Ten properties have been selected in Coplay to participate in the 2015 Properties of Merit (POM) program. The program is sponsored by the Coplay Town Watch.

POM began in 2007 with the goal of recognizing properties that are well maintained. Last year the program expanded to include two Chair’s Awards.

This year, for the first time in the program’s history a business, was selected. That Chair’s Award was given to The Bacon Strip Restaurant, 18 N. Second St. The second Chair Award is a South Third Street property.

Another 2015 twist in the program is the naming of award winners based on a holiday theme.

Two properties on Chestnut Street teamed up to assemble an outstanding Halloween display and were selected as winners.

Following the holiday format and selected as winners for their Independence Day display are two South Second Street properties.

A North Third Street property was selected for their robust Christmas display.

These properties, because they are winners, are not in the balloting process to seek the 2015 Grand Champion.

The other finalists are from four quadrant divisions in Coplay. One finalist is from each quadrant. They are on Lehigh Street, South Eighth Street, Catherine Drive and Maple Street. The exact addresses are listed on the 2015 POM ballots.

Ballots were mailed to Coplay residents. Ballot boxes have been placed in The Bacon Strip, Paulie’s Restaurant, Coplay News Agency, Sam Owens Restaurant and Coplay Public Library.

The voting began ends Sept. 7, Labor Day.

The POM awards will be presented at the 18th annual Coplay awards reception 6-7:30 p.m., Oct. 17, at The Bacon Strip. The reception is sponsored by the Coplay Town Watch.

At the reception, the 10 POM winners will receive gifts and recognition. The Coplay Town Watch will present its 2015 Volunteer of the Year award. The Coplay Scholarship Fund will award a $500 scholarship to a Coplay resident planning his or her first year of college, university, technical school or police academy. The annual Mayor’s Achievement Award will be presented to a former elected official who has done much to advance the community.