October 2024 NIH R&W Newsletter by NIH R&W

“Fitness for You” September 2024

Virtual & In-Person Fitness Descriptions:

All levels are welcome!

Tuesday, October 1st

12:15pm Waist + Weights with Charissa: Whittle the middle! Using light to heavy hand weights and a mat, participants will perform exercises that are designed to strengthen and tone the center. It’s more than just abs…add the back too! The waist is important to posture and aids in walking and movement.

Wednesday, October 2nd

12pm Abs, Glutes, & Mini bands with Ashley: Add some resistance and be consistent! Using light to strong loop bands and a mat, prepare for a low-impact, high-intensity experience! Intervals of 45 seconds of work followed by 15second recovery periods will guide the class. Strengthen and sculpt the ab and gluteal muscles to aid in daily movement and posture. Got fat? Don’t expand it…just band-it!

Thursday, October 3rd

12:15pm Shoulder, Low Back, & Hip Relief Stretch with Charissa: According to NIH, shoulder pain is one of the most common joint problems. Per NCCIH, low back pain is the leading contributor to missed workdays. And NCBI statistics show that hip pain impairs daily activity and quality of life. This gentle stretching session is designed to alleviate and/or lighten pain in the shoulders, hips and back. Using a padded fitness mat, participants will move through guided stretches to find relief. Most stretches will be held for at least 15 seconds to increase flexibility and range of motion of affected areas.

Friday, October 4th

6am Spooky Strength & Stability with Shannon: Get stronger and more stable…to withstand the scary fables! Using light to heavy hand weights, participants will move through various exercises to strengthen the major and minor muscle groups. Exercises are low-impact and repetition-based. A mat is suggested.

12pm Bodyweight Cardio + Abs with Ashley: Cardio and abs, with bodyweight, oh my! Increase cardiovascular health and abdominal strength with this high-intensity interval class! Using one’s own bodyweight, participants will perform various exercises in intervals of 30 seconds of work followed by 10-second recovery cycles. Say goodbye to the flab…it’s all about cardio and abs! A mat is optional.

Monday, October 7th

6am Yoga Strong with Shannon: It’s a strength and spiritual practice all in one! Yogis will perform various poses using light weights. Grab a Yoga mat and some light weights.

Tuesday, October 8th

8am Body Weight HIIT & Stretch with Shannon (InPerson Only Bldg. 53): Increase fitness with high-intensity interval training! Using one’s own bodyweight, participants will move through various exercises to strengthen and condition the bones and muscles. Stretching will follow to relengthen the muscles and increase flexibility and joint range of motion. If available, bring a mat or one will be provided.

12:15pm Hardcore HIIT Abs and Glutes with Charissa: Tighten and tone the abdominal and gluteal muscles! Prepare to engage in the ultimate high intensity interval challenge! In intervals of 30 seconds of work followed by 15 seconds of recovery, participants will move through 2 rounds of each exercise. Moderate to heavy weights optional; mat suggested.

1pm Treadmill HIIT Training with Charissa (In-Person Only RKL II Rm. 220-B): Need to lose weight and gain better health? Look no further…this class is for you! Whether walking hills, jogging, or running, choose the intensity that works for your fitness level! In various short intervals, participants will engage in cardio high-intensity training for caloric-burn and fat oxidation. It’s a sweat-inducing, bodychanging experience!

Wednesday, October 9th

12pm Chair Tabata with Ashley: A stationary chair positioned on an even, flat surface is suggested for this highintensity, low-impact workout! In intervals of 20 seconds of work followed by 10-second recovery cycles, participants will perform various exercises to strengthen the major and minor muscle groups. Tabata is designed to achieve maximum health benefits in a minimal amount of time. Get Tabata strong! Moderate to heavy dumbbells will be utilized.

12pm Non-Sleep Deep Rest: Nourish Your Body with Stillness with Allison: Welcome October and the Autumnal Harvest Season by nourishing your body with stillness and the practice of non-sleep deep rest (NSDR). NSDR is rooted in the ancient tradition of yoga nidra and combines mindful breathing and body scanning to bring oneself into an aware, yet deeply relaxed state. Participation Link

Thursday, October 10th

12:15pm Total Body Stretch with Charissa: Overdue for a good stretch? Whether a consistent exercise enthusiast, a desk worker, a pro athlete or sedentary, everyone needs to stretch! Stretching is important to daily activity and helps prevent overuse injuries, injuries due to shortened muscles and overall body tightness. Using a fitness mat, participants can expect to perform stretches for the major and minor muscle groups.

Friday, October 11th

6am Bender Ball Strength with Shannon: Add props to level up to the top! Reach new fitness heights using a Bender ball and hand weights! With light to heavy weights, a small resistance ball, and a mat, prepare to perform repetition-based exercises designed to strengthen the muscles and bones. It’s a total body workout not to miss!

8am Yoga Flow with Shannon (In-Person Only Bldg. 53): Move fluidly through various Yoga poses for a total body spiritual experience! A focus on breathing and proper alignment in each posture will be practiced. Bringing a mat is suggested for hygienic purposes or one can be provided. For novice and experienced yogis alike.

12pm Standing Tabata 360 with Ashley: Tabata is the workout that achieves maximum health and fitness benefits in a minimal amount of time! In high-intensity intervals of 20 seconds of work, followed by 10-second recovery intervals, participants will perform strength exercises using moderate to heavy hand weights. Attendees should work to exhaustion by using heavier weights than usual.

Tuesday, October 15th

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12:15pm Bodyweight Tabata with Charissa: Supercharge the day with this total body, fat-blasting class! Prepare to ignite flab stores and sculpt the limbs and core! Learn to align the body properly while moving through high-intensity exercises using bodyweight. Intervals of 20 seconds of work followed by 10-seconds of recovery will guide the class.

6pm Work & Family Month Class - Move, Stretch and Be Still! A Class for Families and Friends with Allison: Gather your family and friends and get ready a fun afternoon mindful movement break! Join Allison Rose, R&W's Ayurveda Yoga Specialist, for a class that combines mindful movement, stretching and deep relaxation exercises designed for anyone of any age! No need to change your clothes or roll out your mat, just log onto your computer and get ready to move, stretch and breathe your way to ease and relaxation.

Wednesday, October 16th

6am HIIT It! with Shannon: Spark a revolutionary change of the body! High-intensity interval training (HIIT) helps to decrease body fat but increase strength and endurance! Using light to heavy weights participants will perform exercises for the major and minor muscle groups in repetitions of 30 seconds of hard work followed by 10-second periods of recovery. It’s a total body workout for advanced fitness enthusiasts! Commit to HIIT!

11am Work & Family Month - Physical/Mental Health:

Functional Circuit with Charissa (In-Person Only Bldg. 53): Acquire new health tips and practice-controlled breathing while moving through proper body mechanics for daily activities! This 20-minute edition of functional training is a game-changer for novice to experienced fitness enthusiasts alike! Attendees will move through a circuit using machines and props to mimic situations of daily life. Proper posture and alignment will be cued while attendees move through 30-second intervals for 2 rounds of each exercise. Tennis shoes and workout clothing suggested.

12pm Lower Abs with Ashley: Strengthen the transverse and rectus abdominis! By strengthening the lower abs, back pain can be alleviated, and posture can improve! Using a fitness mat, attendees will activate the ab muscles by performing exercises in intervals of 45 seconds of work followed by 15second cycles of recovery. Don’t miss it!

1pm Work & Family Month - Physical/Mental Health

Functional Circuit with Charissa (In-Person Only RKL II Rm. 220-B): Acquire new health tips and practice-controlled breathing while moving through proper body mechanics for daily activities! This 20-minute edition of functional training is a game-changer for novice to experienced fitness enthusiasts alike! Attendees will move through a circuit using hand weights and props to mimic situations of daily life. Proper posture and alignment will be cued while attendees move thru 30-second interval rounds of each exercise. Tennis shoes and workout clothing suggested.

Thursday, October 17th

12:15pm Towel Stretch on the Floor with Charissa: Grab an arm-span towel and let’s get stretched! Participants move thru various stretches using a towel to gain increased traction. No muscle group will be left unstretched! A fitness mat will be utilized.

Friday, October 18th

6am Max Strength: Shoulders, Traps + Lats with Shannon: Increase the intensity of stale workouts with maximum strength training! Using heavy weights, participants will explore exercises that are designed to strengthen the shoulders, trapezius, and latissimus dorsi. A strong upper back creates a sturdy pedestal for the head and neck. If posture is compromised due to a weak upper back, imbalance forms below. Using heavy weights and a mat, prepare to perform high intensity lifting. This class is for seasoned strength enthusiasts and advanced lifters. Be upper body strong!

12pm Muscle-Focused Tabata with Ashley: Go into the weekend strong! Challenge stagnancy with Tabata! For 20second cycles of work followed by 10-second intervals of recovery, attendees will activate the major and minor muscle groups using moderate to heavy hand weights. Oxidize fat at rest? Say less.

Monday, October 21st

6am Mobility Strength & Stretch with Shannon: Start off the week strong! While remaining upright, participants will use moderate hand weights to perform strengthening exercises for health of the muscles and bones. Attendees will be coached through proper posture and alignment that can be translated to assist in functional daily movements. Mat suggested.

Tuesday, October 22nd

12:15pm Bodyweight Barre with Charissa: It’s the lowimpact, high-intensity workout that professional dancers adore! Participants can expect to lengthen and strengthen the body simultaneously during this calorie-cutting experience! Using bodyweight, prepare to perform various exercises that are designed to challenge and sculpt the total body. Let’s meet at the Barre! A mat is suggested.

Wednesday, October 23rd

12pm Total Body Circuit with Ashley: Get in rotation with circuit training! A circuit is a set of exercises performed in repetition with short rest periods. Participants will use moderate to heavy dumbbells to perform strength exercises for the major and minor muscle groups in intervals of 30 seconds of work followed by 10-second recovery cycles. It’s a HIIT class not to miss! Mat suggested.

Thursday, October 24th

12:15pm Chair Towel Stretch with Charissa: Experience the refreshment and restoration that a towel can add to stretching! Using a stationary chair, participants engage in gentle stretches to increase flexibility, muscle and joint range of motion and overall tightness.

Friday, October 25th

6am Morning Yoga Calm with Shannon: This midday spiritual practice conjures the mind and body! Using a Yoga mat and block, yogis perform various asanas. Intention and breath control are encouraged to enhance the practice.

12pm Mobility Balance Sculpt with Ashley: Be mobile and stay strong! Performed while standing, participants will execute strengthening exercises for the major and minor muscle groups in 45-second intervals of work followed by 15second intervals of recovery. Moderate to heavy dumbbells are suggested to increase intensity and muscle confusion. Tighten and tone the body and experience fat burning at rest!

Monday, October 28th

6am Balance & Strength with Shannon: Prevent accidental injury and morbidity with balance training! Falls are a leading cause of injury and death worldwide. By simply adding balance conditioning into daily routines, increase longevity and overall health! Using s chair or balance bar and light to heavy weights, participants will engage in strength exercises for the major and minor muscle groups. Repetition-based, a focus on proper posture and alignment will be encouraged and practiced. Be strong and stable!

Tuesday, October 29th

12:15pm Kickboxing Conditioning with Charissa: Got kicks? Learn authentic kickboxing techniques while building cardiovascular health and defense skills! Shadow boxing and American kickboxing drills will be performed in repetitions of 8. Ward off threats and break a sweat!

1pm Tabata Ab Attack with Charissa (In-Person Only RKL II Rm. 220-B): Let’s meet on the floor for some ab work! Using a fitness mat, participants will perform various abdominal exercises in 20-second intervals of work followed by 10-second cycles of recovery. Tabata is the high-intensity fitness training model that has swept across the world! Achieve maximal health benefits in a minimal amount of time! Be abdominally strong!

Wednesday, October 30th

12pm Cardio Tabata Bootcamp with Ashley: Can’t go wrong if Tabata strong! Tabata trains the body to absorb highintensity energy in a healthy way! By increasing the heart’s capacity, participants gain maximal health benefits in a short amount of time. In intervals of 20 seconds of work followed by 10-second recovery cycles, prepare to perform exercises like mountain climbers, lunges, and squat jumps! It’s a totalbody HIIT class not to miss! For regular exercise enthusiasts, a mat is suggested.

3pm Non-Sleep Deep Rest: Relax and Let Go with Stillness with Allison: Welcome the month of October and the Autumnal Harvest Season by nourishing your body with stillness and the practice of non-sleep deep rest (NSDR). NSDR is rooted in the ancient tradition of yoga nidra ("nidra" meaning sleep) and combines mindful breathing and body scanning to bring oneself into an aware, yet deeply relaxed state. Participation Link

Thursday, October 31st

12:15pm Breath & Stretch with Charissa: Ever notice the heartbeat when afraid? Improve health- remain calm. Stress and fear influence the heart rate. This practice is designed to induce air flow throughout the body and train for proper breathing when fight-or-flight body mechanisms are activated. Stretches for the major and minor muscle groups will be performed. Be bold and breathe deeply. A mat is suggested.

Join the R&W and Fitness ListServs

Get the latest on all things R&W related delivered to your inbox. Be the first to hear about upcoming events, R&W store specials, special ticket offers, and more. Everyone is welcome to join, and membership is not required to receive the listserv emails. Just provide your name and email and the info will begin to flow. Also join our Fitness Center listserv to get info on specials, upcoming classes, and any emergency closures.

R&W Holiday Bazaar

The R&W will host its annual Holiday Bazaar in the South Lobby of Bldg. 10on Wednesday, November 20th and Thursday, November 21st from 9am - 2pm. We plan to offer a mixture of some of your favorite vendors and new vendors for this two-day event. Get in the festive spirit by wearing your favorite ugly Christmas sweater and enjoying holiday tunes. This is a great event to get some holiday shopping done

39th NIH Institute Relay Results

We did it! Another successful Institute Relay! It was great to see so many NIHers participate, in fact if you didn’t hear we set a new race record with 122 registered teams, of which 121 participated in the race. The weather was amazing, team names were creative, and some teams really got in the spirit and dressed up for the occasion.

We even received this kind note from Rebecca Orris (NCBI) “It is the best event at NIH by far! All the NCBI teams agree. Especially in the hybrid and remote world, this is an event where you can see others on campus and even get to know people in your institute. I have coordinated a picnic lunch after the relay for NCBI teams, where we order food and eat outside to keep the fun going.”

As for the results, our new champion is “Fellows Running Club.” The Top 10 teams are:

Fellows Running Club 12:43 PEP in your stepTIDES 14:37 K-Space Invaders 14:38

Running into Debt 15:01 Calbindin Snap 15:10

qPAL: curing PD, AD and ALS 15:18

PCR: Postbac Chain Relay 15:33 CellCyclers 16:04

Smell you later 16:23 Host Busters 16:36

Thank you to the team captains, volunteers, NIH Police, Fire Marshal and Fire Department and everyone who made the race happen A special thank you to Deputy Director of Management Dr. Alfred Johnson and DATS Division Director Tammie Edwards for their opening remarks and blowing the whistles prior to each heat.

We want to express our gratitude to the event sponsors Contemporaries (t-shirt and ice cream sponsors), the NIH Federal Credit Union (towel sponsor), All-Star Pediatric Dentistry, The Astrid, Best Western Rockville, Chesapeake Hearing, Courtyard Marriott Bethesda Chevy Chase, DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC North/Gaithersburg, Element 28, FedAdvantage (our fruit sponsor), Flats Bethesda Avenue, Hilton Garden Inn Bethesda, Hilton Washington DC/Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center (our water sponsor), Hyatt Regency Bethesda, Kaiser Permanente, NIH Blood Bank, The NIH Community Orchestra, NIH Pickleball Club, Rehab 2 Perform, The St. James Performance Club Bethesda Southern Management, T-Mobile and The Universities at Shady Grove

Next September will be here before you know it and it’s never too early to start training. We’re hoping for bigger and better things for the 40th running of the relay and look forward to seeing everyone next year in front of Bldg. 1

NIH R&W Food Truck Program

Join us select days from 11am – 2pm for Food Trucks in Lot 10H, near the South entrance to Bldg. 10. Trucks will run thru November 22nd. Online pre-ordering is encouraged when applicable. Menus available on the R&W website.

Truck schedule is as follows:

Thru October: Monday & Friday – 1 savory truck; Tuesday – Thursday: 2 or 3 savory trucks and one sweet truck

November (thru 11/22): Monday – Friday – 1 savory truck

2 Bold Chefs: Featuring a variety of delicious signature Greek & Italian dishes and salads with mouthwatering French & Portuguese flavors infused into the Mediterranean taste

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels: Fresh, hot, golden-brown pretzels, pretzel dogs and lemonades.

Bangin’ BBQ: Authentic hickory smoked NC style BBQ

Ben & Jerry’s: Serving ice cream and floats.

Catalyst Hot Dog: Bringing the Jersey Dog to NIH. Enjoy allbeef or vegan dogs with a variety of toppings.

Chix ‘n Stix: Specializes in crisp, fresh, deliciously fried chicken wings and tenders, to all beef quarter pound hot dogs, and specially seasoned “Flavor Fries.”

Diner on the Go: Comfort food with freshly prepared, choicely shopped fresh meats, veggies and fruit

Grub Rockstar: Enhancing classic American Comfort dishes for all DC food lovers using only premium ingredients.

Hardy’s BBQ: Puts in the time and care to ensure that you get world class BBQ. Come hungry. You’ll need plenty of room to taste all of our overflowingst of options.

Himalayan Soul Foods: Serving Himalayan food ‘momos’ (dumplings), Tibetan bread and lentil burgers.

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood: Baltimore’s historic restaurant and crab house offers great tasting seafood from their truck.

Kam & 46: Serving local Hawaii and Filipino fare. Modern take with nostalgic feels.

Koshary Corner: Vegan and gluten-free Egyptian street food

Malia’s Kitchen: Serving the best homestyle Soul Food

Pacha Mama Juice: Fresh made-to-order fruit & veggie juices, fruit salad, avocado toast.

PhoWheels: Offers a modern interpretation of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, where comforting favorite dishes blend seamlessly with bold new flavors that will entice your palate.

Pua’s Plate Lunch - Bringing a taste of home to the DMV with Authentic Hawaiian & Hawai‘i Food.

Sambal Truck: Indonesian street food

SnoBlast DMV: Serving handcrafted snow cones, slushies, and lemonade, alongside concessions such as cotton candy, popcorn and more.

Trini Vybez: Preservative free Trinidadian food with unadulterated methods to traditional cooking

Trippy Tacos: Specializes in fresh corn tortillas. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, nachos

The R&W Community Market takes place on Tuesdays from 10am – 2pm on the South Lobby of Bldg. 10. The market will take place weather permitting. The market will return to the South Lawn of Bldg. 10 in April. Current safety and health guidelines are to be observed. The market consists of the following vendors with more expected to be added soon:

Apple Valley will have a variety of seasonal produce including apples, onions and potatoes, apple cider, apple sauces, pecans and jams.

Colonial Kettle Corn - Continues the 200+ year tradition by making each batch in a specially-designed kettle to ensure that each kernel has a slightly sweet and salty flavor. Our combination of new techniques and centuries-old recipe makes our specialty popcorn unlike any other.

Devine Wine Jelly: Add a gourmet experience to any social gathering. Each flavor of wine jelly has a unique taste with a smooth delightful aroma of wine. Taste it, Love it, Want it!

Nothing Bundt Cake (Bethesda): Choose from a variety of delicious Bundt flavors made from the finest ingredients and crowned with our signature cream cheese frosting.

Randalia Bee Hives: Local raw and cream honey, pollen, hand crafted beeswax candles, bar soap, infused botanical liquid soap, beeswax body salves body lotions, lip balms, tints, salt scrubs and natural deodorants from the Eastern Shore.

Suka Nuts: Nothing beats the harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors found in their handcrafted delights. Choose from a variety of nuts, breads, butters, brittles and more.

Sweetdele’s Sweet Treats: Makes those traditional desserts you can’t find anymore – the kind that’s nostalgic from the good ole days. Purchase from a selection of cakes, pound cakes, cupcakes, cookies and more.

Jewelry and Craft Vendors: A variety of jewelry and craft vendors will rotate throughout the market.

WorkLife@NIH Information Fair October 16th – Bldg. 10 South Lobby

Join us for the WorkLife@NIH Resource Fair on from 9am –1pm on Wednesday, October 16th in the Bldg. 10, South Lobby to learn first-hand about NIH well-being programs, visit over 25 exhibitors showcasing work-life, well-being, wellness resources to assist you with creating a healthy relationship between work, family and life. For more information, contact Susan Borst or DeAnna Knox

Work and Family Month 2024

During the month of October, the Office of Resource Services (ORS) and Office of Human Resources (OHR) will showcase resources available in "Creating a Healthy Relationship Between Work, Family, and Life Responsibilities." Regardless if you are a federal employee, trainee/fellow or contractor there are many services available to help support YOU! There will be a robust calendar of offerings highlighting the five areas of well-being: Social/Family, Mental/Physical, Financial/Community, and Career/Purpose. Resources are available in many formats: live and archived webinars, fitness classes, resource links, vignettes for viewing when you have time, and much more.

Check out our NEW "Meet and Greet Videos" to become familiar with work, family and life resources available to NIH.

Below are the themes for each week:

• Week 1 Theme: Meet and Greet Videos

• Week 2 Theme: Social and Family

• Week 3 Theme: Mental/Physical

• Week 4 Theme: Financial/Community

• Week 5 Theme: Career/Purpose

If there is a resource you think should be included or have any questions, contact Child and Family Programs, Susan Borst or DeAnna Knox

Join The NEI 5K Walk/Run/Roll!

Wednesday, October 30th – Bldg. 1

The NEI 5K Walk/Run/Roll takes place in front of Bldg. 1 on Wednesday, October 30th and is a fun, safe way to gather Festivities include:

10:30am – Halloween contests: Bring your pre-carved or decorated pumpkin or wear your scariest, funniest or most creative costume. Sponsored by the NEI Employee Engagement Committee. For details about the contests, email Kerina Hawthorne.

11am – Demonstrations and learning: Watch an NIH Police Canine Unit demo, learn about Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) charities, the NIH Blood Bank and Children’s Inn, and get free eye screenings offered by Howard University 11:45am – Warm-up led by NIH R&W fitness instructor

12pm – Opening Remarks from Michael F. Chiang, M.D., and CFC charity speaker, Samantha Johnson, development officer, Warrior Canine Connection. Check the puppy cam!

12:10pm - Race starts: Participants will exit campus and circumnavigate the perimeter of campus and return thru security. Remember to bring your NIH PIV card to re-enter. Register as an individual or as a group/team.

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS: Interested in staffing a water table or helping other ways? Contact Shauna Schwartz

This event sponsored by the NEI in partnership with the ORS/DATS and the NIH R&W.

If you or someone you know requires ASL interpretation services to participate, reach out to the NIH interpreting Office. We are committed to making this event as accessible as possible and ensuring that everyone can fully participate.

NIH Federal Credit Union Extends Operating Hours on Campus.

The NIH Federal Credit Union (NIHFCU) branches in the Clinical Center and Bldg. 31 have resumed operating at their full pre-pandemic hours.

NIHFCU’s new campus hours as of October 1st are:

• Branch Hours: Monday – Friday - 9am - 4pm

• ATM deposits and withdrawals: 24/7/365

• Live Video Tellers - choose to see, talk, or text chat in real-time with an NIHFCU representative for all your ATM and teller-based transaction needs. (Learn more at www.nihfcu.org/itm)

o Monday – Thursday - 9am - 4pm

o Friday - 9am - 6pm

o Saturday - 9am - 1pm

Learn more about the credit union at, by calling 800-8776440, or stopping into any of their local branch locations.

Vanpooling Is Economical and Environmentally Friendly

Openings are available in the vanpool from Hagerstown and Frederick to Bethesda. This 10-passenger van is leased thru Enterprise Vanpool The vanpool leaves Hagerstown Park and Ride at 5:30am for a 7am to 4pm work shift on Bethesda Campus. The van leaves NIH at 4:15pm Monday – Friday. Full-time NIH Employees who turn in their parking hangers are eligible for the Transhare Program. Contractors are welcome but must make subsidy payments thru the Enterprise portal each month. Contact Rich Buckland at 304-582-3113

Openings available in the Owings Mill vanpool. Pick-up at 5:30am from Owings Mills Metro Station (10309 Grand Central Ave, Owings Mills, MD 21117). Van drops off anywhere in the Fishers Lane, Executive Blvd., White Flint area. Van leaves for home at 3:30pm. If interested contact Keith Savage at 301-451-1967.

2024 Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)

CFC Kickoff – October 9th

The NIH Clinical Center (CC), the lead IC for the 2024 NIH CFC, invites you to the virtual NIH CFC Kickoff on Wednesday, October 9th from 11am - 11:30am via the NIH Videocast

In addition to the NIH and CC Leadership, two charities will share about their cause and how impactful donations help fulfill their mission. Please join us to kick off the 2024 CFC season! Thanks for your support of the CFC.

CFC Fall Charity Fair & Costume Contest – October 31st

Join the 2024 CFC Fall Charity Fair and Costume Contest on October 31st from 11am - 1pm via the NIH Videocast

The event is back by popular demand and will combine CFC fun and info. Three charities will share about their mission and how your generous donations make a difference. The costume contest will provide fun and entertainment. Contestants will be asked to present creative, funny, or scary costumes. Costumes that include a CFC message will earn an extra point. The viewing audience will vote live for their favorite costume. Please join us to learn more about the 2024 CFC.

The deadline to enter the costume contest is October 8th. An entry form, found under “Events” must be submitted by 4pm.

For more info visit the CFC website at or contact Debra Gale, NIH CFC Program Manager/Deputy Campaign Manager.

We look forward to seeing you!

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 to as many as five charitable CFC organizations. Support the NIH Charities!

Special Love/Camp Fantastic #49642

Special Love provides a strong, nurturing environment for children with cancer and their families through its free camps and getaway weekends, emergency financial assistance, and educational scholarships for young adults who have beaten cancer and now want to move on with their lives. Camp Fantastic, our cornerstone program for 7-17 year-old cancer patients, is considered a protocol within the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and has made Special Love a recognized National Institutes of Health (NIH) charity. Since our inception in 1983, children have come to Special Love from the Washington metropolitan area and from all across the country thanks to our partnership with the NIH and other area hospitals. Each year, Special Love serves hundreds of children, teens, and young adults ages birth to 30 years old and their families.

The Children’s Inn #10324

The Children’s Inn’s mission is to provide a free place like home to children and young adult NIH patients from across the United States and the world while they participate in lifechanging clinical research studies at the National Institutes of Health’s Clinical Center. Everything we do strives to reduce the burden of illness on families, make childhood possible and help advance NIH clinical research. Contact The Inn if you would like someone to speak to your employees

Friends of Patients at the NIH #85994

The Friends at NIH touch patients’ and their families’ lives in three ways: Shelter near the NIH during treatment and help keeping up with housing costs at home; Support systems including family and caregiver travel costs back and forth to the NIH; Quality of life to take some of the stresses off, like a meal when they arrive on Sunday to start a week of difficult treatments; We are champions of NIH patients, helping to cover their essential needs so they can focus on recovery, healing and their unique role in health discoveries. These breakthroughs provide Hope for you and your family–and all future generations.

The Foundation for the NIH #29165

Donors of the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) help advance breakthrough biomedical discoveries and improve the quality of people’s lives in support of NIH’s mission. As a 501(c)(3) charity chartered by Congress, the FNIH convenes scientific leaders, individuals, not-for-profits and corporations around biomedical research goals all in an effort to respond to the most urgent priorities in human health, domestically and globally By leveraging the vast resources of NIH with research expertise, equipment, infrastructure and funding from the private sector, the FNIH builds and manages public-private partnerships across the biological spectrum of diseases and disorders. The FNIH also supports the next generation of scientists by funding educational and training programs at NIH and raises funds for the Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge, which provides free lodging to patients and their families. The FNIH has demonstrated strong financial health and a commitment to accountability and transparency, earning Charity Navigator’s “Exceeds or Meets Industry Standards” rating for 17 years. Visit FNIH for more info

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Discover the awesome at Bowlero! There’s something amazing and cool in every corner. Check out the most entertaining features and don’t miss the fun. Valid at select locations. Arcade Card, Offer A, Offer B Save up to 60%!

With hundreds of games to play, leave feeling like a champion at Dave & Buster’s and Main Event. Find a seasonal food menu and classic cocktails and specialty drinks you won’t find anywhere else. You’re never far from fun with over 200 Dave & Buster's and Main Event locations $5 off play card!

Great Wolf Lodge, the largest family of indoor water park resort, defies the weather outside with an indoor water park experience that has young and old soaking in the fun! Book your stay in: Charlotte/Concord, Cincinnati/Mason (OH), Grand Mound (WA), Grapevine (TX), Kansas City (KS), New England, Poconos, Sandusky (OH), Traverse City (MI), Williamsburg and Wisconsin Dells. Save up to 10%!

The Escape Game is a premier provider of escape rooms. Work as a team to find clues, overcome challenges, and ultimately complete a mission. Step into worlds you have only seen in movies, as you become the hero in every story you choose. Various locations including Georgetown and Penn Quarter. Save over 15%!

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Halloween Thrills

Brace yourself for a screaming good time at SCarowinds, the Carolinas’ premier Halloween event. As night falls everything in your deepest, darkest fears and nightmares come true as hundreds of creatures from the underworld Spine-chilling haunted houses, elaborate scare zones and horrifying haunted mazes will force you to sleep with the lights on. Spooky live shows and seasonal drinks and eats add to the fang-tastic fun. Save up to 45%!

There’s nowhere to hide at Busch Gardens® Howl-OScream® where victims are given something to scream about with all-new scares and screams to the extreme, on select dates from thru November 3rd. On Saturdays & Sundays thru November 3rd celebrate not-too-spooky daytime family fun at Busch Gardens’ Halloween Spooktacular in the Sesame Street® Forest of Fun™ for kids (ages nine and under). Parental discretion is advised after 6pm, as Howl-O-Scream contains amplified scares that are not recommended for kids

Come in costume and celebrate silly, not-too-spooky fun at The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place thru November 3rd! The park transforms into a family-friendly Halloween haven and guests enjoy trick-or-treating in Big Bird’s Beach, Halloween-themed shows, the Sesame Street Halloween Parade, dance parties, our Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, Sesame Street-themed rides, games, seasonal merchandise, and unique photo opportunities with everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume!

You never feel more alive than when you’re scared to death at Universal Orlando Halloween Horror Nights with 10 terrifying haunted houses, 5 scare zones and more, select nights thru November 3rd. Warning: Event may be too intense for young children and is not recommended for children under age 13. No costumes or costume masks allowed. Save up to 40%!

Halloween Thrills

Brace yourself for a screaming good time at Dorney Park’s Halloween Haunt, Pennsylvania’s best Halloween event. Everything in your deepest, darkest fears is right here. As night falls on the park, hundreds of creatures from the underworld emerge to make your worst nightmares come true. Spine-chilling haunted mazes and elaborate scare zones will force you to sleep with the lights on. Spooky live shows and seasonal drinks and eats add to the fang-tastic fun. If that’s not scary enough, our most popular rides will be open at night to deliver the amazing thrills and chills found only at Dorney Park. Save up to 43%!

Are you brave enough to step inside? When the sun goes down, the scare factor turns up. Experience chilling rides and coaster in darkness. Watch your back! There could be a zombie, a witch, or something else that goes bump in the night. Six Flags America’s Fright Fest returns in all of its glory with premium haunted attractions, scare zones, spooktacular Halloween-themed shows, and live band performances. Little witches and goblins can enjoy a full day of festive fun! Take a ride on your favorite coaster or enjoy Trick-or-Treat trails, story-telling, and interactive dance parties for some family-friendly fun. Experience Thrills by Day and Fright by Night select days thru Sunday, October 27th. Fright Fest is included with park admission. Some attractions like haunted houses require a separate access fee not included in admission to the park. Discounts vary%!

Stay and play all day and night! Brace yourself for a screaming good time at Kings Dominion’s Halloween Haunt. Everything in your deepest, darkest fears is right here. As night falls on the park, hundreds of creatures from the underworld emerge to make your worst nightmares come true. Spine-chilling haunted houses, elaborate scare zones and horrifying haunted mazes will force you to sleep with the lights on. Spooky live shows and seasonal drinks and eats add to the fang-tastic fun. If that’s not spooktacular enough, our most popular rides will be open at night to deliver the amazing thrills and chills found only at Kings Dominion. You just can’t miss Halloween Haunt, the region’s ultimate thing to do for Halloween! WARNING! This Halloween event is too intense for young children. Parental discretion is advised. Notice: Planet Snoopy will close at 6PM nightly to prepare for Haunt. Save up to 40%!