NEWSLETTER
NIH's Nationally Awarded 
Employee Service
and Health Promotion 
Organization  
February 2010

 NIH Sailing Association Spring Open House

Would you like to learn to sail?   Can you imagine being part of a group filled with skilled sailing instructors, enthusiasts and boat owners?  Join the NIH Sailing Association on Thursday, February 25th, from 5 to 8 pm at the FAES House on the corner of Old Georgetown Road and Cedar Lane. This club offers instruction, sailboats for charter, racing, cruises, parties and fun!!  $5.00 at the door includes pizza and sodas; cash bar for beer and wine: $1.00 each.  Look for our posters and flyers around campus!!  For more information please visit www.recgov.org/sail.

Orioles and Nationals Ticket Sale

Batter Up!  It’s that time of year again!  The R&W will once again offer tickets to the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals.  Orioles’ tickets will go on sale Tuesday, February 23rd in Bldg. 31, Rm. B1W30 (outside the R&W gift shop) at 8am.  Available tickets will include two regular season tickets (2 seats behind first base – Section 14BBB seat 7-8), and in addition we will have tickets available for 13 Sunday games (4 seats behind third base – Section 58MM).  You may buy one set of tickets the first time through the line.  After the initial line ends you may come back through again to purchase additional tickets.  Arrive early to get in line if you have a particular game in mind.  Nationals’ tickets will be on sale on Thursday, February 25th in Bldg. 31 Rm. B1-W30 (outside the R&W Gift Shop) at 8am.  We will have 4 seats in Section 219 Row D.  The process to purchase tickets will be the same…line up outside of Bldg. 31 for sales beginning at 8am.  Remember, you must be a Preferred 2010 R&W member to purchase tickets.  Have your card and ‘10 sticker on hand to purchase your tickets.  R&W preferred memberships can also be purchased at the time you purchase your tickets.  Membership is $7 for the year.

The National Theatre Presents
Grease - February 11th

GREASE, Time Magazine's 2007 pick for "#1 musical of the year," is rockin' across the country in this new production direct from Broadway, starring American Idol Winner Taylor Hicks as Teen Angel!  Take a trip to a simpler time of poodle skirts, drive-ins, and T-birds. "Bad boy" Danny and "the girl next door" Sandy fall in love all over again to the tune of your favorite songs: "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'" and "We Go Together" as well as additional songs from the hit movie: "Grease," "Hopelessly Devoted to You" and "You're the One That I Want."  So throw your mittens around your kittens and Hand Jive the night away with the show that'll make you want to stand up and shout, "A-wop-bop-a-loo-bop A-wop-bam-boom!"  Tickets for the Thursday, February 11th show at 7:30pm are on sale at all NIH/NOAA R&W stores for $71 (reg. $76.50) and will be located in the Orchestra and Mezzanine levels.

National Wear Red Day:
Taking Women’s Health to Heart

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute unites Americans in raising awareness about the #1 killer of women: heart disease!  National Wear Red Day is an annual event held on the first Friday in February.  On Friday, February 5, 2010, women and men across the country will wear red to unite in the national movement to give women a personal and urgent wake-up call about their risk of heart disease.  One in every four women dies of heart disease and although significant progress has been made in increasing awareness among women, from 34 percent in 2000 to 69 percent in 2009, most women fail to make the connection between risk factors and their personal risk of developing heart disease.  While heart disease risk begins to rise in middle age, heart disease develops over time and can start at a young age, even in the teen years.  It's never too early, or too late, to take action to prevent and control the risk factors for heart disease.  Everyone can participate by showing off a favorite red dress, shirt, or tie, or by wearing the Red Dress Pin (available at any R&W store).  Join this national effort by wearing red on February 5th, and encourage your family, friends, and coworkers to do the same.  By participating in National Wear Red Day, employees at NIH and NOAA are joining The Heart Truth.  The Heart Truth is a national awareness campaign to alert women about their risk for heart disease and motivate them to take steps to lower their risk.  The centerpiece of the campaign is the Red Dress—the national symbol for women and heart disease awareness.  What's a Red Dress got to do with it?  A simple Red Dress works as a visual red alert to get the message heard loud and clear: "Heart Disease Doesn't Care What You Wear, It's the #1 Killer of Women." 

The campaign, sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, is reaching women with important heart health messages in community settings through a diverse network of national and grassroots partner organizations.  Please join in and help spread the word about women and heart disease.  For additional information about National Wear Red Day—including local community activities—as well as The Heart Truth and its Red Dress symbol, please visit www.hearttruth.gov .
 


R&W Seminar Series

Planning Your Retirement Paycheck – February 9th – 12-1pm Bldg. 31A Rm. 2 – There’s never been a better time to start putting time on your side.  During this complimentary seminar we'll explore issues like: everything you need to know about retirement plan distributions, financing the retirement lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of, how to provide a stream of income during retirement, how to take advantage of tax-free retirement income, how your expenses will change in retirement and how to increase your income and reduce your taxes.  RSVP to Alicia Burrell at 240-314-4339 or Alicia.k.Burrell@ampf.com.

Turning your Savings into a Retirement Paycheck - February 25th – 12-1pm Bldg. 31A Rm. 2 – Most Americans work over 90,000 hours during their lives so it is important to spend time on the retirement planning process.  This seminar provides a very straightforward and graphic approach to explaining retirement plan distribution options, the fundamentals of investing when approaching retirement, and some strategies to help one efficiently turn their retirement savings into an income stream for the rest of their life.  RSVP to Christine Mantich at Christine_mantich@ml.com or 301-230-5776.

Manage Your Taxes. Use the Opportunities in Current Tax Laws – March  4th – 12pm-1pm RKL II Rm. 9100, and March 18th – 12pm-1pm Bldg. 10 Rm. 2C116 - Presented by Brian Thoms, CFP®. During this complimentary seminar, you’ll learn ways to: Manage the amount you pay to the government in taxes, Align tax treatments with your investment objectives, and Find the right balance of before- and after-tax investments for your situation. RSVP to Alicia Burrell at alicia.k.burrell@ampf.com or 240-314-4339.

Don’t Stop Thinking About Tomorrow - March 9th – 12pm-1pm Bldg. 31 Rm. 2 - Did you know that 9 out of 10 women manage their finances alone at some point in their lives?  That’s why it’s essential that women be knowledgeable and confident about their personal and family finances.  This seminar, presented by First Command Financial Services, is an engaging, informative presentation on personal financial planning that looks into the individual financial situations of four women in different life circumstances and provides participants the opportunity to interactively discuss solutions for each.  Topics include: financial challenges women face and the opportunities they enjoy, the three cornerstones of financial management , the importance of having a financial plan to pursue your goals and how thoughtful planning can help enhance quality of life.  RSVP to 703-418-9360.

Road To Retirement – March 25th – 12pm-1pm Bldg. 31 Rm. 2 -Plan for your retirement during these tough economic times.  Attend “Road to Retirement,” sponsored by the NIH Federal Credit Union.  This complimentary seminar will teach attendees how to develop their own personal retirement goals, implement a retirement income plan and navigate retirement income obstacles.  Please RSVP to mcruz@nihfcu.org.

Managing the Risk of an Income Shortfall In Retirement – April 1st – 12pm-1pm RKL II Rm. 9100 - Whatever your vision of retirement, it requires a combination of planning and smart income, investment, and distribution strategies to achieve and sustain it.  During this seminar we will discuss three of the critical risks investors face when they begin taking distributions from the savings they have accumulated for retirement.  These risks include:   longevity risk, inflation or purchasing power risk, sequence of returns risk (risk of early losses at the beginning of retirement).  After we define and examine these risks, the second half of the seminar will discuss several strategies to mitigate the risk of a shortfall of income in retirement.  The seminar will be given by Jeff Seitz, CRPC®, First Vice President - Investments Matthew Bosley, CFP® Financial Advisor. RSVP to Christine Mantich 301-230-5776 or Christine_Mantich@ml.com.

 Get a Head Start on College Savings!

March 2nd Bldg. 31 Rm. 6C10
All seminars will be held 11:30am - 12:30pm

SAVE HERE.  GO ANYWHERE!  It’s never too early or too late to start saving for college.  The College Savings Plans of Maryland is the easy, affordable and smart way to save for your child's education at nearly any college in the nation.  The College Savings Plan of Maryland offers two distinct and flexible plans that will help Maryland parents, grandparents, and family friends give their favorite student a head start.   Also, they’re the only 529 plans that offer a Maryland State income deduction for Maryland taxpayers.  Maryland Prepaid College Trust - lock in future college tuition rates at today’s prices, and is backed by the security of a Maryland Legislative Guarantee.  Enrollment is open though April 5, 2010.  Maryland College Investment Plan - managed and underwritten by T. Rowe Price, the plan offers a variety investment options, with no sales commissions or loads, and enrollment is open year-round.  Use one or choose both; as little as $25 per month can get you started today.  Remember, it’s never too early or late to have a plan.  Can’t make the March 2nd presentation?  Two informational webinars are scheduled for Tuesday, March 9th and Thursday, March 18th from 11:30am - 12:30pm.  You can join from your desk or at home as long you have both telephone and internet access.  For info on how to register for the webinars contact Lauren Shipley at lshipley@collegesavingsmd.org.  We hope you can attend one of the information sessions in person or online!

 

Sign Language Interpreters will be provided for all seminars on this page.  Individuals with disabilities who need reasonable accommodation to participate in this event should contact Kallie Wasserman 301-496-6061 or wassermankt@mail.nih.gov and/or the Federal Relay 1-800-877-8339 5 days in advance.

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The Circus Will “Zing Zang Zoom”
Into Town This March

13th Annual Children’s Premiere Night
With Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Benefiting the NIH Children’s Charities

This very special show is back again!!!  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® and the NIH/NOAA R&W invites Children of All Ages to join the Ringling Bros. team in the ALL-NEW, ALL-LIVE 139th Edition of The Greatest Show on Earth!  This year, through the mystery of magic and mastery of skill, audiences will be spellbound by Zing Zang Zoom a thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion.  Zingmaster Alex and his assistant, the alluring Levitytia, lead audiences through a kaleidoscope of color and imagery revealing worlds of fantasy, flight and phenomena that celebrates the uplifting spirit of the circus while warding off a cynical Mr. Gravity and his team of “heavies’ who try to bring everyone down.  Be mesmerized when a four-ton elephant disappears before your eyes, and a gravity-inducing nemesis transforms into a ferocious tiger.  Stand in awe as two formidable, female human cannonballs are blasted through the air in a daring display of bravery.   Become electrified as the dangerous double wheel of steel, the gasp-inducing high wire and soaring gigantic swings, defy both gravity and logic.  Fun-filled magic merges with traditional circus arts to create a world of infinite possibilities where apprentice illusionists levitate their parents with a wave of a wand, and audience spirits keep rising as this high flying circus is (literally) turned upside down.  Watch in amazement as a herd Asian elephants, Bengal tigers and Arabian and Friesian horses join forces with human performers to create an experience that will surprise and delight Children of All Ages, render us speechless and remind us that the magic of The Greatest Show on Earth lives forever in our hearts and imaginations. 

Your escape from the everyday begins one hour before show time when you make your way to the arena floor.  The FREE All-Access Pre-Show allows families to interact with the stars, mingle with an amazing group of acrobats, aerialists, animals, clowns, jugglers and more.  You can even step into a circus closet and slip on a costume.  There’s so much the Pre-Show has to offer and the show hasn’t even started!  So grab your cotton candy and be prepared to be whisked away into a whirlwind of action and adventure.  Join us for the 13th Annual Children’s Premiere Night hosted by the NIH R&W, benefiting the NIH Charities on Wednesday, March 17th at 7pm with the FREE (pre-show at 6pm).  You won’t hear about this on the radio or television because this night is only for special invitees from the NIH R&W…and you and your friends and family are invited!!   This event is a fundraiser for the NIH Charities and is a wonderful opportunity for the R&W to provide a magical evening to many special needs children in the local metro area.  Over the years, with your help, we have treated over 25,000 deserving children to the circus.  The NIH R&W has a goal to fill the entire Verizon Center with friends and family, so we need your help.  Pass the word along to all your friends and family and have them join you for this special evening.  Tickets are on sale at the R&W Activities Desk in Bldg. 31 Rm. B1W30 or call 301-496-4600.  Orders can be placed for tickets at any R&W store.  Tickets available include Circus Celebrity - front row/interactive seating where you become part of the show (reg. $115), Front Row (reg. $75), VIP (reg. $52), 100 Level (reg. $35), and 200 Level (reg. $30).  Discounted ticket prices will be announced via the R&W ListServ and will be listed in the February R&W Newsletter later this month.   Don’t delay…we have the best seats in the house for this special R&W hosted evening, but they won’t last long!  We’ll see you at the circus!

 

BJ’s Club Special Fundraiser and
Membership Offer Is Back

Through this special fundraiser, join or renew your BJ’s membership for 15 months at only $35 compared to the normal cost of $45 for 12 months.  In addition receive a second membership card for a member of your household for FREE.  It does not matter when you last renewed, 15 months will be added to your current expiration date.  Benefits of joining BJ’s include the convenience of finding all you need in one place with a selection of over 6,500 items in their stores and the acceptance of all manufacturers coupons.  Also becoming an BJ’s member through this program benefits the NIH/NOAA R&W as BJ’s will donate $5 back to the R&W so that we can continue to run our great programs for the NIH and NOAA employees.  This special offer is not valid online or at any BJ’s Club locations.  To request a BJ’s application be emailed to you contact David at nihrw@mail.nih.gov.

R&W Tax Preparation Service

It’s that time of year again but don’t fret, we can help!  The R&W is sponsoring our annual Income Tax Preparation Service through an independent accounting firm, Teti and Carswell.  With more than 30 years experience, they can provide assistance in all areas of taxation.  Tax preparation for foreign nationals is also available.  Half-hour consultations will be held on campus, in Bldg. 31 Rm. 9A22, on Thursdays, February 4th through March 25th between 3pm - 6pm (2/4 and 3/4 will be 4-6pm and 3/11will be 3:30-6pm).  Call the R&W Activities Desk at (301) 496-4600 to schedule an appointment.  Fees will vary according to the required IRS schedules that are needed to be filed.  Call Today!  The earlier you get your taxes done, the quicker your refund check comes back!

Books Are Fun Book Fair
South Lobby of Bldg. 10

Books Are Fun will be holding a book fair in the South lobby on the first floor of Bldg. 10 from Wednesday, March 3rd – Friday, March 5th.  Come to the Book Fair and shop in the convenience of your workplace.  Save up to 70% off retail prices on an incredible selection of books for all interests and ages and fine gift items.  Many items will be themed towards Black History Month and will feature African American books (biographies, novels, etc.), and gifts.  You can also choose from a large selection of sports, educational and children’s books.  The book fair will take place daily from 9am – 2pm. 

NIH Philharmonia Orchestra Concert

The NIH Philharmonia Orchestra will present its third concert of the season on March 6th at 7:30pm at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church (917 Montrose Rd., Rockville, MD).  The concert “Let’s Order American” includes Goldman – “On the Mall,” Copland – “An Outdoor Overture,” Barber – “Capricorn Concerto,” Morgulas – “Sydney the Sea Squid” (world premiere), and Sousa – “Liberty Bell.”  Tickets are FREE.  For further information visit the orchestra’s website www.NIHPhil.org.  Look for more information about their upcoming spring concert “It’s for the Birds.”

Congratulations NIH!
NIH CFC Campaign Tops $2.5 Million!

NIH aimed high and cleared their goal. Breaking all previous records, this year the NIH community contributed over $2,500,000 to local, national and international charities they care about.  Over the years of the campaign, NIH has shown that it is a strong community filled with people who want to make a difference.  A special thank you goes out to all CFC key workers and other volunteers whose efforts make a difference.  The R&W thanks you and congratulates you.  The following people were prize winners in the R&W Raffle:  Fun In The Sun – Elisa Sindall (NIAID), Your Choice - Michele Straus (NIDA), Year of Sports - Christine Ramirez (NCI), San Diego Getaway - Margaret Bevans, (CC/NURS), Harbor Magic - Elizabeth Neilson, (NCI), Lights, Cameras, Ice Cream - Mark Bryant (OD/ORS), The Greatest Show On Earth - Helen Meissner (OD), R&W Keyworker Drawing Winners: Get Away For A Day - Janet Shoemaker (NCRR), Rest & Relaxation - Kim Witherspoon (NINDS), Long Beach Cookin' - Sara McLauren (NIDA), Pizza Party - Cheryl Boyce (NIDA), Eat More Chicken - Mary O'Conner (NCI), She Shoots She Scores - Tina Walker (NIGMS).

NY City Trip to See Fences
Starring Denzel Washington

The R&W has tickets to see Fences starring Denzel Washington on Saturday, May 8th in NY.  The two-time Academy Award winner returns to Broadway, alongside Academy Award nominee and Tony Award winner Viola Davis, in August Wilson's monumental Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning play.  Fences is one of the 10 plays in August Wilson's Pittsburgh Cycle, focusing on the African-American experience in the 20th century.  The play centers on Troy Maxson (Washington), a Pittsburgh sanitation worker who once dreamed of a baseball career, but was too old when the major leagues finally admitted black players.  As he faces off against the racial barrier at work and his own disappointments, Troy also grapples with his son Cory over the teenager's hope for a football scholarship and with his wife, Rose (Davis), who confronts Troy over a child he has fathered with another woman.  Tickets will be $225 and include Orchestra/Front Mezzanine seats at 2pm, R/T Trans, via Motorcoach, and an evening meal in NJ at Mastorri’s.  Order tickets while they last, by calling the R&W Activities Desk at 301-496-4600.

2010 Census - It’s Time to Be Counted!

Starting in March, all residential addresses in the United States will receive 2010 Census Questionnaires.  It is important that ALL PERSONS RESIDING IN THE U.S. be counted, if you are not a citizen of the U.S. or if you are living here temporarily you should still complete the Census Questionnaire.  You may wonder why it is so important for all residents to be counted.  The answer is because everyone benefits.  For example, if you drive on the roadways or use public transportation, if your children are in school, if you need medical attention at a hospital or emergency facility, if you use local jurisdiction services and programs – you benefit by being counted since your local jurisdiction receives financial support for you and each resident who is counted in the Census, for services and programs.  The 2010 Census is IMPORTANT, SAFE and EASY!  IMPORTANT – The Census Count determines the amount of dollars your local jurisdiction will get in funds from the Federal and State governments for important programs and services.  The funding is based on the total number of residents counted.  The Census count also determines your local jurisdiction’s representation in the State legislature and in Congress.  SAFE - By federal law, the Census Bureau is not allowed to share any personal identifiable information about you with anyone, including federal agencies and law enforcement entities.  Information collected by the Census Bureau is used for statistical purposes only.  EASY - The 2010 Census Form consists of only 10 simple questions.  The following are 2010 Census KEY DATES: March 2010 - Census questionnaires are mailed or delivered to households.  April 1, 2010 - Census Day.  May – July 2010 - Census workers visit households that have not returned the questionnaire.  December 2010 - The Bureau of Census delivers population counts to the President of the U.S.  Please access www.census.gov for the Bureau of Census 2010 Census information.  For Montgomery County, MD 2010 Census information and activities, please access www.montgomerycountymd.gov/census  or contact Isabelle Schoenfeld - isabelle.schoenfeld@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Baseball Opening Day Auctions

Orioles - The R&W will also be holding a silent auction via email for the Baltimore Orioles 2010 home opener vs. the Toronto Blue Jays.  We have two tickets in Section 14BBB. The opening bid for the pair will be face value, $120 ($60 per ticket), and bidding will be done in increments of $5. The email auction will begin Tues., March 2nd at 8am and end Thurs., March 4th at 3:30pm.

Nationals - The R&W will be holding a silent auction via email for the Washington Nationals 2010 home opener vs. the National League Champion Philadelphia Phillies.  We have four tickets in Section 219 Row D which will be sold as sets of two. The opening bid for each pair will be face value, $120 ($60 per ticket), and bidding will be done in increments of $5. The email auction will begin Tues., March 9th at 8am and end Thurs., March 11th at 3:30pm.

If you are interested in participating in either/both auction(s) please email nihrw@mail.nih.gov and note which one(s).

NHLBI: Keep the Beat Cookbooks

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in coordination with the R&W stores, is now offering its new heart healthy cookbook Keep the Beat™ Recipes: Deliciously Healthy Dinners for an affordable $5, available at all NIH R&W store locations.  The cookbook features 75 simple and delicious recipes influenced by Asian, Latino, Mediterranean, and American cuisine that are good for your heart and taste great too.  The recipes are limited in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium as well as moderate in calories. For healthy shopping and cooking tips, an online community, videos and more visit http://hin.nhlbi.nih.gov/healthyeating.

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2010 R&W Preferred
Memberships Now On Sale!

Did you know…All NIH & NOAA employees, contractors and their families are eligible to become Preferred R&W Members?  For $7 per year, preferred members have access to discounted tickets (entertainment, sporting events, children’s shows, etc.), movie rentals, discounted dry cleaning, gift items, fitness center programs and classes, recreational clubs, community discounts and much more.  To sign up, stop by any R&W store, or complete the form at www.recgov.org, click NIH, click membership and mail it with a $7 check payable to R&W.  Mail to: R&W Attn: Membership, Building 31, Rm. B1W30.  Upon receipt we will send you a membership guide, along with a membership sticker/card.  If you are renewing, please remember your current membership will expire December 31st of this year.  Renew at any store but remember to hold onto your red plastic membership card.  Each year we will give you a new valid sticker for your card.  You will be charged a fee for a replacement card.  For the latest news on R&W events, tickets and more sign up for the R&W ListServ at https://list.nih.gov/archives/r_w_assoc_list-l.html,.

Manchester String Quartet
Concerts in Building 10

Please join us for the twentieth seasonal performance of the Manchester String Quartet.  The concerts are free and begin at 12:30 pm in the Masur Auditorium, Bldg 10.  Future concert dates include:

Monday, February 8
Monday, March 8
Monday, April 5
Monday, May 10

This series is made possible by The Foundation for Advanced Education in the Sciences (FAES).  For reasonable accommodation needs, please contact Sharon Greenwell at 301-496-4713 or email sg115f@nih.gov.

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 Losses in Our Lives, Pathways to Healing

Loss and subsequent grief are part of our shared humanity.  This workshop is designed to address all types of losses.  Participants will be given tools to assist in the healing process and individual journey to wholeness.  These accessible skills will be offered as experiential exercises in class, which participants can build on in their lives as routine practices on their healing path.  This workshop will be offered in three sessions in the Little Theatre in the Natcher Building on the NIH campus.  The instructors will be Carin Y. Holstein Cooper, RN, MPH and Shelia Litwin, a licensed psychotherapist with a private practice in the Washington DC area.  The cost for this workshop is $88.  For additional information including dates and times of this workshop or to register call the Activities Desk at 301-496-4600.

Entertainment Books on Sale Now

Dine. Shop. Travel. Save ...An Entertainment Book “quickly pays for itself.”  In this difficult economic time we’re all trying to pinch pennies when we can while still trying to have fun, partake in guilty pleasures or just getting through the regular grind.  Whether you are planning a fun day or a special evening, you don't have to break the bank when you've got the Entertainment® Book.  You can save money at Dominos, Mrs. Fields, Target.com, Pet Smart, Sherwin Williams, UPS Store and many more of your favorite stores.  The R&W has Entertainment Books for both MD/Washington D.C. and Northern VA/Washington D.C. for only $30 (reg. $35)!  This unbelievable price allows you to save 50% on things you do everyday!  Don’t miss your chance to purchase this great book of savings on items such as fine and casual dining, family restaurants, attractions, travel and hotels, and other retail services.  The books go fast so buy yours now!  Stop by any R&W store and pick up the 2009 Entertainment Book today and start saving while having fun!   

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Broadway Inbound

Book your New York City Broadway Getaway package through your recreation association web site!  Purchase discounted Broadway theatre tickets, hotel accommodations, attractions, and more.  Go to www.recgov.org, choose NIH and click the “Broadway Getaways” banner ad on our homepage.  This site allows you to customize your trip, giving you choice and flexibility to plan a New York City vacation just the way you want 

 Salt River Lobster Returns to NIH

After a small delay earlier this year, Salt River Lobster, having served the Montgomery County area for over twenty-five years, has returned to NIH.  Visit them on the NIH campus in the overflow parking lot (Lot 41), at the south end of campus, every Thursday from 9am -3pm.  Salt River Lobster offers a wide selection of quality seafood such as sword, tuna, salmon, halibut, flounder, cod, shrimp, shellfish, scallops, smoked products, and their signature item live Maine Lobster.  Stop by and browse or order online (Tuesday deadline), at www.saltriverlobster.com.  Be sure to sign up for their e-mail list to learn about upcoming special events.   It's great to have them back. 

 What Is the R&W?

The NIH Recreation and Welfare (R&W) Association is a Nationally Awarded Employee Service and Health Promotion Organization. The R&W provides affordable, top-quality and well-directed services and programs that are diversified, beneficial, and focused on enhancing the health and well-being of the NIH and NOAA communities.  The NIH R&W team of employees and volunteers accomplishes this mission by providing and offering a variety of retail gift shops, health and wellness programs (fitness centers/aerobics and a low cost prescription plan), leisure clubs and travel, discounted tickets to local events and attractions, and charity fundraising activities.  The R&W assists NIHers in need of housing by offering a list of available housing opportunities at http://www.recgov.org/housing/housing.html.  Those who may join the R&W include employees, contractors, patients and their families.  The R&W has gift shops located at Rockledge I, Executive Plaza South, NOAA in Silver Spring, and Bldg. 10 B1 Level and CRC Main Atrium area and Bldg. 31 which also has a ticket center that sells tickets to many local events and attractions.  Fitness Centers are located in Bldg. 31, Rockledge I and Baltimore and require an additional annual membership fee.  For hours and locations visit www.recgov.org/fitness  and click NIH or call 301-496-6061.

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The R&W and RxCut® Team Up
To Help You Save on Prescriptions

Over the past two years, an estimated 40 percent of Americans have skipped filling a prescription or reduced doses due to cost.  To help alleviate this problem, RxCut® is distributing free prescription savings cards, through the R&W, which can save you and your family members up to 75% off the retail price of each prescription.  More than 54,000 pharmacies in the U.S. and Puerto Rico participate in the program; which does not require any enrollment, paperwork or annual fee.  All customers, regardless of insurance status, even those covered by Medicaid, Medicare or private health insurance, can access the savings to help pay for medications not covered under their plans.  For more info visit www.rxcut.com/nih.

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A Special Group Discount
For All Kinds of Drivers

The Corrigan Agency offers discounted rates to NIH & NOAA employees…Nationwide Is On
Your Side!   Many of us these days have to count on our car.  From Monday morning traffic to weekends away, it’s part of who we are. That’s why Nationwide offers auto insurance you can
count on.Be prepared for life’s little surprises.  Protect yourself with Nationwide auto insurance.  Special discounted rates that are not offered to the general public are given to NIH & NOAA employees through the R&W Association.  Call today for auto insurance rates!  It’s good to
belong…you can get the most for your dollar!  You can save anywhere from 3%-28% as long as
you mention the NIH/NOAA R&W.  For more information contact Nationwide Insurance –
Corrigan Agency, Monday-Friday 8:15am-4:30pm and evenings by appointment 1-800-213-1634.
 Fax quoting 24 hours 301-623-3131. 

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Make Your Own Photo Album Book

Make your own Photo Album Book.  Enjoy organizing your digital photos and turning them into an elegant hardcover photo book on your own computer and in the comfort of your home.  It’s fun and so easy to use!  For a free download of the software, go to http://recgov.org/r&w/r&w.html, pricing starts as low as $13.95.  Pay online through secured SSL connection.  Finished product is sent to your home in approximately 5 to 7 working days.

Create Gifts Through
 R&W Photo Processing

Don’t forget to use the R&W Photo Processing service to make great gift items such as plates, puzzles, mugs, mouse pads, and more for family and friends.  Have an old photo restored, an old wedding photo perhaps, for dear old grandma. You could even create greeting cards for special occasions such as baby announcements, anniversaries or holidays.    Bring a photo negative, digital media file or old photo to any R&W store and place your order.  Processing of special orders vary so please check with the store manager about delivery.

Vendor of the Month Spotlight

Did you know that you are eligible for special rates through the NIH R&W?  Travelers is the second largest insurer of home and auto insurance in the area among independent agencies.  These rates are available to new and current policyholders.  For more info about this program visit www.travelersgov.com, call 301-431-0000 x101, or see our ad on page 3 with details about our upcoming visits to NIH.  This program is available to you exclusively through Capitol Benefits, LLC, an independent insurance agency in Gaithersburg, MD.  You don’t have to choose between good coverage or low rates.   Get them both with this new discount!

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Cholesterol & Glucose Screening
 Available to NIH Employees

The R&W and Occupational Medical Services (OMS) at NIH are working together to offer both Glucose & Total Cholesterol Screening. This screening is available in Bldg. 10 in the 6th floor clinic Rm. 6C306 on Tuesday mornings from 8-11am. The full lipid profile (cholesterol) test is $16.50 and the glucose test is $8.25. Purchase a screening ticket at any R&W store before you plan to be tested and take it with you for any Tuesday screening. Because this is a fasting test, participants should not eat or drink anything (except water) for at least nine hours prior to having the test.

Do You Have a House or
Apartment to Rent?

The R&W maintains a housing list for the NIH employees, volunteers, students, and contractors. It is updated bi-weekly. It is comprised of noncommercial rentals, rooms for rent in private residences, a nd houses and apartments to share. The list is posted on our website at or you can pick up a hard copy from any R&W store.

Are you Having Trouble Controlling Your Drinking?

Closed (only open to people who have trouble controlling their drinking). Alcoholics Anonymous meetings occur at noon for one hour Monday & Friday at NIH in Bldg. 31, Rm. B4BN09 (near the NIH Fitness Center). The meetings are free and confidential. For more info contact the EAP at 301-496-3164.

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Does Someone’s Drinking Bother You?

Al-Anon meets at noon for one hour Mondays and Thursdays at NIH in Building 31 in the conference room of the National Institute for Alcohol and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA) Room 1B44. The meetings are free and confidential. For more info contact EAP 301-496-3164.

Planning A Wedding?

Are you planning that special day and you want the invitations to be just right? The R&W can help! You can save up to 40% off on your wedding invitations. The invitations are high quality and very attractive. Don’t believe us? Come check it out for yourself! We have books at any R&W store and if you are a preferred R&W member you can take the book home with you by putting a $5 returnable hold on the book. I know many of you probably got engaged over the holiday season, so don’t delay and check out the invitations today!

NIH License Plates

Did you know that you can get an NIH personalized license plate? The R&W has NIH organizational license plates for Maryland residents. The cost for the plates are $15 for MVA Non-logo NIH plates with a $5 R&W service charge. Just fill out an application at the R&W Activities Desk in Bldg. 31, show your NIH ID and R&W membership, and drop off two checks (one payable tot eh MVA for $15 and payable to the R&W for $5). Plates take 2-8 weeks to receive. The MVA will send them directly to you. For more information about this program call 301-496-4600 or e-mail nihrw@ors.od.nih.gov

NIH Blood Bank

The NIH Clinical Center is in constant need of blood for the increasing amount of patients that are seen everyday. The NIH Blood Bank is located on the first floor of the Clinical Center and is open from 7:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Please call for an appointment or directions at 301-496-1048.  Convenient and free parking is available for all blood donors.

R&W Business Card Service

For your convenience, you can order business cards at any R&W gift shop. Prices begin at $22. Logos from NIH, HHS, & FDA are available. Check out for an order form and logo options, or call the R&W Activities Desk at 301-496-4600 for detailed information.

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