From Headlights to Taillights: Wax on, wax off

By Mark Kozemko, Johnson College’s Automotive Technology Program Director

Original published in the October 29, 2021 edition of the Valley Advantage.

https://www.thevalleyadvantage.com/community-columns/from-headlights-to-taillights-wax-on-wax-off/article_d5c6cd28-00a5-54f7-96ed-b6b0fb0e7793.html

As October turns into November, some of you, like me, want the warm weather to stay all year round. At the same time, others are upset that cold weather is not here yet. Either way, your vehicle needs to be protected from the elements in warm and cold weather. This leads me to a few questions we received about protecting vehicles from anything Mother Nature throws at us during the different seasons.

Our first question is, “Is it still necessary to wax my car to protect it from the elements?”

The simple answer is yes. I recommend protecting your vehicle’s painted finish if you want it to look good years down the road. If it is not protected somehow, the rust will slowly eat away at the metal until it’s a heap of rust sitting in your driveway. That is an exaggeration, of course, but only slightly because rust can ruin a vehicle.

“If it is necessary, what kind of wax should I use on my vehicle?” is our second question.

The answer to this question is not so simple. Everyone has different opinions on how to treat their vehicle, so it’s tough to tell you what is best. Let me explain.

If you treat your vehicle like one of the family then you keep it clean (wash it), keep it healthy (maintain it, change the oil), and protect it (wax or protective coating). With proper care, the vehicle remains in good shape for a long time.

If all you care about is that your vehicle gets you from point A to point B and you don’t spend much time on car care, your vehicle will not keep the good looks it had at the beginning and may start looking bad very quickly. If this is you, it’s OK because not everyone has the time to treat a vehicle like family in this hectic world.

If you are the type to take very good care of your car or truck, there is a variety of different waxes or coatings that have been proven to keep it looking great for a long time. Some are very easy to apply, and others are not so easy. It all depends on how hard you want to work to reach your end goal of protecting your vehicle from the elements.

If you go to an auto parts store, you will see an entire aisle dedicated to products that protect everything from the paint to the dashboard and windows of your vehicle. The price range also varies as much as the product selection does.

I recommend doing some research before you purchase a wax or coating. You may want to google “what are the 10 best car waxes” to find out what is available. Then, watch YouTube videos to view the application process. This research will help you determine what product to buy and the degree of difficulty in applying that product. Because there are so many products to choose from, the choice can be tricky.

Our third question is, “I took care of my last vehicle regularly. I washed, waxed, and so on, but the body panels still rusted. Did I do something wrong or use the wrong product?”

I don’t believe you did anything wrong or used the wrong product. Unfortunately, our vehicles are subjected to a multitude of elements that can destroy metal body panels. Without knowing how often you applied the product, I can only speculate you followed the instructions on when to use it and how to apply it for the best results. If you followed the instructions, there isn’t anything more you could have done.

A major headache in keeping a vehicle looking good is stone chips. They happen when stones are kicked up in traffic and hit your car or truck. A small stone chip, if left unrepaired, can result in a fender rotting away right before your eyes. Stone chips need to be touched up as soon as they are detected, so rust is not given a chance to start.

You would think vehicles would last forever if you could bubble wrap them and keep them in the garage every minute you own them. But even if you did that, your vehicle would still rust because it would attract moisture, and then rust would eventually take over.

Bottom line, no matter the season, cold or warm, protect your vehicle. Choose a product that fits the level of protection you want to give your vehicle and always follow the instructions. Plus, applying an extra coat or two will provide your car or truck additional protection to keep it looking good longer. In the words of Mr. Miyagi from the film Karate Kid, “Wax on, wax off.”

Johnson College Announces New Two-Year Associates Degree, Mechatronics Technology

Students can now enroll in Johnson College’s new Mechatronics Technology program. The program will start during the fall 2022 semester.

The two-year associate degree program prepares students for entry-level work in the multidisciplinary field of Mechatronics, which includes energy, plastics, computer and communications equipment manufacturing, and aerospace technology. Students learn the theoretical principles and measured values required to troubleshoot electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems. The program also teaches customer service, supervisory, and professional communications skills to help students excel in their future roles as Mechatronic technicians.

Graduates will work in careers such as electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists or technicians and have the opportunity to earn a median annual income of up to $59,800.

“Johnson College’s industry partners have shared with us the importance of students entering the workforce with interdisciplinary skills. These are the students they want to hire.” said Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College’s President and CEO. “The addition of the Mechatronics Technology program addresses their need for versatile employees with dynamic troubleshooting skills.”

For more information about or to enroll in Johnson College’s Mechatronics Technology program visit johnson.edu/mechatronics or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

Johnson College Announces New One-Year Academic Certificate Program, Industrial Technology

Students can now enroll in Johnson College’s new one-year academic certificate program, Industrial Technology. The program will launch during the spring 2022 semester.

This one-year academic certificate program prepares students for employment as entry-level industrial technicians. Students will learn industry skills such as diagnostics, equipment repair, machine testing, and operations. The program also teaches students critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Graduates of the program will prepare to work in machine shops, fabrication shops, distribution warehouses, and similar settings that encompass the industrial technology industry. They will know how to work in a team environment, practice professionalism, and acknowledge organizational diversity.

The Industrial Technology field is expected to grow by 19% per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Graduates entering the field have the potential to earn $54,920.

“We are excited to add the Industrial Technology one-year academic certificate to our growing list of programs,” said Bill Burke, M.S., Johnson College’s Vice President of Student and Academic Affairs. “Graduates of this program will become proficient in the technical skills industry requires, and will also acquire the essential soft skills required to enter today’s workforce.”

For more information about the program, or to enroll in Johnson College’s Industrial Technology program, please visit johnson.edu/industrialtech or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

RISE: Readiness In Skilled Employment, a new unique workforce development program

In an effort to help remove socio-economic barriers for some individuals looking to enter the workforce and earn a life-sustaining wage, Johnson College, United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund have formed a unique partnership to address this critical need and solve the skills gap in NEPA.

RISE: Readiness In Skilled Employment (https://risenepa.org/) is a workforce development program to serve residents of Lackawanna and Luzerne counties with the opportunity to obtain technical training while accessing additional supports to remove any barriers that stand in their way of starting a new career. Funded by the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, the support and services offered will provide enrolled participants the pathway necessary to earn a family-sustaining wage. RISE paves the way for individuals and their future generations to succeed.

“There are over 7,000 jobs currently posted available in NEPA even with a declining unemployment rate and increased labor force participation,” commented Teri Ooms, Executive Director at The Institute for Public Policy & Economic Development. “These jobs require all different levels of education, training, and skills. There is opportunity! RISE addresses both the education and training to secure those jobs, while helping individuals with all the other challenges that affect their ability to learn and be gainfully employed.” Participants will achieve the hands-on education through Johnson College to secure an in-demand job in NEPA.

“For over 100 years, Johnson College has worked to produce skilled technicians needed for the workforce, and now the need is greater than ever,” said Dr Katie Pittelli, Johnson College CEO & President. “By our organizations working together, more people from our community will have an opportunity to lessen the job market’s skills gap by becoming well-trained technicians without having to overcome certain barriers. Plus, they will enter the workforce with the knowledge and training to be able to earn family-sustaining wages. RISE will change lives.”

“United Neighborhood Centers is thrilled to be working with Johnson College, The Institute, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund on this new initiative,” noted Lisa Durkin, President & CEO of United Neighborhood Centers. “Never before has the need for a strong skilled workforce been more evident. Many industries and professions are looking to fill key positions right now. It is our goal that we meet the demand of area employers and prepare the families and individuals we work with for these rewarding opportunities.”

Johnson College Receives $250,000 from the City of Scranton

Recently Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, Mayor of the City of Scranton, joined Dr. Katie Pittelli, President & CEO of Johnson College, to announce that the City of Scranton’s Office of Economic and Community Development awarded Johnson College a $250,000 grant to improve Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance across the College campus. 

Improving Johnson College’s ADA compliance will increase accessibility for faculty, staff, visitors, and, most of all, students, as the College strives to be inclusive to all. The funds will be used to install automatic door openers, access ramps, and ADA-compliant restroom improvements to President’s Hall and the Lemon Street Continuing Education Lab.

This grant was made possible through the Federal Community Development Block Grant Program and the Housing and Urban Development Administration.

Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act requires public accommodations to provide goods and services to people with disabilities on an equal basis with the rest of the general public. The goal is to afford every individual the opportunity to benefit from Johnson College and to afford Johnson College the opportunity to benefit from all students, faculty, staff and visitors to our campus. Last year, 12.5% of students attending Johnson College registered disabilities with the College. The campus use is increasing with space being used for community events, continuing education activities, community sporting events, and scouting. It is our desire to increase community use of the Johnson College campus and make our facilities accessible to all who visit.

All new college buildings have been designed and constructed to be ADA compliant. Some of the initial retrofitting work to existing campus structures has already been accomplished through a City of Scranton Community Development Block Grant several years ago. As guidelines and campus use have evolved, it is prudent to engage a firm experienced in ADA compliance audits to perform a system-wide survey of the Johnson College campus/facilities and make recommendations for improvements to bring us into full ADA compliance.

Johnson College Diversity & Inclusion Committee Donates to NEPA Youth Shelter

The Johnson College Diversity & Inclusion Committee sponsored a food and supply drive for the NEPA Youth Shelter in honor of National Coming Out Day. A local organization that provides emergency shelter and related services to unaccompanied youth, the NEPA Youth Shelter is especially affirming to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) youth, as this population constitutes a high percentage of unhoused youth in our area. Food, drinks, and cleaning supplies were collected on the Johnson College campus from September 27 to October 8. Many thanks to those faculty, staff, and students who donated!

Photo Caption: The Johnson College Diversity & Inclusion Committee members present NEPA Youth Shelter Executive Director Maureen Maher-Gray with the collected food and supplies. Left to Right: Ashley Cease Hassenbein, Academic Resource Officer, Johnson College, Luke Boniello, Academic Advisor, Johnson College, Melissa Saxon-Price, Counselor/Manager of Disability Services, Johnson College, and Maureen Maher-Gray, Executive Director, NEPA Youth Shelter.

Johnson College Announces New Two-Year Associates Degree Program in Welding Fabrication Manufacturing Technology

– Students can now enroll in Johnson College’s new two-year associate degree Welding Fabrication Manufacturing Technology program. The program will start during the fall 2022 semester.

The two-year program prepares students for entry-level work in the welding industry. Students learn industry methods such as plasma arc, shielded metal arc, and gas metal arc welding, as well as techniques and critical skills for today’s welding workforce, including safety, print reading, and weld symbols. Program graduates are prepared to sit for various American Welding Society certifications and can work as welders, fabricators, fitters, ornamental metal sculptors, welder helpers, or in similar roles within the welding field.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Welding Technology field has a 3% growth potential through 2029. Graduates entering this field have the opportunity to make a medium annual income of up to $44,190. Typical welding industry employers include structural steel fabricators, custom metal shops, industrial contractors, shipyards, pipe and pressure vessel fabricators, and retail welding sales.

“Johnson College is adding this two-year associate degree Welding Fabrication Manufacturing Technology program because of the increasing demand from industry for highly skilled welders in today’s workforce,” said Dr. Kellyn Williams, Johnson College’s Chief Academic Officer. “This program, along with our one-year welding certificate program, creates options for potential students interested in entering the highly in-demand welding industry.”

To learn more about Johnson College’s new Welding Fabrication Manufacturing Technology Program visit https://johnson.edu/weldingfabrication. 

Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club Awards $1,000 Scholarship to Johnson College

The Villa Capri Cruisers Car Club, Inc. awarded a $1,000 scholarship to be given to a Johnson College Automotive Technology student. This year marks the 11th year for the scholarship by the club, which raises funds through donations, volunteer work, sponsorships, and annual calendar sales.

Johnson College’s two-year Automotive Technology associates degree program prepares students as entry-level technicians in the automobile and diesel industries. Graduates can work for employers in the automotive career fields of automotive, truck, farm, and earthmoving equipment dealerships; truck, power generation, and construction companies; automotive service centers; engine repair/machine shops; automotive equipment distributors; independent service garages; automotive parts manufacturers; sales representation; and auto insurance companies.

Pictured, front row, left to right: Karen Baker, Senior Director of College Advancement; Villa Capri President Joe Carra; Dr. Katie Pittelli, Johnson College President & CEO; Mike Macedonia. Back row, left to right: Dave Thomas, Patty Valvano, Frank Valvano, Nick Tielli, Mike Greenstein, and Charlie Leavesley.

Johnson College to Host an Open House on November 6, 2021

Johnson College will hold an in-person Open House on its campus in Scranton on Saturday, November 6, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To register for the Open House, visit Johnson.edu/openhouse or contact Johnson College’s Enrollment Department at 570-702-8856 or enroll@johnson.edu.

Open House will include discussions 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 department chairs will be available to review the specifics of their programs. Social distancing guidelines will be followed. Face coverings are required inside all campus buildings regardless of vaccinated status.