To the Editor:

The goals of the 21st annual Coplay Town Watch (CTW) National Night Out Against Crime celebration (Aug. 4) were to have improved communication by attendees with the diverse vendors present. A second goal was to strengthen the link between Coplay and Whitehall. These twin goals were accomplished.

Nearly 20 volunteers and more than 250 attendees experienced a night of fellowship, community strengthening and fun at the beautiful American Club of Coplay pavilion. The entire event was free. It was also a birthday celebration as the CTW turned 20 years old July 12.

Vendors included the Pennsylvania State Police, Hokendauqua Fire Department, Lehigh County Adult and Juvenile Probations, Communities That Care group, Baseball Info Solutions, Whitehall Area Chamber of Commerce, Damsels in Distress, Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley, CTW Feral Cat Committee, Crime Victims Council of the Lehigh Valley, Boy Scout Troop 79, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Cetronia Ambulance, Lehigh Law Enforcement and Lehigh Valley Hospital.

Attendees had the opportunity and were encouraged to speak with vendors. Dazzling Doodles did the face painting, and Tootsie the Clown entertained all. The Bacon Strip Restaurant owner Reuben provided the music. There was a free raffle that included two children's bikes, car cleaning supplies from Rob's Auto and a security camera.

Whitehall Mayor Ed Hozza, Coplay Mayor Joseph Bundra, State Rep. Dan McNeill and Lehigh County Executive Tom Muller were on hand. They made brief remarks of support for the Coplay Town Watch efforts over two decades. Coplay police officers present expressed appreciation and support for the Coplay Town Watch.

A clear theme of having a number of Whitehall organizations, their mayor and one of their fire departments in attendance is to underscore that whenever Coplay and Whitehall link in any endeavor, good things happen. Goals for next year are to strengthen the bond between the Whitehall Crime Watch and the Coplay Town Watch and possibly engage in joint activities. Efforts to promote the bond between Coplay and Whitehall will be pursued.

The CTW greatly appreciates all the support it has received in Coplay and Whitehall for many years. The 21st annual CTW National Night Out Against Crime, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, allows for individuals, families and communities to come together in a common purpose. That purpose is to have a part in the ongoing effort to develop strong, safe communities.

If you want to join the CTW, email keppel1976@gmail.com or billleiner@aol.com or call 610-751-2745 or 484-767-3094. By supporting the CTW and the Whitehall Crime Watch, you will be part of the solution. You will carry on the tradition that dates back well over 200 years to the Colonial watchman whose singular purpose was to keep his town safe.

Bill Leiner Jr.

President

Coplay Town Watch