28th Annual Johnson College Open to be held May 21, 2021

The 28th Annual Johnson College Open will be held on Friday, May 21, 2021, at Pine Hills Country Club in Taylor, PA (rain or shine).  Proceeds from this annual golf tournament support the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship Fund. Each academic year, Presidential Scholarships are awarded to four qualified and deserving full-time students.

Sponsors of the 28th Annual Johnson College Open to date include:

Presenting Sponsor: Gerrity’s Supermarkets

Advertising Sponsor: Lamar Advertising Company

Platinum: Shea Demolition, Inc.

Platinum Marketing Sponsor: Sweda Advertising

Gold Print Sponsor: Sprint Print

Gold Sponsors: Fastenal Company, Johnson Controls, L.R. Costanzo Construction Services Company Inc., Peoples Security Bank and Trust, PNC Bank, Reilly Associates, Simplex Homes, Sordoni Construction Services, Inc., Toyota of Scranton, Stevens & Lee, and Vacendak Construction.

Cart Sponsor: ShopRite

Breakfast Sponsor: Troy Mechanical, Inc.

Lunch Sponsor: Christiano Welding Supply

Dinner Sponsor: Kutztown University  

Gift Sponsor: Action Lift, Inc.

Cocktail Sponsor – Topp Copy

Mulligan Sponsor: A. Pickett Construction, Inc.

Hole in One Sponsor: Gibbons Ford

Photo Caption:

Recently, sponsors of the 28th Annual Johnson College Open met on the Johnson College campus to discuss the event being held on Friday, May 21, 2021, at Pine Hills Country Club in Taylor, PA.  Proceeds from this annual golf tournament support the Johnson College Presidential Scholarship Fund. Left to Right – Row 1: Joyce Fasula- Gerrity’s Supermarket, Katie Pittelli, Ed.D.- Johnson College, and Joe Shea ’85 – Shea Demolition, Inc. . Row 2: Atty. Marianne Gilmartin – Stevens & Lee, George Sweda- Sweda Advertising, and Karen Baker- Johnson College. Row 3: Jennifer Davis- Sordoni Construction Services, Inc. and Nick Costanzo- Costanzo Construction Services, Inc. Row 4: Stephen Midura- Johnson Controls, Inc., Nicole Costanzo- PNC Bank, Pat Dietz- Peoples Security Bank & Trust, Laurie McMillan- Kutztown University, and Dave Boniello ’84- Simplex Homes. Row 5: Katie Gallagher- ShopRite, Ashley Beechaver- Gibbons Ford, Patrick Rogers- Toyota of Scranton, and Marcelo DeSousa- Fastenal Company.

Now Enrolling Middle and High School Students in STEM Energy Outreach Program

Johnson College is now enrolling middle and high school students in its on-campus STEM Energy Outreach Program on Monday, June 7, 2021, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. This program introduces students to green, renewable energy through solar concepts using an interactive, hands-on demonstration. For more information and to register visit, https://forms.gle/jTNphmJzbzMR9dSc7 or email Dr. Kellyn Williams, Chief Academic Officer at Johnson College, at knolan@johnson.edu. Space is limited. The STEM Energy Outreach Program is made possible by a grant from the PPL Foundation.

Students will participate in the interactive learning experience by assembling K’nex Education Renewable Energy sets with Johnson College Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Kellyn Williams. The completed K’nex kits will be shared with additional schools as part of future Johnson College STEM Outreach Programs. 

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process. Through strategic partnerships, the Foundation: supports organizations working to create vibrant, sustainable communities; promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion; and empowers each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. 

Johnson College Receives $75,000 Grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation for Health Care Careers Project

Johnson College has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation. This grant, which will be disbursed over a three-year performance period, will support the Foundation and College’s goal to address the critical growing need for health care professionals by promoting opportunities for careers in health care and training for traditional and non-traditional students.

Using a motorhome shell customized to demonstrate various health care training modalities, Johnson College plans to give potential students a hands-on experience to see and feel what it would be like to work in a health care environment. In addition to the hands-on encounter, Johnson College staff will be available to answer questions and help potential students resolve or eliminate common barriers to educational access.

With this new program, Johnson College will be able to show participants that there is a path to meet their needs. Johnson College offers pathways to healthcare careers with associate degree programs such as physical therapist assistant, radiologic technology, and biomedical equipment technology as well as continuing education programs like certified nursing assistant and medical billing and coding.

With the focus on engaging non-traditional students, Johnson College will broaden opportunities for students who represent diverse age, economic, educational, and cultural backgrounds. These potential students include displaced workers due to COVID-19, non-English speaking individuals, those who want/need to return to the workforce post-retirement or family, and those seeking a new career path.

“This project illustrates exactly what we do so well here at Johnson College. We think of innovative and new ways to provide people with the education and job training that they need to obtain a family-sustaining career,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College. “With this mobile lab, we will be able to demonstrate to people in the region that a career in health care is attainable and give them a taste of what hands-on education at Johnson College is like.”

Photo Caption: Johnson College has been awarded a $75,000 grant from the Moses Taylor Foundation which will support the Foundation and College’s goal to address the critical growing need for health care professionals by promoting opportunities for careers in health care and training for traditional and non-traditional students. Left to right: LaTida Smith, President & CEO of Moses Taylor Foundation, and Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College.

Johnson College Earns 2021-2022 Military Spouse Friendly® School Designation

Johnson College announced today that it has earned the 2021-2022 Military Spouse Friendly® School designation.

Institutions earning the Military Spouse Friendly® School designation were evaluated using public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey. Over 1,200 schools participated in the 2021-2022 survey, with 747 schools earning the designation as a Military Friendly School, of which 194 were selected for the Military Spouse Friendly Schools list. Johnson College was designated as a Military Spouse Friendly® School for its leading practices, outcomes, and effective programs for military spouses. The 2021-2022 Military Spouse Friendly® Schools list will be published in Military Spouse magazine’s May issue and can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

Methodology, criteria, and weightings were determined by Viqtory with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey response set and government/agency public data sources within a logic-based scoring assessment. We measure the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for Student Retention, Graduation, Job Placement, Loan Repayment, Persistence (Degree Advancement or Transfer), and Loan Default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

“Military Friendly® is committed to transparency and providing consistent data-driven standards in our designation process. This creates a competitive atmosphere that encourages colleges to evolve and invest in their programs consistently and with purpose. Schools who achieve designation show true commitment and dedication in their efforts. Our standards assist schools by providing a benchmark that promotes positive educational outcomes, resources, and support services. Focusing on the betterment of the educational landscape and providing positive outcomes and economic opportunity for the Military Community.” – Kayla Lopez, National Director of Military Partnerships, Military Friendly®.

For more information about Johnson College’s student veteran programs, visit Johnson College’s website at https://johnson.edu/future-students/veterans/.

About Military Friendly® Schools:

The Military Friendly® Schools list is created each year based on extensive research using public data sources for more than 8,800 schools nationwide, input from student veterans, and responses to the proprietary, data-driven Military Friendly® Schools survey from participating institutions. The survey questions, methodology, criteria, and weighting were developed with an independent research firm’s assistance and an advisory council of educators and employers. The survey is administered for free and is open to all postsecondary schools that wish to participate. Criteria for consideration can be found at www.militaryfriendly.com.

About Johnson College:

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a caring environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance in their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering 15 associate degree and 3 academic certificate programs. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, the College is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional businesses and industries to ensure a skilled and qualified workforce. For additional information on Johnson College, please call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, email enroll@johnson.edu, or visit Johnson.edu. 

About Viqtory:

Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Dept of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

Johnson College to Host 4th Annual Auction for Children’s Advocacy Center

Johnson College’s Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program will host an auction to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021 on the Johnson College campus. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the auction starts at 6:00 p.m.

More than 60 items will be available to bid on including cutting boards, tables, cabinets, a book case and more. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking program. Most of the items were made from re-purposed wood. Face masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.

The 2019 auction raised over $7,000 for the local non-profit. No auction was held in 2020 due to the on-going pandemic. To register, please visit johnson.edu/events/annual-carpentry-auction.

Photo Caption: John Dutter, Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology freshman, stains a table he made for Johnson College’s 4th Annual Carpentry Auction benefitting the Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA on Wednesday, April 28th, 2021 on the Johnson College campus.

Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam 2021 to be held at the Circle Drive-in on July 10, 2021

The Andrew Mazza Foundation in support of Johnson College is proud to announce that Andrew Mazza Diesel Jam 2021 will take place on Saturday, July 10, 2021, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. after being postponed in 2020 due to the pandemic. To accommodate the increasing amount of attendees & participating vendors, this year’s event is moving to the Circle Drive-in located on the Scranton-Carbondale Highway in Scranton, PA. Diesel Jam supports The Andrew Mazza Foundation, the Diesel Truck Technology Program at Johnson College, & scholarships for Johnson College & high school students.

Diesel Jam is a celebration of the truck community, featuring a diesel, gas, & antique truck show, mobile dyno runs, industry vendors, apparel vendors, food vendors, live entertainment & more. It is an all-day (rain or shine) family-friendly event.

All trucks are invited to participate & prizes will be awarded for Best in Show, Best Big Rig, Best Tow, Best Pick Up, and Best Antique & Diesel Jam People’s Choice. Additionally, cash prizes for the mobile dyno are $1,000 for Highest Overall Horsepower and Guess Your Horsepower prizes for 1st Place – $800, 2nd Place – $500, 3rd Place – $200, 4th and 5th Place – $100 each.

Early truck & mobile dyno registration can be completed through the Andrew Mazza Foundation’s website, andrewmazzafoundation.com/diesel-jam until June 30, 2021. The fee to register a truck is a $25 donation. Day of event registration & truck check-in will begin at 8 a.m. on July 10th, registration will be limited & will increase to $35 per registration. An additional $100 fee is required to register for the mobile dyno.

The Andrew Mazza Foundation started in 2016, supports & enriches the community through Andrew’s passions & hobbies. Proceeds raised from Diesel Jam will enhance & expand the Diesel Truck Technology Program at Johnson, provide both high school & Johnson College students with scholarships, & serve the community in which Andrew called home. Proceeds also aid The Andrew Mazza Foundation in hosting their annual Truck-or-Treat community Halloween event in Clifford for children & families in various local school districts.

The Diesel Truck Technology program at Johnson College prepares students as entry-level technicians with the latest information on diagnosis, repair procedures, preventative maintenance, & necessary safety applications in diesel technology. The program graduates more than 20 students each year who have an immediate impact on the diesel truck industry, especially in northeast Pennsylvania. To learn more about Johnson College’s Diesel Truck Technology program visit Johnson.edu, call 1-800-2-WE-WORK, or email enroll@johnson.edu.

For more information, including how to become an event sponsor or vendor, please contact Dawn Ziegler at (570) 313-0369, Andrewmazzafoundation@gmail.com, or visit andrewmazzafoundation.com/diesel-jam.

Photo Caption: Left to right: Front row holding banner – Penelope Ziegler, Diesel Jam Committee Member, and Nick Talarico, Heavy Equipment Program Director, Johnson College, 2nd row – Shane Pantosky, Diesel Jam Committee Member, Theresa Bandru, Golden Owl Consulting, and Diesel Jam Committee Member, Phil Mazza, Diesel Jam Committee Member, Dave Castelli, Manager, Circle Drive-in Theater, and Dawn Ziegler, Diesel Jam Committee Member, 3rd row – Chris Green, Diesel Jam Committee Member, John Wilson, Diesel Jam Committee Member, and Michael Garofalo, Diesel Jam Committee Member, 4th row -Tom Millard, Diesel Jam Committee Member, AJ Cimahosky, Continuing Education Manager, Johnson College, and Mike Novak, Chief Administrative Officer, Johnson College.

Now Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, May 8, 2021, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s campus in Scranton. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alumni the cost is only $100. Space is limited! Visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact our Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu to learn more and enroll.

The forklift operator training is designed to familiarize students with OSHA Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Requirements (29CFR Standard 1910.178 and ASME B56.1), provide current training requirements under the newly adopted standards, and assist participants in becoming an authorized operator of forklifts through theory and tactile testing. Nine hours of instruction including pre-operational inspection, picking up, traveling, and placing loads, parking procedures, refueling, and practical operation.

Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast with guest, Michele Bannon, Now Available

In this episode of Tech Talk with Johnson College, Dr. Katie Pittelli welcomes Michele Bannon, City Clerk for the city of Carbondale. They discuss Michele’s 27-year career in public service and the amazing perspective she has gained along the way. As well as her commitment to the non-profit NeighborWorks and the benefits that come from being a part of something bigger than yourself. To listen to all of the Tech Talk with Johnson College Podcast episodes and learn more visit https://johnsoncollegepodcast.com/. The podcasts are also available on iTunes and Spotify.

Michele Bannon is the daughter of Rita Enslin Bannon and Gerald Bannon. She has four brothers and one sister, two nieces, two nephews, and two God Children. Michele is a 1987 graduate of Carbondale Area High School. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, Political Science, and Public Administration from Wilkes University in 1991. She has served as City Clerk for the City of Carbondale since 1994.

Michele enjoys participating in all aspects of the Community. She finds great joy in sharing her gifts and time. She is madly and passionately in love with her wonderful family and friends along with many Fairy Godchildren. They are the source of who she is as a human being. They make her life very full.

From Headlights to Taillights: Are hybrids worth the hype?

By Mark Kozemko, Johnson College’s Automotive Technology Program Director. Originally published in the March 26, 2021 edition of the Valley Advantage.https://www.thevalleyadvantage.com/community-columns/from-headlights-to-taillights-are-hybrids-worth-the-hype/article_8c33a70b-c359-5f31-a50b-964079f2dd55.html

One of the most pressing issues in our society and the world is finding ways to save the environment. One way the automotive industry is helping is by producing more fuel-efficient and alternate fuel vehicles. For our conversation today, we’re going to focus on one type of fuel-efficient vehicle, the hybrid.

Before we get to the questions, let’s define the word hybrid. It means something that is made by combining two or more different things to make one thing. Since I’m a dog lover, please allow me to use this analogy. Golden doodles are considered a hybrid dog breed because a breeder had a golden retriever mate with a poodle. Thus, the extremely popular golden doodle breed was born.

When we say a vehicle is a hybrid, we’re referring to a vehicle that has an internal combustion engine/gasoline engine and an electric motor working together. This allows the vehicle to run economically and helps lower the vehicle’s emissions, which is better for the environment

Now that we know what a hybrid vehicle is, let’s get to some of the questions that were sent in on the subject.

Our first question is, “Will I see a substantial saving on fuel if I drive a hybrid?”

Yes, you will save money because the hybrid engine has an increased fuel mileage compared to a gasoline engine vehicle. It also releases less emissions. According to https://www.fueleconomy.gov/ the estimated miles per gallon on a 2017 Toyota Prius 1.8L 4 cylinder was 52mpg highway and 50mpg city and the estimated miles per gallon of a 2018 Toyota Camry Hybrid 2.5L 4 cylinder was the same at 52mgp highway and 50mpg city. In this technician’s opinion, that’s pretty good fuel mileage. A standard 2018 gasoline only 2.5L 4 cylinder Camry fuel mileage compares at 32mpg highway and 28mpg city.

Our second question is, “Does a hybrid vehicle have to be plugged in to charge the battery?”

Even though the electric motor in a hybrid vehicle runs on electricity stored in the vehicle’s battery, it does not get plugged in for recharging. Hybrid vehicles have what is called a regenerative braking system, which means when brakes are applied, the kinetic energy created from braking is used to recharge the battery. Also, whenever the gasoline engine is running, the battery is being recharged. If necessary, you can bring the 12-volt system battery back to a fully charged state by using a typical automobile battery charger.

Our third question is, “Do hybrid vehicles cost more to maintain?”

The cost to maintain a hybrid is roughly the same or slightly lower than repairing or maintaining a regular vehicle. However, there was a time when technicians thought hybrid vehicles were very “scary” to be around, which caused service costs to be much higher. They thought this because when hybrids were new, technicians who weren’t working for the manufacturer producing them had little to no training about the technology. Now, with more manufacturers producing hybrids, they’re producing more well-trained technicians who follow proper procedures. All of this allows technicians to safely and properly perform routine maintenance and repairs without being afraid of the technology.

Our fourth question is, “I hear about the Toyota Prius all the time, but what other hybrid vehicles are available?”

While the Prius was one of the first hybrids introduced and continues to be on top of the best hybrids lists, other manufacturers have and continue to produce hybrids. There are now over 20 different models. Hyundai has the Ioniq. Kia has the Niro. In addition to the Prius, Toyota has three other models: the Prius Prime, Corolla and Camry. There are also hybrid SUVs available from Mitsubishi, Lexus, BMW, Acura and Volvo.

Our last question is, “Is it worth it to purchase a hybrid vehicle?”

For many people in our area, the answer is, probably not. In most cases, hybrids end up costing you more money than buying a gas-powered car. The purchase price of a hybrid is higher because of the technology used to build the vehicle. Yes, you may receive a tax break when you purchase a hybrid but then you have higher insurance rates because of the cost of the vehicle. There is also a performance issue. Hybrids are usually quite slow and may create dangerous situations, especially during highway driving. They also have diminished fuel efficiency in the cold weather and we all know how cold winters can be in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Deciding to purchase a hybrid vehicle should be done the same way you decide on which gasoline vehicle to buy. You have to research all the pros and cons, not just the amount of money you might be able to save at the pump if you buy a hybrid.

At the end of the day, you have to like what you’re buying and feel safe when you and your golden doodle head out on the open road.