THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT |
🗓️ Week of: June 23, 2026
In this issue:
|
Trivia Question❓What was the name of the Continental Army route through Sussex County that George Washington used to move troops between Morristown and Newburgh during the Revolutionary War? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Our Local News |
Stay Informed: Sparta Board Agendas & Minutes
|
Township news Snippets and upcoming meetings |
Enter Subtitle |
 |
Quote Of The Day |
"Freedom is not given to us by anyone; we have to cultivate it ourselves." - Thich Nhat Hanh |
Sparta & Sussex County History Bite |
Sparta's Secret Role in the American Revolution - Just in Time for America's 250th
With July 4th just around the corner and America's 250th birthday approaching, it's worth looking right in our own backyard at the remarkable revolutionary history hiding in plain sight across Sparta and Sussex County.
As the Continental Army criss-crossed northern New Jersey between 1776 and 1783, Sussex County was not a bystander - it was a critical corridor. Historians refer to the region as part of the "Pathways of the Revolution," the routes General Washington used to move troops between Morristown, Newburgh, and Easton, Pennsylvania. Those roads passed directly through this area, making Sussex County part of the logistical backbone of the entire war effort.
Closer to home, there is a house still standing in Sparta today that was built in 1774 - two years before independence was declared. David Newman constructed it on a 1,000-acre estate, and incredibly, it survives nearly intact to this day, a rare living artifact of colonial Sparta sitting on what remains of those original five acres. As Sparta's own RevolutionNJ 250 Committee works to bring that history to life with reenactors, Tavern Talks, and a special Independence Day parade this year, there has never been a better moment to walk through this town and remember that the Revolution did not just happen in Philadelphia or Valley Forge - it happened here too. |
Our Local Weather |
Sparta, NJ - Week of June 23, 2026
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 |
|
Fur-ever Friend Feature |
Adopt Me Today! |
🐱 Meet Cleo - Your New Fur-Ever Friend!
Breed: Domestic Shorthair
Some cats walk into a room and immediately make it feel like home. Cleo is one of those cats. This beautiful 14-year-old calico has seen some changes lately - her owners moved out of the country and simply could not bring her along - but you would never know it from the way she carries herself. No bitterness, no withdrawal. Just that same warm, sweet disposition she has always had, ready to be given to whoever is lucky enough to bring her home.
Cleo loves people. All kinds of people - babies, kids, adults, seniors - she has lived alongside them all and gotten along beautifully every time. She is equally comfortable with dogs and other cats, having shared space with both throughout her life. If you already have a furry household, Cleo will fit right in. If you are looking for a solo companion, she is completely content being your one and only. Her main requirement is simple: be around, give pets, and let her do her thing.
And her thing, when she is not soaking up affection from her people, is finding the best window in the house and settling in. Sunshine on her face, the world drifting by outside - for Cleo, that is a perfect afternoon. She is not demanding or complicated. She is the kind of cat that makes a quiet house feel full.
Fourteen years old is not the end of anything. For a cat as healthy, friendly, and loving as Cleo, it is just a number. She deserves a warm home where every one of those remaining days is spent exactly as they should be - comfortable, cherished, and 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. |
 |
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: |
Wednesday, June 24 🎨 Porch Sign Painting Fundraiser
☕ Possibilities Day - Tropical Celebration!
🎭 Toddler Tuesday SPARTA (Note: listed as "Tomorrow" in screenshot - confirm date)
Thursday, June 25 🩸 Blood Drive - Critical Need for Blood Donors
🎨 Intro to Studio Art at The Art Project
🧘 Mat Pilates
Friday, June 27 🎸 Dave Hilla's OPEN MIC
🃏 Mahjong & Mingle
Saturday, June 28 🌿 Sparta Farmers Market
🎸 Jimmy Lee at Sparta Farmers Market
Sunday, June 29 🎵 Music on the Beach
Monday, June 30 - Thursday, July 3 🎭 Krogh's Open Mic Night (Yes, it's baaack!)
Saturday, July 4 🎉 July 4th Parade
Monday, July 6 - Thursday, July 9 🏃 Track & Field Camp '26 |
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: What was the name of the Continental Army route through Sussex County that George Washington used to move troops between Morristown and Newburgh during the Revolutionary War?
Answer: The Old Mine Road corridor and the Highlands routes - Washington and the Continental Army repeatedly passed through Sussex County along what historians call the "Pathways of the Revolution," using the roads connecting Morristown, Newburgh, and Easton that ran directly through this region. |
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. |