For those who have garbage pick up on Monday, there will be no pick up on Columbus Day, Monday, October 13th. Your next pick up day after that will be Thursday,  October 16th.

Recycling will be picked up as normal.

Which television show featured a character named Samantha Stephens?

Dinner Delivery and Catering

Indulge in a Culinary Experience

Tired of the dinner grind? Let Amy, the culinary genius behind The Hungry Hearth, rescue your evenings with unforgettable, home-cooked meals delivered right to your door in Sussex County!

Why spend another night in the kitchen when you could be savoring a flavor-packed masterpiece? Every Tuesday and Thursday, Amy crafts a new, mouthwatering menu using the freshest locally sourced ingredients. From generous family-style platters to perfectly plated individual meals, she delivers a dining experience that's pure passion on a plate

.

Don't just eat - indulge! Elevate your meal with delectable add-ons like soups, salads, and desserts that will have you counting down the minutes until your next order.

Your taste buds are begging you. Your schedule is thanking you. Experience the magic that everyone is talking about. Check out this week's irresistible menu and let Amy handle dinner tonight!

Order now and taste the love at thehungryhearth.com!

Planning an event? Let Amy's personalized catering turn your special occasion into a legendary feast. Gift the joy of incredible food with an e-gift card!

Contact Amy today!

• Email: thehungryhearth@gmail.com
• Website: thehungryhearth.com

Disclaimer: Vehicle shown may not reflect exact model or features.

The Sparta Township Fire Department unveiled its new Ladder 5 on October 3, 2025, marking a major upgrade for emergency response in Sussex County.

Community members, officials, and firefighters gathered at Sparta Fire Station 1 to celebrate the arrival of this state-of-the-art aerial ladder truck.

Ladder 5 replaces a decades-old model and features a 100-foot aerial ladder, expanded water capacity, and the latest rescue technology.

Custom-built by E-One, the truck includes advanced LED lighting and tailored equipment compartments for quick, effective response.

The department highlighted Ladder 5’s role in supporting mutual aid efforts and improving response times for challenging rescues.

Meanwhile, Sparta’s Annual Fall Vendor & Craft Fair and Halloween Fall Fest are set for October 25, offering entertainment, food, and a chance to celebrate with neighbors.

These initiatives signal Sparta’s dedication to safeguarding and uniting the community.

Sparta High School’s Marching Spartans and cheerleaders dazzled their audience with a high-energy halftime show, debuting the lively 2025–2026 theme, 'London Calling.'

The performance honored the best of British music, blending classic hits from iconic UK bands and artists with bold choreography and vibrant musical arrangements.

Precision and creativity filled the field, as the students transformed the stadium into a scene straight out of London.

Fans witnessed a fresh cross-continental tribute, woven together by rhythm, unity, and unmistakable school pride.

The event drew enthusiastic support from Sparta, NJ residents, highlighting the town’s enduring community spirit.

Throughout the season, the Marching Spartans will continue to represent Sussex County, bringing energy and connection to local celebrations and school events.

Their pursuit of excellence inspires students and the broader community alike.

Quote Of The Day

You can't let your failures define you. You have to let your failures teach you. - Barack Obama

Day: Tuesday
Date: October 7, 2025
High: 78°F
Low: 62°F
Description: ⛅ Partly sunny during the day, heavy rain possible overnight 🌧️

Day: Wednesday
Date: October 8, 2025
High: 65°F
Low: 41°F
Description: 🌦️ Light rain showers early, clearing by night 🌌

Day: Thursday
Date: October 9, 2025
High: 57°F
Low: 35°F
Description: ☀️ Sunny and crisp—classic fall vibes 🍁

Day: Friday
Date: October 10, 2025
High: 61°F
Low: 47°F
Description: 🌤️ Mostly sunny with a cool breeze 🍃

Day: Saturday
Date: October 11, 2025
High: 62°F
Low: 52°F
Description: ☁️ Mostly cloudy with evening showers 🌧️

Day: Sunday
Date: October 12, 2025
High: 52°F
Low: 52°F
Description: 🌧️ Light rain throughout the day and night

Day: Monday
Date: October 13, 2025
High: 59°F
Low: 57°F
Description: 🌧️ Light rain with occasional breaks of sun 🌥️

Adopt Me Today!

🐾 Meet Wesley — Your New Best Friend! 🐾

Breed: Doberman Pinscher
Age: ~3 years old
Size: 42 lbs (needs a few snacks to hit 50!)
Status: Neutered, Vaccinated, Microchipped
Personality: Sweet, Social, Kid-Approved, Dog-Loving

✨ Wesley is a total heart-stealer. He came to us from Newark Humane Society as a stray, and while he was adopted once, he returned through no fault of his own - his previous owner faced health challenges. Now Wesley’s tail is wagging for a second chance at love!

This handsome boy is the full package:

• 💕 Loves children
• 🐶 Gets along great with other dogs
• 🐾 Gentle, goofy, and ready to cuddle
• 🎉 Always up for an adventure or a nap on the couch

Wesley is still filling out his frame, but his heart is already full of love. He’s looking for a family who’ll help him grow strong and shower him with affection. Could that be you?

Ready to welcome this sweet Fur-ever Friend into your life?
Fill out an adoption questionnaire at www.fatherjohns.org/adopt. You’ll receive an email to set up an appointment, and you can meet in person!

Remember: Appointments are required on Wednesdays and Fridays, but walk-ins are welcomed on alternate days. Let's make Bud's dream of a loving home come true! 🏡💖

50 Father John’s Lane
Lafayette, NJ 07848

info@fatherjohns.org

(973) 300-5909

Household Hint of the Week!

Use parchment paper for baking

Line baking sheets with parchment to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Boot Scootin’ BBQ
Description: A barbeque event with great food and entertainment.
Date and Time: Oct 10 at 6 PM
Location: 997 State RT 23, Sussex, NJ, US
Phone: (973) 875-5213

Garlic Festival at The Shoppes at Lafayette
Description: A celebration featuring garlic-themed foods and activities.
Date and Time: Oct 11 - Oct 12
Location: 75 State Route 15, Lafayette, NJ, United States
Phone: (973) 255-9044

Newton Fall Festival & Car Show
Description: Celebrate the fall season with family activities and car displays.
Date and Time: Oct 12 at 11 AM
Location: Newton, NJ
Phone: 973-383-3521

Cousins Maine Lobster at Sparta Dairy
Description: Enjoy delicious lobster dishes.
Date and Time: Oct 13 at 12 PM
Location: 28 Sparta Ave, Sparta Township, NJ 07871
Phone: (973) 383-3521

BINGO
Description: Join us for a fun night of BINGO!
Date and Time: Oct 18 at 6 PM
Location: Lafayette House Restaurant
Phone: (973) 579-3100

Fall Market at Horseshoe Lake
Description: Explore local crafts and produce.
Date and Time: Oct 25 at 11 AM
Location: Horseshoe Lake Park, 72 Eyland Ave, Succasunna, NJ 07876

Experience love with every sip from our "I Heart U Mug".
Only $9.20 +S&H

As autumn settles in Sparta, NJ, we are encouraged to embrace nutrition that boosts overall wellness.

Enjoying seasonal favorites like apples, pumpkins, and broccoli brings vital vitamins and antioxidants, helping strengthen immunity as temperatures drop.

Wholesome dishes such as nourishing soups, roasted veggies, and oatmeal offer comfort alongside essential nutrients.

Choosing whole grains and seasoning with herbs instead of salt can support a healthy heart.

Meal planning and sharing dishes with neighbors foster connections while ensuring nutritious choices are always on hand.

Creamy Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta

Soothing • Vegetarian • 30-Minute Meal

🕒 Prep Time: 10 min
🔥 Cook Time: 20 min
🍽️ Serves: 4

🛒 Ingredients:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cups butternut squash, cubed
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried sage (or 6 fresh leaves)
1 cup vegetable broth
½ cup milk or plant-based alternative
¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli work great)

👩‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, sauté onion in olive oil until soft.
3. Add squash, garlic, and sage. Cook 5–7 min.
4. Pour in broth and simmer until squash is tender.
5. Blend squash mixture until smooth. Stir in milk and cheese.
6. Toss with pasta, season, and serve warm.

💡 Tip: Garnish with crispy sage leaves or toasted walnuts for extra texture.

Why it works:

• 🧠 Rich in vitamins A & C for immune and eye health
• 💪 Anti-inflammatory sage may ease joint pain
• 🍽️ Soft texture - easy to chew and digest
• 🕒 Quick prep - ideal for low-energy days
• 💓 Heart-friendly ingredients like olive oil and whole grains
• 🧡 Warm, nostalgic flavors offer emotional comfort
• 🧊 Easy to batch-cook and reheat for leftovers
• 🧂 Low-sodium and dairy-flexible for dietary needs

Emergency Services

• Emergency: 911
• Sparta Police (non-emergency): (973) 729-6121
• Sparta Fire Department: (973) 729-8433
• Sparta Ambulance Squad: (973) 729-2100
  
  Utilities
• Jersey Central Power & Light: 1-888-544-4877
• Sparta Water 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) 729-4471
• Recreation Department: (973) 729-2383
  
  Community Resources
• Sparta Public Library: (973) 729-3101
• Chamber of Commerce: (973) 729-6811
• Board of Education: (973) 729-8151
• Sparta High School: (973) 729-6191
• Department of Public Works: (973) 729-7133
  
  Health & Social Services
• Sussex County Health Department: (973) 579-0370
• Social Services: (973) 383-3600
  

Sparta Spotlight is your trusted source for everything happening in Sparta, NJ, from neighborhood stories to local news and events.

Our weekly newsletter delivers what matters most, keeping you updated on community life.

For questions, connect with our committed publisher, Randy Booth.

Reach us by email at newsdesk@spartaspotlight.com.

Prefer the phone? Call (570) 858-8163.

Local businesses interested in advertising or sponsoring with Sparta Spotlight are encouraged to partner with us.

Let us help you connect with the Sparta community and highlight your services in exciting ways.

Stay engaged and celebrate what makes Sparta, NJ thrive.

Newsletter Sponsorship Available!

Contact Sparta Spotlight:

Newsdesk@SpartaSpotlight.com

Call or Text: (570) 856-8163

Question: Which television show featured a character named Samantha Stephens?

Answer: Bewitched