Pavement restorations on Monday June 15th and Tuesday June 16th on Green Apple Road, Warren Court, Tall Oaks Road, and Green Apple Court. Delays maybe encountered.

THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT

What is the name of the famous Indian Chief who led the Lenape people of the Delaware Valley, and for whom a major New Jersey county is named?

Township news Snippets and upcoming meetings

FULL CIRCLE PILATES CELEBRATES ONE YEAR, LAUNCHES SPARTA WELLNESS COLLECTIVE

Full Circle Pilates marked its first anniversary at 38 Station Road on June 11 with a ribbon-cutting celebration and the launch of an exciting new initiative: the Sparta Wellness Collective. Studio owner Rebecca Sarnicola, a fitness professional with more than 20 years of experience, created the Collective as a collaborative space bringing yoga, wellness workshops, and other health-focused programming together under one roof. The project was developed in partnership with Dermody Property and is designed to serve as a true community hub for movement, education, and well-being.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/business/full-circle-pilates-marks-first-anniversary-launches-sparta-wellness-collective-JL5940579

SPARTA LACROSSE TEAMS ADVANCE TO SECTIONAL FINALS

It was a big week for Sparta athletics as both the boys and girls lacrosse teams punched their tickets to the sectional finals. Goalkeeper Callie Maines was a standout for the girls team, recording 11 saves in a hard-fought victory over Voorhees. The Spartans have been one of the stronger programs in the region this season, and their runs to the finals have the whole community watching.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/sports/sparta-boys-lacrosse-girls-lacrosse-advance-to-sectional-finals-FM5925610

SUSSEX COUNTY QUILT PROJECT HONORS AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

A community quilt marking the 250th anniversary of American independence has been created in Sussex County, adding a handcrafted local voice to the national celebration of the country's founding. The project reflects a growing wave of local commemorations ahead of the 2026 semiquincentennial, with Sussex County communities finding their own meaningful ways to honor the milestone.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/local-news/sussex-county-quilt-project-marks-250th-anniversary-of-u-s-founding-FM5925351

PASS IT ALONG FUNDRAISER SET FOR GRAYFIELDS POLO CLUB JUNE 20

Community members are invited to Grayfields Polo Club on June 20 for a fundraiser benefiting Pass It Along, a nonprofit organization supporting youth programs in the area. The event promises a memorable evening at one of Sussex County's most distinctive venues, with proceeds going directly to programs that make a difference for local young people.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/local-news/pass-it-along-fundraiser-at-grayfields-polo-club-to-support-youth-programs-MG5923860

NEW CASA VOLUNTEERS SWORN IN TO ADVOCATE FOR CHILDREN

A new class of Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteers was sworn in on June 5 at the Morris County Courthouse to serve children in the foster care system. CASA volunteers are trained community members who advocate for the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Each new class represents more kids who will have a dedicated adult in their corner - one of the most meaningful forms of community service there is.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/local-news/new-casa-volunteers-sworn-in-to-advocate-for-children-in-foster-care-KK5936408

PROJECT SELF-SUFFICIENCY SEEKS GARDEN VOLUNTEERS FOR THE SEASON

Project Self-Sufficiency is looking for community volunteers to help with planting, maintenance, and harvesting at its community gardens this season. The gardens provide fresh produce to families in need across Sussex County, and a few hours of your time can go a long way toward stocking those shelves. If you have a green thumb - or just a willing pair of hands - they would love to hear from you.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/local-news/project-self-sufficiency-seeks-volunteers-for-community-gardens-YK5936230

SPARTA SOFTBALL SHOWS RESILIENCE IN SEVEN-WIN SEASON

The Sparta High School softball program wrapped up its season with seven wins and a strong show of character throughout, according to a season recap published June 11. The team faced tough competition from start to finish but demonstrated growth and resilience that coaches and fans found encouraging. Look for this program to build on the experience heading into next year.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/sports/sparta-softball-shows-resilience-growth-in-seven-win-season-FL5937403

Stay Informed: Sparta Board Agendas & Minutes

• Council Meetings
• Environmental Commission
• Planning Board Meetings
• Zoning Board Meetings

Quote Of The Day

"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks."

- John Muir

The Lenape People - Sparta's Original Residents

Long before there were lakefront homes, golf courses, or even a town called Sparta, the land we live on was home to the Lenape people - one of the oldest and most significant Native American nations in the northeastern United States. Understanding their story is part of understanding ours.

The Lenape, whose name roughly translates to "the Original People" or "the Common People," inhabited the entire Delaware River Valley and surrounding region for thousands of years before European contact. In what is now Sussex County, they lived in small villages, hunted the forests, fished the streams, and cultivated crops of corn, beans, and squash. The Wallkill River, which flows through our region, was a central feature of their territory - a source of food, transportation, and community life.

When Dutch and Swedish settlers arrived in the early 1600s, they initially traded peacefully with the Lenape. But over the following decades, as land purchases and settlements expanded, the Lenape were gradually displaced westward. By the mid-1700s, most had moved to Pennsylvania and eventually further west, though their presence is preserved in countless local place names we use every day. "Kittatinny," the name of the mountain ridge visible from much of Sussex County, is a Lenape word meaning "endless hills." The Musconetcong River, the Paulinskill, and even "Manhattan" all come from the Lenape language. Every time we say these names, we are speaking a piece of their history.

Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenape
https://www.njskylands.com/hsnativedel

Sparta, NJ - Week of June 16, 2026

Day: Tuesday
Date: June 16, 2026
High: 91°F
Low: 68°F
Description: Hot and very humid; severe thunderstorm possible late afternoon - watch for flash flooding and hail

Day: Wednesday
Date: June 17, 2026
High: 91°F
Low: 65°F
Description: Severe thunderstorm potential continues; very hot and humid

Day: Thursday
Date: June 18, 2026
High: 87°F
Low: 62°F
Description: Mostly cloudy, showers tapering; still warm

Day: Friday
Date: June 19, 2026
High: 88°F
Low: 62°F
Description: Sunny with afternoon thunderstorm possible

Day: Saturday
Date: June 20, 2026
High: 76°F
Low: 55°F
Description: Times of sun and clouds, much more comfortable

Day: Sunday
Date: June 21, 2026
High: 75°F
Low: 53°F
Description: Partly cloudy, pleasant

Day: Monday
Date: June 22, 2026
High: 72°F
Low: 52°F
Description: Sunny, not as warm, less humid

Dinner Delivery and Catering

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

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

Meet Coco - Your New Fur-ever Friend!

Breed: Hound Mix
Age: About 1.5 years young
Gender: Female
Health: Spayed, Vaccinated, Microchipped
Good With: Dogs, People
Temperament: Social, playful, affectionate, full of love

Coco's story started right here at Father John's Animal Haven - she was brought in as a puppy, found a family, and went home. For a while, everything seemed perfect. But sometimes life shifts in ways no one planned, and when a young child entered the picture, it became clear that Coco was not the right fit for that particular home. Through no fault of her own, she came back. And now she is ready to try again.

At just over a year and a half old and right around 60 pounds, Coco is a fun-loving, social girl who has not let any of it get her down. She loves meeting new people - she practically runs toward every visitor with a wagging tail and a "please take me home" look on her face. She loves other dogs, loves playtime, and soaks up attention the way only a hound mix can. When you meet her, it is genuinely impossible not to fall in love.

What Coco needs is a fresh start with a family that will be her forever one. She has already shown she can love deeply and be loved in return. She just needs someone to give her a home where she can stay this time - where she wakes up in the same bed every morning and goes to sleep knowing she is exactly where she belongs.

She has so much love left to give. She deserves a family who will let her give all of it.

👉 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.

Please help support our local events:

TUESDAY, JUNE 16

🥂 Member Mixer
5:00 PM | 45 Lake Ter, Sparta NJ
A community mixer on the lake - a great way to connect with neighbors and local members at the start of the week.

🎨 Toddler Tuesday Sparta
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM | 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ
An immersive class blending art, music, and storytelling for the youngest Spartans and their caregivers.

📦 Grab and Go Kits
10:00 AM | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta NJ - Sparta Public Library
Pick up a ready-made activity kit at the library. No registration required - just stop in.

🔮 Psychic Readings - Tuesdays 10 AM to 4 PM
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 15 Sparta Ave, Sparta NJ - ISD Gift Shop
Drop-in intuitive readings every Tuesday. Walk-ins welcome.

✂️ Seasonal/Holiday Drop-In Craft
3:30 PM | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta NJ - Sparta Public Library
A drop-in crafting session for all ages. No registration required.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

🩸 Community Blood Drive
2:30 PM | Sparta VFW Post #7248, Sparta NJ
Give the gift of life at the VFW's community blood drive. Appointments encouraged, walk-ins as available.

🎵 June Industry - Scott Ringle at Industry Kitchen + Bar
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Industry Kitchen + Bar, Sparta NJ
Scott Ringle brings pop classics to Industry Kitchen + Bar for a fun Thursday night out.

🧘 Mat Pilates
6:30 PM | Sparta Parks and Recreation
A focused mid-week mat Pilates session through Sparta Parks and Rec. A great way to move your body after two days of storm-forced downtime.

🎨 Intro to Studio Art @ The Art Project
5:00 PM | 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ
Thursdays are for creating. This intro session at The Art Project opens the door to painting, drawing, and hands-on studio work.

👶 Lapsit Storytime for Babies and Toddlers
10:00 AM | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta NJ - Sparta Public Library
Songs, rhymes, and stories for babies and toddlers. A beloved weekly drop-in.

📖 Family Storytime
11:00 AM | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta NJ - Sparta Public Library
Classic storytime for slightly older children. Come settle in for a great story.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19

🍦 Chill Out - School's Out! Ice Cream Social
3:00 PM | 60 E Shore Trail, Sparta NJ - Lake Mohawk
An ice cream social at Lake Mohawk to kick off summer. A perfect lakeside way to celebrate the end of the school year.

🎉 School's Out Party
4:30 PM | Cedar Falls Terrace, Lake Mohawk NJ
An end-of-school celebration at Cedar Falls Terrace. Summer is officially here.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

🎨 Paint Your Pet - Sparta NJ
4:00 PM | 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ
Bring a photo of your furry friend and paint their portrait in this fun, guided art session. A great date night or girls' outing.

SUNDAY, JUNE 21

🎭 Opening Day Members Picnic
12:00 PM | 45 Lake Ter, Sparta NJ
The annual Opening Day Members Picnic at Lake Mohawk. A classic Sparta summer tradition. Twelve interested and counting.

TUESDAY, JUNE 23

🎤 Krogh's Open Mic Night - It's baaack!
8:00 PM | 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta NJ
Two songs per performer, hosted by Katy Gerhold. Open mic returns on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at Krogh's. A Sparta institution.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24

🎨 Porch Sign Painting Fundraiser
7:00 PM | Sparta United Methodist Church, Sparta NJ
Paint a porch sign and support a good cause at the United Methodist Church. A fun, creative Wednesday evening.

🌺 Possibilities Day - Tropical Celebration!
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | 32 Main Street, Sparta NJ
A tropical-themed celebration at 32 Main Street. RSVP required: JO.MUA711@gmail.com. Sounds like a great midweek pick-me-up.

FRIDAY, JUNE 26

🀄 Mahjong & Mingle
6:00 PM | 14 Sparta Ave, Sparta NJ
A popular recurring social gathering for Mahjong enthusiasts. Twenty-eight interested - grab a spot.

SATURDAY, JUNE 27

📽️ New Jersey Documentary Film Festival
All Day | Sparta Avenue Stage, Sparta NJ
The NJ Documentary Film Festival comes to Sparta Avenue Stage June 27-28. Thirteen people interested already. A cultural highlight of the summer.

🔬 Saturdays at the Library: S.T.E.M. Station
11:00 AM | 22 Woodport Rd, Sparta NJ - Sparta Public Library
Drop-in STEM activities for kids every Saturday at the Sparta Library. A great way to keep curious minds engaged all summer long.

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

Question: What is the name of the famous Indian Chief who led the Lenape people of the Delaware Valley, and for whom a major New Jersey county is named?

Answer: Tammany (also known as Tamanend) was a respected Lenape chief of the Turtle Clan. Delaware County in Pennsylvania is named in honor of the Lenape people, while "Tammany" became so synonymous with friendship and goodwill that Tammany Hall in New York City - though later infamous - was named after him. The Lenape's homeland gave us the name "Delaware" for the entire river, bay, and state.

Newsletter Advertisements and Sponsorships Available!

Contact Sparta Spotlight:

SpartaSpotlight@gmail.com

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.