bookmark_borderMontgomery County Community College Opens ‘Green’ Lot for Energy Efficient Vehicles

WHITPAIN TOWNSHIP, PA — This fall, Montgomery County Community College will open a brand new parking lot at its Central Campus designated, exclusively, for students, faculty and staff who carpool or who drive energy-efficient vehicles. Electric and hybrid vehicles are included in this class, along with conventional vehicles that have earned an EPA rating of 27 combined city and highway MPG or higher.

Drivers can apply for a permit to the 185-space parking lot, which is adjacent to the Advanced Technology Center, through the College’s online portal. Accepted applicants will receive an access card and parking decal. The lot will be open for general access parking on weekends.

The new parking lot is the first at MCCC to include charging stations for electric vehicles. Ten efficient GE Durastation charging stations at five pedestals will enable drivers to charge their electric vehicles in only four hours, half the time as a typical charge cycle of eight hours.

In addition to the charging stations, the lot includes a variety of additional “green” features, including:

• LED Lighting — The lot is lighted for maximum safety by energy-saving LED lamps. LED lighting consumes less energy, lasts longer and operates cooler than other lighting applications.

• Subsurface Infiltration System — The effects of runoff will be reduced as rainwater flows into the system, which assists in groundwater recharge and prevents downstream erosion.

• Rain Gardens — A “natural bowl” also helps alleviate the effects of erosion by collecting excess rainwater from both the Advanced Technology Center parking lot and the roof of Parkhouse Hall.

• Vegetated Swales with Check Dams — Compared to piping, these increase cost-effectiveness and slow the rate of runoff conveyance. They also provide aesthetic enhancement to the areas between parking spaces.

The green lot was developed in coordination with MCCC’s Climate Commitment Advisory Council, which works to reduce the College’s carbon footprint and promote sustainability education. To learn more about MCCC’s Sustainability Initiative, visit mc3green.wordpress.com.

bookmark_borderBest Writers In Montgomery County

MONTGOMERY COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE — During a reception held at Montgomery County Community College’s Central Campus Bookstore, English Assistant Professor Dana Resente announced the winners of the English Department’s Annual Essay Contest.

Galia Godel, Cheltenham, won first place for her essay titled “Fetish, Faires and Fashion: The Acceptance of the Modern Corset.” Sara Calcinore, Schwenksville, took second for her essay “Fast, Fatty and Frugal.” And, Jodie Hair, Ambler, placed third for her essay “More.”

The judges—English Assistant Professor Dr. Harold Halbert, English Assistant Professor Dr. Marc Schuster and English Assistant Professor Timothy Connelly—selected the winning entries based on creativity, originality and accuracy. Resente coordinates the contest.

The students received cash prizes provided by Stuart A. Carpey, Esquire, of the Conshohocken law firm, Kreithen, Baron and Carpey P.C. As an avid supporter of the writing profession, Carpey was pleased to sponsor the contest and encourage the writers. In addition to practicing personal injury law, he has authored several legal publications. He learned about the contest through his employee and MCCC alumnus Darren Dutch Godshalk.

In 2008, Godshalk won the Essay Contest for an essay about the College’s participation in an annual recycling contest called Recyclemania. Since graduating in 2009, Godshalk earned his bachelor’s degree in English Literature at Arcadia University and now works as a marketing assistant and content writer at Kreithen, Baron and Carpey P.C. Both Carpey and Godshalk attended the ceremony to present the awards.

by Diane VanDyke

bookmark_borderMontgomery County High School Art Exhibition and Competition

Blue Bell, Pennsylvania — Montgomery County high school art students will present the best of their artwork at Montgomery County Community College’s 34th Annual Montgomery County High School Art Exhibition and Competition from Sunday, March 4, through Friday, March 23, at the Fine Arts Center Art Gallery at Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.

The artists’ reception will be held Sunday, March 4, from 1 to 3 p.m. with the awards presentation at 2 p.m.

Students from 32 public, parochial and private schools in Montgomery County were invited to participate in the exhibition. The artwork features a variety of subjects and styles in an array of media. College art faculty members will be judging the artwork.

The exhibition is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed weekends.

For more information about the exhibition, contact Gallery Director Holly Cairns at 215-619-7349 or hcairns@mc3.edu.

You can help support the arts and art education programs at Montgomery County Community College by becoming a Friend of The Galleries. Donations are tax deductible. For more information, contact the College Foundation at 215-641-6535.

by Diane VanDyke