2025 RESIDENTIAL LEAF BAG COLLECTION
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Who played the lead role in the film "The Sound of Music"?

Dinner Delivery and Catering

Indulge in a Culinary Experience

Tired of the dinner grind? Let Amy, the culinary genius behind The Hungry Hearth, rescue your evenings with unforgettable, home-cooked meals delivered right to your door in Sussex County!

Why spend another night in the kitchen when you could be savoring a flavor-packed masterpiece? Every Tuesday and Thursday, Amy crafts a new, mouthwatering menu using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. From generous family-style platters to perfectly plated individual meals, she delivers a dining experience that's pure passion on a plate.

Don't just eat - indulge! Elevate your meal with delectable add-ons like soups, salads, and desserts that will have you counting down the minutes until your next order.

Your taste buds are begging you. Your schedule is thanking you. Experience the magic that everyone is talking about. Check out this week's irresistible menu and let Amy handle dinner tonight!

Order now and taste the love at The Hungry Hearth!

Planning an event? Let Amy's personalized catering turn your special occasion into a legendary feast. Gift the joy of incredible food with an e-gift card!

Contact Amy today!

• Email: thehungryhearth@gmail.com
• Website: thehungryhearth.com

The Sparta Zoning Board unanimously denied Elite Truck and Tire LLC’s plan to build a tire transfer station at 409 Woodport Road.

The proposed facility sought variances for tire storage and recycling—activities prohibited in the area’s Employment District zone.

After months of hearings, legal debate, and vocal public opposition, the board rejected the project.

Attorney Richard Schkolnick tried to address issues like traffic, environment, and operations with 20 suggested conditions, but concerns persisted.

Residents argued the site would threaten road safety, disrupt neighborhood character, and breach zoning goals.

Environmental worries included risks of tire dust pollution and local waterway contamination.

Despite assurances of contained operations and no outdoor tire storage, local skepticism prevailed.

The decision upholds existing zoning protections and highlights Sparta’s commitment to community input and quality of life.

The Sparta Township Council has unanimously approved its annual Halloween curfew, set for October 30 and 31, to enhance safety during Mischief Night and Halloween.

Minors under 18 must remain off public streets from 9:00 PM to 6:00 AM, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This longstanding curfew aims to prevent vandalism and unsafe behavior while ensuring a secure environment for trick-or-treaters and residents.

Local police will be visible throughout neighborhoods to strictly enforce the curfew.

Parents are urged to plan ahead and supervise children, promoting safe and respectful celebrations.

Sparta Nursery & Garden Center at 163 Woodport Road begins a fresh chapter under new owner Micheal Karl, a devoted local and founder of The Cutting Edge Landscaping.

Karl brings over 20 years of landscaping experience, aiming to create a vibrant, year-round hub for both residents and professionals.

Expanded Sunday hours from 9 AM to 2 PM make visits more convenient for the community.

With the holidays near, shoppers can explore a robust selection of Christmas trees, festive wreaths, and unique seasonal décor.

The nursery also features perennials, shrubs, hardscape materials, and bulk landscaping supplies, all available for delivery and expert installation.

Under Karl’s leadership, Sparta Nursery & Garden Center has become a trusted destination for outdoor projects and holiday inspiration in the heart of Sparta.

Pope John XXIII Regional High School in Sparta, NJ, made the difficult choice to forfeit its varsity football matchup against Montville Township High School on October 19, 2025, after several players contracted hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD).

This highly contagious virus, known for fever, rashes, and mouth sores, prompted swift action from school officials to safeguard students and the community. With the game awarded to Montville by forfeit, athletes faced not just lost playtime but disappointment and emotional strain.

In response, Pope John’s athletic department launched extensive health protocols, fumigating facilities and urging anyone with symptoms to stay home, aiming to prevent further spread.

There are currently no changes announced to upcoming games, keeping students and families alert. This incident highlights the need to balance sports passion with community health, reminding all of the strength young athletes show in tough moments.

Quote Of The Day

I would rather die of passion than of boredom. - Vincent Van Gogh

Day: Tuesday
Date: October 21, 2025
High: 65°F
Low: 43°F
Description: 🌞 Sunny during the day, 🌧️ light rain showers overnight

Day: Wednesday
Date: October 22, 2025
High: 59°F
Low: 42°F
Description: 🌤️ Mostly sunny and breezy

Day: Thursday
Date: October 23, 2025
High: 56°F
Low: 35°F
Description: 🌞 Crisp and clear skies

Day: Friday
Date: October 24, 2025
High: 56°F
Low: 34°F
Description: 🌤️ Mostly sunny with light winds

Day: Saturday
Date: October 25, 2025
High: 56°F
Low: 34°F
Description: 🌞 Bright and calm

Day: Sunday
Date: October 26, 2025
High: 55°F
Low: 43°F
Description: 🌤️ Sunny with clouds rolling in by evening

Day: Monday
Date: October 27, 2025
High: 54°F
Low: 43°F
Description: ☁️ Mostly cloudy, slight chance of evening showers

Adopt Me Today!

✨ Breed: Poodle
✨ Age: Young (about 1 year)
✨ Size: 35 lbs of pure joy
✨ Health: Spayed/Neutered, Vaccinated, Microchipped
✨ Personality: Friendly, playful, great with other dogs!

Jamba is a sweet, silly, adventure-loving pup who’s ready to wiggle her way into your heart 💕. She came to us from local animal control and has been charming everyone she meets ever since. Whether it’s a walk in the park, a snuggle on the couch, or a playdate with furry friends, Jamba is all in - tail wagging, eyes sparkling, heart wide open.

She’s young, healthy, and full of love to give.

All she’s missing is a fur-ever family to call her own. Could that be you?

👉 Fill out an adoption questionnaire at www.fatherjohns.org/adopt
📅 Appointments required Wednesdays & Fridays
🚪 Walk-ins welcome all other days (appointments preferred)

Let’s make Jamba’s next chapter her happiest one yet. She’s ready to meet you — paws crossed! 🐶💫

50 Father John’s Lane
Lafayette, NJ 07848

info@fatherjohns.org

(973) 300-5909

Household Hint of the Week!

Test egg freshness

Place eggs in a bowl of water—if they sink, they’re fresh; if they float, they’re no longer good.

🕯️ Candles & Mediumship

🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, Oct 25 at 10 AM
📍 Location: 75 US 15, Lafayette, NJ 07848
📝 Description: Explore candle making while engaging in mediumship.

🍂 Annual Fall Vendor & Craft Fair

🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, Oct 25 at 12 PM
📍 Location: Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church
📝 Description: A gathering of local vendors and craftspeople.

🥩 Beefsteak Dinner

🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, Oct 25 at 6 PM
📍 Location: 294 S Sparta Avenue, Sparta, NJ 07871
📝 Description: Enjoy a classic beefsteak dinner with community members.

🕯️ Candles & Sea Glass

🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 15 at 6 PM
📍 Location: 75 US 15, Lafayette, NJ 07848
📝 Description: Learn to make candles and sea glass crafts.

🌲 Enchanted Forest Gala

🗓 Date & Time: Saturday, Nov 15 at 6 PM
📍 Location: Lake Mohawk Country Club
📝 Description: A gala event set in an enchanted forest theme.

🔮 An Afternoon of Messages!

🗓 Date & Time: Sunday, Dec 7 at 12 PM
📍 Location: 141 Woodport Rd, Sparta, NJ
📝 Description: Join for an afternoon of messages from the other side.

Experience love with every sip from our "I Heart U Mug".
Only $9.20 +S&H

Creamy White Bean & Herb Skillet

Creamy White Bean & Herb Skillet
Ready in 30 minutes • Serves 4 • Pantry-friendly & heartwarming

🥘 Ingredients
•  2 tbsp olive oil

• • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
  • ½ cup milk or cream
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional but lovely)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or grated Parmesan for garnish
  • Crusty bread or toast for serving

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1.  Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft (5   min).
   1. Add garlic and thyme; cook 1 min until fragrant.
   2. Stir in beans, broth, milk/cream, and mustard. Simmer 10–12 min until slightly thickened.
   3. Season with salt and pepper. Mash some beans for extra creaminess.
   4. Serve warm, topped with parsley or Parmesan. Pair with toasted bread.

🌟 Why It Works

This dish is warm, creamy, and deeply satisfying — made from ingredients most kitchens already have. It’s gentle on the stomach, easy to customize, and ideal for winding down after a long day. No fancy prep, just soulful flavor.

🎧 Vibe Pairing
Put on a mellow acoustic playlist or the crackle of a fireplace loop. This meal pairs beautifully with quiet gratitude.

Emergency Services

• Emergency: 911
• Sparta Police (non-emergency): (973) 729-6121
• Sparta Fire Department: (973) 729-8433
• Sparta Ambulance Squad: (973) 729-2100
  
  Utilities
• Jersey Central Power & Light: 1-888-544-4877
• Sparta Water Utility: (973) 729-7133
  
  Township Offices
• Township Manager's Office: (973) 729-4471
• Township Clerk: (973) 729-4471
• Planning & Zoning: (973) 729-4471
• Building Department: (973) 729-4471
• Tax Collector: (973) 729-4471
• Recreation Department: (973) 729-2383
  
  Community Resources
• Sparta Public Library: (973) 729-3101
• Chamber of Commerce: (973) 729-6811
• Board of Education: (973) 729-8151
• Sparta High School: (973) 729-6191
• Department of Public Works: (973) 729-7133
  
  Health & Social Services
• Sussex County Health Department: (973) 579-0370
• Social Services: (973) 383-3600
  

Sparta Spotlight is your trusted source for everything happening in Sparta, NJ, from neighborhood stories to local news and events.

Our weekly newsletter delivers what matters most, keeping you updated on community life.

For questions, connect with our committed publisher, Randy Booth.

Reach us by email at newsdesk@spartaspotlight.com.

Prefer the phone? Call (570) 858-8163.

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Let us help you connect with the Sparta community and highlight your services in exciting ways.

Stay engaged and celebrate what makes Sparta, NJ thrive.

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Contact Sparta Spotlight:

Newsdesk@SpartaSpotlight.com

Call or Text: (570) 856-8163

Question: Who played the lead role in the film "The Sound of Music"?

Answer: Julie Andrews

Note: We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of event details, business updates, and local news. However, plans can change! Please confirm with organizers or official sources before attending. We appreciate your understanding as we strive to keep our community informed and connected.