By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
8COMMUNITY
Lea KahnStaff Writer
Lawrence Township’s first-ever "community quilt" is the highlight of this year’s annual Community Day, set for Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Village Park, off Yeger Drive.
To create the community quilt, small pieces of cloth will be made available at Community Day. A professional teaching artist from Young Audiences New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania will guide visitors in creating the quilt design.
If Community Day is canceled because of poor weather, the community quilt activity will be moved to the Lawrence Senior Center on Darrah Lane. There is no rain date for the rest of Community Day, however.
Community Day is Lawrence Township’s annual celebration of itself, and this year marks the 23rd edition of the event. It was begun in 1992, according to Steven Groeger, the township’s superintendent of recreation.
"The purpose of Community Day, as it has been for the last 20-plus years, is to show people in the community what is available to them," Mr. Groeger said. Many people are not aware of the nonprofit groups in Lawrence, or the government services available to them.
That’s the reason why service organizations, schools, businesses and municipal offices set up shop at tables scattered around Village Park, he said. The groups may be looking for new members or volunteers. It is also an opportunity for residents to find places to volunteer.
Nearly 60 community groups and businesses, ranging from the Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County, Every Child Valued and Special Olympics New Jersey to the Philly Pretzel Factory, Investors Bank and 1st Constitution Bank will have tables at Community Day.
Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, as well as the Lawrence Hamnett Soccer Association, the Lawrence Lacrosse Club, the Lawrence Flames hockey team and Lawrence Junior Cardinal Football will have tables at the event.
The Dog Wash Depot, Great Looks 4 Less, Jamberry Nails and Paul’s Ice Cream will each have a booth. The Greater Eldridge Park Neighborhood Association, Lawrenceville Main Street and the Meals on Wheels program also will be represented.
The Lawrence Historical Society, the Huntington Learning Center, the MOMS Club of Lawrenceville East and the Rutgers Master Gardeners also will set up booths for their groups.
Religious groups, such as Adath Israel Congregation, the Knights of Columbus Council 7000, the Slackwood Presbyterian Church, the Harvest Chapel Assembly of God and the Abiding Presence Lutheran Church will be there.
For children, there will be pony rides and a ride on a hay-filled wagon, as well as the Gamin Ride, which is a portable arcade for children. There will be a magic show, and a performance by the Lawrence High School Red Scare marching band.
And, of course, there will be all kinds of food for sale.
If the weather looks questionable, visitors can call 609-844-7067.

