TOWN COUNCIL

Issue No. 77 • July - September 2007 • MICA(P)070/02/2007

NEWS

Bishan-Toa PayohTown Council

Pg 6

BISHAN ACTIVEGROUND BREAKINGBISHAN ACTIVEGROUND BREAKING

Ouch, myback hurts!

Pg 8/9A Sports HubComing YourWay

Pg 13National DayAwards

Chairman's Message

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Dear ResidentsOver the last 42 years, Singaporeans from all walks of life have contributed greatly to

the country’s growth and prosperity. The most visible change is the staggering physical

transformation that Singapore has undergone. Some of our infrastructures have even

won international acclaims and praises for their efficiency and practicality. Our

sustained economic growth has given the people a better and more comfortable

lifestyle, and this has created opportunities for many to pursue their personal interests.

However, one achievement that stands above all is our public housing programme.

From an elevated view, it’s awesome to see the size and numerous blocks of flats that

dot our landscape. It is our programme to provide a home for everyone that is the

engine that has energised the will of the people to be united and to work towards a

common goal.

Over the years we have built a warm and friendly community where friendships were forged and our children

grew and played together. This strong sense of community spiritedness is able to develop because the HDB, Town

Councils and the Grassroots Organisations have provided the common spaces and facilities to allow residents to

mingle and engage in meaningful activities within the vicinity of their homes.

We will continue to improve and modernise by embracing technology. As the building facades and equipment

aged over time, we will carry out maintenance and improvement works to restore them to their former glory.

Old housing estates have been revitalised through the various upgrading and improvement programmes. One

such estate is Toa Payoh, which has been transformed into a hip and vibrant modern bustling town where young

Singaporeans are seen living alongside the older generation.

I am pleased that the rejuvenation of Toa Payoh has attracted young adults make their homes in what was said

to be a slow-paced and boring township. I look forward to see these young adults grow their families in Toa

Payoh. For an estate to stay relevant and be a conducive place for young families, it has to continuously improve

and upgrade its facilities, and offer a safe and secure environment for the residents. Thus, we have the government’s

highly popular upgrading programmes and the Town Council’s town improvement projects to breathe some

freshness to the estates, and to meet the people’s needs and expectations.

Singapore is a developed country with an economy going at full speed. Singaporeans would expect to see the

old and run-down estates be given a face-lift, and be transformed into a 21st century state-of-art Town fitted

with the latest facilities and equipment to meet their ever changing lifestyles.

At the National Day Rally in August, our Prime Minister gave Singaporeans a peep into his crystal ball to reveal

the breath-taking ideas he has for our country. Indeed we are going to be a city of possibilities, offering new

meaning to life in the heartlands. I hope to see residents give their support to the Home Improvement Programme

(HIP) and Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) as these upgrading programmes will improve your homes,

add life and colour to your estate and value-add to your asset.

Zainudin NordinChairman, Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council

Electrical RewiringDivision Blocks

Bishan East Blk 117 to Blk 125 Bishan St 12Blk 135 to Blk 138 Bishan St 12Blk 145 to Blk 149 Bishan St 11Blk 168 to Blk 191 Bishan St 13

Elderly Fitness Corner / Fitness CornerDivision Block

Toa Payoh Central Blk 161 Lorong 1 Toa PayohToa Payoh East Blk 37 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh

Thomson Blk 319 Shunfu Road

Cyclical Works &New FacilitiesComing your wayHDB residential blocks are scheduled for cyclical works to keep them in goodcondition, and for the services to function efficently and problem free.

The Town Council is responsible for the maintainence of some blocks in theGRC. Thus, detailed planning is essential to ensure works carried out smoothlyand with minimal disruption and inconvenience to residents. Due to natureof works involved, we are mindful of your safety and will do our best tobarricade the affected areas, and keep you updated. Thus, the Town Councilseeks the understanding and co-opearation of residents to inform your familymembers and advise your children to stay away from the work sites.

We appreciate your support to ensure a smooth completion of the works.

Division Block

Toa Payoh Central Stateland next to Blk 175 Lorong 2 Toa Payoh

Woodball Court

Division Block

Bishan East Blk 155 Bishan St 13Bishan-Toa Payoh North Blk 240 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh

Blk 205 Toa Payoh North (2nos)Thomson Blk 445 Sin Ming Ave

Blk 120 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh

Children Playground

Re-Roofing WorksDivision Blocks

Toa Payoh East Blk 43, 46,48 & 50 Lorong 5 Toa PayohBlk 17A Lorong 7 Toa Payoh

Toa Payoh Central Blk 97,99A to C Lorong 3 Toa PayohBlk 101A & B Lorong 2 Toa Payoh

Division Block

Bishan-Toa Payoh North Bishan North Neighbourhood Park

Street Soccer Court

1. Keep away and don’t attemptto trepass any safety barricades,chainlink fencing areas.

2. Look out for any falling objects.

3. Keep away from all machineryand hacking works.

4. Walk under the void decks,walkway or shoring provided,avoid walking at Open Space.

5. Avoid hanging clothes outsidewhen painting works arecarried out outside the unit.

6. Avoid waiting at open space.

7. Close all windows when hackingand hoisting works are carriedout.

8. Avoid standing or sticking outyour head outside windows or

along the corridor.

Safety

Tips

Estate improvement

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Homefront

A resident / tenant of Housing & Development Board (HDB) unit is deemed to have understood his/her

legal obligations, that is to pay his/her monthly S&CC to the Town Council that is managing the estate, as

stated in HDB’s Notification To Purchaser’s letter, the Resale of Flat letter, and upon signing the Lease/Rental

Agreement with HDB (refer to the documents for details), and thereafter, the resident/tenant is responsible

to effect the prompt payment of his/her monthly S&CC to the Town Council without the latter having to

remind the former of his/her obligations. The Town Council reserves the right to seek legal action to recover

the outstanding S&CC and corresponding penalty fees from the resident/tenant.

S&CC Reminder

Service & Conservancy ChargesJuly to December 2007

ROOM NORMAL REDUCED S&CC NET FREETYPE S&CC* S&CC REBATE PAYABLE MONTH

1 room $53.20 $19.50 - $19.50 Sep & Dec

2 room $55.20 $29.00 - $29.00 Sep & Dec (0.5mth)

3 room $57.00 $40.00 - $40.00 Sep (0.5mth) &

Dec (0.5mth)

4 room $61.00 $52.00 - $52.00 Sep (0.5mth) &

Dec (0.5mth)

5 room $63.00 $63.00 - $63.00 Dec (0.5mth)

Executive $85.00 $85.00 - $85.00

HUDC $105.00 $105.00 - $105.00

MG (Type A) $85.00 $85.00 - $85.00

MG (Type B&C) $90.00 $90.00 - $90.00

Normal S&CC* applies to non-citizens, owner of private residential property (including those from HDB).They are not eligible for the S&CC rebates.

For those paying through GIRO, the Town Council will arrange with your bank to deduct the appropriateamount due to the Town Council after taking into account the S&CC rebates that you are eligible for.

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Homefront

Kadar bayaran biasa S&C hanya boleh digunakan untuk mereka yang bukan penduduktetap , pemilik kediaman privet, perniagaan atau industri (termasuk yang dimikiki olehHDB). Mereka tidak layak bagi rebate untuk & S&CC.

Bagi mereka yang membuat bayaran melaui Giro/Inter Bank Giro, Majlis Bandaran akanmembuat pengurusan dengan bank bagi potogan peruntukkan jumlah bagi S&CC, diambilkira rebat S&C yang bagi anda.

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Bishan East &Thomson ResidentsGet Their LUPResidents of Blks 182-191 Bishan St 13 and Blks 401-408 Sin Ming Avegave their support for the Lift Upgrading Programme(LUP).

Poll Results

Bishan East

TC-LUPBlk 183 88.68% in favourBlk 190 92.59% in favour

LUPBlk 182 89.29% in favourBlk 184 92.65% in favourBlk 185 90.00% in favourBlk 186 87.50% in favourBlk 187 86.96% in favourBlk 188 94.12% in favourBlk 189 92.65% in favourBlk 191 86.21% in favour

Thomson

TC-LUPBlk 402 87.3% in favourBlk 405 91.5% in favourBlk 408 92.7% in favour

LUPBlk 401 91.6% in favourBlk 403 91.7% in favourBlk 404 91.6% in favourBlk 406 87.2% in favourBlk 407 91.2% in favour

Ouch, myback hurts!

See your doctor if:

✔ Pain goes down yourleg below your knee.

✔ Your leg, foot, groin,or rectal area feel numb.

✔ You cannot control yoururine.

✔ Your pain was caused by an injury.

✔ The pain is so intense youcannot move around.

✔ Your pain does not seem to be getting better aftertwo to three weeks.

Health Matters

National Healthcare Group PolyclinicsAdding Years of Healthy Life to the People of Singapore

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Injuries such as muscle and ligamentous strains, jointproblems, or a "slipped disc" can all present with painin your lower back.

The most common cause of back pain is the incorrectuse of your back muscles in physical activities like liftingof heavy furniture, resulting in a sprain. Other rarercauses of back pain are bone cancers, fractures, boneinfections and kidney stones.

Pain ReliefA good position to adopt for relief of

back pain is to lie flat on your back in

bed. Place pillows under your knees to

keep your hips and knees bent. This takes

the pressure and weight off your back.

If you have hurt your back, you may need

a day or two of rest. Resting longer than

this can cause your muscles to weaken,

which can delay your recovery. Even

though it may cause some discomfort,

walking around for a few minutes every

hour aids in the recovery.

Hot pads and gentle massage can help

relax painful muscle spasms. Apply heat

treatment for half an hour at a time. The

application of ice packs is useful for

reducing swelling and pain in the

immediate period following a sprain.

Medicines that you can purchase over

the counter at the pharmacy to reduce

pain and inflammation include oral

panadol, ketoprofen and other anti-

inflammatory plasters and topical gels /

creams / ointments.

Treatment of ongoing back problems

must be directed at the cause. This may

mean losing weight for those who are

overweight, getting your muscles in

better shape by exercising regularly, or

improving your posture when you

are sitting, standing, and carrying

heavy loads.

When to worryConsult your doctor about your back

pain if you have underlying medical

conditions such as cancer, tuberculosis,

kidney stones and connective tissue

(example, systemic lupus erythematosus,

rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing

spondylit is) . Symptoms such as

unexplained weight loss, fever, inability

to find a position of comfort, back pain

not relieved by rest or blood in the urine

may point towards something more

sinister. In addition, if you experience

numbness and weakness of your legs,

you should also seek medical attention.

Active Lifestyle

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Relax your Mind with

YogaLearn the basics of yoga, the ancient India art of healing, toningand rejuvenating the body and bringing sense of calm and peacethrough postures, breathing and concentration. This programme issuitable for both males and females of all ages. Yoga can give youinner peace and harmony, and strengthens your body. It also helpsto increase the felixbilty of your body.

The course instructor, Ms Annie Lau has been practising yoga since2000 and has been teaching the art since year 2004. There are 15students in her class.

So, head on down to Toa Payoh West CC to find the inner peace inyou.

How To Join

When : Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday

Time : 6.30pm / 7.30pm

Where : Toa Payoh West Community Club

Fees : $50.00 onwards

Contact: Toa Payoh West CC at 6353 4487

Feature

Bishan-Toa Payoh residents,are you ready to get Active?

A Sports HubComing Your Way

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The plot of land surrounded by Bishan St 23 will be the site of Bishan Active

– your one stop sports venue for the complete adrenaline & endorphine rush.

Central Singapore District Mayor Zainudin Nordin got the ball rolling at the

Ground Breaking Ceremony on 23 June 2007. In a year’s time, Bishan-Toa Payoh

residents will be making a beeline to Bishan Active to enjoy the healthy lifestyle

facilities.

Facilities

• Soccer Field • Basketball Court

• Roller blade track • Two feature walls

• Fitness Corner • Playground

Feature

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Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MPs, attend

many social activities. We bring you

some of the recent ones.

Here's a pictorial spread of their visit.

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Mr Hri Kumar Nair happy to meetthe elderly residents.

DPM Wong Kan Seng makingsmall talk with the little ones.

Mr Zainudin Nordin getting to knowthe residents during his visit.

Dr Ng Eng Hen sharing a light-heartedmoment with a family.

Mrs Josephine Teo is all ears

to a resident.

Meeting the Residents

Around Town

At just 14, Bishan resident Daniel Ng is

already a junior entrepreneur and youth

worker. He has published a book entitled

“Dan’s Dynamic Dictionary on Science”,

featuring his drawings and cartoons on

science. Daniel hopes that that the book

will make science fun to learn for

primary to secondary two students.

The San Yu Adventist School student

has printed 10,000 copies of the book,

with part of the proceeds from the sales

going to a charitable organisation to

help bully victims.

What inspired you to producethis book?I have always loved doodling. Pictures

help me to better understand and

remember what I learn. My friends

found my doodles on science definitions

to be creative so I shared my doodles

with them. As a result, they did quite

well in their science examination. This

sparked off an idea that I can help more

people by publishing my doodles into

a book.

Why did you choose science?I have been very interested in science

since I started learning the subject.

Science is my favourite subject because

I love to fiddle with things – it is a

practical and hands-on subject.

Junior entrepreneurDaniel helps make sciencefun to learn How did your ideas for the

drawings and cartoons comeabout?As I have been doodling for quite a long

time, I have become quite skilled in it.

Whenever I learn a topic, I start thinking

of pictures that will make the topic fun

to learn and understand.

How much time did you spendto produce the book?I started working on the book last

November and completed the project

on May 28. My family helped me a lot

throughout the process. What was most

critical in the initial stage were the

definitions. Once we completed that, I

was able to work on the 96-page book.

I learnt much from the production

process. To facilitate the layout of the

book, I had to re-create many of my

illustrations from horizontal to vertical

orientation.

Did anybody help you in theproduction process?My family – father, mother and sister –

helped me in the entire production

process. We drew closer as a result of

the project. Mr Kenneth Chee, my form

teacher, also helped to edit the book.

Why did you decide to donateportions of the sale of the bookto charity?I had been bullied in school for a long

time. However, thanks to the support

from my counsellor, I have been encour-

aged and become more confident. My

counsellor said that there are others

who need help. This prompted me to

decide to donate to people who cannot

afford counselling, which can be rather

expensive. I have pledged to donate a

portion of my sales to fund Starkidz!

Programme by Chi ldren-At-Risk

Empowerment (CARE) Association.

What is your future plan? Willyou be producing another suchbook?Yes, I have another project in mind but

I would like to keep that a secret for

now. I will start working on that after

my coming examinations. I want to

be able to continue to serve society.

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Community

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Learn something new to enrich

yourself. Here are some courses for

you to enjoy and have fun learning.

What’s on

Toa PayohSouth

Course : Teochew Opera Excerpt

Duration: Every ThirdThursday of the Month

Time : 7.00pm – 10.00pm

For more information,please contact Toa PayohSouth CC at 6259 6602

Course : Children’s Art

(Creative Thinking

Art)

Date : 29 September to

31 October 2007

(Every Friday)

Time : 7.30pm – 9.00pm

Course : Elementary

Japanese(Stage 1)

Date : 21 September to

7 December 2007

(Every Friday)

Time : 7.30pm – 9.00pm

For more information, please

contact Toa Payoh East CC at

6256 7601

Toa PayohEast

Awards

13Congratulations

National Day 2007 Awards

PBM AwardDUBCDarjah Utama Bakit

Cemerlang(The Distinguished

Service Order)

PBM Award

Mr Cheng Wai Keung,JP, DUBC, BBM(L)

Chairman, Bishan CCMC

BBM Award

PBM Award

Miss Lee Ker Hwa, PBMChairman, Bishan East Zone 6 RC

Mr Cheng Siew Cherng Roy, PBMChairman, Bishan North Zone 2 RC

Mdm Chan Choy Kum Doris, PBMChairman, Toa Payoh Central Zone 6 RC

Mr Lau Pub Taai, PBM, PBSChairman, Toa Payoh East Zone 5 RC

Mr Lim Cheng Aun Ronald, BBM, PBMChairman, Thomson CCC

Mr Sin Siew Cheong William, PBMChairman, Bishan Heights RC

Mr Wong Chin Nai, PBMMember, Thomson CCC

Mr Tan Kee Khoon Alfred, PBMChairman, Bishan East Zone 4 RC

Mr Lai Kah Seng, PBMVice-Chairman, Toa Payoh East CCC

Mr Ding Ngie Choon, PBMChairman, Toa Payoh Central Zone 3 RC

GRC Community LeadersTown Council Members

AdvertismentCLASSIFIEDS

Town

Toa Payoh SouthToa Payoh South

Date : 28 - 30 September 2007

(Friday-Sunday)

Time : 6.00pm – 10.00pm

Venue: Blk 228 to 230 Lorong 8

Toa Payoh

Learn Spelling without memorizing!New Phonics & Reading classes forNursery to Primary students startingsoon in Bishan. Small group toconcentrate on your child ’spronunciation. Tuition classes aresoon available. For further inquiries,contact : 9864 6144.

PHONICS & READING CLASSES

ENRICHMENT CLASSES

Simply Cool ProgrammeMastering Hanyu Pinyin andEnrichment (P1/2). Creative Writing,Comprehension and Oral (P3 to P6).Classes conducted at an enrichmentcentre at Bishan. Call 6250 9838.

PIANO TEACHER

Looking for a Qualified pianoteacher? All grades. Bilingual.Patient and experienced. Location:Bishan or can go to student’s house.For details Call/SMS Catherine -9640 7831.

We provide home tuition for allsubjects: English, Maths, Science,Humanities, 2nd Languages (Malay,Tamil, Chinese) for kindergarten,Primary and Secondary StudentsCall us 9187 9051/ 9785 2605 – Irene.Website: www.patrena.com.sg

Lady Graduate Ex-teacher offersPri/Sec tuition. Subjects: Eng/E./A.Maths /Science /Physics/ChemistryVenue: Toa Payoh Lorong 1/Lorong4 junction (Tutor’s residence)Experience: Teaching/Tuition –23 years. Rates: Negotiable. Pleasecall/SMS Jessica @ 9653 6114.

Effect ive bi l ingual teacherspecialize in K1-P4 for all subjects(Morning only). Call 9128 3270.

TUITION

Looking for a reliable tutors foryour child? We are providingimmediate tuition for all subjectsand areas. JC $35, Sec $25, Pr $16.A.E.C Maths, Phys, Chem, Bio, POA,Eng. Call 6356 6958.

TUITION

CREATIVES

Ever wanted to make yourporcelain doll? We have talentedteachers to guide you from basicsthrough your finished doll. Fee:$38 per lesson, excluding materials.Contact Rema 9712 9245 emailrebeal@singnet.com.sg

Sel l ing Genuine Designers 'Fragances. Available brands areAnna Sui, Burberry, Calvin KleinEstee Lauder, Hugo Boss, Lancome,Ralph Lauren and etc. Visit ourwebsite at ajperfumehut.8k.comnow to choose your fragrances.Free Delivery included.

FRAGANCES

Imported Italy classic 3+2 livingroom sofa set (includes coffeetable)Heavy Duty white creamTV console. Almost New! Viewto offer. Bishan. HP: 9128 3270.

FURNISHING

Notice Board

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Mini FairHaveFun!

Join your fellow residents

and get to know them

better at these activities

organised especially

for you.

Fun Time

S/N Name

1 Ms Ng Kuang Koon

2 Mr Tan Wen Ching Eric

3 Ms Alice Woodflord

4 Ms Suzana Bte Rahmat

5 Ms Carol Ling Shwu Mei

6 Mr Paul Chua

7 Ms Loke Wai Leng

8 Ms Lee Pei Ying

9 Ms Rozana Binte Mohd Yunos

10 Ms Hng Gaik Boey

Entry Rules1. Only HDB residents of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC are eligible

to participate and all entries must be made on the official entry form.

2. Each household is allowed to send in only one entry.

3. Councillors and employees of Bishan-Toa Payoh TownCouncil and their immediate families are not allowedto participate.

4. The judges' decision is final and no correspondencewill be entertained.

5. Prizes will be awarded to the first 50 all correct entriesdrawn and winners will be notified by post.

6. Answers will be published in the next issue of Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council News.

Please send your entries on the back of anenvelope to reach us before 28 October 2007Address the envelope to:

The Editor,The Quiz Corner (Quiz No. 66), BTPTC NewsBlk 125A, #01-134, Lorong 2 Toa Payoh,Singapore 311125.

IMPORTANT: The information disclosed by you to the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council is being furnished voluntarily and on the basis that you consent that it may be used by the TownCouncil and the Advisors of the Town Council (in their capacity as Advisors, Members of Parliament or in any other capacity whatsoever for the purpose of communicating with you).

Winners forQuiz #64

Answer toQuiz #64 -

Blk 22Toa Payoh

East

S/N Name

11 Ms Gan Yah Ing

12 Mr Goh Chok Jee

13 Ms Jenny Tang Lai Ngoh

14 Ms Ho Soo Leng

15 Ms Gerardine Yip

16 Ms Jessie Goh

17 Ms Yeong Yam Heng

18 Ms Valerie Johanna Loh

19 Ms Asiah Bte Apna

20 Ms Mak Sawo Wah

15

Trendy T-shirts to be WON!

Name: Mr/Ms

NRIC No:

Address:

Postal:

Tel: Home Office

Mobile Email

Name one of the facilities you will find at Bishan Active

(Deadline: 28 October 2007)

Question

Quizfor

#66

The MPs of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRCand Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council

wish all Muslim ResidentsSelamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

The MPs of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRCand Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council

wish all Muslim ResidentsSelamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Anggota Anggota Parlimen bagiBishan-Toa Payoh GRC dan

Majlis Bandaran Bishan-Toa Payohmengucapkan

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Anggota Anggota Parlimen bagiBishan-Toa Payoh GRC dan

Majlis Bandaran Bishan-Toa Payohmengucapkan

Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri