Sparta Education Foundation News Feed | Sparta, NJ

Can You Hear Me Now? Alpine School Receives 8k for Sound Amplification System

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 06:51:00 -0500

The Sparta Education Foundation recently approved an $8,000 grant to equip classrooms at Alpine School with a sound amplification system.

As explained by Principal Michael Gregory, good classroom acoustics are fundamental. A variety of noises can compete with the teacher, which contribute to poor hearing conditions and cause teachers to raise and strain their voices, resulting in fatigue to the teacher and loss of comprehension to the student. Studies have shown that students need to hear individual sounds clearly to learn how to read and spell, which is directly related to comprehension.

The goal of the amplification system is to raise the teacher's voice to about 15 decibels throughout the entire classroom. A lanyard containing the microphone is worn around the neck. The volume can be controlled from the lanyard, giving the teacher ultimate control. Speakers are mounted throughout the classroom and have a wireless connection, which reduces the hazard of exposed cables and wires. Benefits of a sound amplification system include improvements in academic achievement, classroom environment, and teacher health.

"I love having the sound-field in my classroom," says teacher Shannon Sullivan. "It helps to keep the students focused during instruction because it amplifies my voice over any background noise. The students also love to use the sound-field when reading aloud and sharing with the rest of the class!"

If students do not hear a question, they are less likely to volunteer an answer. With the new sound amplification systems, teachers report that they are spending less time repeating questions and directions and that their students are less distracted from other noises in the classroom. Students now spend more time on task instead of paying attention to other factors in the classroom.

Lukas Hein, a student at Alpine says, "I think they are great because if my teacher didn't have the microphone, she would have to raise her voice a lot. Now she doesn't have to do it because her voice is already loud. I also like the microphone and we get to use it sometimes."

For more information about the Sparta Education Foundation including event sponsorship opportunities, volunteering, or how to make a donation, visit the Sparta Education Foundation’s website, www.spartaeducationfoundation.org or call the foundation at 800-905-7331.

Thanks for Making Turkey Trot a Success

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 07:39:00 -0500

On behalf of the Sparta Education Foundation (SEF) and the children of our public school district, I would like to thank the volunteers, sponsors and trotters who came together last week to help make the 5th Annual Krogh’s Turkey Trot a success.

Over 2,500 participants turned out on a beautiful Lake Mohawk morning for our most well-attended race to date. All proceeds benefit the SEF, which is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers whose mission is to engage the entire community in giving that strengthens our public schools, supports our teachers, and inspires our students. Sparta is one of over 100 other communities across our state that has formed an education foundation to support its public schools.

To date, our foundation has awarded grants in excess of $263,000 to our public schools. Please visit our Web site at spartaeducationfoundation.org to learn more about these grants and how you can become a part of the foundation.

We are grateful to our sponsors, without whose generosity the Turkey Trot would not be possible. Please join us in thanking them with your patronage:

Title Sponsor: Krogh’s Restaurant and Brew Pub.

Gold Sponsor: High Point Solutions.

Silver Sponsors: Casa Mia, Dykstra Engineering, Eastern Propane, Lakeland Bank, Newton Medical Center, Pine Cone Chiropractic, Realty Executives, Schoolcraft Studios.

Bronze Sponsors: Coldwell Banker—Julie Killen and Liz Burns, The Fit Experience, The Gabriel Perry Salon, Highlands State Bank, Holiday Inn Express of Newton/Sparta, The Liquor Factory, McGuire Chevrolet, Peace of Mind Automotive, PNC Bank, Royal Coachman Worldwide, Sharpe Plumbing and Heating, Sparta Driving School, Sobel & Co., LLC, CPAs, Sparta Athletic Club, Wellness Pediatrics and Weichert Realtors: Duffy Brennan, Dawn Corbo, and Ruth Linn.

We also offer thanks to Casa Mia restaurant for catering our pasta party, to Augie's Brooklyn Bagels and Deli and to Stop and Shop for providing bagels and fruit for our runners, and to Lowes for supplying water bottles.

Thanks to Anthony Ziccardi Studios for their photography and to the musicians from R.E.N.O. and Blue Molly who donate their time and talent to our event each year

Finally, a very special thank you to the Lake Mohawk Country Club for opening up their facilities to us and allowing us to host our pasta party under their tents.

The Turkey Trot embodies Sparta at its best: families, individuals, and local businesses coming together to benefit one of our community’s most valuable resources — our public school system and the students it serves. Once again, we thank all who contributed to make the Turkey Trot another magical morning in Sparta.

Kylen Anderson, President
Sparta Education Foundation

Record Turnout for Fifth Annual Krogh's Turkey Trot

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 13:51:00 -0500

Over 2,500 people came out to run, jog, walk or trot in the Sparta Education Foundation's 5th annual Krogh's Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning. Participants included over 2,000 registered runners in the 5k and nearly 400 runners in the 1 Mile Fun Run. Hundreds more spectators lined the race course to cheer on the runners for both the Fun Run and the 5k.

Atilla Sabahoglu of Somerset, NJ was the overall first place finisher in 16:09. Mike Golonski of Newton, NJ finished in second place in 16:22, followed by Nick Bertoline of Sparta, NJ in 16:34. The first women's finisher was Corinne Fitzgerald of Rockaway, NJ in 18:28. The women's second place finisher was Aimee Chegwidden of Hamburg, NJ in 18:59, followed by Laura Gilson of Sparta, NJ in 18:59. Complete race results are available online.

Despite the early morning cold, runners began to arrive shortly after 7am. With music provided by Blue Molly, friends and neighbors exchanged Thanksgiving greetings and enjoyed bagels provided by Augie's Bagels and other refreshments. Under sunny skies, the 1Mile Fun Run started at 8:15am followed by the 5k race at 8:45am. Cheering crowds, applause and cowbells greeted the runners as they ran.

Event sponsors include Title Sponsor Krogh's Restaurant and Brew Pub; Gold Sponsor High Point Solutions; and Silver Sponsors Dykstra Associates, Eastern Propane, Lakeland Bank, Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation, Pine Cone Chiropractic, Realty Executives, and Schoolcraft Digital.

Bronze Sponsors include The Fit Experience, The Gabriel Perry Salon, Highlands State Bank, Julie Killen (Coldwell Banker), Liz Burns (Coldwell Banker), The Liquor Factory, McGuire Chevrolet, Peace of Mind Automotive, PNC Bank, Royal Coachman Worldwide, Sharpe Plumbing and Heating, Sparta Athletic Club, Sparta Driving School, Sobel & Co, LLC, CPAs, Wellness Pediatrics, and Weichert Realtors--Duffy Brennan, Dawn Corbo and Ruth Linn.

Anthony Ziccardi Studios provided event photography and Turkey Trot photos can be viewed, downloaded or printed from their website.

The Krogh's Turkey Trot is the Sparta Education Foundation's largest annual fundraising event. The Sparta Education Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation whose mission is to provide funding for programs that enhance the learning environment in Sparta public schools.

Sparta Education Foundation Welcomes New Trustees

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:12:00 -0500

The Sparta Education Foundation has welcomed three new members to its board. Ken Johnson, Dave Bridge, and Erik Hein have joined the nonprofit organization's board to share their expertise and contribute to the growing trend of community members giving back to the schools.

Ken graduated from Harvard University and worked for American Petrochemical Corporation and GE. While at GE, he was with GE Trading, and was responsible for international trade, counter-trade, and barter negotiations involving the various GE businesses. His work took him to the Soviet Union, Turkey, Israel, China and SE Asia while finding creative ways to finance sales of GE products. These were primarily aircraft engines, locomotives, power systems, and medical equipment. In 2001, his family moved to Sparta and since that time he has been writing, raising 3 boys, coaching Sparta Lacrosse and has organized the Sparta Robotics Club.

As a long-time Sparta resident, Dave has strong ties to the community. He appreciates the value of a good education with two sons graduating from the school system. They have built on the sound educational base Sparta provided, going on to earn advanced degrees and develop successful careers. Dave has an extensive finance background in the healthcare industry with Johnson & Johnson and C.R. Bard. His last position, prior to retirement, was Chief Financial Officer for a non-profit corporation. Dave has been married to his wife Susanne for 40+ years, has an MBA in Accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University and is a Vietnam Veteran.

Erik Hein is a former English teacher and now works in the publishing industry. As a published author, he has worked with many teachers across the country sharing his experiences about starting up relationships with community members to support school projects. His books involved Forensic Science and how it can be used as a theme in the classroom. After publishing several journal articles as well, he also worked with Fisher Science as a consultant. He was named Educator 500 two years in a row by West Chester University and received awards for his work. He resides in Sparta with his wife and two boys, where he also coaches football.

Please join us in welcoming our three new trustees as we continue our quest to support our public schools and future of our children. Don’t forget to join us for the Sparta Education Foundation's upcoming 5^th Annual Turkey Trot, sponsored by Krogh's, to be held Thanksgiving morning.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities for these and other Foundation events, or to find out how to volunteer on a committee or make a donation, visit the Sparta Education Foundation’s website, www.spartaeducationfoundation.org or call the Foundation at 800-905-7331.

Turkey Trot Fall Festival Kick-Off

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 08:29:00 -0400

The Sparta Education Foundation joined with Krogh's Restaurant & Brew Pub on Sunday, October 30, to mark the 5th anniversary of the Krogh's Turkey Trot, a much-loved community tradition and the Foundation's largest annual fundraising event.

Despite more than 16" of snow the day before, the Turkey Trot Fall Festival Kick-Off took place as scheduled thanks to the efforts of Sparta Education Foundation volunteers and Krogh's staff, who shoveled snow outside the restaurant to make way for hot food, beverages, a three piece band and kids' activities including spin art and face painting.

Though the weather forced a last-minute decision to cancel the dunk tank staffed by teachers and administrators from Sparta schools, guests still enjoyed delicious food and drinks while listening to music provided by talented Sparta High School students Matt Hespelt, Sean Decker and Jared Decker. Guests tooks advantage of the event's special discounted rate for Turkey Trot registrations, with some families signing up as many as 11 members to run in the annual event.

Winners of the Costume Contest each received a prize from the Krogh's Crow, pictured below.

Krogh's Restaurant & Brew Pub: A Tradition and a Partner

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:24:00 -0400

The Sparta Education Foundation is partnering with Krogh’s to sponsor a Fall Festival on Sunday, Oct. 30 from noon to 5 p.m. at Krogh’s.

There will be a discounted registration for the Turkey Trot, food, beverage and fresh, handcrafted beer. A costume contest for kids, and face painting will also be available. Some of the highlights of the afternoon will be a dunk tank with Sparta school staff members and live music. “It will be a focus on family while having fun,” said Krogh’s owner Bob Fuchs.

Fuchs, a Sparta Education Foundation partner, has been a major sponsor for the foundation’s Annual Turkey Trot which is in its fifth year, and has raised over $300,000 for the Sparta Public Schools.

Over the last five years, Fuchs has donated over $25,000 which helped the Sparta Education Foundation attain its charitable goals. The foundation has funded projects in Sparta public schools in areas such as technology and the arts.

When approached to sponsor the first Turkey Trot, Fuchs thought, “Who wants to run a race on Thanksgiving Day?”

The answer, apparently, is plenty of people. The Turkey Trot has since become widely know as The Tradition before the Tradition.

The night before Thanksgiving is always a busy night for Krogh’s and to reopen at 7 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning seemed to be a stretch, but Fuchs realized that being open on Thanksgiving served an important need to Turkey Trot participants and their families, especially as the event grew with each year.

Fuchs moved to Sparta in 1981 and became the fourth owner of the historical location. In his 30-year tenure as owner of Krogh’s, he has seen many changes in the landscape and architecture of Sparta. He considers Krogh’s a rich history book of the community and his chapter being only one of many. “My passion and respect for this building and it’s history has only grown as years have passed.”

He has organized several outdoor events which have benefited local organizations. “I am always willing to gamble on an idea that makes sense, especially if it helps the community and those in need. I am now involved with other organizations who hold charitable events here, we call it 'Dining To Donate,’ and our goal is to sponsor at least 30 events per year. Krogh’s will sponsor two to three events per month and so far we have maintained our goal. We donate 10 percent of the sales plus additional incentives resulting in donations of about $500 to $600 per event.”

Any organization interested in participating should contact Krogh’s at Kroghs.com and follow the “Dine To Donate” link.

When asked why he decided to support the Sparta Education Foundation, Fuchs said, “I am all about giving back to this exceptional community. These are the same people that make my business a life-long success. The Foundation is great to work with because of their organizational skills and unparalleled commitment to the Sparta education community.”

For Fuchs, one day since his first in at Krogh’s in 1981 stands out among the rest. It was the Saturday after 9/11. Fuchs said, “As every business owner across the county feared war and a collapsing economy, I was no different. The days after 9/11 were slow and all indications pointed toward hard times ahead. Then, the Saturday after 9/11 was a record breaker for us. Krogh’s was where guests came to feel warm, welcome, relaxed and safe. I realized that it’s my job to create a meeting place for the community where guests can meet for good food, refreshing beverages, and genuinely great service, all in a clean building full of rustic decor.”

Sparta Hoop Dreams Fulfilled

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:04:00 -0400

"From the time I can remember I have loved the game of basketball. And I was lucky to have grown up in a community that supported my dreams," says Chris Jent, a member of Sparta High School's class of 1988.

Hometown Pride: I've traveled all over, but Sparta will always be my home. I had a wonderful childhood growing up here and I still see the camaraderie and sense of community today with so many local youth activities. growing up in Sparta absolutely contributed to my success and prepared me for my future.

A Teacher's Influence: I was a typical 13 year old who wanted to be outside running around. When I got to junior high, my history teacher, Mr. Calvani, captured my interest. The great teachers can engage you - even in topics you weren't interested in before. I still remember Mr. Calvani when I work with kids and try to inspire a lifelong interest in basketball.

The Game: Semifinals of the State Playoffs against Shabazz. They were clear favorites over Sparta, but we played our hearts out and took it to overtime. People still ask me about that game. Although we lost, it was a great, great basketball game. A Sparta memory I will never forget.

My name is Chris Jent and I am proudly from Sparta.

View this ad as it appeared in The Sparta Independent.

From Sparta High School to Broadway

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 01:42:00 -0400

"My love of the arts was first realized on stage at Sparta High School," says Cara Cooper, salutatorian for Sparta High School's Class of 1997.

A Choice: After graduation, I was deciding between pursuing a career in the performing arts or medicine. Sparta High School prepared me for either choice, but I had always loved being involved in the high school plays and musicals. The arts program offered students with different interests a place to collaborate and feel accepted. With support from Bailey Davis, who was then head of the drama department, I opted to attend the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. I opted to attend the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU.

Fulfilling the Dream: From playing Mary Delgado in Jersey Boys on Broadway to touring the country with shows like Spamalot and 42nd Street to doing numerous television commercials, I am fulfilling my dream! I'm forever grateful for the encouragement I received in school and in the community. It's great when I see familiar Sparta faces when I'm on Broadway or on tour and I especially enjoy taking young kids for backstage tours to inspire and encourage them to pursue their own dreams.

Sparta Pride: My brother and I graduated from Sparta and so did my mom and my aunts and uncles. Living in New York City is great, but I will always love coming home to visit my family and take in the rural beauty of our town.

My name is Cara Cooper and I am proudly from Sparta.

View this ad as it appeared in The Sparta Independent.

Sparta's Valedictorian heading for Harvard

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 17:18:00 -0400

"Sparta gave me and my fellow graduates the strong start we need to pursue our dreams and our passion," says Erika Veidis, the valedictorian for Sparta High School's class of 2011.

A Sparta Start: I loved growing up in Sparta, especially going to the Boardwalk with my family and having plenty of playgrounds where I could run around with my friends! I still feel lucky to be part of a community full of friendly faces in such a beautiful landscape.

An Injury: I took ballet lessons through middle school until I injured my hip. I never played organized sports as a kid, but I tried cross-country running as a freshman and ultimately joined the track team as a sophomore. Sometimes it was hard to believe in yourself, but Coach Heckman’s patience and faith gave us confidence. Winning the Meet of Champions’ relay and the State Championship for the 800 meters was amazing, especially considering I used to cover my ears at the sound of the start gun back when I was in summer camp!

Harvard Bound: It’s an honor to graduate as Sparta High School’s class valedictorian. I’m sure I’ll be surrounded by class valedictorians at Harvard this fall, but I feel well-prepared after spending the last four years supported by teachers who are passionate about the subjects they teach and who motivate their students to find that passion in their own lives.

My name is Erika Veidis and I am proudly from Sparta.

View this ad as it appeared in the Sparta Independent.

Hot Jazz makes a Cool Night at Snow Ball Cabaret

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:23:00 -0500

World-class jazz musicians, including local drummer Karl Latham, will heat up Snow Ball Cabaret on March 19 at the Lake Mohawk Country Club. The event marks the 5^th consecutive year that the Sparta Education Foundation (SEF) has hosted the much-loved Sparta event, which benefits Sparta’s public schools.

Latham will be joined by saxophonist Don Braden, pianist Nick Rolfe, bassist Calvin Jones, and trumpet player Matt Hilgenberg. “All five are highly-regarded professional musicians who tour nationally and internationally. We feel very lucky to have them perform at Snow Ball Cabaret,” said Jennifer Passerini, SEF Vice President and Cabaret committee co-chair. “Best of all, they really understand what this event is all about. When we explained the SEF’s mission to support our schools, all they said was ‘let’s play!’”

In keeping with this year’s theme, guests at Snow Ball Cabaret will find Lake Mohawk Country Club transformed into an elegant winter wonderland where they will enjoy a cocktail hour with live jazz, buffet dinner, open bar, dessert and dancing after dinner to music by a DJ. As always, the evening will feature silent and live auctions that include truly exceptional items on which to bid such as vacations that include a whitewater rafting trip; your own backyard/neighborhood movie night, complete with 9’ screen, tent, and popcorn machine; and the popular “Principal for a Day” packages designed for a lucky student from each of Sparta’s public schools.

Latham is well-known to many Sparta residents not just for his national and international performances, but for his commitment to the local community and his leadership role on the Sparta Cultural Affairs Committee. Many residents have heard him play as part of the Sparta Summer Concert Series in Dykstra Park.

“I’ve enjoyed living in Sparta since 1993 and in Sussex County for more than 30 years, so I really do try to give back to my community,” says Latham. “Getting some musician friends to play Cabaret and help benefit our community’s schools and the children they serve is an easy and fun way to do it!”

All five musicians maintain busy schedules but are making time to play Snow Ball Cabaret. Latham and Jones and just completed a tour with the Johannes Mossinger Quartet in Germany and Switzerland. Braden has just returned from a Faculty Assignment at Prins Claus Conservatiore in the Netherlands. Rolfe will soon be traveling to play in Haiti while Hilgenberg plays weekly as a member of the Chico O'Farrill Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra at the legendary New York City jazz club, Birdland.

The SEF is one of many local education foundations working to encourage individual, business and community support for public schools. To date, the SEF has made grants totaling over $200,000 to Sparta’s school district for educational programs and services that enhance the curriculum and learning environment.

Tickets are still on sale now for Snow Ball Cabaret and can be purchased online at www.snowballcabaret.eventbrite.com. For more information about Cabaret or other ongoing SEF fundraising initiatives, visit www.spartaeducationfoundation.org or contact the SEF at info@spartaeducationfoundation.org.

Sparta Education Foundation to support robotics and physical education programs

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 23:45:00 -0500

The Sparta Education Foundation has approved two new grants to Sparta Township Public Schools, bringing the total amount awarded to the school district to over $200,000. Sparta’s Board of Education officially accepted both grants at its meeting last Monday, Jan. 24.

The first grant will support Sparta High School’s Robotics and Pre-Engineering curriculum, providing $11,000 in funding for hardware, software and supplies. With SEF funding, the school will be able to offer both first-level and advanced-level Robotics Engineering courses for students from grade nine through twelve. The SEF has committed to renew its funding for the robotics engineering program for five years, contingent upon satisfactory annual reports and the district’s continued commitment to the robotics curriculum.

“We are currently preparing kids for jobs that don’t yet exist, that require technology that hasn’t yet been invented, to solve problems we don’t yet know are a problem,” said Sparta High School teacher Mark Meola, who initiated the robotics grant request. “Robotics education enhances problem-solving skills, encourages innovation, and provides students with hands-on opportunities to apply principles of technology, engineering, math and science.”

The second grant of $5,475 will fund the purchase of fifteen stationary bicycles for Sparta High School. All students, totaling approximately 1,100 for the 2010-2011 school year, are required to take physical education each day. The bicycles will ensure that every student has access to cardiovascular equipment during the course of each class period.

Catherine Wille, who teaches physical education at Sparta High School and initiated the grant request for the physical education department, said that the fifteen new stationary bicycles will help the department better serve every student and teach the importance and benefits of daily exercise and fitness techniques. “Each class will use the bicycles,” she noted, “from including them as part of circuit training to providing exercise spin classes like those students would experience in a paid gym facility.”

Like public schools across New Jersey, Sparta’s school district is facing serious fiscal challenges. Communities are turning to local education foundations to help generate additional sources of revenue for educational programs and services that enhance the curriculum and learning environment.

“Sparta’s public schools need additional sources of revenue now more than ever,” said Jennifer Dericks, President of the Sparta Board of Education. “From fundraising initiatives to public-private partnerships, the SEF has been a huge supporter of our schools, helping to provide resources to ensure continued excellence in our district.”

Sparta Education Foundation President Kylen Anderson noted the importance of community support to the SEF’s continued ability to provide financial support to the school district. “The SEF is able to make these grants to benefit our students and our schools because of the generous support of our donors. In particular, we feel very fortunate to count on partnerships with local businesses who share our commitment to making Sparta a community in which we can all take pride.”

Last November, the SEF hosted its fourth annual Krogh’s 5k Turkey Trot, raising over $40,000. Tickets are on sale now for the foundation’s fifth annual fundraising gala, Cabaret, to be held at Lake Mohawk Country Club on Saturday, March 19^th. This year’s theme, Snow Ball Cabaret, will offer an elegant evening of cocktails, dinner and dancing as well as silent and live auctions with exceptional items up for bid.

In addition to special events, ongoing SEF fundraisers include Pathways to Excellence, a walkway of personalized engraved pavers in front of the Sparta Theatre, and a fundraiser with Viridian Energy that allows consumers to choose green energy with their local utility company and support Sparta’s public schools at the same time.

Since 2006, the SEF has awarded grants in excess of $200,000 to fund projects that enhance Sparta’s schools and directly benefit students. Projects funded with SEF grants include the purchase of Smartboards and wireless projectors throughout Alpine and Helen Morgan Schools, 48 Classmate PCs for second grade classrooms, and science lab equipment for the freshman science labs at Sparta High School.

Thanks for making the Turkey Trot a success!

Wed, 15 Dec 2010 03:05:00 -0500

On behalf of the Sparta Education Foundation, I would like to thank all of you who contributed your time, sponsorship dollars, and your heart and lungs to the fourth annual Krogh’s Restaurant and Brew Pub Turkey Trot.

The event was a success and raised close to $50,000 for the Sparta Education Foundation (SEF).

SEF is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support Sparta’s Public Schools. Over the last four years, our foundation has awarded grants in excess of $190,000 to provide technology and programs that promote academic excellence and ensure the health and vitality of one of our most valuable resources: our public school system.

It’s inspiring to see an event that brings families, individuals, and local businesses together in the spirit of bettering our community. A strong community counts on strong public schools to prepare its children to become productive citizens, strengthen property values and inspire civic pride.

Thank you for supporting Sparta’s tradition of strong public education and helping to make a community in which we can all take pride.

Special thanks to our sponsors - we couldn’t do this without you:

Title Sponsor: Krogh’s Restaurant and Brew Pub. Silver Sponsors: Eastern Propane, Highlands State Bank, Lakeland Bank, Inspiration MedSpa at Skylands Medical, Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation and Realty Executives.

Bronze Sponsors: Coldwell Banker-Liz Burns and Julie Killen, DeSante Bodyworks, Drayer Physical Therapy, Entenmanns, The Fit Experience, The Gabriel Perry Salon, McGuire Chevrolet, O’Donnell & Dumbroff, Attorneys at Law, Peace of Mind Automotive, Pine Cone Chiropractic, PNC Bank, Schoolcraft Digital, Sharpe Plumbing and Heating, Sobel & Co., LLC, CPA’s, Sparta Athletic Club, Weichert Realtors--Duffy Brennan, Dawn Corbo, and Ruth Linn, and Wellness Pediatrics. Music was provided by R.E.N.O. and Blue Molly. Photography by Anthony Ziccardi Studios.

We would like to extend a very special thank you to the Lake Mohawk Country Club for allowing us to host our pasta party and pre-race registration under their tents on the Boardwalk.

Also, we would like to recognize The Dining Room at the Pizza Place, who have generously catered our pre-race pasta party for the last four years.

We feel fortunate to partner with businesses such as these, whose commitment make Sparta the place we are all glad to call home.

Kylen Anderson, President

Sparta Education Foundation

Education Foundation will host Turkey Trot

Wed, 17 Nov 2010 02:48:00 -0500

The Sparta Education Foundation will host the 4th annual Krogh’s Turkey Trot, a 5K race and one-mile Fun Run, on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 25.

The Fun Run begins at 8:15 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8:45 a.m.

Race applications can be downloaded at www.SpartaEducationFoundation.org or participants may register online at www.active.com. Applications are also available at Sparta Books, located at 41 Theatre Center.

“At last year’s trot more than 1,700 runners participated in what has been described by many as one of Sparta’s best loved community events and certainly the new ‘Tradition Before the Tradition,’” said Kylen Anderson, president of the Sparta Education Foundation.

A pre-race pasta dinner, catered by The Dining Room at the Pizza Place will be held the night before the race, Nov. 24, on the Boardwalk in front of the Lake Mohawk Country Club from 5 to 8 p.m. Race packets will be available for pick-up. The foundation will offer entertainment by the band R.E.N.O. Dinner is free to race participants and guests are $5.

The foundation would like to thank the generous support of the following community-minded businesses: Title Sponsor: Krogh’s Restaurant and Brew Pub. Silver Sponsors: Eastern Propane, Highlands State Bank, Inspiration MedSpa at Skylands Medical, Lakeland Bank, Newton Memorial Hospital Foundation and Realty Executives. Bronze Sponsors: Coldwell Banker—Julie Killen and Liz Burns, DeSante Bodyworks, Drayer Physical Therapy, Entenmanns, The Fit Experience, The Gabriel Perry Salon, McGuire Chevrolet, O’Donnell and Dumbroff, Attorneys at Law, PNC Bank, Peace of Mind Automotive, Pine Cone Chiropractic, Schoolcraft Digital, Sharpe Plumbing and Heating, Sobel andCo., LLC, CPA’s, Sparta Athletic Club, Weichert Realtors—Duffy Brennan, Dawn Corbo and Ruth Linn, and Wellness Pediatrics.

High School Band Gets A Gift

Sat, 21 Aug 2010 12:25:00 -0400

They might not have roadies but they no longer have to lug around their stuff.

On Wednesday, April 14, Andrew Lopez, Director of Music, along with his students, received a gift of a golf cart and utility trailer for the Sparta High School Band, donated by Sparta resident Dave Caccavo who is moving to California.

The golf cart and trailer were brought to Carl’s Auto Body Shop in Sparta where it was custom painted with blue and white Sparta High School colors at no charge.

Afterwards the cart and trailer was brought to Sign’s Etc., where they donated their services to mount logos on the side.

Dan Corrigan, Trustee for the Sparta Education Foundation said, “It was a community effort. Without the willingness of Caccavo family to donate their vehicle valued at over $3,000 none of this would have been possible.”

Members of the Sparta High School Band were excited as their new donation rolled into the parking lot. “It was a good feeling to get a gift, because this past season the band has worked so hard. Getting the golf cart and utility trailer was a nice gift for all of our hard work. This wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for Mr. Lopez and the wonderful staff,” said band member Paige Lucas.

Swing Fore Kids Golf Outing Set

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:01:00 -0400

The Sparta Education Foundation is sponsoring the 2010 Swing Fore Kids Charity Golf Classic at Farmstead Golf & Country Club on Wednesday, June 23.

The outing is a scramble format with a shotgun start at 1:30 p.m. Registration begins at noon, with a lunch being served, as well as dinner and an awards banquet.

A new 2011 Jaguar XJ ($80,000 value) will be offered as a hole-In-one prize. New Madison Jaguar is the Title Sponsor for the event. Madison Jaguar will also be giving away a chance for one person to drive another Jaguar car for an entire weekend.

The cost is $150 per player and sponsorships are still available.

Krogh’s 5K Turkey Trot boasts a record turn-out

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:25:00 -0500

The Sparta Education Fundraiser running event that has become known as the “Sparta Tradition before The Tradition”, the Annual Krogh’s 5K Turkey Trot, held Thanksgiving morning at Lake Mohawk had a record turnout of runners...over 1600 runners participated.

One new featured item is that runners were tagged electronically to speed up the results of the race.

“With over 1,600 runners this year and several thousand more that come out to watch and participate, we needed to speed up the process of getting runner times recorded electronically,” said Kylen Anderson, Vice President and Chair for the Krogh’s Turkey Trot.

A new start

“We had not only runners from the Sparta area, but from around the country and world — from Ohio to Maine and even one female runner from Uganda,” said Dorothy LaBeau, Co-Chair of the event for SEF.

Photos of the event, as well as running results are posted on our web site.

“This event would not be possible without the support of our sponsors, all the volunteers who participated and the community at-large, who have been loyal in attending this Thanksgiving day event,” said Dan Corrigan, President of the Sparta Education Foundation.

The mission of the Sparta Educational Foundation is to be a long-term not-for-profit 501(c)(3)foundation which raises funds for equipment and programs for the benefit of the Sparta Township Public Schools.