Lawrence Together — April 23, 2026A 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 DreamBefore 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/youngkingThe 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 EventsEventDateTimeLocationShoreline Clean Up at Colonial Lake Park | Saturday, April 25 | 9:00–11:00 AM | Colonial Lake ParkTown Wide Yard Sale | Sat–Sun, April 25–26 | 8:00 AM–2:00 PM | Township-wideLawrence Historical Society: Roots of Baseball in NJ | Sunday, April 26 | 2:00 PM | Lawrence High School AuditoriumShade Tree Advisory Committee Meeting | Monday, April 27 | 7:00 PM | See township websiteArm In Arm Mobile Food Pantry | Monday, April 27 | 2:00–4:00 PM | Lawrence Headquarters Branch Library, 2751 Brunswick PikeLawrence Alcohol and Drug Alliance Meeting | Tuesday, April 28 | 9:00 AM | See township websiteEnvironmental Resources and Green Advisory Committee Meeting | Tuesday, April 28 | 7:00 PM | See township websiteLawrence Middle School Battle of the Bands | Tuesday, April 28 | 7:00–9:00 PM | Lawrence Middle SchoolLawrence High School Gospel Choir Spring Concert | Friday, May 1 | 6:00 PM | Lawrence High School Auditorium, 2525 Princeton PikeLawrence Hopewell Trail 1st Annual 5K and Fun Run | Saturday, May 2 | 9:00 AM | Rosedale Park, PenningtonBoard of Education Budget Hearing | Wednesday, May 6 | TBD | See district websiteBefore the Dream: The Untold Story of Young Martin Luther King, Jr. | Wednesday, May 13 | 6:30 PM | Lawrence High School, 2525 Princeton PikeStrategic Planning Session (Lawrence Township Public Schools) | Wednesday, May 27 | TBD | See district websiteJunior Golf Clinic (weekly, Tuesdays) | May 19 – June 16 | 4:00–5:00 PM | Lawrence Veterans ParkThe College of New Jersey Young Writers Workshop (High School) | Saturday, June 6 | 1:00–4:00 PM | The College of New JerseyPhillies Night Out — Lawrence Middle School/Lawrence High School PTO | Saturday, June 20 | 7:15 PM | Citizens Bank BallparkMemorial Day Parade and Ceremony | Saturday, May 23 | 10:00 AM | Lawrence Township🏷️ Town Wide Yard SaleRain 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 TownshipVisit the Recreation Department website for a map of participating homes.📢 Township AnnouncementsMunicipal 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 08648Sewer 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 WorksMulch 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 | $33.006 yards | $66.009 yards | $99.00Order 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. 📞 609-587-1894Spring 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 DepartmentJunior 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 📞 609-844-7067👴 Senior CenterMemoir 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 DepartmentFree 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 📞 609-844-7089Arm 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 DepartmentAdministrative 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 SchoolsImportant DatesApril 23–24: Parent-teacher conferences, early dismissal for grades K–8May 6: Board of Education Budget HearingMay 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 hosted Take Your Child to Work Day, welcoming staff children for a look inside the world of education.Strategic Planning Session More than 75 community members participated in the district's recent Strategic Planning Session. The next session is May 27 — everyone is welcome, even if you missed the first one.Lawrence Has Talent The Lawrence Township Education Foundation's Lawrence Has Talent fundraiser featured vocal performances, musicians, karate demonstrations, and an art contest open to all ages. Thank you to everyone who performed, attended, and supported.🎵 School Events and FundraisersLawrence Middle School Battle of the Bands 📅 Tuesday, April 28 | 7:00–9:00 PM | Lawrence Middle School 🎟️ $5 admission | All proceeds benefit the Lawrence Middle School Music DepartmentLawrence High School Gospel Choir Spring Concert 2025 Bruce Springsteen Gospel Choir Competition Grand Prize Winners 📅 Friday, May 1 | 6:00 PM | Lawrence High School Auditorium, 2525 Princeton Pike 🎟️ $5 at the doorPhillies Night Out — Lawrence Middle School/Lawrence High School PTO 📅 Saturday, June 20 | 7:15 PM | Citizens Bank Ballpark 🎟️ $70 per ticket (400 section behind home plate) | Tickets limited ⏰ Purchase deadline: May 6📚 Community ProgramsThe College of New Jersey Young Writers Workshop — Free creative writing workshop for high school students, taught by a college instructor. 📅 Saturday, June 6 | 1:00–4:00 PM | The College of New Jersey Limited to the first 25 students to register. Check the Lawrence Township Public Schools website for details.Animal Cartoon Drawing Workshop — For artists ages 6–13. Five-day workshop on drawing cartoon animal characters. Check the Lawrence Township Public Schools website for registration details.Lawrence Hopewell Trail 1st Annual Complete the Loop 5K and Fun Run 📅 Saturday, May 2 | 9:00 AM | Rosedale Park, Pennington Open to runners, walkers, and families of all ages. Proceeds support completion of the trail's 20-mile loop. 🌐 runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Pennington/LHT5K🏛️ Boards and CommitteesMeeting schedules are subject to change. Check the township website for updates. 📞 Municipal Clerk: 609-844-7001🌍 Community ResourcesMercer 250 — A new website highlighting Mercer County's role in the American Revolution, with a guide to historical sites and events ahead of the 250th anniversary of American independence.Mercer County Community College — Fall 2026 semester registration is now open.Mercer County Food Finder — Connects residents with 100-plus food pantries, youth meals, and grab-and-go options nearby.NJ Disability Information Hub — Programs, services, and resources for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.Crisis Support — If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor, available 24/7.Lawrence Together is a community podcast serving the residents of Lawrence Township, New Jersey. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Lawrence Together — Episode Show NotesLatest in Lawrence | April 16, 2026This 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 AnnouncementsPlanning 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 08648Sewer 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 DepartmentA 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 WorksMulch 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  | $99.00Running 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 DepartmentSpring & 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 PMWeek 1: Coding & Circuits — July 6–10Week 2: Motion & Machines — August 24–28Register 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 CenterSpring 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 DepartmentFree Pediatric Clinic Monthly clinic for uninsured children. Physical exam and immunizations by a board-certified pediatrician. 📞 609-844-7094Free 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 ArmEvery Monday in 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM Lawrence Headquarters Branch, Mercer County Library System 2751 Brunswick Pike, LawrencevilleRemaining April dates: April 20 & 27🌐 arminarm.org 📞 609-882-9246👮 Police DepartmentAlcohol Awareness Month April is Alcohol Awareness Month. If you or someone you know needs support:SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357Alcoholics Anonymous: aa.orgPut 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📅 Upcoming MeetingsMeeting Date Time | Planning Board  | Monday, April 20  | 7:00 PM | Township Council  | Tuesday, April 21  | 6:30 PMSchedules subject to change. Check the Township website for updates. 📞 Municipal Clerk: 609-844-7001⭐ Featured EventBefore 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 TownshipA 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🗓️ Community Events CalendarDate 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 ResourcesMercer County Community College — Fall 2026 Registration Now open. Enroll at mccc.edu.Mercer 250 A new website exploring Mercer County's role in the American Revolution, with a guide to historical sites and events as the county prepares for the 250th Anniversary of American Independence.Mercer County Food Finder Find free meals, groceries, and food pantries near you at mercercounty.org.NJ Disability Information Hub New statewide resource for programs, services, and support for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers.NJ Crisis Line Struggling with thoughts of suicide or a mental health or substance use crisis? Call or text 988.🙋 Volunteer OpportunitiesLawrence Historical SocietyMeals on WheelsLawrence Township Community Foundation📬 Township ContactTownship of Lawrence 2207 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648 🌐 lawrencetwp.comFollow Lawrence Township on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Follow the Lawrence Township Police Department and Recreation Department on Facebook.

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.

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.

The provided text is a weekly community newsletter from March 2026 detailing municipal updates and public services for Lawrence Township. It announces a change in the official mailing address for the local government and highlights the Health Department’s recent state honors. Residents are encouraged to participate in various seasonal recreation programs, including an annual egg hunt, adult fitness classes, and youth sports leagues. The document also promotes upcoming civic events like a Memorial Day parade, "Coffee with a Cop," and local historical tours. Furthermore, it serves as a resource guide by providing information on utility assistance, mental health support, and hazardous waste collection. Overall, the newsletter functions as a comprehensive guide to local engagement and essential township operations.