A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Celebrate the Grand Opening of ‘Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center’

In a joint celebration held today, September 27, CAN DO and Johnson College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the ‘Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center’. This celebration comes after the two institutions announced their partnership to bring a technical school to the Greater Hazleton Area earlier this year.

The ‘Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center’ ribbon cutting event showcased the expansive 20,000 sq. ft. facility – which was once home to the former McCann School of Business and Technology. Guests were invited to tour the new school, including classrooms, lab spaces, and the campus resource center that is open to all students. Capriotti’s Catering and Little Treats and Cakes by Janna catered the event with light lunch fare and desserts.

Dr. Katie Leonard, President and CEO of Johnson College, and Joseph Lettiere, President and CEO of CAN DO, were both present and spoke about how this partnership is a monumental achievement for the Greater Hazleton Area, its residences, and its businesses.

Dr. Katie Leonard spoke of the importance of the College’s industry partners throughout her remarks. “I like to say that we are founded and grounded in industry”, she mentioned. “The industry partnerships we’ve fostered here in the Greater Hazleton region helped us identify the need for skilled technicians and technologists in the area and the need for us to create unique, hands-on, industry-driven experiences for students who want to work within those industries.”

During his remarks, CAN DO President and CEO, Joseph Lettiere, stated, “CAN DO’s partnership with Johnson College is monumental for the Greater Hazleton Area and its residents as a whole. Through the various programs available on this campus, our community will have direct access to the necessary training and education our industries are in need of…these programs truly move the needle for members of our community by providing industrial education that will ultimately lead to family- and life-sustaining careers.” 

Other key members of this partnership and esteemed dignitaries also in attendance included Charles Burkhardt, Chair of the CAN DO Board of Directors, Pat Dietz, Chair of the Johnson College Board of Directors, Pennsylvania State Senator David Argall, representing Pennsylvania’s 29th Senatorial District, and members from both CAN DO and Johnson College’s Board of Directors.

With its strategic positioning inside of the Humboldt Industrial Park, Johnson College’s Hazleton campus will provide students with advantageous proximity to nearly 70 industries currently employing more than 11,000 individuals. The campus is also now a central education hub for communities within lower Luzerne and surrounding counties.

While classes officially began on August 28, the new school offers a robust curriculum aimed to cater to the diverse academic and industry needs of the Greater Hazleton Area community. Notable program offerings include a 2-Year Associate Degree in Applied Science for Electrical Construction Technology and 1-Year Academic Certificate programs in Welding Technology, Industrial Technology, and Building and Property Maintenance. Additionally, the school offers continuing education certificate courses in Medical Assistant, Computer Support, and Security Specialist, as well as Class A CDL Driver Training.

For more information about these upcoming programs, visit johnson.edu/Hazleton.

Now Enrolling Students in CDL Driver Training Course at Greater Hazleton Campus

Johnson College, in partnership with Ancora Education, is now enrolling students in its Class A CDL Driver Training course that begins on August 21, 2023, at the College’s new satellite campus, Johnson College at the CAN DO Training Center, in Hazle Township.

To learn more or to enroll in the Class A CDL Driver Training course, visit johnson.edu/hazleton-cdl or contact the College’s Continuing Education department at continuinged@johnson.edu

Students will learn to inspect and operate tractor-trailers and to assume driver responsibilities on the road and at pickup/delivery points. Emphasis is placed on vehicle inspections, defensive driving, range maneuvers, motor carrier safety regulations (DOT 380 -397 and a certificate for entry-level drivers), trip planning, cargo handling, size/weight laws, general maintenance procedures, hours of service, and accident prevention. Participants in this 160-hour program can obtain their CDL in as little as four weeks. The course complies with the new Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) rules established by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA), which went into effect in February 2022.

Johnson College Hazleton Holds First-Ever Open House on July 27

Johnson College Hazleton will hold its first-ever student and community Open House on Thursday, July 27, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the CAN DO Training Center inside the Humboldt Industrial Park at 370 Maplewood Drive in Hazle Township. The event welcomes all interested students and community members eager to see the progress of the new college campus.

All visitors must register to attend the Open House by visiting johnson.edu/openhousehazleton or contacting Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

The Open House will include discussions with interested students about the admissions process, information about financial aid for those who qualify, and student services such as student life, student support, and career services. Plus, same-day acceptance will be available for many programs if students bring their high school or college transcripts. Tours of each technical area will be conducted, and program directors and instructors will be available to review their programs’ specifics with students and the community.

Now Enrolling Students in Basic Maintenance Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in its next Basic Maintenance course offered on the College’s Scranton campus. The course will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. beginning on July 10, 2023, to August 16, 2023, and cost $500.

This 48-hour non-credit certificate course is designed for individuals looking to enter the high-demand field of maintenance and repair. Students will learn basic maintenance and repair skills required in the upkeep of building and property systems. Instructional topics include areas such as tools, equipment, plumbing, electrical, carpentry, pest control, weatherization, and painting.

To learn more or enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuing-education/, call 570-702-8979, or email continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College to Host Transfer Day on May 24, 2023

Johnson College is holding a Transfer Day on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, from 12 to 3 p.m. on its campus in Scranton, PA. The College is encouraging current college students that are interested in changing the direction of their education and, ultimately, their career path to visit its campus.

Students will meet with Enrollment, Financial Aid, Career Services, and Counseling and Disability Services representatives. In addition, staff members from the Registrar’s Office will be on-hand for transfer credit analyses and review potential schedules for the upcoming semester. Students will learn why Johnson College is the leader in hands-on education, how it exposes students to industry from day one, and how its two-year degree programs, focusing on careers in in-demand industries, have the highest return on investment in the short term. 

To attend Transfer Day at Johnson College, students must register online at https://johnson.edu/transfer/ or contact the College’s enrollment team at enroll@johnson.edu or (570) 702-8856.

6th Annual Carpentry Auction Raises $5,970 for Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA

Johnson College’s Carpentry Auction held on campus on April 12, 2023, raised $5,970 to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

More than 60 items were auctioned off, including cutting boards, tables, cabinets, a bookcase, and more. All items were created by students in the Carpentry & Cabinetmaking Technology program. Most of the items were made from re-purposed materials.

Photo Caption:  Pictured left to right: Kneeling: Andrea Marques, Johnson College student, Ken Stucker, Johnson College student, Aiden Martelli, Johnson College student, and Roger Orlandini, Johnson College student. Standing: Cheryl Friedman, CRNP, SANE-P, SANE-A, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, Darrielle J. Carter, AS Events & Public Relations Coordinator, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, Abbey Bowen, Johnson College student, Caitlyn Phillips, Johnson College student, Todd Campbell ’82, Capentry and Cabinetmaking Technology Program Director, Johnson College, Marsha Pigga, MA, Executive Director, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, Brendan Jarosh, Johnson College student, Michele Smith, BSW Project Safe & Smart Educator, Children’s Advocacy Center of NEPA, Tony Kreutz, Johnson College student, and Austin Norris, Johnson College student.

From Nose to Tail: Keeping pets safe in winter

By Jamie Laubenstein, AS, CVT, ’07

Originally published in the November 25, 2022, edition of the Valley Advantage.

https://www.thevalleyadvantage.com/community-columns/from-nose-to-tail-keeping-pets-safe-in-winter/article_32e7983b-53ec-5534-bf30-78daf594b06d.html

As autumn golds fade to winter blues, the temperatures outside begin to drop significantly. As responsible pet owners, it is important to know the laws, obligations and options we have during these winter months.

Libre’s Law, signed by Governor Tom Wolf in August 2017, includes a section regarding leashing your dog outside. Dogs cannot be tethered outside for more than 30 minutes in temperatures below 32 degrees and above 90 degrees. We must also be diligent in ensuring that any outside water sources do not freeze over.

What does this mean for those who want to enjoy outdoor activities in the snow with their pets? Well, there are several options available to us to help prevent hypothermia or frostbite in our furry friends.

Pet clothing and specially designed doggy boots can allow your canine companion to enjoy their time outside.

There are a variety of coats, sweaters, body suits and hats designed to fit any size dog to help them stay warm when outside. Dog boots help protect sensitive paw pads from frostbite or damage while walking in the snow or on a frozen sidewalk.

However, some dog breeds have been bred for and used for working outside during these chilling months dating back as far as 4,000 to 6,000 years.

Breeds such as the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed have been pulling sleds and helping hunters survive arctic conditions. Their thick double coats help them to thrive in wet and cold weather. Having thicker fur between their paw pads helps protect them from the cold and frost, allowing for better travel.

The Saint Bernard, Bernese Mountain Dog and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog were all bred to withstand a cold climate, herd and guard livestock and assist soldiers in wartime. Not only are these dogs highly intelligent and easily trainable, but they also make excellent family companions.

Dogs are not the only ones that may need some help outside in the winter months. Many of us may have a few stray cats around the neighborhood that can use some extra TLC right about now.

If you can humanely trap them and get them to a local shelter or rescue before the temperatures drop significantly, this is the best option. However, some cats are too smart to trap but need our help all the same.

Shelter from the elements is a great first step to helping them survive the winter. A DIY shelter is cheap and easy to set up — all you need is a plastic container, insulation and bedding. Begin by cutting a small opening in one side of the container, line the container with foam insulation and then add a thick layer of straw for bedding. Make sure you place the enclosure somewhere quiet so that you see the cat frequently and where they will feel safe to use it.

Water is the second most important part of survival in the winter. Since streams, lakes or puddles are often frozen, providing a water source that they can easily access, and doesn’t freeze is essential.

Lastly, you can put out some dry cat food during the day for an easy meal but you will want to pick up the food at night to prevent raccoons or other wild animals from visiting during the night.

There are many options for us to enjoy the snow with our pets. Whether it’s making snowballs for them to chase or sledding down the hill, our pets can be part of these experiences. Be mindful of how long they have been outside, as often they will want to keep playing past the time it’s safe for them to be out.

Enjoy this season with your furry pal, and let it snow!

Jamie Laubenstein, AS, CVT, ’07 Johnson College alumni, is a full time CVT instructor at the Johnson College Veterinary Nursing Program as well as a clinical rotation instructor at the Animal Care Center on campus. She has been part of the veterinary field for 19 years.