January 2018 ED Talks: Biological Clocks – Wednesday, January 17, 7:00 PM
Time is embedded in our genes. Cells are the true ”miracle” of evolution, for they are the basis of life. Among their amazing abilities, they can tell the time. Biological clocks can be found everywhere: from simple bacteria to worms, birds, and, of course, us. The reason for this expanse of clocks is clear: all life evolved and lives on a planet that rotates on its axis once a day and thus is exposed to large periods of day and night, light and dark. Sleeping is not the only process regulated by our biological clock. Most of what happens in our bodies, our physiology and biochemistry, is rhythmic, showing strong day-night differences. Heartbeat and blood pressure, liver function including the important ability to metabolize alcohol, body temperature, and the production of many hormones all show daily changes.
Biological clocks enable organisms to change their behavior priorities in relation to the time of day, month or year. One’s biological clock is reset at sunrise and sunset each day to link astronomical times with an organism’s internal time. Every March, we are all faced with the arrival of Daylight Saving Time and its impact on our biological clock and our sleep wake cycle. This 1 hour loss in time can even temporarily disrupt our bodily cycles. When DST officially began, which happened this year on March 11 , we lost one hour. Assaults increase by 3 per cent the Monday after the switch to Daylight Saving Time in the Spring. In the Spring, the day after we move into DST, there are more car accidents, and more workplace injuries.
Pre-School/Kindergarten Open House for Parents on Wednesday, January 24, 7PM
Parents interested in learning more about pre-schools, childcare centers, and kindergartens in the Quaker Valley area are invited to attend our annual Open House. Representatives from these facilities will be available to answer questions about their programs. This is a unique opportunity for area parents to investigate educational opportunities for their children. Fall registration for many of these schools begins in February. Stop in to meet the teachers and learn about your options. No registration.
The Battle of the Books is back!
This exciting annual program has battles for students in 4th through 12th grades, each with its own reading list. Visit http://sewickleylibrary.org/ programs/bob/ to get more information as it becomes available. 4th Gr Meeting: Tuesday, January 30, 7:00 PM 5th Gr Meeting: Wednesday, January 31, 7:00 PM 6th Grade Battle: Tuesday, February 27, 7:00 PM 7th & 8th Grade Battle: Wednesday, February 28, 7:00 PM High School Battle: Tuesday, March 6, 6:30 PM 4th Gr Battle: Wednesday, April 4 @ Osborne Elementary School 5th Gr Battle: Thursday, April 5 @ Osborne Elementary School
Showcasing the Art of Esther Rankin In January 2018, the display cases will feature the work of Ambridge artist Esther Rankin. Born in Aliquippa, and with a period lived in London, England, Esther has been making artwork for 63 years. She uses oil and acrylic paint, ink and watercolors, as well as pastels to realize her ideas. One interesting facet of Esther’s relationship with her art making is the fact that she is colorblind. We are looking forward to displaying Esther’s work throughout January. 2