THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT

📅 Week of: April 22, 2026

🕐 Estimated Read Time: 8-10 min (or just jump to what catches your eye!)

📬 Issue: #21

✍️ Sections This Week: 17

In this issue:

• Earth Day Fair at Sparta Town Hall this Saturday - free, family, food drive
• Boys lacrosse dominates Warren Hills 17-3 in commanding win
• Sparta Glen gets brand new trail signage
• Sterling Hill Mining Museum & SCCC team up on new collaboration
• Meet Lou Ann - a 12-year-old girl with a big heart and not enough time
• Cousins Maine Lobster rolls back into town May 1

Township news Snippets and upcoming meetings

Quote Of The Day

"The Earth does not belong to us. We belong to the Earth." - Chief Seattle [ Happy Earth Day, Sparta! ]

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
Website: thehungryhearth.com

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

• Massage Therapy: Experience customized sessions including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Cupping, Prenatal, Hot Stone, Oncology, and more, designed to relieve pain and support healing.
• Lymphatic Drainage: Gentle treatments to promote detoxification, reduce swelling, boost immunity, assist with hormone regulation, and post-op recovery.
• Therapeutic Aromatherapy: Enjoy therapeutic benefits with the integration of organic, custom-crafted essential oils.
• Energy Healing: Discover energetic alignment through Reiki, Chakra Healing, Crystal Therapy, Shamanic Healing, and Energy Clearings.
• Yoga: Explore Chakra Yoga, Vinyasa, Somatic, Pelvic Floor, and private sessions to restore harmony to body and soul.
• Psychic Readings: Receive compassionate guidance through intuitive card readings, mediumship, and past life sessions.
• Coaching: Access spiritual counseling, life coaching, and support through peri/menopause for holistic growth and well-being.
• Pain & Detox Treatments: Relieve pain and cleanse with TDR Heat Lamp and Foot Detox therapies.
• Events & Certification: Join wellness events and energy healing certification programs to learn, grow, and connect.
• Retreats: Rejuvenate with thoughtfully crafted retreats for deep renewal, self-discovery, and sacred healing space.

Contact Us Today!

Herb-Roasted Chicken with Garlic & Lemon

Why This Recipe This Week: Wednesday is the jewel of this week - sunny, 60°F, perfect spring energy. This is a cook-outside-if-you-can week. A classic herb-roasted whole chicken with garlic and lemon is the ultimate Wednesday dinner: impressive enough to feel special, simple enough that you're not still in the kitchen when the sun goes down. Roast it Wednesday, enjoy leftovers Thursday when the showers move in.

Serves: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tsp dried rosemary
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, halved (for stuffing cavity)
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Pat chicken completely dry - this is the key to crispy skin.
2. Mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and all dried herbs into a paste.
3. Rub mixture all over the chicken - under the skin on the breast if you can - and season generously with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and fresh herb sprigs if using.
5. Roast breast-side up in a roasting pan or cast iron skillet for 60-75 minutes until skin is deep golden and juices run clear at the thigh joint.
6. Rest 15 minutes before carving. The patience is worth it.

Vibe Pairing: Something warm and classic - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, or a timeless jazz playlist. Wednesday evening, good roast chicken, windows open. Spring has arrived.

Mid-Week Reset: Roast Wednesday, and let The Hungry Hearth handle Thursday - Amy delivers and this week's menu is worth a look. Then if the weekend showers send you inside looking for something restorative, Haven of Harmony on Sparta Ave has yoga, massage, and energy healing waiting for you.

Adopt Me Today!
Proudly Partnering with Father John's Animal House

🐶 Meet Lou Ann - Your New Fur-ever Friend!

Adopt Lou Ann Today! 🐾 🧡

Breed: Hound mix

Age: 12 years young

♀ Gender: Female

🏥 Health: Spayed, Vaccinated, Microchipped 💉 ✨

Temperament: Sweet, gentle, people-loving - a quiet soul who deserves peace 🐾

Meet Lou Ann! 🌟

Lou Ann came to Father John's the hard way. Her family loved her - but health issues made it impossible for them to continue caring for her the way she deserved. So at 12 years old, after a lifetime of loyalty, she found herself at the shelter. And then the team ran some tests and discovered a mass on her spleen and her liver.

Here is what the team at Father John's wants you to know: Lou Ann is not in pain. She still loves meeting people, even if she's occasionally shy around men. She still enjoys the company of calm, respectful dogs. She still has warmth to give and moments to share. What she needs now isn't a miracle - it's simply a kind home where she can spend whatever time she has left feeling safe, loved, and comfortable.

She has carried herself through twelve years with the quiet dignity of a dog who has always done her best. She doesn't ask for much. A soft bed. A gentle hand. Someone who understands that the gift isn't how long a dog is with you - it's how well you love them while they're there.

Lou Ann has given everything she has. Now she just needs somewhere soft to land.

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

50 Father John’s Lane
Lafayette, NJ 07848

info@fatherjohns.org

(973) 300-5909

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!

Spring Pollen Season is Here - Your HVAC Filter Needs Attention

AccuWeather is showing Very High tree pollen levels in Sparta right now. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies, this week is the time to check your HVAC filter. A clogged filter doesn't just recirculate pollen - it makes your system work harder, driving up energy costs.

Most standard 1-inch filters should be replaced every 30-60 days during high pollen season. A fresh filter costs $5-10 and takes two minutes to swap. Your lungs and your utility bill will both thank you.

Please help support our local events:

Toddler Tuesday Tuesday, April 22 | 1:15 PM 1A Main Street, Sparta, NJ 🧒 Happening today! Art, music, and storytelling for toddlers at The Art Project. A wonderful mid-day outing for little ones and their caregivers.

Grab-n-Go Kits Wednesday, April 23 | 10:00 AM Sparta Public Library | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta 📦 Pick up a ready-made activity kit at the Sparta Public Library. Quick, free, and fun for kids.

Psychic Fair Friday, April 24 | 7:00 PM 15 Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ 🔮 An evening of readings and intuitive connections at Haven of Harmony. Open minds welcome. Visit havenofharmonynj.com for details.

Psychic Readings: Tuesdays Ongoing Tuesdays | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM ISD Gift Shop, Sparta, NJ 🔮 Weekly drop-in psychic readings at the ISD Gift Shop. Something a little different for a Tuesday afternoon.

Earth Day Fair Saturday, April 25 | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Sparta Town Hall | 65 Main Street, Sparta 🌍 The big one this week. Free admission, conservation exhibitors from across North Jersey, Kids' Corner, and a food drive for the Sparta Community Food Pantry. Bring a non-perishable item and the whole family.

Glass Fusion Workshop Saturday, April 25 | 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM 1A Main Street, Sparta, NJ 🔷 A hands-on glass fusion workshop at The Art Project. A creative afternoon to follow up Earth Day.

STIHL Demo Day Saturday, April 25 | 10:00 AM 182 Woodport Rd, Sparta, NJ 🌿 Live product demonstrations for outdoor power equipment. Great timing as the lawn season kicks into gear.

Chunky Hand Knit Purse Workshop Saturday, April 26 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM 1A Main Street, Sparta, NJ 🧶 Create your own hand-knit chunky purse in this fun, quick workshop at The Art Project.

My Grownup and Me Playtime Monday, April 27 | 10:00 AM Sparta Public Library | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta 👶 Drop-in play program for little ones and caregivers at the Sparta Library.

ABC Storytime Friday, April 25 | 1:00 PM Sparta Public Library | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta 📚 Storytime for the youngest readers at the Sparta Public Library.

Lapsit Storytime for Babies and Toddlers Thursday, April 30 | 10:00 AM Sparta Public Library | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta 👶 Songs, rhymes, and stories for babies and toddlers at the library.

April Industry Thursday, April 30 | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Industry Kitchen + Bar | 32 Main Street, Sparta 🎶 Scott Ringle performs live at Industry Kitchen + Bar. A great 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.

Feng Shui: For a Lucky Home in the Year of the Fire Horse Friday, May 1 | 6:30 PM 15 Sparta Ave, Sparta, NJ 🏠 An intriguing evening workshop on Feng Shui at Haven of Harmony. Perfect timing as spring cleaning season peaks. Visit havenofharmonynj.com for details.

Flower Moon Witchy Night Friday, May 1 | 6:30 PM Hayward Road, Sparta, NJ 🌕 A community celebration of the Flower Moon. Crafts, community, and good energy under the spring sky.

Cousins Maine Lobster at Sparta Dairy Friday, May 1 | 12:00 PM 28 Sparta Ave, Sparta Township, NJ 🦞 As seen on Shark Tank - Cousins Maine Lobster is back! Fresh lobster dishes at Sparta Dairy. Get there early - these lines move fast and the rolls go faster.

Annual Reunion 2026 Saturday, May 2 | 12:00 PM 5 Van Kirk Place, Sparta, NJ 07871 🎉 Community reunion at Van Kirk Place. Details TBD - mark the calendar.

2026 Beach 2 Kickoff Meeting Saturday, May 2 | 10:00 AM 60 E Shore Trail, Sparta, NJ - Lake Mohawk 🏖 Lake Mohawk community members - this is the official kickoff meeting for Beach 2 season planning. A must-attend for Lake Mohawk residents.

Family Bingo Sunday, May 3 | 2:00 PM (screenshot shows May 2 - confirm) Sparta Public Library | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta 🎱 Family bingo at the Sparta Public Library. Fun for all ages.

Lego League Saturday, May 2 | 11:00 AM 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta, NJ 🧱 Lego League at the Sparta Public Library. A great Saturday morning activity for young builders.

Jimmy Lee at Sparta Farmers Market Saturday, May 2 | 9:00 AM Sparta Farmers Market, Sparta, NJ 🎵 Live music from Jimmy Lee at the Sparta Farmers Market. A lovely Saturday morning backdrop for your market shopping.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Emergency - Police, Fire & Ambulance Call 
911

UTILITIES:

Jersey Central Power & Light
(888) 544-4877

Sparta Water & Sewer 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) 729-4903

Recreation Department
(973) 729-2383

Public Works
(973) 729-7133

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

Sparta Public Library
(973) 729-3101

Chamber of Commerce
(973) 579-1811

Board of Education
(973) 729-2155

Sparta High School
(973) 729-6191

Department of Public Works
(973) 729-7133

HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES

Sparta Township Health & Senior Services
(973) 729-8093

Sparta Senior Services
(973) 729-2383

Sussex County Division of Social Services (Newton)
973-383-3600

Sparta Community Food Pantry
(862) 266-0563