Now Enrolling Students in OBDII Emissions Training Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education department is enrolling students into its next OBDII Emissions Training. The class will be held on the Johnson College campus in Scranton on Monday, April 4, Tuesday, April 5, and Thursday, April 7, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The class fee to be paid to Johnson College is $180, and a study material and testing fee of $39.99 is paid directly to the PA Training Portal. For more details, visit Johnson.edu/continuingeducation, call 570-702-8979, or email continuinged@johnson.edu.

The OBDII testing monitors a vehicle’s emission control systems in real-time and can inform a licensed technician of a systemic issue the moment it occurs. The system operates through a series of indicator lights, drive cycles, trouble codes, and readiness monitors. During an inspection, an emission analyzer scan tool plugs into the diagnostic connector attached to the OBDII computer and communicates with the vehicle. The OBDII system relays whether it has discovered errors in the emission control systems to the scan tool. The emission analyzer then determines if the car is being operated according to emission standards.

Nose to Tail: Keeping pets safe in winter weather

By Dr. Meg Varner-Soden, Johnson College’s Veterinary Nursing Instructor

Originally published in the January 28, 2022 edition of the Valley Advantage.

https://www.thevalleyadvantage.com/community-columns/nose-to-tail-keeping-pets-safe-in-winter-weather/article_4f559547-b8ac-53a5-a4b0-db093587b920.html

We’re starting 2022 with a new pets column to help keep your pets healthy and safe. This month, Johnson College’s Dr. Meg Varner-Soden, DVM, talks about some winter hazards that can harm your pets and what we need to do when they’re exposed to them. Let’s get started.

Ice melts

These products are typically made of salt, like potassium chloride or calcium chloride. Their purpose is to lower the freezing point of water to reduce ice formation on sidewalks and provide more traction.

Our dogs and outdoor cats are at risk of developing irritation of the paw pads, or the webbing of the skin between them, when coming into prolonged contact with these salts. They are also at risk of ingesting them — for example, licking their feet upon coming indoors, eating snow in the yard where ice melt was sprinkled, or mischievously getting into a bag of it when not securely stored.

Ingestion of small volumes can trigger gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting and diarrhea. If your pet were to eat a more substantial amount, problems like mouth ulceration or changes in the body’s electrolytes might occur. Severe derangements of the body’s sodium levels may lead to tremors or seizures.

To help minimize paw issues:

• Wipe their paws immediately upon coming back into the house.

• Teach your dog to tolerate booties on their feet for use during walks.

• Apply paw wax or balm before outings.

You can look specifically for “pet-friendly” ice melt products that are typically safer, or consider using kitty litter or sand. Please note that these products may be safer but all still carry some risk of tummy issues if ingested. Also, remember that you can control what is used on your premises but not necessarily everywhere else you and Fido will roam.

Antifreeze

This active toxic ingredient is a sweet-tasting alcohol derivative called ethylene glycol. The most common source of this is radiator coolant, but other liquids that may contain it include motor oil, brake fluid, de-icing windshield wiper fluid, wood stains, paints and solvents.

It can also hide in-home solar units, portable basketball post bases and even snow globes. Some people add antifreeze solutions in seasonally used toilet bowls (such as in cabins) to prevent them from freezing over the winter and forget about it until the warmer months. This can be especially dangerous to dogs and cats who drink from toilets!

Pet owners need to be extremely vigilant in how their antifreeze products are used and stored. Only a few tablespoons, or less if the animal is small, may be a fatal dose. When ingested, ethylene glycol quickly leads to life-threatening acute kidney failure that may be fatal by 72 hours post-exposure.

Clinical signs that an animal may show during toxicosis include depression, disorientation and drunken behavior. Also look for excessive drooling, vomiting, increased drinking and urination, and possibly seizures and coma. A correct and prompt diagnosis is essential, and antidote treatment must be started within three hours for cats and eight hours for dogs, so get to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Those with families should realize that this can also be a toxin to curious young children.

Hypothermia

Most of our beloved companions are acclimated to the indoors with us. Chances are, if you are cold and need to bundle up, so do they. Your pet can become hypothermic if too much time is spent outdoors, unprotected during frigid weather.

Dogs and cats have a higher average body temperature than humans do. Neglectful exposure to the elements is such a concern that a Pennsylvania law known as Libre’s Law was signed by Governor Tom Wolf in 2017, outlawing the tethering of pets out of doors for more than 30 minutes during freezing weather, meaning under 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prolonged low body temperature wreaks havoc in the body in many ways, ranging from harming the heart and blood vessels to debilitating the immune system and the brain. Frostbite is a possibility. Clinical signs of hypothermia include shivering, lethargy, disorientation and incoordination, rigid muscles and decreased heart and respiratory rates.

These issues can progress to a state of shock, brain impairment, coma and death. The best treatment for this condition is prevention. Careful external rewarming is needed to counteract this situation, and prompt veterinary attention may be necessary in the more severe cases.

Fundamentals of Welding Course – Now Enrolling Students

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in its next Fundamentals of Welding course, scheduled to run from Monday, February 28, 2022, to Friday, April 22, 2022, in Weaver Hall on its campus in Scranton. Space is very limited. To learn more or enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuingeducation/ or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education department at 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu

Students will learn the basics of the major welding processes. After fundamentals, students can enroll in an intermediate class in either Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), or Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG). Each of these classes works toward plate certification to a common welding code. 

Now Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s campus in Scranton. The course cost is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alumni, the price 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.

Now Enrolling Students in Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspectors Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is enrolling students in its next on-campus Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspectors course. Classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. starting March 15, 2022, through March 24, 2022, with hands-on testing beginning on Monday, March 28, 2022. To learn more or enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuingeducation/ or contact the Continuing Education Department at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu. The total cost of the course is $200 for cars and light trucks. There is an additional $75 fee for other vehicle categories. 

The Pennsylvania State Vehicle Safety Inspection course requirements include 12 classroom hours, a written test, and a two-hour tactile test scheduled independently with the instructor. Students must complete all requirements before receiving certification from PennDOT. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis according to the payment date. Class size is limited to 20 students, so participants are encouraged to register early. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid operator’s license for each class of vehicle they intend to inspect. Classes will be held in the Automotive Center of Weaver Hall on the Johnson College campus in Scranton, PA. 

Johnson College and York College of Pennsylvania Sign Articulation Agreement

Johnson College and York College of Pennsylvania recently signed an articulation agreement. It allows students to complete their two-year degree at Johnson College and then transfer to York College of Pennsylvania to complete a bachelor’s degree or transfer credits and continue their education.

Students transferring to York College of Pennsylvania must meet minimum cumulative grade-point average requirements and satisfy all transfer requirements. This agreement becomes effective for the fall 2022 semester.

“Establishing this articulation agreement with York College creates an opportunity for our students to build on the hands-on education they receive at Johnson College by continuing their education toward a bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College. “This agreement is special to me because it connects Johnson College with York College where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in English and where I am now a proud member of their board of trustees.”

“Both Johnson College and York College will benefit from this agreement,” said Dr. Pamela Gunter-Smith, President of York College of Pennsylvania. “We are pleased to welcome Johnson College students to our campus and our educational experience.”

About York College of Pennsylvania:

Established in 1787, York College of Pennsylvania is a private, four-year college located in the city of York, a hub of arts and industry between Baltimore and Philadelphia. Housed on 190 picturesque acres, the college is known for its focus on experiential learning and community engagement, serving over 4,000 undergraduate and 450+ graduate students in more than 70 baccalaureate majors, along with 20+ graduate and professional programs. Deeply rooted in the liberal arts and recognized for excellence in its professional nursing, business, engineering, and education programs, York is ranked among the nation’s top 50 Best Value Schools by U.S. News. The College’s robust recreation and athletics program is among the best in the region, and is home to 23 NCAA III Division sports teams and 30+ intramural sports. A Princeton Review Best Northeastern College, York prides itself on its experienced, engaged faculty; its high-impact and student-centric philosophy; and its long-standing commitment to affordability and accessibility. Visit https://www.ycp.edu/ for more information.

About Johnson College:

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical college, offering 18 associate degree and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. 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.

Johnson College Receives $5,000 from Fidelity Bank

Recently, Johnson College received a $5,000 contribution from Fidelity Bank in support of the College’s STEM outreach activities.  Through these activities, Johnson College utilizes its experience in providing industry-focused technical education to expand its outreach to elementary, middle, and high school students to encourage the pursuit of STEM-related careers.

The outreach activities raise awareness of the benefits of STEM education and the possibilities of achieving economic independence through employment in a STEM career field.

Fidelity Bank’s contribution to Johnson College is part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

Fidelity Bank has built a strong history as a trusted financial advisor to the clients served with full-service offices throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Northampton Counties, along with the Fidelity Bank Wealth Management Minersville Office in Schuylkill County. Fidelity Bank provides a digital and virtual experience via online banking and mobile app, digital services, and digital account opening. Additionally, Fidelity Bank offers full-service Trust & Investment Departments, a Mortgage Center, and an array of personal and business banking products and services. Part of the Company’s vision is to serve as the best bank for the community, which was accomplished by having provided nearly 1,400 hours of volunteer time and over $1.3 million in donations to non-profit organizations directly within the markets served throughout 2020. The Company continues its mission of exceeding client expectations through a unique banking experience, providing 24 hour, 7 days a week service to clients through branch offices, online at www.bankatfidelity.com, and through the Customer Care Center at 800-388-4380.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical College, offering 18 associate degree and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. 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.

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Photo Caption:

Recently, Johnson College received a $5,000 contribution from Fidelity Bank in support of the College’s STEM outreach activities. Left to right: Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, Eugene J. Walsh, Executive Vice President, and Chief Operating Officer at Fidelity Bank, Daniel J. Santaniello, President and Chief Executive Officer at Fidelity Bank, and Michael J. Pacyna, Jr, Executive Vice President and Chief Lending Officer at Fidelity Bank.  

Johnson College Receives $25,000 from Kenworth of Pennsylvania

Recently, Johnson College received a $25,000 contribution from Kenworth of Pennsylvania to support its Diesel Truck Technology program and students.

Kenworth of Pennsylvania has been a strong industry partner with Johnson College for fifteen years. They consistently support the College and its students by making cash and in-kind contributions, participating in the Diesel Truck Technology program advisory committee, hosting student interns, and inviting students to take part in their live program labs inside their facility in Dunmore, PA. This year’s contribution will help maintain the quality of the hands-on education Kenworth values to prepare students to enter their industry’s workforce as well qualified and trained technicians.

Motor Truck Equipment Company was founded in 1933 and is the parent company of Kenworth of Pennsylvania, Motor Truck PacLease, Motor Truck Thermo King, and TRP of Allentown. Motor Truck spans three generations of leadership from the Mitchell family. They offer the sale of new, medium and heavy-duty Kenworth trucks, as well as a selection of used models. Kenworth of PA has 10 parts and service locations across the state of Pennsylvania to serve all their customers’ transportation needs. To learn more about Kenworth of Pennsylvania, visit kwofpa.com.

Johnson College provides real-world, hands-on learning in a supportive environment and prepares graduates to enter into or advance their careers. Johnson College degrees become essential careers. Johnson College was founded in 1912 and is the region’s only technical College, offering 18 associate degree and 4 academic certificate programs. A low student-to-instructor ratio supports an emphasis on hands-on learning. 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.

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Photo Caption:

Recently, Johnson College received a $25,000 contribution from Kenworth of Pennsylvania to support its Diesel Truck Technology program and students. Left to right: Willie Hobbs, Service Manager at Kenworth of PA, Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, and Fred Pope, Vice President and General Manager at Kenworth of Pennsylvania.

Johnson College Fall 2021 Semester President’s List

Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, has announced the President’s List of students who were enrolled in 12 credits or more and completed the 2021 Fall Semester with a grade point average of 3.90 or higher.

David Neiman, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Shavertown, PA

Bennett Sisto, Computer Information Technology, Scranton, PA

Jonathon Kaville, Electrical and Construction Technology, Old Forge, PA

Julia Price, Heavy Equipment Technology, Scranton, PA

Alexander Mros, Radiologic Technology, Wilkes-Barre, PA

Johnathan Gilson, Heavy Equipment Technology, Honesdale, PA

Jon Dellia, Physical Therapist Assistant, Olyphant, PA

Benjamin Terry, Biomedical Equipment Technology, Richmondale, PA

John McDonald, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Pittston, PA

Brittany Bethel, Veterinary Nursing, Dallas, PA

Antonia Latorre, Computer Information Technology, Taylor, PA

Silas Beck, Computer Information Technology, Covington Township, PA

Philip Davitt, Electrical and Construction Technology, Dickson City, PA

Jonathan Petrasko, Computer Information Technology, Peckville, PA

Richard Christianson, Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, Susquehanna, PA

Natalie Lamoreaux, Physical Therapist Assistant, Pennsdale, PA

Evan Wilcox, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Milanville, PA

Cody Mackin, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Taylor, PA

Jason Chilko, Automotive Technology, Bartonsville, PA

Alexander Nallin, Veterinary Nursing, Scranton, PA

Michael Salansky, Computer Information Technology, Harford, PA

Joseph Ingraham, Diesel Truck Technology, Binghamton, NY

Richard Mikloiche, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Vandling, PA

Virginia Murray, Automotive Technology, Jessup, PA

Brandon Grandinetti, Computer Information Technology, Olyphant, PA

Colton Esslinger, Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Susquehanna, PA

Jacob Banta, Automotive Technology, Trucksville, PA

Donald Smith, Architectural Drafting & Design Technology, Tunkhannock, PA