THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT |
🗓️ Week of: August 4, 2026 In this issue: the real story behind how Sparta got its name, NEWSIES hits the stage twice this weekend, the New Jersey State Fair is in full swing, meet Salem our Fur-Ever Friend, and a packed August events calendar. |
Trivia Question❓True or false - Sparta has been ranked one of the safest towns in the entire United States. Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Our Local News |
Stay Informed: Sparta Board Agendas & Minutes
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A Day at the Fair https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/local-news/a-day-at-the-fair-GI6082338
Branchville Author Signs Copies of New Book at Black Dog Books
Project Self-Sufficiency to Offer Parenting Classes Beginning in August
Tommy Katona Brings Texas Blues to Newton Theatre
Miners, Benny's Bodega Raise Funds at Annual Casino Night |
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Quote Of The Day |
"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success." - Henry Ford |
Sparta & Sussex County History Bite |
Ever wonder how Sparta got its name?
The story goes back to 1778, when Robert Ogden built his home and an iron forge on land he'd acquired here - and simply called the place "Sparta." Historians believe the name likely traces back to Sparta, Greece, though the exact reasoning has been lost to time.
That small forge and farmstead grew into the township we know today. The very first public building to go up in Sparta wasn't a store or a mill - it was the Presbyterian Church, incorporated in 1786, marking the true start of organized community life here.
So the next time you drive past that Presbyterian Church or see "Sparta" on a road sign, you're looking at pieces of a story that started with one settler's forge more than 240 years ago.
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Our Local Weather |
Day: Tuesday
Day: Wednesday
Day: Thursday
Day: Friday
Day: Saturday
Day: Sunday
Day: Monday |
Support Our Local Sponsors |
Sponsored Ad The Hungry Hearth |
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 |
Here in Sparta, we know what small towns are really like - the familiar faces, the quiet streets, the stories everyone thinks they already know. Maple Ridge feels a lot like that… until Jack Mercer starts fixing things. Every home he steps into reveals something unexpected: a hidden letter, a long‑buried truth, a secret someone hoped would never surface. And once Jack uncovers it, the whole town shifts, just like it would here when one discovery ripples through the community.
What makes Maple Ridge even more special is how deep the world goes. Jack’s 16‑book Fix‑It Mysteries are only the beginning. New books release every week, building toward a 30‑book arc - and soon, other beloved characters will step forward into their own spin‑off series, expanding the universe to nearly 100 cozy mysteries.
If you love heartfelt small‑town drama, slow‑burn romance, and secrets that refuse to stay hidden, start with Book 1 and settle into a world that feels as familiar as home. |
Fur-ever Friend Feature |
Adopt Me Today! |
🐾 Meet Salem - Your New Fur-ever Friend!
Adopt Salem Today! Age: Adult Gender: Male Temperament: Affectionate, people-loving, does best as an only cat
Salem does best as the only cat in the household. He isn't interested in sharing the spotlight - he'd much rather have his people entirely to himself, and honestly, who could blame him? Once he's the center of your world, he'll return the favor tenfold with affection.
Father John's is hoping to find Salem a home where he can truly settle in and be somebody's one and only. If that sounds like your house, he's ready and waiting.
Give Salem the forever home he deserves - fill out an adoption questionnaire today!
Fill out an adoption questionnaire at www.fatherjohns.org/adopt |
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Our Local Events |
Please help support our local events: |
📅 Tuesday, August 4
🔮 Tuesday, August 4 (recurring weekly)
🎨 Thursday, August 6 (recurring Thursdays)
🎭 Friday, August 7
🎶 Friday, August 7
🎭 Saturday, August 8
🎨 Friday, August 14
📖 Saturday, August 15
🌴 Saturday, August 15
🩸 Thursday, August 20
🎵 Friday, August 21
🏹 Saturday, August 22
🐴 Saturday, August 22
🎯 Saturday, August 29
🌙 Saturday, August 29 |
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 |
Answer to Trivia Question |
Question: True or false - Sparta has been ranked one of the safest towns in the entire United States.
Answer: True! In a 2022 crime-statistics compilation from Safewise.com, Sparta was named the safest municipality in New Jersey and the seventh safest in the whole country. |
How To Contact Us |
Newsletter Advertisements and Sponsorships Available! Contact Sparta Spotlight: Call or Text: (570) 856-8163 |
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. |