DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) \u2014 Lackawanna County residents gathered on Saturday for a Kickball Tournament to raise money in the fight against proposed data centers in Northeastern Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
Residents, young and old, came out to round the bases and support a common cause at the Protect Our Valley Kickball Rally in Dunmore.<\/p>\n
\u201cI figured, you know, it\u2019d be a good way to get out, have some fun and try to raise money for a good cause,” Aline Browning, founder of the Lackawanna Citizens Overwatch Project, said.<\/p>\n
The kickball tournament organized by Aline Browning and the Lackawanna Citizens Overwatch Project is the latest fundraising effort by this group of county residents in the fight against proposed data centers in Lackawanna County and protecting communities in the Wyoming Valley.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must worry about the water and the PFOAS in the water in the mines and Lackawanna Air Basin. Because of the way our topography is situated, we have our own air basin and whatever ends up in that basin stays in that basin,” Browning said.<\/p>\n
Browning says putting on events like this helps educate the community about the dangers of data centers, diesel generators and small modular reactors.<\/p>\n
Outside of the kickball diamond, participants and other folks in Sherwood Park could collect flyers, bumper stickers and t-shirts all benefiting groups like the Lackawanna Citizens Overwatch Project and provide a better understanding about the harmful effects of these proposed data centers.<\/p>\n
While there has been lots of support online from community members and at Saturday\u2019s Kickball Rally, Browning says it’s just as important to show up to the council meetings and town halls where the decisions on these proposed projects are being made.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody is very passionate online, but putting your money or, in this case, your muscles where your mouth is, is important too,” Browning said.<\/p>\n