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!