Water

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Chemists for a Day

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Students from grades K-8 gathered at Criterion Water Labs for an afternoon of scientific discovery on October 10th. They learned about mixtures, practiced writing chemical formulas, and–most importantly–made their very own goofy putty.

This workshop was part of a program called You Be the Chemist in which students from grades K-8 are introduced to chemistry concepts and students in grades 5-8 are invited to take part in an annual competition to test their knowledge of chemistry.

If your child would be interested in participating in You Be the Chemist, contact us to reserve a spot! The next workshop will be held Friday, November 7th, 2014 from 4-5:30PM at the South Branch Library (1755 E. Center Rd., Kokomo).

Last but not least, if you’d like to make goofy putty, follow the directions below:

Goofy Putty

 Supplies

  • 2 disposable cups or bowls
  • 2 spoons
  • water
  • white glue
  • food coloring (optional)
  • borax

Directions

  1. Put 1 teaspoon of water into your cup or bowl. Add one teaspoon of white glue and mix well. Note: food coloring can be added to this mixture to make colored putty.
  2. In another cup or bowl, create your borax solution. Mix one teaspoon of borax with four teaspoons of water. Stir well. The solution will become saturated, so not all of the borax will dissolve.
  3. Add one teaspoon of the borax solution to your original cup of glue and water. Stir for 60 seconds.
  4. Remove the substance and knead it with your hands for one to two minutes.

 

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Celebrate Science Indiana

Should you start with the robots? Or the cricket spitting? That’s just one of the choices offered by Celebrate Science Indiana–an annual event that invites people of all ages to explore science and have fun doing it.

The Indianapolis Children’s Museum, the Indiana State Museum, and industry leaders such as Dow and Lilly will be hosting interactive exhibits and explaining the science involved.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Sid the Science Kid
  • Live entertainment
  • Robots
  • Hero Zone
  • Radio Disney
  • Cricket spitting
  • …and more!

This year’s event will run from 10AM to 5PM on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at the Marsh Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis). More good news? It’s absolutely free.

Check out the details at www.celebratescienceindiana.org!

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Alliance Announces New Company at Inventrek

This article was originally published on November 13, 2009 in the Kokomo Perspective

The Greater Kokomo Economic Development Alliance has announced that Criterion Water Labs, LLC, will become the newest tenant at Inventrek Technology Park, 700 E. Firmin St., when it begins testing water samples Nov. 23.

“Criterion is another example of our strategy to build new businesses based on our local assets in an encouraging and cost effective manner,” Jeb Conrad, Alliance president and CEO, said. “They are a great addition to our business environment and Inventrek Park.”

Coli form and e-coli bacteria can be a health issue in any water supply, and, as a Microbiological Testing Laboratory, Criterion Water Labs, LLC, can help local businesses, homeowners, well drillers, church officials – any one needing water testing – monitor their water sources.

Criterion owners David and Ann Ihms have lived in the Russiaville area since 1987. David has a PhD in organic chemistry from the University of Missouri- Rolla, which is now the Missouri University of Science and Technology. He is a senior project engineer at Delphi Electronics in Kokomo. Ann has bachelor of science and master of science degrees in materials engineering from the same university. She has worked at Delphi Electronics in Kokomo and as the chemical hygiene officer for Indiana Wesleyan University.

David will continue to work at Delphi, but he will oversee Ann’s work in Criterion’s lab. Ann completed the Fast Trac Tech Venture program that Inventrek offered in June.

“That excellent entrepreneurial course gave us the information and confidence we needed to create a small business and hopefully make it an asset for the community,” Ann said.

Criterion also will provide a package of water conditioning tests to help customers monitor what their water conditioning needs are and how well their systems are meeting that need.

“As an outside source, we can help provide information without trying to sell the conditioning system,” Ann said.

Criterion also is working with Indiana University-Kokomo on a grant to use interns in the lab. “We hope to be a resource to encourage young people in the fields of biology and chemistry,” Ann said.

Criterion Water is gathering local water information for its website ( www.criterionwaterlabs.com ) and will develop educational materials about groundwater and environmental issues.

“Criterion makes it easy to have your water tested,” Ann said. “It is extremely important to collect a water sample in a correct manner and to have it tested quickly because mailing a test lab can have time and temperature problems.”

Sample collection information is on the Web site (www.criterionwaterlabs.com).

Currently, Criterion can give a customer data on chlorine/chloride, hardness, iron, ammonia, nitrates, fluoride, coli forms, and e-coli.

Starting on Nov. 23, water samples can be dropped off at Criterion’s Lab at Inventrek from 8 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday and by appointment at Inventrek or Criterion’s Russiaville office, 8166 West County Road 200 South.

For more information call Ann Ihms at 883-7681 or 438-4995, or visit the company’s Web site: www.criterionwaterlabs.com.

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Criterion Gets the Youth Involved

Water Testing Company Offers Programs and Internships for Students

This article was originally published on July 28th, 2014 in the Kokomo Perspective.

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by Alyx Arnett, Kokomo Perspective Features Reporter

There’s a lot to do when it comes to water, and Criterion Water Labs is proof.

The Inventrek tenant has proven to be an asset to the community. It became certified to offer nitrate and nitrite testing in 2011, making it the first local place to offer such a test, currently tests water of 23 area pools each week, and also offers bacteria testing–which came in handy during last year’s floods.

The company also deals heavily with the city’s wells–all 8,000 of them–and with all this knowledge on hand, owner Ann Ihms wanted to share it.

This past spring, Criterion hosted You Be the Chemist, a program that invited students in fourth through eighth grades to participate.

“It’s a national competition, and we’re really hoping to get more and more students involved,” she said.

Seven students participated last year, and all seven were invited to participate in the state challenge in Indianapolis this past March–two of whom walked away with prizes.

Northwestern Elementary School student Kaylynne Fernandes took home first place and a $100 gift card, and Northwestern Elementary School student Owen Myers was awarded second place and a $50 gift card.

“This is a great way to get more young people interested in science at an early age. That’s our goal,” she said. “It’s teaching them skills, how to understand techniques, the periodic table. Kids don’t get to sometimes explore science like they do sports, and I would like to see more kids getting involved in that type of competition. It makes it more of a goal setting.”

This fall, a parent/teacher workshop will be hosted for anyone interested in participating in the 2015 challenge.

Having the lab, Ihms said one of Criterion’s purposes is to be an educational resource.

“We’re a general resource on water problems, and that ties directly into what students need, which is hands-on learning,” she said.

Ihms also works with students doing science fair projects.

Currently an 11th grader is working on a Wildcat Creek study. Another student is doing a pool study, while yet another is doing a comparison of disinfectants.

In addition to working with area elementary and high school students, Criterion also has partnered with IU Kokomo, offering internships. So far, Criterion has provided internships to six students.

“More and more college students are becoming interested,” she said. “Students are recognizing that they need job experience and we offer that.”

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Indiana

Indiana: an ordinary name, an ordinary state–right? Let’s put it under the scope for a wee bit.

When I was in military service from 1941-1945, I was in a tropical climate the entire four-and-a-half years. I grew so sick and tired of the heat, perspiration, mosquitoes, and snakes that I said, “If I ever get back to Indiana, I will never complain about the weather again.” But I forget–and complain.

Obviously, I was missing the distinct four season changes of my native state, Hoosierland.

Wintertime. Snow, kids and sleds, a lifetime of fun memories, basketball, big schools and little schools, Christmas and dreaming of snow (regardless of how much), a New Year and a new start (a better year, even if the past year was a good one), a greater appreciation of the warmth of the past summer, and anticipation of the coming summer.

Springtime. Warm, bright, sun-shining days, and a promise of even better ones in the future; the awakening of trees, grass, and flowers; magical things in nature happening; the aspiration of a vegetable garden; time to prep the fishing equipment; and, above all, magical, strong, and automatic inspiration from the new world created by God!

Summertime. Swimming, cookouts, picnics, comfortable summer clothing, and vacation. A chance to enjoy some of God’s awe-inspiring creation (it’s very plentiful).

Autumn. Beautiful, comfortable days; cooking; fall leaf coloring; an awesome colorful time for many tree species; and the reward of a bountiful harvest, an item that Indiana is very rich in: corn, soybeans, oats, hay, nuts, fruit, and much more!

All of the above solidly reminds us of the aged and well-known poem “Ain’t God Good to Indiana?”

The happy tune when I returned home in 1945 was “Back Home Again In Indiana.”

At the beginning of this article, we put the beloved state of Indiana under the microscope. It’s time now to look at the results. Our fair state passed the test easily; not perfectly, but with a grade of excellent!

Each of our beloved 50 states has its fair share of beauty! Our blessed Hoosierland scores very well!

Praise God!

 

About the Author

Harry Dishon is a retired veteran living in Howard County. He and his wife Joan recently recorded some of Harry’s recollections as a child and as a soldier, and we are honored to be able to share these memories with you. Periodically, we will post selections from Harry’s writings on our Military Appreciation page, so please come back and share some of Harry’s insights and memories.
 

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The Miracle Sparrow

Matthew 10:29-31 reads as follows: “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

That little bird that is so abundant throughout the world is considered to be a nuisance by my people: builds nests where he isn’t wanted, makes a mess on a shiny new car or expensive farm implement, and is considered worthless by the general public.

In the year 1969, my wife, Cathy had been to the Logansport hospital for surgery, and had just been to Fort Wayne for special chemotherapy treatments. The report was heartbreaking: she was pronounced terminally ill with colon cancer. The one source of happiness for our 12-year daughter Donna Kay as well as Cathy and I was that she could return home.

One evening, we had chosen for devotions the scriptures listed above. We marveled that our very busy God would know when a lowly, insignificant sparrow would fall to the ground. Yet that is what the Scripture said, and it was to be interpreted as such. It was a true test of faith. We felt very humble, but we were greatly inspired by the thirty-first verse that said, “Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.” Cathy and I both were lifted up by those words.

I was working at Grissom Air Force Base at that time. The very next day, at work, I was rolling a 55-gallon drum across a 300-foot long concrete apron. The drum was full and heavy, and after rolling it approximately 50 feet, I had stopped to catch my breath. At that instant, a pretty sparrow landed on the barrel. He tilted his head upward and looked straight up at me. From surprise, even amazement, I reached down and grasped him in one hand. I said, “Hey, little fellow, what are you doing down here? You better get going.” In one easy motion, I tossed him into the air. He took flight from a height of about 15 feet and flew to the grassy area, about 25 feet away. There he landed, sat for approximately one minute, and fell over dead.

It was not until that instant that I remembered the scripture of the previous evening: “One of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.” I was overwhelmed with emotion to realize that God had actually carried out for us what we had marveled at on the previous evening! He had assured us that He was with us!

Naturally, I related the incident to Cathy that evening. She didn’t say a word, but just smiled and squeezed my hand! She knew and was ready, if it was God’s will, to take the step of her journey. This was true despite her wanting to raise Donna Kay, and despite the fact that she was happy at home.

Approximately three weeks later, she was awarded her Heavenly reward.

 

About the Author

Harry Dishon is a retired veteran living in Howard County. He and his wife Joan recently recorded some of Harry’s recollections as a child and as a soldier, and we are honored to be able to share these memories with you. Periodically, we will post selections from Harry’s writings on our Military Appreciation page, so please come back and share some of Harry’s insights and memories.
 

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Love vs. Hate

If ever a human opened up a keg of worms as a subject, love versus hate is it! Everyone in life experiences one or the other or both of them. They are basic and inescapable.

For the sake of brevity and simplicity, let’s call the combination “complexity.” Due to “complexity,” movies have been made, books have been written, rivers of tears have been shed, murders have been committed, and many suicides have happened.

What is the birthplace of love and of hate? The answer to that question is rather obvious to many, many people. The birthplace of love is with God; that of hatred is with Satan.

In general, if the bulk of population in the world had their wish, hatred would be eliminated. There are exceptions to that statement, of course; some of them being heads of state; therein the plot thickens.

Satan also works overtime in the lives of nearly all mankind. Many times Satan sneaks in–he is there before individuals are aware of his presence.

Vast multitudes of people appear to have little understanding that complexity is most effectively defeated by the great, deep, blessed, sacred and most beautiful love of God!

Certainly an attitude of “love thy neighbor” and fervent prayer would help greatly!

 

About the Author

Harry Dishon is a retired veteran living in Howard County. He and his wife Joan recently recorded some of Harry’s recollections as a child and as a soldier, and we are honored to be able to share these memories with you. Periodically, we will post selections from Harry’s writings on our Military Appreciation page, so please come back and share some of Harry’s insights and memories.
 

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Certified Pool Operator Course

A Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Course will be offered in Kokomo, Indiana.
When: Fridays, May 10 and May 17, 8AM – 4PM
Where: Ivy Tech Kokomo Event & Conference Center, 1500 N. Reed Road, Kokomo (U.S. 31 North)
Cost: $359, which includes instruction, training materials and a certification exam
Deadline:  May 3, 2013
The CPO certification course covers pool and spa chemistry, testing, treatment, filtration, maintenance, automatic feeding equipment,and government requirements.
The certification exam includes an open book written examination and the certification is valid for five years.
Criterion Water Labs,LLC has served pools in the Kokomo area for three years and we are thrilled that Ivy Tech is offering this great opportunity locally. Pool chemistry is complicated, but with the right tools your pool can be safe and fun!
For more information about this course, contact Mike Federspill or Jennifer Hughes at Ivy Tech Corporate College:
765.459.0561, ext. 233 or 283
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Exquisite Beauty

“A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:14)

This is one of those beloved Bible verses so full of love and beauty that it is special to read. It needs no realistic view in life to burn it indelibly into a lifetime beautiful memory, yet God gave me that beautiful sight.

World War II had raised its evil head on December 7, 1941. I and a shipload of other U.S. soldiers who had been previously trained went aboard ship in February 1942 and sailed from San Francisco toward an unknown destination. After traveling unescorted for nearly two weeks, it was evident that we were about to enter a harbor.

Naturally, all troops were topside to see where we were. What we saw opening before our very eyes was an unbelievably beautiful sight–yet, it was real! Our ship was steaming at half speed into the gorgeous blue water of a horseshoe-shaped harbor. Beautiful white houses lined the shoreline, terraced on hill after terraced hill. The houses were roofed with red tile roofs, which contrasted perfectly with the eye-popping scenery. It seemed that every house had planted a flower garden; colorful flowers were everywhere! Contrasting green trees were all around. Everything added to a glorious picture! My thoughts turned to the Bible verse: “A city set on a hill cannot be hid.” So unbelievably real! So unbelievably God!

We were unprepared for such a dazzling sight and the information came down quickly that the gorgeous location was Wellington, New Zealand. We were informed that our ship would resupply and sail on. We troops were allowed to disembark and walk (welcome exercise) for an hour or so. No cameras were allowed, but exploring the area on foot gave us a better picture of the once-in-a-lifetime sight!

My calculation shows that it has been sixty-seven years since that everlasting, God-painted sight, yet I can even yet see in my mind the indescribably beautiful picture!

Through the years I have learned that what God’s doing is so perfectly done that it is to be revered with great joy and no reservations!

 

About the Author

Harry Dishon is a retired veteran living in Howard County. He and his wife Joan recently recorded some of Harry’s recollections as a child and as a soldier, and we are honored to be able to share these memories with you. Periodically, we will post selections from Harry’s writings on our Military Appreciation page, so please come back and share some of Harry’s insights and memories.
 

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