THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT |
🗓️ Week of: September 15, 2026 In this issue: In this issue: Main Street's railroad crossing closes through the 18th, a Sparta sophomore's Lake Mohawk swim raises over $3,000, the Mohawk princess behind White Deer Plaza's name, meet Millner the shepherd looking for his forever home (again), and a full slate of fall events from Toddler Tuesday to the Special Olympics Craft Fair. |
Trivia Question❓
Question: In 1936, a team of draft horses owned by a Sparta Township family set a New Jersey heavyweight pulling record at the Sussex County Fair that stood for nearly 20 years. How many pounds did they pull?
(Answer at the bottom of this newsletter) |
Our Local News |
Stay Informed:
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Main Street Closed at Railroad Crossing Through September 18
Township Council Takes First Step on Highlands Regional Master Plan
SCCC Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11 With Remembrance Ceremony
Sparta Sophomore's Lake Mohawk Swim Raises Over $3,000
Project Self-Sufficiency to Host Baby Beginnings Fair
SCCC Late Fall Registration Deadline Is Today |
Hey Sparta,
If you're reading this with your coffee somewhere off Main Street or looking out over Lake Mohawk, you already know what the rest of New Jersey is figuring out slowly. Sparta, NJ 07871 gets four proper seasons, and it makes life here better than almost anywhere in Sussex County.
While the Shore melts through another humid stretch and the cities bake on concrete, Sparta sits up at that perfect northwest elevation where the weather works for you. This isn't an accident. It's a lifestyle perk, and it's exactly why families, remote workers, and plenty of weekenders set their GPS for Sparta Township and end up staying.
The Sparta Weather Advantage
Let's answer it straight. What is the weather like in Sparta, New Jersey? Read More... |
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Quote Of The Day |
"Real strength has to do with helping others."- Fred Rogers |
Sparta & Sussex County History Bite |
The Mohawk Princess Who Named Our Lakeside Village
Ever wonder why Lake Mohawk's town center is called White Deer Plaza? Long before the shops and restaurants lined the boardwalk, this stretch of Sussex County was simply Brogden Meadow, a quiet valley named for a colonial judge. In 1926, developer Arthur D. Crane and designer Herbert L. Closs dammed the north-flowing Wallkill River to create what would become the largest private artificial lake in New Jersey.
When the community celebrated its grand opening on June 26, 1927, the guest of honor was Princess White Deer, a Mohawk performer who had sung on Broadway in the Ziegfeld Follies. The plaza was named in her honor, and the lake itself in honor of her people. A decade later, at the community's 10th anniversary, she returned and told the crowd, "This valley of your people is now the valley of my people, and your flag is now my flag."
The buildings that grew up around her namesake plaza weren't ordinary lake-town architecture, either. Built between 1927 and 1935 with steep roofs, half-timbering, and storybook turrets, the style became so distinctive it earned its own name: "Lake Mohawk Tudor." In 1988, White Deer Plaza and the Boardwalk were added to the State and National Registers of Historic Places - so next time you're strolling the boardwalk, you're walking through a piece of history.
Source: njskylands.com and the Historical Marker Database |
Our Local Weather |
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Support Our Local Sponsors |
Sponsored Ad The Hungry Hearth |
Winner of 2025 & 2026 NJ Herald's Favorite Chef of Sussex County
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 29‑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 Millner - Your New Fur-Ever Friend!
Adopt Millner Today!
His previous family had nothing but good things to say. Millner loved every person and every kid he met. He got along beautifully with the family cat and never met a dog he didn't want to play with. At about 60 pounds, he's got that easygoing, tail-wagging energy that makes a house feel like a home.
Now Millner is waiting for the people who will make his second home his last one. He's proof that sometimes the best dogs end up back at the shelter for reasons that have nothing to do with them - and everything to do with finding the right match.
Fill out an adoption questionnaire at www.fatherjohns.org/adopt |
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Our Local Events |
FEATURED EVENT #1The 5th Annual Red Shoe™ Event |
❤️ Step Into Purpose: The Red Shoe™ Gala Lights Up Lake Mohawk!
Sparta is about to sparkle in red! On October 14, 2026, the BW NICE Sussex County Chapter invites everyone to the Red Shoe Gala at Lake Mohawk Country Club - a dazzling evening of celebration, connection, and compassion.
💬 A Message from Amy, Event Organizer:
Amy’s enthusiasm captures the heart of this event: community coming together to lift others up. As a paid sponsor of this newsletter, BW NICE’s mission deserves our spotlight - and your support.
✨ What’s Happening That Night
Every ticket sold and every sponsorship secured helps fund DASI’s life-changing programs for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
👉 Register or learn more: Red Shoe Gala Registration
📣 How You Can Help
To Contact Amy for ways you can help: Amy Griffin, Owner/Executive Chef at The Hungry Hearth
Winner of 2025 & 2026 Favorite Chef of Sussex County in the NJ Herald
973-229-9530
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FEATURED EVENT #2
Annual Game Day Luncheon |
Wednesday, October 21, 2026 • 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Lake Mohawk Golf Club • 471 W. Shore Trail, Sparta, NJ Tickets: $55 • RSVP by October 14th
Our community’s favorite fall tradition is back - the Annual Game Day Luncheon! It’s the perfect chance to gather friends, enjoy a delicious lunch, and spend an afternoon filled with games, prizes, and laughter. Whether you’re a seasoned player or simply joining us to socialize, you’ll be part of a wonderful day that supports scholarships and local charities right here in Sparta.
🧩 Play Your Favorite Games
Plan a table of four and choose any game you love - Bridge, Mah Jongg, Scrabble, Canasta, Dominoes, Monopoly, or anything your group enjoys.
Prefer not to play? You’re warmly invited to come for lunch and great company.
🎁 Grand Raffle Prizes:
1st Prize: Dining Out Gift Certificates — $500 value 2nd Prize: Gift Certificate donated by J. Thomas Jewelers - $350 value 3rd Prize: Coach Purse & Wallet — $270 value
Space is limited, so early reservations are encouraged.
Reach out to Kim at swcteach999@gmail.com for a reservation form. RSVP by October 14th
Join us for an afternoon of fun, friendship, and community spirit — all for a great cause.
Thank you for supporting our community causes. |
FEATURED EVENT #3
Thursday Night Football Returns to Sparta Elks #2356 |
Football season is back, and the Sparta Elks #2356 are kicking things off with Thursday Night Football - a weekly tradition that brings friends, neighbors, and lodge members together for great food, great company, and great games.
The first game of the season kicks off on Thursday, September 10, and the lodge will open its doors at 7:00 PM. Guests can look forward to a relaxed, comfortable setting with big screens, plenty of seating, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes every game night feel like a community celebration.
A delicious spread of food will be served throughout the evening, making it easy to settle in, enjoy the game, and spend time with familiar faces. Whether you’re a die‑hard football fan or simply enjoy gathering with friends, Thursday Night Football at the Elks is a perfect way to unwind and support your local lodge.
Good friends. Great football. Strong community. Come join us for an exciting season and help support the Elks’ ongoing mission of service and fellowship in Sparta. |
Please help support our local events: |
🎨 Toddler Tuesday Sparta
🖌️ Intro to Studio Art @ The Art Project
🔮 Psychic Fair
🐾 Storytime with Creature Comfort Pet Therapy
⛳ 9th Annual Winter4Kids Golf Outing
⛳ Sparta UNICO Annual Jack Schaaf Golf Outing
🎳 Girls-Only Junior Gold Qualifier
🎶 Eli Lev at Krogh's Restaurant & Brewpub
🍂 Annual Fall Vendor & Craft Fair
🎨 Artisan Market
🎗️ Sparta Special Olympics Fall Vendor & Craft Fair
🙏 Generosity Sunday |
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: In 1936, a team of draft horses owned by a Sparta Township family set a New Jersey heavyweight pulling record at the Sussex County Fair that stood for nearly 20 years. How many pounds did they pull?
Answer: 9,840 pounds! The team, named Mike and Ike, was owned by William H. Sanford of Sparta Township. Their record stood until 1955, when a team from Newark Valley, New York finally topped it. |
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. |