Good morning, Sussex County. Here's your week. 🌲

New Jersey Makers Day at Sussex County Library — Friday, April 3
The Sussex County Library System (SCLS) is hosting New Jersey Makers Day events at multiple branch locations Friday, April 3. Makers Day is a statewide annual celebration of creativity, innovation, and hands-on learning — open to all ages, no registration required. Check the Sussex County Library System website (sussexcountylibrary.org) for your nearest branch location and schedule.

Sussex County Chamber of Commerce Events — Ongoing this week
The Chamber's community calendar (sussexcountychamber.org) has the full roster of business and community events throughout April. Worth a bookmark if you're a local business owner or want to stay plugged into what's moving in the county's business community.

Spring Trail Season — Opening Now Across Sussex County
Appalachian Trail access points and Sussex County park trail systems are opening for the spring season. Trail conditions are improving daily. Check nynjtc.org for up-to-date AT conditions, and njtrailsystem.com for Sussex County-specific park trail status.

Route 23 Corridor Study — NJDOT Wants Your Input
NJDOT is seeking feedback from residents, commuters, and businesses on the Route 23 corridor between Master Street and Scenic Lake Road. They're studying use patterns, challenges, and improvement opportunities for one of Sussex County's most-traveled routes. If you drive Route 23 regularly, this is your chance to have a say. Feedback form at nj.gov/transportation.

Sussex County Real Estate: Median at $395K
The housing market has settled at a median sale price of $395,000 — down 6% year-over-year, but price per square foot is up 4.3%. Translation: the overall correction is price-level, while smaller and mid-size homes are holding or gaining. Spring selling season starting now will be the real test.

America 250 Celebration — Mark Your Calendar for June 7
The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners has announced a major community celebration at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Frankford on Saturday, June 7, 2026. The America 250 Anniversary event will feature live music, games, food, historical programming, and a fireworks display. More details to come — keep this date open.

VFW Post 10152 America 250 Flag on Display in Newton
At the March 11 County Commissioners meeting, VFW Post 10152 of Ogdensburg presented the Board with a commemorative "America 250" flag. The flag will be displayed at the Sussex County Administrative Building in Newton and featured at the June 7 celebration.

If you've driven through Lafayette Township on Route 15, you've passed The Shoppes at Lafayette — the outdoor shopping village that used to be called Olde Lafayette Village. A curated mix of local gift shops, antique dealers, boutiques, and eateries in a park-like campus that feels nothing like a strip mall. The Shoppes at Lafayette keeps local business owners local and spending in the county. Worth a visit this spring. They're at 11 Route 15 North, Lafayette, NJ.

Do you have a local business or community initiative we should spotlight? Reply to this email and tell us about it.

What do you love most about living in Sussex County?

Results shared in next week's issue.

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Next issue: Wednesday. Until then, enjoy the early spring — even the muddy parts.

— The Sussex Brief