R&W eMagazine by R&W eMagazine

The official publication of the R&W Association and FedESP.org

September/October 2014

Recreation & Welfare

Tee Off with the NIH Golf Club Hot Times in Hot Springs, VA Destination: Talbot County, MD The Redskins Shakedown Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the Season for the Annapolis Boat Shows Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 1

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!

R&W Membership Benefits

Membership Type Free Preferred

Access to Member ‘Deals’ Site (Major Merchant discounts, etc.)

•

• • • • • • • •

Receive Weekly Email with Events/Programs/Special Offers/Coupons for R&W Stores and Local Restaurants

•

Place ads on the R&W NIH Online Classifieds

• • • • • • • • •

Access to Onsite Fitness Center Programs and Classics R&W Onsite Store Discounts Discount Tickets (theatre, movies, sports, etc.) Discounted Dry Cleaning Discounted Movie Rentals Participation in NIH Clubs & Organizations Discounted BJ’s Wholesale Club Membership

Discounted Entertainment Coupon Book R&W’s Onsite Beauty & Barber Shop R&W Onsite Discounted Tax Preparation Services (February & March) Access to NIH Federal Credit Union Support NIH Charities R&W’s Discounted Onsite Notary Service Seminars & Programs to Employee Welfare Discounts to R&W’s Special Events (Camp Fantastic BBQ, Ringling Brothers Circus, and more!)

2 September/October 2014 | Recreation & Welfare

Thoughts From R&W... ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Dear R&W Members and Readers, The months of September and October are busy ones. School has started back up again for many and summer vacations are over. Here in the R&W office, we are gearing up for our busiest time of year. The fall brings another fast-paced year of programs and events promoting and supporting employees at NIH, HHS and NOAA. It is busy,

Randy Schools President, R&W

but it is always fun to be a part of so many special events both on campus and off. And, speaking of off-campus activities... this issue is packed with articles about things to do off campus! Part of being successful in life is balancing work and fun, and this issue highlights some local daytrip adventures for individuals and families. We’ve identified some great, almost hidden spots, for you to explore -- Talbot County, MD and Hot Springs, VA, as well as ways to get involved in adult team sports (tennis anyone?)! I look forward to your feedback about R&W magazine. This is only our 2nd issue and we want to make it a useful resource for employees as well as a way to discover the life outside of work. A successful employee is one who also appreciates life!

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

Thank you for being a part of R&W!

Randy

Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 3

table of

contents

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

R&W Fitness Centers

Fitness Now!

8 Redskins 10

Hot Times at Hot Springs, VA

USTA League Tennis

Destination: Talbot County, MD

NIH Clubs & Organizations

NIH Club Focus: Golf Anyone?

It’s Show Time, Boat Show Time That is...

Discount Tickets

R&W Membership Benefits & Services

R&W Charities

R&W Shopping

Annapolis Sailboat Show Credit: VisitAnnapolis.org

4 September/October 2014 | Recreation & Welfare

We’re In The Business Of Saving You More. Recreation and Welfare Association members could save even more on GEICO auto insurance with a special discount! Plus, every quote helps support R&W.

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geico.com/fed/r&w 1-800-368-2734 | Local Office 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 © 1999-2014. © 2014 GEICO

Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 5

R&W Fitness Center

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• ducting a Fitness Assessment, your Coach will outline a class schedule for your success, and be here to assist you and keep you on track. This plan may include nutritional counseling, a fitness program, or a combination of several different approaches. If interested contact Coach Steve Michael to schedule your free intro class at Steven.r.michael. jr@gmail.com.

FEATURED FITNESS CLASSES Thai Kickboxing Our Thai Kickboxing class focuses on both the offensive and defensive aspects of street defense. Training consists of technical instruction, movement drills, striking target shields and focus mitts, combos on the heavy bag, partner drills and optional sparring. You’ll learn the same skill sets as the professionals. Train Thai Kickboxing with Bartman MMA! Day/Time: Tuesdays, 5:30–6:30pm Location: Rockledge Fitness Center Cost: $119/2 months of training or $20 Drop-in Crossfit Daily Medicine Coach Steve is certified as a Crossfit Level 1 coach in USA Weight lifting Sports Performance and as a Functional Movement Systems Level 1 coach. If you are looking to make a positive change in your lifestyle, or simply to maintain a healthy fitness regime, our new CrossFit Daily Medicine is here to help. After con6 September/October 2014 | Recreation & Welfare

R&W Wellness Outreach Program According to the Wellness Council of America more than one-third of American workers experience chronic work stress, and almost two-thirds (65 percent) cite work as a significant source of stress. In an effort to provide temporary relief from the stress of work, the Recreation & Welfare Association offers physical activity classes for organizations and I/ Cs. We will provide these classes at a location specified by the organization. The classes offered are generally low to moderate intensity and will not require the use of a shower afterward. For more information, contact Robert at geterr@od.nih.gov. Class options include (but are not limited to): • • • •

Afro-Latin Dance as Exercise Small Group Personal Training Strength Training with Resistance Bands Walking Program

FITNESS CENTER MEMBERSHIP For more info on our membership fees, visit www. fedesp.com/nih/rw-services/fitness-centers/fitness-membership/

F i t n e s s N ow ! by Brendan A. Dell Fitness. It is a goal, a lifestyle, a commitment. If you have fallen out of your fitness routine, never had one, or are simply interested in expanding your current regime, there are great opportunities right now. Whether you want to work out with a group, want a personal trainer, or want to try something new, we’ve got you covered. Training with a group has proven to be a wonderful way to stay motivated and stick with a fitness program. In addition to the opportunity to meet people, compare notes, and collectively gripe about the sadism of your trainer (don’t take it personally, it’s good for you!), there is the added power of guilt. “Hey (your name here), we missed you at CrossFit Daily Medicine this morning, is everything allright?” I mean, really, who wants to go through that? Better to get those training shoes on and get the burn in rather than suffer the verbal slings and arrows that go along with being a slacker. Whether it’s body sculpting with Ashley or Ana, Indoor Cycling with Angela, Zumba, or Cardio Kickboxing, there are classes for anyone and everyone. Classes are offered at The

Loft, Building 31 Fitness Center, and Rockledge Drive. You must be a preferred R&W member to sign up for a class. You can find the class calendar and further details on the R&W website. Just click on “R&W Services” then scroll down to “Fitness Centers” for the info. Let’s say that you’re just not into group scenes, that you don’t want to embarrass your contemporaries with your superhuman strength and Rasputin-like constitution. Or, perhaps you are just getting started, and are looking for some individual attention. In either case, having a personal trainer just might be the ticket. A personal trainer can help you get started, closely monitor your workout and progress, and aid in setting realistic fitness goals. Three personal trainers, Gibran, Yvonne and Francois are now available to help build and sculpt a better you. For more information, fly an e-mail to Robert at geterr@od.nih.gov. Fitness training programs come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. R&W Fitness Classes can take you where you want to be.

FITNESS CENTER LOCATIONS Bldg 31 C, B4 C18 9000 Wisconsin Ave Bethesda, MD 20892 (301) 496-8746 The Loft (T-39) Located by Parking Lot 41 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 Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 7

Hail to the Redskins ! Or Whatever Your Want to Call Them! by Brendan A. Dell

This is a heady time of the year for football fans. Training camps are complete, dreams of winning it all are still viable, and a palpable sense of excitement builds with each passing day as the season opener approaches. For the Washington Redskins, there is a genuine belief that this will be a rebound season after last year’s forgettable campaign. With a new coach, the Redskins are hoping that 2013 was merely an aberration, and that they can again contend for a spot in the playoffs. First-year coach Jay Gruden, who spent the last three seasons as offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, now has the reins of a team that went 10-6 and won the NFC East in 2012, only to disastrously backslide to a woeful 3-13 mark last season. On offense, the team has looked to gain speed at the skill positions and size on the offensive line, adding wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts, and Shawn Lauvao at left guard. Kory Lichtensteiger will now line up at center. Robert Griffin III appears to have completely recovered from right knee reconstruction, and his play will dictate, in large part, how the burgundy and gold will fare this year. At running back, Alfred Morris will remain the number one guy, with Roy Helu Jr., 8 September/October 2014 | Recreation & Welfare

Evan Royster, Chris Thompson and rookie Lache Seastrunk all competing for the role of third-down back. On defense, big-time signing Jason Hatcher is expected to help what was a feeble pass rush last year. Rookie Trent Murphy, the team’s top pick, is also expected to help in defensive coordinator Jim Haslett’s scheme. Longtime inside linebacker London Fletcher has been replaced by Keenan Robinson, who will provide the defensive signal-calling. The secondary, which was repeatedly torched in 2013, hopes to improve with addition of free safety Ryan Clark and Phillip Thomas’ return. In addition to retaining Haslett, the Redskins promoted Sean McVay from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator. McVay has pro football in his DNA, as his grandfather, John McVay, was head coach of the New York Giants in the mid1970’s, then later served as general manager of the San Francisco 49ers. The offensive system under Gruden, however, will largely resemble that of his predecessor. In an interview with Mark Maske of the Washington Post, last year’s leading pass-catcher, Pierre Garcon, said, “It’s not much of a difference from the offense last year, to tell you the truth. It’s the same offensive coordinating guys from last year.” One difference will be fewer designed running plays for the quarterback. Under Shanahan, the Redskins’ offense featured elements from the college game, such the option and pistol offense, which were designed to utilize Griffin’s blazing speed. The quarterback took quite a beating under that scheme, and Gruden is more interested in leaving the running to Morris and leaving Griffin in the pocket. That may be the right formula for a season more like that of 2012 than last year’s nightmare.

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**Monthly charges exclude taxes and Sprint Surcharges [incl. USF charge of up to 15.7% (varies quarterly), up to $2.50 Admin. and 40¢ Reg./line/mo. and fees by area (approx. 5–20%)]. Surcharges are not taxes. See sprint.com/taxesandfees. Activ. Fee: $36/line. Credit approval required. Plans: Offer ends 09/30/2014. No discounts apply to access charges. Includes unlimited domestic Long Distance calling and texting. Data allowance as specified. Third-party content/downloads are add’l charge. Int’l svcs are not included. Max of 10 phone/tablet/MBB lines. 2GB Promotion: Includes add'l 2GB of on-network data per month. Add'l 2GB will be removed after 12/31/15. Discounted Phones Access ($40): Invoice will show a term access charge of $15 or $25 to add up to the $40/mo/line charge based upon the data allowance selection until the customer enters into a new device transaction that does not have an annual term service agreement. Data: Includes shared data across all subs. Amount of on-network data allowance depends on selection and 100MB offnetwork data usage. Add’l on-network data usage: 1.5¢/MB. Additional Off-network data can be added by opt in only for 25¢/MB for tablets/MBBs. If conflicting share data allowances are applied to an account, the majority on account or most recent change may be applied for all lines. Mobile Hotspot Usage pulls from your shared data and off-network allowances. Usage Alerts: Customers on the Sprint Family Share Pack Plan will receive text alerts or email to the primary account holder at 5% increments for customers with a 8 GB or higher allowance. Customers on other plans will continue to receive notifications after exceeding 20% increments over their original data allowance. Usage Limitations: Other plans may receive prioritized bandwidth availability. To improve data experience for the majority of users, throughput may be limited, varied or reduced on the network. Sprint may terminate service if off-network roaming usage in a month exceeds: (1) 800 min. or a majority of min.; or (2) 100MB. Prohibited network use rules apply — see sprint.com/terms and conditions. Sprint Easy Pay: Req. 24-mo. installment agreement, 0% APR, and qualifying device and service plan. Credit approval req. Device pricing for well-qualified buyers. Monthly payment terms for all others will vary and a down payment may be required. Down payment, unfinanced portion and sales tax (on full purchase price) due at purchase. If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on device becomes due. SDP Discount: Avail. for eligible company employees or org. members (ongoing verification). Discount subject to change according to the company’s agreement with Sprint and is avail. upon request for select monthly svc charges. Discount only applies to data service for Sprint Family Share Pack plans. Not avail. with no credit check offers or Mobile Hotspot add-on. Other Terms: Offers and coverage not available everywhere or for all phones/networks. May not be combined with other offers. There is no minimum term applied based on the Sprint Family Share Pack, but the Service Agreement applies and automatically continues on a month-to-month basis unless you contact us to inform us of any changes, including cancellation. There may be a minimum annual term applied or continued based on a discounted device purchase. Sprint 3G network reaches over 281 million people. Sprint 4G LTE network reaches over 250 million people. Restrictions apply. See store N145471 or sprint.com for details.

Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 9

Hot Times at Hot Springs, Virg

Photo Credit: Virginia Tourism Corporation 10 September/October 2014 | Recreation & Welfare

t ginia

M by Brendan A. Dell

any moons ago, an Indian brave was scouting an area of the Shenandoah Valley near the Alleghany Mountains when he made an amazing discovery; geothermal springs. And when that brave stripped off his loincloth and lowered his body into the waters of what we now call Hot Springs, he might have said “Ah!” The healing elixir of bathing in these springs soon became known throughout the lands, drawing visitors from all over. Hot Springs is one of three major springs in the Warm Springs Valley of the Alleghany Mountains, the others being Warm Springs and Healing Springs. The springs can be found along US Route 220, about three and a half hours from Washington, D.C. By the mid-eighteenth century, the valley was home to European settlers. John Lund, in a paper for the Geo Thermal Center, notes that George Washington visited the area in 1755. Lund then notes that in 1766, Thomas Bullitt opened an inn to accommodate travelers who had come to bathe in the springs.

Hot Springs was acquired by Dr. Thomas Goode in 1832. Under Goode’s ownership, the resort of Hot Springs was expanded to include bathhouses and cabins, as well as a hotel. While Goode’s background was in the field of medicine, he was also a businessman who recognized an opportunity. In seeking to promote his property, Goode was not above hyperbole in regards to the benefits bestowed by the waters. One advertisement from the day made claims that bathing in the waters could cure, or at least aid in treating, rheumatism, gout and “nervous diseases.”

Photo Credit: The Omni Homestead Resort

While such palliative effects may be more than a bit of a stretch, scientifically speaking, there is indeed a feeling that comes from bathing that can’t be duplicated by anything else, a feeling of cleansing, refreshment, and rejuvenation. And when the bath comes from an odorless mineral water from deep within the bosom of Mother Earth, that sensation does appear to be multiplied and intensified. William Burke published a work entitled The Mineral Springs of Western Virginia in 1846, describing in great detail the development of all the mineral springs of Western Virginia. He also published an article in 1838 in the Southern Literary Messenger on Warm Springs. The article included an Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 11

analysis of the water’s makeup by Professor William Rogers of the University of Virginia. Roger’s analysis indicated “that the gas bubbling up was mainly nitrogen with small amounts of sulphuretted hydrogen (hydrogen sulfide) and carbonic acid. These same gases were found within the water as well as salts such as magnesium sulfate or Epsom Salts.” (The University of Virginia, Taking The Waters, 19th Century Medicinal Springs of Virginia.) The effect of the gases and salts is as a diuretic and laxative. Roger’s paper, while dialing back some of Goode’s claims regarding the spring’s health benefits, did validate others. Rheumatism, paralytic inflictions, and dyspepsia appeared to abate by bathing and drinking the waters, especially if the regimen was followed for a period of time, according to Roger’s article. The paper did warn against using the waters on a full stomach, or if the subject was running a high fever. The temperature of the water at Warm Springs is 96⁰F. There are separate pools for men and women. The men’s pool was designed by Thomas Jefferson, and opened in 1761. Jefferson visited Warm Springs in 1818 for help with rheumatism. His initial reaction was positive, and after having bathed in the springs for fifteen minutes a day, three times a day for a week, he believed that the rheumatism was cured. However, he was persuaded to take a three-week bathing regimen. At the end of this regimen, boils had appeared on his backside, painful to the point where he could only sit on the very edge of his chair. Just a few miles from Warm Springs is Hot Springs. It is home to The Omni Homestead Resort. The resort stands on the same site that Thomas Goode used for his hotel back in 1846, and has been a staple of the community since that time. The Homestead features over 700 rooms, as well as a full array of leisure activities, such as swimming and golf. The resort also has a conference center, shops, as well as ice skating and skiing in the winter. The Spa at the Homestead features the mineral water, which is piped into separate men’s and women’s bathhouses, and then again into individual tubs. The water is mixed to provide the optimal temperature of 104⁰F, and the tubs are drained after every use. The village of Hot Springs is located in the George 12 September/October 2014 | Recreation & Welfare

Washington National Forest. This delightful village is marked by its dual qualities of being both rural and a resort. Indeed, many structures there exist just as they have for the past 150 years. The market, apothecary, and post office are just as they were for the past hundred years, and a leisurely walk down main street affords excellent opportunities for dining and shopping. In the summer, the Farmer’s market provides fresh, locally-grown produce, artisan goods, crafts, as well as entertainment. In the mood for some music? During the summer, you can check out the Garth Newel Music Center, conveniently located halfway between Hot Springs and Warm Springs on Route 220. The Center’s mission is to “share, explore, and celebrate the infinite variety of chamber music in an intimate setting of natural beauty.” The Garth Newel is Welsh for “New Home” and was the name given to the property in 1924 by the owner, William Kendall. He was a famous painter who had relocated to the area, along with his wife, Christine Herter Kenall, to paint, ride horses, and enjoy music. William Kendall died in 1938, and Christine, who had studied the violin as a youth, looked for a way to use the property. She donated the property to the Girl Scouts of America, but eventually regained control of the property, as the Scouts found the property problematical to manage. She looked at other options for the property. Christine was introduced to two members of the Rowe String Quartet, Luca and Arlene DeCecco. By 1973, Christine felt she had found the best use of for the property and asked the DeCeccos to develop a chamber music study program. Additionally, the Rowe String Quartet performed on the property. The property also benefitted from some much needed repairs. Today, the Center features a wide variety of educational programs for both youth and adult, workshops, and concerts. There is a blues and jazz festival in June, and a stunning calendar of concerts throughout the summer. The music of Mozart, Beethoven, Bach, and Schubert, just to name a few, are played in an idyllic setting. The concerts feature optional packages that include dinner or a picnic.

Jefferson Pools, Warm Springs, VA Admission: $17/hour Hours of Operation: April 10-October 19, Open 7 days a week 10am-6pm Family soaking (swimsuits required): 10am-1pm & Adult soaking (swimsuits optional): 1pm-6pm Photo Credit: The Omni Homestead Resort Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 13

Playing League Tennis is a Great Way to Stay Fit, Have Fun, & Make Friends USTA League Tennis provides organized, competitive matches for adults of all ability levels. Teams consist of either all women or all men (or mixed doubles), and because all teams are set up according to the NTRP Rating System , youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always sure that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be facing off against someone of comparable ability.

culminating in a national championship. Think about what type(s) of league will suit you best. There are four formats offered at different times of the year and organized by age, gender, and ability level (see chart at right). How do I get started?

NTRP levels of play are 1.0 (beginner) through 7.0 (tour pro). Maryland Leagues levels of play are 2.5 through 5.5 and combined ratings of 6.0 through 9.0 are used for mixed doubles.

1. Start by contacting the Local League Coordinator from the area in which you wish to play. Your Local League Coordinator can help you decide what type of league you would enjoy most and refer you to a captain to be placed on a team or help you create your own team. A list of Maryland Coordinators is available here.

Leagues are open to men and women 18 years of age and older, and offer opportunities for local, district and sectional championships,

2. Once you have contacted your Local League Coordinator and have connected with a captain, you will receive a team number

14 September/October 2014 | Recreation & Welfare

which enables you to register on TennisLink - USTA’s web-based registration and score reporting system where players can track stats about themselves, friends, opponents and teams. 3. On TennisLink you will be prompted to self-rate your skill level using the NTRP program. Learn more about NTRP and read descriptions of levels. How much does USTA League Tennis cost? Each league player is responsible for a USTA membership fee. When you register for a team on TennisLink you will be prompted to enter your member number (or given the option to join). USTA adult membership is $44 dollars per year with multi-year discounts available. In addition, there is a roster fee when a player registers for a team; local league and court fees vary in each local area. For additional information, please visit the MD USTA League Tennis website.

USTA Leagues Adult • 18 & Over: levels 2.5 to 5.0+, singles and doubles opportunities • 40 & Over: levels 3.0 to 4.5+, singles and doubles opportunities • 55 & Over: combined levels 6.0 to 9.0, 3 courts of doubles • 65 & Over: combined levels 6.0 to 8.0, 3 courts of doubles Mixed Doubles (3 courts of doubles) • 18 & Over • 40 & Over • 55 & Over Tri-Level (3 courts of doubles) • 18 & Over, 3 consecutive levels (i.e. 3.5, 4.0, 4.5) • Senior Tri-Level (50 years of age and older) • Mixed Tri-Level (male & female pairs) Combo (3 courts of doubles) • 18 and older - match play with players of different levels. Combo Mixed (3 courts of doubles) • 18 and older - male/female partners of different levels Singles (3 courts of singles) • 18 and older

Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 15

Destination:

Talbot County, Maryland

by Brendan A. Dell

16 September/October 2014 | Recreation & Welfare

f you are thinking about ideas for a weekend getaway, one attractive option is Talbot County, Maryland, “The Hamptons of The Chesapeake.” With its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant creative community, history, and great restaurants, this destination is less than two hours from Washington, yet feels like a world away. Easton The county seat of Talbot is the Town of Easton. The town was founded in 1710 and has a population of about 16,000 people. Easton is an arts-friendly environment, and boasts a number of galleries. The Academy Art Museum is nationally recognized and presents concerts, special events, and lectures, in addition to exhibitions. The museum also offers classes for all skill levels and ages. Steps away from the Academy Art Museum is South Street Art Gallery, which is home to a fine collection of wildlife, marine, local landscape, and portrait paintings. Cottage Studio and Gallery was opened to showcase the talents of the Eastern Shore’s arts community. Cottage Studio and Gallery features not only paintings but jewelry, sculpture, ceramics, pottery, glass, and more. Grafton Galleries was opened by landscape painter David Grafton, a nationally recognized artist, and has been a mainstay on the Easton art scene. The works of other local artists are featured, as well. Stop by Studio B to see Betty Huang use oil on canvas to masterfully bring her art to life. If you see the “Open” sign on Studio B, come in and say hello. The 717 Gallery opened in October, 2013, and this spacious, bright place is host to still lifes, landscapes, street scenes and other works. The Trippe-Hilderbrandt Gallery is a lively gallery, featuring art photography, watercolors, oils, bronze and wood sculptures and more can be found here. The oldest studio in Easton is The Troika Gallery. Troika combines elegant sophistication with a down-to-earth feel to provide visitors with a unique art experience. A great time to visit the galleries is First Friday. On the first Friday of each month, most of the galleries stay open later, providing visitors with an opportunity to visit the galleries, shop, and eat. Easton also hosts an art festival, Plein Air-Easton, which features artists from around the country. This Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 17

is a wonderful event, where you can see artists in action, and maybe come home with a beautiful work of art. The festival is held in July.

There are also excellent opportunities to shop in St. Michaels’ downtown district, particularly for antique lovers.

Historic downtown Easton is the home of the Avalon Theatre. Construction on the building began in 1921 and was completed in 1922. The Avalon quickly earned the moniker “The Showplace of The Eastern Shore.” The building was purchased in 1934, and was completely renovated in art deco style, which it retains today. It was re-purposed as a movie theater, and screened films until 1985, when it closed. It remained closed until 1987. In late 1987, work began on the building, which had suffered from neglect and was in dire need of rehabilitation. The work was completed in 1989, and the building was re-opened to rave reviews, particularly its acoustics. (Note: I attended a solo performance by Frank Black of the Pixies in the building. He took the stage, looked around, and pronounced that it was like being in church.) It now serves as a performing arts center.

Oxford

In the fall, Easton holds its annual Waterfowl Festival, which draws thousands of visitors each year for a weekend of outdoor sporting fun. Included in the festivities are sporting arms exhibits, duck calling contests, art exhibits, and the dock dog competition (wherein canines do things you have to see to believe!). Plenty of stuff to do for the kids, such as the fishing derby. This year’s festival runs from November 14th through the 16th.

For golfing enthusiasts, there are a number of public courses in the area. In Easton, you can hit the links at Hog Neck Golf Course. This course features both an 18-hole championship course, and a nine-hole Executive course. Nearby is the Easton Club Golf Course. This is a public course which features a restaurant, The Greens at Easton Club, as well as a pavilion for social functions. In St. Michaels, you can play a course designed by Pete Dye at Harbortowne Golf Resort and Conference Center.

St. Michaels Nearby is historic St. Michaels, a popular destination for boaters and landlubbers alike. St. Michaels has the advantage of being accessible by either land or water. So, if you want to get out of town but do not relish the thought of the traffic, get on a boat and enjoy the ride. You can dock at the St. Michael’s Harbor Inn or Knapps Narrows Marina and Inn. While there, be sure to visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum The museum, situated on 18 acres in St. Michaels, features numerous exhibits, boat rides down the Miles River, demonstrations, and hosts festivals celebrating Maryland’s greatest natural resource. There are a variety of places to stay in St. Michaels, including The Inn at Perry Cabin. 18 September/October 2014 | Recreation & Welfare

One of the oldest towns in Maryland is Oxford. With a population of fewer than 1,000, Oxford has retained its charm and character through the years. Yachting Magazine named Oxford the Best Waterfront Town in 2011. The early hours of the morning at the town dock are bustling with the activity of waterman unloading the day’s catch. While there, you can take the Oxford-Bellevue ferry, which runs from mid-April through October. The ferry is believed to be the oldest continually running privately owned ferry in the U.S. The Robert Morris Inn is an historic country inn, featuring a seasonal menu. During the summer months, cool down with some delicious, freshly made ice cream at The Scottish Highland Creamery, located at 314 Tilghman St., next to Schooner’s Landing Restaurant.

The region is also a great place for cycling enthusiasts. The area has nice, flat roads with wide shoulders and a picturesque, rural backdrop. You can take a short cruise around Oxford, or opt for a deep, challenging cardio workout by cycling through the circuit of Easton, St. Michaels and Oxford. The Oxford-Bellevue ferry will take cyclists across the water, providing a nice, refreshing cool-down. After a day of golfing, cycling, or being out on the water, it’s time to eat. The area has excellent seafood, and if you like crabs, you may think you have died and gone to heaven, a heaven with butter, mallets, and Old Bay.

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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.

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.

Badminton Club Meets Tuesday 7:30-10pm Enjoy the game of Badminton and learn new techniques.

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.

Bethesda Little Theatre Meets 1st Thursday of each month at 7pm on 2nd floor cafeteria in bldg.10. Outlet for employee creativity and talent! Two productions each year. Proceeds benefit the Patient Emergency Fund and Camp Funshine. Bicycle Commuter Club The club assists 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 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 we meet off campus at the Five Star Premier Residence, 8100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, Md. 20815.

Country Line Dancing Club Meets Every Wednesday or Thursday from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m. in Bldg. 10 , 1 SE Atrium. Instruction & practice sessions in fun, popular line dances.

9-Hole Golf League 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 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 Meets monthly for hikes. Hiking and backpacking in the Maryland/Pennsylvania/ Virginia/ West Virginia area.

Chamber Singers Small acapella chorus performs 2-3 times a year.

International Women’s Group 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.

Chinese Martial Arts Club Kung Fu is perhaps the oldest of systematic martial arts.

Judo Club Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:30-8pm & Saturday, 8:30-

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10am. 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 Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 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 Conscious Dancer Club Are you longing for more connection? Or to break through personal emotional blocks? Are you trying to find peace in your hectic life? Or your passion? 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 movement meditation that revives this tradition. It takes you 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. You shake off the unneeded baggage and fall in love with yourself all over again. No dance experience is necessary. You are a beautiful dancer! Conscious Dancer Club meets on Thursdays at 5:30 pm (October to April), alternating locations between Rockledge Fitness Center and Building 10. To get updates subscribe to ConsciousDancer@listserv.nih.gov NIH Democracy II Toastmaster Club We meet at 6707 Democracy Blvd, Suite 105 (NLM Office of Acquisition suite), Bethesda, MD 20817 on the first Tuesday of the month from noon-1pm and on the third Tuesday of the month from 5-6pm. 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: Aimee Babcock-Ellis, CC at 301-496-7757 or email us at contact-1200808@toastmastersclubs.org. The NIH Evening Speakers The NIH Evening Speakers club, which is a Toastmasters club that meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, in Building Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 21

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: Amit Kumar, CC: 301-594-3962 The NIH Philharmonia Orchestra 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 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, 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 Our Taekwondo school has its heritage in both Kukki22 September/October 2014 | Recreation & Welfare

won and Chung Do Kwan Taekwondo. It incorporates a breadth of defensive arts training from Korean, Japanese, and other traditions. The school is under the leadership of the chief instructor Dr. Sooja Kim, 4th dan, and the general leadership of the Emeritus Chief Instructor, Dr. Donald Murphy, 5th dan. All levels are welcome! Classes meet Mondays - 6-8pm, Wednesdays - 6-7pm, and Fridays - 6-8pm in the Malone Center, located in the Bldg 31 Fitness Center (Bldg 31 C, B4 C18). NIH Weight Lifting Club 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 information 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 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! Join Our Listserve. Visit us on Facebook! 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.

Travel & Entertainment Member Discounts! 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 23

Golf Anyone? by Mike Zielinski and Brendan A. Dell

Imagine, if you will, being outdoors on a beautiful morning, with a small white orb at your feet and a mighty club in your hand. You take a deep breath, slowly draw your club back and, keeping your head down and still, swing the club until it makes violent contact with the orb, sending it high into the azure morning sky on itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s journey to a small hole just a few hundred yards away. 24 September/October 2014 | Recreation & Welfare

Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 25

More information regarding the rules, schedules for stroke and match play, as well as this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s results, can be found at www.nihga.org

Getting off a great drive is just one of the many joys of golf. The game also offers a chance to be outdoors, meet new people, and test your skills not against others so much as against a course. It is also an opportunity to practice the virtue of patience, and to wear clothes you simply canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wear anywhere else without the risk of serious embarrassment. If you are looking for an opportunity to showcase your skills, learn new ones, meet some new people, or to just start playing more to find out whatcha got, The NIH Golf Association (NIHGA) welcomes you. The NIHGA has been associated with the NIH R&W for over 40 years, and now has over 120 golfer members on six teams. The NIHGA is governed by a Board of Directors, which consists of member-elected officers.

Stroke play competition commenced on April 16 of this year and ended on July 21. The venues for stroke play in 2014 were Worthington Manor, P.B. Dye, Bretton Woods, Hollow Creek, Musket Ridge, Whisky Creek, and Holly Hills. This year, the green fees for these outings range from $43 to $59, which includes range balls and a cart. Match tee times were available from early morning through early afternoon, with two matches featuring morning shotgun starts. Double-elimination match play is currently underway.

Every year, beginning in April and ending in October, the NIHGA conducts stroke and match play competitions. The season culminates in the annual End of Year Outing (EYO) which is held in conjunction with an awards dinner. Annual member dues are $40, which provides for prizes given out during the season and to help defray the cost of the EYO.

The NIHGA golf season culminates in the EYO, which is generally scheduled on the Columbus Day holiday weekend. The Montgomery Country Club has hosted the past three EYOs. Member and guests divide into foursomes of their choosing for this scramble format. Lunch is served prior to the shotgun start, and at the conclusion of play a scrump-

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tious dinner is enjoyed by all. Trophies are awarded to both individuals and teams, and prizes are given out which may include a free round for a foursome at one of the clubs which hosted a match the previous year, as well as golf balls and clothing. Also given out at the EYO are yearly awards for lowest gross score average (The Director’s Cup), the lowest net score average (The President’s Cup), most improved player, and rookie of the year. New members are always welcome to join. Team size is capped at 25 players, and new players are added to existing teams that are below that number; however, if a critical mass is achieved in terms of new membership, new teams may be formed, creating a vibrant new competitive dynamic on the NIHGA scene. Play is scheduled during work day; however, early morning or late afternoon tee times minimize time away from work. Should you be interested in joining the NIHGA, kindly review the website to review the material contained therein. While this season is nearly at an end, non-members can still participate as guests in the EYO. To learn more, please contact anyone listed below. Max Castillo, President, Capt. Team 6 Max.Castillo@fda.hhs.gov Greg Chicca, Vice President, Capt. Team 8 Gregory.Chicca@nrc.gov Mike Zielinski, Treasurer MZRedondo@verizon.net Pete Lozupone, Capt. Team 4 plozupone@hotmail.com John Coligan, Capt. Team 1 jcoligan@niaid.nih.gov Jim Fleshman, Capt. Team 7 fleshman@ncbi.nim.nih.gov Ben Fulton, Co-Capt., Team ⅔ fultonbs@comcast.net Carol Beasley, Co-Capt., Team 2/3 carol.beasley@nih.gov Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 27

It’s Showtime! by Brendan A. Dell

Boa

aking to the water is an ancient practice; Assyrian T soldiers, ninth century B.C., were issued goat skin floats as standard equipment, New Zealand aborigines used bundles of reeds to stay afloat, and the natives of Tamil fished while drifting downstream with logs under their arms. These earliest forays onto the water were to rivers and lakes, rather than the vast oceans and seas.

The float then gave way to the boat. The boat allowed access to the water, while keeping the craft’s navigator dry in the process. The breakthrough of capturing the wind as a means of propulsion took boating to a different level. By using the wind, longer journeys (such as Odysseus’s ten-year journey) on larger bodies of water become possible, opening up new trade routes, dating opportunities, and enabling the discovery and exploration of far-distant lands. Boating took yet another turn with the invention and development of the engine, and it’s subsequent application to watercraft. The distinction of exactly who may have the honor of inventing the first powerboat (a steamboat) is

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at Show time, that is debatable; author Lionel Casson, in his work Illustrated History of Ships & Boats notes that, in 1736, Jonathan Hulls of Gloucester “patented a crazy contraption of a steamboat.” Casson also cites the efforts of the Marquis de Jouffroy d’Abbans, “who in 1783 made a steamboat that moved,” and James Rumsey who drove a steamboat up the Potomac in 1787. Other, early pioneers of the steamboat include John Fitch and William Symington. The credit, of course, generally goes to Robert Fulton. In 1807, Fulton’s The Steamboat “steamed 150 miles up the Hudson, from New York to Albany, at five miles per hour,” according to Casson. At that speed, sure hope they brought some lunch. Time passed, steam gave way to the screw propeller, and the powerboat established it’s place in the maritime milieu. However, for many boaters, the sailboat remained king. They scoffed at the notion of having to use anything but wind (and a paddle, just in case) for propulsion. The great boating schism was born.

So, which would you choose? Both have their own particular advantages, both have their disadvantages. With a powerboat, the captain has speed and a greater degree of control. The sailboat offers a clean, quiet ride, in harmony with the elements. Whichever camp you may find yourself in, the City of Annapolis has what you are looking for as it plays host to its’ annual boat shows. The United States Sailboat Show will be held October 9 - 13, and the United States Powerboat Show will take place October 16 - 19. The two events, combined, will see over 150,000 boating enthusiasts from all over the world descend on Annapolis to experience the best in boating. In addition to the sailboats, the event features seminars, interactive workshops, as well as the latest and greatest in sailing equipment, rigging, maintenance equipment and services. So if you are in the market for a new boat of either persuasion, or if you just want to take in the sights, head on over to Annapolis. Annapolis Sailboat Show Credit: VisitAnnapolis.org

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Discount Tickets Through R&W You must be a Preferred R&W Member to purchase tickets. You can join the R&W at any time during the year. To order tickets, stop by any R&W store or the Activities Desk in Building 31 or call 301- 496-4600. Prices are subject to change. Tickets are non-refundable. Discount Sporting Event Tickets

Maryland Zoo Baltimore, MD Adults (ages 12-64) - $13 (reg. $17.50) Child (ages 2-11) - $10 (reg. $12.50) Hershey Park Hershey, PA Adults (ages 9+) - $51.10 (reg. $59.95) Child (ages 3-8) - $36.10 (reg. $37.95) Madame Tussauds Washington, DC Adults (ages 13-59) - $16.50 (reg. $21.50) Child (ages 4-12) - $10.50 (reg. $17.00) Senior (ages 60+) - $14 (reg. $19.08) Kings Dominion Doswell, VA Adults (ages 3+ - at least 48â&#x20AC;? tall) - $46 (reg. $64) Medieval Times Adults (ages 13+) - $52 (reg. $60.44) Child (ages 3-12) - $41.25 (reg. $43.94) Movie Tickets AMC & Regal - $8.50 (reg. $9-12.50) National Museum of Crime & Punishment Washington, DC Adults (ages 12+) - $17 (reg. $21.95) Child (ages 5-11) - $14.50 (reg. $14.95) Six Flags Largo, MD Adult Season Pass (ages 4+) - $63.50 (reg. $66.14) Adult Day Pass (ages 4+) - $42.75 (reg. $66.14) Spy Museum Washington, DC Adults (ages 6+) - $18.50 (reg. $20.95) Child (ages 5-11) - $14 (reg. $15.95)

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R&W Membership Benefits & Ser vices •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 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 As part of the new R&W website, the R&W now has a new 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 way-from 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. 2014 R&W Preferred Memberships Now $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.org.

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 DEALS. 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. 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 (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 personal time only. Neither R&W, NIH more broadly, nor DHHS is necessarily endorsing the MAC.

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NIH Charities ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

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.

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Friends of the Clinical Center Patients of the Clinical Center and their families have enough on their minds. The FOCC 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 fostersamong 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 Shopping •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• National Theatre Tickets • Donny and Marie Christmas – $85.00, Saturday, December 6th @ 2pm • Pippin – $95.00, Saturday, December 20th @ 2pm • Chicago The Musical – $95.00, Saturday, February 14, 2015 @ 2pm • Dame Edna & Barry Humphries – $95.00, Saturday, April 25, 2015 @ 2pm • Newsies – $95.00, Saturday, June 20, 2015 @ 2pm Call the Activities Desk at 301-496-4600. Entertainment Books Purchase one today at the R&W for ONLY $25! The average consumer saves $125 and uses 30 coupons in one year! Save money on groceries, dining, car repairs, hotels, and many more attractions and stores, locally and online! Purchase an Entertainment Book for MD/Washington D.C., Baltimore/Washington D.C., or Northern VA/Washington D.C. 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. 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 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 begun a new dry cleaning service that is available at the R&W stores in Bldg. 31, Bldg. 10 CRC, and Rockledge. Dry cleaning will be pickedup 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, Bldg. 31, 10am-2pm, Bldg 31A Patio The market takes place every Tuesday through October. 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. We hope to offer additional merchants as the year progresses. 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.

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R&W MISSION STATEMENT The Recreation and Welfare (R&W) Association serves as an employeeservices 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 Healthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s staff, patients, and patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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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Visit the Online NIH Logo Store! Ordering is Easy! 1. Choose your product (t-shirts, polo shirts, hats, USB drives, stationary items and much more) 2. Choose your logo (from a library of more than 40 logos) 3. And have it shipped right to your door!

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, luggage tags 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 10 of a specific item, please contact us for special pricing! Recreation & Welfare | September/October 2014 35 Order your items today on FedESP.com!