Community News

 

	If you work from home, or have kiddos playing outside around lunchtime chances are you’ve seen, or heard, Jeff Jandro before you spotted him. Maybe you’ve spotted him after dinnertime getting his second walk of the day since he tries to avoid the same route as much as he can but still logs 6-7 miles in daily.   Known by many neighbors as “the walking singer,” Jeff has become a familiar and cheerful part of the community, often seen strolling through the neighborhood singing church hymns, familiar classics, or songs from his favorite playlists. His twice daily walks started a few months ago when he wanted to make his body, mind and spiritual health a priority.   Jeff and his wife, Brenda, have called Sonoma Verde home for the last seven years, and for them, it was exactly the kind of place they had been searching for.   “We were living in Rowlett and wanted a new build,” Jeff shared. “We were looking for a place that had a great neighborhood feel.”
Pictured Jeff Jandro

 

After leasing a 2,400-square-foot home and becoming empty nesters four years ago, they found the perfect fit in their Altura home on Bertino Way.
 
“It’s perfect for us,” Jeff said.
 
The Jandros have one son, Ben, who is 29 and teaches history at Irving High School, where he is now in his sixth year of teaching. They also carry the memory of their daughter Jessica, who passed away ten years ago, a loss that continues to shape their family story with love and reflection.

 

One of the brightest parts of their month is spending time with their 13-year-old granddaughter, Catie.
 
“She’s 13 going on 27,” Jeff laughed.
 
Catie visits the first weekend of every month and, like many kids in Sonoma Verde, she counts down the days until pool season opens. (May 1st!!!)
 
“She absolutely loves the pool,” Jeff said.

 

For Jeff and Brenda, life is centered around faith, family, and simple joys.

 

“We’re pretty basic people,” Jeff said. “I play guitar, I like to sing, and we’re very active in our church. As much as possible, we like to engage in the community.”

 

Jeff also has a serious love for cooking, especially Italian food.

 

“Brenda enjoys me cooking,” he joked.

 

After a trip to Venice and Florence a few years ago, Jeff came home with a giant Italian cookbook written in English fortunately!

 

“It has recipes from all the different regions, and I’ve made several of them,” he said.

 

And when it comes to outdoor cooking, Jeff is fully committed.

 

“I have three different grills in my backyard. I love to grill.”

 

Of course, like any couple, they also appreciate a good couch-potato evening at home.

 

But in the last three months, something shifted for Jeff.

 

“On January 25th, nothing dramatic happened,” he said. “I just knew I needed to take better care of myself.”

 

That decision led to what has now become one of the most recognizable routines in the neighborhood.

 

“The person is made up of three parts, spiritual, physical, and emotional,” Jeff explained. “And I knew the first thing I needed to take care of was the spiritual aspect.”

 

He started small, just 15-minute walks.

 

Now, he walks two hours a day.

 

“At lunchtime, I walk for an hour. After dinner, I walk another 45 minutes or so. On weekends, I’m usually out around lunchtime too. I typically walk six to seven miles a day.”

 

He walks all over Sonoma Verde, often down Arezzo, past the pond, on the waking trail, winding around our neighborhood streets, and tries to never take the same route twice.

 

“The walking path is fantastic,” he said. “I don’t even have to set my timer anymore.”

 

But for Jeff, the walks are about far more than steps.

 

“It’s my reset time,” he said. “It’s my time to tune out whatever’s going on. At lunchtime, I use that time for my physical wellbeing, but it’s also emotional. I use that time to talk to God and reset myself for what’s coming in the afternoon.”

 

And yes, he sings.

 

“I listen to music, I sing out loud, and I use that time not only for the reset, but so that when I get home, I’m totally Brenda’s.”

 

With Brenda working in a high-stress job, Jeff says their evenings together have become even more meaningful.

 

“The evening communication and togetherness with my wife has been great.”

 

There have been unexpected bonuses too.

 

“The beauty of it is, since I incorporated walking into my routine, I sleep like a baby now,” he said. “I haven’t slept this well in years.”

 

Along the way, Jeff has also gotten to know more neighbors, including Taylor who rides his electric skateboard while walking/running with his chocolate lab, Max, and another neighbor who once recognized Jeff mid-song while he was singing Rich Mullins.

 

Moments like that remind Jeff exactly why he loves Sonoma Verde.

 

For the Jandros, this neighborhood isn’t just where they live, it’s where they connect, recharge, and build the kind of everyday life that feels meaningful.

 

And if you happen to hear someone singing your favorite hymn while walking the trails, don’t be surprised.

 

That’s probably just Jeff, finding his reset, one song at a time.