Lebanon Valley Speedway Season Revving Up

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WEST LEBANON, N.Y. -- Sixty-three years of dirt track racing in Upstate New York is something that most national tracks can only hope for.
 
But Lebanon Valley Speedway, the legendary half-mile, high-banked, dirt oval run by Hall of Fame Promoter Howard Commander is set to start another historic year at what racers know as "The Valley of Speed."
 
After another successful 2014 campaign that saw more than $100,000 in point funds go to the division Champions, it is time once again to dig out your favorite team's T-shirts, sweatshirts and hats as the gates to Lebanon Valley are set to open again in a few short weeks.
 
The 2015 schedule of events was released a short while ago, some of its highlights are expected to huge once again this year.
 
Optimistically, two warm-up nights are set for Saturday April 11 and April 18, before the 63rd Season Opener set for April 25 presented by L&M Motors and Sayer’s Auto Wrecking. Though all weekly divisions will be on tap, the marquee Big Block Modifieds will be for "Appearance Points" only since there is a DIRTcar Series Race scheduled on the same date.
 
May 2 will be the lid lifter for the Small Block Modified division, while on May 16 features the fourth annual, $2,000 to win Andrew Sherman Sportsman Cup.
 
May 30 is set for the Big Block Modified Eastern States Qualifier, while on June 6 is the third annual J.C. Flach Modified Memorial Event.
 
Midstate Vintage Modifieds return on June 13, and June 20 sees the return of the ESS Super Sprint Series and the 10th Annual Bubba Tanner 23 Lap Pro Stock Classic.
 
The first mid-week spectacular is set for Tuesday June 30 for the “Eve of Destruction”, a night full of carnage, stunts, School Bus race, Tailor race, and much more.
 
A special 4th of July Celebration will be at the Valley of Speed this year with all fireworks in the sky as well as on the track.
 
Starting Sunday July 12, it’s the annual return of Monster Jam USHRA Summer Nationals for four nights of extreme Monster Jam Action through Wednesday July 15.
 
The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series storms the high banks on Sunday, July 26, with a $1,500 to win Small Block Modified feature.
 
Then, on a special night this year, the $17,500 to Win 100 Lap Mr. DIRT Track U.S.A. Super DIRTCar Series Event along with the “King of Dirt” Sportsman Shootout on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
 
The schedule wraps up the points series for Big Block Modifieds and Pro Stocks on Saturday, Sept. 5. Then on Saturday, Sept. 12, the final night of racing and points for Small Block Mods, Sportsman, Purestock, Streetstock and 4 Cylinders.
 
See the entire 2015 Season Schedule by visiting at www.lebanonvalley.com, and click on the “Speedway."
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New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 
 
Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.
 
Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.
 
"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."
 
The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.
 
"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.
 
She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.
 
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