The Coplay Town Watch experienced an entertaining, fun evening as they discussed a serious topic.

Ginger Brown, a spokeswoman for "Damsels in Distress," gave a presentation on crimes against women and how often they occur.

Town Watch President Bill Leiner Jr. introduced the topic.

"Although crime is down nationwide, assaults and abuse of women remains alarmingly high. Ginger is here to talk about how a woman or really anyone can increase their personal safety," Leiner said.

Brown presented personal items one can carry in their purse, while out jogging or taking a walk, and in their homes to enhance their safety.

The CTW members present had an opportunity to touch and examine the objects presented.

Because of the presentation, Brown was also asked to attend and present at the town watch's National Night Out Against Crime Aug. 4.

The members present decided to keep the general same format for the National Night Out used since 1998, with only a slight change, which has in the past resulted in six national awards.

The event will be at the Ameican Club of Coplay Pavilion and will feature "Damsels in Defense."

The plan is have a lower keyed, educational and less extravagante event than the previous presentation.

The decision to keep the most recent format was made despite a proposal to have it as a hot dog cookout on the CTW leader's North Fifth Street front porch, which was the orignal format for the first annual NNO.

Residents walking by could join the event and talk to their neighbors about community safety.

The Whitehall Crime Watch and Whitehall groups will be invited as the CTW aims to better integrate Whitehall and Coplay.

In other matters, the Neighborhood Watch Committee plans to engage neighbors about parking problems in the Second Street area by the former Ritz Theater.

Changing complextion of the area reportedly resulted in parking issues.

The Feral Cat Committee reported that another Coplay feral cat was spayed and released, and a kitten was rescued and given to a shelter to be adopted.