Latest in Lawrence, April 16

Lawrence news from three newsletters

Lawrence Together — May 21, 2026 In this episode, we cover news and updates from three Lawrence Township newsletters dated May 19–21, 2026: Latest in Lawrence, News from the Nest, and Lawrence QuickNews. 🏛️ Township News 2026 Memorial Day Grand Marshal: Lawrence Township honors Retired Staff Sergeant James S. Kownacki, whose military service spanned more than two decades. Memorial Day Parade: Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 AM — begins at Lawrence High School parking lot, concludes at Veterans Park. Municipal offices and schools closed: Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day. Trash & recycling schedule changes (Memorial Day week): Service Rescheduled Date | Trash collection  | Saturday, May 23 | Recycling collection  | Saturday, May 30 Municipal address update: The Township is discontinuing P.O. Box 6006. All correspondence and payments should now be sent to: Township of Lawrence 2207 Lawrenceville Road Lawrence Township, NJ 08648 Please update any scheduled payments to reflect this change. 🐾 Health & Community Services Dog licensing reminder: Animal Control is contacting 500+ dog owners with delinquent licenses. Summonses may be issued beginning June. A $9 late fee is in effect; rabies vaccinations must be valid through November 2026. Contact the Clerk's Office with questions. Free pediatric clinic: The Lawrence Health Department offers a free monthly clinic for uninsured children, including a physical exam and immunizations. Call 609-844-7094 for an appointment. Located at 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648. Free COVID-19 test kits: Available at the Lawrence Township Health Department while supplies last, provided by Mercer County. Health Department: 609-844-7089. PSE&G Recycling Program: Free pickup of old refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Rebates available: $150 for fridges/freezers; $50 for A/C units or dehumidifiers picked up at the same time. Appliances must be working and at your PSE&G service address. Some restrictions apply. Medi-Cool Program: Air conditioning units available for qualifying low-income Mercer County seniors and adults with disabilities. Call 609-443-4464 or email for eligibility screening. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program: Provides $40 in electronic benefits for locally grown produce to low-income Mercer County residents age 60+. First-come, first-served. Contact: adrc@mercercounty.org or 609-245-2974. Mental health support (988 Lifeline): If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. 📅 Upcoming Community Events Date Event Time Location | Sat, May 23  | Memorial Day Parade  | 10:00 AM  | Lawrence High School parking lot → Veterans Park | Thu, May 27  | Strategic Planning Session 2 (LTPS)  | 6:00–8:00 PM  | TBD — open to all | Sun, Jun 1  | Student Rep Applications Due (Business & Economic Growth Committee)  | —  | Apply via township website | Sat, Jun 6  | David Brearley Fun Run/Walk (5K)  | 8:30 AM  | Brearley House, 100 Meadow Road | Thu, Jun 11  | Community Lunch with Youth Mental Health Panel  | 12:00 PM  | The Community Well (co-located with Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville) | Tue, Jun 16  | A Night with Jamie Ding  | 6:30 PM  | Lawrence High School Auditorium | Sat, Jun 14  | Lawrence PRIDEfest (2nd Annual)  | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM  | Lawrence High School | Sat, Jun 20  | Phillies vs. Mets Game Night (LMS/LHS PTO)  | 7:15 PM  | Citizens Bank Ballpark | Wed, Jul 22  | Summer Benefit Concert: Sam Lardner & Barcelona  | 7:00 PM  | The Community Well, 2888 Main Street, Lawrenceville 🎟️ Featured Event: A Night with Jamie Ding Lawrence Township resident and Jeopardy! champion Jamie Ding comes to Lawrence High School for a special keynote and Q&A. Jamie finished 5th all-time for consecutive games won (31-game streak) and earned $885,605 in total winnings. Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Time: 6:30–7:30 PM (doors open at 6:15) Location: Lawrence High School Auditorium, 2525 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Note: This is a new date. Even if you previously registered, please register again. 🏫 Lawrence Township Public Schools News Strategic Planning Session 2: Wednesday, May 27, 6:00–8:00 PM. All community members welcome. Baseball championships: The Lawrence High School varsity baseball team won its second consecutive Colonial Valley Conference Tournament Championship, defeating their opponents 3–1 at Trenton Thunder Ballpark. Next stop: the NJSIAA Group 3 Playoffs. Milken Educator Award: Jeanette Capritti of Lawrence Middle School was formally honored at the May 6 New Jersey State Board of Education meeting. Her award, often called the "Oscars of Teaching," was first presented at Lawrence Middle School last October. National History Day nationals: Ten Lawrence High School students have qualified for the national competition at the University of Maryland (week of June 14). Led by advisor Ms. Priscilla Taylor. AAPI Night: Lawrence High School celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month with food, karaoke, henna, and cultural programming. Dare to Dream, Jr.: Lawrence Middle School's spring musical ran May 15–17, performed on a rented outdoor stage due to auditorium renovations. Directed by Ms. Baill. Jazz Night: Jazz bands from Lawrence Intermediate School, Lawrence Middle School, and Lawrence High School performed at a districtwide concert. Lawrence Township Public Schools has been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. Model United Nations: The Lawrence Middle School Model UN team took home awards from the Junior Model UN Academy Conference at Bergen County Academies on May 9. Judge Wilson visit: Honorable Sherry Wilson visited Lawrence High School to speak with the Advocates for Innocence Club and the Social Justice class about the judicial system and the pursuit of justice. Field Day season: Underway across the district. More schools will celebrate in the weeks ahead. Kindergarten registration (2026–2027): Children must be 5 years old on or before October 1, 2026. Proof of residency required. Summer EBT Program: A federal program providing $120 per eligible child for groceries during summer months. Many families are enrolled automatically. Contact Jennifer Mahoney: jmahoney@ltps.org or 609-671-5435. 🎓 Senior Class Highlights (Lawrence High School) Event Date Time Notes | Senior Awards Ceremony  | Thu, May 28  | 7:00 PM  | Awardees arrive by 6:30 PM, Room 403 | Senior Production: Around the World in 80 Days  | Fri, May 29 & Sat, May 30  | 7:00 PM  | $10 at ...

Get Outside, Lawrence: Yard Sales, Cleanups, and Spring Events

Lawrence Together — April 23, 2026 A packed double-issue episode drawing from both the Township's Latest in Lawrence and the Lawrence Township Public Schools QuickNews. This week features a community spotlight on an extraordinary upcoming event, a town-wide yard sale, school celebrations, spring programs, and important municipal updates. ✨ Spotlight: Before the Dream Before the Dream: The Untold Story of Young Martin Luther King, Jr. Presented by Every Child Valued 📅 Wednesday, May 13, 2026 🕡 6:30 PM 📍 Lawrence High School, 2525 Princeton Pike, Lawrence Township 🎟️ Free and open to all — RSVP requested 🔗 link.locallawrence.com/youngking The evening opens with the presentation of the Every Child Valued Award for Service to Mr. Fred Vereen, Jr., honoring more than seventy-five years of dedicated service to the residents of Lawrence Township. The keynote presentation will be delivered by Dr. Lerone A. Martin of Stanford University, director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute. Dr. Martin has deep ties to our community, having earned his Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary and once lived in Lawrence Township. He will share insights from his new book, Young King: The Making of Martin Luther King, Jr., published by HarperCollins in May 2026. The evening also includes a community Q&A session, a reception with free food, and a book signing. 📅 Upcoming Events EventDateTimeLocationShoreline Clean Up at Colonial Lake Park | Saturday, April 25 | 9:00–11:00 AM | Colonial Lake Park Town Wide Yard Sale | Sat–Sun, April 25–26 | 8:00 AM–2:00 PM | Township-wide Lawrence Historical Society: Roots of Baseball in NJ | Sunday, April 26 | 2:00 PM | Lawrence High School Auditorium Shade Tree Advisory Committee Meeting | Monday, April 27 | 7:00 PM | See township website Arm In Arm Mobile Food Pantry | Monday, April 27 | 2:00–4:00 PM | Lawrence Headquarters Branch Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike Lawrence Alcohol and Drug Alliance Meeting | Tuesday, April 28 | 9:00 AM | See township website Environmental Resources and Green Advisory Committee Meeting | Tuesday, April 28 | 7:00 PM | See township website Lawrence Middle School Battle of the Bands | Tuesday, April 28 | 7:00–9:00 PM | Lawrence Middle School Lawrence High School Gospel Choir Spring Concert | Friday, May 1 | 6:00 PM | Lawrence High School Auditorium, 2525 Princeton Pike Lawrence Hopewell Trail 1st Annual 5K and Fun Run | Saturday, May 2 | 9:00 AM | Rosedale Park, Pennington Board of Education Budget Hearing | Wednesday, May 6 | TBD | See district website Before the Dream: The Untold Story of Young Martin Luther King, Jr. | Wednesday, May 13 | 6:30 PM | Lawrence High School, 2525 Princeton Pike Strategic Planning Session (Lawrence Township Public Schools) | Wednesday, May 27 | TBD | See district website Junior Golf Clinic (weekly, Tuesdays) | May 19 – June 16 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Lawrence Veterans Park The College of New Jersey Young Writers Workshop (High School) | Saturday, June 6 | 1:00–4:00 PM | The College of New Jersey Phillies Night Out — Lawrence Middle School/Lawrence High School PTO | Saturday, June 20 | 7:15 PM | Citizens Bank Ballpark Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony | Saturday, May 23 | 10:00 AM | Lawrence Township 🏷️ Town Wide Yard Sale Rain or shine — garage sales across the township this weekend! 📅 Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 🕗 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM 📍 Locations throughout Lawrence Township Visit the Recreation Department website for a map of participating homes. 📢 Township Announcements Municipal Address Change P O Box 6006 is no longer in use. Update all correspondence and scheduled payments to: Township of Lawrence 2207 Lawrenceville Road Lawrence Township, NJ 08648 Sewer Bills Due First-half 2026 sewer bills are due by close of business Monday, April 27. Pay online at the township website or call the Tax Collector. 📞 609-844-7041 🌱 Public Works Mulch Delivery Program (through May 3 or while supplies last) Free delivery to your driveway — Lawrence Township residents only. Maximum 9 yards per household. QuantityPrice3 yards | $33.00 6 yards | $66.00 9 yards | $99.00 Order at the Lawrence Township Ecological Facility (3701 Princeton Pike) or the Department of Public Works (240 Bakers Basin Road). Checks accepted at both; credit cards at the Eco Center only. 📞 609-587-1894 Spring Leaf Collection Throughout April, the Department of Public Works is collecting leaves by zone. Place leaves at the curb, separated from brush, and at least 10 feet from storm drains. 📞 609-587-1894 🎉 Recreation Department Junior Golf Clinic — Grades 1–6, all skill levels welcome. Modified equipment provided for beginners. 📅 Tuesdays, May 19 – June 16 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Lawrence Veterans Park Register through the Recreation Department. Memorial Day Parade — Groups encouraged to march, including veterans, scouts, community organizations, marching bands, and more. 📅 Saturday, May 23 | 10:00 AM 🌐 lawrencetwp.com/departments/recreation ✉️ recreation@lawrencetwp.com [recreation@lawrencetwp.com] 📞 609-844-7067 👴 Senior Center Memoir Writing Class — Free class led by published memoirist and former Slackwood School librarian Kathy Saretzky. 📅 Wednesdays | 2:00–4:00 PM 📍 Lawrence Senior Center, 30 East Darrah Lane 📞 609-844-7048 🏥 Health Department Free COVID-19 Test Kits — Available at the Lawrence Township Health Department while supplies last. 📍 2207 Lawrenceville Road (Municipal Building North Entrance) 🕗 Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM 📞 609-844-7089 Arm In Arm Mobile Food Pantry — Every Monday in 2026, 2:00–4:00 PM 📍 Lawrence Headquarters Branch Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville 🌐 arminarm.org 📞 609-882-9246 🚔 Police Department Administrative Professionals Day — Chief Kevin Reading recognized Cara Parker for her outstanding service as the Chief's secretary since 2024. Put the Phone Away or Pay Campaign — Now in its fourth week. Officers are actively enforcing distracted driving laws. 🌐 NJSafeRoads.com 🏫 Lawrence Township Public Schools Important Dates * April 23–24: Parent-teacher conferences, early dismissal for grades K–8 * May 6: Board of Education Budget Hearing * May 27: Strategic Planning Session (all community members welcome) Kindergarten Registration Now Open Students must be 5 years old on or before October 1, 2026. Proof of residency required. Register at the Lawrence Township Public Schools website. School Highlights This Week Lawrence Intermediate School held its annual Wellness Day, featuring cooking, painting, jewelry making, karate, yoga, music, and outdoor activities. Cardinal Kids celebrated the Week of the Young Child with themed days including Tango Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Fun Friday — with a special visit from Superintendent Dr. Robyn A. Klim. Earth Day was marked across the district with poetry books, Earth Day crowns, and an outdoor environmental scavenger hunt trail at Lawrence Intermediate School. Lawrence Township Public Schools also host...

Latest in Lawrence, April 16

Lawrence Together — Episode Show Notes Latest in Lawrence | April 16, 2026 This episode covers township news, public safety updates, spring programs, upcoming community events, and a featured spotlight on a landmark free event coming to Lawrence High School in May. 🏛️ Township Announcements Planning Board Public Hearing Monday, April 20 at 7:00 PM — Municipal Building, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lower Level Conference Room. The hearing concerns a preliminary investigation of 3641 Lawrenceville Road for potential designation as an Area in Need of Redevelopment. Municipal Mailing Address Update P.O. Box 6006 is being discontinued. Send all correspondence and payments to: Township of Lawrence 2207 Lawrenceville Road Lawrence Township, NJ 08648 Sewer Bills Due First Half 2026 Sewer Bills are due by close of business Monday, April 27 to avoid penalty. Pay online at the Township website. 📞 Tax Collector: 609-844-7041 🚒 Fire Department A Historic Night for the Lawrence Township Fire Department On April 14, career and volunteer firefighters trained together as one unified team for the first time, led by Deputy Chiefs Ray Nagy and Mike Oakley, with hands-on instruction from Lieutenant Todd Lenarski. The training focused on safely operating Ladder Tower 20. 📞 Emergency Management: 609-844-7116 🌿 Public Works Mulch Delivery Program Free delivery to your driveway! For Lawrence Township residents only. Natural ground wood chips, limit 9 yards per household. Quantity Price | 3 yards  | $33.00 | 6 yards  | $66.00 | 9 yards  | $99.00 Running April 8 through May 3, or while supplies last. Order at the Lawrence Township Ecological Facility (3701 Princeton Pike) or the Department of Public Works (240 Bakers Basin Road). Payment by check; credit cards accepted at the Eco Center only. April Special Spring Leaf Collections Leaf collection by zone throughout April. Leaves must be separated from brush and placed at the curb, 10 feet from storm drains. 📞 Public Works: 609-587-1894 🎉 Recreation Department Spring & Summer Programs — Registration Open A variety of programs for youth and adults. Check the Township website for updates. STEM Creators Camp — Lawrence Nature Center For ages 6–12 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM * Week 1: Coding & Circuits — July 6–10 * Week 2: Motion & Machines — August 24–28 Register on CommunityPass or call 609-844-7064. Town Wide Yard Sale April 25 & 26 | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Shop neighbors' garage sales across the township! Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony Saturday, May 23. Register your group to participate. 📞 Recreation Department: 609-844-7067 👩‍🦳 Senior Center Spring Sewing Club — Free! Thursdays, May 7–28 | 12:30 PM | Art Room, 30 East Darrah Lane Led by Marie Tagliaferri. For Lawrence residents age 60+, any skill level. Limited to 6 students. Project: quilted square. Bring your own machine or use one at the center. 📞 Lawrence Senior Center: 609-844-7048 🏥 Health Department Free Pediatric Clinic Monthly clinic for uninsured children. Physical exam and immunizations by a board-certified pediatrician. 📞 609-844-7094 Free COVID-19 Test Kits Available at the Municipal Building North Entrance (2207 Lawrenceville Road), Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM, while supplies last. Pollen Season Reminder Monitor pollen forecasts, take prescribed medications, shower after time outdoors, and keep windows closed during high-pollen days. 📞 Health Department: 609-844-7089 🍎 Mobile Food Pantry — Arm in Arm Every Monday in 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville Remaining April dates: April 20 & 27 🌐 arminarm.org [https://arminarm.org/] 📞 609-882-9246 👮 Police Department Alcohol Awareness Month April is Alcohol Awareness Month. If you or someone you know needs support: * SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 * Alcoholics Anonymous: aa.org [https://www.aa.org/] Put the Phone Away or Pay Campaign — Week 3 Officers are actively patrolling for distracted drivers. Fines range from $200–$400 (first offense) up to $600–$800 plus a possible 90-day license suspension (third offense). 🌐 NJSafeRoads.com [https://www.njsaferoads.com/] 📅 Upcoming Meetings Meeting Date Time | Planning Board  | Monday, April 20  | 7:00 PM | Township Council  | Tuesday, April 21  | 6:30 PM Schedules subject to change. Check the Township website for updates. 📞 Municipal Clerk: 609-844-7001 ⭐ Featured Event Before the Dream: The Untold Story of Young Martin Luther King, Jr. Presented by Every Child Valued 📅 Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | 6:30 PM 📍 Lawrence High School, 2525 Princeton Pike, Lawrence Township A landmark free community evening featuring two special highlights: Honoring Mr. Fred Vereen, Jr. The evening opens with the presentation of the Every Child Valued Award for Service to Mr. Fred Vereen, Jr., recognizing more than 75 years of dedicated service to Lawrence Township residents. Keynote by Dr. Lerone A. Martin Stanford University's Dr. Lerone A. Martin — director of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute and former Lawrence Township resident — shares insights from his new book, Young King: The Making of Martin Luther King, Jr. (HarperCollins, May 2026). The evening also includes a community Q&A, a reception with free food, and a book signing. Admission is FREE. RSVP requested. 🌐 link.locallawrence.com/youngking [https://link.locallawrence.com/youngking] 🗓️ Community Events Calendar Date Event Location | Fri, April 17  | Lawrence Has Talent — 3rd Annual (Lawrence Township Education Foundation)  | Lawrence High School, 2525 Princeton Pike | Sat, April 18  | Discover Mercer Open House, 10:00 AM  | Mercer County Community College West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road | Sat, April 18  | Earth Day Story Time for Ages 2–5, 11:15 AM (Lawrence Historical Society)  | Mercer County Library, Lawrence Branch | Sun, April 19  | Spring Festival — Free, 8:30 AM–4:00 PM (Lawrence Environmental Education Foundation)  | Lawrence Township Nature Center, 481 Drexel Avenue | Sun, April 26  | Baseball History Talk, 2:00 PM (Lawrence Historical Society)  | Lawrence High School Auditorium | Sat, May 2  | 1st Annual Lawrence Hopewell Trail 5K & Fun Run, 9:00 AM  | 422 Federal City Road | Wed, May 13  | Before the Dream (Every Child Valued) — Free, 6:30 PM  | Lawrence High School, 2525 Princeton Pike | Sat, May 23  | Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony, 10:00 AM  | Lawrence Township 🎓 Education & Regional Resources Mercer County Community College — Fall 2026 Registration Now open. Enroll at mccc.edu [https://www.mccc.edu/].

News from the Nest, April 14, 2026

This week's episode covers the latest from Lawrence High School, including upcoming events, senior news, fundraisers, and a few fun spring words to add to your vocabulary. We cover the third annual Lawrence Has Talent competition on April 17th, the Fellowship in Christ club's first-ever Night of Adoration on April 18th, and the National Honor Society Induction Ceremony on April 21st. We also share details on spring parent-teacher conferences, a free Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration in May, Lawrence Pridefest in June, and senior milestones including prom, signing day, scholarship deadlines, and graduation. On the fundraiser front, we highlight Rita's Water Ice Tuesdays, a Playa Bowls dine-out on April 16th, a Chick-Fil-A sale on April 22nd, the National History Day cookie sale on April 24th, weekly baked goods from the Advocates for Innocence club, and Phillies vs. Mets tickets on sale through May 6th. We close with a few spring words from around the world and an inspiring quote from Sydney Smith. Lawrence Together is your community podcast for Lawrence Township, New Jersey.

Latest in Lawrence

The Lawrence Township weekly newsletter for March 12, 2026, provides a comprehensive look at local government updates and community events. Residents are notified of an important change in the municipal mailing address and upcoming deadlines for sewer bill payments. The publication highlights various recreational opportunities, including a summer art camp for youth, an annual egg hunt, and a Memorial Day parade. Health initiatives are prominently featured, such as the availability of free COVID-19 test kits and a mobile food pantry schedule. Additionally, the newsletter promotes historical tours, senior center activities, and hazardous waste collection services. Overall, the source serves as a centralized guide for citizens to stay informed about public meetings and available support resources.