May/June 2015
Recreation & Welfare
The official publication of the R&W Association and FedESP.com
Travel: Nashville, TN & Berkeley Springs, WV Maui Fish Printing Real Estate: Local City Profiles Blue Crab Frenzy Mountain Getaways
Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 1
2 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
Thoughts From R&W... ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
Dear R&W Members and Readers, StoryCorps, a national oral history project, is returning to the NIH May 27-29 and June 4-6 to record and preserve voices of our community – and I’d like to invite you to share your story. This program recognizes the people who enable our work at NIH and we seek to honor them by preserving and sharing their stories. If you’d like to participate, please visit our website! Lately your R&W Association has focused on providing financial education resources to our members and NIH staff. We’ve had terrific turnout at our seminars this year and I want you to take advantage of the rest of our 2015 programs! Please add these to your calendar: • • • •
Estate Planning - 7/7 Women’s Financial Strategies - 9/1 Retirement Planning - 10/6 Tax Planning - 11/3
As we move into the summer months, I encourage you to take advantage of the many fitness opportunities we have at the R&W fitness centers and to join Team TCI for the 2015 Marine Corps Marathon or MCM 10K The Children’s Inn. Team TCI wants make a difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families, and they truly need your support.
Kallie Wasserman Director, R&W
Recreation & Welfare Magazine Editorial Brendan Dell brendan@rwpublishers.com Creative Services Siloquent, LLC Advertising Sales Cathy Peabody, RW Publishers cathy@rwpublishers.com (301) 358-5996 Questions or Comments? Email us at stacia@rwpublishers.com Visit us on the Web at: www.fedesp.com
Kallie
Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 3
table of
contents
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
6
Destination: Nashville, TN
8 Freecycle.org 10
Maui Fish Printing
13
Real Estate Profile: Bethesda
14
Real Estate Profile: North Bethesda
16
Blurred Lines: Living Urban or Suburban?
20
Real Estate Profile: Rockville
21
Real Estate Profile: Kensington
23
Real Estate Profile: Silver Spring
24
Real Estate Profile: Berkeley Springs, WV
26
Blue Crab Frenzy
29
Discount Tickets
30
Mountain Getaways
34
NIH Clubs & Organizations
38
NIH Charities
39
R&W Membership Resources & Shopping
Nashville, TN 4 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
We offer a special discount on car insurance for R&W members. Tell us you are a member and see how much more you can save. At GEICO, we know the only way to build stronger communities for tomorrow is to invest our time and energy today. We call it our insurance plan for the future, and it’s a policy we’re proud of.
For an auto rate quote 24 hours a day, visit geico.com/fed/r&w or call 1-800-368-2734.
Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. Discount amount varies in some states. One group discount applicable per policy. Coverage is individual. In New York a premium reduction may be available. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image © 1999-2015. © 2015 GEICO
Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 5
Destination:
Nashville, Tennessee I
f you are looking for an authentic dose of Southern hospitality, set your sights on Nashville, Tennessee. “Music City,” as it is known, is ranked as one of the top ten budget travel destinations with a little something for every taste. Nashville is a big player in the music business, meaning there are scores of great venues where you can see some of music’s top up-and-comers. From the Honky Tonk Highway, 2nd Avenue, SoBro, Midtown, to the Gulch, there is sure to be a band to suit your musical tastes (no matter how weird!) any day of the week. Nashville is also host to numerous musical festivals, concerts, and industry conferences throughout the year. Nashville is also home to the Grand Ole Opry. This is a weekly country music concert, founded by George D. Hay in 1925. The concert, which attracts the biggest stars of the genre, is also held to honor 6 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
by Brendan A. Dell the traditions of country music, and includes country, bluegrass, folk, and gospel music, as well as comedy and skits. The iconic show has millions of listeners, and brings thousands of visitors to the city every year. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum makes it’s home in Nashville as well. This recently expanded home of country’s legends is constantly offering new exhibits. Don’t miss the four retail shops to pick up clothing, gifts, or browse through an extensive collection of music and books. The Hermitage, home of President Andrew Jackson, lies ten miles east of downtown Nashville. “Old Hickory,” as our seventh president was known, owned this property from 1804 until his death in 1845. President Jackson’s life is told through the exhibits and artifacts at the Hermitage’s museum and on the grounds of this historic plantation.
In Nashville’s Centennial Park, visitors can find The Parthenon. This is the only full-scale reproduction of the real Parthenon in Athens, Greece in the entire world. It houses a museum and art gallery. Nashville also features a lively art scene. Downtown 5th Avenue hosts fine galleries, and don’t miss the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, OZ Arts Nashville, and the First Saturday Art Crawl. When heading to Nashville, bring an appetite. Publications such as Food & Wine and Food Arts Magazine have lauded Nashville’s culinary scene. Conde Nast Traveler said of Nashville, “There’s enough going on food-wise to warrant a trip solely for eating.” Good food, good music, what’s not to love? So head on down Nashville, Tennessee, and have a real good time.
In the Nation, exclusive discounts are just the beginning. Now NIH, NOAA and HHS employees are rewarded! Employees of NIH, NOAA and HHS can save with special discounts on auto insurance. In addition, when you add Vanishing Deductible®, you can take $100 off your deductible for every year of safe driving, for a total savings of $500. With Nationwide, you get great protection for you, your loved ones and all you’ve worked for in life. All from one company that’s been strong and stable for more than 80 years.
To learn more about what our partnership can do for you, click or call Corrigan Insurance at 800-213-1634.
Nationwide may make a financial contribution to this organization in return for the opportunity to market products and services to its members or customers. Products underwritten by Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Affiliated Companies. Home Office: Columbus, OH 43215. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. *Vanishing Deductible is an optional feature. Annual credits subject to eligibility requirements. Max. credit: $500. Details and availability vary by state. Nationwide, Nationwide Insurance, the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.
Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 7
by Brendan A. Dell
Freecycle.org by Brendan A. Dell
“Reduce, reuse, recycle,” is not simply a mantra for the environmentally-conscious, but a lifestyle, a dedication to making decisions that have a positive impact on the planet. Now there is an organization dedicated to the reuse aspect of the term. That organization is Freecycle.org. This is a network of folks sincerely dedicated to making our planet a better place by encouraging reusing things as an alternative to simply throwing them out. Freecycle.org is a nonproft umbrella group, consisting of “5,241 groups with 8,754,995 members around the world,” according to www.freecycle.org. All of these groups are working together for the same goal: reducing the flow of material into landfills. They do this by creating networks of people who trade and repurpose 8 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
stuff, for free. Membership doesn’t cost a thing. To find a group near you, all you have to do is go to the website, type in the name of your city, town, hamlet, or village, and a list pops up. That list contains what’s available for reuse, and can contain just about anything, from patio furniture to popcorn makers. All items posted must be legal, free and appropriate for all ages. The group has been around since 2003. Freecycle.org was the brainchild of Deron Beal. After the initial success the group had in the Tucson, Arizona area, it expanded to other regions and countries. So visit the website today. Remember, signing up is free, so you have nothing to lose and a planet to save.
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M au i Fish Pri nti ng “My big fish must be somewhere.” - Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and The Sea
by Brendan A. Dell
I
n the story, the old man, Santiago, goes out and snags the biggest marlin of his career one day. He struggles to bring it in, as sharks tear at his prize during the voyage home. Crying shame for Santiago as he hooks a real monster fish and has just bones to show for it. Let’s just change the story a little bit. Suppose Santiago hauled that sucker in, kept the sharks away, and took it back to the dock intact. 10 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
He would stand next to it and have his picture taken, and then maybe have a drink to celebrate. But what then? Why, he’d send it to the taxidermist and have it stuffed. But Santiago would have to pay the taxidermist a pretty hefty fee, and there would be a long wait time. Plus, the stuffed fish hanging on a wall may grow tiresome, especially to Mrs. Santiago. But wouldn’t it be cool if Santiago could have an image of his prized fish made into a painting? Surely, such a possibility would bring a smile to the face of old
Santiago. But how could Santiago accomplish such a miraculous feat?
simply catalogue a fisherman’s catch, it eventually grew to be recognized as an art form.
Thanks to Maui Fish Printing, a prized catch can now be memorialized like never before. By using a revolutionary method that combines the Japanese art of Gyotaku with the latest in modern technology, your catch can be rendered imagistically in mind-blowing new ways. Here how it works:
With modern technology, these images can now be scanned into a computer, thus opening up virtually limitless possibilities for color, shape, media, and presentation of a catch.
Gyotaku, or fish printing, is the Japanese method of taking a freshly caught fish, painting it with a non-toxic ink, and then covering it in delicate ricepaper. Pressure is applied, delicately. An image of the fish is thus preserved on the paper. The fish is then washed and prepared for consumption. While Gyotaku may have initially been used to
Owner Brian Heustis has been doing it since 2005, and explains his enthusiasm for what he is able to offer anglers thusly: “Every fish I print is special, no matter how big or small. Each one has a story to tell and I consider it my honor to be able to tell it.� The ocean is deep and blue. The big fish swim deep. The sun shines bright on the surface. It is warm, the surface. But that is not where the big fish swim. The big fish swim deep. Santiago fishes the deep.
Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 11
Take The Plunge
Welcome to a taste of the good life. Ever yt h in g is possible here at The Perry.
Inspired by the surrounding environment and history, The Perry is designed with thoughtfully selected decor, hand-chosen fixtures, soothing colors and a blend of comfortable textures. The modern construction means homes are equipped with keyless entry and USB outlets as well as a Nest programmable thermostat. Rich wood-like flooring flows from the entry way into the living room and gourmet kitchen where you’ll find granite countertops, glass backsplash, chrome fixtures and stainless steel appliances. The Perry offers 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom floor plans. Choose your preference from our website to view more detailed layouts! Live a balanced lifestyle with the convenience of a concierge-attended lobby and entertainment lounge with game room, billiards and big-screen TVs. The Perry features something for everyone, from a fitness center with yoga room and cool down lounge to a fence community dog park.
Spend your afternoon relaxing at the luxury pool with expansive sundeck or scenic Zen garden then go out on the town to experience the nearby hotspots, including entertainment venues, restaurants and shops, which are in Park Potomac Urban Development and surround Potomac. • Wine Harvest, offering events, such as wine tastings, special discounts, specialty wine and selection of beer, cheese plates and sandwiches, is less than a 5-minute walk away. • Restaurants within walking distance include MoCo’s Founding Farmers, Zoes Kitchen, SuGo, Elevation Burger, Grand Fusion, Amici Miei Ristorante and Brooklyns Deli & Grill. • Additional restaurants and retail will be located on the ground floor of The Perry buildings. • Potomac Woods Park, a 42-acre park with sports facilities, picnic areas and a playground set amid trees and rolling lawns, is within a 10-minute bike ride. • Minutes from Bethesda, Rockville and I-270 & 495.
Contact us today! NOW LEASING 12 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare 240-399-0555 * https://theperryapts.com
Profile: Bethesda, MD Real Estate
Although Bethesda, Maryland is a suburb of
streetcar connecting it to DC opened in the ear-
Washington, D.C., if you were to drive down
ly twentieth century. The suburban boom con-
Wisconsin Avenue into the heart of Bethesda’s
tinued throughout the century, aided by reloca-
downtown, you are in a city unto itself. Take a
tion of the NIH and the National Naval Medical
short drive, and you will find yourself in a lovely
Center during the Second World War. In 1984,
neighborhood with plenty of trees and green
the Metro Center was opened, providing quick
spaces. This is one of the big reasons why
and easy access to DC.
Bethesda has become such a hit with buyers and renters looking for a place that has it all. Bethesda is a nice place to live, it’s got a lively urban center, is convenient to D.C. and has many housing options. Bethesda, which gets its name from Bethes-
Today, the urban center of Bethesda is electric with activity, with outstanding dining, shopping, and entertainment options for every taste. The high concentration of office and residential building has in turn lead to Bethesda becoming a retail and lifestyle destination as well. Proj-
da Meeting House, a church built in 1820, was
ects include Bethesda Row, the Shoppes of
transformed from a sleepy stop on a trading
Bethesda, and Westfield Montgomery.
route to Georgetown to a busy town when a
Some of the great neighborhoods comprisRecreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 13
ing Bethesda’s 22 communities include Glen
to. For those who may be empty-nesters or
Echo, Westmoreland Hills/Glen Mar Park, Glen
have a keen interest in a more urban living ex-
Cove, Crestview, and Bannockburn. Bethesda
perience, Bethesda has much to offer.
is a white-collar community, with the median house value in some of these neighborhoods at over a million dollars. Bethesda real estate is consistently rated among the most expensive in the U.S., with a high rate of owner-occupied single family homes.
Hampden Row, expected to be completed in 2016, is an example. The development is expected to consist of 55 condominiums, with prices ranging from $489,990 to $3.099 million. With shopping, restaurants, and the Bethesda Metro all within walking distance, this is the
Bethesda is also an attractive area for fami-
type of home for those who stopped driving the
lies. The district has a good public school sys-
minivan long ago and are perhaps enjoying their
tem, is economically stable, with large numbers
retirement years, or never did want to drive the
of subdivisions containing single-family homes -
minivan to begin with.
ideal in drawing families and maintaining strong communities. The area offers a diverse and wide-ranging
And that is the beauty of Bethesda, it has the neighborhoods with the single family home, while a short distance away, you can find the
assortment of housing options, reflecting the
condominiums, apartments, and lofts for the
various lifestyle interests that Bethesda caters
urban dweller.
Profile: North Bethesda, MD Real Estate
14 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
The Rockville Pike shopping corridor is trans-
Bordering the city of Rockville is North Bethesda (also known as White Flint). North
forming, though, becoming “a more walkable
Bethesda is an unincorporated area of about
and livable downtown,” Katherine Shaver of
8.9 square miles, situated in Montgomery Coun-
the Washington Post writes. This is in contrast
ty. The 2000 census reported a population of
to the earlier development that dominated the
38,610 people for North Bethesda.
North Bethesda landscape, with strip malls and
The working population of North Bethesda tends toward professional, executive, and management occupations, according to data compiled by NeighborhoodScout. The workforce is also highly educated, with almost half (48.1%) of North Bethesda residents having earned an
large parking lots, requiring the use of a car to get there. New development is more along the lines of “high-rise living, stores, and restaurants lining a boulevard-like Rockville Pike,” says Shaver. The area is also home to the Music Center at Strathmore. Neighborhoods within the boundaries of
advanced degree. The southern portion of North Bethesda is a designated business district. Corporations that have headquarters there include Lockheed Martin, Coventry Healthcare, Marriott International and Host Marriott. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission makes its home in North Bethesda as well. In the 19th century, most of the area was part of a tobacco plantation, owned by the Riley family. North Bethesda flourished with the growth of rail, as it was a stop between Rockville and Georgetown. The emergence of the automobile saw the area transform into a commuter suburb for those who worked in Washington. The 1950s saw a great deal of residential building. One interesting feature of North Bethesda real estate is the large number of row
North Bethesda include Garrett Park Estates, Halpine, Old Georgetown Village, Randolph Hills, The Crest of Wickford, Wildwood, Tilden Woods, Timberlawn, Old Farm, Walnut Woods, Chase Crossing and Grosvenor Park. The median home value for North Bethesda is $519.589. The average rental price is $2,235. The real estate is made up, primarily, of small to medium-sized townhomes, apartments and high-rises. Getting around the area on Metro is easy, as North Bethesda has three stations, Twinbrook, White Flint, and Grosvenor-Strathmore Washington Metro. The Ride On bus system serves the area as well. For travel by car, North Bethesda has 270, the Beltway, Old Georgetown Road and Rockville Pike.
houses that were built for residents. Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 15
Blurred
Living Urban o C
hoices. Making choices is as inevitable as the sunrise. One of the biggest choices we make is where to live. In the Washington DC area, for example, you can go with the cutting-edge of urban life, or opt for the comfort and space of something more suburban. The good news is that line between urban and suburban living is blurring. In Bethesda, one can sample the advantages of urban living, with great dining and cultural options. Meanwhile, a short distance away in areas such as Silver Spring and North Bethesda, a buyer or renter can opt for a “commuting lifestyle”, and all that has to offer, such as more space. “For young buyers, the struggle comes down to this: Which of the two choices has the most pros and fewest cons? This is a personal choice no one can make for you,” Mark Nash, real estate broker and author (“1001 Tips for Buying and Selling a Home”). In order to make the choice, it is useful to establish a criteria. Some of the factors suggested by Ellen James Martin (writing for the Chicago 16 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
Tribune) are to ponder your lifestyle preferences seriously, think through commuting implications, as well as the implications of where you live in relation to your social and family circle. So, let’s say that you have a passion for great cuisine from all over the world, and you love a matinee on a Saturday afternoon. In your criteria, that would be two big “pros” for Bethesda. With about 200 restaurants, Bethesda has become a foodie’s paradise. Bethesda also boasts two movie theaters in its downtown area. Generally, the commuting lifestyle gives one
d Lines:
or Suburban? by Brendan A. Dell townhome complexes to compliment the single family home market. Another area in the region that has surged in popularity is Silver Spring. The area offers a mix of both urban and suburban features, the blurred lines between urban and suburban. Thus, a prospective renter or purchaser can enjoy a vibrant downtown center, with great shopping, restaurants, and cultural attractions, such as the Fillmore Silver Spring and AFI Silver Theatre, with just a short metro ride to downtown Washington, DC.
more space. North Bethesda, for example, has become a sought-after destination. If your lifestyle is more compatible with a single-family home, North Bethesda would have a number of “pros.� With many quaint subdivisions throughout, North Bethesda also has some fantastic condominium developments and beautiful
Silver Spring also has a number of great neighborhoods just a short distance from the downtown area, with plenty of single family homes. This is in addition to the condos and lofts available in downtown. So, no matter where you land in terms of your lifestyle, you will find just what you need in Silver Spring. Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 17
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We are pleased to offer embroidered logos on the Polo shirts, hats and hoodies. A ladies’ cut is offered for the t-shirts and polo shirts. Many of the items can be specially personalized (Pens, USB drives, totes and more)! If your logo is missing or you’d like to see us add a specific product, please contact NIHsupport@fedlogostore.com. If you’d like to order more then ten of a specific item, please contact us for special pricing!
Order your items today on FedESP.com! 18 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 19
Profile: Rockville, MD Real Estate
Rockville is the county seat of Montgomery
patents on what would become the city of Rock-
County, Maryland. This incorporated city had
ville were obtained by Arthur Nelson. When
a population of 61,209, according to the 2010
Frederick County was subdivided into three
census, making it the third-largest incorporated
smaller units in 1776, Rockville was selected as
city in the state. Rockville is home to many bio-
the county seat for the newly minted Montgom-
technology and computer software companies,
ery County. The postwar boom of the 1950s
as well as a number of government institutions.
saw the population swell.
This concentration of industry and gov-
Today, Rockville is a thriving city with a vi-
ernment results in Rockville having a work-
brant economy and a diverse, educated popu-
force with over 91% of workers employed in a
lace. The city is composed of an urban center
white-collar job, according to Neighborhood-
connected to a number of smaller, quiet neigh-
Scout. Generally, the workforce is composed of
borhoods. The city is about 13 square miles in
professionals, managers, salespeople, and office
area. The urban center includes county offices,
workers. NeighborhoodScout also noted that
a number of office parks, Rockville Town Center,
there is a relatively higher percentage of Rock-
and shopping centers.
ville residents who are young, single, upwardly-mobile professionals.
While Rockville is a city, there are many activities suited for those seeking quieter times. The
The city gets it’s name from nearby Rock
area has numerous farmer’s markets and com-
Creek. Between 1717 and 1735, the first land
munity-sponsored events throughout the cal-
20 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
endar year. Some of the highlights include the
Way/Falls Chapel Way at $808,811, and Poto-
Uncorked Wine and Music Festival, the Twilight
mac Woods/Falls Orchard at $725,213 median
Runfest, and an Antique & Classic Car Show.
house value. Rockville home prices are among
There are also two parks, Civic Center Park and
the most expensive in Maryland.
Croydon Creek Nature Center for lovers of the outdoors. The city is comprised of 31 “constituent�
The city real estate is a mix of single family homes (from medium to large), as well as high rise apartment complexes and condomini-
neighborhoods, according to Neighborhood
ums. The rental prices vary, from an average
-Scout. They include Lakewood Estates, Lux-
of $1,799 in Lakewood Estates, to $2,365 in
manor/Old Farm, Norbeck/Sycamore Acres,
Luxmanor/Old Farm, $2,753 in North Com-
North Commons Way/Falls Chapel Way, Po-
mons Way/Falls Chapel Way, and finally $2,553
tomac Woods/Falls Orchard, West End Park,
in Potomac Woods/Falls Orchard, according to
Rollins Park, Norbeck Road/Bauer Road, and
research done by NeighborhoodScout.
Glenora Hills, among others.
Rockville is served by two Metro stops,
Among the top 5 neighborhoods in terms
Rockville Metro and Twinbrook. The Rockville
of median house value, Lakewood Estates tops
Metro Center also has MARC Train and Amtrak
the list with a value of $1,052,866. Following
facilities there, as well. MetroBus and RideOn
are Luxmanor/Old Farm at $838,501, Norbeck/
provide bus service, and vehicular traffic is ac-
Sycamore Acres at $826,499, North Commons
commodated by I-270 and the Beltway.
Profile: Kensington, MD Real Estate
Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 21
For those who are looking for a quiet but sophisticated place to call home, Kensington, Maryland is just such a place. This small town in Montgomery County has a population of a little over 2,000. With so many of its residents employed in white-collar professions, Kensington has been called a place of “urban sophisticates,” an educated, wealthy demographic that reads, support the arts, shops high-end, and loves to travel. Kensington’s home values are among the highest in the country. Kensington was developed by Brainard Warner in the early 1890s. The area had previously been known as Knowles Station, after the railroad stop that opened up in the area in 1873. Warner’s development was a planned Victorian community, with its own newspaper, library and church. The name was conceived after a trip to London. The area became a summer refuge for DC residents seeking relief from the brutal heat and humidity. Over the years, the area transformed to a commuter suburb. The area is great for those who treasure antiques and the arts. Howard Avenue’s “Antique Row” and The West Howard Antique District are sure to please those who love the sublime thrill of looking for collectible furniture and art of years gone by. Kensington has art galleries, recording studios, as well as The Kensington Arts Theater and the British Players. The area consists of the Town Center itself and the surrounding communities of Kensington Estates/Parkwood, Kensington Heights, Connecticut Avenue Hills/Rock Creek Palisades, and 22 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
Kensington Knolls/Connecticut Gardens. The median real estate for the Town Center is $677,202, with average rental prices of $1,483, according to NeighborhoodScout.com. The real estate in the Town Center is a mix of single family homes, apartment complexes and high rise apartments. Kensington Estates/Parkwood has a median real estate price of $670,570, with an average rental price of $2,265, based on the analysis of NeighborhoodScout. The real estate is comprised of both medium and large single family homes, generally owner occupied, and apartment complexes and high rise apartments. Kensington Heights has a median real estate price of $465,787, and average rental prices of $1,362, per NeighborhoodScout. Medium to large single family homes, along with small apartment complexes, make up the real estate. According to NeighborhoodScout, the average median real estate price for Connecticut Avenue Hills/Rock Creek Palisades is $448,099, and the average rental price is $1,161. The real estate is comprised of both medium to large single family homes, with apartment complexes and high rise apartments. Kensington Knolls/Connecticut Gardens has an average median real estate price of $379,137, with rentals averaging $1,672, per NeighborhoodScout. The real estate is medium to small single family homes, with apartment complexes/high-rise apartments.
In keeping with the international flavor of the Washington, D.C. area, the communities
from many different places all over the world making their home here.
of Kensington are rich in diversity, with people
Profile: Silver Spring, MD Real Estate
Silver Spring, Maryland is a large unincorporated area in Montgomery County, with a population of 76,716 according to data from the 2013 census. Silver Spring is Maryland’s fourth most populated area of the state. The area is a mix of heavily urbanized real estate, subdivisions, and green spaces. The business hub that abuts Washington, DC on Silver Spring’s southernmost border has, according to 2004 data, over 7 million square feet of office space, more than five thousand dwelling units, and 17.4 acres of parkland. Silver Spring derives its name from the spring discovered there by Francis Preston Blair in 1840. He then purchased a great deal of land near the
spring. It’s proximity to the nation’s capitol saw the growth of Silver Spring accelerate significantly, particularly in the last decade. There have been a number of additional retail, office, and real estate developments during that time. The demographic of Silver Spring is that of many young people in their 20’s and 30’s who are single, educated, and in the nascent phase of professional careers, according to market analysis from NeighborhoodScout. There are many things to see and do in the area, and it’s location near DC affords wonderful cultural and entertainment opportunities as well. The area is host to the AFI Silverdocs Theater, which hosts a film festival each year. The Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 23
theater is must-see for film buffs, as it regularly
Madre St. The rentals vary from an average
screens film gems from yesteryear as well as
rental price of $1,500 in South Woodside/Wood-
contemporary films. The theater is also treasure
side Forest to $1,606 for New Hampshire Ave./
trove of film history. Music fans will love the
Madre St. The real estate makeup is quite var-
Fillmore Theater, which attracts many top-name
ied, with everything from small to medium-sized
acts from a variety of musical genres. Silver
single family homes, to apartment complexes,
Spring also hosts a jazz festival in the fall, it’s
high rise apartments, and condominiums.
biggest day on the social calendar. Reflecting Silver Spring’s diversity, the dining
Silver Spring, however, is much more than a populous urban core. The city is also home to
options are a panoply of cuisine from around
leafy residential neighborhoods such as Wood-
the globe. From classic American, to Thai, to
side Park. The blending of the urban core to
French, Italian, Ethiopian, Chinese, Indian, fu-
the other neighborhoods allows many residents
sion, Mexican, Jamaican, Silver Spring’s restau-
to be able to walk to restaurants and entertain-
rants are sure to please.
ment right from their homes.
Silver Spring is comprised of 59 constituent
The city is also a transportation hub, with a
neighborhoods, according to Neighborhood-
Metro Center, several Metro Bus lines, and the
Scout. The median home values lies in a range
MARC train. Silver Spring is also near the Capi-
of $668,253 for South Woodside Park/Woodside
tal Beltway, allowing for easy access to points in
Forest, to $476,315 for New Hampshire Ave./
and around DC.
Profile: Berkeley Springs, WV Real Estate
24 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
The county seat of Morgan County, West
Unger is $177,108, with an average rental price
Virginia is the town of Berkeley Springs. It is
of $584, according to NeighborhoodScout.
has a population of 624, according to the 2010
In Cherry Run/Sleepy Creek, the median real
census.
estate price is $171,611, average rental price of
Although the population of the town is small, the town boasts four spas. Mineral springs in the area make this a popular resort area, making tourism the town’s main industry. The town has been known as Berkeley Springs since 1802.
the area since their discovery. Virginia’s social elite have been summering in the area since colonial times, and Berkeley Springs is also noted for its arts community.
The real estate makeup is varied, with there
the real estate mix. However, there are also a number of homes that reflect Berkeley Springs history as a getaway for the well-to-do. Listings in the area include, for $975,000, a beautiful 103-acre property for horse lov-
Three communities make up the town: Oakland/Unger, Cherry Run/Sleepy Creek, and the
The median real estate price in Oakland/
$574, according to NeighborhoodScout.
There are also a number of mobile homes in
sands of years ago, and have drawn people to
rural in character.
real estate price is $155,200, the average rental
being many medium to small sized homes.
The mineral springs were discovered thou-
town center of Berkeley Springs. The town is
$609, and in Berkeley Springs itself, the median
ers. This property includes a guest house, in ground pool, caretaker quarters, stable, and climate-controlled barn. There are a number of other properties in the area available, from the mid-800’s to more affordable, offering plenty of space, fresh air, and a healthy atmosphere.
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Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 25
“We’re getting crabs.” Denizens of the mid-atlantic know that this statement takes any gathering to that elusive next level. When people have crabs at a party, the event is not to be missed; it’s that simple. For those who grew up in the Chesapeake Bay region, it’s something just taken for granted - that crabs are part of summer’s fabric. For others, a little background is in order. There are many types of crabs. King crabs, stone crabs, all are fine members of the crab family. ‘Round these parts, however, the crustacean of choice is the blue crab, Callincentes sapidus. These creatures can be found in the waters of Louisiana, New Jersey, and the Chesapeake Bay, among other places. Where do you go for crabs? A good bet is to go to an older establish crab house, as they will often have the best selection. (Jimmys are male crabs. Females are called Sooks) However, many times a great deal can be had buying them by the bushel from the guy on the side of the road. You want to get No. Ones, those are the biggest (and costliest) or No. Twos. Don’t buy anything smaller than that. Perhaps the greatest satisfaction comes from spending a day on the 26 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
A Crab
by Brendan A. Dell dock catching them, them cooking up the day’s catch that night, along with a few ears of Silver Queen corn. How do you cook crabs? If you opt to cook at home, keep them chilled until you cook them. Take care to cook only live crabs. Steaming is the generally accepted form. Fill the bottom of a large pot with water. You can also use vinegar along with a couple of cans of beer. Two inches should suffice. You should use a steam rack for the crabs, to prevent them
Frenzy
from getting soggy. What you need to know about seasoning crabs can be distilled down to two simple words: Old Bay. (Full disclosure, this writer’s brother works for McCormick, the manufacturer of Old Bay.) Crank the burner, get the water boiling and then, using tongs, choose three or four crabs, place them on the steam rack, and then add seasoning. Be advised, sometimes the crabs do not go gently into that big pot. They will fight! And they
have pincers! Repeat the process of adding a layer of crabs and then seasoning them. Do this until the pot is full, then put the lid on tightly. Cooking time will vary, depending on how many you are cooking and the size. As a rule, after fifteen minutes, check them. The shells should be a bright orange-red color throughout. Keep adding liquids for steaming as needed. Once the crabs have been thoroughly steamed, they are ready for picking. This is a messy business. The table should first be covered with several layers of newspaper or brown butcher’s paper. A few rolls of paper towels, cups of melted butter, and some more Old Bay. Then tear into those suckers. Hammers, knives, bare hands, whatever it takes. Pop the shell open and go for the backfin. That is the edible meaty part of the crab’s insides. It will stand out with its white color. Keep in mind, much of what you find when you open the crab should be left alone. It’s all about the backfin, baby. The claws, too, will produce a decent yield. The meat can also be picked and used in an assortment of dishes, including soups, dips, and Maryland’s culinary calling card, the crab cake. Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 27
Are You a Federal Employee or Contractor? If so, you need to be a member of the R&W Association, the only organization dedicated to the recreation and welfare of Federal Employees and Contractors! You can join for FREE or become a Preferred Member for just $9/year! Sign up today! Visit FedESP.com R&W Membership Benefits
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Get discount Movie Tickets for more than 15 major theater chains (AMC, Bowtie, Regal, etc.) Save up to 40% on tickets! Get major discounts on tickets for more than 35 Broadway Shows! Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Aladdin, The Lion King, Chicago, Wicked and More! Save up to 45%!
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Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 29
Mountain Getaways 30 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
I
palachian Mountains and located a mere ninety f you are thinking of a vacation home, think
about what a getaway spot in the mountains could mean to you. The grandeur of mountain living is something to celebrate, and many of the best areas for mountain living are driveable from Washington, DC. The Allegheny, the Blue Ridge, and the Appalachian mountains are all within a few hours drive from the area. These peaks offer not only spectacular views, but are welcoming to a health-conscious lifestyle, that includes hiking, camping, skiing, mountain biking, fishing, boating, whitewater rafting, and exploring caverns, among other activities. There is also a tremendous history in the valleys and forests in the shadows of the mountains. These areas contain many civil war battlefields, as well as museums and antique shops. West Virginia, for example, is home to Berkeley Springs. Nestled in the beautiful Ap-
minutes away from the Baltimore-Washington metro area, Berkeley Springs is home to warm mineral spas that create a relaxing atmosphere. These springs, and the annual influx of visitors, have created a vibrant local community that features great dining, shopping, and golf. West Virginia is also the home of White Sulphur Springs, which features The Greenbriar. This luxury resort property was named to the National Register of Historic Properties in 1974. The resort and surrounding town are a one hour flight from D.C., or a four hour drive of breathtaking beauty. Having a vacation home near “America’s Resort” means having access to a world class golf course, casino, and well as fourteen restaurants and bars. In the Allegheny Mountains of Maryland sits the treasure of Deep Creek Lake. Located in Garrett County, Deep Creek Lake is just three hours from D.C. This idyllic locale features mountains, rivers, and lakes, allowing for a vari-
Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 31
Travel & Entertainment Discounts through R&W Member Deals! FedESP.com has partnered with a leading travel and entertainment provider to bring HHS, NIH and NOAA employees money-saving tickets and exclusive deals on entertainment in some of the most exciting and desirable destinations in the US, Caribbean and Mexico. By simply registering on FedESP.com for your free membership, you can take advantage of exclusive access and discounts for shows, theater, theme parks and attractions, movies, concerts, hotels, car rentals and more. Within a few hours of the Washington DC/Virginia area there are nearly 50 saving deals including: Kings Dominion – Save over 30%! Save up to 30% at an AMC Theatre near you! Spirit of Washington Dinner Cruise - Save up to $20 Save up to $40 on Amaluna by Cirque du Soleil
FEDESP.COM 32 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
ety of outdoor activities. In Virginia, great mountain living can be found in the Shenandoah Valley. Bound by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the
dining and nightlife opportunities as well. Historic Charlottesville is a perfect area for those who may be looking for a great vacation home close to artistic and cultural attractions.
Ridge-and-Valley Appalachians to the west, it is easily accessible to the Washington, DC area via Route 66. The valley has a number of cities, including Winchester, Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Staunton, Roanoke, Covington and Salem, providing the creature comforts and amenities of civilization. There are amazing natural wonders spread throughout the region, from the caverns at Luray, to Natural Bridge in Rockbridge County, to the spectacular vistas on Skyline Drive. Across the Blue Ridge Mountains lies Charlottesville, a city of over forty thousand and home to the University of Virginia. The city is a cultural and artistic hub, and offers numerous Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 33
R&W Clubs •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Akido Club Meets Wednesdays from 7:00-8:35pm & Saturdays 10:30am-1:30pm in the Malone Center, BLDG. 31/C, B4, C18. Traditional Aikido techniques are taught combined with other defenses necessary to provide a balanced capacity in self defense. Fridays from 6:308:30pm and a joint session with the Taekwondo Club in Bldg. 31c, B4, C18. Badminton Club Meets Tuesday 7:30-10pm Enjoy the game of Badminton and learn new techniques. Bethesda Little Theatre Website Meets at a BLT member’s home every month on the first Tuesday at 7 pm. Outlet for employees creativity and talents! One major production every year ( 2hours) with road show performances ( 1hour) at retirement facilities and nursing homes the rest of the year. Proceeds benefit the Patient Emergency Fund and the NIH charities. Membership Director, Elaine Hughes, BethesdaLittleTheatre@gmail.com. Phone: (301)589-0720. Bicycle Commuter Club Website The club exists to assist and encourage NIH employees in commuting by bicycle and to serve as a link with the NIH administration to ensure that there are adequate facilities for the bicycle commuter. Camera Club Website For over 50 years, the NIH Camera Club has been the place for people who are interested in photography. Through speakers, field trips and workshops, you can learn new techniques to improve your photography. Through monthly photo competitions, you can receive expert feedback on your photographs from experienced professional photographers. Through our award winning monthly newsletter, Cameraderie, you can find information on our club activities as well as other area events, classes and workshops where you can learn even more. Our regular monthly meetings are the second Tuesday of every month from September – June and 34 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
we meet off campus at the Five Star Premier Residence, 8100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md. 20815. Chamber Singers Small acapella chorus performs 2-3 times a year. Please contact audition coordinator Jill Koshiol (KoshiolJ at mail.nih.gov) for more information. Chinese Martial Arts Club Website Kung Fu is perhaps the oldest of systematic martial arts. Originating from Shaolin Temple, its goal is to bring harmony to mind and body. The training includes physical fitness, internal and external exercises, empty hand and traditional weapon forms. Conscious Dancer Club Do you long to be peaceful, free and passionate? Since the beginning of time our ancestors danced together to celebrate life, strengthen community bonds, heal illnesses and co-create the future. Conscious Dance is a free style movement meditation that revives this tradition. On a journey of inner rhythms, expressive movements and spontaneity it reconnects you to the wisdom of your body and your innate state of joyous wellbeing. No dance experience is necessary. You are a beautiful dancer! Conscious Dancer Club meets October to April on Thursdays at 5:00pm, alternating locations between Rockledge Fitness Center and Building 10. For updates subscribe to ConsciousDancer@list.nih.gov via https:// list.nih.gov/. Golf Association Meets bi-monthly April to Sept. & monthly Oct. to March. The league has stroke play and match play competition with prizes and trophies and sponsors a year-end banquet. 9-Hole Golf League Website Meets Tuesdays at Needwood Golf Course and Thursdays at Falls Road Golf Course. Competitive (match Play) and non-competitive play after work. Fall Outing and Awards Banquet at end of season. Health’s Angels Running Club Website
The mission of the NIH Health’s Angels Running Club is to encourage, inform, support, and train the NIH community about running, jogging, and walking as a means to stay healthy and fit. Hiking Club Website Meets monthly for hikes. Hiking and backpacking in the Maryland/Pennsylvania/ Virginia/ West Virginia area. International Women’s Group Website The International Women’s Group: a community of friends, a venue for cultural exchange, a group that provides women with moral and practical support, a community that always welcomes you. Our main purpose is to be a network of friends and facilitate newcomers’ integration in their new community in the Bethesda-Rockville area. More than providing services or activities, we do things together. IWG will be perfect for you if you are a woman with an international spirit, would like to meet friends from all over the world and get a chance to expose your family to foreign cultures. Regular weekly/monthly activities for kids (Art & Craft, singing group, playgroups, meetings at the playground, for ladies (Morning Coffee, book club, English conversation, computer classes) and for families (spring children’s festival, summer splash party, Halloween, Thanksgiving and holiday parties & Various services: Google Group, monthly bulletin, welcome package, newcomer contacts, maternity clothes on loan, various fund raising, etc. Judo Club Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30-8pm & Saturday, 8:3010am. Kodokan judo accommodates all levels of skill and emphasizes physical conditioning and mental discipline. Kenjutsu Club Training is offered in the classical Japanese warrior martial arts traditions of Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo, Yagyu Shinkage Ryu Heiho and Jiki Shinkage Ryu Kenjutsu/ Heiho. These ancient schools train primarily with the staff and sword. (Practice equipment is either wood or bamboo). Madrigal Singers Sing & perform Renaissance period music.
Musicians Club The NIH Musicians Club maintains a list of amateur musicians who are interested in playing music with like-minded colleagues. This includes all genres, such as classical, jazz, rock, folk, blues, funk, etc. Members may also organize performances on or off the NIH campus, as well as trips to musical events. This is a new club, so we are anxious to increase our membership. Contact: Rob Tycko, robertty@mail.nih.gov. NIH Asian and Pacific Islander American Organization Asian and Pacific Islander American Organization, also known as Asian and Pacific Islander American Organization (APAO) is an independent organization sanctioned by the NIH Director’s office. It was formed in October 1996 to represent the Asian and Pacific Islander American (APA) employees of NIH. NIH Co-Rec Softball League Provides NIH Employees, contractors, family members, and friends with an opportunity to enjoy playing softball in a recreational atmosphere. Openings next season for individual players or teams. All skill levels are welcome. League season extends from mid-April to early August and teams play once a week (Monday through Wednesday). All games begin at 6:15 and are played at several fields in the Bethesda/Rockville area. Contact Rob Willcoxon, robwillcoxon@me.com. NIH Community Orchestra Website The NIH Community Orchestra began meeting in October 1996 to provide an orchestral outlet for the rich and diverse musical talent of the NIH and HHS research community. In the following year, it added woodwinds and brasses and quickly expanded its size and repertoire. The NIHCO roster often includes employees of numerous other government agencies (including NASA, LOC, DOJ), local high school students and educators, and members of the general community. NIH Democracy II Toastmaster Club Website We meet at 6707 Democracy Blvd, Conference Room 849 (NIMHD conference room), Bethesda, MD 20817 on the first Tuesday of the month from noon-1pm and on the third Tuesday of the month from 5:30-6:30pm. During the meetings, a series of prepared speeches are presented and evaluated, while impromptu speeches give Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 35
` everyone the opportunity to build their confidence. We strive to provide an encouraging, friendly and supportive environment in which members can comfortably and confidently attain their communication and leadership goals. Contact: Derrick Tabor at 301-594-8950 or email us at contact-1200808@toastmastersclubs.org. NIH Evening Speakers Website The NIH Evening Speakers club, which is a Toastmasters club that meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, in Building 10 Room 3-1608, 19:30-21:00. During the meetings, a series of prepared speeches are presented and evaluated, while impromptu speeches give everyone the opportunity to build their confidence. We strive to provide an encouraging, friendly and supportive environment in which members can comfortably and confidently attain their communication and leadership goals. Contact: Vice President of Membership, vpm-3691@toastmastersclubs.org The NIH Philharmonia Orchestra Website NIH Philharmonia is an all volunteer orchestra founded at the National Institutes of Health in January 2005 under the professional musical direction of Dr. Nancia D’Alimonte. The orchestra was established by a core group of NIH scientists and federal workers with the goal to play orchestral music from all genres in free concerts open to the public. The orchestra is always looking for players who are committed to sharing a passion for music with the community. For information on how to join, please email info@nihphil.org or go to the website: www.nihphil.org. The NIH Recreational Volleyball Club Join our easy going and fun group of players of all ages and skills that holds outdoor games on the NIH campus on Wednesdays and/or Thursdays at 5:30 pm during the warm season. Join us to get in shape, delight in beautiful sunsets, and enjoy camaraderie! Subscribe to volleyball@ list.nih.gov via https://list.nih.gov/. NIH Sailing Association Website The NIH Sailing Association is a sailing club for NIH and NOAA employees. Our club has been in Montgomery County, Maryland since 1968 and owns five Flying Scot boats in Selby Bay (just south of Annapolis, Maryland) that members can charter. We also offer training, 36 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
racing and social activities for our members. Come join the fun! Contact: Andrea Balbo at andrea.balbo@nih.gov. NIH Soccer Club Our mission is to bring together NIH employees who share an interest in playing soccer. We have both weekend and week night teams in various leagues in DC, Silver Spring, and Germantown, and we sometimes practice in Rockville. We also occasionally attend DC United games. To get involved, please contact Vance Berger at vance917@gmail.com. NIH Taekwondo Club Website Our club lineage comes from both Kukkiwon and Chung Do Kwon Tae Kwon Do. We are looking for adult and mature teenage members of all ranks, and abilities. No previous experience is necessary! A typical class may include cardiovascular warm up and stretching, basic techniques, kicking drills, forms (Taeguk and Palgwe), self defense, and sparring. Schedule (in Building 31, level B4, the basement level, of the C-wing, in the Thomas E. Malone Judo and Taekwondo Fitness Center): Monday: 6-8pm Wednesday: 6-7pm Friday: 6-8pm Please contact Glenn Daigon, gdaigon@hotmail.com NIH Weight Lifting Club Website The NIH Weight Lifting Club’s mission is to promote the sports of Olympic Weightlifting, Power-Lifting and strength training through the use of free-weight based training. We offer a supportive environment for novice and seasoned lifters to learn and share knowledge about the core lifts including, but not limited to, the Squat, Dead-lift, Snatch, Clean & Jerk and Press. Qi-Gong Club Meets Wednesday 8-9pm in Malone Center, Bldg/ T-39/ Cwing-B4 level. The NIH Qi-Gong Club has been providing classes at NIH since 1994. Classes are held on a continuing basis on Wednesday evenings from 8:009:00 pm in Building T-39. The initial class is free, and visitors are welcome to watch and/or participate. Classes are taught by Qi-Gong Master Shuren Ma, the chief instructor for Capital Qi-Gong. For additional informa-
` tion visit our Website at capitalqigong.com or call Mr. Ma at 202-409-8490 or Sandy Adler at 301-460-3040. Salutaris: The NIH Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex and Two Spirit Staff Forum Website Salutaris is an organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Two-Sprit (LGBTI2S) and Allied NIH Staff members whose mission is to foster an atmosphere at NIH that is open and inclusive of all employees! Salutaris holds regular “Meet and Eat” lunchtime meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month at Noon in the Building 10 Cafeteria; and an after work social/mixer on the 3rd Thursday of the month. Please join us! Young at Heart Tap Dancers Adult volunteer tap dance performance group. We perform Broadway and rhythm tap dance shows for senior facilities and other community venues. We rehearse two hours twice a week at Joy of Motion Bethesda and Knock on Wood Takoma Park. Always looking for new members and venues to perform for, so if interested in joining or booking please contact us. Contact: Sara Robinson, sara.tapdancer@verizon.net, (301) 229-8776.
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Building 10 Rm. B1C06, 10 Center Drive Bethesda, MD 20892 301-496-1262
Building 10 CRC Rm. 1N-2582, 10 Center Drive Bethesda, MD 20892 301-451-7708
Building 31 Rm. 1W08, 31 Center Drive Bethesda, MD 20892 301-496-2670
Rockledge I. R&W FITNESS CENTER LOCATIONS
Rm. 4202 6705 Rockledge Dr. Bethesda, MD 20817 301-435-0043
Bldg 31 C, B4 C18 9000 Wisconsin Ave Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 496-8746
Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday
The Loft (T-39) Located by Parking Lot 41
Rockledge 8:00am – 3:45pm
Rockledge, Room 5070 6705 Rockledge Dr. Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 435-0038 Bayview 251 Bayview Blvd. RM 3C011 Baltimore, MD 21224 (410) 558-8300, x7002 24-hour access
NIH Stores at the main campus: Bldg. 10, 31, CRC 8:00am – 3:45pm
For purchase at R&W Gift Shops... Regal and AMC Movie Tickets R&W Members can purchase movie tickets for Regal or AMC Theaters at most R&W store locations. These tickets can be used to see any movie to which passes are accepted. Tickets are $8.50, however there is an extra fee, at the theatre, for 3D and IMAX movies. Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 37
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MAKE A DREAM POSSIBLE BY DONATING TO THESE NIH CHARITIES Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) NIH is one of the leading CFC contributors in the area but we still need your help. We can’t meet our goal without you. Any amount you can give helps those in need! Federal employees are encouraged to designate their contributions directly to as many as five charitable CFC organizations. Support the NIH Charities! The Children’s Inn at NIH The Inn is a private, nonprofit residence for families and their children who are participating in pediatric research at the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical Center. The Inn enhances the opportunities for groundbreaking medical discoveries by providing a free “place like home” that reduces the burdens of illness through a supportive environment including therapeutic, educational, and recreational programming. If you would like someone from The Inn to speak to your employees, contact Lauren Stabert at lauren.stabert@nih.gov. Special Love/Camp Fantastic Special Love provides recreational programs, financial assistance, and a community of support to children with cancer and their families in the Mid-Atlantic regions. Through programs like the week-long Camp Fantastic and BRASS Camp, young patients, siblings, and parents discover they’re not alone in their battle against cancer.
38 May/June 2015 | Recreation & Welfare
Friends of Patients at the NIH Patients of the Clinical Center and their families have enough on their minds. Friends of Patients at the NIH helps NIH patients and their families by providing emergency financial assistance while they are receiving vital treatment during research protocols. They provide money for housing payments, utility bills, transportation etc. The Foundation for the NIH The Foundation for the NIH (FNIH) raises funds for a broad portfolio of programs that enhance NIH priorities and activities. The many partnerships FNIH forms and fosters- among the federal government, corporations, foundations, nonprofit organizations and individuals- support biomedical research, education and training. Donors to FNIH advance scientific discovery, support our next generation scientist and improve human health. Programs the FNIH supports include the Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge and the NIH Medical Research Scholars Program, and others in areas ranging from cancer research, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s Disease, arthritis, sports and health research and other identified priorities. Visit www.fnih.org. We have a goal to collect over $2.2 million for this year’s campaign. If you haven’t made your contribution yet, this is a great opportunity to learn how you can make a difference.
R&W Membership Resources & Shopping •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• Discount Auto Insurance R&W and Nationwide Insurance have partnered to offer employees of NIH/NOAA a discount on auto insurance. Call your current Nationwide agent and ask for the R&W Affinity discount, and a 3% discount will be applied to your policy. If you are not insured with Nationwide or have questions on your current Nationwide policy or to shop and compare your current auto and homeowners rates contact Corrigan Insurance Agency at 800-213-1634. Be sure to mention you are a NIH/ NOAA employee to receive your discount. R&W Online Housing & Classified Ads
The R&W has an online Housing and Classified ad page. Listing categories include “Housing,” “Automotive,” “Child Care,” “Elder Care,” “Tutoring,” “Events,” “For Sale,” “Pets,” and “Other Services.” Ads are $25/ listing and run for one month. Buying or Selling a Home? The NIHFCU can help you search for a home, find a Realtor, earn a valuable rebate and get the financing you need all under one roof! Buying and selling a home can be a complicated process. Let us help you along the wayfrom start to finish – saving you time and money with these incredible resources. Powered by CU Realty Services, the HomeAdvantage Program is a no-fee, no-obligation service available to all NIHFCU members. For more details or to enroll, visit nihfcu.org/mortgages or call an NIHFCU Specialist at 855-203-4747. 2015 R&W Preferred Memberships $9 Fee For the Whole Year Did you know...All NIH, NOAA, and HHS employees, contractors, patients and their families are eligible to become Preferred R&W Members? Join the R&W at any time for just $9 and your membership will be good for
one year from the date that you joined. 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. Sign up at any R&W store, or online at www.FedESP.com. Deals For You Did you know that savings are just a click away when you visit the R&W website? It’s easy. When you visit the site, just go to the SHOP tab, and click DISCOUNTS. Once you are there, you will see an amazing selection of products and services, all at your fingertips. These products and services, all offered at deep discounts, are conveniently organized by category. So, whether you are looking for a golf club to replace the nine iron you threw into the lake, new chew toys for your dog, Fido, tickets to go see the Redskins pummel the Giants, or deals on travel to when you want to get the heck out of town, just click on whatever category you are interested in and Presto! your choices are right there.
Or, visit R&W Member Deals for exclusive deals on NY, Vegas, Mexico, the Caribbean, skiing, movie tickets, theme parks, rental cars and more! NIH R&W Montgomery Aquatic Center (MAC) Corporate Membership Eligibility for MAC Corporate Memberships apply to any NIH staff member who has both a valid NIH ID badge, current NIH email address, and a current R&W membership. This offer doesn’t extend to family members. MAC memberships under this promotion are $140 Recreation & Welfare | May/June 2015 39
R&W Membership Resources & Shopping •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• (savings of over $200). This group membership provides joiners with full access to the MAC, ONLY. The MAC is located at 5900 Executive Blvd; North Bethesda, MD. To join NIH employee can sign up for their membership directly at the MAC. You must present your NIH ID badge, as well as a current R&W membership card with sticker (purchase a new card/sticker at any R&W store location). Registration will open on September 3rd. Call the MAC at 240-777-8070 if you have questions about swim schedules, swim hours, classes, etc. This opportunity is not part of any official federal fitness program, so neither R&W, NIH, nor any other part of DHHS can take responsibility for injuries or related problems that may develop as a result of using this facility. Use of the MAC must also be on employee’s R&W Beauty and Barber Shop - Now Open! 8:30am - 4:30pm Whether it’s a simple trim, haircut or a new style; the staff at the Beauty & Barber Shop is there to provide services to all NIH employees, contractors and patients. 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 of experience, they can provide assistance in all areas of taxation. Tax preparation for foreign nationals is also available. Halfhour consultations will be held on campus, in Bldg. 31 Rm. B2B03, on Thursdays, February 5th thru March 26th between 3pm – 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. Movie Rentals for R&W Members 1.00 Overnight $2.00 Monday – Tuesday due Thursday $3.00 - Weekends starting Thursday due Monday, or Friday due Tuesday $2.00 - Friday after 12pm Late fees $2.00 per night per movie. BJ’s Wholesale Club Membership Discounts R&W has BJ’s membership discounts for new members or renewals! When you join BJ’s, you’ll have the convenience of finding all you need in one place – 6,500+ items in stores! And, BJ’s accepts all manufacturers coupons. This special offer is not valid online or at any BJ’s Club locations – it’s only available through only through R&W! To receive an application, contact David Browne at browned2@mail.nih.gov. BJ Memberships Categories: Inner Circle - one year for $40 (reg. $50) plus bonus three months free Rewards - one year for $80 (reg. $100) + 3 bonus months free and earn 2% back on BJ’s purchases. PayCheck Direct - A Smarter Way to Shop Brought to by the NIH R&W, PayCheck Direct helps
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you get what you want today and pay for it the easy way, with interest-free financing and worry-free payroll allotment over 12 months. When you shop with PayCheck Direct, you have thousands of choices: furniture, big-screen TVs, major appliances, fashionable jewelry, powerful computers and even toys. PayCheck Direct does not perform credit checks and there are no down payments required. For a PayCheck Direct catalog visit any R&W store and start shopping today at www. mypaycheckdirect.com/nih. NIH’s R&W Dry Cleaning Service The NIH R&W has dry cleaning service available at the R&W stores in Bldg. 31, Bldg. 10 CRC, and Rockledge. Dry cleaning will be picked-up from and delivered to the store every Monday and Thursday. Laundry service will be $2.20 and dry cleaning will be $6.75 and up. Leather Repair, Bridal Gown Restoration, and Shoe Repair also offered at different cost. Please be aware that if a federal holiday falls on a Monday or Thursday or there is inclement weather, then pick-up and delivery will resume on the following Monday or Thursday as the situation allows. If you have questions regarding the service email us at nihrw@mail.nih.gov or speak with the store manager.
The NIH Farmers Market Every Tuesday,10am-2pm, South Lobby, Bldg 10 AND Wednesday, 10am-2pm, Bldg 31A Patio We will have a wide selection of goods to purchase from including breads and cookies, fruits and vegetables, olive oils, teas, roasted nuts, organic body lotions and more. Please come show your support and also bring your own plastic or recyclable bags. Please be aware that on days it rains, the market will be held under the awnings in front of Bldg. 31 and at the patio. If you have a suggestion for the market or regarding our current selection, email David at browned2@mail.nih.gov.
R&W MISSION STATEMENT The Recreation and Welfare (R&W) Association serves as an employee-services organization that 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 National Institute of Health’s staff, patients, and patients’ families as well as the communities of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The R&W team of dedicated and hard working employees and volunteers accomplishes this mission by providing and offering their communities a variety of retail, fitness, leisure and charitable fundraising activities.
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