Although it was delayed by almost a month because of the federal shutdown, the NIH Research Festival still took place at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, Md., and attendance was high.

If you want to meet new people and participate in new activities in 2014, don’t forget to renew or join the Recreation and Welfare (R&W) Club Frederick. Membership is $9 for the calendar year. An R&W Club Frederick membership offers discounts at local businesses, the opportunity to participate in events and activities (which are often free) throughout the year, and much more.

The 2013 National Cancer Institute (NCI) at Frederick Farmers’ Market regular season may have closed, but that doesn’t mean customers who want fresh produce, handmade crafts, and other homemade goodies from local vendors are out of luck. Winter Markets, which began Jan. 7, will be held every other Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in front of Building 549 or in the Café Room, depending on the weather.

Forty-nine people joined the facility in September and October 2013.

In these uncertain times, when work can be stressful, disquieting, or downright upsetting, taking an hour on Thursday evenings to work out job- and life-induced twists can provide a welcome element of serenity.