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.

BCC Celebrates 10 Years of Medical Coding, HIM Program

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

BCC President Ellen Kennedy says she was excited to overhear two graduates who 'raved' about the program at a dentist's office. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College's Medical Coding and Health Information Management Program has seen around 150 graduates since its inception in 2014.

Many have found the career path to be rewarding and accessible, as Berkshire County residents can work for top medical institutions remotely.

Ann Marie Perry said her life since her 2015 graduation has seen a constant upward and positive trajectory, being transformed both professionally and personally. She now works as a data quality specialist for Massachusetts General Brigham Hospital in Boston.

"Had you asked me 10 years ago whether that would have ever been in the realm of what I thought was possible for myself, I assure you, the answer would have been a resounding 'no,'" Perry said.

"Berkshire Community College and this distinguished HIM program made what seemed like the impossible possible and for that, I'm forever grateful."

Staff members, students, and graduates gathered at BCC's Connector area on Thursday to mark one decade of the program and honor those who paved the way for it. Last year, Medical Coding earned a national Professional Certificate Approval Program accreditation.

College President Ellen Kennedy said they convened in a "joyful celebration" of the program and the opportunities it has provided to students and their families as well as medical practices.

Aimed to provide a seamless transition to employment, it is an educational partnership between Berkshire Health Systems, the college's Division of Workforce Development and Community Education, and the Division of Science and Business.

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