The Power of Mindfulness In Reducing Stress
Training Begins September 17^th

Registration has begun for fall Mindfulness & Stress Reduction class; an R&W sponsored activity. The course includes guided instructions in mindfulness meditation, gentle stretching and mindful movements, group dialogue, and development of a home practice.  The course is influenced by the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program offered by Dr. Jon Kabat Zinn for over 25 years at UMASS-Center for Mindfulness and includes influences from other master teachers such as Thich Nhat Hanh, Jack Kornfield, and Tara Brach.  This nine sessions class, including a "Mindful Day,” the class is held in Bldg. 10 CRC, Rm. 4-3330 on the NIH Bethesda campus. 

Fri. 9/17	Fri. 9/24	Wed. 9/29
Fri. 10/8	Fri. 10/15	Fri. 10/22
Sat. 10/30	Fri. 11/5	Fri. 11/12

The cost is $250 per person.  New attendees are not accepted after the first class.  The class instructor Rezvan Ameli, Ph.D. (NIMH) volunteers her services.  For more info or to apply contact Rezvan Ameli, Ph.D. amelir@mail.nih.gov. To register, contact Kallie Wasserman at 301-496-6061.

Cookies and Goodies Needed

Chili Festival – September 16^th, 5:30 pm

Cookies and goodies are needed for the Clinical Center monthly party!  If you are interested in contributing some goodies for the party please deliver the items to the R&W office in Bldg. 31, Rm. B1W30 or the R&W in Bldg. 10, Rm. B1C06 on September 16^th by noon.  Fran at our Rockledge R&W store will also accept goodies if it’s more convenient to drop off there.  Please deliver to Rockledge I, Rm. 4202 by the end of the day on Wed., September 15^th. 

Washington Capitals 2010-11 Tickets

Hey Caps fans, the start of the 2010-11 NHL season is on the horizon and not only will the R&W have tickets to every home game, we will have even more tickets this year.  Last year’s season ended earlier than anyone could have imagined, after the amazing season the team had, but with the team’s core unit in tact the Caps are poised to make another run this season for Lord Stanley’s Cup.  The R&W has tickets located in Section 409, Row A, Seats 1-4 and Section 409, Row O, Seats 9-10. Tickets are $40 per seat (reg. $50-$95) except games versus the Pittsburgh Penguins which are $70 (reg. $95) and the Chicago Blackhawks which are $50 (reg. $95).  Tickets will go on sale outside the Bldg. 31 R&W store on Tuesday, September 14^th.  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.  Tickets to Opening Night on Saturday, October 9^th vs. the NJ Devils will be sold via email auction.  If you are interested in participating in the auction please contact David at nihrw@mail.nih.gov.

NIH Community Chorus Seeks Experienced Accompanist

The NIH Community Orchestra and East Avenue Ensemble are seeking an experienced accompanist for a possible paid position.  Improvisation skills are a plus.  Contact Bob Johnson at 301-654-3380 or wrjohnson@aol.com for details and rehearsal schedule.

13^th Annual Bethesda Row Arts Festival
Shopping, Music, Food and More!

You are invited to join us on Saturday, October 16^th from 11am – 6pm and Sunday, October 17^th from 11am – 5pm for a wonderful fall weekend of shopping, food, music and more!  Each October, the streets of Bethesda Row are transformed into an outdoor art gallery of spectacular fine arts and crafts. This year many of the world's finest arts and crafts will be presented.  The Festival, underwritten by Federal Realty Investment Trust, features the work of 180 leading artists and crafters from the Mid-Atlantic and around the country.  On display will be the finest in: ceramics, drawings, fabrics, glass, graphics, jewelry, metalwork, paintings, pastels, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood and mixed media.  The Festival has been recognized as one of the top 200 fine art shows in the United States by Sunshine Artist magazine, and the event will benefit the NIH Charities.  Festival activities will include an Art Sale benefitting the Charities, a Poster Sale, artist demonstration tent, children’s art activities, live acoustic stage performances, street performers, and high-quality outdoor food vendors.  This outdoor event is held rain or shine on Bethesda Row located on Woodmont and Bethesda Avenues, and Elm Street, east of Arlington Road. The festival is an easy walk from the Bethesda Metro station and 15 minutes from downtown Metrorail stops.  Numerous free parking garages (#49 and #57) are conveniently located.  For more info, visit www.bethesdarowarts.org.  We hope to see you there!

Infant Mortality 5K Run/Walk/Roll

The Infant Mortality 5K will begin at 11am on Thursday, September 16^th in front of Bldg. 1 on the NIH campus.  Infant Mortality is one of the most important indicators of the health of a nation.  According to a National Center for Health Statistics data brief issued in 2008, the United States ranked 29^th in the world in infant mortality.  Medical research, public health outreach, and social services have helped the overall U.S. infant mortality rate to decline during the 20^th century.  In spite of this general decline, infant mortality rates for African American, Puerto Rican, and American Indian/Alaskan Native infants remain above the U.S. average of 6.7 per 1,000 live births.  The NIH is committed to conducting and supporting research that reduces and ultimately eliminates the high infant mortality rate, and the disparate rates that impact communities of color.  The NICHD invites all U.S. Department of Health and Human Services staff to come to the NIH main campus for this first-ever 5K run/walk/roll to raise awareness about infant mortality during September, which is National infant Mortality Awareness Month. Participants can come learn about infant mortality, current research and issues, and the agenda for future research efforts to further reduce infant mortality in the United States.  For more info about the race, how to register, the day’s agenda, and a course map, visit http://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/meetings/2010/091610.cfm. 

This event is co-sponsored by: the Division of Special Populations (DSP), NICHD; Baltimore City Healthy Start; DHHS Office of Minority Health; First Candle; National Healthy Start; NIH Office of Research Services; and the NIH Recreation & Welfare Association (R&W).

Disney on Ice: Toy Story 3

The toys are back in town!  Disney on Ice presents Disney/Pixar's Toy Story 3!  The summer's biggest hit movie, Toy Story 3, and memorable moments from Toy Story and Toy Story 2, are hitting the ice in this sensational live production at the Patriot Center.  Be right on the sidelines of this live, fast-paced adventure as Woody, Buzz Lightyear, Jessie, Rex and the whole gang are introduced to Lots-O'-Huggin Bear, Stretch and the unusual menagerie of Sunnyside Day Care toys and rambunctious kids.  Then, root them on as the gang employs their unique toy ingenuity to carry out their mission to get back to Andy's house, resulting in a well-meaning reprogramming that turns Buzz into a Spanish speaking, smooth talking Don Juan.  And in true Toy Story form, see Buzz battle it out with the Evil Emperor Zurg; Woody, Jessie and the ever-loyal Bullseye on the set of Woody's Round-Up; and the comedic antics of Slinky Dog, Hamm, Barbie and everybody's favorite spuds, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head, and more.  Rediscover the heroic action, humor, and friendship of Toy Story as family entertainment is taken to infinity and beyond.  The R&W has tickets to see this show at the Patriot Center in October.  See page 19 for more details and order your tickets today at any R&W store or by calling the R&W Activities Desk at 301-496-4600.

Silent Meditation Sessions

Meditation is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide.  There are many approaches to meditation, however the motivation is usually similar; namely to experience enhanced clarity, peace, health and happiness.  The NIH Recreation & Welfare Association is now sponsoring free weekly silent meditation sessions on Tuesdays from 12 noon to 1 pm in Bldg. 10 that all NIH patients, employees and visitors are invited to attend.  The first half hour of each session will be dedicated to simply sitting in silence together.  In the second half hour a dialogue will occur in which approaches to meditation and the benefits of meditation will be discussed.  In these dialogue sessions, new meditators will be able to talk with experienced meditators and learn about various approaches to mediation to discover which suits them best.  Because the specific location in Bldg. 10 may change, please call Kallie Wasserman at 301-496-6061 or Jim DeLeo at 301-496-3848 for location and other information.

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. 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, 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 and click NIH or call 301-496-6061.

2010 Maryland Renaissance Festival

Hear Ye Hear Ye! The Maryland Renaissance Festival returns to celebrate its 34^th season.  Live the Spirit and the Legend!  The village will be overflowing with performers, craft shops, food, and games, all set in Sixteenth Century Tudor England.  You can experience 400 years of fun in a single day!  In addition to everyone’s returning favorites, this year’s festival will also include weekends focused on all things Magic (9/4 - 9/6), Scottish (9/11 & 9/12), Irish (9/18 & 9/19), Pirate (9/25 & 9/26), Celtic (10/2 & 10/3), Oktoberfest (10/9 & 10/10), and Chivalrous (10/23 & 10/24).  The festival is open nine weekends, August 28^th through October 24^th and Labor Day Monday, September 6^th.  Hours are 10am to 7pm.  The Maryland Renaissance Festival is west of Annapolis in Crownsville, Maryland.  Tickets are $14.50 (reg. $18) for adults and $7.50 (reg. $8) for children ages 7-15.  Children under 7 are FREE.  Tickets should arrive in early August.  Purchase them today by calling the R&W Activities Desk at 301-496-4600 or stop by any R&W store.

The NIH Farmers Market Is Back

Tuesdays, you can visit the market, from 10:30am - 1:30pm on the Bldg. 31 patio*.  Licking Creek Bend Farm, from Needmore, PA, will start, featuring sorrel greens, turnips, scallions, garlic, cherries, arugula, spinach and early squash.  More produce will be brought in as the season moves on.  The farm, started in 1972 as a diaspora kibbutz, was one of the original farms that participated in the market and is expected to be joined by other vendors as we move into the fall.  Licking Creek emphasizes sustainably-grown produce sold at affordable prices!  They are certified to accept WIC and Food Stamps.  They have been selling at a Saturday morning market in Adams Morgan since 1974.  The farm is certified through a sustainable "farmer-to-farmer" certification program at Wilson College in Chambersburgh, PA.  The national program uses the "National Organic Standards Act" as its growing criteria.  Michael Tabor, the farm's owner, is a strong advocate for healthier, locally-grown food in public schools.  Licking Creek does not provide new plastic bags so please remember to bring recycled or cloth bags.  Come and show your support.  Hope to see you weekly for your fruit and veggies.  *For one day, Tuesday, June 15^th, the market will be held on the Bldg. 31 B1 Patio outside of the R&W Gift Shop.

 Lunchtime Kung Fu and Tai Chi Class at NIH!

Are you looking for a break from the physical or mental stress of home or work?  Do you want to relax your mind and body and gain better balance and physical strength?  Do you want to get into great shape and see progress in just a few weeks?  Would you like to feel more confident about your own self-defense?  Kung Fu and/or Tai Chi may be for you.  The NIH Chinese Martial Arts Club offers classes in Kung Fu and Tai Chi for beginners and more advanced students. Kung Fu classes are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays:

1-2pm (participate 1-3 times per week).  Tai Chi classes are Mondays 1-2pm and Fridays 12-1pm.  Classes are held in the Malone Center in the NIH Fitness Center located in Bldg 31, B4 level.  There is a locker room with showers for you to use.  If you are interested, stop by with gym clothes to try it out, or in regular clothes to observe, and then talk with the instructor or other students.  You'll see that CMAC Tai Chi class is not boring meditation and Kung Fu is not about fighting.  Visit the Jow Ga Kung Fu website at www.jowgashaolin.com.

  NIH Staffer Seeks to Start Organ Donation Support Group

When Betty Garrison, staff assistant for the Office of the Director at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), found out more than 30 years ago that she had a genetic form of chronic kidney disease, she wasn’t too concerned.  She knew that she would need a kidney transplant in the next 25-30 years, but that seemed like a long way off.  Today, Garrison, a dedicated mother and grandmother is not only taking steps to prepare herself for dialysis and a possible kidney transplant, she’d like to help other NIH employees who may be in a similar situation.  According to Garrison, an organ donor support group can provide a place to share common concerns and issues about the organ donation process.  Individuals who are going through, or who have been through, similar experiences can provide encouragement and support to others in the group.  A support group can help those affected with organ failure to live productive, fulfilling lives despite their chronic illness. 

Did you know: As of August 2009, more than 103,000 individuals were on the national transplant waiting list for organs.  Each month, the list grows by more than 300 people.  In 2008, 28,000 organ transplants were performed.  More than 82% of people who receive kidneys from deceased donors and 90% who receive kidneys from living donors are alive five years after surgery.  It is possible for organs and tissues from a single donor to extend and enrich the lives of as many as 50 people or more.  African Americans are 12% of the US population, yet represent more than 34% of people waiting for kidneys and 19% of those waiting for hearts.  The family and estate of an organ/tissue donor are not responsible for any costs associated with donation.  Each day, 78 Americans receive a life-saving organ transplant, thanks to ordinary people who took time out of their busy lives to declare their intention to become donors.  More than 100 people die every week while on the national transplant list waiting for an organ.  Credit: Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)/DHHS.  If you or someone you know is interested in joining the organ donor support group, please contact Garrison at garrisob@nidcd.nih.gov or 301-402-0496.

Mobile Mammography Screening
At NIH

The George Washington Breast Cancer Center will be visiting NIH for our 2010 Spring Mammography Screening.  All NIH employees, their families, contractors, visiting scientists and others associated with NIH are eligible to participate. 

The screening dates are as follows:

Bldg. 45 (Front of Building)	Sept. 28
Neuroscience Center (Behind 6001Executive)	Oct. 7
Rockledge (Visitor Parking behind RKL One)	Nov. 23
Neuroscience Center (Behind 6001Executive)	Dec. 14
Bldg. 45 (Front of Building)	Dec. 20

          
The van will be on-site from 9:30am - 3:45pm taking prescheduled appointments.  Reservations can be made no more than 2 months prior of screening date.  Each screening is conducted by a female technologist, and a board certified radiologist specializing in mammography will interpret the films.  Appointments should take approximately 20 minutes.  Most insurance companies will cover the cost (approx $350) of the screening.  To see if your insurance is accepted or to make an appointment, call 202-741-3252 and leave a message with your name and phone number.  The GWU Breast Care Center will call you back and schedule your appointment.

 Who is Eligible?

Any woman IS eligible if she meets the following:

• She is age 40 or older

• She is not pregnant

• She does not have breast implants                     

• She does not have any prior history of breast problems

• She is not having symptoms such as a lump in either breast or unusual breast pain

• She has not had a mammogram within the last 12 months

Individuals with disabilities who need Sign Language Interpreters and/or reasonable accommodation to participate in this screening should contact Kallie Wasserman at the R&W, 301-496-6061 and/or the Federal Relay 1-800-877-8339 or email wassermankt@mail.nih.gov.  Requests should be made at least 10 days in advance of the appointment.  For more information about mammography, breast cancer, or other types of cancer call the National Cancer Institute’s Cancer Information Service at 1-800-4-CANCER or see www.nci.nih.gov.

R&W Seminar Series

Why a Roth IRA, Why Now? – September 7^th – 12 – 1pm, Bldg. 31A Rm. 2 and September 16^th – 12pm – 1pm - Bldg. 10, Rm. 2-C116 - The rules have changed for 2010.  If you’re looking for info on Roth IRA conversion strategies including rules, changes taking effect this year, reasons to consider a Roth IRA conversion, and Roth conversions re-characterization, then you should attend this special Ameriprise Financial seminar presented by Brian Thoms, CFP®, CRPC®.  This informative seminar could help you cut through the clutter and decide if a Roth conversion is right for you, understand the value of balancing taxable with tax-free income in retirement, and take full advantage of all the benefits of a Roth conversion while avoiding common pitfalls.  Find out which factors to consider before choosing a Roth Conversion and see if this strategy can work for you!  RSVP to Alicia Burrell at 240-314-4339 or Alicia.k.burrell@ampf.com.

The Benefits of Asset Allocation and ROTH IRA's in Retirement Planning - September 23^rd – 12pm – 1pm - Bldg. 31A Rm. 2 -Jason Driver (Fleet Street Financial) will describe the basis of what "Asset  Allocation" is.  Learn about the differences between various asset allocation strategies, what strategies are applicable to individual’s ages based on accepted principals, the impact of certain investment funds on your portfolio and retirement plan, and how each asset class (i.e. stocks, bonds,   and cash, as well as growth vs. value and international vs. domestic) work together. RSVP to Christina Frangou at christinaf@fleetstreetfinancial.com.

Managing the Risk of an Income Shortfall In Retirement - October 7^th – 12pm – 1pm – Rockledge 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:  1) longevity risk, 2) inflation or purchasing power risk, and 3) 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 and Matthew Bosley, CFP® | Financial Advisor.  RSVP to Christine Mantich at 301-230-5776 or Christine_Mantich@ml.com.

Understanding Your Federal Employee Health Benefits - October 12^th – 12pm – 1pm – Bldg. 31A Rm. 2 - Open Season Enrollment is only one month away.  Open Season is the time for you to choose health, dental and vision insurance coverage for the next calendar year.  You also can choose whether to contribute to a health care flexible spending account and/or a dependent care flexible spending account.   In preparation for making your annual selections, take time to brush up on your knowledge of each component of your health benefits, including family eligibility, premiums, continuing coverage in retirement and more.  You might also want to evaluate other benefits available to you that are not a part of the upcoming Open Season; for instance, your options within the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP).  RSVP to Sharon of First Command Financial at 703-418-9360.

Lessons Learned: Actions You Can Take after the Great Recession - October 19^th – 12pm – 1pm – Bldg. 10 Rm. 2-C116 - During this complimentary seminar, you’ll learn ways to: find investing opportunities in today’s markets, keep emotions from affecting your financial decisions, and get back on track toward reaching your financial goals.  Space is limited.  RSVP to Crystal Rivers at 240-314-4363 or crystal.d.rivers@ampf.com. 

Turning your Savings into a Retirement Paycheck – October 28^th – 12pm – 1pm - Bldg. 31A Rm. 2 - Most Americans work over 90,000 hours during their lives so it is important to spend some 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.  The seminar will be given by Jeff Seitz, CRPC ® | First Vice President –Investments and Matthew Bosley, CFP® | Wealth Management Advisor.  Please RSVP to Christine Mantich at 301-230-5766 or Christine_Mantich@ml.com.

Planning Your Retirement Lifestyle – Nov. 4^th - 12pm – 1pm – Rockledge II Rm. 9100 – This seminar focuses on the process of constructing a financial plan to help one meet their long term goals. The seminar reviews concepts such as picturing retirement, planning retirement income, managing the transition to retirement, and the importance of choosing an investment strategy.  The seminar will be given by Jeff Seitz, CRPC ® | First Vice President – Investments and Matthew Bosley, CFP® | Financial Advisor.  RSVP to Christine Mantich at 301-230-5776 or Christine_Mantich@ml.com.

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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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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 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.

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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 6^th 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.

Al-Anon Provides Help for Those Involved With Substance Abuse

The Al-Anon welcomes family members of individuals with narcotic abuse problems to attend weekly group meetings. Al-Anon holds two weekly group meetings; Mondays and Thursdays at noon in Building 31, Room 1B63.

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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