Congratulations to former Coplay resident Patricia Dillon, who is the recipient of the 2014 Frist Humanitarian Award. The honor is given in recognition of her volunteer activities and the high standards and personal commitment Dillon brings to her job as the director of case management at Parkland Medical Center, Derry, N.H.

It is the highest honor bestowed to an employee at the medical center.

She is the daughter of former Coply resident Joyce Miller, who now resides in Catasauqua.

The nominating committee characterizes Dillon as "a passionate patient advocate who sets high standards for herself and her department." She credits her high school guidance counselor, also named Pat, who supported her through a difficult time following the death of her father, for inspiring her to seek a career helping others and for convincing her to attend college. A Whitehall High School and Cedar Crest College grad, she became a social worker and also earned a master's degree from Boston University.

Outside of her job, she has been a longtime supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Derry.and is on the board of the Rockingham VNA and Hospice.

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Properties of Merit, which recognizes residences in the borough for keeping their yards and residences in exemplary condition, will hold a reorganizational meeting Sunday, April 27, 2 p.m., at Paulie's Restaurant, Chestnut and Ruch streets.

The event is held in the fall at which several properties are singled out in specific categories.

For more information, call 484-554-5213 or 610-751-2745.

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The Coplay Garden Club will meet this evening, 7 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church Social Hall on South Third Street. The program is open to the public.

Mary Smith will present "DIY Garden Plant Makers."

The club will again be part of Coplay Community Days that is held at the parkway in late August.

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Great Western Services continues to replace aging UGI gas lines, including new outside meters, in the borough. The job has been ongoing for several months and has been slowed by the winter weather. Presently work is under way on South Third Street and Schreiber Avenue. There are 1.8 miles of pipes being replaced.

Many are questioning whether the streets will be restored to the condition prior to the excavation work. Streets such as Fourth and Third streets have been repaved in recent years and are in fine condition. The blacktop patches by Great Western Services are temporary.

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At its recent meeting the Coplay Town Watch membership approved moving forward on developing a "Dog Walker Watch (DWW)." The DWW is a program from the CTW's parent organization the National Association of Town Watch. It is a crime awareness initiative.

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The CTW is organizing the Annual Children's Bike Derby planned for May 24, Saturday, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Coplay Parkway. This event is held in conjunction with the Coplay Police Department. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. The Coplay AC is the major financial sponsor. At this year's Derby a DNA ID kit will be given free to the parents or grandparents of child participants. Contact Beverly Miller for Derby details or to pre-register at 610 262-0909 or by email at pepjmiller@gmail.com