Tree Planting @ Marsiling - 1 November 2009

NACLI-RP Joint Certificate Graduation Ceremony - 25 October 2009

Western Adventure Park Connector Network (PCN)

The 23km Western Adventure Park Connector Network (PCN) joins 8 parks in western Singapore, namely Choa Chu Kang Park, Villa Verde Park, Zhenghua Park, Dairy Farm Nature Park, Bukit Batok Nature Park, Bukit Batok Town Park, Limbang Park and Bukit Panjang Park.

The Western Adventure PCN caters to users ranging from the adventure-seekers to the nature lovers and families. For the adventure-seekers, they can go mountain biking at Zhenghua Park and Dairy Farm Nature Park, rock climbing at Dairy Farm Quarry and hiking at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and Zhenghua Park. For the nature lovers, the Western Adventure PCN offers them opportunities to spot butterflies, birds and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

The Western Adventure PCN is the second loop of park connectors to be completed, after the Eastern Coastal PCN in December 2007. Five more loops of park connectors are in the pipeline.

To find out more, click here...

Deepavali

Deepavali or Diwali, in Sanskrit means 'rows of lights'. So it is quite apt to call Deepavali the 'Festival of Lights'. It is traditional for to light small clay lamps.

There are several legends which explain why lamps are lit during Deepavali. But there seems to be a common theme about these legends: good will eventually overcome evil. So by lighting lamps during Deepavali, Hindus celebrate the victory of light over darkness. To read more of such legends, click here...

It's also a time to drop bad habits and bring on the good, to let knowledge triumph over ignorance. It represents the dawn of good things to come!

During Diwali, many wear new clothes and share sweets/snacks with each other. Some Indian business communities start their financial year by opening new account books on the first day of Diwali for good luck the following year.

Here's wishing all our Hindu friends, a Happy Deepavali!

Launch of the National Brisk Walking Clubs

Today marked the launch of the National Brisk Walking Clubs in Singapore. The initiative is supported by various government agencies and is part of the government's efforts to promote healthy lifestyle and bonding among Singaporeans.

The national effort was launched on Sunday by Minister in the Prime Minister's Office, Lim Boon Heng, together with the mayors of the five Community Development Councils (CDCs) at the Singapore Turf Club. Thousands participated in the launch and brisk walking trek around the Turf Club.

The five CDCs have helped form 391 brisk walking clubs with close to 80,000 brisk walkers as at the end of August this year. They hope to increase the number of clubs to 620 with some 100,000 members in the next three years.

Other initiatives include :

• Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports (MCYS)to provide the People's Association with a grant of up to $1.9 million from 1 April this year till 31 March 2012 to implement the National Brisk Walking Clubs initiative.
• Health Promotion Board (HPB) will enhance the capability of the exercise leaders and develop resource materials to educate the residents and oversee the evaluation of the programme in terms of the effectiveness in improving the fitness level and health behaviours of participants.

F1 Singapore 2009

This year's Grand Prix was held over 3 days, 25-27 September. Being the only F1 night race in the world has put Singapore at the centre of attention, at least for the 2 hours when millions of F1 fans all over the world tune in to catch the action amidst the well-lit skyline of our little country.

The view is simply spectacular, with a blend of colonial buildings in the foreground against the backdrop of modern buildings. Guess what? Next year's skyline will be different with the completion of our Marina integrated resort.

This year there were also a series of mega star performances at Fort Canning by Jacky Cheung, A-mei, Beyonce etc Definitely party time for our little island as we welcome international guests to join in the fun!

For results of the 2009 Grand Prix in Singapore, click here...

Selamat Hari Raya Adilfitri

This year, Muslims celebrate it on 20 Sep 09. The celebration signifies the end of the fasting season of Ramadan for a month. The celebration is determined by sighting of the new moon. This is the most significant celebration for the Muslims. Muslims starts the day by congregating in the mosques early in the morning to perform Hari Raya Puasa prayers followed by visits to the graves of the departed. To find out more, click here...

We wish all our Muslim friends a Selamat Hari Raya!!!

Photos contributed by Ms Angela Goh

More Childcare Centres by PCF

The number of childcare centres run by the PAP Community Foundation(PCF) is set to more than double in the next two years to meet demand.

The PCF, which runs 33 Sparkle*Tots childcare centres, is looking to add at least 40 more in the next two years. This is in line with a plan announced earlier by the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports, to add some 200 childcare centres industry-wide in the next five years.

Efforts are also being made to improve the quality of education in both childcare centres and kindergartens. This can only be achieved with the help of qualified PCF teachers. PCF wants its teachers to continue learning by making scholarships and subsidies available to them to encourage them to upgrade their skills.

By 2013, PCF aims to equip 95% of its teachers with a professional diploma and at least 25% of them with a degree. The PCF also wants to encourage its principals to upgrade themselves, and in the long term, have all of them possess a degree.

"Going Solo"

An initiative by the labour movement - NTUC Women's Development Secretariat : a guidebook aimed at single mothers titled, Going Solo. NTUC said that the growing number of single moms is a concern.

The book includes information on help schemes, with a section devoted to explaining their legal rights. NTUC said many single mothers often do not know who to approach for help. Issues like the custody of the children, access to children, distribution of the matrimonial assets etc are some of the areas where the women are lacking in information and when they are not aware of their rights, it is difficult for them to enforce these rights.

NTUC hopes that its efforts will help raise awareness of the difficulties they face, and go some way in removing the stigma of single parenthood.

About 2,000 copies of Going Solo will be distributed free to single mothers.

Visit to fire victim's house

Mr Hawazi visited the fire victim's family in Marsiling on Wednesday,2 September 2009 and presented a cheque as an immediate relief to the family.

Also present was the Civil Defence officer explaining and showing Mr Hawazi the extent of the damages to the flat. The officer also took time to explain to the resident on the use of the fire extinguisher.

The HDB and Town Council also extended their assistance to the fire victim's family during this time.

Hari Raya Hongbao - 29 August 09

Distribution of Hari Raya Hongbao to the Malay and Muslim needy families at Marsiling Community Club on a Saturday afternoon by Mr Hawazi. He also took the opportunity to give away bursaries to 15 needy students sponsored by SembCorp Marine.

1, 2, TREE, 4, Fi, Sic, 7, Egg

Sounds familiar?? Other than the usual lah, lor, meh and mah...

The Speak Good English Movement is a nationwide movement to encourage Singaporeans to speak grammatically correct English that is universally understood. The program was launched in 2000 by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong.

I didn't even know of this initiative until today while reading "My Paper" and sipping my morning coffee. A bright banner with colorful words flashing "Six Lives. One Launguage."

To find out more, click here...

Project "Corporate Doors"

Photo Source : Yellow Ribbon Project website

The aim of this new initiative, "Corporate Doors" was mooted by the Industrial and Services Co-operative Society and the Singapore Business Federation, is to get companies to hire at least one ex-offender to give them a chance at a new lease of life. More than 50 companies have already signed up for the Corporate Doors initiative.

The recidivism rate of prisoners is going down – in 1988, 44 per cent of ex-convicts landed in jail again, but by 2006, the figure was down to 25 per cent.

The Yellow Ribbon Project (official launch in 2004) has been successful in raising public awareness about the difficulties and challenges of ex-offenders and their families. , meaning they would be employing at least one ex-offender in their company.

It is encouraging that the Government has been supporting such projects to re-introduce the ex-inmates into the society and giving them a chance to start life afresh.

Race and Religion in Singapore Politics

Photo Source

An article from Channel News Asia which I found interesting especially after the PM Lee's speech on racial harmony.

Text as below :

"In a rare speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Singapore's Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew pointed out what he feels are the stark realities of race relations in Singapore. While one of the basic rules of governance here is to keep the state secular, political observers said race and religion can never be truly separated from Singapore's political structure.

84-year-old Othman Wok is one of Singapore's pioneer leaders. He was the first minister to be put in charge of Muslim affairs before the portfolio was formalised in Cabinet. He explained that while his role was to oversee specific issues concerning his community, such as the building of mosques and pilgrimage arrangements, there was also the task of being the intermediary between the government and the minority Muslim community. "To see that everybody is treated equally because these communities sometimes have their own problems. So for the Muslims, you have to have a Malay who understands their problem," he said. "The government gets feedback from whoever's in charge - What is the best way to solve this? Why did it happen? Although it's peaceful, sometimes little things can happen. Part of my role was to see that race relations between the Muslims and the rest were smooth."

The position of Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs was formalised in 1977. Today, it is a position held by Minister of Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim.

Having lived through the 1964 race riots, Mr Othman knows too well that race relations are delicate. "It's always there. The only thing is to calm it down, to keep it down so that it won't flare up again. My generation, the future generation – it's the same thing," he said.

Other ministers have also been informally tasked to oversee the Indian and Eurasian communities – Senior Minister S Jayakumar for the Indian community and Foreign Minister George Yeo for the Eurasian community.

Eugene Tan, assistant professor, School of Law, Singapore Management University, said: "I think we have reached a stage where if any particular religious or racial community feels insecure, our ethnic peace and stability would be under threat. "When individual communities' identities are secure, I think that would contribute to the overall peace and stability that we've enjoyed. It's part of the whole exercise of confidence building." Some point to the Group Representation Constituency (GRC) system, which ensures minority representation in Parliament, as another example of the reality of Singapore politics with regard to race and religion.

Bilveer Singh, political scientist from the National University of Singapore, explained: "In housing, there is no place in Singapore where a minority is a majority. If you play politics and leave it to the state of nature, there will not be a single Indian or Malay in Parliament through a natural process, so you have to politicise race and religion on this count for the sake of a bigger good. "This is a benign politicisation, compared to maligned politicisation. Maligned politicisation would be a Chinese, Malay or Indian (who) asserts and demands that the state play politics according to one's race, religion. The GRC is not about creating a Malay or a Chinese or an Indian constituency per se, but it's about representation. "We politicise race and religion in a very indirect fashion. If you don't do so, politics of race and religion will become de facto a reality because the minorities will say, 'I am not just being under-represented, I am being unrepresented' and the bomb will explode."

Even after 50 years of self-governance, observers said race and religion will continue to shape Singapore's politics, especially with the triple threats of increasing religiosity, ethnic flash points around the region and rising number of new immigrants. No national policy has ever been framed to benefit one particular race or religion, and that is the essence of being a meritocratic, secular society. While every group has its own ethnic autonomous space, this cannot override the common Singaporean space. Increasing the common space for all Singaporeans is key, even for ethnic-based self-help groups.

Today, these groups have evolved to form broad partnerships. For example, Mendaki, SINDA and the CDAC have jointly organised job fairs and offer joint tuition programmes to serve all races."

Ghost Festival - 20 Aug 09

Today, is the 1st day of the Ghost Festival. It is celebrated during the 7th month of the Chinese Lunar calendar.

During this month, the gates of hell are opened up and spirits are free to roam the earth where they seek food and entertainment. These spirits are believed to be ancestors of those who have forgotten to pay tribute to them after they had died, or those who have suffered deaths and were never given a proper ritual for a send-off.

Family members would offer prayers to their deceased relatives and would burn joss paper. Such paper items are only valid in the underworld, which is why they burn it as offering to the ghosts that have come from the gates of hell. Like in the material world, the afterlife is very similar in some aspects, and the paper effigies of material goods would provide comfort to those who have nothing in the afterlife. People would also burn other things such as paper houses, cars, luxury goods to appease the spirits.

One of the most significant things about the Ghost Festival is the getai. These are live performances meant to entertain the spirits and give the "brothers" a good time during their month out.

Click here to find out more...

National Day Rally 2009 - 16 Aug

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (PM) focused on four key issues in his sixth National Day Rally speech

• the economy
• healthcare
• social harmony
• shaping Singapore together

PM mentioned that Singapore has seen the worst of the current recession and although a subdued recovery is expected for the global economy, the country can still grow by sharpening its skills and enlarging its market share. Mr Lee reminded workers to adapt and upgrade themselves.

Mr Lee also acknowledged Singapore's aging population and how the Government is constantly reviewing its policies to adapt to the changing demographics of the nation.

He also spoke at length on the need to maintain social cohesion, particularly racial and religious harmony, which he said will continue to play an important role in Singapore's society.

To watch the Rally or read the text, click here...

For the speech highights, click here...

Marsiling National Day Dinner (08 Aug 2009)

This year National Day Dinner was held on the 08 Aug at our Marsiling very own Mega Hardcourt. Every constituency in Singapore will organise their own National Day Dinner celebration, the aim of this event is to celebrate Singapore's birthday and also to strengthen the bonds among Marsiling residents.

 

This year, we saw around 2000 residents attending this event. Community leaders who had served more than 20 years also received their long service award from our advisor, Mr. Hawazi.

 

Performers from various schools and marsiling very own grassroots organisations are involved in this event to bring this community celebration to a greater height!

 

This year, we are glad to have Mr. Khaw, Minister for Health to grace the event.

 

We hope to see you in next year "party". 

Positive thinking for a Healthy Mind

Mental health is more than the absence of mental illness. It influences how we feel about ourselves, our relationships and our ability to manage changes, transitions and life events. It can affect anyone, young and the old. It could be caused by work stress or social pressures, find out more on this nationwide campaign by the Health Promotion Board to encourage positive thinking... click here

Raksha Bandhan - 10 Aug 09

"Raksha Bandhan" is a traditional Indian festival aimed at strengthening bonds between siblings. Women or sisters tie special strings called "rakhi" on the wrists of their brothers as well as close male friends whom they consider to be brothers. It's looked upon as a form of blessing. To find out more, click here...

Pledge Moment 2009

Today, Singapore celebrates its 44th birthday with a bash! From Beijing to Jakarta, and even Afghanistan, Singaporeans overseas also took part in the mass pledge taking to showcase their solidarity and unity to the country we call Home.

The Pledge Moment - Sembawang McDonalds

Photo contributed by Goh Peng Hong

Happy 44th Birthday Singapore!

Pledge Moment - 9 Aug 2009 @8.22pm

With Singapore celebrating her 44 birthday this year, the Singapore Pledge is in the limelight. The Pledge Moment will arrive on August 9 at exactly 8.22pm, when Singaporeans are invited to spend 30 seconds reciting the pledge.

The Civil Defence will also mark the Pledge Moment by sounding its 'chime' through its island-wide Public Warning System.

The National Pledge was written by Sinnathamby Rajaratnam in 1966 shortly after Singapore's independence.

The Singapore Pledge in the 4 languages :
English
We, the citizens of Singapore
pledge ourselves as one united people,
regardless of race, language or religion,
to build a democratic society,
based on justice and equality,
so as to achieve happiness, prosperity and
progress for our nation.

Malay
Kami, warganegara Singapura,
sebagai rakyat yang bersatu padu,
tidak kira apa bangsa, bahasa, atau ugama,
berikrar untuk membina suatu masyarakat yang demokratik,
berdasarkan kepada keadilan dan persamaan
untuk mencapai kebahagiaan,
kemakmuran dan kemajuan bagi negara kami.

Chinese

我们是新加坡公民，
誓愿不分种族、言语、宗教，
团结一致，
建设公正平等
的民主社会，
并为实现国家之幸福、繁荣与进步，
共同努力。

Tamil
சிங்கப்பூர் குடிமக்களாகிய நாம் இனம்,மொழி,மதம்
ஆகிய வேற்றுமைகளை மறந்து ஒன்றுபட்டு,நம் நாடு
மகிழ்ச்சி,வளம்,முன்னேற்றம் ஆகியவற்றை அடையும்
வண்ணம் சமத்துவத்தையும்,நீதியையும்
அடிப்படையாக கொண்ட ஜனாயக
சமுதாயத்தை உருவாக்குவதற்கு
உறுதி மேற்கொள்வோ!

My Endearing Home Exibition @ Causeway Point

Check out the fun things to do around your neighbourhood plus exciting developments coming your way presented by the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

Photos contributed by Mr Cheong

Project CAN - 27 July 09

A collaboration between NUS Community Services Committee, SunLove Linkhouse and Marsiling grassroots organisations with support from North West CDC.

Mr Hawazi distributing food rations to needy residents in Marsiling

Photos contributed by Mr Cheong

Marsiling Youth Executive Committee BGM

Marsiling Youth Executive Committee held their Biennial General Meeting on the 18th July 2009 to elect their 14th term Ex-co members to serve the Marsiling Family.

YEC Ex-Co members are all elected rather than appointed into the office. The unique system of YEC allows youths in Marsiling (and other YECs) who are passion card holders to elect their own representatives to serve them better.

This year BGM marks the outgoing of 13 Ex-co members and witnesses an even stronger team of 18 members to serve the Marsiling Family. The incoming Ex-co consists of a good mix of members that include students and professionals.

Marsiling YEC organizes a range of events such as, visits to Homes to share the joys of festive seasons, Policy Forum to empower the Youths and others interesting events.

You may wish to view pictures of the BGM at the following link;
http://www.flickr.com/photos/low_willie/sets/72157621858318038/

If you want to volunteer yourself at the Marsiling YEC, please feel free to pop by any Fuchun or Marsiling CC to sign up with us. Alternatively, you can drop us an email at low_willie@yahoo.com.sg and we will keep you informed of our upcoming activities.

Cheers and have a good week ahead.

Racial Harmony Day

Every year in Singapore, Racial Harmony Day is celebrated on 21 July. The event is to commemorate the Racial Riots which took place on 21 July 1964.

Singaporeans, especially young Singaporeans, may not wonder at our harmonious multi-racial and multi-religious society. Therefore it is important for the schools to use Racial Harmony Day as an opportunity for students to learn and understand why it is important for the society to be built on a rich diversity of culture and heritage. This is exceptionally important for us being a multi-racial society that we understand and be tolerant of the different races.

The racial riot that happened on 21 July 1964 was the worst ever racial riot that happened in Singapore. The incident taught us a valuable lesson - to racial tolerance. This can only be achieved by having better understanding among the people of Singapore and is important to ensure the continued peace and prosperity that we have enjoyed for many years.

In Singapore, all students are encouraged to be dressed in their traditional costumes such as the Cheongsam for the Chinese, Bauju Kurung for the Malay and Sari for the Indians.

SCEC Sports Day @ Woodlands Secondary School field - 19 July 2009

Qigong fan exercise
Stretching exercise & warming-up

Thai Food in Marsiling Blk 136

Hi all, we will be doing some food posting on this blog to recommend places for you to enjoy good food! This week, we will be introducing the Thai food store which we had paid them a visit to try them.

We had ordered around 5 dishes, 1) Pineapple Rice for 4 pax2) Tom Yam Soup for 4 pax3) Thai Fry Kuay Tiao for 1 pax4) Thai Fish Cake (total 5 pcs) for 1 pax5) Papaya SaladThe cost of them is $21. The store is run by Thai, you can tell from they way they spoke. One of them is capable of speaking chinese.

Refer to Flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/low_willie) to do a slide show of the food and you can use the map function there to tell you where is the place.

Reading Marathon 2009

For the first time, READ! Singapore is taking a shot at a Singapore record-setting event with a 144-hour Reading Marathon.

Participants will form teams of not more than 12 members to read the selected READ! Singapore literary works or other stories of their choice for a continuous period of six hours per team.

After completing six hours, each team will pass the baton to the next team to continue the reading marathon. The event will run from 3 to 9 July at The Plaza, National Library Building.

Water + Soap, Germs have no Hope

The most important way to protect ourselves against Influenza A (H1N1) infection is to prevent its spread. Since the illness occurs through direct contact with infectious material and respiratory secretions, it is important to practise good personal hygiene.

Unlike SARS, patients with H1N1 can be infectious before their symptoms appear, or may even not display any symptoms. Therefore, temperature screening is only somewhat useful in detecting cases of H1N1.

Find out how to prevent H1N1 and more.. click here

Republic Run - June 09

"Are we there yet?"


Photos contributed by David Soh

Father's Day

In Singapore, Father's Day falls on every 3rd Sunday of June and this year, it happens to be 21 June 09. However, it might differ in different countries, click here to find out more...

Meanwhile to all the Dads out there, Happy Father's Day! :)

PCN - Park Connectors Network

Have you walked along Woodlands Street 13 and seen "PCN" signs on the path and lamp-posts? Ever wondered what they were?

It's part of the National Parks Singapore efforts to enhance the park experience.

The Woodlands Park Connector runs through the heartlands of Woodlands estate, connecting Admiralty Park, Woodlands Town Park East and Woodlands Town Garden. One of the main highlights is the linear park along the MRT viaduct (Woodlands Ave 3) where users can enjoy their workouts amidst the picturesque landscaped backdrop.

So start adventuring by foot, rollerblades or cycle to start the PCN experience!

Photo contributed by Mr Cheong

Launch of the Woodlands PCN - 26 Apr 09

Workfare Income Supplement Scheme (WIS)

Been hearing about the Workfare Income Supplement (Workfare) Scheme? What is it?

The Workfare Income Supplement (Workfare) Scheme is a permanent scheme to encourage older low wage workers to find work and work regularly, while helping them save for their longer term and retirement needs.

Who qualifies?
To qualify for Workfare for work done in 2008, you must
1) Be a Singapore Citizen;
2) Earn an average monthly income of less than $1,500 during the work period;
3) Be 35 years old and above as at 31 Dec 2008;
4) Stay in a property with an Annual Value of $10,000 or less as at 31 Dec 2007; and
5) Work at least three months in any six month period in the calendar year for half the payout, or at least six months in the calendar year for the full payout.

To qualify for Workfare for work done in 2009, you must
1) Be a Singapore Citizen;
2) Earn an average monthly income of less than $1,500 during the work period;
3) Be 35 years old and above as at 31 Dec 2009;
4) Stay in a property with an Annual Value of $11,000 or less as at 31 Dec 2008; and
5) Work at least three months in any six month period in the calendar year for half the payout, or at least six months in the calendar year for the full payout.

Self employed or informally employed?

Not a problem. If you are self-employed or informally employed you will need to declare your income to CPF Board or IRAS and contribute to your CPF Medisave Account in order to qualify for Workfare. All qualifying members will need to fully pay up their CPF Medisave liability before Workfare can be allotted.

For more information, click here

Increase in Medisave Withdrawal Limits

The increase in Medisave withdrawal limits cannot be more timely, especially in downtimes like these.

From 1 June, Singaporeans will be able to withdraw more from Medisave to pay for surgical operations. This will reduce the expenses for all surgical patients, especially for those in Class A, B1 and private hospitals. Up to 300,000 patients are expected to benefit from the change.

Under the revised withdrawal limits, patients can save between S$250 and S$7,500. Currently, patients save between S$150 and S$5,000.

For example, for a knee replacement operation and to stay at a restructured hospital, the total bill could come out to $13,518. But with this new increase limit in place, the patient needs to pay only $5,668 in cash as compared to $7,618 previously. Now, that's a cash savings of $1,950!

Ministry of Health also announced this year that Medisave would be extended to cover home palliative care and non-urgent hospitalisation treatment overseas. We look forward to more favorable changes as our Government copes with Singapore's aging population.

Dumpling Festival

On the 5th day of the 5th month in the Lunar calendar, it has always been a tradition for the Chinese to celebrate and enjoy the "Rice Dumpling Festival”, also known as the “Dragon Boat Festival”. The Chinese call this day, Duan-Wu. This year, Duan-Wu falls on 28 May 2009.

How it all began?

In China, the Dragon Boat Festival is held in memory of the Chinese patriotic poet, Qu Yuan (340 BC-278 BC or 343-290 B.C.), who committed suicide by jumping into the river after tying himself with big rock on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month.

Qu Yuan was the number one advisor of the kingdom of Chu . But people were jealous of his position. Qu Yuan felt that the new king was incapable of running the countryand nobody cared about the future of the country and to live was meaningless and he drowned himself in the river. Fishermen tried to rescue him, but the body was never found. They were worried that the fish would eat his body so they threw food into the river to feed the fish. They also scared away the fish by splashing the water with their paddles and beating the drums on long narrow boats.

Today, these pyramid-shape dumplings are made from glutinous rice with savoury fillings and wrapped in bamboo leaves. Lest one thinks that rice dumplings are boring and ordinary, somehow through the years, due to the ingenuity of chefs, the traditional rice dumplings have evolved to become gourmet dumplings comprising unique ingredients that diners will certainly enjoy. In Singapore, we call these dumplings "Zang".

Did you know that in parts of China, it is believed that if you can make an egg stand up during the Dragon Boat Day, you will be lucky for the coming year ?

Community Mediation Centre in Woodlands

Did you know there is a Community Mediation Centre (CMC) in Woodlands Civic Centre? But first, you might ask what does the CMC do?

The CMC is an agency operated by the Ministry of Law. It aims to provide an informal and amicable way of settling inter-personal, social and community disputes.

Who goes to the CMC for help?

You may remember the Everitt Road episode where families were involved in a dispute. Such incidents could be resolved by having the police refer disputes between neighbours to the CMC.

What are the advantages of mediation?

1) Private and confidential

2) Time and cost savings

3) Flexible and informal

4) Seeks win-win solution

5) Preserves post-conflict relationships

If you know of a problem that could help from CMC, you can contact their hotline 6325 1600. They will assess the problem to see if it is suitable for mediation at the Centre.

Alternatively, you can call their Regional North Centre at 68934193

For more online information, click here

Mother's Day

This year, Mother's Day falls on 10 May. On this special day, children express appreciation to their mothers.

Photos contributor : Jenny Yeo

Marsiling RC Zone 1 celebrates Mothers Day with an array of songs & performances, magic show, art n craft for children, Balloon Scupture and much much more

Vesak Day

This year's Vesak Day falls on 9 May (Sat).

On this day, Buddhists in Singapore and around the world celebrate the birth and enlightenment of Buddha.

For more information on Vesak Day, click here

Photo source : Channel News Asia

Blk 22 Party - 25 Apr 09

About 90 residents & their families of Marsiling Green had a good time at the block party.

Organised by Marsiling RC Zone 1, Floor Party Ambassadors - Leela, Thomas Ng , Selvaraj & Jenny Yeo

Photos contributor : Jenny Yeo

Silver Chariot Procession

Silver Chariot Procession organised by Sri Siva Krishna Temple 9 May 09

Photos contributor : Jenny Yeo

Block Visit

Mr Hawazi Daipi, MP for Sembawang GRC, with students

Back to Basics Hygiene

With the recent bout of Influenza A (Swine Flu), Singapore was swift to act and taken a pro-active stance. We are better prepared for any possible outbreak especially after the SARs experience. What has been done in this short span of time?

• Singapore has stockpiled enough anti-viral drugs like Tamiflu and Relenza
• Ministry of Health issued a travel advisory, asking people to postpone or avoid non-essential travel to Mexico
• The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore deployed thermal scanners at the arrival halls of Singapore's international passenger terminal and regional ferry
• Thermal scanners were deployed at all three arrival halls of the Changi Airport to screen all arriving passengers
• All healthcare institutions in Singapore are intensifying their infectious disease control measures
• The public has been advised to take precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded areas and maintaining high standards of personal hygiene at all times
• Ministry of Education announced that all schools here will conduct temperature checks on their students as a precautionary measure against the swine flu threat. All schools here were required to keep school premises clean and monitor the well-being of their staff and students
• Some companies have set up temperature check booths and staff briefings
• Loyang Aloha has been set as a quarantine site

Practising good personal hygiene is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of germs and reduce infection:

▪ Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes, nose or mouth

Click here to find out about Tan Tock Seng Hospital's recent CSI (Clean, Safe, Infection-free) efforts

▪ Turn quickly away from anyone near you if you are about to cough or sneeze

▪ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of the tissue properly in the dust bin after use

▪ Avoid crowded places if you are unwell and wear a surgical mask to cover your nose and mouth

▪ Stay home from work or school when you are sick

▪ Use a serving spoon when sharing food at meal times

▪ See a doctor if you are feeling unwell

Hey, if Bruce Lee has to wash his hands, you better too!

Blk 364 PCF Outing to the zoo - 2 Apr 09

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo

How about you, you, you?

You can come too, too, too

We're going to the zoo, zoo, zoo

Photos contributor : Dahlia

The kids of Blk 364 Woodlands Ave 5 PCF having a wonderful time!

Puthaandu - Tamil New Year

In multi-ethnic Singapore, we are fortunate to have many occasions to celebrate and learn about one another's traditions and culture.

I always thought that Deepavali (as known by South Indians) or Diwali (as known by North Indians) is New Year of the Indians, how wrong was I? Deepavali is know as the 'Festival of Lights' to celebrate victory of good over evil; the uplifting of spiritual darkness.

The Tamil New Year, known as "Puthaandu", is celebrated on the first day of the Tamil calendar traditionally in mid—April, 14 Apr for 2009.
It is observed by people of Tamil origin in India and by the Tamil population in Singapore, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

Special prayers at the temple and new traditional clothes are the order of the day for most of the communities. There is also special vegetarian food prepared at home to welcome the new year.

For more information on Puthaandu, click here

Photo source : The Straits Times

Woodlands Town Garden

Photos contributor : Audrey Cheong

Looking for a serene place in Woodlands New Town? The Woodlands Town Park has much greenery and ambience to offer.

The design of the park amenities has both Malay and Chinese elements.

A river that flows through the park, Sungei Mandai Kecil, is integrated into the design of the park. For more parks and gardens, click here

Map of Marsiling

Have you tried googling for the map of Marsiling?

Map Source : Sembawang T own Council