By Mark Kozemko, a Johnson College’s Automotive Technology program director
Original published in the June 26, 2020 edition of the Valley Advantage.
https://www.thevalleyadvantage.com/community-columns/headlights-to-taillights-oil-change-intervals/article_e4c5dc3b-4bdc-599e-be36-e3bf56d81491.html

With the price of vehicles these days, most vehicle owners have questions about how they can protect their investment. Engine maintenance, specifically regular oil changes, is one of the best ways to protect that investment.

Today we’re going to answer the question that many people ask about oil change intervals — should I change my oil every 3,000 miles?

This question most likely comes from an older generation of car owners like me, because that was the normal recommended oil change interval from almost every manufacturer.

I will never discourage anyone from changing their engine oil more often than the manufacturer recommends. In the past, manufactures recommended oil changes at 3,000 miles, and some people still use that mileage as their oil change interval. But over the years, several factors have altered the recommended oil change interval.

As with any technology, advancements are constantly being made. Engineers are constantly working on making every component and system better than it was yesterday. Vehicles ride much better than they did in the past. Everything from sound system to engine performance increase in quality with every model year. Oil is no different.

There are several different types of oil that modern day vehicles can use. Regular or petroleum-based oil is normally recommended to be changed at that 3,000 mile range mentioned earlier but you will be hard pressed to find vehicle engines that still utilize this type oil. As engines have advanced though the years, oils have evolved to meet the needs of these engines. Synthetic blend are created using mineral oil and synthetic oil and do not have to be changed as often. So the interval for oil changes is looking more towards 5,000 to 7,500 miles. There are also full synthetic oil options which would bring oil change intervals to around the 10,000 mile range.

The advancements in engine design and oil properties actually bring us to the answer to the question at hand. Modern synthetic and synthetic blend oils stand up to the very high engine temperatures way better than the petroleum-based oils do. There is way less carbon and sludge build up on internal engine parts so they perform better and last longer. But with that in mind, you should always follow the recommended service intervals and oil type for your specific vehicle and engine.

If you have noticed, we are focused on miles driven between oil changes. In recent years, almost all new vehicles have some sort of built-in oil change or service reminder system. These systems make it much easier for drivers to know when a service or oil change is due because it does not depend upon the driver to keep track of anything. Modern cars can learn vehicle habits. Not to complicate things any further but these service reminder systems do not always just count miles — there are other factors that go into when the engine needs to be serviced.

The most important thing to remember is that you can change the oil more frequently than the manufacture’s recommended interval but should never exceed the recommended mileage interval for your oil changes. But that being said, if you’re going to use an oil change interval that is less than the manufacture recommends, you will be spending more money. In my opinion, the money you spend for those extra oil changes is money well spent.

But the most critical thing to remember if you are driving a car that is covered under a manufacturer’s warranty: If you get your vehicle serviced in a repair shop other than the dealership you purchased the vehicle from, make sure your repair shop uses the correct oil recommended for your engine. If the incorrect oil is used, it is possible that will void your warranty. Your engine is by far the most expensive component of your vehicle and if it fails because the incorrect oil was used, the repair costs may be on you.

The next Headlights to Taillights column will be published in the July 24, 2020 edition of the Valley Advantage.

Johnson College is excited to announce students completed the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining class, held for the first time in the new educational training space inside Don’s Machine Shop in West Pittston, Pennsylvania. Most students are now using their 510 hours of training as they already secured positions as CNC professionals in the workforce.

The Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining class provides students with in-demand industry training in a unique setting with equipment that students will become accustomed to once in the workforce. This hands-on curriculum trained students to utilize, maintain and program CNC machines, which perform subtractive manufacturing methods to materials such as metal. CNC professionals manufacture precision products and components used in a variety of applications such as automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, transportation, military, and more.

As Johnson College is a leader in CNC training and has offered this class for years, the unique partnership between the College and Don’s Machine Shop launched due to our mutual belief that industry is our students’ campus. Don’s Machine Shop is the perfect environment for students to be trained in the high demand field. Donnie Eifert, Owner and President of Don’s Machine Shop, saw an opportunity to help give back to the industry by providing a location for the much needed training.

“I was very impressed with how the students worked together and how well the instructors worked with and interacted with their students,” said Donnie Eifert. “We knew this would be a challenging endeavor, made even more challenging by Covid-19 halting class with two weeks left. The students and instructors worked together to complete this class and achieve the level of success we were confident we all could reach.”

The training program gives Northeastern Pennsylvania employers an opportunity to benefit as well. Jim Golden of James Eagen Sons Co. of Wyoming, Pennsylvania enrolled an employee. The results positively impacted the student and their business. Jim Golden shared, “The course presents an easily accessible opportunity for us to improve our processes and gain a competitive advantage. It was a great investment.”

“Johnson College is very fortunate that Don’s Machine Shop opened their doors to us to provide this in-demand industry training. We’ve already begun training another class of students at Don’s. The demand for these skills is growing and we are looking forward to providing this opportunity to others going forward,” said AJ Cimahosky, Continuing Education Manager at Johnson College.

For more information or to enroll in Johnson College’s Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinist program visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-education/ or call Johnson College’s Continuing Education department at 570.702.8979.

Since starting over 30 years ago Don’s Machine Shop, Inc. has grown to be one of the largest machine shops in Pennsylvania’s Wyoming Valley. Their 77,000 square foot climate controlled facility contains millions of dollars’ worth of modern equipment that are continually upgraded. Don’s Machine Shop, Inc. employs 30 people and makes machine parts for companies around the globe. Many things have changed since this business started over 30 years ago, but their commitment to providing quality parts and service will never change. For more information visit http://www.donsmachine.com/.

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 was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 15 programs. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, Johnson is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional business and industry 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 www.johnson.edu.

Dear Students,

I am pleased to announce that Johnson College has developed a fall 2020 reopening plan which will go into effect on August 31, 2020, the first day of class. Johnson College will be welcoming students’ back this fall for in-person classes while operating in a hybrid model. This schedule will be in place for at least one full academic year. In this model, we will continue to deliver on our mission of providing students with “real world, hands-on learning in a caring environment.”

In this new hybrid model, we will be able to increase flexibility for our students, while prioritizing their safety and giving them the hands-on learning that they need to thrive in industry. General Education classes and program theory classes will be delivered online. Labs and lab-related coursework will be delivered in-person, in a safe manner, following social distancing guidelines, both on campus and at industry lab locations. In some cases, we may be utilizing simulation software and at home lab kits.

To ensure that our reopening plan meets the needs of our students and adheres to the guideline set forth by government and health officials, I have met regularly with local health officials, the Mayor, state officials, and other college presidents. Health officials have been sharing that the key to reopening is proper PPE, like masks, and social distancing. They also support the idea that we must be prepared to operate in new ways. The reopening plan that we have developed includes a reopening task force, who will be meeting to assist in executing and monitoring the plan.

In addition to the hybrid model of learning, the College’s plan includes the following: 

• Campus will be zoned to ensure contact tracing. Masks will be provided, and social distancing guidelines enforced.
• The Facilities Department is following all CDC cleaning guidelines for campus.
• The student Café will not operate as normal. Students will be allowed to bring their own food and use the dining area. Tables and chairs will be set up within social distancing guidelines. We are planning to have “grab and go” items available to students as well.
• Congregating and events will be limited.
• Housing will not be available for the foreseeable future. Students who need housing should reach out to the office of Student Engagement for other options.

Due to the ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19, this plan is subject to change pending guidelines set forth by local, state, and national government officials and appropriate health agencies. I know this is different from how we are used to operating but this model ensures that students still get the hands-on experience and exposure to industry partners for which Johnson College is known. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate this together. I would also like to thank our industry partners for giving us the opportunity to continue to use their spaces for lab and clinical instruction. We would not be able to deliver our high-quality, hands-on education without them.

Thank you, students, for your continued hard-work and adaptability. Faculty and staff are available to help you and are committed to helping you achieve your academic and career goals. We will slowly be reopening campus over the summer as Pennsylvania transitions through its reopening plan. Students will be finishing their requirements from the spring semester and faculty and staff will be preparing for the students’ return in the fall. We stay committed to educating the essential workforce of tomorrow and will continue to demonstrate how We Work.

Sincerely,

Dr. Katie Pittelli
President & CEO

To the Johnson College Graduating Class of 2020 (and their families),

Due to weather, the Johnson College Commencement Ceremony scheduled for August 4, 2020 is being postponed until Wednesday, August 5, 2020. The location of the ceremony will still be the Circle Drive-In, 1911 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Scranton and will still begin at dusk.

This has been a unique and trying semester for all of us, and this decision was made with the health and well-being of all members of our campus community and their loved ones in mind. We know this news leads to many associated questions, and we will share answers as they become available on the College’s website.

We also know this is unexpected news, especially for you, our 2020 graduates, and your loved ones. While the ceremony that culminates your hard work and dedication will be different this year, we want you to know that your accomplishments are absolutely impressive. It is important to note that even though we will not be having a formal commencement ceremony until August, you will be a graduate of Johnson College as of either May or August 2020, whichever date coincides with the completion of your degree requirements.

Our campus members are strong, adaptable, and dedicated to each other and to caring for their communities. We take comfort knowing that in these uncertain times, you, our graduates, are leading us into the future. We appreciate your understanding and commitment to join together as a Johnson College Community and as a nation to support our collective efforts to protect those most vulnerable to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Thank you,

Kellyn Williams, PhD
Chief Academic Officer

GRADUATION 2020

General Information

The College will be hosting its graduation ceremony on Wednesday, August 5 beginning at dusk at the Circle Drive-In Theater. Grad Finale will be held on July 27^th and 28^th on Johnson College’s campus.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Grad Finale?
A. This event is held in two sessions to allow for all graduates to attend. Students will fulfill all obligations regarding the senior exit survey, financial aid, student business services, and the registrar. This is when students will receive caps, gowns, and commencement tickets.

Q. Wait, so there is a new date for 2020 graduation?
A. Yes! Due to weather the graduation ceremony has been moved from Tuesday, August 4 to Wednesday, August 5 at the Circle Drive-In Theater [1911 Scranton Carbondale Highway, Scranton]. We will be sending details to graduating students by email.

Q. Wait, so there is a new date for Awards Night?
A. No, awards will be given to students at Grad Finale. We will recognize your accomplishments at commencement.

Q. I paid the graduation petition fee. Will I get a refund if I do not attend the new graduation date?
A. No, the fee is not used for the ceremony. The graduation fee is non-refundable.

Q. Will I still receive my cap and gown?
A. Yes! If you ordered a cap and gown during Grad Application, they are in and will be distributed to students at Grad Finale.

Q. Can I keep my cap and gown?
A. Yes, you sure can. Once you receive it, it is yours to keep.

Q. When will I receive my actual diploma?
A. Students graduating in May 2020 and August 2020 should make an appointment with the Registrar Office to pick it up on campus. In the meantime, transcripts are available through our Registrar Office and can be used as education verification. https://johnson.edu/registrar

Q. If I wasn’t planning to walk in the May graduation ceremony, but I’d like to walk in the August ceremony, what do I do?
A. Be on the lookout for an email from the Registrar Office in July asking you if you would like to walk in the August ceremony.

Q. Can my parents, friends, and relatives attend the August graduation ceremony?
A. Yes. Check the commencement webpage as we get closer for more detailed information.

Q. Where will I park for the August graduation?
A. There is parking at the Circle Drive-In. Parking areas will be assigned closer to the date. Check the commencement webpage as we get closer for more detailed information.

Like most high school graduates, Carter Terysen wasn’t sure what the future might hold after he graduated from Honesdale High School in 2018. Two years later, after obtaining his associate degree in Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology from Johnson College, Carter has discovered that his career is quickly headed in the right direction.

The day after his last class at Johnson on May 8, Carter learned he was hired as a carpenter at Dakan Enterprises in Honesdale, Pa. He has been working at Dakan for several weeks and loves his new job. In addition to his own initiative and hard work, Carter credits the education and skills he obtained at Johnson for helping him obtain a great job in a field he loves.

Carter, who placed first in Skills USA College Division carpentry competition, particularly credits Todd Campbell ’82, director of Johnson’s Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology program for helping him refine his craft.
“Mr. Campbell was absolutely great. I’m using so much of what he taught me every single day. My supervisors were really impressed with how much I knew even though I’m just starting out,” he said.

“Carter was really a great student and it’s a pleasure to see him succeed,” Todd said. “He’s dedicated and extremely hard working.”

While jobs in many professions are difficult to find in the wake of COVID 19 pandemic, recent Johnson graduates such as Carter are taking advantage of the essential skills they have learned. Many are finding jobs in a variety fields such as manufacturing, electronics, welding, health sciences, and more, that are critical to the regional and national economy.

“I’m really glad I went to Johnson after high school. I feel like I’m in a great place in my life right now and I’m looking forward to the future,” Carter said.

Under normal circumstances, I would be welcoming you this morning to our Johnson College Open, our annual golf tournament, originally scheduled to take place today, at Pine Hills Country Club in Taylor. I appreciate your past support and how it has impacted the lives of our students.

As you realize, however, these are anything but normal times. Therefore, I’m sure it will come as little surprise that we are cancelling this year’s tournament due to the many restrictions in place surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Of course, we are disappointed that we will not be able to hold this year’s tournament which is always a wonderful time for everyone and, most importantly, raises much-needed funds for our Johnson College Presidential Scholarship fund. In lieu of the golf tournament you will still be able to support our Presidential Scholarship fund by participating in another special event, our Johnson College Day of Giving, which will conducted on August 18, 2020.

By participating, you will still have the opportunity to assist Johnson students who need your help to make their career dreams come true. Given the current circumstances, there has never been a more important time to support our students through the Presidential Scholarship fund. Our degrees turn into essential careers and ours students are the employees fueling our economy. They are supporting us through these difficult times, and now, we can show our support of them.

As you know, Johnson College students receive the education, training and skills needed in today’s essential industries – logistics and supply chain, transportation, manufacturing, and health care, among others — that are so critical in helping others and supporting our economy. The more you are able assist our students meet their educational goals, the more you will support our community in this unusual and critical time period, and in the months and years that follow.

We will be in touch with you soon with more information about our Day of Giving. As always, thank you for all you do for Johnson College, and our students.

Sincerely,
Katie Pittelli, Ed.D.
President & CEO

President Honors students who have finished fall semester with a 3.90 GPA or higher

Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who have completed the Fall 2019 semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher. All students are from Pennsylvania.

Ilvin Carmona-Perez, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Scranton

Dylan Harhut, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Greenfield Township

Brian  Hill, Computer Information Technology, Scranton

Joshua Hinkley, Computer Information Technology, Sweet Valley

Regina McCaffery, Radiologic Technology, Pocono Summit

Joseph Minzak, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Falls

Christine Noldy, Radiologic Technology, Jessup

Joseph Stoffey, Computer Information Technology, Jessup

Kerri Wydeen, Radiologic Technology, Scott Township

Scranton, PA – April 21, 2020 — Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO and Bill Burke, Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs announced Johnson College’s newest program, Heavy Equipment Technology at a virtual press conference held today.

The two-year associate degree program prepares students to enter the workforce as well-trained, mechanically minded, hard-working technicians with heavy equipment dealers and earth moving construction contractors. Graduates will possess the skills necessary to safely and correctly repair equipment used in the Heavy Equipment Industry. Instruction involves classroom theory, live shop demonstrations, and repair of heavy equipment currently used in industry. Making repairs on actual equipment is vital to skill development.

Employers seeking trained technicians include heavy equipment dealers, earth moving construction contractors, and mining and logging companies. Technicians will work in service shops and as field service technicians and will travel to the job sites to perform repairs.

The paramount part of this program is the experience that the students will receive in field at established facilities during their time at Johnson College. Five Star Equipment is the first lab partnership in the Heavy Equipment Technology program.

“Five Star Equipment is honored to be the first lab site for this program. We are just one example of the many companies throughout Northeastern PA that require skilled heavy equipment service technicians to properly support their customers,” said Patricia O’Brien, Five Star Equipment’s Director of Marketing. “The annual job growth for this position is five percent nationally, but projected to be nine percent in Pennsylvania, which translates to nearly 500 more jobs each year.”

Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO is excited to share the news. She said, “Heavy Equipment Technology is another way that Johnson College has responded to filling a skills gap in our region. Because, as we know, not every open position requires a four-year degree. This is another way that we can provide essential workers to the essential businesses in our community.”

While there is no clear direction yet for how the Covid-19 pandemic will affect many industries like construction and transportation long-term, Dr. Pittelli noted that many companies that employ heavy equipment technicians like Five Star Equipment are designated as an essential business supporting customers who are also essential businesses. This designation should give confidence to adults of all ages who are looking for secure employment opportunities to consider heavy equipment technology as a career choice with a bright future.

Five Star Equipment is a John Deere Construction and Forestry equipment dealer serving 57 counties in PA and NY. Its corporate headquarters are located in Dunmore. For additional information about Five Star Equipment, visit: www.fivestarequipment.com

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 was founded in 1912, and is the region’s premier technical college, offering associate degrees in 14 programs. An emphasis on hands-on instruction is supported by a low student-to-teacher ratio. Located in Scranton on a 44-acre campus, Johnson is an accredited, private, non-profit, co-educational institution with a strong tradition of working with regional business and industry 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 www.johnson.edu.

To watch a recording of the announcement, please click here.

For the first time ever, Johnson College is hosting a virtual open house series. During each week in April, a different division of study is highlighted in a webinar format. These webinars also feature information about financial aid, career services, how to apply, and a variety of other student services that are offer.

You can register for the remaining Virtual Open Houses by click here. Watch the recorded sessions by clicking the links below. For more information please reach out to our enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu.

Electronic and Industrial – Tuesday, April 7th
– Advanced Manufacturing Technology
– Biomedical Equipment Technology
– Computer Information Technology
– Electronic Engineering Technology
– Welding Technology
Watch the recording of this Open House here.

Building Trades and Technology – Thursday, April 16th
– Architectural Drafting & Design Technology
– Building and Property Maintenance
– Carpentry and Cabinetmaking Technology
– Electrical Construction and Maintenance Technology
– Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology
Watch the recording of this Open House here.

Transportation and Logistics – Tuesday, April 21st
– Automotive Technology
– Diesel Truck Technology
– Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Watch the recording of this Open House here.

Health and Animal Sciences – Wednesday, April 29th
– Physical Therapist Assistant
– Radiologic Technology
– Veterinary Technology
Watch the recording of the Open House here.