SPARTA, NJ — Now that 2021 is in the rearview mirror, it’s a good time to look back at what was positive about it.
While Ida, COVID and pandemic problems caused heartache for many, there were glimmering moments sprinkled throughout the year that took the spotlight from the difficulties.
Read some of them below and stay tuned to Patch in 2022 for more. Hit the “follow” button on Hopatcong-Sparta Patch here if you haven’t already, to read Hopatcong, Sparta and Sussex County stories in the coming year and beyond and the “like” button here to stay connected on Facebook.
Hopatcong Students Craft Ornaments For State Tree By White House – As the trees on the Ellipse in Washington D.C.’s President’s Park twinkle with the glow of Christmas cheer, New Jersey’s is touched with ornaments celebrating why the state is so special. Kids building sandcastles on the beach, children fishing from rowboats with the grown-ups in their lives and pictures drawn of things in the state that have caught the attention of their young eyes, from lighthouses to deer to pumpkins, were among some of the ideas that came from first grade students in Shawna Longo’s art classes at Durban Avenue School.
‘Freedom Field’ Complete In Sparta’s Station Park – A project to renovate a field in Sparta’s Station Park that began in 2016 culminated with its completion and dedication with its name “Freedom Field.” Mayor Christine Quinn said the project started with work on “Field 3” within Station Park, tucked into Station Road, to upgrade the turf, to install lights, to add bleachers and to construct an announcer’s booth. After updating the field, Quinn said the Sparta Township Council decided to name the field, choosing its name to honor the men and women of Sparta and beyond, who have committed to serving within all branches of the United States Armed Forces.
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Sparta Man Grateful For First Responders’ Coordinated Efforts – Time was of the essence for Lee Madsen, when he experienced some symptoms that he initially thought were just “agita.” Following the advice of a friend, who is a doctor, to call 911, Madsen said responding officers from the Sparta Police Department arrived first, followed by volunteers from the Sparta Ambulance Squad. Madsen described their effort as “all hands on deck,” from the first responders in Sparta, which continued when he arrived to the Emergency Department of Newton Medical Center.
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‘Survivor Tree’ Dedicated In Hopatcong On Sept. 11 – A sapling offshoot of a resilient tree that was scorched by the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center in 2001, was recognized during a special ceremony at its new home in Hopatcong this coming Sept. 11. Hopatcong hosts its yearly Sept. 11 remembrance event, including its ceremony on the 20th anniversary of the attacks at Fireman’s Park by Borough Hall. Hopatcong Mayor Michael Francis said the flowering sapling from the original “Survivor Tree,” a Callery pear tree that was so badly devastated – burned and broken after terrorists steered two commercial airliners into the towers of the World Trade Center on that fateful day – was dedicated on Saturday, Sept. 11, with a monument and plaque at Fireman’s Park.
Sparta Students Recognized For ‘Choosing To Include’ – Sparta’s Municipal Building was illuminated in blue in honor of the Sparta High School Unified and Sparta High School Football Inclusion Initiative at the June 22 meeting, with each student honored there and given challenge coins and customized wristbands from the high school’s Football Booster Club. Students spent time together at their special inclusion initiative event at the school on June 16. “Choose to Include is not just a week-long celebration in Sparta; our district is committed to inclusion and ensuring that all kids have the school experience that they deserve,” Dr. Adrienne Castorina said, of SHS Unified Sports/Special Olympics Program.
