THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT |
🗓️ Week of: July 7, 2026
In this issue: A packed Fourth of July parade recap, a carnival opening this week for a great cause, a cooldown finally in the forecast, a glowing piece of Sussex County history, and a senior cat named Cookie who's ready for her people. |
Trivia Question❓This July 4th marked a major milestone for the United States. What was it? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Our Local News |
Stay Informed: Sparta Board Agendas & Minutes
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Township news Snippets and upcoming meetings |
Plus a cooldown finally in the forecast, a glowing piece of Sussex County history, and everything happening around town this month. |
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Quote Of The Day |
"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill |
Sparta & Sussex County History Bite |
Here's one that might surprise you:
Just a few miles from Sparta, in Ogdensburg, sits what's known as the "Fluorescent Mineral Capital of the World." The Sterling Hill Mine operated as a working zinc mine from the 1630s all the way until 1986, making it the last underground mine to close in New Jersey. When it shut down, brothers Richard and Robert Hauck bought the property and turned it into the Sterling Hill Mining Museum in 1990.
What makes the spot so special is what happens when the lights go out. More than 90 minerals found in the Sterling Hill and neighboring Franklin Mine glow in brilliant colors under ultraviolet light, and dozens of those minerals have never been found anywhere else on Earth.
Visitors can still walk the old tunnels today and watch ordinary-looking rocks burst into neon greens, reds and oranges in the museum's "Rainbow Room."
Next time you're looking for a local day trip, it's worth the drive. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sterling_Hill_Mining_Museum |
Our Local Weather |
Day: Tuesday
Day: Wednesday
Day: Thursday
Day: Friday
Day: Saturday
Day: Sunday
Day: Monday |
Support Our Local Sponsor |
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 |
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Fur-ever Friend Feature |
Adopt Me Today! |
🐱 Meet Cookie — Your New Fur-ever Friend!
Adopt Cookie Today! 🐾 🧡
Breed: Domestic Medium Hair
Cookie has been through more change than any cat should have to handle. She lost the owner who loved her, then landed with a family member whose resident cat wasn't having it. Somewhere along the way, this sweet six-year-old girl learned that the world isn't always safe, and it shows in the way she guards her heart at first.
Here's her quirk, and it's a good one: Cookie says hello with a little hiss. It sounds tough, but stick around and you'll see it's really just her way of saying "I'm still getting used to you." Give her a few minutes of quiet company and that hiss turns into a purr, then into a cat who wants nothing more than to curl up in your lap. She just needs someone willing to let her set the pace.
Cookie would do best in a calm, quiet home without little kids or dogs, someone patient enough to let her come around on her own terms. She's not asking for much, just the time and space to feel safe again, and once she does, her people say she's every bit as affectionate as a cat who's never known heartbreak.
She's been through so much already. She deserves a warm home to spend every one of those days feeling loved.
👉 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. |
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Our Local Events |
Our Lady of the Lake CARNIVAL |
The Carnival is the largest fundraiser of the year. Please support it. |
Please help support our local events: |
🎪 Our Lady of the Lake Parish Carnival — Tuesday, July 7 through Saturday, July 11, 6-10 p.m. | 294 South Sparta Ave. Rides, games, food and the beloved White Elephant Sale, all for a great cause this year.
🎨 Intro to Studio Art at The Art Project — Thursday, July 9, 5 p.m. | 1A Main Street, Sparta. A laid-back way to try your hand at something creative.
🏖️ BBQ at the Beach — Thursday, July 9, 5 p.m. | 45 Lake Ter, Sparta. Casual lakeside grilling with neighbors.
🎸 Sparta Arts Summer Concerts: The Outcrops — Friday, July 10, 7 p.m. | Dykstra Park. Free live music under the summer sky.
🎭 Bye Bye Birdie - Saturday Matinee — Saturday, July 11, 2 p.m. | Pehron Hall, First Presbyterian Church of Sparta, 32 Main Street. Rising Stars Youth Theatre takes the stage.
🍅 Dani & Ally at Sparta Farmers Market — Saturday, July 11, 10 a.m. | Sparta Farmers Market. Live acoustic music while you shop for the week.
🎬 Movie Night — Saturday, July 11, 8 p.m. | 45 Lake Ter, Sparta. Bring a blanket and settle in under the stars.
🐾 Storytime with Creature Comfort Pet Therapy — Saturday, July 18, 11 a.m. | Sparta Public Library, 22 Woodport Rd. Gentle therapy animals and story time make for a sweet morning.
🎤 Chris Gagg at the Homestead Rest — Saturday, July 18, 6 p.m. | The Homestead Rest. Acoustic folk to close out the weekend.
🕺 Friday Night Line Dancing at the Elks — Friday, July 17, 7:30 p.m. | Sparta Elks #2356.
🏈 Girls Flag Football Camp — Monday, July 20 - Thursday, July 23 | Pope John XXIII High School.
🏛️ Time Travelers: A Camp for Young History Lovers — Thursday, July 23 - Friday, July 24 | Sparta Train Station.
🎸 David Kraai at Krogh's — Thursday, July 23, 6:30 p.m. | Krogh's Restaurant & Brew Pub.
🎉 Maxwell & Molly's Purple Party - Hamburg & Sparta — Sunday, July 26, 10 a.m. | 4 N Village Blvd Suite D.
🧹 Clean-up Work Day — Saturday, July 25, 8:30 a.m. | Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.
🎭 Disney's Lion King Jr. - Saturday Matinee — Saturday, July 25, 2 p.m. | First Presbyterian Church of Sparta.
⛳ Summer Scramble Golf Outing — Friday, July 31, 7 a.m. | SkyView Golf Club. |
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: This July 4th marked a major milestone for the United States. What was it?
Answer: America's 250th birthday - the semiquincentennial. Sparta marked the occasion with its Fourth of July parade down East Shore Trail to Dykstra Park, part of nationwide celebrations of 250 years of independence. |
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. |