Council Meeting Oct 28, 2025, was CANCELED
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Who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean??

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Former Sparta Mayor Jerry Murphy is calling on residents of ZIP code 07871 to play a greater role in local government, highlighting just 19% voter turnout in the recent Board of Education referendum as a warning sign.

He faulted both apathy and misinformation for these low numbers, urging the community to take action.

Murphy criticized the Sparta Township Council, focusing on new members Mark Scott and Marjory Murphy, accusing them of advancing a favored candidate for an open council seat — a move prompting Mayor Christine Quinn to exit a meeting in protest.

He also rebuked former councilwoman Molly Whilesmith for her disengagement in her last term.

Calling the current council and attorneys—linked to the group now known as "Spartans Against Development"—an “embarrassment,” Murphy backs Mike Sylvester, lauding his integrity and experience.

The vacant seat, left by Dan Chiariello’s April resignation, will be decided in November.

Murphy urges voters to prioritize substance over slogans this fall.

Sparta residents voiced significant concerns over a proposed land swap aimed at creating a new trail from Station Park to the local school district’s bus depot.

The plan would exchange 5.6 acres near West Mountain Road, which is held by the New Jersey Natural Lands Trust, for township-owned land.

Many neighbors expressed frustration after discovering surveying work near their homes without notice, calling for greater transparency and clearer details.

Mayor Christine Quinn and Deputy Mayor Dan Chiariello acknowledged the confusion, stressing that discussions remain in early stages.

The proposed trail’s route behind homes near Cassels Field has raised privacy and environmental issues among locals.

The council assured the community that no private properties would be included and promised improved communication.

More reviews and public input sessions are expected in the coming months.

On October 1, 2025, the Sparta Planning Board approved a new Turkish restaurant and the neighboring Sparta Smoke Shop, both planned for Lafayette Road.

Community input revealed divided opinions, with supporters excited for fresh dining options and others worried about increased traffic and limited parking.

Applicants, represented by attorney Daniel Benador, addressed operational adjustments and assured the board of compliance with local rules.

Previous questions about an unlicensed attorney handling the case were resolved, as the board confirmed the legitimacy of the current legal representation and proceeded with review.

Replacing Poppa Roni’s and a former Mexican restaurant, the new establishments must now adhere to conditions including signage plans, inspections, and restrictions on lighting and business hours.

These steps are designed to blend the businesses into the neighborhood while protecting community safety and standards.

The Sparta High School girls soccer team made history by clinching their first Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex (HWS) Tournament title with a commanding 3-0 win over Vernon Township High School at Cassels Field in Sparta, NJ.

Senior Adriana Dolinski was named MVP after opening the scoring and energizing the Spartans’ attack.

Makayla Brown and Alyssa Ciaburri each added goals, while goalkeeper Olivia Alexander kept a clean sheet to foil Vernon’s offense.

The midfield prowess of Jocelyn Beach and Kayla Johnson ensured Sparta’s control and created key chances throughout the match.

Sparta’s triumph is celebrated across the community, inspiring pride and setting a high bar for future teams.

Quote Of The Day

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. - Booker T. Washington

Day: Thursday
Date: October 30, 2025
High: 55°F
Low: 46°F
Description: 🌧️ Heavy rain throughout the day with gusty winds. 85% chance of precipitation.

Day: Friday
Date: October 31, 2025
High: 52°F
Low: 44°F
Description: 🌥️ Mostly cloudy with a chance of squalls. Breezy afternoon.

Day: Saturday
Date: November 1, 2025
High: 52°F
Low: 38°F
Description: 🌤️ Partly sunny and cooler. Crisp fall air with clear night skies.

Day: Sunday
Date: November 2, 2025
High: 49°F
Low: 34°F
Description: ☀️ Mostly sunny and dry. Great day for outdoor activities.

Day: Monday
Date: November 3, 2025
High: 57°F
Low: 43°F
Description: ☀️ Sunny and mild. Light breeze with clear evening skies.

Day: Tuesday
Date: November 4, 2025
High: 57°F
Low: 43°F
Description: 🌞 Mostly sunny with increasing clouds overnight.

Day: Wednesday
Date: November 5, 2025
High: 50°F
Low: 37°F
Description: 🌦️ Light rain showers possible. Clearing by evening.

Adopt Me Today!

✨ Breed: Domestic Short Hair
✨ Age: 1 year young
✨ Status: Neutered, Vaccinated, Microchipped
✨ Compatibility: Great with other cats!

Garfield is a sweet, silly little guy with a heart full of hope and whiskers full of wonder. He and his brother Oliver came to us after a shake-up in their human family—no fault of their own, just life doing its thing. Oliver has already found his forever cuddle spot… now it’s Garfield’s turn!

This charming young gentleman is still figuring out the whole “how to cat” thing, and it’s honestly adorable. He’s been through a few homes, but he’s never lost his curiosity or his gentle spirit. Garfield loves other cats and would thrive with a feline buddy to show him the ropes. He’s a bit shy at first, but give him a little time and you’ll see his quirky, lovable personality bloom like a sunbeam on a windowsill.

We’re not sure about dogs or kids yet, but with a gentle intro, Garfield could fit right into a loving home. If you’ve got room in your heart (and on your couch), Garfield’s ready to curl up and make it his forever spot.

🐾 Come meet Garfield today—and let love pounce into your life!

👉 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 Garfield's next chapter his happiest one yet. He’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!

Peel boiled eggs easily

Add a splash of vinegar to the boiling water to make shells come off effortlessly.

Please help support our local events:

🧠 CREATIVE GROUP THERAPY
🕐 This Friday at 7 PM
📍 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ 07871

🌽 SPARTA FARMERS MARKET
🕐 This Saturday at 9 AM
📍 89 Sparta Ave, Sparta NJ

🧙‍♀️ THANKFUL GNOME PAINT & SIP
🕐 This Saturday at 6 PM
📍 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ 07871

🎨 NOV 4TH NO SCHOOL MINI CAMP
🕐 Tue, Nov 4 at 10 AM
📍 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ 07871

🖍️ FAMILY DRAWING ADVENTURE
🕐 Tue, Nov 4 at 1:15 PM
📍 32 Lafayette Rd, Sparta, NJ

🎅 THE SANTA EXPERIENCE
🕐 Sat, Nov 8 at 10 AM
📍 AF Christmas Tree Farm

🔮 HALLOWEEN PSYCHIC FAIR
🕐 Fri, Nov 10 at 7 PM
📍 15 Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ

🧶 HILLTOP’S HOLIDAY CRAFT AND VENDOR SALE
🕐 Sat, Nov 15 at 9 AM
📍 32 Lafayette Rd, Sparta, NJ

🏅 SPARTA SPECIAL OLYMPICS 2025 FALL VENDOR & CRAFT FAIR
🕐 Fri, Nov 15 at 4 PM
📍 Sparta High School

🕯️ CANDLES & SEA GLASS
🕐 Sat, Nov 15 at 6 PM
📍 75 US 15, Lafayette, NJ 07848

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

SOOTHING TOMATO-BEEF SOUP

SOOTHING TOMATO-BEEF SOUP
“Comfort in a bowl for crisp autumn nights”

🕰️ Total Time: 45 min
🍽️ Serves: 4–6
📱 Mobile-Friendly | Pantry-Ready | Emotionally Nourishing

🧄 Ingredients (Staples & Easy Finds)

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth (or water + bouillon)
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (adds depth)
• 1 tsp sugar (balances acidity)
• 1/2 cup small pasta (elbows, ditalini, or rice)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: grated Parmesan, fresh parsley

🍲 Directions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and sauté until soft (5 min).
2. Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper. Cook 1 min.
3. Add ground beef. Brown and break apart until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and sugar. Simmer 15 min.
5. Add pasta and cook until tender (10–12 min).
6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with Parmesan and parsley if desired.

🌟 Why This Recipe Works

• Pantry-friendly: Uses canned tomatoes, dried herbs, and common staples.
• Emotionally grounding: The beef adds richness, the tomato base soothes.
• Flexible: Swap pasta for rice, or add spinach for a boost.
• Perfect for batch cooking or thermos lunches.

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.

Local businesses interested in advertising or sponsoring with Sparta Spotlight are encouraged to partner with us.

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 was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean??

Answer: Amelia Earhart

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.