THIS WEEK'S SPOTLIGHT |
🗓️ Week of: September 8, 2026 In this issue:
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Trivia Question❓
Question: New Jersey's official state dinosaur was the first nearly-complete dinosaur skeleton ever discovered anywhere in the world. Can you name it, and where in New Jersey it was dug up?
(Answer at the bottom of this newsletter) |
Our Local News |
Stay Informed:
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Township Manager Jim Zepp Honored for 25 Years of Service
Greene's Beans Cafe Celebrates First Year Under New Ownership
SCCC to Host 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony
Sparta Recreation Bids Farewell to Summer with Chalk Festival
Sparta VFW Wins Third Straight Mushball Championship
Sparta Girls Tennis Team Hosts Annual Fundraiser |
Sparta Township uses twelve Flock Safety license plate reader cameras on major roads to help officers respond faster to stolen vehicles, missing persons, and other urgent cases.
The cameras capture only license plates and limited surrounding details, and access to stored data requires a legitimate law‑enforcement purpose.
New Jersey’s statewide rules provide strict oversight, retention limits, and annual audits. Residents can request records to understand how Sparta manages alerts, data sharing, and compliance.
The system is designed to support police, protect the community, and operate within clear legal safeguards. Read More... |
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Quote Of The Day |
"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.'"- Fred Rogers |
Sparta & Sussex County History Bite |
Right on Main Street in Sparta, mounted on the grounds of the VFW building, sits a small historical marker most people probably drive past without a second look. It commemorates one of the more dramatic nights of the American Revolution in Sussex County.
In 1781, a notorious Loyalist raider named James Moody, famous for stealing George Washington's mail and breaking loyalist prisoners out of the county jail in Newton, led a raid on the home of Robert Ogden Sr., a patriot leader and one of the founders of the village of Sparta. Moody and his men plundered the Ogden home before slipping back into the woods, part of a years-long pattern of daring raids that made him one of the most wanted men in the region. Moody hid out in what's now the Muckshaw Ponds Preserve in Andover and Fredon, and legend still holds that British gold he was never able to spend remains buried out there somewhere.
Ogden survived the raid and went on to become one of Sparta's most prominent early residents; his family's name later gave rise to neighboring Ogdensburg. It's a reminder that our quiet corner of New Jersey had a genuine front-row seat to the Revolution.
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Our Local Weather |
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Source: AccuWeather |
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 27‑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 Domino - Your New Fur-Ever Friend!
Adopt Domino Today!
At around 40 pounds, this gentle girl can seem a little unsure of herself when she first meets someone new, but that shyness melts away fast. Give her a minute and she'll be leaning into you for pets, wagging her whole body along with her tail, and carrying her favorite toy from room to room to show it off. She spent time in a foster home with two other dogs and did well, though after being the center of her puppies' world for so long, she'll need a little patience adjusting to sharing attention again.
Domino is currently being treated for heartworm, a common and very treatable condition in rescue dogs, and the shelter is hoping to find a family willing to see her through it. It's a process, but by every account she's more than worth it.
She's spent her whole life taking care of others. Now it's someone's turn to take care of her.
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: |
Thursday, September 10
Thursday, September 10
Tuesday, September 15
Friday, September 18
Saturday, September 19
Monday, September 28 |
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: New Jersey's official state dinosaur was the first nearly-complete dinosaur skeleton ever discovered anywhere in the world. Can you name it, and where in New Jersey it was dug up?
Answer: Hadrosaurus foulkii. It was unearthed in a marl pit in Haddonfield, Camden County, back in 1858, and its discovery is credited with helping launch the entire modern science of paleontology. |
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. |