Latest / Lawrence Together / Fireworks & 250th Celebration, Summer Programs & Community Updates
Transcript
- Welcome to Lawrence Together, your community podcast for Lawrence Township, New Jersey. Today's episode covers news and updates from Latest in Lawrence, dated Thursday, June 18th, 2026. Let's get started. First, a reminder that all Lawrence Township Municipal Offices will be closed on Friday, June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. If you need to conduct township business, plan accordingly. If you travel on Interstate 295 southbound, be aware that Exit 69 B to Route 206 southbound is scheduled to be closed and detoured beginning June 4th through August as a noise barrier installation project advances. Additionally, the right lane on I-295 southbound just before Exit 69 B will be closed to install construction barriers. Plan extra time for your commute if you use this route. The Township is also updating its mailing address. The P O Box 6006 is no longer in use. Effective immediately, all correspondence and payments should be mailed to: Township of Lawrence, 2207 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrence Township, N J, zero eight six four eight. If you have any scheduled payments, update them to reflect this new address. Looking ahead to summer, the Lawrence Township Recreation Department has announced Spring and Summer programs for youth and adults. Check back weekly for updates on program information and registration. This July, Lawrence Township is celebrating big. Mark your calendars for July 1st, with a rain date of July 2nd, when the Township hosts its Fireworks celebration to commemorate America's 250th Anniversary. The event takes place at Rider University and kicks off at six P M, with fireworks at 9:30 P M. You're in for a night full of food, music, family fun, and fireworks. There will be more food trucks this year, live country music, children's entertainment, and glow sticks available for sale to support the Fireworks Fund. Here's a special highlight: Ben Franklin will be making a special appearance from seven P M to nine P M, so don't miss your chance to meet one of America's favorite founding fathers. For kids interested in the arts, the Recreation Department is offering an Art Camp with spots still available. Artists will work on all different kinds of art, from painting to drawing to abstract and much more. There are two sessions: Session 1 runs July 27th through July 31st, and Session 2 runs August 3rd through August 7th. Both sessions run from nine A M to noon at the Lawrence Nature Center and are open to grades 3rd through 8th. Sign up now before spots fill up. The Lawrence Community Concert Band invites you to their Spring Concert on Thursday, June 25th at seven P M. The event is free and takes place at the Lawrence Senior Center, located at 30 East Darrah Lane, Lawrence, N J. This is a wonderful family-friendly evening of live music. If you're interested in senior activities, the Lawrence Senior Center offers programs throughout the month. You can view the June calendar and sign up for programs by calling 609-844-7048. June is Men's Health Month, and the Health Department is raising awareness about preventable health problems and encouraging early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Research shows that men do not see physicians for physical exams nearly as often as women, and men are dying from top causes of death at higher rates than women. If you'd like more information, visit menshealthmonth.org or menshealthnetwork.org. The Health Department reminds dog owners not to forget to license your pets. Animal Control is currently contacting more than 500 dog owners with delinquent licenses. Beginning this month, summonses may be issued for unlicensed dogs. A nine dollar late fee is currently in effect, and rabies vaccinations must be valid through November 2026. For questions about your application or your dog's rabies expiration, contact the Clerk's Office. The Lawrence Health Department is also distributing free at-home C O V I D 19 test kits, provided by Mercer County. Stop by while supplies last. And a note from the Police Department: Last Thursday, Lawrence Township Public Schools organized a powerful D U I and Distracted Driving presentation that simulated a real-life crash and emphasized the life-changing consequences of impaired and distracted driving. The Lawrence Township Police Department wants to thank the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, Lawrence Township Emergency Medical Services, and the Lawrence Township Fire Department for partnering to bring this impactful demonstration to life. The Lawrence Township Police Department is saddened by the passing of retired Police Officer John Gocke, badge number 160. Officer Gocke served the department with honor for 23 years following a distinguished career in the United States Marine Corps. Known to many as "The Rock," John was respected for his integrity, leadership, and dedication. Throughout his career, he served in Patrol, helped establish the department's first Tactical Response Team, and later worked as the department's I T Officer until his retirement in 2014. His service and lasting impact on the department and community will not be forgotten. The Lawrence Township Police Department extends heartfelt condolences to Officer Gocke's family, friends, and loved ones. In addition to local services, there are several county level resources available to Lawrence residents. If you've experienced a significant decrease in income or increase in expenses due to the C O V I D 19 pandemic, the Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance, or E R M A, program may help. This program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners. To qualify, you must own and occupy an eligible one to four unit primary residence, have experienced a C O V I D 19 related financial hardship and been unable to remain current on mortgage payments, meet household income limits, and have been current on mortgage and property taxes as of January 2020. With the summer heat in mind, Mercer County maintains a list of cooling centers that are updated whenever we experience a heat wave. If you or a neighbor are struggling due to excessive heat, this resource is available to you. There's also a Medi-Cool Program with funding from Mercer County. It will provide five thousand B T U Air Conditioning Units for Mercer County low income seniors and adults with disabilities. Call or email for eligibility screening. Mercer County Community College is now accepting registrations for Fall Semester 2026. Whether you're just starting out or finishing what you began, M C C C has courses and support to help you reach your goals. The County has also launched Mercer 250, a website highlighting Mercer County's critical role in the American Revolution and providing a comprehensive guide to historical sites and events. If you need food assistance, the Mercer County Food Finder connects you to over 100 food pantries, youth meal programs, and grab and go meal options. The online map lists dates, times, and locations. The Mercer County Library System offers many events to the community. Check the calendar to find a Lawrence Branch event near you. Finally, New Jersey has launched the Disability Information Hub, an easy to use website with information on programs, services, and resources for people with disabilities, their families, and caregivers. And if you're struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 9 8 8 to connect with trained crisis counselors. Lawrence Township's Boards and Committees have several meetings scheduled: Shade Tree Advisory Committee meets Monday, June 22nd at seven P M. Lawrence Alcohol and Drug Alliance meets Tuesday, June 23rd at nine A M. Environmental Resources and Green Advisory Committee meets Tuesday, June 30th at seven P M. Meeting schedules are subject to change. Check the township website for updates on any cancellations. Looking to volunteer? Check out opportunities with the Lawrence Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, and the Lawrence Township Community Foundation. 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.