north east heartbeat - CDC · (CEP). At the same time, ... prinsip ini. Kami menyediakan ... ke...

NE STARSGeneration Green

Hawker – Entrepreneur

NE CELEBRATES NATIONAL DAY 2016Red and White Dinner

SMART LIVINGLife Made Easy

Learn how different agencies work together for a better community

August – November 2016

nenorth east heartbeat

August – November 2016ne

north east heartbeat

North East Heartbeat is published quarterly by the North East Community Development Council, 300 Tampines Ave 5 #06-01, NTUC Income Tampines Junction, Singapore 529653. North East CDC is part of People’s Association Network. Copyright is held by the publisher. All rights reserved. Production in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. The views and opinions expressed or implied in North East Heartbeat are those of the authors' and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher. Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd. ISSN 0219-3876.

North East Heartbeat is printed on environmentally-friendly paper which comes from forests with re-planting programmes. 270,000 copies are distributed free to all homes in Aljunied, Pasir-Ris Punggol and Tampines GRCs, as well as Hougang and Punggol East SMCs. You can also pick up a copy of North East Heartbeat at all community centres and clubs in the North East district.

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4 Mayor's Message Feature Story 6 Joining Forces to Help Residents 8 Our Tampines Hub: 2 Perspectives NE Stars10 Generation Green Hawker- Entrepreneur 11 A New Lease of Life for His Career Adviser Q & A12 A Small Move Makes a Big Difference13 Closer to Residents, Closer to Solving Issues Together

14 Happenings in the Neighbourhood

17 Upcoming Events NE Celebrates National Day 201618 Red And White Dinner Smart Living19 Life Made Easy Xchange 20 Sudoku Challenge and Spot The Locations 21 Makan 2

22 Coupons

NE COMMUNITY NE LEISURE

For advertising enquiries please contact Diana Teo Tel: 9389 5235 Fax: 6489 1354 Email: [email protected]

AUGUST – NOVEMBER 20164

You may have heard of the saying “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime”.

North East CDC and its partners have been working with this principle in mind when it comes to helping our needy residents. We provide them with immediate relief to tide them over for the short term, such as providing short-term financial assistance and temporary community jobs through our Community Employment Programme (CEP). At the same time, we also want to ensure that residents are able to gain self-reliance in the long run. This can be done by referring them to North East CDC’s Job Placement Centres (JPCs) which will help them find full-time employment. When residents become self-sufficient, our resources can be freed up to help others in need.

With this holistic approach in mind, North East CDC has been working our partners, Workforce Singapore (WSG, formerly known

as Workforce Development Agency, WDA) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) to help our residents. Cases were referred by MSF and WSG to our CEP, which allows our needy residents to work in various temporary community jobs. At the same time, our JPCs and WSG would work closely in assisting these residents to find a permanent job. This tripartite partnership means that the cases are being assisted in a more holistic manner. An average of 40 cases are referred to CEP by WSG and the Social Service Offices of MSF

every month and in total, we have helped more than 1,500 residents to date. You can find out more about how North East CDC has been working with our partner agencies in the feature story of this issue.

Dear residents,

Mayor

Teo Ser Luck

mayor's message

亲爱的居民，

我们都知道“授人以鱼不如授人以渔 "的道理。

秉持这样的信念，东北社理会与我们的伙伴机构携手合作，向弱势东北居民伸出援手，并帮助他们最后达到自力更生的目标。

我们的社区就业计划（CEP）就是一个很好的例子，这个计划为需要协助的东北居民提供短期就业机会，让他们通过社区工作赚取基本生活开支应急，同时我们也把有意寻求全职工作

的居民推荐给东北社理会的职业配对中心（JPC）,我们希望居民最终都能自食其力，让资源用在其他最需要的人身上。

我们采取多管齐下的策略，与我们的伙伴劳动力发展局和社会及家庭发展部携手合作。在东北区，我们设立了多个职业配对中心，与劳动力发展局共同跟进个案，以确保他们求职、工作能够渐上轨道。每个月我们平均从新加坡劳动力发展局以及社会及家庭发展部东

北区的社会服务中心接获40个案，由东北社理会配对参与社区就业计划。到目前为止，我们已经协助了1500多名东北居民。

您可以在这一期季刊的专题报道中，进一步的了解社理会如何与伙伴机构合作，协助东北居民。

东北区市长张思乐先生

AUGUST – NOVEMBER 2016 5

nePara penduduk sekelian,

Anda mungkin pernah mendengar peribahasa "Berikan seseorang itu ikan dan anda memberinya makan untuk sehari; ajarkan orang itu cara menangkap ikan dan anda memberinya makan seumur hidup".

Dalam membantu golongan yang memerlukan, CDC Timur Laut dan rakan-rakannya telah mendukung prinsip ini. Kami menyediakan bantuan segera demi memastikan mereka mampu mengharungi kesukaran yang dihadapi untuk jangka pendek, misalnya dengan menyediakan pekerjaan sementara dalam lingkungan masyarakat, seperti Program Pekerjaan Masyarakat (CEP), yang bermula pada 2011. Pada masa yang sama, kami juga ingin memastikan bahawa penduduk dapat menjaga diri mereka untuk jangka panjang. Ini boleh dilakukan,

contohnya dengan merujukkan mereka ke Pusat Pemadanan Kerja yang akan membantu mereka mencari kerja tetap. Apabila penduduk mampu berdikari, sumber terhad kita boleh dimanfaatkan untuk membantu orang lain yang memerlukan bantuan.

Dengan pendekatan menyeluruh sebegini, CDC Timur Laut telah bekerja sama dengan rakannya seperti Workforce Singapore (WSG, dahulunya dikenali sebagai Agensi Pembangunan Tenaga Kerja, WDA) dan Kementerian Pembangunan Sosial dan Keluarga (MSF) untuk membantu penduduk kita. Kita mempunyai lima Pusat Pemadanan Kerja dalam kawasan kita untuk menangani kesemua kes yang dirujukkan kepada kita dan kami akan menghubungi para penduduk kita untuk memastikan mereka dalam keadaan baik.

Secara purata 40 kes dirujukkan setiap bulan ke CEP oleh WSG dan Pejabat Khidmat Masyarakat MSF, dan sehingga hari ini kami telah membantu lebih 1,500 penduduk. Kami akan terus meneroka peluang kerjasama dengan rakan-rakan akar umbi kita untuk meluaskan rangkaian kita.

Anda boleh mengetahui dengan lebih lanjut tentang bagaimana CDC Timur Laut telah bekerjasama dengan rakan-rakan agensi dalam rencana yang terkandung dalam isu Heartbeat kali ini. Kami harap anda seronok membacanya.

Salam hormat, DatukBandar

Teo Ser Luck


feature story

Joining Forces to Help Residents

A Case StudyMr Tee (not his real name) is the sole breadwinner of a small family. He recently lost his job due to company downsizing, and when he was unable to find a similar job in the same industry for months, he became worried about household expenses and his children’s education costs.

A neighbour referred him to the Tampines Social Service Office (SSO), which provided him with short-term financial support so that his family’s basic needs could be met. The Tampines Social Service Office also referred him to North East CDC, which found him a temporary job near his home so he could earn some money while looking for a permanent job.

Concurrently, the Workforce Singapore (WSG) provided him with career counselling and coaching, helped him polish his resume and guided him in looking for a permanent job in another industry.

Mr Tee found a permanent job five months later. The new job didn’t pay as much as his previous one, but because of the training and skills upgrading he received under WSG’s WSQ framework, he can look forward to career progression and eventually, a substantial salary increment. Mr Tee’s future is looking much brighter, but what makes him most satisfied right now is that he is once again self-reliant.


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North East residents in need of a job can find relief through job placement scheme made

possible by a partnership between North East Community Development Council (CDC), Workforce Singapore (WSG) and Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).

These three organisations work closely together to ensure no vulnerable resident falls through the cracks.

To help job seekers, North East CDC has two programmes. Its Community Employment Programme (CEP) places eligible job seekers in temporary positions for up to six months, which helps them to earn an allowance while looking for a permanent job. Meanwhile, another programme the CDC supports is the Job Placement Centres (JPCs), which help job seekers find permanent employment.

At the same time, job seekers who approach North East CDC and MSF will also be referred to WSG. WSG will match job seekers with

full-time jobs and will also give them a hand in their long-term career development.

Mr Kelvin Tan, a career coach at WSG’s Career Centre, works with a diverse group of jobseekers ranging from retrenched workers to women going back to work on their career planning and job placement needs.

The 38-year-old Mr Tan has worked in both the public and private sectors and his vast experience has helped him understand the requirements of a variety of jobs. This has proved useful in providing career advice to cases under his care.

Meanwhile, social service officers from the MSF complete the framework, playing a key role in supporting the scheme. Ms Farihana, 32, a social service officer from Tampines, says: “Residents come to us distressed because they have many problems and don’t know where to begin. Our job is to listen, help them prioritise and solve their problems.”

Besides referring residents to

job agencies, MSF also assesses its clients to determine if they need any other forms of financial or social assistance. The three agencies will follow up with the cases to ensure residents are fully receiving the help they need and making progress.

Since the scheme started in 2011, it has helped many residents become self-sufficient. To date, more than 1500 residents have been assisted by North East CDC’s Community Employment Programme. North East CDC continues to see an average of 40 cases a month which have been referred by MSF and WSG. North East district’s residents who need help can either walk in to their nearest community centre or e-mail [email protected] for more information or assistance.

“Residents come to us distressed because they have many problems and don’t know where to begin. Our job is to listen, help them prioritise and solve their problems.”

Ms Farihana (MSF)

Kelvin handles approximately 60 cases on average every month. His previous career transitions has helped him understand the requirements of a variety of jobs, which proved useful in providing career advice for cases under his care.

Mr Kelvin Tan (WSG)


Our Tampines Hub, a project led by the People’s Association (PA), will be Singapore’s first-ever

integrated community and lifestyle hub. It will bring together multiple agencies and offer a comprehensive range of services and facilities, armed with a vision of fostering a caring, learning, creative, active and green Tampines. As we draw closer to the development’s soft launch in November 2016, we seek two different perspectives – that of a resident living near the development and of an architect who has been working on the project since its inception – to get a better understanding of what they think of this project.

Ms Sarah Nadiawati, 33, lives in Tampines Centrale 8 and sees the development inch closer to its completion

feature story

every day. When asked where we would likely find her in the Hub when it opens, she says: “I foresee spending most of my time in the library but in a development of this scale, I don’t think I will know where to start!”

She adds: “The development of Our Tampines Hub will provide more convenience for the community. This is especially since we have the opportunity to use the Hub’s

various facilities, and are able to participate in different

programmes here instead of travelling to different places .”

When asked what further improvements could be made, Sarah says it would be good

to have “mobile apps that will allow visitors to locate where they need to go within the Hub so less time is wasted looking for

their destination”. Well Sarah’s voice has been heard

and Our Tampines Hub is proud to announce the launch in August of a mobile app which allows people to engage with the Hub, orientate themselves.

On the other end of the Hub’s spectrum is Mr Seah Chee Huang, Director for DP Architects, Our Tampines Hub’s appointed architecture firm. We asked Chee Huang to share a highlight of his experience working on this project and he replies: “The project is a highly intense, enriching and meaningful community-centric project that requires multiple dialogues, discussions and deliberations, from meeting rooms,

Our Tampines Hub:

Perspectives


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Our Tampines Hub is proud to have achieved BCA’s Green Mark (Platinum) in line with the Hub’s vision to foster a kinder and more gracious community, not only between neighbours but also towards the environment. The Clean and Green Singapore Campaign has been on-going since 1990, generating a vision and ideology that economic growth and advancement need not take place at the expense of the environment.

Our Tampines Hub is proud to be a part of this effort. It has many ‘green features’ like green walls and an eco-community garden where residents can contribute to the growing of plants and vegetables. These features, along with the expansive greenery incorporated throughout the Hub, will allow us to work hand-in-hand with Tampines residents to make Our Tampines Hub a prominent centre of eco-friendliness for a cleaner and greener community.

In addition, Our Tampines Hub supports the Tampines Kindness Movement, which was initiated in September 2015 by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Finance and

What makes Our Tampines Hub special?

Adviser to Tampines Grassroots Organisations. The movement aims to galvanise Tampines into a community that embodies kindness. Residents want to enhance the communal way of living and the Hub will be the crux of this kindness movement with volunteerism and self-help across different facets of its operations.

Speaking of volunteerism, Join Our Tampines Hub as a volunteer NOW and be a part of a dynamic and engaging team. Make new friends and engage in new experiences at the Hub. We’re looking for anyone who can spare us a little time and a whole lotta passion!

Sign up NOW at othvolun.wix.com/volunteerdrawing boards, right down to

the grounds in the Tampines heartlands and back to drawings. This intensity also stems from the unique participatory design process and model of multiple-agency collaboration in such a large magnitude.”

As for lessons learnt from working on a project of this scale? Chee Huang says: “This experience has continued to strengthen my belief in the importance and benefits of social-based architecture as well as a more participatory design process; to purposefully co-create a project that brings our community closer in a more cohesive way, adding delight to their daily lives”.

For the full interview with Sarah and Chee Huang, please log on to www.ourtampineshub.sg

SCAN ME


nestar

If you are buying a bowl of fish soup at a hawker or food court

stall, you can expect to be served fish like sliced batang (Spanish mackerel). But how about golden snapper, parrot fish or Norwegian salmon? Or even lobster, Mediterranean crab, bullfrog and crocodile meat?

You can get these less common varieties of seafood and meat at food court stall Wang Yuan (旺源), run by Mr Derrick Ng, at Tampines Central Community Centre. At his stall which he runs with his father, he offers a mind-boggling 30 varieties of sustainably harvested fish. On top of that, every serving of fish soup comes with generous handfuls of vegetables, making it possibly one of the healthiest dishes around.

Mr Ng, 35, is among a new wave of young hawkers emerging in Singapore who have higher education, are passionate about the food they’re selling and are keen to reinvent hawker fare. He is also an

Read and watch more at Derrick’s blog, Facebook and video:

http://derrick-green.blogspot.sg/

https://www.facebook.com/wangyuanfishsoup/

https://vimeo.com/130179096

advocate of sustainable agriculture and natural food.

For a while, Mr Ng, a North East district resident, even grew his own vegetables for use in his fish soup. He had started growing them in the corridor outside his HDB flat, but eventually, he took over the Tampines Ville Community Garden to meet rising demand. He says: “Growing my own vegetables meant my customers got to enjoy healthy, organic greens.”

Generation Green Hawker-Entrepreneur

Unfortunately, he had to suspend operations of his vegetable garden-farm because of high costs. But meanwhile, he is busy spreading the word on health and nutrition through his facebook page, where he regularly posts health advice and dietary tips.

Mr Ng hadn't always dreamt of being a hawker-preneur and health advocate, however. A former Singapore Armed Forces logistician and an engineering diploma holder, he had to make a career switch after he sustained an injury in a fall. Also, he developed an interest in health and nutrition when he wanted

to help boost the immunity of his son, who was in poor health then. Mr Ng then hit on the idea of setting up a healthy food stall with his father, who has been the trade for more than 20 years, and Wang Yuan was born in 2011.

Moving on, Mr Ng wants to resume operating an integrated farm-to-table concept where he can serve the vegetables he grows. He says: “I am waiting for the right time to continue my dream.”

Mr Ng used to grow vegetables outside his HDB flat.

Take your pick from a mind-boggling 30 varieties of fish and seafood from the menu.

HealthcomesfirstforfishsoupstallholderDerrickNg,whoservesupseafooddishesthatareasnutritious as they are tasty


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When bus driver Mr Neo Boon Lay developed blurred vision and blind spots in his visual field

in 2006, he was forced to retire early from a job he had held for 20 years. This unfortunate development left him struggling with his daily expenses and the accumulated medical bills.

With his wife and a teenage daughter to care for, he was on the verge of despair when Mayor Teo Ser Luck assisted him with his medical bills in 2012. That encounter also brought Mr Neo to North East CDC, where he was matched with suitable programmes to help him get back on his feet.

Having learnt some technical skills while growing up in a kampung, Mr Neo decided to set up a bicycle repair business because he is handy with bicycles. In addition, he realised that Sengkang residents do need this service as there are very few bicycle repair shops within the vicinity.

With the help of Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S ( a job placement centre started in year 2004), Mr Neo was allocated a rent-free space in

A New Lease of Life for His Career

Residents looking for a job may go to the nearest Job Placement Centres (JPCs)

Project S.U.C.C.E.S.S. 2 Sengkang Square #04-04 Sengkang Community Club Singapore 545025 Tel: 6388-1742

Job Hub @ Rivervale Blk 193 Rivervale Drive, #01-787, Singapore 540193 Tel: 6388-2023

1-Stop @ Paya Lebar Blk 115 Hougang Avenue 1, #01-1314, Singapore 530115 Tel: 6289-0115

Hougang Job Hub Blk 2 Hougang Avenue 3 #01-292 , Singapore 530002 Tel: 6383-5935

Job Hub @ BRP Blk 810 Hougang Central #02-216, Singapore 530810 Tel: 6289-2601

Sengkang Community Club to set up his bicycle repair business, where it still operates seven days a week, from 10am to 7pm.

It has been four years since his bicycle repair kiosk opened and Mr Neo now has a steady stream of customers, residents who drop by regularly to have their bicycle tyres checked, chains lubricated and other small problems fixed. Some of his customers have even become his regular kopi kakis. (coffee break friends).

His bicycle repair store takes in about $400 to $500 a month, which is not a large sum of money but Mr Neo is happy to be earning his keep. He said that he is proud to be independent and self-reliant again.

Staff from North East CDC still call or visit Mr Neo from time to time, to check if he needs any financial or medical assistance. In the past few years, he had been granted medical assistance, as well as utility and conservancy assistance. With a card provided by Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), Mr Neo now enjoys discounted travel on public transport.

Mr Neo is grateful for the slew of schemes provided by the Government and North East CDC to assist him in all these years. Mayor Teo Ser Luck still visits him whenever he is in the vicinity, to check on how he is doing.

Mr Neo told us that he is a contented man, he said: “I am happy to be independent and to work again.”


A Small Move Makes a Big Difference

You have volunteered in the grassroots for many years. How have things changed?

I served as a grassroots volunteer in Teck Ghee for 27 years, working mainly with youths. When I came to Hougang late last year, my roles and responsibilities expanded. Hougang has a higher proportion of senior citizens, so I have to address issues such as active ageing. One of my priorities now is taking care of the physical and mental well-being of senior residents in the community but I will continue to look after other age groups as well.

How are you handling your new challenges?

We have introduced wellness programmes to promote active ageing, featuring activities like brisk walking, social dance, some simple sports and medical check-ups. To keep senior citizens engaged, we have also included them in the Community Employment Programme – Active Agers (CEP-AA) to help them get temporary jobs (such as manning mobile cafes) or permanent positions.

To make the roads safer in Hougang, we have marked out Silver Zones with elderly-friendly road safety features. And, like in the other

housing estates, the HDB blocks here are getting lift upgradings too.

How has your move to Hougang changed your priorities and perspective towards life?

One major change is that my role has expanded. In Teck Ghee, I was involved mainly with youths. I started out as a children’s camp instructor in Teck Ghee in 1989 before I became a grassroots leader responsible for grooming future youth leaders. As I am holding a full-time job, now I have to do more with less time and I need to better manage my time and prioritise things. My engagement with different residents also helped me to understand their diverse needs and aspirations.

Has anything left a deep impression on you?

There are many incidents, but I will cite just one. There is a couple in our community – the wife has cancer while the husband is unemployed. Besides providing free food supplements,

Q

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Mr Lee Hong Chuang, a grassroots volunteer-turned-Grassroots Adviser, is passionate about improving lives in Hougang SMC.

adviser Q & A

North East CDC worked with Sun Love, a VWO, to get an ambulance to take the wife to hospital for physiotherapy. They have to pay only a token sum for it. Later on, we helped them rent rehabilitation equipment from the hospital so that she can do physiotherapy at home, which makes it more convenient for her.

They have been very appreciative of such an arrangement, and this showed me that a small gesture can mean so much to people. It has taught me to go the extra mile to help others.

You were a former national athlete and a SEA Games competition manager. What inspired you to serve in the grassroots?

In my teenage years, I trained as a gymnast for hours after school. On weekdays, I put in nine hours of gruelling training from 2pm to 11pm. During the weekends, I trained from 9am to 2pm. I did my homework and school projects after my training.

Training in this fashion not only strengthened my physical stamina but also greatly boosted my concentration, determination and perseverance.

When I volunteered as a gymnastics coach in a community club, a boy came to me one day and said, “if I didn’t meet you and pick up gymnastics, I would have been lost”, meaning he might have become a delinquent. Words like these have motivated me since. I am willing to spend time and effort to make a difference to our community.

Q

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Wearing two hats as a working mother and Adviser to Punggol West GROs enables Ms Sun Xue Ling to understand the challenges her residents face.

Closer to Residents, Closer to Solving Issues Together

What has been your biggest challenge doing grassroots work so far and what has been your response to it?

Punggol West is growing very quickly. We expect to have about 33 percent more residents within the next four years. Given the age of our constituency, we have a relatively new grassroots network. As the residents here are new and are busy settling their families down, it takes more time to encourage them to take up volunteer work. Thus, we face the formidable challenge of recruiting grassroots volunteers to represent the interests of our residents and respond effectively to issues raised.

I have been conducting weekly house visits and have used the opportunity to encourage residents to step forward to serve as volunteers. I have also leveraged on a core group of experienced grassroots volunteers to hot-house new volunteers. In the meantime, we are organising many community activities to promote neighbourliness and to also encourage the community to come together to solve issues.

What has inspired you the most since you became an adviser to Punggol West Grassroots Organisations?

I have been exploring ways to create temporary infrastructural solutions in Punggol West as young parents would like more facilities for their little ones.

I was thus delighted to work with North East CDC to put together a container library of 2,000 books for a start to serve the needs of young children in Punggol West. I am also extremely grateful to Loyang Tua Pek Kong for sponsoring a huge part of the costs for the container library and also the National Library Board for partnering us on this project.

I am looking forward to working with North East CDC to create a toy library for my residents and also kick start a story-telling programme. We will also engage residents to co-create these places together-we will be starting a book donation and toy donation drive and also training parent volunteers to engage in story-telling.

Whatarethebenefitsofbeing a working mother serving the needs of residents in Punggol?

I think being a mother of a three-year-old and with another on the way is helpful in understanding the needs of young families in Punggol. As I amble along the walkways of Punggol town with my seven-month-pregnant belly, I am more keenly aware of the issues that young families bring up to me such as places where prams are unable to access and the wish for childcare centres near their homes. I have discussed with the agencies to construct pedestrian crossings where necessary and to make them pram- and wheelchair-friendly. I am also starting a study corner where mums in the community can help to watch over our children as I understand the importance of having a conducive environment for our children to study. So I think that being a working mother allows me to look through the lenses of young families and help bring about solutions to better address their needs.

QQ


What: SG51 Lift Decals

Where: Throughout

North East District

Tampines Central Kaki Bukit Bedok Reservoir - Punggol

Hougang Pasir Ris East Punggol Coast

Giving Thanks Goes On Lifts

Last year, to commemorate SG50, North East CDC ran a campaign called SG50 Give Thanks @ NE, and invited residents to submit

videos or photographs to thank a person who made a difference in their lives. At the same time, residents could share how they would like to pay their gratitude forward.

The campaign received a good response, with an encouraging number of people submitting their pictures. And now, riding on the momentum of SG50, the photographs have been turned into lift decals in the community-based project, Celebrating 51 Years Of National Building. It aims to share the pictures of gratitude among residents.

So, the next time you see these decals on the doors of lifts, do remember to give thanks to someone you’re grateful for!

happenings in the neighbourhood

National Day Pride and Joy

What: National Day

Observance Ceremonies

When: In the month of August

Where: 1: Punggol View Primary School

2. Bedok Reservoir Floating

Platform

3. Eunos Community Club

4. Open Field Beside

Pasir Ris MRT

The month of August is a time for jubilation as Singaporeans across the island get together

with their grassroots leaders and Advisers to celebrate the nation's birthday at various events. Here, we capture the joyous mood of celebrations at Bedok Reservoir, Pasir Ris, Eunos and Punggol.

1

3

2

4

What: Adopt-A-Community

Programme

When: Launched 25 May 2016

Where: Throughout North East CDC

What: “Creating Possibilities

– A Job Fair for All”

When: 14 May 2016

Where: Hougang Central Hub

At this library, children are encouraged to play. This is not your typical library however; it is a toy library

and playroom at Pasir Ris Elias Community Club where children with special needs can play together with other children. The new inclusive space contains toys that are selected not just for their fun factor, but which also allow the children to develop their skills and creativity. A toy loan programme may start when more toys are available.

Ms Jessie Holmberg, North East CDC's District Councillor and Executive Director of Cerebral Palsy Alliance Singapore, said: “Barriers can be non-existent when children start playing together at an early age. In fact, when children see their peers needing help, they will learn to look beyond their own needs and care for

A Library Beyond Books

one another.”Over the next few months,

the initiative will also be extended to classrooms at Metta Welfare Association and Society for the Physically Disabled.

A Special Job Fair

At the job fair, WSG also shared information about its Reskilling for Jobs Programme, which aims to strengthen the employability of Singaporeans, particularly rank-and-file job seekers, through a short-term on-the-job training with a host company. It will also provide employers the chance to assess a job seeker’s job fit before offering employment.


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More than 200 vacancies were open to Persons With Disabilities (PWD) at this job fair jointly organised

by North East CDC and the Workforce Singapore (WSG). Ten participating companies, including Siloso Beach Resort, Zingrill Holding, Japan Food Holdings and NTUC FairPrice Co-operative Ltd, offered PWD-friendly positions such as retail assistants, telephone operators and service crew.

Businesses are able to see how hiring PWDs can benefit everyone in the company. Mr Kelvin Nah, a Manager at RMA Group, said: “By employing PWDs, companies give them the opportunities to see value in themselves. Staff who work with PWDs also become more caring workers.”

Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive of WSG, believes that such an initiative plays an important role in helping businesses adapt to the demands of the labour market. He said: “In today’s tight labour market, companies need to embrace greater diversity and inclusiveness in their workplace.”

Needed: Expertise to help vulnerable residents. North East CDC, which launched a new initiative, Adopt-A-

Community Programme, hopes that companies can come forward with ideas, expertise and staff volunteers to help the community apart from financial contributions.

There are currently seven programmes under this initiative, which include the Dedicated North East Ambulance Service, in which wheelchair users or the bed-bound receive subsidised ambulance support services, and the Special Talent Fund, which helps those with special needs develop their talent. Other programmes like Cafe Corners and Mobile Libraries provide temporary employment for residents while they search for a permanent job.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said: “The support of individual and corporate donors helps the North East community to foster friendships and neighbourliness in our multi-racial and multi-religious society.”

Support In Kind For Residents In Need

To many people, walking 100,000km may sound insurmountable. But for staff and students of Tampines

Junior College, walking that distance was a way to bring food for the low-income families of the North East District.

The challenge, which ran from February to the end of May, was part of the college’s 30th anniversary celebration. It was supported by North East CDC and Loyang Tua Pek Kong Temple and successfully raised $60,000.

The students accompanied the beneficiaries to a hypermart for an early Hari Raya shopping trip, where families could choose what they

A 100,000 km Walk Goes A Long Way

A Fresh Look For Homes

National Day cheer came early for 60 residents from 30 less-privileged households in Tampines when their homes

were given a sprucing up in July and August under Young NTUC’s U Heart: Project Refresh programme.

In this project, 160 volunteers, including members of Young NTUC, eight NTUC-affiliated unions, youths from Tampines GRC and members of the public, helped less-privileged families spring clean their homes, clearing clutter, painting their walls and conducting bed bug fumigation.

A block party with performances and games was also held for about 140 Tampines residents in July.

Mayor of North East District, Mr Teo Ser Luck, was encouraged by the

act of young people coming together to help those who are less privileged than them. He said: “These youths are socially aware and they act on it. They understand how a clean home, clear of clutter and with a fresh coat of paint, can make a difference to the residents. North East CDC is certainly happy to support a programme that helps improve lives.”

Mr Desmond Choo, Executive Secretary of Young NTUC, added: “Our youth volunteers are determined not to leave anyone behind in the progress of our nation and hope to bring the spirit of celebration and cheer closer to the homes of these less-privileged families through Young NTUC’s Project Refresh.”

wanted to buy. Madam Phyllis Tng, Chairman

of Tampines Changkat Community Development and Welfare Fund (CDWF) and a District Councillor with North East CDC, said: “Taking families to shop for what they need is more meaningful than purchasing for them items that they may already have. This is certainly rewarding for all of us.”

FairPrice Xtra also had their staff on standby to ensure that everyone had a pleasant shopping experience. At the end of the trip, families were also surprised with a goodie bag full of essentials by the hypermart.


happenings in the neighbourhood

Upcoming Events

upcoming events


Event Date/ Time Venue Contact Details

I See, I Do Workshop (For parents to cultivate healthy habits for their child) (English)

3 December 2016 9.30am – 10.30am

Kaki Bukit Park RC, Blk 550, Bedok North Avenue 1, #01-496, Singapore 460550

Desmond – 6445 4223

BMI and Blood Pressure Check

11 December 20168.30am – 9.30am


Desmond – 6445 4223

Nurture Your Mind (English)

11 December 20169.30am – 10.30am


Desmond – 6445 4223

Festive Wishes Come True 2016

17 December 2016 1pm – 4pm

Tampines Changkat CC Multi-Purpose Hall

Melissa – 6781 1806

Kaki Bukit Countdown

31 December 20168.30pm – 12.30am

Kaki Bukit Neighbourhood Park, beside Blk 551 Bedok North Avenue 1, Singapore 460551

Clara – 6445 4223

NE celebrates National Day 2016

18 AUGUST – NOVEMBER 2016

When Pasir Ris-Punggol residents got together for a National Day Dinner on August 6, they got to enjoy more than just good food. They were also entertained by stage performances and got to enjoy one another’s company. The

residents, all togged out in red and white in line with the dress code, ended the evening with a sing-along while merrily waving the Singapore flags in their hands.

Red and white dinner

smart living

Life Made EasyFor many of us, daily activities such as using chopsticks to eat noodles, scooping soup with a

spoon and picking up light items with our hands come so naturally to us that we don’t think twice about it. But for someone who is less dextrous, simple acts like these can be a challenge.

In this issue of Heartbeat, we source for items that can make everyday living easier for our elderly loved ones.

Soft Spoon Who is this for? This silicone spoon is for stroke patients and elderly people who have poor dexterity and have trouble using regular utensils which are heavier and harder to grip.

Why buy this?a) The silicone spoon has a textured surface which makes it less slippery and easier to grip.b) It also has a thicker hand grip which is useful for people who cannot curl their fingers fully.c) It is lightweight and bendable.

Effectiveness: Functionality:

DumbbellsWho is this for? Bed-bound patients or patients with heart disease who do not get enough exercise. A person who does not exercise will get weaker, causing him or her to become more sedentary and dependent.

Why buy this?a) The dumbbells work muscle groups in the upper body, including the arms. Using them regularly will help your loved ones build up strength, allowing them to carry out daily activities like showering or washing clothes on their own. This will let them become more independent and restore their dignity. b) The dumbbells are made of rubber and easier to grip.

Things to note: After using these dumbbells for a while, the patient will get used to their weight. To ensure the patient continues to get a workout, buy a few dumbbells with different weights so the patient can move on to progressively heavier weights.

Effectiveness: Function:

Training ChopsticksWho is this for? Elderly people who prefer to eat with chopsticks rather than a fork and spoon.

Why buy this?a) These chopsticks are designed to be easier to use than regular chopsticks and they help a patient train his or her fine finger movements.

Things to note: Using these chopsticks do require the patient to have better control of finger movements than when using other utensils.

Effectiveness: Functionality:

This story was featured in an issue of NextStep magazine, published by the Agency for Integrated Care for caregivers and seniors. You can find the latest copies of NextStep at community centres or download it on www.silverpages.sg/resource-library/NextStep.

These items are available at

pharmacies.


ne


xchange

Sudoku Challenge

9 8 7

2 7

7 2 4

3 2 5 9

4 9 8 3

7 4 6 8

8 5 9

1 2

8 6 7

Complete either puzzle and stand to win a $20 CapitaVoucher.

HOW TO PLAYEnter the numbers from 1 to 9 in the blank spaces. Every row and every column must contain only one of each number. This also applies to every 3x3 square. Have fun!

✁

The challenge is open to all North East residents of Aljunied, Pasir Ris-Punggol and Tampines GRCs, as well as Hougang and Punggol East SMCs.

Closing date is November 30, 2016.

To participate, please send completed entries to: HEARTBEAT ‘Sudoku Challenge’ August-November 2016 Contest, NTUC Income, Tampines Junction, 300 Tampines Avenue 5, #06-01, Singapore 529653. Winners will be notified by North East CDC.

Puzzles taken from © Web Sudoku 2016 - www.websudoku.com

RESULTS OF ‘SUDOKU

CHALLENGE’ CONTEST

(Apr–Jul 2016)

Name:

NRIC:

Address:

Email:

Contact:

✁

Spot The Locations ContestHOW TO PLAYIdentify the 4 locations shown in these photographs.

The contest is open to all residents of Aljunied, Pasir Ris-Punggol and Tampines GRCs, as well as Hougang and Punggol East SMCs.

Closing date is November 30, 2016.

To participate, please send completed entries to: HEARTBEAT ‘Spot the Locations’ August-November 2016 Contest, NTUC Income, Tampines Junction, 300 Tampines Avenue 5, #06-01, Singapore 529653. Winners will be notified by North East CDC.

Name:

NRIC:

Address:

Email:

Contact:

4 7 5 8 6 9 3 2 13 1 2 4 7 5 6 9 89 8 6 1 2 3 5 4 7

5 9 8 7 4 2 1 6 32 3 1 5 9 6 7 8 46 4 7 3 8 1 9 5 2

8 5 4 6 1 7 2 3 91 6 9 2 3 8 4 7 57 2 3 9 5 4 8 1 6

1 2

3 4

Answers:

Picture 1:

Picture 2:

Picture 3:

Picture 4:


Yuzu Spinach SaladMethod (Dressing)1 Add all the juices and sugar together in a mixing bowl.2 Whisk until the sugar melts. Add salt and pepper to taste.3 Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and continue to whisk until the olive oil emulsifies with the juices.4 Add more salt, pepper and sugar to taste if desired. Set aside

(Salad)1 Add green apple, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes and yuzu into a separate mixing bowl.2 Drizzle 2 tablespoons of salad dressing and mix gently. (You may add more dressing if you wish.)3 Place salad in a cold plate and generously sprinkle with nuts.

Ingredients

Green Apple (julienned) Baby Spinach 100gCherry Tomatoes (cut into halves) 5-6 pcsPine Nuts cupWalnut cupFresh Yuzu (julienned)

Dressing

Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 cupLemon Juice 1 tbspOrange Juice 1 tbspYuzu Juice 2 tspSalt To tasteWhite Pepper To tasteSugar To taste

makan2

Wanttocookyourownhealthymealsbutfindyourselfshortof time? Starting from this issue, we will present recipes for dishes that are not only healthy but also quick and easy to prepare.Enjoy!

Yuzu is a citrus fruit originally cultivated in China’s Yangtse River region. The fruit was introduced to Japan in about 710 A.D where it was grown as a culinary delicacy as well as for medicine. To this day, locals use whole ripe yuzu fruit for therapeutic baths because the aroma is relaxing and the essential oil released from the fruit (called nomilin) helps to improve blood circulation.

The fruit has three times as much vitamin C as a lemon and the highest amount of bioflavonoids (vitamin P) among citrus fruits.

DID YOU KNOW?

Source: Health No. 1 健康No. 1 (www.facebook.com/healthnumber1/) Recipes by: Chef Yeo Kian Tiong, 杨建忠, Cornerstone Photo by: Chang King Boon 庄耿闻　

SERVES

4


TERMS & CONDITIONS: Coupons must be presented before purchase. Promotion valid till 31st Jan 2017. The management reserves the right to amend at anytime without prior notice. Coupon must be valid for at least two months from date of publication.

E.g. Coupon must be valid till Sep 2016 at least if published in Jul – Sep 2016 issue.

10% offevery $30 purchase

selected items

Block 139, Tampines Street 11, #01-90 Singapore 521139

BGH SUPERSTORE

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Coupons must be presented before registering. Valid for new and existing student only. Promotion valid till 31st Dec 2016. The management reserves the right to

amend at anytime without prior notice. Coupon must be valid for at least two months from date of publication. E.g. Coupon must be valid till Sep 2016 at least if published in Jul – Sep 2016 issue.

One-time-off of $20 per student for registering/re-registering for

Primary (P1 to P6) or Secondary (S1-S4) Chinese Enrichment Class with a

minimum of 3 months period.

Blk 481, Tampines Street 44 #02-277 (Beside CK Department Store)

CHINESE LANGUAGE GARDEN PTE.LTD

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Coupon must be presented before purchase.The Management reserves the right to amend mechanics without prior notice. Promotion valid till 31 Jan 2017. Coupon must be valid for at least two months from date of publication. E.g. Coupon must be

valid till Dec 2016 at least if published in Jul – Sep 2016 issue.

15% offFOR ALL ITEMS

Blk 206, Hougang Street 21, Kovan Hub S(530206), Pushcart Lot 7

DR. KEYS STATION

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Applicable for Nippon Paint selected range only. Coupon must be presented before purchase. Promotion valid till 31st Dec 2016.

Coupon must be valid for at least two months from date of publication. E.g. Coupon must be valid till Sep 2016 at least if published in Jul – Sep 2016 issue.

Free Painting kit setwith minimum purchase of

$250 of paint

Bedok Reservoir Road, Blk 631, #01-894 S(470631)Enquiry: Mr Tan 64450485

ENG SHENG HARDWARE ELECTRIC

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Only for Special Offer items. Management reserves the right to amend mechanics without prior notice. Promotion valid till Dec 2016.

Coupon must be valid for at least two months from date of publication. E.g. Coupon must be valid till Sep 2016 at least if published in Jul – Sep 2016 issue.

30% off on 1st item

50% off on 2nd item

Bedok Reservoir Road, Blk 631, #01-960 S(470631)Enquiry: Vincent 62428963

THE WAY COLOUR CENTRE & SERVICES

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Only for walk-in purchase. Coupons must be presented before purchase. The management reserves the right to amend mechanics without prior notice. Promotion valid till Dec 2016. Coupon must be valid for at least two months from date of

publication. E.g. Coupon must be valid till Sep 2016 at least if published in Jul – Sep 2016 issue.

15% offwith minimum order of $50

Bedok Reservoir Rd, Blk 631, #01-916 S(470631)Enquiry: Ms Syah 90184947 [email protected]

SR BAKERY PTE LTD

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Coupon must be presented before purchase. Promotion valid till 31st Dec 2016 •The management reserves the right to amend the promotion at any time

without prior notice. Coupon must be valid for at least two months from date of publication. E.g. Coupon must be valid till Jul 2016 at least if published in Jul – Sep 2016 issue.

10% Discount off any chemical hairworks

Blk 201-E Tampines Street 23 #01-K1, Singapore 527201Enquiry: Victor Oh 96860962 [email protected]

VICTOR HAIRWORKZ

TERMS & CONDITIONS: Coupons must be presented before purchase. Promotion valid till 31st Dec 2017. The management reserves the right to amend at anytime without prior notice. *Coupon must be valid for at least two months from date of publication. E.g.

Coupon must be valid till Sep 2016 at least if published in Jul – Sep 2016 issue.

Block 201D, Tampines Street 21, #02-1145 Singapore 524201Enquiry: 67811333 [email protected]

MANNING MUSIC CENTRE PTE LTD

50% off Guitars, Violin, Ukulele, Cajon

Additional 20% off music class is only applicable to the first month of classes

✁

coupons

classifieds

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We would like to use this section to encourage readers to submit inspirational stories of individuals in the North East District. Readers can submit their stories to [email protected] Selected stories will receive $30 CapitaVouchers. Submitted stories should include:• 2 photos of the inspirational person• Write up no less than 100 words• Contact details of the writer, including, name and handphone number

Inspirational Story in the North East

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