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⚾ Sparta Pitcher Throws No-Hitter, April Warms Up Big & Meet Mittens the Princess - Sparta's Weekly Buzz
⚾ Sparta Pitcher Throws No-Hitter, April Warms Up Big & Meet Mittens the Princess - Sparta's Weekly Buzz
⚾ Sparta Pitcher Throws No-Hitter, April Warms Up Big & Meet Mittens the Princess - Sparta's Weekly Buzz
acob Diaz makes Sparta baseball history, a warm week ahead, Donate Life Month hits close to home, and a senior cat in foster care waiting for her forever throne.
Randy Booth
Apr 14, 2026
THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT |
📅 Week of: April 14, 2026 🕐 Estimated Read Time: 8-10 min (or just jump to what catches your eye!) 📬 Issue: #20 ✍️ Sections This Week: 17
In this issue:
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Trivia Question❓April is National Donate Life Month. Approximately how many Americans are currently on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Our Local News |
Township news Snippets and upcoming meetings |
Sparta's Jacob Diaz Throws No-Hitter, Hits Career Milestone Senior pitcher Jacob Diaz delivered one of the most memorable performances in recent Sparta baseball history last week, throwing a complete-game no-hitter against Livingston with 13 strikeouts and two walks in a 6-1 victory. Diaz, who also singled twice in the game, reached his 100th career strikeout during the outing. It was his second dominant start of the young season - he had already pitched five strong innings with nine strikeouts in the season opener. Branden Woletz homered and Kayden Daly drove in two runs to back the ace.
Sparta Resident's Donate Life Story Inspires This April As National Donate Life Month begins, Sparta runner Gary Kawka is reflecting on the kidney transplant that saved his life nearly nine years ago - made possible by his friend Shawn Hoppe, who volunteered to donate after learning he needed one. Kawka has since completed 20 marathons with his transplanted kidney. With more than 100,000 Americans still waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant - including nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents - April is a powerful reminder to register as a donor at NJSharingNetwork.org.
DAR & Rev250 Committee to Honor Revolutionary War Gravesites April 18 Sparta's RevolutionNJ 250 Committee and the Daughters of the American Revolution will host a public ceremony on April 18 to honor the gravesites of Revolutionary War veterans in the community. The event is part of Sparta's broader commemoration of the nation's 250th anniversary and an opportunity for residents to connect with the township's deep roots in American history. Source: https://www.spartaindependent.com
SCCC Annual Student Art Show Opens April 17 Sussex County Community College will present its Annual Juried Student Art Show beginning Friday, April 17 through May 13 in the Performing Arts Center atrium on campus. The opening reception runs 5-7 PM on April 17 and is free and open to the public. Work spans painting, drawing, digital media, printmaking, 3D art, watercolor and fashion design - a showcase of the region's emerging creative talent.
Sparta Ambulance Squad Spaghetti Dinner Tonight The Sparta Ambulance Squad is hosting its spaghetti dinner fundraiser tonight - Monday, April 13 - with seatings at 6:00 PM and 6:30 PM. The Squad has served Sparta since 1947 and relies on community support to keep running. If you missed tonight's dinner, keep an eye out for their next fundraising event. Source: https://www.spartaindependent.com
Sussex County Sheriff Promotes Kenneth Farber to Sergeant Sussex County Sheriff Michael Strada has announced the promotion of Corporal Kenneth Farber to the rank of Sergeant within the Sussex County Sheriff's Office. The promotion reflects Farber's service and commitment to the department and the communities it serves. Source: https://www.spartaindependent.com
Sussex County Rowing Club Takes to the Water Students from Sparta High School and Pope John XXIII Regional High School are hitting the water as part of the Sussex County Rowing Club, which practices on Lake Mohawk. The club offers competitive rowing for high schoolers as well as a recreational Masters program for adults of any age - a unique and growing athletic option right here in the community. Source: https://www.spartaindependent.com |
Stay Informed: Sparta Board Agendas & Minutes
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Sparta & Sussex County History Bite |
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Sparta’s Earliest Inhabitants: Honoring the Lenape Legacy
Long before railroads or summer cottages, the Lenape people called Sparta’s hills and lakes home.
For thousands of years, the Lenape—also known as the Delaware—sustained their communities by fishing local rivers, hunting in dense forests, and cultivating rich valley soils with corn, beans, and squash.
Sussex County still holds remnants of their deep connection to the land, with 25 documented rock shelters used by Lenape hunters, including the notable Bevans Rock Shelter in Sandyston Township.
By the mid-1700s, disease and European settlement brought tragedy and displacement, leaving only traces of the original inhabitants.
Today, Sparta’s trails, roads, and fertile farmland echo the enduring presence of the Lenape, shaping the landscape that defines the community even as it celebrates its 181st year. Read More... |
Quote Of The Day |
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors - we borrow it from our children." - Native American Proverb |
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Our Local Weather |
7-Day Forecast - Sparta, NJ 07871 - Starting Tuesday, April 14, 2026 Source: AccuWeather
Day: Tuesday Date: April 14, 2026 High: 83°F Low: 59°F Description: ⛅ Partly sunny and very warm - enjoy it!
Day: Wednesday Date: April 15, 2026 High: 78°F Low: 48°F Description: ☀ Remaining warm with some sun; late-night rain possible
Day: Thursday Date: April 16, 2026 High: 64°F Low: 41°F Description: ⛅ Partly sunny and noticeably cooler
Day: Friday Date: April 17, 2026 High: 60°F Low: 46°F Description: ⛅ Partly sunny; pleasant for the Spring Scramble and JazzFest
Day: Saturday Date: April 18, 2026 High: 55°F Low: 34°F Description: 🌥 Mostly cloudy; cool for Earth Day events
Day: Sunday Date: April 19, 2026 High: 56°F Low: 36°F Description: ⛅ Mix of sun and clouds; seasonal
Day: Monday Date: April 20, 2026 High: 53°F Low: 35°F Description: 🌥 Mostly cloudy; quiet start to the week |
Support Our Local Sponsors |
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Haven Of Harmony Holistic Spa
Welcome to Haven Of Harmony, your sanctuary for holistic healing and well-being. Our compassionate, trauma-informed therapists offer a heart-centered approach to healing, guiding you gently on your journey to harmony.
Our Services
Contact Us Today! Rev. Denise Saracco-Zoppi
Owner and Founder of
Phone/Text: 862-268-3213
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Indulge in a Culinary Experience
Whether you're planning a wedding, shower, milestone celebration, or in‑office luncheon, Amy - the creative force behind The Hungry Hearth - brings warmth, flavor, and unforgettable hospitality to every event. Her custom catering menus are crafted with the freshest locally sourced ingredients and tailored to your vision, making each gathering feel personal, delicious, and beautifully memorable.
From elegant bridal showers to cozy baby showers, from Communion and confirmation parties to polished corporate luncheons, Amy transforms your occasion into a feast worth celebrating. Every dish is infused with heart, comfort, and the signature homemade touch her clients can’t stop raving about.
And for busy families, Amy still delivers her beloved dinner‑delivery magic every Tuesday and Thursday - offering generous family‑style meals, individual portions, and irresistible add‑ons that make weeknights effortless.
Let The Hungry Hearth elevate your next event with food that feels like home and tastes extraordinary.
Contact Amy today! Email:thehungryhearth@gmail.com |
Spotlight Recipe of the Week |
Honey Garlic Grilled Salmon with Mango Avocado Salsa |
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Why This Recipe This Week: Tuesday hits 83°F - the warmest day Sparta has seen since last fall. That calls for something that feels like summer showed up early and decided to stay for dinner. A honey garlic grilled salmon with a mango avocado salsa is bright, fresh, zero-effort, and absolutely perfect for an 83-degree Tuesday evening on the deck.
Cook it Tuesday or Wednesday while the warmth lasts - by Thursday we're back to the 60s.
Serves: 4
For the salmon:
For the mango avocado salsa:
Instructions:
Vibe Pairing: Something that feels like a rooftop in summer - Khruangbin, early Vampire Weekend, or a breezy Latin playlist. Back door open, that warm April air doing its thing.
Mid-Week Reset: Grill Tuesday while it's gorgeous. Then when Thursday rolls around, let The Hungry Hearth handle dinner - Amy delivers Tuesdays and Thursdays so check her menu now.
And if this warm stretch has you thinking about wellness and self-care, Haven of Harmony is your next stop - massage, yoga, energy healing, and spring renewal all in one place on Sparta Ave. |
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Fur-ever Friend Feature |
Adopt Me Today! |
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🐱 Meet Mittens - Your New Fur-ever Friend!
Adopt Mittens Today!🐾 🧡
Breed: Domestic Short Hair Age: 8.5 years young ♀ Gender: Female 🏥 Health: Spayed, Vaccinated, Microchipped 💉 ✨ Temperament: Regal, affectionate on her terms, calm - a true princess 🐾
Mittens is a cat who knows exactly who she is - and she'd like you to know it too. She's a princess. Not in a difficult way, but in the best possible way: she is a calm, loving, deeply loyal companion who simply deserves to be adored. And twice now, through no fault of her own, life has gotten in the way of that.
She first came to Father John's when her owner's health declined and she could no longer be properly cared for. Mittens found a new home - but when tummy troubles appeared, her new owners never brought her to the vet. She came back. The shelter soon realized the troubles weren't medical at all. They were stress. So Mittens went to a foster home, and on the very first day she hopped right into her foster mom's lap and asked for love. She's been thriving ever since.
At 8 and a half years old, Mittens is settled, sweet, and wonderfully low-drama. She's fine with other calm cats who know how to give her space, and she grew up around kids aged 8-16, so a cat-savvy family would suit her beautifully. What she truly wants - what she has always deserved - is to be someone's one and only. A quiet home, a warm lap, and someone who understands that when a princess wants to be left alone, you simply wait. She'll come to you. She always does.
Mittens has been patient long enough. Her throne is waiting - it just needs the right person to claim it with her.
👉 Fill out an adoption questionnaire at www.fatherjohns.org/adopt
50 Father John’s Lane
Father John's Animal House is a no-kill, 501(c)(3) shelter supported entirely by donations. Every animal is spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before adoption. |
Household Hint of the Week! |
Open Your Windows Today - Your Home Will Thank You
With 83°F on tap for Tuesday, this is the best free air freshener Sparta has to offer. Open windows on opposite sides of your home to create a cross-breeze and flush out months of stale winter air in minutes.
Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans at the same time to pull moisture and odors out before you close everything up again. A simple 20-minute window-open session on a warm spring day does more for indoor air quality than most store-bought products. Enjoy it while it lasts - by Thursday we're back to the 60s. |
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Our Local Events |
Please help support our local events: |
Toddler Tuesday Today, Tuesday, April 14 | 1:15 PM 1A Main Street, Sparta, NJ 🧒 Happening today! An immersive session of art, music, and storytelling for toddlers. If you're reading this Tuesday morning there's still time to go.
Intro to Studio Art Thursday, April 17 | 5:00 PM 1A Main Street, Sparta, NJ 🖌 Weekly Thursday studio art at The Art Project. A great way to explore your creative side in a hands-on setting.
SCCC Annual Juried Student Art Show - Opening Reception Friday, April 17 | 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Sussex County Community College, Newton, NJ 🎨 Free and open to the public. Meet students, faculty and emerging artists from across the region. Show runs through May 13.
JazzFest Friday, April 17 | 4:00 PM 70 W Mountain Rd, Sparta, NJ 🎷 Live jazz on a warm Friday afternoon. 11 people going - a great way to kick off the weekend.
Spring Scramble Golf Tournament Friday, April 17 | 8:00 AM 226 Lafayette Rd, Sparta, NJ ⛳ 4-person scramble, $175 per player. Get your foursome on the course for one of the best spring mornings of the year.
DAR & Rev250 Revolutionary War Gravesite Ceremony Saturday, April 18 | Time TBD Sparta, NJ 🇺🇸 The Daughters of the American Revolution and Sparta's RevolutionNJ 250 Committee honor local Revolutionary War veterans' gravesites. A meaningful piece of living history right in our community.
5th Annual Earth Day Event Saturday, April 18 | 11:00 AM 17 Main Street, Sparta, NJ 🌍 199 people interested - the biggest community event of the month. Conservation exhibitors, kids' corner, and a food drive for the Sparta Community Food Pantry. Free admission.
Storytime with Creature Comfort Pet Therapy Saturday, April 18 | 11:00 AM Sparta Public Library | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta 🐾 Therapy animals meet young readers at the library. A heartwarming Saturday morning for the whole family.
Chunky Hand Knit Purse Workshop Sunday, April 26 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 1A Main Street, Sparta, NJ 🧶 Learn to create a hand-knit purse in this fun creative workshop. A great afternoon out.
Glass Fusion Workshop Saturday, April 25 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Sparta, NJ 🔷 A hands-on glass fusion workshop for those looking to try something new and creative this spring.
Grab-n-Go Kits Tomorrow, Wednesday, April 15 | 10:00 AM Sparta Public Library | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta 📦 Pick up a ready-made activity kit from the Sparta Public Library. Quick, free, and fun for kids.
Family Bingo Sunday, April 19 | 2:00 PM Sparta Public Library | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta 🎱 Family bingo at the library - fun for all ages.
Fish & Chips Dinner Sunday, April 19 | 5:00 PM Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Sparta 🐟 A classic community dinner with fish, chips, and a chicken option available. BYOB. Come hungry.
Casa Mia Dine to Donate Monday, April 20 | 5:00 PM Casa Mia, Sparta, NJ 🍝 15% of your bill goes to Spartans in need. Eat local, give back.
New Moon in Aries - Stellium Ignition Friday, April 17 | 6:00 PM 15 Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ 🌑 A celestial evening event at Haven of Harmony celebrating the new moon in Aries. Visit havenofharmonynj.com for details.
Psychic Fair Friday, April 24 | 7:00 PM 15 Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ 🔮 An evening of readings and intuitive connections at Haven of Harmony.
My Grownup and Me Playtime Happening now - ongoing Sparta Public Library | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta 👶 A drop-in playtime program for little ones and their caregivers at the Sparta Public Library.
Family Storytime Thursday, April 17 | 11:00 AM Sparta Public Library | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta 📖 Weekly Thursday family storytime at the library - a wonderful mid-week routine for young readers.
Lapsit Storytime for Babies and Toddlers Thursday, April 17 | 10:00 AM Sparta Public Library | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta 👶 Songs, rhymes, and stories for the youngest library visitors and their caregivers.
April Industry Thursday, April 30 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Industry Kitchen + Bar, 32 Main Street, Sparta 🎶 Scott Ringle performs at Industry Kitchen + Bar. A fun Thursday night out to close the month.
Mike Oregano at Krogh's Thursday, April 30 | 6:30 PM Krogh's Restaurant & Brew Pub, Sparta 🎸 Live music at Krogh's to wrap up April in style.
Beams & Dreams Thursday, April 30 | 6:00 PM Perona Farms, Sparta, NJ ✨ A special evening event at the beloved Perona Farms. Mark the calendar - details to come. |
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Our Local Contacts |
EMERGENCY SERVICES |
Emergency - Police, Fire & Ambulance Call |
UTILITIES: |
Jersey Central Power & Light Sparta Water & Sewer Utility |
TOWNSHIP OFFICES |
Township Manager's Office Township Clerk Planning & Zoning Building Department Tax Collector Recreation Department Public Works |
COMMUNITY RESOURCES |
Sparta Public Library Chamber of Commerce Board of Education Sparta High School Department of Public Works |
HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES |
Sparta Township Health & Senior Services |
How To Contact Us |
Newsletter Advertisements and Sponsorships Available! Contact Sparta Spotlight: Call or Text: (570) 856-8163 |
💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Question: April is National Donate Life Month. Approximately how many Americans are currently on the waiting list for a lifesaving organ transplant? Answer: More than 100,000 Americans - including nearly 4,000 New Jersey residents - are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. One organ donor can save up to 8 lives. |
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. |