Latest in Lawrence, April 16

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.