June 2025 – Family Promise of Sussex County

Affordable Housing and Walt Disney World

June 26, 2025 2025 Blog Posts

The lack of affordable housing is not only a local, New Jersey issue, but a national one. So much so that Walt Disney World is building its first ever affordable housing development in Central Florida.

Disney’s vision was to dedicate 80 acres of land within 20 minutes of Magic Kingdom for a new affordable housing endeavor. Late last Fall, in collaboration with real estate developer, The Michaels Organization, Disney received final approval to build 1,400 mixed income units with 1,000 of them will be deemed as affordable. This is defined as 75% of the units/houses must be made available for those earning 50-100% of the median income for a family in Orlando.

“We are invested in working together with our community to solve complex issues,” said Jeff Vahle, president of Walt Disney World Resort. “The lack of affordable housing is affecting many people across our country, including right here in Central Florida. With this initiative, we’re lending a hand to make a real and meaningful impact in our community by tapping into the best of our company’s strengths. This is the right opportunity and the right time to take action.”

Time will tell whether this development will make a real and meaningful impact. There has been a lot of opposition to the project and many feel that the units / housing will not be truly affordable for those in need including many of Disney’s own staff. It is though nice to see one of our country’s top and beloved corporations making such a large investment in the future of Central Florida. Hopefully other corporations will take notice and implement changes in their communities as affordable housing is the solution to homelessness.

Summertime is Festival Time

June 19, 2025 2025 Blog Posts

Summertime in New Jersey is the time for festivals of all kinds. Sussex County is no different and this month is the 15th annual Rock, Ribs and Ridges. It will be held on Friday June 27th and run until Sunday June 29th at the Sussex County Fairgrounds.

Rock is a reference to their extensive line-up of bands.

Ribs is just that good, ole BBQ…brisket, pulled pork and more surprises… oh my!

Ridges, I’m guessing, is the beautiful terrain of our Skylands Region and the opportunity to camp if you choose for the festival. I understand that they have after hours rock karaoke each night after the last band plays for those who can’t get enough.

Pulled directly from the Rock, Ribs & Ridges Facebook page is a recipe for ribs. They choose the low and slow route. How do you like to prepare your ribs? Tell us in the comments section below.

Smokin’ good ribs!

Here’s our no fail rib recipe that hits harder than a drum solo:

1. Rub: Brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper.

2. Wrap & Bake: 275°F for 2.5 hrs (foil wrapped, meat side down).

3. Grill & Glaze: Unwrap, brush with your fave BBQ sauce, grill 5-10 min for that sticky finish.

NJ County Fairs Schedule 2025

June 12, 2025 2025 Blog Posts

Like much of the United States, summer is the time for local, town and county fairs. New Jersey is no different and below is the complete list of County Fairs for 2025!

Atlantic County 4-H Fair – August 8^th – August 9^th

Burlington County Farm Fair – July 22^nd – July 26^th

Cape May County 4-H Fair – July 17^th – July 19^th

Cumberland County Fair – July 8^th – July 12^th

Gloucester County 4-H Fair – July 24^th – July 27^th

Hunterdon County 4-H & Agricultural Fair – August 20^th – August 24^th

Mercer County 4-H Fair – July 26^th – July 27^th

Middlesex County Fair – August 5^th – August 11^th

Monmouth County Fair – July 23^rd – July 27^th

Morris County 4-H Fair – July 25^th – July 27^th

NJ State Fair / Sussex County Horse and Farm Show – August 1^st – August 9^th (YEAH!)

Ocean County Fair – July 9^th – July 13^th

Salem County Fair – August 4^th – August 8^th

Somerset County 4-H Fair – August 6 – August 8^th

Tri-County Fair – June 12^th – June 15^th

Warren County Farmers’ Fair & Hot Air Balloon Festival – July 26^th – August 2^nd

Tell us which county fair(s) do you like to attend? What’s your favorite activity and/or food?

Hidden Treasures…Horticultural Edition

June 5, 2025 2025 Blog Posts

Those of us who are native New Jerseyians and have traveled throughout the country have heard all of the jokes about our state. What exit off the Turnpike do you live? We, who are lucky to call the northwestern part of the state home, are fully aware of the natural beauty that surrounds us, and we are nowhere near the Turnpike! Even lifetime residents of the area can stumble upon, hidden treasures, special and unique businesses that can only be found in this great state of New Jersey. Here are two of my favorites.

· Well Sweep Herb Farm – Tucked away on a rural residential road in Warren County is a family-owned business that has been around for over 50 years! They have one of the largest collections of herbs and perennials in the country with close to 2,000 varieties. If they don’t have it, it probably does not exist

· Orchard View Lavender Farm -Think you have to go to the south of France or New Mexico to see amazing fields of lavender? Think again! Down the road from Well Sweep Herb Farm is another family- owned business, they grow both English and French lavender.

So go out there and explore, maybe you too will find some hidden treasures right here in the great state of New Jersey! Please share in the comments section below.