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."
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Friday Front Porch Feature: Lincoln Log Home Near Onota

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for a Lincoln Log home with beautiful views and plenty of room to roam? Then this is the home for you.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week, we are showcasing 1020 Cascade St.

This 1995 home features three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It is 2,662 square feet on 19.20 acres.

The home's first floor is open and includes hardwood floors, full bath and laundry room, and a large living room with a stone gas fireplace and vaulted ceiling, entertaining lots of natural light. The second floor has a primary bedroom with en suite and two bedrooms and a bath. 

Outside, there's a covered front porch and a large new Trex deck in the back. The house also has an attached two-car garage and a walkout basement, plus a barn and shed.

The home is listed for $975,000.

There will be an open house for this home Saturday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

We spoke to Amy Wood with Steepleview Realty, which has the listing.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market? 

I think what is unique about this property is that it truly is its own private oasis; from a 2,662 square feet, thermal insulated log home with plenty of natural light and modern amenities, to over 19 private acres with multiple trails and babbling brook. Additionally, the property is ideally located just steps from a 10,000-acre state forest and minutes from Lake Onota — offering trails and water — providing for four-season recreational activities — all within such close proximity.

 What was your first impression when you walked into the home?

A feeling of warmth and comfort. This is a very inviting home with vaulted ceilings and numerous windows allowing for an abundance of natural light; all with a rustic flare and modern updates. It has an open-concept layout on the main level that leads to a large new Trex deck — the perfect scenario for both day-to-day living with the ease for entertaining. The sellers are prideful of their home and the upgrades and their upkeep are reflective of this.

Are there any standout design features or recent renovations?

There are many! As noted before, this is a 1995-built thermal insulated Lincoln Log home; upgrades to the home itself include new Trex deck, security system, bluestone hearth/cultured stone façade with propane fireplace insert, granite vanity tops/counters, new furnace, well pump, garage doors and openers, blow-in insulation-sealed basement, and freshly painted throughout! 

Sellers also installed an EV charging unit and cleared and vapor barriered/graveled the main barn (32x27), which is equipped with both water and electricity. With all the mains taken care of, this is a turnkey home ready for its next owner!

 What kind of buyer would this home be ideal for?

The property has so many possibilities; I could envision a young family who need size and grounds to grow their family to couples or retirees who want to enjoy all the Berkshires have to offer with room to entertainment and host guests — this property has the ability to fit and conform to any lifestyle. Formerly an equine estate, I could easily see horse lovers back as well.

How would you describe the feel or atmosphere of this home?

Both the feel of the home and its surroundings portray an immense feeling of tranquility and serenity.  Whether from inside the home looking out, or outside absorbing the beauty and views in your immediate surroundings — you're truly met with a calming sense of bliss.

You can find out more about this home on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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