THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT

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?

Stay Informed: Sparta Board Agendas & Minutes

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

Township news Snippets and upcoming meetings

Sparta Boys Lacrosse Wins First State Title in Program History

The Spartans made history on June 15, defeating Ocean City 9-5 in the NJSIAA Group 2 final at The College of New Jersey in Ewing. Led by Jace Stiansen's four goals and Eddie Brown's three goals and two assists, the team closed the season on a 19-game winning streak with a final record of 16-5. It is the first state championship ever won by a Sussex County boys lacrosse program.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/sports/sparta-boys-lacrosse-wins-program-s-first-state-title-II5947497

Wine Pairing Event Raises $8,000 for Sparta Community Food Pantry

Neighbors gathered at Andres Lakeside Restaurant on June 18 for a wine pairing charity event that brought in $8,000 for the Sparta Community Food Pantry. The evening was a warm reminder of how this community pulls together when it counts.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/local-news/wine-pairing-fundraiser-raises-8000-for-sparta-community-food-pantry-BJ5957627

Sparta Township Council Moves to Search for New Township Manager

At the June 9 Council meeting, Councilman Mark Scott introduced a motion to begin soliciting proposals related to the township manager position, sparking a heated debate with Mayor Dean Blumetti over whether the discussion should be public. With Township Manager Bill Zepp's contract reportedly expiring this year, the Council voted to move forward with a formal search process.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/local-news/sparta-council-advances-search-for-township-manager-amid-budget-debate-CI5947444

Rock, Ribs and Ridges Festival Benefits Father John's Animal Haven

The Rock, Ribs and Ridges Festival, running June 26-28 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, is giving back locally. Festival sponsor Tito's Handmade Vodka will donate $1 per cocktail sold to Father John's Animal Haven in Lafayette, up to $2,500. More info and tickets at rockribsandridges.com.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/entertainment/festival-to-benefit-local-charities-through-partnerships-EK5936327

Sparta's Preschool Program Gets New Home at Milton School

Sparta school officials shared updated details at the June 17 Board of Education meeting about the preschool program's move to the Milton School in Jefferson for the 2026-2027 school year. Fourteen classrooms of 15 students each will be housed there, with busing hubs planned to reduce travel time for young riders.

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/sparta/sections/education/articles/a-few-more-answers-about-sparta-s-preschool-program-for-2026-2027

Blood Drive at Shepherd of the Hills This Thursday

Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church is hosting a community blood drive this Thursday, June 25, from 1:00 to 7:00 PM at 246 Woodport Road in Sparta, in partnership with the New York Blood Center. Appointments are encouraged (sponsor code 71131 or call 1-800-933-2566) but walk-ins are welcome as space allows.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/local-news/shepherd-of-the-hills-lutheran-church-to-host-blood-drive-YG5901331

Sussex County Pride Festival Draws 1,200 to Newton

The ninth annual Sussex County Pride Festival on June 13 at One Brooks Plaza in Newton drew an estimated 1,200 attendees. The day featured vendors, food trucks, live music, drag performances, and a message of community acceptance. Spartans were among those celebrating alongside neighbors from across the county.

https://www.spartaindependent.com/news/local-news/sussex-county-pride-event-held-in-newton-KJ5946286

Quote Of The Day

"Freedom is not given to us by anyone; we have to cultivate it ourselves." 

- Thich Nhat Hanh

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.

Sparta, NJ - Week of June 23, 2026

Day: Tuesday
Date: June 24, 2026
High: 91F
Low: 69F
Description: Mainly cloudy with a stray thunderstorm possible; humid

Day: Wednesday
Date: June 25, 2026
High: 91F
Low: 69F
Description: Scattered afternoon and evening thunderstorms; potential for severe storms; very humid

Day: Thursday
Date: June 26, 2026
High: 92F
Low: 63F
Description: Showers and storms possible; hot and humid; potential for severe thunderstorms

Day: Friday
Date: June 27, 2026
High: 89F
Low: 62F
Description: Sunny and warm; improving conditions

Day: Saturday
Date: June 28, 2026
High: 85F
Low: 59F
Description: Afternoon thunderstorms possible; potential for severe storms

Day: Sunday
Date: June 29, 2026
High: 75F
Low: 52F
Description: Mix of sun and clouds; pleasant and cooler

Day: Monday
Date: June 30, 2026
High: 74F
Low: 53F
Description: Partly cloudy; comfortable temperatures

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 Cleo - Your New Fur-Ever Friend!

Breed: Domestic Shorthair
Age: 14 years young
🐾 Gender: Female
🏥 Health: Spayed, Vaccinated, Microchipped 💉 ✨
Temperament: Sweet, affectionate, gentle, window-watcher extraordinaire 🐾

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
📅 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.

Our Lady of the Lake CARNIVAL
July 7–11 , 2026

The Carnival is the largest fundraiser of the year. Please support it.
If you have questions, you may contact Gil Gibbs at 973-670-7217 
or email: carnival@ollsparta.org

Please help support our local events:

Wednesday, June 24

🎨 Porch Sign Painting Fundraiser
7:00 PM | Sparta United Methodist Church
Paint a custom porch sign while supporting a great cause. A fun, creative evening that is perfect for a summer weeknight - no artistic experience needed.

☕ Possibilities Day - Tropical Celebration!
1:00 - 3:00 PM | Academy of Possibilities, 32 Main Street, Sparta
A tropical-themed afternoon celebration. RSVP required - contact JO.MUA71@gmail.com.

🎭 Toddler Tuesday SPARTA (Note: listed as "Tomorrow" in screenshot - confirm date)
1:15 - 2:00 PM | 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ 07871
An immersive class featuring art, music, and storytelling for the littlest Spartans.

Thursday, June 25

🩸 Blood Drive - Critical Need for Blood Donors
1:00 - 7:00 PM | Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, 246 Woodport Road, Sparta
Hosted with New York Blood Center. All donors receive refreshments and help save up to three lives. Appointments encouraged; walk-ins welcome as space allows.

🎨 Intro to Studio Art at The Art Project
5:00 PM (Thursdays) | 1A Main Street, Sparta NJ 07871
A running Thursday series - drop in and explore studio art in a welcoming environment.

🧘 Mat Pilates
6:30 PM | Sparta Parks and Recreation
A Thursday evening mat Pilates session through Sparta Parks and Rec. Great way to unwind mid-week.

Friday, June 27

🎸 Dave Hilla's OPEN MIC
6:30 PM | 252 West Shore Trail, Sparta NJ
All voices, all vibes - all welcome. A relaxed open mic night for performers and listeners alike.

🃏 Mahjong & Mingle
6:00 PM | 14 Sparta Ave, Sparta NJ 07871
A social evening for mahjong fans. 30 interested - 5 going. Good vibes and tiles guaranteed.

Saturday, June 28

🌿 Sparta Farmers Market
9:00 AM | Sparta, NJ
Your weekly Saturday farmers market - fresh produce, local vendors, and community spirit.

🎸 Jimmy Lee at Sparta Farmers Market
9:00 AM | Sparta Farmers Market
Live music at the market courtesy of Jimmy Lee. A great way to start your Saturday.

Sunday, June 29

🎵 Music on the Beach
4:00 PM | Cedar Falls Terrace, Lake Mohawk, NJ
17 interested and 3 already going - live music right on the Lake Mohawk shoreline. Summer doesn't get much better than this.

Monday, June 30 - Thursday, July 3

🎭 Krogh's Open Mic Night (Yes, it's baaack!)
8:00 PM (2nd and 4th Tuesdays) | 23 White Deer Plaza, Sparta NJ
Krogh's brings back their beloved Open Mic Night, hosted by Katy Gerhold. Two songs per player, original music or covers welcome.

Saturday, July 4

🎉 July 4th Parade
10:30 AM | White Deer Plaza, Sparta NJ 07871
America's 250th birthday and Sparta is celebrating in style. Scan to march! 31 interested and 2 already going.

Monday, July 6 - Thursday, July 9

🏃 Track & Field Camp '26
All day | Sparta High School, Sparta NJ
A multi-day track and field camp for youth athletes at Sparta High School.

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 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.

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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.