Order your department's Agency Logo Items
through R&W!!! We can provide top quality merchandise at great prices, for NIH and NOAA quantity logo items.
For quotes and samples
call Homaira at
301-496-4585 or email hamidh@ors.od.nih.gov.

R&W Newsletter Editor: David Browne
Contact Number: R&W Office 301-496-6061
E-Mail: nihrw@ors.od.nih.gov

 

What's Happening...

Orioles & Nationals Tickets On Sale
NIH Philharmonia Orchestra Concert
Baseball Opening Day Auctions
R&W Preferred Membership
Financial Planning Seminars
Orioles & Nationals Ticket Sales
Sailing Club Open House
Congratulations NIH on the CFC!
Manchester String Quartet Concert
Spring Mindfulness Class
R&W Tax Service
And More . . .


This March, Circus History Mixes with Myth and Majesty

16th Annual Children’s Premiere Night
With Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus
Benefiting the NIH Children’s Charities

Order Form - Click Here

Mark your calendars because this very special show is back again!!!  Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and the NIH/NOAA R&W invites Children of All Ages to join the Ringling Bros. team in the ALL-NEW, ALL-LIVE 142nd Edition of The Greatest Show on Earth Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey comes to the Verizon Center on Wed., March 20th, with Dragons.  For the first time in history, the legend of the Dragon meets the magnificence of the circus!  A once in a millennium event honors The Spirit of the Dragon while allowing the audience to experience circus spectacles so incredible that once again they will believe in the unbelievable!  Dragon tribes from the far reaches of the earth are brought together in a single performance, displaying their breathtaking skills in a circus tournament of champions. Each tribe must prove that they have virtues of Courage, Strength, Wisdom and Heart to arouse dragons which appear right before your very eyes!  Ringling Bros. Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson presides over this fantastical celebratory tournament of circus champions that brings together mystic dragon lore with authentic circus feats. Watch in astonishment as the Riders of the Wind, a dozen of the most deftly-balancing Cossack riders, charge into the ring on their thoroughbred horses, displaying great strength and amazing dexterity.  The equestrian acrobat riders perform intricate maneuvers on horseback, including a double-man pyramid that builds to a remarkable Roman riding five-man high pyramid, all while the horses are galloping at full speed!  The Globe of Steel features the Torres Family who will shatter all records by putting eight family members on specialized motorcycles.  Once locked inside a 16-foot steel globe, all together they will orbit at an unprecedented 65 miles per hour within inches of each other!  High above the arena floor, Dragon eyes reveal an enchanting display of aerial artistry, as captivating contortionists, Kiev Troupe, dance on clouds and float without care!  Twisting and turning without a wire, these graceful and swift beauties will set hearts afire!  The Shaolin Warriors, from China, execute intense and fearless Kung Fu martial arts dating back to the 5th Century.  Not even 16 steel blades rotating within a metal ring of fire can unnerve the steady mind of a Shaolin Warrior as he jumps through the razor-sharp blaze blindfolded.  A whimsical, heartwarming and awe inspiring display of showmanship brings an animal menagerie that can only found at Ringling Bros. Presents DRAGONS.   Andre McClain presents a charming display of mixed hoofstock including horses, ponies, mini-donkeys, and goats.  Hans Klose with his ten high-energy rescue dogs display their animal athleticism by high jumping, hurdling, back flipping, walking on their hind legs and even diving from 16-feet up in the air.  The Paniflov Troupe will amaze audiences as their performing domestic felines scale a “kitty low wire”, balance on top of balls, jump through hula hoops and walk across parallel bars only using their front paws.  And as always this year’s show will feature everyone’s favorite animals including elephants, lions and tigers.

Your escape from the everyday begins one hour before show time when you make your way to the arena floor.  The FREE All-Access Pre-Show, allows families to interact with the stars, mingle with an amazing group of acrobats, aerialists, animals, clowns, jugglers and more.  There’s so much the Pre-Show has to offer and the show hasn’t even started!  So grab your cotton candy and be prepared to be whisked away into a whirlwind of action and adventure.  Join us for the 16th Annual Children’s Premiere Night hosted by the NIH R&W, benefiting the NIH Charities on Wednesday, March 20th at 7pm with the FREE Pre-Show at 6pm.  You won’t hear about this on the radio or television because this night is only for special invitees from the NIH R&W…and you and your friends and family are invited!!   This event is a fundraiser for the NIH Charities and is a wonderful opportunity for the R&W to provide a magical evening to many special needs children in the local metro area.  Over the years, with your help, we have treated over 25,000 deserving children to the circus.  The NIH R&W has a goal to fill the entire Verizon Center with friends and family, so we need your help.  Pass the word along to all your friends and family and have them join you for this special evening.  You can only experience this current of excitement at Ringling Bros. Dragons! Get your ticket for this once in a lifetime night of fun at the R&W Activities Desk in Bldg. 31 Rm. B1W30 or call 301-496-4600.  Orders can be placed for tickets at any R&W store.  Tickets available include  Front Row $55 (reg. $75), VIP $40 (reg. $52), Section 111 & 112 (best seats) $25 (reg. $35).   So don’t delay…we have the best seats in the house for this special R&W hosted evening, but they won’t last long!  We’ll see you at the circus!

2013 R&W Preferred Memberships Now On Sale!

Join Now Before Fee Increase

Did you know…All NIH, NOAA, and HHS employees, contractors, patients and their families are eligible to become Preferred R&W Members?  Join before February 1st for $7, after February 1st dues will be $9.  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.recgov.org, click NIH, and then click Membership. Upon receipt we will send you membership materials, along with a membership sticker/card.   Renew at any store but remember to hold onto your red plastic membership card.  Each year we will give you a new valid sticker for your card.  You will be charged a fee for a replacement card.  Additional contributions to support the R&W mission are appreciated. For the latest news on R&W events, tickets, and more sign, up for the R&W ListServ at https://list.nih.gov/archives/r_w_assoc_list-l.html.


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Get hard to find tickets to the
best shows in town!


Orioles and Nationals
Ticket Sale

Batter Up!  It’s that time of year again!  The R&W will once again offer tickets to the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals.  To better serve the NIH, NOAA and HHS communities, tickets will be sold online.  Nationals’ tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, March 5th at 8am online at www.recgov.org/nihshop2 We will have 2 seats in Section 219 Row D.  Orioles’ tickets will go on sale Thursday, March 7th at 8am online only. Available will be two regular season tickets (2 seats behind first base – Section 14BBB seat 7-8).  Ticket prices will be available in the February R&W Newsletter.  Remember, you must be a Preferred 2013 R&W member to purchase tickets.  When you come to pick your tickets up at your local R&W store you will be required to show proof of membership.  R&W preferred memberships can also be purchased at the time you pick-up your tickets or online.  Membership is $9 for the year.

Ahoy!!  NIH Sailing Association - Spring Open House

Look for posters and flyers around campus in early February with details about the NIH Sailing Association Spring Open House!  At the Open House, you can explore your interest in learning to sail and discover all the opportunities for sailing with the NIH Sailing Association.  Information about the club’s six week basic training classes, racing program, and all the other social activities the club offers will be available.  For more info, visit www.recgov.org/sail.


Orioles and Nationals Ticket Sale

Batter Up!  It’s that time of year again!  The R&W will once again offer tickets to the Baltimore Orioles and Washington Nationals.  To better serve the NIH, NOAA and HHS communities, tickets will be sold online.  Nationals’ tickets will go on sale on Tuesday, March 5th at 8am online at www.recgov.org/nihshop2.  We will have 2 seats in Section 219 Row D for $95 ($47.50 per seat).  Orioles’ tickets will go on sale Thursday, March 7th at 8am online at www.recgov.org/nihshop2.  Available will be two regular season tickets (2 seats behind first base – Section 14BBB seat 7-8) for $70 ($35 per seat).  Tickets for Yankees and Red Sox games will be $100 per game.  Remember, you must be a Preferred 2013 R&W member to purchase tickets.  When you come to pick your tickets up at your local R&W store you will be required to show proof of membership.  R&W preferred memberships can also be purchased at the time you pick-up your tickets or online.  Membership is $9 for the year.


 

Congratulations NIH!
NIH CFC Campaign Tops $2.2 Million!

NIH not only cleared their goal but also the ultimate goal of the CFC of giving hope to others.  This year the NIH community contributed over $2.4 million, and counting, to make a real difference in the lives of people locally, nationally, and worldwide.    Over the years of the campaign, NIH has shown that it is a strong community filled with people who want to make a difference.  A special thank you goes out to all CFC Keyworkers and other campaign workers whose efforts make a difference.  The R&W thanks you and congratulates you for another successful campaign.


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.  Half-hour consultations will be held on campus, in Bldg. 31 Rm. 9A22, on Thursdays, February 7th through March 21st between 3pm - 6pm (2/7 and 3/7 will be 4-6pm, 2/21 will be 4:30pm – 6pm) and Tuesday, March 21st from 4pm – 6pm. Call the R&W Activities Desk at 301-496-4600 to schedule an appointment.  Fees will vary according to the required IRS schedules that are needed to be filed.  Call Today!  The earlier you get your taxes done, the quicker your refund check comes back!



Spring 2013 Mindfulness Class
Begins March 22nd 

This popular class is being offered from 5pm - 7:30pm on Fridays, March 22nd – May 10th for 8 sessions and a day-long retreat on Saturday, May 4th from 9am – 3pm and will cost $250 per person.  The course includes guided instructions in mindfulness meditation, gentle stretching and mindful movements, group dialogue, and home assignments.  The course is informed by the work pioneered by Dr. Jon Kabat Zinn at UMASS since the 1970’s.  It also incorporates the work by others such as Thich Nhat Hanh, Jack Kornfield, and Tara Brach.  Class location: Shanti Yoga Center for Harmony 4209/4217 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814.  The Saturday event will take place at NIH.  New attendees are not accepted after the first class.  The class instructor will be Rezvan Ameli, Ph.D., of NIMH, an experienced mindfulness instructor and practitioner, who is volunteering her services.  For more information contact Dr. Rezvan Ameli at Rezvan.Ameli@gmail.com.  To register, contact Kallie Wasserman wassermankt@mail.nih.gov  or 301-496-6061. This is an R&W sponsored activity.

 

 
2013 R&W Seminar Series Begins

Are You Fiscally Fit or Are You Making Federal Financial Blunders? – March 20th – 12pm – 1pm, Bldg. 31, Rm. 2 and May 1st – 12pm – 1pm, Bldg. 31, Rm. 2 – Are you a mid-career or near retirement federal employee?  If so, this lunch and learn is designed specifically for you.  Learn how to avoid the most typical financial blunders made with federal benefits as well as ways to maximize them most effectively.  Learn how keep more of your Pension and TSP income through the use of simple tax strategies.  Find out if the ROTH TSP option is appropriate for you and which factors to consider when evaluating benefit decisions related to retirement.  Are you ready to be Fiscally Fit?  RSVP to Corrie Troxel at 301-569-6941 or admin@monumentalfinancial.com.    

Financial Planning Basics – April 2nd – 12pm – 1pm, Bldg. 31, Rm. 2 - Gain essential knowledge to help you make more confident financial decisions. RSVP to 703-418-9360 or potomacdistrict@firstcommand.com.

Manchester String Quartet

Concerts in Building 10

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

Monday, March 11
Monday, April 1
Monday, May 6
Monday, April 16

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

Mental Silence Meditation

Take a deep breath. That is how easy it is to start learning to meditate.  Mental Silence meditation is a simple, time-honored technique that is easy to learn.  It helps reduce stress and increases wellness.  It brings better focus and helps people become centered and better balanced.  Anyone can do it.  Thursday Mental Silence Meditation Series take place in the CRC of Bldg. 10, Room 3-1608 from 5:30pm – 6:30pm. Relax, Recharge and Feel the Inner Energy.  For more information contact Jasmin B. Czarapata at 301-435-7645.

NIH Philharmonia Orchestra Concert

The NIH Philharmonia Orchestra will present its third concert of the season on April 27th at 7:30pm at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church (917 Montrose Rd., Rockville, MD).  The concert Cornucopia includes Copland, Fanfare for the Common Man Haydn, Double Horn Concerto in Eb, Laurentiu Raducanu & Prem Subramanian, horn soloists Mahler, Symphony No. 1 (Titan).  Tickets are FREE.  For further information visit the orchestra’s website www.NIHPhil.org.

 


Cholesterol Screening

Did you know that you can get your cholesterol and blood sugar tested at NIH for less than most doctor’s offices?  Occupational Medicine Service offers testing for both of these blood tests.  The Lipid Profile, $16.50, contains important breakdowns of the total cholesterol, to include the HDL (good cholesterol measurement) and LDL (bad cholesterol) as well as triglycerides and a couple of other measurements.  The Fasting Glucose, $8.25, is a measurement of the blood sugar only.  This is important for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes.  It can be very different if taken after eating, which is why it needs to be fasting.  Fasting is required for both tests, nothing but water to eat or drink for at least 8 hours prior to having your sample taken.  You can purchase vouchers for these tests at the R&W stores in Bldg. 31, Bldg. 10, Rockledge and EPS.  Testing is done in Bldg. 10, Rm. 6C306 on Tuesdays from 8am – 11am.  This service is being provided for NIH employees only.


Washington Wizards 2013 Tickets

Substituting offense for defense the Wizards acquired defensive specialists Emeka Okafor and Trevor Ariza to join John Wall, Trevor Booker and late-season acquisition Nene.  While the team isn’t poised to challenge for a championship this year, their mixture of youth and veteran leadership should make them exciting to watch while putting the franchise back on track.  Once again the R&W will have 2 tickets to every home game located in Section 417, Row D, Seats 14 & 15.  Purchase tickets at any R&W store. 


Baseball Opening Day Auctions

Nationals - The R&W will be holding a silent auction via email for the Washington Nationals 2013 home opener vs. the Miami Marlins on Monday, April 1st.  We have two tickets in Section 219 Row D. The opening bid for the pair will be $100 ($50 per ticket), and bidding will be done in increments of $5. The email auction will begin Tuesday, March 19th at 8am and end Thursday, March 21st at 3:30pm.

Orioles - The R&W will also be holding a silent auction via email for the Baltimore Orioles 2013 home opener vs. the Minnesota Twins on Friday, April 5th at 3:05pm.  We have two tickets in Section 14BBB. The opening bid for the pair will be $100 ($50 per ticket), and bidding will be done in increments of $5.  The email auction will begin Tuesday, March 26th at 8am and end Thursday, March 28th at 3:30pm.

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


 


File Your Taxes On-Line or
Download Tax Software Here!!!
 

Federal Employees Activities Association Insurance Benefits

The Federal Employees Activities Association has been offering voluntary insurance benefits for their members since the 1960s. Our sharp focus and commitment to federal employees is second to none and the convenience of payroll deduction makes premiums easier to pay.

Available plans include:
ü       Disability Income Insurance
ü       Accident Insurance
ü       Hospital Insurance
ü       Cancer Insurance
ü       Critical Illness Insurance
ü       Life Insurance
ü       Dental / Vision Insurance
ü       Auto / Home Insurance

For more information please visit our website at www.federaleaa.org or contact Diane Willey directly at 443-253-6197 or email at dwilley@rktongue.com.




 

NIH License Plates

Are you proud to work here at the National Institutes of Health?  If so, then show it with personalized license plates.  The R&W has NIH organizational license plates for Maryland residents.  Plates are $15 and are MVA Non-logo NIH plates.  There is an additional $5 service fee payable to the R&W.  It’s easy to order, just fill out an application at the R&W Activities Desk in Bldg. 31, show your NIH ID and R&W membership, and drop off two checks (one payable to the MVA for $15 and another payable to the R&W for $5).  Plates take 2-8 weeks to receive.  The MVA will send them directly to you.  For more information about this program call 301-496-4600 or email nihrw@mail.nih.gov.  We will inter-office mail you the application.


 Cookies and Goodies Needed
St. Patrick’s Day – March 21st, 5:30 pm

Cookies and goodies are needed for the Clinical Center monthly party!  If you are interested in contributing some goodies for the party please deliver the items to the R&W office in Bldg. 31, Rm. B1W30 or the R&W in Bldg. 10, Rm. B1C06 on March 21st by noon.  Fran at our Rockledge R&W store will also accept goodies if it’s more convenient to drop off there.  Please deliver to Rockledge I, Rm. 4202 by the end of the day on Wednesday, March 20th.


Use Promo Code "Recgov11" for a 10% Discount!


Join The R&W LISTSERV

Are you interested in R&W programs but don’t always have time to read the newsletter or website? What about all the special the R&W offers in between print dates of the paper? Well now, the R&W will be able to email you right at your desk about upcoming events, R&W store specials, vendor discount programs, travel opportunities, special ticket offers, early bird offers and much more. Anyone is welcome to join including NIH employees, contractors, family members, and friends (and you don’t have to be a member of the R&W to be on the listserv email program). If you would like to join the listserv, visit https://list.nih.gov/archives/r_w_assoc_list-l.html . Just “join the list” with your name and email and the information will begin to flow. If you are having trouble adding your name to the list, email nihrw@ors.od.nih.gov  and we will assist you. We look forward to your participation. Please note, all new R&W members will be placed on the List serv.