Janie Jenkin grew up with a mindful appreciation of her ancestors, the memories she made with them and how their lives shaped her family’s heritage.
As an adult, Jenkin has extended that respect into a nonprofit she founded called 815 Stone Scrubbers.
“Our mission is to clean and preserve the headstones of Civil War veterans in Rockford cemeteries. We started with three volunteers in 2022, and have grown into receiving nonprofit status in 2024,” Jenkin said. “Some of the inspiration behind starting 815 Stone Scrubbers came from my Hispanic culture, where we celebrate the Day of the Dead each year on Nov. 1.”…