A publication of
The Illinois-Iowa Section of
The American Chemical Society
 

If you have items to be included in the next newsletter, submit the items by November 15 to the Secretary.
For the latest information about upcoming events, visit our website at http://membership.acs.org/I/ILIA/

Sponsor-a-Student: We are again looking for volunteers to sponsor a college student at the October meeting. Your part is to pay the meal cost of one student - or ask your employer to pay the cost - and spend the social and dinnertime visiting with the student that you are matched with. Whether you are currently employed, retired, or between jobs, you have much to offer to a student planning a science-based career. Additionally, after this brief mentoring experience you will likely find that you too have gained a lot. Please take part by signing up when you make your dinner reservation.

ABSTRACT

This presentation is a technical introduction to caramel color and its various applications in beverages. The physical, chemical, and functional properties of caramel color are discussed. For example, some caramel colors act as foaming agents, (great in root beer) while others produce little or no foam (required in colas). Some caramel colors are soluble in high salt concentrations (sports drinks) while others are soluble in high alcohol concentrations (beverage concentrates). Caramel color is currently used in a wide range of beverage applications that require color shades from light yellow in lemonade to dark brown in cola. The issue of non-GMO caramel color is also discussed.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Terry Geerts received his BS degree in Chemistry from St. Ambrose in 1980. He started as an analytical chemist at Clinton Corn. He then took a job as a laboratory manager for a feed company specializing in dairy nutrition. His experience includes working in the following laboratories: gelatin manufacturing, ammonia / fertilizer production, and feed company. Presently he is an application chemist at Sethness Products Company. He has served as chairman for the Ill-IA ACS section and has memberships with IFT (Institute of Food Technology) and RCA (Research Chef Association) and of course the ACS.

David L. Tuescher received his BS degree in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1974. He started his chemistry career in the pharmaceutical industry and has since worked in a contract research company, the petrochemical industry, an environmental lab and now Sethness Products Company, manufacturer of Caramel Colors. All his past experience has prepared him for this very interesting and challenging position as Technical Director for Sethness.

NATIONAL CHEMISTRY WEEK

"Joy of Toys," this year's theme was celebrated at several venues. Chemical demonstrations and toys with a scientific basis were presented at The Family Museum, Bettendorf, and the Discovery Center in Clinton. Ashford University, Ambrose University and Augustana College also gave presentations. A promotional video was shown during the week on channels 6 & 8. Details of activities will be posted on our website: http://membership.acs.org/I/ILIA/.

ACS NATIONAL CONVENTION

Dr. Mel Peterson attended the fall ACS National Convention held in Washington, D.C. Some of the highlights include:

An increase in membership in ACS was reported.

The Board, through the Committee on Budget and Finance, voted to include requests for funding the following programs as part of the development of the Society's 2006 proposed budget:

a. A two-year pilot program for ACS High School Chemistry Clubs
b. ACS activities in connection with the International Science and Engineering Fair
c. A Leadership Development Program that delivers a pool of capable, effective and motivated leaders for volunteer roles throughout the Society
d. Reauthorization of, and continued funding for the Green Chemistry Institute
e. A complete reinvention of the Society's Web Presence

UPCOMING MEETING

The December meeting will be held at Augustana College, Wednesday, December 7th. The program will include the Planetarium's Christmas show, followed by presentation of awards: "Salutes to Excellence," "Outstanding High School Chemistry Teacher," and years of ACS Service.

BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FROM THE OFFICE OF LOCAL SECTION ACTIVITIES

Deb McLaughlin of the Office of Local Section Activities has put together a newsletter. Topics include call for papers, Regional and National meeting activities, Education programs, This Month in Chemical History, thoughts to ponder, etc. If anyone is interested in the entire newsletter from the Office of Local Section Activities, it can be accessed at http://chemistry.org/localsections/editors.html

Please Post

"Caramel Color 101"

presented by

Terry Geerts and David Tuescher

St. Ambrose University
518 W. Locust St., Davenport, Iowa
Rogalski Center,
Third Floor, Meeting Room #2

Wednesday, November 16, 2005
7:30 P.M.

Contact: Dr. Art Serianz at (563) 333-6371 or SerianzArthur@sau.edu