The Alternative Press

ANDOVER TOWNSHIP, NJ – The idea to build a combination equipment storage area, and snack facility with pre-packaged foods for the Andover Township Lackawanna Little League was conceptualized more than eight years ago, but it did not come to life until about two years ago.

It was then when resident Debbie Danielson, whose sons were playing for the team, embraced the idea, and ran with it.

“If Debbie’s not involved it doesn’t get done,” said Township Committee Member Tom Walsh, who acts as the liaison for all the ball fields in town. “Every spring, everyone wants to do it, and then after the season, the retention is limited.”

And although Danielson’s sons have not played for the team for two years, she stayed on as a Lackawanna Little League Board Member, and now holds the position of Baseball Liaison to the Township Committee.

“It was something I decided to stay on the board for, went before the council, and got the approval,” said Danielson. “I wanted to see it through.”

Danielson said she approached the township committee about the project two years ago. From there she obtained project specs, and a cost analysis.

“I looked into what was going to be beneficial in terms of maintenance,” said Danielson.

Her studies determined a pole building was more cost-effective than a timber one.

The group enlisted the expertise of Pioneer Pole Buildings, a Pennsylvania-based firm.

Danielson spent time at the job site daily, ensuring things ran smoothly every step of the way.

“This project was a collective effort of the board of the Lackawanna Little League, and never would have been possible without the leadership of Debbie Danielson, along with the full support of Andover Township across all departments,” said Jason Fitzgerald, President of the Lackawanna Little League.

The Lackawanna Little League raised the funds entirely for the construction of the building, but declined to disclose the amount collected.

“We put the money away over several years,” Danielson confirmed, indicating that golf outings, clothing sales, and other programs helped to finance the project.

Another golf outing is taking place to offset the costs for supplies and equipment needed to complete the building’s construction, Danielson said.

The event is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, June 20 at the Farmstead Golf & Country Club. Registration for the event starts at 12:30pm, with tee off at 1:00pm. Contact Bill Young at (973) 332-2724 for information.

The official ribbon cutting for the facility is scheduled next month when the District 20 All Stars Game will be hosted at Hillside Park.

“Our nine and ten-year-olds won the District 20 Tournament last year, so we are honored to be hosting it,” Danielson said.

“The Lackawanna Little League is grateful to the Township of Andover’s Town Council, and the employees of the town for helping to make this building a reality for the league,” Danielson added. She especially thanked Walsh for his assistance in the project. And the Lackawanna Little League for "their support in making this project possible."

Danielson gave an extra nod to Grinnell of Sparta, and D&E Service Center of Andover Township for their in-kind donations to help fund the project.

“Our community will enjoy the benefits of this project for years to come and the baseball experience will be enriched for our players, coaches, and parents.  I am very excited to see this day come,” Fitzgerald said.