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Hunterdon County Deputy Director Soloway joins volunteers at veterans headstone cleaning event at Fairmount Cemetery

CALIFON BOROUGH, NJ (Hunterdon County) – Hunterdon County Commissioner Deputy Director Susan Soloway, along with volunteers, residents, and members of the Ladies Auxiliary Glen Gardener VFW Post 5119, participated in a veterans’ headstone cleaning at Fairmount Rural Cemetery in Califon Borough on Saturday.

“It is always an honor to participate in these headstone cleanings, and I want to thank all the volunteers for their assistance today. It is heartening to see our community come together to honor and preserve the final resting place of the brave servicemen and women who came before us, ensuring that Fairmount Cemetery remains a dignified and respectful place for reflection and remembrance,” Soloway said.

Hunterdon County Commissioners host approximately half a dozen headstone cleanings each year, usually during the spring and fall seasons. The Hunterdon County headstone cleaning program will take a break for the winter months and resume in the spring of 2025. To sign up as a volunteer or receive more information about upcoming veteran headstone cleanings, email VSO Rich Booth at veterans@co.hunterdon.nj.us.

Participation in headstone cleanings is on a first-come, first-served basis, as volunteer slots fill up quickly once a cleaning is announced. All volunteers receive instructions on the proper protocol for headstone cleaning and are directed to clean gravesites marked with an American flag.

“Hunterdon County’s headstone cleaning initiative first began in 2021 and involves cleaning and maintaining headstones to remove dirt, moss, and other debris that accumulate over time. This project not only serves to honor veterans but also provides an opportunity for community members to engage in meaningful volunteer work,” Soloway said.

Jay Edwards

Born and raised in Northwest NJ, Jay has a degree in Communications and has had a life-long interest in local radio and various styles of music. Jay has held numerous jobs over the years such as stunt car driver, bartender, voice-over artist, traffic reporter (award winning), NY Yankee maintenance crewmember and peanut farm worker. His hobbies include mountain climbing, snowmobiling, cooking, performing stand-up comedy and he is an avid squirrel watcher. Jay has been a guest on America’s Morning Headquarters,program on The Weather Channel, and was interviewed by Sam Champion.

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