Lawrence Together is an AI-automated podcast that blends essential news from The Township of Lawrence, Lawrence Schools, The Lawrence Business Community, and other key organizations around town into one friendly briefing. This is a free service that aims to make it easier to get your local news, without getting it in your inbox. It can make pronunciation mistakes from time to time. For that, we apologize in advance. But, hey, it's free, and we hope this is helpful. If you like it, subscribe!

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#43

Tax Bills, Trail Rides, and Comfort Pillows

Producer's Notes Ramp closure and dog licensing items reference start dates (June) that predate this edition; included as published in the source newsletter. "FOP" expanded to "Fraternal Order of Police" โ€” not spelled out in source. Source discrepancy: body text lists "2207 Lawrence Road," footer lists "2207 Lawrenceville Road." Script uses "2207 Lawrence Road." Omitted from audio (link-only, no descriptive detail): Mobile Food Pantry schedule, Operation Blue Angel registration, LTPD LinkedIn, NJ Disability Information Hub, Mercer County Cooling Centers, Mercer County Food Finder, individual volunteer opportunity links. ๐Ÿšง Township News Ramp Closure: I-295 southbound, Exit 69B to Rt 206 southbound, closed/detoured for noise barrier installation (Lawrence, Mercer County); right lane closure near Exit 69B also planned. Details Municipal Address Update: PO Box 6006 discontinued. Mail correspondence, including payments, to: Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648. Details ๐Ÿ’ฐ Tax Collector ItemDetail3rd Quarter 2026 Taxes | Bills mailed August 6th; due date extended Last day to pay without penalty | Tuesday, September 8, close of business Late payment interest | Accrues back to August 1st Contact | 609-844-7041 ยท website ๐Ÿƒ Recreation Department Fall & Winter programs open for registration โ€” Learn more Hiring: full-time Recreation Leader โ€” applications close 9/4 โ€” Apply Adult Volleyball League: Tuesdays, 10/13โ€“5/4, Lawrence Intermediate School Gym, 6:30โ€“8:30 PM โ€” Register Youth Basketball: multiple grade divisions, Saturdays beginning December 5; High School League begins December 12 โ€” Register ยท Volunteer Senior Center: September Calendar ยท Senior Connect ยท call 609-844-7048 to register Material Donations Needed: fabric/sewing supplies for "Create to Donate" comfort pillow program, drop off at Senior Center, 30 E Darrah Lane, 609-844-7048 Contact: 609-844-7067 ๐Ÿฉบ Health Department Mobile Food Pantry โ€” Schedule Nursing services (vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, community resource assistance): 609-844-7094 Dog Licensing: 500+ delinquent owners contacted; summonses possible; $9 late fee; rabies vaccination valid through November 2026 โ€” Application ยท Questions Free at-home COVID-19 test kits available while supplies last โ€” Details Contact: 609-844-7089 ยท website ๐Ÿš“ Police Department FOP Lodge 209 Golf Outing: October 21, Mercer Oaks West, West Windsor NJ, $180/golfer, registration deadline September 21, includes 18 holes/1PM shotgun start, meals, open bar, raffle โ€” Register (email) Hiring: Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicators (dispatchers) โ€” Submit Resume Operation Blue Angel โ€” Details & Registration LTPD LinkedIn ๐Ÿ“… Boards & Committees MeetingDateTimeRecreation Advisory Committee | Thursday, Sept 3 | 6:30 PM Health Advisory Board | Tuesday, Sept 8 | 5:15 PM Public Safety Committee | Tuesday, Sept 8 | 6:30 PM Business & Economic Growth Committee | Tuesday, Sept 8 | 7:00 PM Senior Executive Committee | Wednesday, Sept 9 | 9:30 AM Schedule subject to change for reorganization; check the township website for updates. Municipal Clerk: 609-844-7001. ๐ŸŒณ Community Resources Environmental Education Foundation: Sept 6 Sound Bath for Relaxation, Sept 9 National Trail Mix Day, Sept 18 Sound Bath for Relaxation โ€” Register Historical Society Canal House Challenge: Sunday, Sept 13, 10 AMโ€“4 PM, multiple locations โ€” Details MCLS Comic Book Workshop with Mike Dawson: Saturday, Sept 26, 10 AMโ€“3 PM, Lawrence Headquarters Branch, ages 8+ โ€” Register Lawrence Hopewell Trail Full Moon Ride & Walk: Saturday, Sept 26, check-in 7 PM, begins 7:30 PM, Rosedale Park โ€” Register Electronics Recycling Drop Off: Wednesdays, 7:30โ€“11:45 AM & 12:30โ€“2:30 PM, Joseph H. Mayer Jr. Ecological Center, 3701 Princeton Pike (proof of residency required) Mortgage Assistance (ERMA): COVID-19 hardship relief for eligible homeowners โ€” Details Mercer County Cooling Centers โ€” Details Mercer County Food Finder โ€” Find food NJ Disability Information Hub โ€” Details Crisis Support: Call/text 988 for mental health/substance use crisis support โ€” 988 Lifeline Volunteer Opportunities: Lawrence Historical Society ยท Meals on Wheels ยท Lawrence Township Community Foundation
#42

Fall Programs, Tax Deadlines, and a New School Resource Officer

๐Ÿ“‹ Producer's Notes Ramp closure (Interstate 295 / Route 206): Newsletter states this began June 4th and runs "through August." Given the episode covers content dated August 27th, this closure may end or already have ended by air time โ€” verify current status before publishing if possible. MCLS native plant garden event (Saturday, August 29th): Very near-term; confirm this airs before the event date or adjust framing. Dog licensing enforcement: Newsletter notes summonses "may be issued" beginning in June โ€” already in effect as of this newsletter's date, not a future date. Omitted, link-only items (no descriptive body text in source): "Schedule for Safety" (Health Dept. CVS vaccine scheduling), "LTPD LinkedIn" follow link, and "Operation Blue Angel" (Police Dept.) were excluded from the audio script per convention, since they contained no substantive text to read aloud. Links preserved below for reference. All content sourced exclusively from Latest in Lawrence, dated August 27th, 2026. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Township Announcements Bulk Waste Collection โ€” Friday, August 28th. Three items max, 50 lbs. each. Contact Public Works to schedule. Details Ramp Closure โ€” I-295 southbound (Exit 69B to Rt. 206 southbound), closed/detoured June 4โ€“August for noise barrier installation. Details Municipal Address Update โ€” P.O. Box 6006 discontinued. New mailing address: Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648. Details ๐Ÿ’ฐ Tax Collector Item Detail | Quarterย  | 3rd Quarter 2026 | Bills mailedย  | August 6, 2026 | Due dateย  | Tuesday, September 8, 2026 (close of business, no grace period) | Late interestย  | Backdated to August 1, 2026 | Contactย  | (609) 844-7041 ๐ŸŽพ Recreation Department Fall & Winter programs open โ€” Learn more Hiring: Full-time Recreation Leader โ€” Apply Junior Wrestling โ€” Mon/Tue/Thu, 6:00โ€“8:00 PM, Lawrence Middle School, starts mid-November. Register Fall Tennis Lessons โ€” Tuesdays, Sept 15โ€“Oct 27, Lawrence Central Park. Register Senior Center โ€” September Calendar | Senior Connect | (609) 844-7048 Material Donations Needed โ€” Create to Donate program, fabric/sewing supplies for comfort pillows. Drop off at 30 E. Darrah Lane. (609) 844-7048 Contact: Recreation Dept. โ€” (609) 844-7067 ๐Ÿฅ Health Department Dog Licensing โ€” 500+ delinquent accounts contacted; summonses may issue. $9 late fee in effect; rabies vaccinations must be valid through November 2026. Application | Clerk's Office: (609) 844-7000 Free COVID-19 Test Kits โ€” Available while supplies last. Details Nursing Services โ€” Vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, community resource assistance. Contact: Health Dept. โ€” (609) 844-7089 ๐Ÿ‘ฎ Police Department Full-Time School Resource Officers โ€” Second full-time LTPD officer added to LMS/LHS campus, effective September 1st, tied to the $98M bond referendum. FOP Lodge 209 Golf Outing โ€” October 21st, Mercer Oaks West, West Windsor, NJ. $180/golfer, registration deadline September 21st. Register Hiring: Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicators (dispatchers). Submit Resume (Omitted โ€” link only: LTPD LinkedIn, Operation Blue Angel) ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Boards & Committee Meetings Committee Date Time | Trails, Open Space & Stewardship Advisory Committeeย  | Wednesday, September 2ย  | 7:30 PM | Recreation Advisory Committeeย  | Thursday, September 3ย  | 6:30 PM Schedule subject to change for reorganization โ€” check the township website for updates. ๐ŸŒณ Community Events & Resources MCLS Native Plant Garden Anniversary โ€” Saturday, August 29, 2:00โ€“3:30 PM, Lawrence Headquarters Branch. Register Lawrence Township Environmental Education Foundation โ€” Sound Bath for Relaxation (Sept 6 & 18), National Trail Mix Day (Sept 9). Register Canal House Challenge (Lawrence Historical Society) โ€” Sunday, September 13, 10 AMโ€“4 PM, multiple locations. Details Lawrence Hopewell Trail โ€” Collecting used children's bikes for Spokes & Skills youth cycling program. Contact Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) โ€” Details Mercer County Cooling Centers โ€” Details Mercer County Food Finder โ€” Find Food NJ Disability Information Hub โ€” Details Crisis Support โ€” Call/text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Details Volunteer Opportunities โ€” Lawrence Historical Society | Meals on Wheels | Lawrence Township Community Foundation ๐Ÿ“ง Newsletter contact: newsletter@lawrencetwp.com ๐ŸŒ lawrencetwp.com
#41

Back to the Nest: Lawrence High School Gears Up for a New Year

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Producer's Notes Freshman Orientation and one Senior Parking Meeting fall on August 25th, the same date as this newsletter; check current dates before relying on them. Several items below are link-only in the source newsletter (no body text to summarize): Student Handbook, Weapons Detection, E-Bikes/E-Scooters, Rideshare policy, district and rotation calendars, fall sports scheduler letter, GoFan ticketing, clubs list, and PTO donation/fundraiser links. "LTEF," "PTO," and "ESY" are not spelled out in the source newsletter; expansions were not assumed. Detailed tables (bell schedules, counselor chart, rotation calendar) are summarized rather than reproduced in full; see links for complete versions. ๐Ÿ“Œ Key Dates This Edition DateEventMon, Aug 24 | Schedules & bus passes viewable in Genesis Tue, Aug 25 | Freshman Orientation; Senior Parking Meeting (Option 1, 3:00 p.m.) Thu, Aug 27 | Senior Parking Meeting (Option 2, 3:00 p.m.) Tue, Sep 1 & Wed, Sep 2 | Modified schedule (full days) Thu, Sep 3 | Regular daily schedule begins Fri, Sep 5 | LTEF Fun Run, Village Park Tue, Sep 8 | Welcome to the Neighborhood, 6:30โ€“8:00 p.m., LHS Wed, Sep 17 | Dine to Donate, Jersey Mike's (Lawrence Shopping Center) Thu, Sep 18 | Clubs & Activities Fair (fall picnic) Mon, Sep 22 | Senior Portraits, 2nd Session Wed, Sep 24 | Back-to-School Night, 7:00 p.m. Tue, Sep 29 | Underclassmen Picture Days (Grades 9โ€“11) Fri, Oct 2 | Homecoming Football Game Sat, Oct 3 | Homecoming Dance Sat, Oct 24 | Laps for a Cause, LHS track, 11 a.m.โ€“2 p.m. Sun, Oct 25 | Halloween Run/Walk/Dash, Princeton (HomeFront) ๐Ÿ“ฑ New This Year: "Away for the Day" Device Policy New Jersey's statewide bell-to-bell device law takes full effect for 2026โ€“2027. Personal devices (phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds) must be off and out of sight from first bell to dismissal. Parents should contact the school office to reach a student during the day. ๐ŸšŒ Schedules, Buses & Attendance Schedules/bus passes: viewable in Genesis starting August 24th Attendance can be reported directly in Genesis (Attendance โ†’ Notify our Office) Technical school transportation: AM session reports to Door 27 by 7:25 a.m.; PM session/Mercer County Community College bus departs 11:00 a.m. ๐ŸŽ’ School Supplies (suggested, not required) Backpack, folders/binders/dividers, writing utensils, sticky notes or index cards. ๐Ÿ‘‹ Community & Events Welcome to the Neighborhood: family event with free kids' karate/art class โ€” [registration link] Clubs & Activities Fair: September 18th fall picnic Back-to-School Night: September 24th, 7:00 p.m. ๐Ÿ”— Policy & Reference Links [2026-2027 Student Handbook] ยท [Weapons Detection at School Events] ยท [E-Bikes/E-Scooters] ยท [Early Dismissal/Rideshare Services] ยท [District Calendar] ยท [LHS Rotation Calendar] ยท [Dining Services / Nutrislice] ยท [Counselor Appointments] ๐Ÿˆ Athletics New team scheduler app (letter linked) and online ticketing via GoFan for 2026โ€“2027. ๐Ÿ’› Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) One-time donation option available; Dine to Donate at Jersey Mike's (Sept 17); bulb sale fundraiser via Give and Garden. Contact: lmslhspto@gmail.com. ๐Ÿƒ Fundraisers LTEF Fun Run โ€” Sept 5, Village Park Laps for a Cause โ€” Oct 24, LHS track (breast cancer research) Halloween Run/Walk/Dash โ€” Oct 25, Princeton, benefiting HomeFront ($40 5K / $25 1-mile / $10 preschooler dash; prices rise after Oct 17) โญ Brag Bag Recognition for staff who kept the building running over the summer. Nominate someone great: kroche@ltps.org ๐Ÿ“ฌ Stay Connected Email: kroche@ltps.org | Website: www.ltps.org/LHS | Phone: 609-671-5510 | Facebook: LHSCardinalsNJ | Instagram: @cards_lhs | Twitter: @cardinalslhs
#40

Full Moon Rides, Firefighters Train Together, Book Festivals ... This Week in Lawrence

๐ŸŽ™๏ธ Producer's Notes Two items had links but no descriptive body text in the source and were omitted from the audio script: "Schedule for Safety" (CVS scheduling link) and "Mobile Food Pantry." Same for "Operation Blue Angel" and the LTPD LinkedIn item under Police, which were link-only. Several items are dated "today," August 20th: the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting (canceled), the Election Board Worker Recruitment Day Celebration, and the Lawrence Historical Society walking tour. If this episode publishes after August 20th, these will be past events. The "Township Quick Links" resource list and general social media links were not read aloud but are included below for reference. Volunteer opportunity links (Lawrence Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, Lawrence Township Community Foundation) had no descriptive text in the source beyond the organization names. ๐Ÿ“‹ Township Announcements Bulk Waste Collection โ€” Friday, August 28th. Three items max, fifty pounds each. Contact Public Works for an appointment. Details Ramp Closure โ€” I-295 southbound, Exit 69B to Route 206 southbound, closed through August for a noise barrier project. Details Municipal Address Update โ€” PO Box 6006 discontinued. New mailing address: Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648. Details ๐Ÿ’ฐ Tax Collector ItemDetail3rd Quarter Bills | Mailed August 6th, extended due date Deadline | Tuesday, September 8th, close of business, no grace period Late Payment | Interest charged back to August 1st Contact | 609-844-7041 ๐Ÿš’ Emergency Management Lawrence Township Fire Department (Station 20) and West Windsor Fire Department held a joint training drill August 18th at Mercer County Lake, led by Deputy Fire Chief Ray Nagy. Contact: 609-844-7116. ๐Ÿƒ Recreation Department Fall & Winter programs open for registration. Learn more Hiring: full-time Recreation Leader. Apply Junior Wrestling: Lawrence Middle School, Mon/Tue/Thu, 6:00โ€“8:00 PM, begins mid-November. Register Adult Walking Program: Mondays 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 9:00โ€“9:45 AM. Starts at Village Park (Yeger Pavilion). Register Senior Center: August Calendar | Senior Connect | 609-844-7048 Contact: 609-844-7067 ๐Ÿฅ Health Department Nursing services (vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, resource assistance): 609-844-7094 Dog Licensing: Animal Control contacting 500+ delinquent owners; summonses possible starting June; $9 late fee; rabies vaccination must be valid through November 2026. Application Free at-home COVID-19 test kits, while supplies last. Details Contact: 609-844-7089 ๐Ÿ‘ฎ Police Department Thanks to Elwood Dasher (Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder Coordinator, Arrive Together Liaison) for supporting Operation Helping Hand and the Arrive Together program at TASK Trenton. Officer Na'Air Campbell partnered with Home Instead (Sabrina Schaller); earlier gave a fraud-awareness presentation to Home Instead clients. Hiring: Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicators. Submit resume ๐Ÿ—“๏ธ Boards & Committees MeetingDateTimeDiversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (CANCELED) | Thursday, August 20 | 6:30 PM Shade Tree Advisory Committee | Monday, August 24 | 7:00 PM Lawrence Alcohol and Drug Alliance | Tuesday, August 25 | 9:00 AM Environmental Resources & Green Advisory Committee | Tuesday, August 25 | 7:00 PM Schedule subject to change for reorganization. Municipal Clerk: 609-844-7001. Meeting info ๐ŸŽ‰ Community Events EventDate/TimeLocationElection Board Worker Recruitment Day | Thu, Aug 20, 5:00 PM | Mercer County Office Park, 1440 Parkside Ave, Ewing Lawrence Historical Society Village Walking Tour | Thu, Aug 20, 5:45โ€“6:15 PM | Weeden Park Sound Bath for Relaxation | Aug 21 | LTEEF Yoga in Nature / Plant Swap | Aug 22 | LTEEF Vigil of American Revolution Remembrance | Aug 26 | LTEEF Sound Bath for Relaxation | Sep 6 | LTEEF National Trail Mix Day | Sep 9 | LTEEF Sound Bath for Relaxation | Sep 18 | LTEEF MCLS Book Festival | Sat, Sep 26, 10 AMโ€“3 PM | Lawrence Headquarters Branch Full Moon Ride & Walk | Sat, Sep 26, 6:45 PM | Rosedale Park LTEEF = Lawrence Township Environmental Education Foundation. LTEEF Events | Book Festival Calendar | Full Moon Registration Lawrence Hopewell Trail is collecting used children's bikes for its Spokes & Skills program. Contact: claire@lhtrail.org ๐Ÿค Community Resources Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA): Details Mercer County Cooling Centers: Details Mercer County Food Finder: Find food NJ Disability Information Hub: Details Mental health/substance use crisis: Call or text 988. 988lifeline.org Volunteer: Lawrence Historical Society | Meals on Wheels | Lawrence Township Community Foundation ๐Ÿ“ž Quick Contact Reference DepartmentPhoneTax Collector | 609-844-7041 Emergency Management | 609-844-7116 Recreation Department | 609-844-7067 Senior Center | 609-844-7048 Health Department | 609-844-7089 Municipal Clerk | 609-844-7001 Source: Latest in Lawrence, August 20, 2026 | Township Website
#39

Grants, Meetings, Taxes, Tours, and a Blood Drive: This Week in Lawrence

Producer's Notes: Sourced directly from the newsletter link (no PDF needed) โ€” this ActiveCampaign link fetched cleanly. Omitted from the script (link-only or header-only, no body text): "Schedule for Safety," "Mobile Food Pantry," LTPD LinkedIn, Operation Blue Angel, the general social media follow buttons, and the Township Quick Links list. All are preserved below for reference. The I-295 ramp closure item states it began "beginning June 4th," but appears in this August 13th newsletter with no updated end date โ€” flagging this discrepancy in case it's stale content carried over from an earlier issue. Content includes a mental health crisis resource (988) sourced directly from the newsletter; kept as-is since it's a standard, family-friendly public service listing. ๐Ÿ“ข Township Announcements $2 Million Grant for the Lawrence Neighborhood Center, secured by State Senator Shirley Turner, for repairs and code compliance. Ramp Closure: I-295 southbound, Exit 69B to Route 206 southbound, closed/detoured through August for a noise barrier project. (See date discrepancy note above.) New Mailing Address: PO Box 6006 discontinued. Mail correspondence and payments to Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648. ๐Ÿ’ฐ Tax Collector ItemDetailBills mailed | August 6, 2026 Payment deadline (no penalty) | Tuesday, September 8, close of business Late interest applies from | August 1, 2026 Contact | 609-844-7041 ๐Ÿƒ Recreation Department Fall & Winter programs open for registration โ€” check back weekly. Lawrence Lightning Swim Team registration open; new swimmer evaluations late September (TBD). Adult Walking Program: Mondays 9/28, 10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 9:00โ€“9:45 AM, starting at Village Park (Yeger Pavilion). Senior Center: August calendar & Senior Connect available online. Call 609-844-7048 to register. General Recreation contact: 609-844-7067. ๐Ÿฅ Health Department Nursing services (vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, community resource assistance): 609-844-7094. Dog Licensing: 500+ delinquent-license owners being contacted; summonses possible starting June; $9 late fee in effect; rabies vaccinations must be valid through November 2026. Contact Clerk's Office with questions. Free at-home COVID-19 test kits available while supplies last. General Health Dept. contact: 609-844-7089. ๐Ÿš“ Police Department EventDateTimeLocationBlood Drive (with American Red Cross) | Wed, August 19 | 2:00โ€“9:00 PM | 2211 Lawrence Road Now hiring: Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicators (dispatchers). Resumes: LawrencePolice@LawrenceTwp.com. ๐Ÿ—ณ๏ธ Boards & Committees DayMeetingTimeStatusMon, Aug 17 | Planning Board | 7:00 PM | Canceled Tue, Aug 18 | Township Council | 6:00 PM | Meeting as scheduled Wed, Aug 19 | Zoning Board | 7:00 PM | Canceled Thu, Aug 20 | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee | 6:30 PM | Canceled Schedule subject to change for reorganization โ€” check the township website. ๐ŸŒณ Community Resources & Events EventDateTimeLocationBrearley House Tour (Lawrence Historical Society) | Sun, Aug 16 | 2:15 PM | 100 Meadow Road Election Board Worker Recruitment Day | Thu, Aug 20 | 5:00 PM | Mercer County Office Park, 1440 Parkside Ave, Ewing Full Moon Ride & Walk | Sat, Sep 26 | 6:45 PM | Rosedale Park Bike donations needed for Spokes & Skills youth cycling program: claire@lhtrail.org ERMA (Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance): help for eligible homeowners with COVID-related financial hardship. Mercer County Cooling Centers list (updated during heat waves). Mercer County Food Finder: 100+ food pantries, youth meals, grab-and-go options. Mercer County Library System events calendar (Lawrence Branch). NJ Disability Information Hub (new statewide resource site). Crisis support: Call or text 988 for mental health/substance use support. Volunteer opportunities: Lawrence Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, Lawrence Township Community Foundation.