Coplay's Town Watch has received its sixth award for outstanding achievement by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW).

In addition to the 2012 award the Coplay group has received the distinction from the NATW in the years 1999, 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2009.

At a gathering Dec. 19, Town Watch member regular meeting of the Coplay Town Watch, Bill Leiner, Jr commended members of the group for their efforts throughout the year. Dan McNeill, state representative elect, was on hand to congratulate the Town Watch before departing for another engagement.

With a population of approximately 3,300, Coplay received the award in the category for municipalities with 15,000 residents or less.

In order to win a NATW award, community town watch groups must submit an application detailing a yearlong project. The NATW Project 365 is designed to encourage local communities to identify a specific problem within their boundaries and search for a proactive solution. The goal is to work toward a resolution during the 365 day period immediately following the annual National Night Out.

"Our 365 project from this year to next year is to develop a directory of all the activities in town for kids from infant to 18 years of age," said Leiner. "We are doing that because of the drug problem we have in town and the issues we are having with kids. Kids are constantly saying, 'there's nothing to do.' There are even parents saying there's nothing to do."

For 2013, Leiner said, the group intends to compile a detailed listing of church, athletic and other activities that parents and youth groups can reference to find events that entertain, educate and keep them occupied. The hope is that if young people are kept busy they will be less likely to dabble with drugs or engage in criminal behavior and mischief.

Leiner also hopes it will highlight the many programs available in the town.

The event that earned Coplay the award for 2012 was the National Night Out held Aug. 7.

"It was the quality of the speakers and guests, the vendors, the overall attendance [in addition to] providing music and a venue for kids and families. This is about kids, families and community," said Leiner. "That's why we win it because the town supports the Coplay Town Watch."

The judges from The NATW review submissions from applicants and make their decision based on community enthusiasm for the completed projects.

"We found a formula that is obviously successful," says Leiner when asked about Coplay's continued track record of winning the national award.

"The number of people and communities getting involved in National Night Out is growing every single year, it is very large."