December 2022
Handcraft: vonTrapp Trosten
Recipient: Father John's Animal House

The recipient of our December Giving Tap is Father John's Animal House. Their overall mission is not only to place animals into loving homes, but to promote spay and neuter to alleviate the problem of homeless animals and overcrowded shelters. They value the bond people have with animals and they strive to give each homeless animal a family that will love and care for them for a lifetime.

Father John’s Animal House was founded in 1999 by a small and very dedicated group of people, that recognized a great need in our community to help homeless and otherwise unwanted pets. The land was originally overseen by Father John, a retired member of the clergy, who took exceedingly good care of his livestock. The shelter was named after him to honor his dedication to the welfare of animals.

The shelter now has the capacity to safely and responsibly place over 800 animals each year. Each animal is fully vetted, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and microchipped prior to leaving for their adoptive home. Their shelter personnel work hard to match each adoptive family with the perfect animal to become their lifelong pet. This year, Father John's also opened a low-cost spay/neuter clinic to further combat the ongoing pet homelessness issue. They seek to be a resource of information and service for the community to encourage responsible and committed pet ownership.

For the month of December, Father John's will receive $1.00 from every draft sold on our Giving Tap so that they can continue to support and service responsible pet ownership.

The recipient of our December Giving Tap is Father John's Animal House. Their overall mission is not only to place animals into loving homes, but to promote spay and neuter to alleviate the problem of homeless animals and overcrowded shelters. They value the bond people have with animals and they strive to give each homeless animal a family...

November 2022
Handcraft: vonTrapp Dunkel
Recipient: Pass It Along

The recipient of November's Giving Tap is Pass It Along, a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2001 in Sparta, NJ. Their mission is to build confident, compassionate, and resilient teenagers through self-discovery, leadership and volunteerism. Throughout the year, they provide free after school leadership, self-discovery, and service-learning programs at their Youth Center located at the Shoppes at Lafayette. They deliver in-school social-emotional learning workshops, and they organize community service projects and opportunities with non-profit organizations throughout Sussex, Morris, and Warren Counties. Pass It Along also runs a number of community events, such as the Pass it Along Triathlon, Pass It Along Day, the Scholar Athlete Program, Family Volunteer Day, and much more!

At Pass It Along, they believe every teen should have the tools and opportunities to discover and embrace themselves, along with the power to make a difference in the world. By participating in Pass It Along programs, teens gain a strong sense of self and learn about the positive effects of helping others. By the time they finish high school, many teen participants have completed hundreds of community service hours by participating in Pass It Along programs. By supporting Pass It Along through the Giving Tap at Krogh's this November, you'll be helping to create new leadership and service-learning opportunities, provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors, and to keep programs free to participants.

They are always looking for new teens to join Pass It Along programs, as well as adult volunteer leaders to assist in running service opportunities throughout the year. To learn more about ways to get involved or to support Pass It Along, please visit their website, follow them on social media, email service@passitalong.org or call 973.726.9777.

Be a voice. Be a leader. Be the change. Pass It Along!

The recipient of November's Giving Tap is Pass It Along, a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2001 in Sparta, NJ. Their mission is to build confident, compassionate, and resilient teenagers through self-discovery, leadership and volunteerism. Throughout the year, they provide free after school leadership, self-discovery, and service-learning...

October 2022
Handcraft: Blum's Belgian Wit / Hacker-Pschorr Oktoberfest
Recipient: Sparta Elks Lodge #2356

The recipient of October's Giving Tap is the Sparta Elks Lodge #2356, a non-profit located on the boardwalk at 6 West Shore Trail. Perhaps you are familiar with their made to order breakfasts that they do twice a month on Sundays. They have the best breakfast in town and priced reasonably at $8.00. All proceeds benefit local charities and help with their building maintenance. And did we mention that veterans eat free? The Sparta Elks, however, does more than cook for the public. The Sparta Elks is responsible for supporting several local charities and causes.

First, there is Elks Camp Moore, a special needs children's camp in Haskell, NJ. The Sparta Elks sends local children for an overnight camping experience at no cost to families. They also take these children to games and host several holiday parties for them throughout the year. Monies generated from the Giving Tap will help support the work that they do for these children.

In addition, the Sparta Elks lends support to our veterans. During the pandemic, they assisted several local veterans with home assistance and furnishings. The Elks also assist in transportation to veteran centers, as well as nights out for dinners and entertainment.

Last, but not least, the Sparta Elks also participates in local drug awareness programs and various youth programs, as well as other causes, like our local food pantries, providing Christmas to 14 families, and the list goes on and on. They are proud to say that through their fundraising and membership efforts, they have given back over $11,000 to our community!

We can help them continue their work! Krogh's will donate $1.00 from every draft sold on the Giving Tap during the month of October to the Sparta Elks Lodge #2356, and this money will benefit the work they do for special needs children at Elks Camp Moore!

The recipient of October's Giving Tap is the Sparta Elks Lodge #2356, a non-profit located on the boardwalk at 6 West Shore Trail. Perhaps you are familiar with their made to order breakfasts that they do twice a month on Sundays. They have the best breakfast in town and priced reasonably at $8.00. All proceeds benefit local charities and help...

September 2022
Handcraft: Harley's Helles
Recipient: Sparta Historical Society

The recipient of September's Giving Tap is the Sparta Historical Society, which was founded in 2002 by Marjorie Strohsahl and Ed Fritsch, along with a small group of charter members. The Sparta Historical Society began to provide the Sparta area with educational lectures and seasonal trips to historic sites and as the fledgling group grew, it began to look for an historic property in Sparta to preserve.

In 1996, the Sparta Board of Education purchased the Mohawk Dairy and Van Kirk Homestead to build a middle school. The Van Kirk Homestead had been occupied by the Van Kirk family for over 200 years and it remained after the school’s construction. Even though it was in disrepair, the house and grounds provided an opportunity for the society to fulfill its vision after eleven years of incorporation. The Homestead was initially leased and ultimately purchased in November 2013. Major repairs followed, including a new roof, furnace, and septic system. Work on the Homestead's interior began in May 2014. Working daily, volunteers opened the house to visitors by September of that year. Drop-in visitors noticing activity offered encouragement as well as wonderful treasures tucked away in attics that could fulfill the educational story behind the Homestead, Sparta, and the region. This year the Sparta Historical Society celebrates their 20th anniversary and they invite you to visit and be amazed as there is always something NEW each time you do!

THEIR MISSION
Sparta Historical Society, Inc. preserves our local arts, history and natural sciences while presenting their wonder to the community through diverse museum exhibits and educational programs.

THEIR VISION
To inspire the community to appreciate, support, and participate in preserving our local cultural and natural heritage.

THEIR PURPOSE
Sparta Historical Society, Inc. is a non-profit corporation and shall be operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The specific purposes of the society shall be the following and $1.00 from every draft sold on the Giving Tap during the month of September will aid in continuing and supporting these endeavors:
-To foster an understanding and appreciation of the diverse natural and cultural heritage of Sparta and the surrounding area through educational programs;
-To restore and preserve the Van Kirk Homestead as a Museum and open it for the enjoyment of future generations;
-To encourage public support and maximize community volunteer participation in the preservation of Sparta’s legacy;
-To develop and maintain special collections and diverse exhibitions relevant to historical, artistical, and natural trends and events affecting the region; and
-To selectively accept donations of real or other property, money, and grants for facilitation of the above purposes.

The recipient of September's Giving Tap is the Sparta Historical Society, which was founded in 2002 by Marjorie Strohsahl and Ed Fritsch, along with a small group of charter members. The Sparta Historical Society began to provide the Sparta area with educational lectures and seasonal trips to historic sites and as the fledgling group...

August 2022
Handcraft: Harley's Helles
Recipient: Hayden's House of Healing

The recipient of August's Giving Tap is Hayden's House of Healing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Columbia, NJ. This special place was created to provide a safe, tranquil space for bereaved mothers, fathers, couples and families to heal and connect together.

In 2022, Hayden's House of Healing will host 17 retreats, a time and place for bereaved mothers, fathers, couples and families to share their grief and stories of their deceased child, connect with others, participate in memorial projects and healing activities, and find hope for ways to move forward. The goal is to keep the cost of these retreats as low as possible for all who wish to attend. Donations from the Giving Tap, as well as from other sources, will help to sponsor a retreat and support meals, project supplies, meditation exercises, workshop resources, and all other materials provided throughout the weekend. Krogh's will donate $1.00 from every unit of our Harley's Helles, a straw-colored, light German lager, throughout the month of August to this worthy cause! Bottom's up!

The recipient of August's Giving Tap is Hayden's House of Healing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Columbia, NJ. This special place was created to provide a safe, tranquil space for bereaved mothers, fathers, couples and families to heal and connect together. ...

July 2022
Handcraft: Prohibition Red Ale
Recipient: Lennon's House

The recipient of July's Giving Tap is Lennon's House, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the needs of the mentally challenged in every possible way. Their goal is to create a special needs recreational center, gift shop and house to better this beautiful population.
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The founders' son, Lennon, is the inspiration for this endeavor. He is an 18-year-old young man with a sharp wit, a delightful sense of humor, and a genetic condition called CDK13. Due to his condition, he will never be able to live on his own. Lennon's House will become a home for Lennon throughout his life, and also for others in the special needs community.

The recipient of July's Giving Tap is Lennon's House, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports the needs of the mentally challenged in every possible way. Their goal is to create a special needs recreational center, gift shop and house to better this beautiful population. ...

June 2022
Handcraft: Prohibition Red Ale
Recipient: Chess For Charity

The recipient of June's Giving Tap is Chess For Charity, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in Sparta run by three young brothers, Akshat (18 yo), Ayush (16 yo), Aneesh (14 yo), who simply enjoy the game of chess! Between the three of them, they have over 20 years of experience in playing and they have won various state and national chess championships. To spread their love for the game, they started providing summer camps for kids in 2017, but then COVID hit and they decided to start Chess For Charity when they saw local food banks struggling. Since then, they have been offering 1:1 chess lessons, both virtually and in-person, monthly virtual tournaments, and summer chess camps held in their parents' basement. These tenacious young men have donated over $5,000 to the Sparta food bank, Project Self Sufficiency, WGirls, Wish Upon a Child, Newton/Morristown Hospital Nurses, and an International Rescue Committee for Ukraine Refugee Relief.

Chess For Charity will receive $1.00 from every draft sold on the Giving Tap during the month of June with proceeds going to a cause near and dear to the brothers' hearts. Proceeds from the Giving Tap will be donated to the Department of Neuroscience at Muhlenberg College where local Sparta resident Erin Beebe graduated. Erin was a smart, ambitious, and promising young woman of science and she passed, untimely, at the young age of 26. Erin was also an employee of Krogh's Restaurant & Brew Pub while she attended Sparta High School and we all wish to honor her memory in hope that the younger generation is inspired by Erin, her accomplishments, and her love of science.

The Iyer brothers would like to sweeten the deal and challenge our guests to a game of chess! Who would like to try to beat one of them?! It's $5 to play and if you win, you receive a $10 Krogh's gift card on the spot. If you lose, the $5 goes into the donation pot. There will be a time clock and basic rules will be followed, like picking your choice of black or white, if there is a draw, your money is refunded and the timebox to the game is 15/15 minutes or faster as per chess rules. Games will be played in the dining room during Happy Hour from 3-5:00 pm on June 7, 13, 20, and 27. Anyone who wins will also get their bragging-rights picture circulated on our social media sites, with permission, of course. So come on down and give it a shot!

The recipient of June's Giving Tap is Chess For Charity, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in Sparta run by three young brothers, Akshat (18 yo), Ayush (16 yo), Aneesh (14 yo), who simply enjoy the game of chess! Between the three of them, they have over 20 years of experience in playing and they have won various state and...

May 2022
Handcraft: Sullivan's Irish Stout
Recipient: AmbroPalooza, a music celebration & scholarship fundraiser

Robert Ambrosino was an exceptional high school business teacher, football and softball coach, as well as a successful musician within the North Jersey area. He was a graduate of the University of Delaware playing for the Fightin' Blue Hens football team as an offensive center. He would graduate with a degree in agricultural business. After returning home to Sparta, he coached football and softball for Sparta High School, as well as many youth programs like recreational and Diamonds softball, in which his children were actively involved. At Dover High School, he would also coach the football and softball teams.

Beyond his influence in the classroom and on the field, Rob was known as a local celebrity. He devoted a lot of his time to the popular open mic night hosted at the Lake Mohawk Country Club, as well as many more events there. He also played gigs for many restaurants and parties in Sparta and the neighboring towns surrounding. He would go on to marry his wife Kristina and raise his three children Erika, Lauren, and Robbie. He enjoyed using his love of teaching and instilling his own passions into his kids, as he became their mentor for the many sports and musical programs that his children also learned to enjoy. He touched every person's life in more ways than just the traditional role he was supposed to play. He truly had a way with words and knew exactly how to make others feel special.

On Sunday, September 26th, 2021, Rob returned home to get ready for a gig with one of his bands for an afternoon set. He collapsed in his home, after which his wife Kristina called for emergency assistance. It was later confirmed, after being transferred to 2 different hospitals, that Rob had suffered a brain aneurysm. Before Rob passed away, Kristina made sure that Rob would give any and all working organs towards organ donation. It is reported that Rob has already helped a number of people since his passing.

AmbroPalooza is a music celebration of Robert Ambrosino's life. Rob's gift of bringing people together and making them feel important never went unnoticed. His love of music was infectious no matter if it was for a gig or hosting his successful open mic. The initial goal of AmbroPalooza is to raise funds for future scholarships for young adults wanting to pursue their passions, specifically within the arts or athletic fields. All ticket sales, raffle giveaways, and online donations will go directly into the scholarships created to help those in need.

AmbroPalooza is being held on Saturday, June 11 (rain date June 12) at the Walpack Inn in Layton and it'll feature bands such as Rainbow Full of Sound, Lil Bastad, and Terri Smith Hammer, who will play throughout the course of the day for both a live attended and virtually attended audience across social media platforms. Some of the musicians who will play also have had the pleasure and the honor of playing with Rob. Local vendors and other organizations will help support AmbroPalooza to become a success. Any child who currently attends Sparta High School or Dover High School where Rob taught, will receive free entry. General admission is otherwise $40.00 and tickets are available online.

Robert Ambrosino was an exceptional high school business teacher, football and softball coach, as well as a successful musician within the North Jersey area. He was a graduate of the University of Delaware playing for the Fightin' Blue Hens football team as an offensive center. He would graduate with a degree in agricultural business. After...

April 2022
Handcraft: Sullivan's Irish Stout / Prohibition Red Ale
Recipient: Found In Thyme Farm Sanctuary, Inc.

The recipient of April's Giving Tap is Found in Thyme, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit farm sanctuary that specializes in welcoming disabled, neglected, senior and special needs barnyard animals. Found in Thyme Farm sanctuary was co-founded by Stephanie and Trevor McPherson in 2017 and their mission is to provide every animal placed on their farm with a soft and loving place to land, ensuring that they receive the proper care and treatment that they deserve. Found in Thyme exists to ensure that no animal is denied the quality of life. Found in Thyme is set on several acres of land in Wantage, with the original barn built in the 1850s still standing on the property. Found in Thyme has been rescuing farm animals in need since 2017 from abuse, neglect and abandonment situations and stands on four pillars of the foundation:

Rescuing: Found in Thyme has rescued animals from various situations. Many animal surrenders have come from abandonment, improper knowledge of keeping a farm animal, auction sites and rescuing from abusive petting zoo operations.

Advocacy: With this initiative, our goal is to support the welfare of animals in need. With the support of our dedicated community, it is important to connect with the community about the realities of a farm sanctuary and all of the work that goes into caring for these beloved animals.

Rehabilitation: Animals often arrive at the sanctuary in terrible health, sometimes with life-threatening medical conditions. It is Found in Thyme's mission to provide the best possible care we can. A large majority of our funding goes into vet care and long-term treatments for our animals.

Adoption: The ultimate goal for Found in Thyme is to rehabilitate animals to the point where they can be adopted back out to family farms to live a high quality of life. We do not want to create a petting zoo, but the reality is some animals will have to live out their lives at the sanctuary under special care.

The money raised by the Giving Tap will go directly towards updates and improvements for the animal enclosures. With moving into an older, historic farm, a lot of time and funding has been spent on creating the most natural and safe habitat for our animals. We are constantly improving our fencing and doing everything we can to maximize space so that the animals can be integrated into the most natural surrounding that they are intended to be in. 

The recipient of April's Giving Tap is Found in Thyme, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit farm sanctuary that specializes in welcoming disabled, neglected, senior and special needs barnyard animals. Found in Thyme Farm sanctuary was co-founded by Stephanie and Trevor McPherson in 2017 and their mission is to provide every animal placed on their...

March 2022
Handcraft: Magnify Brewing's No Limit / Toms River Brewing's St. Johns Irish Red / our Jameson Irish Red / Sullivan's Irish Stout
Recipient: The Grateful Shed Food Pantry

The recipient of March's Giving Tap is The Grateful Shed, a non-profit self-serve community food pantry located in Frankford Township, NJ. The Grateful Shed is a dignified place for residents to turn to in their time of hunger and food insecurity, whether it be personal or to help support someone in need. 

This unique food pantry was started by three friends during the first shutdown of Covid19. It began with a simple idea of adding snacks to the school’s vestibule for families when picking up their school lunches. With overwhelming community support, their outreach was soon covering the township and a local regional high school. They quickly realized this was an unchecked need and it has become part of who we are as people and our community. The Grateful Shed now has a forever home at the Frankford Township Municipal Building with self-service for patrons five days a week. 

The Grateful Shed will receive $1.00 from every beer sold on the Giving Tap during the month of March and monies received will help continue to grow their community and service journey! Cheers!

The recipient of March's Giving Tap is The Grateful Shed, a non-profit self-serve community food pantry located in Frankford Township, NJ. The Grateful Shed is a dignified place for residents to turn to in their time of hunger and food insecurity, ...

February 2022
Handcraft: Cassidy's Vienna Lager / Magnify Brewing's No Limit
Recipient: Ridge and Valley Conservancy

Mission: Ridge and Valley Conservancy is an accredited land trust that, in cooperation with strategic partners, permanently protects and stewards land in northwestern New Jersey for the benefit of natural communities. 

Ridge and Valley Conservancy is a local land trust whose focus area is the Ridge and Valley Physiographic Province of New Jersey. This includes a section of the ancient folded mountains commonly known as the Appalachians and the Limestone Valley associated with them. In New Jersey, this Province covers much of Sussex and Warren counties. The Conservancy prioritizes protection of the highly diverse forests growing on the limestone that occurs only in this part of the state, and of connections between preserved lands in our area. 

Turning 30 years old in 2022, Ridge and Valley Conservancy is a membership organization that works with local stakeholders to preserve important open space in northwestern New Jersey. It has an excellent track record in our area, currently responsible for stewarding 2619 acres in Sussex and Warren counties and for preserving many more through a variety of methods such as conservation easements. RVC is transitioning from an all-volunteer land trust by adding key paid staff members. Susi Tilly, a 24-year Warren County resident, assumed the role of Executive Director in 2019, and Lynda Tower, a Sussex County native, has just started as Director of Outreach and Development. Alison Severino serves as Stewardship Coordinator. The organization has just relocated its office to Newton, NJ, after 30 years in Blairstown, and anticipates that immersion in a different part of the region will bring more preservation partners into RVC’s orbit. Ridge and Valley Conservancy hosts programming for landowners interested in conservation and ecological stewardship, and also offers monthly hikes and other workshops. Information about membership and activities is provided on their website.

If you want to learn more, representatives from the organization will be on hand Monday, February 28 from 7:00-9:00 pm in the pub to answer questions!

Mission: Ridge and Valley Conservancy is an accredited land trust that, in cooperation with strategic partners, permanently protects and stewards land in northwestern New Jersey for the benefit of natural communities. ...

January 2022
Handcraft: Cape May Honey Porter / Amy's Amber Lager
Recipient: Girls on the Run New Jersey North

The recipient of January's Giving Tap is Girls on the Run NJ North, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Sparta. Their organization provides a program, which is a physical activity-based youth development after-school program, for girls in 3rd through 8th grade. They teach life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games. They also choose a community service project to complete so they learn that even at a young age, they can have a positive impact on their community. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K running event. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness. They empower girls to reach their full potential, which is reinforced by having the girls set the goal of completing a 5K and achieving it!

Girls face social pressures and conflicting messages about how they should act and who they should be. Studies show that by adolescence, a girl’s confidence drops about twice as much as a boy’s confidence. Friendships become more complicated and challenging. Girls’ perceptions of themselves and their academic ability decline as well. The Girls on the Run programming meets a critical mental health need. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, a nationwide study found that 78% of 5th through 8th-grade girls feel lonelier and more isolated since the pandemic began. Girls on the Run is working to change that. 

Girls on the Run NJ North envisions a world where EVERY girl has confidence, can activate her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams!

Founded in 2011 with 58 girls, they have now grown to serve over 5,600. They never turn a girl away from their program for financial need.  All scholarship requests are granted. Since their inception, they have provided over $155,000 in scholarships. In 2021, they provided $8775 in scholarships benefiting 12% of the girls who participated.

How can you get involved with Girls on the Run? They are looking for financial support, program coaches and 5K volunteers.  Please visit their Instagram @GOTRNJN or Facebook Page: Girls on the Run New Jersey North!

The recipient of January's Giving Tap is Girls on the Run NJ North, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Sparta. Their organization provides a program, which is a physical activity-based youth development after-school program, for girls in 3rd through 8th grade. They teach life skills through dynamic, interactive lessons and running...