What is your go-to band when you can't decide what to listen to?
The CD that I have almost worn out is a recording to the intermarital Salvation Army Band. The "army" band has a unique sound that I love when they play the great hymns of the church.
Do you have any College Park businesses who aren't here anymore that you wish would come back?
Without question the business that I, along with many other Collège Parkians, would like to see come back is Albert; Drug Store. I only met Mr. Albert once but who would not want one of his cherry cokes?
What one person would you love to have lunch with? Why, and where locally would you meet for this lunch?
I got to meet former Orlando Mayor Bill Fredrick a couple of times. I would like to sit and listen to him talk about Orlando history. Most likely at Shakers.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
At age 76 I like the idea of ten more years. Don't know if I can do ten more years as crossing guard, though one of the parents just had a new baby and she told me she expected me to be at Princeton for her new daughter's first day of school. I would like to think ten years from now you could find me in my chair, with a good light over my shoulder, maybe reading Churchill's masterpiece on the history of World War II
What is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
At one time I expected that my life work would be a pastor. I graduated from an Episcopal Seminary in Philadelphia, I was ordained in the ministry of the Reformed Episcopal Church but after a few years I realized that was not my calling.
Outside of the 32804, what is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Without question the Grand canyon.
What is your favorite month? Favorite holiday? And best single day on the calendar?
My favorite month would be December - I love the colorful decorations and the time spent with our grandchildren. My favorite signal day would have to be Easter Sunday morning. Gathering in church to hear the choirs and congregation join in the triumph refrain, "Up the grave He arose."
Who inspires you to be better?
My wife Joan inspires me. Met her when she was thirteen years old and we have been married for 52 years.
What three words come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Love, comfort, rest
