Lawrence Together

🎙️ Producer’s Notes
Script correction needed. In the Quick News segment, I scripted the Girls on the Run season as running “September twenty fourth through November sixth.” The source says it runs September 24 through November 16. Please change “November sixth” to “November sixteenth” before rendering in ElevenLabs.
Length. The script is longer than the 3 to 10 minute target, probably around 14 minutes. I said it was near ten minutes, and that was too optimistic. I can cut it down if you’d like.
Time-sensitive items (episode is dated October 15, 2026). These may have passed by publication:
  • Municipal offices closed Monday, October 12, and the October 12 to 14 committee meetings (in the script only as background; the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee meeting on October 15 was included).
  • Halloween House Decorating Contest registration closes today, October 15, at noon. It is in the script and may be closed before listeners hear it.
  • Lawrence Historical Society lecture is tonight, October 15, at 7:00 p.m.
  • Tri-M Coffee House and The Dog Spot fundraiser are October 16. The LTEEF Sound Bath is also October 16.
  • Passed and not scripted: LHS PTO meeting (Oct 13), early dismissal (Oct 14), powderpuff forms deadline (Oct 14), Trail Clean Up (Oct 10), and Mobile Food Pantry dates of Oct 5 and 12.
Discrepancies.
  • The Township address appears as both “2207 Lawrence Road” and “2207 Lawrenceville Road” in the source. I followed the body text: Lawrence Road.
  • News from the Nest lists the second conference day as “November 24, 2025.” I treated it as a typo for 2026.
  • The sewer bill item says bills were mailed the week of September 14. I left that out as stale and kept only the October 26 due date.
Acronyms expanded by Claude (please verify).
  • PDS expanded to Princeton Day School.
  • PSAT expanded to Preliminary SAT.
  • FAFSA expanded to Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
  • CSS Profile expanded to College Scholarship Service Profile.
  • LMS/LHS PTO expanded to Lawrence Middle School and Lawrence High School Parent Teacher Organization.
  • NJEA expanded to New Jersey Education Association.
  • STEM expanded to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.
  • Ptl. expanded to Patrolman.
  • Tri-M was left as “Tri M” because the source does not expand it.
Omitted from the script for content. “NJ is Here to Help” (988 crisis line) is not suited to a family audience. It is listed below with the other omitted items.
Omitted for space or because they are link-only. These are preserved in the notes below so no information is lost.
Quick News source. The file was a partial Gmail screenshot, and the date comes from the file name. The Brew a Potion Day end time and street address were cut off. The Healthy Kids Running Series dates and prices appear only in the flyer image, so they are included below as image-sourced.
🏛️ Segment 1: Latest in Lawrence (October 8, 2026)
📬 Municipal Address Change
The Township is discontinuing P.O. Box 6006. All correspondence and payments should go to Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648. Update any scheduled payments.
🎨 New Arts Commission
Township Council created an Arts Commission to advise on arts and culture. Applications are open for those who want to serve.
💧 Sewer Bill Due
The second half 2026 sewer payment is due to the Tax Collector by close of business Monday, October 26, to avoid a penalty. Tax Collector: 609-844-7041.
🐾 Health Department
ItemDetailsFree drive-through rabies clinic | Sat, Oct 24, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m., Municipal Building, 2207 Lawrence Road. Dogs and cats over 7 months. Pre-registration required, no walk-ins, one registration per pet. Registration closes Mon, Oct 19, 4:30 p.m.
Free at-home COVID-19 test kits | Municipal Building north entrance, Mon to Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., while supplies last
Nursing services | Vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, community resource assistance for homebound residents in the highlighted rural area. Call 609-844-7094
Health Department main line: 609-844-7089.
🎃 Halloween and Fall Fun
EventDate and timeLocationNotesTrunk or Treat | Thu, Oct 22, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. | Lawrence High School parking lot | Rain or shine. Trunk setup: contact Ptl. Campbell and bring treats
Halloween House Decorating Contest | Registration closes Oct 15, noon. Judging Oct 16 to 29. Winners Oct 30 | Online sign-up | Lawrence Township residents only
Trail and Treat Bike Ride (Lawrence Hopewell Trail) | Sun, Oct 25, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. | Village Park, Yeger Pavilion | Children 12 and under. Half mile loop for 6 and under, one mile for ages 6 to 12. Face painting, games, music
Sound Bath for Relaxation (LTEEF) | Fri, Oct 16 | See Township newsletter | Environmental Education Foundation event
🏀 Recreation Department
Youth basketball: first/second grade clinics, girls and boys divisions for grades 3 to 8, and a high school league. Evaluations are Nov 9 and 12. Saturday games begin Dec 5, and the high school league begins Dec 12. Volunteer coaches are needed. Fall and winter programs are open for registration. Recreation Department: 609-844-7067.
🎄 Senior Center Trip: Christmas at the Playhouse
Friday, December 4, 2026, at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse. $70 for Lawrence Township seniors (includes transportation, meal, and show). Payment due November 6 by check payable to Lawrence TWP Senior Center. Arrive 9:15 a.m. at Slackwood Fire House, 21 Slack Avenue, Lawrenceville. Bus leaves 9:30 a.m. Register at 609-844-7048.
🗓️ Meetings and Community Events
EventDate and timeLocationDiversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee | Thu, Oct 15, 6:30 p.m. | See Township website
Lawrence Historical Society: 21st Annual Mary Tanner Lecture, “Jersey Women During the Revolution” (Roger S. Williams) | Thu, Oct 15, 7:00 p.m. | Lawrence High School Auditorium. Free, registration requested
Mobile Food Pantry (Arm In Arm) | Mondays, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. (Oct 19 and 26 remaining) | Lawrence Headquarters Branch library, 2751 Brunswick Pike. Info: 609-882-9246
Electronics recycling drop-off | Wednesdays, 7:30 to 11:45 a.m. and 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Joseph H. Mayer Jr. Ecological Center, 3701 Princeton Pike. Proof of residency required
Municipal Clerk: 609-844-7001.
🗳️ Election Board Workers Needed
General Election is Tuesday, November 3. Requirements: registered Mercer County voter or student age 16 to 17, complete an application, attend training. Full-day shift pays $300. Bilingual workers especially needed. Mercer County Board of Elections: 609-989-6522.
📋 Items Not in the Script
  • Per Diem Public Safety Telecommunicator (dispatcher) openings at the Lawrence Township Police Department. Pay listed as $25.91 per hour. Email resume to LawrencePolice@LawrenceTwp.com.
  • Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program details (njhousing.gov, 1-855-647-7700).
  • Mercer County Food Finder, NJ Disability Information Hub, and Volunteer Opportunities links.
  • Operation Blue Angel, Senior Connect, and Senior Center October calendar (link-only).
  • NJ is Here to Help: call or text 988 for trained crisis counselors.
🎓 Segment 2: News from the Nest, Lawrence High School (October 12, 2026)
💛 Clipped with Kindness
During the Week of Respect, Hope Squad invited students to write encouraging messages on clothespins and clip them to classmates’ backpacks.
🛍️ Cardinal Thrift Shop Results
The Class of 2027 and Project Graduation raised over $2,500. Over 1,300 pounds of clothing went to the LMS/LHS PTO. Jackets and blankets went to HomeFront, books to BookSmiles.org, towels to Easel Animal Shelter, and other items to Goodwill. Thanks to the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
📅 Upcoming Events
EventDate and timeLocationDetailsTri-M Halloween Coffee House | Fri, Oct 16, 6:00 p.m. | Cafeteria | $5. Costume contest. Contact mmjohnson@ltps.info
The Dog Spot fundraiser | Fri, Oct 16, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. | The Dog Spot | 15% donated to LMS/LHS PTO. Mention fundraiser or show flyer
PSAT Day | Tue, Oct 20, modified “B” day | LHS | Sophomores and juniors test. Freshmen and seniors have activities. Dismissal 2:25 p.m.
Virtual financial aid webinar | Tue, Oct 20, 7:00 p.m. | Online | Sponsored by PDS and The Hun School. Presented by Dickinson College’s Director of Financial Aid. Pre-registration required
STEM Society pumpkin carving and costume contest | Wed, Oct 21, after school | Room 105 | Contact gandahazy@ltps.org
Laps for a Cause (Student Council) | Sat, Oct 24, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. | LHS track | Benefits breast cancer research
Garba Night (International Alliance) | Sat, Oct 24, 6:00 p.m. | LHS gymnasium | $10, free for children under 10. Contact gquddus@ltps.org
HomeFront Halloween 5K, 1 Mile Walk, Preschooler Pumpkin Dash | Sun, Oct 25 | 502 Carnegie Center, Princeton | $40 / $25 / $10. Prices rise after Oct 17
Picture re-takes | Tue, Oct 27 | Auditorium | Yearbook photos
Powderpuff football game | Wed, Nov 4, 6:00 p.m. | Stadium turf field | Forms due Oct 14
No school (NJEA Convention) | Thu, Nov 5 and Fri, Nov 6 | n/a | 
The Great Gatsby (LHS Theater Company) | Nov 12, 13, 14, 7:00 p.m. | Auditorium | $10 at the door
Fall craft fair (LMS/LHS PTO) | Sat, Nov 21, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. | Cafeteria | 
Fall teacher conferences | Nov 23 and 24 | LHS | By request. Genesis Parent Portal opens Tue, Oct 27, about 10:00 a.m., closes Tue, Nov 10, 3:00 p.m.
🍬 Fundraisers and Collections
  • Candy for the troops (Sunshine Club): unopened, wrapped Halloween candy, Main Office, through Nov 6.
  • Students Helping Honduras: candy for Trunk-or-Treat, Main Office, include Ms. Katz’s name. LHS@shhkids.org.
  • Spiritwear sale (Athletic Booster Club): online store open until Oct 30. lhsathleteboosterclub@gmail.com.
  • Terhune Orchards baked goods: cash only, due to Mr. Foster in room 132 by Fri, Oct 30.
  • “Spookies” cookie decorating (Advocates for Innocence): Fri, Oct 23, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. $6 for one, $10 for two.
  • Cookie sale (National History Day Club): Fri, Oct 23, staff sign-in after school, $1.
🌟 Alumni News
Siara Mason (Class of 2024) graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelor of Science in Film, earned two Course Director awards and one Advanced Achiever award, and was named Valedictorian of her program. LHS also welcomed back the Class of 1976 (50th reunion) and Class of 1986 (40th reunion).
📋 Items Not in the Script
Attendance survey, Cardinal Nest tutoring, late bus information, club hub flyers, bell schedule and rotation calendar, polls, word of the day, and humor. Newsletter questions: kroche@ltps.org. LHS: 609-671-5510, 2525 Princeton Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.
📰 Segment 3: Lawrence Quick News (October 15, 2026)
ItemDetailsHealthy Kids Running Series | Sundays at Lawrence Middle School. Sign up for one race or several. From flyer image: 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25 at 4 p.m.; $48.70 full series, $16.90 single race
Girls on the Run | Mondays and Thursdays, 4:30 to 5:45 p.m., Sept 24 through Nov 16. Registration open at girlsontherunnj.org
Brew a Potion Day (Artworks Trenton) | Fri, Oct 23, starting 6:00 p.m. Free family chemistry event for National Chemistry Week. Ending time and address were cut off in the source

What is Lawrence Together?

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!

Welcome to Lawrence Together, your community podcast for Lawrence Township, New Jersey. Today’s episode covers news and updates from Latest in Lawrence, dated October eighth, twenty twenty six, News from the Nest, dated October twelfth, twenty twenty six, and Lawrence Quick News, dated October fifteenth, twenty twenty six. Let’s get started.

We begin with Latest in Lawrence, the Township’s weekly newsletter. First, an important address change. The Township of Lawrence is discontinuing the use of P.O. Box six oh oh six as a mailing address. All correspondence, including payments, should now be mailed to the Township of Lawrence, two two oh seven Lawrence Road, Lawrence Township, New Jersey, zero eight six four eight. If you have scheduled payments, please update them to reflect this change.

Township Council has also created a new Arts Commission, which will advise Council on matters related to arts and culture. If you’re interested in serving, you’re asked to complete an application.

A reminder from the Tax Collector. Second half sewer amounts for twenty twenty six are payable on the Township website. Payment is due to the Tax Collector’s office by close of business on Monday, October twenty sixth, to avoid a penalty. You can reach the Tax Collector at six oh nine, eight four four, seven oh four one.

The Health Department will hold a free drive-through rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats over seven months old. It takes place Saturday, October twenty fourth, from noon to three in the afternoon, at the Lawrence Township Municipal Building, two two oh seven Lawrence Road. Pre-registration is required, no walk-ins will be accepted, and each pet must be registered separately. Registration closes Monday, October nineteenth, at four thirty in the afternoon. The Health Department also has free at-home test kits for coronavirus disease nineteen, provided by Mercer County, available at the Municipal Building’s north entrance while supplies last. And its nursing services, including vaccinations, blood pressure monitoring, and community resource assistance, are available to homebound residents in the Township’s rural area. Call six oh nine, eight four four, seven oh nine four.

Now for some fun. The Lawrence Township Police Department, Recreation, and Lawrence Township Public Schools invite you to Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October twenty second, from six to eight in the evening in the Lawrence High School parking lot. Come dressed in your Halloween best and enjoy food, music, and lots of fun. If you’d like to set up a trunk, reach out to Patrolman Campbell to register, and bring lots of treats for our visitors.

The Recreation Department’s Halloween House Decorating Contest is open to Lawrence Township residents, with registration closing October fifteenth at noon. Judging runs October sixteenth through twenty ninth, and winners will be announced October thirtieth. Youth basketball is also coming. There are clinics for first and second graders, plus girls and boys divisions for older grades and a high school league. Evaluations are November ninth and twelfth, Saturday games begin December fifth, and the high school league begins December twelfth. Volunteer coaches are needed.

The Senior Center is planning a trip to Christmas at the Playhouse at Hunterdon Hills Playhouse on Friday, December fourth, twenty twenty six. The cost for Lawrence Township seniors is seventy dollars, which includes transportation, a meal, and the show. Payment is due by November sixth. Arrive by nine fifteen in the morning at the Slackwood Fire House, twenty one Slack Avenue, Lawrenceville, and the bus leaves at nine thirty. Call the Senior Center at six oh nine, eight four four, seven oh four eight to register.

Arm In Arm’s Mobile Food Pantry visits the Lawrence Headquarters Branch library on Mondays from two to four in the afternoon, including October nineteenth and twenty sixth. For information, call six oh nine, eight eight two, nine two four six.

On Thursday, October fifteenth, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee meets at six thirty in the evening. Also that evening, the Lawrence Historical Society presents the twenty first annual Mary Tanner Lecture, Jersey Women During the Revolution, with historian Roger S. Williams. It begins at seven in the evening in the Lawrence High School Auditorium, and admission is free. On Friday, October sixteenth, the Lawrence Township Environmental Education Foundation offers a Sound Bath for Relaxation.

On Sunday, October twenty fifth, the Lawrence Hopewell Trail hosts its Trail and Treat Bike Ride for families with children ages twelve and under, from three to five in the afternoon at Village Park’s Yeger Pavilion. There’s face painting, Halloween games, and music, plus a half mile loop for riders six and under and a one mile ride for ages six to twelve. Costumes and bike decorating are encouraged, and walkers are welcome.

The Mercer County Board of Elections is looking for Election Board Workers for the General Election on November third. Workers must be registered Mercer County voters, or students ages sixteen to seventeen, and must complete an application and attend a training class. A full Election Day shift pays three hundred dollars, and bilingual workers are especially needed.

Finally, Lawrence Township residents can drop off old electronics on Wednesdays, from seven thirty to eleven forty five in the morning and twelve thirty to two thirty in the afternoon, at the Joseph H. Mayer Junior Ecological Center, thirty seven oh one Princeton Pike. Proof of residency is required.

Next, let’s turn to News from the Nest, the newsletter from Lawrence High School.

During the Week of Respect, the Hope Squad hosted a school-wide activity called Clip Someone with Kindness. Students wrote positive, uplifting messages on clothespins and clipped them onto classmates’ backpacks to spread positivity and strengthen connections.

The Class of twenty twenty seven and Project Graduation thank everyone who supported their Cardinal Thrift Shop fundraiser. The community’s generosity raised over two thousand five hundred dollars. Over thirteen hundred pounds of clothing went to the Lawrence Middle School and Lawrence High School Parent Teacher Organization, winter jackets and blankets went to HomeFront, books went to Book Smiles dot org, towels went to Easel Animal Shelter, and additional items went to Goodwill. A special thank you goes to the brothers of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity for their donations and help with setup.

Now, some things to look forward to. On Friday, October sixteenth, Tri M invites you to a Halloween Coffee House at six in the evening in the cafeteria. Admission is five dollars, all are welcome, and there will be a costume contest. That same day, The Dog Spot will donate fifteen percent of your purchase to the Parent Teacher Organization if you visit between eleven in the morning and seven in the evening and mention the fundraiser.

On Tuesday, October twentieth, it’s Preliminary S A T Day. Sophomores and juniors will take the test, while freshmen and seniors take part in activities during the morning. The school will follow a modified schedule, and student dismissal is at two twenty five. That evening at seven, families are invited to a virtual financial aid webinar sponsored by Princeton Day School and The Hun School, presented by the Director of Financial Aid at Dickinson College. It covers the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the College Scholarship Service Profile. Families must pre-register to receive the link.

On Wednesday, October twenty first, the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Society hosts a pumpkin carving and costume contest after school in room one oh five. The best costume represents a scientific figure or concept.

Saturday, October twenty fourth is a busy day. Student Council’s Laps for a Cause takes place at the track from eleven in the morning to two in the afternoon, with all proceeds supporting breast cancer research. At six in the evening, the International Alliance hosts its annual Garba Night in the Lawrence High School gymnasium, with dancing, fun, and snacks. Entry is ten dollars, and free for children under ten.

On Sunday, October twenty fifth, HomeFront hosts its annual Halloween five kilometer run, one mile walk, and Preschooler Pumpkin Dash at five oh two Carnegie Center in Princeton, supporting local kids affected by poverty, housing instability, and homelessness. Registration is forty dollars for the run, twenty five dollars for the walk, and ten dollars for the dash, and prices go up after October seventeenth.

A few more dates. Picture re-takes for the yearbook are Tuesday, October twenty seventh, in the auditorium. The powderpuff football game is Wednesday, November fourth, at six in the evening on the stadium turf field. There’s no school Thursday, November fifth, and Friday, November sixth, for the New Jersey Education Association Convention. And the fall craft fair, supporting the Parent Teacher Organization, is Saturday, November twenty first, from nine in the morning to three in the afternoon in the cafeteria.

Fall teacher conferences are by request only and take place November twenty third and twenty fourth. Scheduling is done in the Genesis Parent Portal, which opens Tuesday, October twenty seventh, at about ten in the morning and closes Tuesday, November tenth, at three in the afternoon.

The Lawrence High School Theater Company presents The Great Gatsby on November twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth at seven in the evening in the auditorium. Tickets are ten dollars at the door.

Some ways to give. The Sunshine Club is collecting unopened, individually wrapped Halloween candy for troops serving overseas, and Students Helping Honduras is collecting candy for its Trunk-or-Treat event. Both can be dropped off in the Main Office, and the troop collection runs through November sixth. The Athletic Booster Club’s online fall spiritwear store is open until October thirtieth. Orders for Terhune Orchards baked goods, supporting the student publications Tangents and Lawrencian, are cash only and due to Mr. Foster in room one thirty two by Friday, October thirtieth. On Friday, October twenty third, the Advocates for Innocence Club hosts a cookie-decorating fundraiser from five to seven in the evening, at six dollars for one cookie or ten dollars for two, and the National History Day Club sells chocolate chip cookies for one dollar.

In alumni news, Siara Mason, from the Class of twenty twenty four, graduated from Full Sail University with a Bachelor of Science in Film. She received two Course Director awards and one Advanced Achiever award, and was named Valedictorian of her degree program. The school also welcomed back the Class of nineteen seventy six for their fiftieth reunion and the Class of nineteen eighty six for their fortieth.

Finally, we turn to Lawrence Quick News.

The Healthy Kids Running Series meets Sundays at Lawrence Middle School for running, fitness, and community. You can sign up for just one race or for multiple races.

Girls on the Run is back this fall, offering girls a welcoming environment led by trained volunteer coaches. The Lawrence team meets Mondays and Thursdays from four thirty to five forty five in the afternoon, with the season running September twenty fourth through November sixteenth. Registration is open at girls on the run N J dot org.

And on Friday, October twenty third, starting at six in the evening, Artworks Trenton hosts Brew a Potion Day, a free family chemistry event celebrating National Chemistry Week, with hands-on potion making and real chemistry fun.

That’s all for this edition of Lawrence Together. If you haven’t already, be sure to subscribe so you never miss an update from our community. Thanks for listening, and we’ll see you next time.