Because my father was an Air Force pilot, we moved often. Just as we finally settled into a place and made a few friends, it was time to go again. I was a journalism major at the University of Georgia, worked for some newspapers upon graduation. My brother in Decatur, Ga. and I are the only living members of my birth family. I chose to move back to LaGrange 26 years ago and make it my forever home. I have never regretted that decision. I care greatly about this community and promote it every chance I get. I am active in a writer’s group that has been meeting for several years. I learn so much from the other writers.
About Laura Jennings
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have four sons, ages 39 – 26, that have launched beautifully. Odds are for a black sheep or a runt in a litter but I lucked up. My sons, their wives and my grandchildren gather every Fourth of July for a few days, mandatory attendance at a VRBO house somewhere with a pool.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
Being the director of tourism for our community was a job I especially loved. Growing up in an Air Force family with moves almost every year, I was a forever tourist. My time as director of the LaGrange Art Museum meant a great deal to me. The years I spent fundraising at Callaway Gardens were mighty special.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Write a snail mail letter or card every day. Give specific praise to others and always smile and laugh.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
I am too old and learned too much about life to think about 5-10 years from now. I am grateful for every day that God gets me up and sets me on my way.
Laura Jennings & Our Community
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Mexican – Rio Grande; Best Burger- Cart Barn; Best Seafood – Cart Barn; Best Steak – Longhorn; Ice Cream – Rock Salt Milk Bar
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
In the early ’80s I lived here six years, moved around the state, then back to LaGrange 26 years ago.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
There are too many to select just one. That’s why I love living in LaGrange. I am so darn fortunate to have so many friends with many different interests.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
For me, it’s not a business but a place. Actually, two places. Lafayette Square with its fountain and Gordon Street. I drive down Gordon Street often and recall so many dear memories from living on that street with young children and good friends. I go by to check on the trees I planted in my yard 38 years ago.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the plays at LSPA and LaGrange College, our tourism attractions like Biblical History Center, our downtown, LaGrange Art Museum and Cochran Gallery, our geographic proximity to so many great outings..
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Well, my Republican friends will probably start putting pins in a voodoo doll when they read this answer. Barack Obama. He is so well spoken, has a brilliant sense of humor and his life’s journey is improbable. He is chill, too. Lunch would be catered and served outdoors at Hills & Dales Estate.
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Rocket Gibraltar- a 1988 film about a multi-generational family gathering to celebrate the patriarch’s birthday. The adults’ priorities are all screwed up. The grandchildren understand more about living than the adults. I also loved Ozark because it was the first and only time I ever binged a show and did so with my youngest son during COVID lockdown.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I was born in France, believe in ghosts, cannot stomach ketchup, hushpuppies or Coca-Cola.I can also blow bubbles off my tongue and can put a lit candle in my mouth.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A day in the sun and water – pool, lake, ocean.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Pastor Carl Von Epps, American Franciscan priest and writer Richard Rohr, Helen Phillips, Nina Dulin-Mallory, Michael Anderson, Al Brannon, Lynne Holle. Better stop there. The list is long!
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
A safe and peaceful haven, an inviting exterior, home base for my children.
