Issue No. 85 July - September 2009 MICA(P)063/01/2009 BISHAN-TOA PAYOH TOWN COUNCIL NEWS What s Behind The Scene... this issue Pg 3 A Peek At Town Council Pg 8 & 9 Irresponsible Acts Can Kill Pg 13 National Day 2009 Awards Recipients
notes from town council Our estate matters to us. At Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council, we take great pride in maintaining and upgrading our estates so that you have a better home and environment to live in. The Town Council Management Report Resource Panel visited two of our precincts recently and were impressed by what they saw. An estate is not just about blocks of concrete but the people living in it. To live harmoniously, we need to look beyond our own needs and be mindful of how our actions impact those living around us. Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council Toa Payoh Office Blk 125A Lorong 2 Toa Payoh #01-134 Singapore 311125 Tel: 6259 6700 Fax: 6259 9626 Email: prm@btptc.org.sg website: www.btptc.org.sg So, let s work together to make Bishan-Toa Payoh the best home for all of us. 2 CONTENTS A Peek At Town Council 3 Six-year-old Matilda Wins National Reading Competition 4 Bursary Award Our Facilities 5 Estate Improvement 6 Strengthen Your Body 7 Irresponsible Acts 8-9 Always A Great Time to Bond! 10 Freebies=good stuffs? 12 National Day 2009 Award Recipients 13 Notice Board 14 Quiz 15 What Say You... Here are some feedback and compliments from residents. Compliment I write to say a big thank you to Ms. Vivian who works at Bishan- Toa Payoh Town Council office. She was the one who answered my call regarding my laundry falling on the roof of another block. I told her that I had to go to work later that morning and would appreciate it if she could get my laundry retrieved before that. And she got it done indeed! I am very impressed with Vivian s excellent service, coordination and efficiency in making sure that my laundry was returned safely. I also thank the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council for their overall excellent service! Cynthia (18 Aug 09) Feedback Comments: The red (fluorescent tube) casing/cover on the ceiling at Blk 91, level one is coming off. It looks like it may drop any time. Please look into this matter as soon as possible. Thanks! Ms Sng (27 Aug 09) Action Taken by Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council: Our contractor fixed the red false ceiling cover in front of Lift C at the ground floor that afternoon.
HOMEFRONT A Peek At Town Council Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council (BTPTC) has presented its findings to the Town Council Management Report (TCMR) Resource Panel on how it uses survey information to improve its services to residents. The Town Council explained to its visitors led by Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of National Development and Ministry of Education, that understanding and meeting residents expectations is its priority. The aim of the Resource Panel s visit to BTPTC was to understand and ascertain the Town Council s operations and see for themselves the estate s condition. They toured two estates of contrasting ages - a young precinct in Bishan, and a matured environment in Toa Payoh. 3
AROUND TOWN Six-year-old Matilda Wins National Reading Competition I like reading because it is fun, said the Toa Payoh East resident, who would read for hours a day, finishing between two and five books daily. Her voracious appetite for books has turned six-year-old Matilda Ang into an award winner. The K2 student of PCF Toa Payoh East Branch won the top prize in the Discover the Joy of Reading Competition 2009, jointly organised by National Library Board, PCF and PAP Women s Wing. Reading is something that the kindergarten student enjoys very much. Her mother, Mrs Samantha Ang, started reading to her when she was just a baby. By the time she was two, Matilda was reading books on her own. Mummy would buy lots of books and take her daughter to the library to read and borrow books. 4 While we have been very supportive of her reading habit, it was her teacher who spotted her talent in reading and storytelling and encouraged her to take part in the competition, said Mrs Ang, a home-maker who has been staying in Toa Payoh since her teenage years. To prepare for the competition, Matilda memorised a sentence each day. Her mother even set up a microphone so that her daughter can get used to hearing what she sound like over the microphone. Matilda s winning story was based on the silly prince from the movie Enchanted. I feel honoured to be chosen to take part in the competition. Winning felt great, said Matilda, who came in third in the K1 category of the competition last year. Having just finished reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, she is currently reading The Magic Clock, which happens to be her favourite book. Matilda likes Enid Blyton s books because they have interesting stories and come with images. Reading may be her favourite hobby but the little girl has no intention of being a writer or a story-teller when she grows up. For now, her ambition is to be a scientist because a scientist can invent things.
HOMEFRONT Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC CCC Bursary Award It is the second round of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC CCC Bursary Award that was presented. There was a total of 366 students who received the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC CCC Bursary Award, which was given in aid of the current economic downturn. Two students represented each of the five divisions to attend the award ceremony, namely Bishan East, Bishan-Toa Payoh North, Thomson, Toa Payoh Central and Toa Payoh East respectively. A total of 366 students received the Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC CCC Bursary Award which was given in aid of the current economic downturn. Upgraded Playground Brings Joy To The Neighbourhood The moment he reached the neighbourhood playground, three-year-old Kyler Tan dashed up the steps and slid gleefully down the slide under the watchful eyes of his mother Madam Chong Kheng Ling, of course. The 35-year-old homemaker brings her son to the playground next to Block 99C Toa Payoh Lorong 2 twice a week after he returns from childcare in the afternoon. I am glad that this playground is upgraded. It s cleaner than other playgrounds and very convenient for me to bring Kyler. He loves coming here very much, said Madam Chong. Besides Kyler, students from a nearby school and other children from the neighbourhood were also playing at the playground, which was upgraded. 5
ESTATE IMPROVEMENT Improvement Works Coming Your Way The Town Council, being responsible for the maintenance of your estate, ensures that HDB residential blocks are scheduled for cyclical works to keep them in good condition. Improvement works such as the construction/upgrading of facilities continually provide residents with greater convenience and a better living environment. Due to the nature of works involved, we are mindful of your safety and will do our best to barricade the affected areas, and keep you updated. The Town Council seeks the understanding and co-operation of residents to inform your family members and advise your children to stay away from the work sites. We appreciate your support to ensure a smooth completion of the works. SAFETY TIPS 1. Keep away and do not attempt to trespass any safety barricades or chainlink fencing areas. 2. Look out for any falling objects. 3. Keep away from all machinery and hacking works. 4. Walk under the void decks, walk way or shoring provided, avoid walking at open space. 5. Avoid hanging clothes outside when painting works are carried out outside the unit. 6. Close all windows when hacking and hoisting works are carried out. 7. Avoid standing or sticking out your head outside windows or along the corridors. Covered Linkways Division Blocks Bishan-Toa Payoh North Blk 263 to 263A Bishan St 12 Bishan East Blk 166 Bishan St 13 to existing Bus Stop & Upgrading of Roadside Drain on behalf of PUB Covered Linkway from Blk 168 to 172 Bishan St 13 Toa Payoh West Bradell MRT Station to Blk 116 and Blk 122 Lor 2 Toa Payoh Extended Canopy, Pavilion and Resident/Study Corners Division Blocks Toa Payoh West Extended Canopy in front of Blk 116 Lor 2 Toa Payoh Pavilion at Blk 128 Lor 1 Toa Payoh Residents Corner at Blk 144 Lor 2 Toa Payoh Drop-Off Point Division Blocks Toa Payoh East Blk 3 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh Bishan East Blk 171 Bishan St 13 Division Booster Pumps Repairs and Redecoration Blocks Toa Payoh East Blk 241, 244, 246-251 Kim Keat Link Blk 254-259 Kim Keat Ave Blk 38 Toa Payoh Lor 5 Toa Payoh Central Blk 171 Toa Payoh Lor 1 Blk 172 Toa Payoh Lor 1 Thomson Blk 441-455 Sin Ming Ave Transfer Pumps Thomson Toa Payoh Central Division Thomson Blk 22-26 Sin Ming Road Blk 301 Shunfu Road Blk 303-305 Shunfu Road Blk 307-310 Shunfu Road Blk 312 Shunfu Road Blk 313 Shunfu Road Blk 53-55 Toa Payoh Central Blk 91 Toa Payoh Central Blk 175 Toa Payoh Central Blk 179 Toa Payoh Central Blk 191 Toa Payoh Central Blk 193 Toa Payoh Central Electrical Rewiring Works Blocks Blk 441-445 Sin Ming Ave Blk 449-455 Sin Ming Ave Blk 446-448 Bright Hill Drive Toa Payoh West Blk 123 Toa Payoh Lor 1 Blk 124 Toa Payoh Lor 1 Blk 125 Toa Payoh Lor 1 Blk 126 Toa Payoh Lor 1 Blk 128 Toa Payoh Lor 1 6 Start Period: October to December 2009
ACTIVE LIFESTYLE Strengthen Your body While many of us are relaxing at the end of the first working day of the week, Jenny Quek and her course mates are religiously strengthening their bodies with a series of workout. Moving to the beat of hip music, they exercise using weights to tone their muscles and bodies. The 32 ladies are attending the six-week body toning course at Bishan Community Club on Mondays at 8pm. Body toning allows me to perspire without being vigorous. It s tamer than kick-boxing. I find the music very hip and enjoy the workout very much, said Ms Quek, who is in her 50s and works in the hospitality industry. According to instructor Jenny Tan, body toning is great for strength training and involves very little cardiovascular activity. Body toning exercises can help to condition muscles and keep bones from breaking by increasing the bone density. It is also great for improving flexibility, weight loss and fat burn, and promotes mental well being. While people of all ages can do body toning, the exercises are particularly recommended for those aged 40 and above so that they can strengthen their body, said 48-year-old Tan, who has been teaching body toning for a decade and was Singapore s 1985 National Aerobics Individual Champion. Her students all women come from a wide range of professions with ages ranging from the 20s to the 50s. Anyone can take the course, not just women. Many of my students continue with me course after course because they enjoy the workout, said the mother of five. How To Join: When: Every Monday Time: 8pm to 9pm Where: Bishan Community Club Fees: $60 (PA members) $70 (Non-members) Contact Bishan Community Club at 62594720 Clarification In last issue s Hey Kiddo, How about Aikido? story, the statement should be read, There are more than 6,000 Aikido practitioners in Shinju-kai in Singapore. 7
Irresponsible It is an anti-social behavior to place items that could be hazardous to the public walking pass below your block. We continue to see flats with flowerpots displayed on the parapet, hanging of clothes on bamboo poles/clothes racks inappropriately, birdcages hung along the common corridors and other unwanted items that could cause serious injury, or worse still, death. We will never know when a careless mistake can easily turn into killer projectiles. Remove the killer litter item(s) before someone gets hurt. Killer litter is an anti-social behaviour. Your love ones could get hurt 8
FEATURE Can Kill 9
MEETING THE RESIDENTS Always A Great Time To Bond! National Day Dinners, ceremonies and block visits -- these are great opportunities to get up close and personal with your MPs and fellow residents of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. Here is a pictorial spread of it. 10
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CONSUMER MATTERS Freebies=good stuffs? Not so all the time You receive a flyer that states free trial with no obligations and head for the shop listed. Before you know it, a fast talking consultant overwhelms you with all kinds of packages. As hours pass, your get giddy but the consultant continues unabated with her sales pitch. You get up to leave but are surrounded by more consultants. In order to leave, you agree to sign up for one of the packages. You hand over your NETS card and pay the deposit. When you reach home, you regret your decision. 12 The above pressure selling scenario is common and can apply to any industry beauty, hair or slimming services, or even club memberships. The objective of a free trial is to let consumers try out a product or service before purchasing. During the free trial, if you are requested to pump in extra money to upgrade, you have a right to say no. After the free trial ends, you have no obligation to sign up for a package or commit to any contract. So, what should you do if you are caught in such a situation? Know your rights. You are not obliged to make any purchase before, during or after the free trial since it is supposed to be free. Don t take out your credit or NETS cards. The sales consultant may tell you that she will waive some of the fees just for you. Another common trick is to tell you that the offer is only valid for that day to force you to sign up immediately. Do not fall for such tricks. Feedback directly to the company. If a sales consultant continue to pressure you to sign up, it could be because he/ she has high sales targets to meet. Fill up a feedback form or write a letter to express your displeasure. If the company is customer-oriented, it will help implement changes. Run when you see warning signs. These include when the sales consultant refuses to give you time to consider, or keep promoting packages even when you say no. If the business engages in such practices, consumers should not commit on the spot. Take time to think over the offers. Walk out anytime. You don t have to feel guilty if a sales consultant talk to you for three hours and you do not want their packages. Seek CASE s assistance. Pressure selling is a breach under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act and consumers can take vendors to task. Call CASE s hotline at 6463 1811 or come to our main office at 170 Ghim Moh Road, #05-01 Ulu Pandau Community Building, Singapore 279621 for assistance or advice. Contributed by Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE)
AWARDS National Day 2009 Awards Recipients Town Council Members GRC Community Leaders BBM Award Mr Er Kwong Wah, PBM Chairman Toa Payoh Central CCC Mr Tay Hock Ann, PBM Chairman Toa Payoh South CCMC Mr Sng Jin Poh, P. Kepujian, PBM, PBS Chairman Thomson CCMC PBM Award Mr Mohamed Farook Abdul Wahab Vice-Chairman Bishan East Zone 4 RC Mr Ho Miaw Choong Chairman Toa Payoh North Zone 1 RC Mr Wong Yoke Seng, Sunny Vice-Chairman Bishan East C2E Ms Lee Lay Koon Catherine Chairperson Toa Payoh Central Zone 5 RC Mr R T Xavier Samy Member Bishan-Toa Payoh North CCC Mr Tan Kia Tan Chairman Thomson Shunfu RC Mr Lim Ser Chai Patron Toa Payoh East CCC 13
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#74 FUN TIME Quiz Revamped! You can now send us your answers via SMS! Question for Quiz 74: Killer Litter is a(n) Answer: a) hazardous b) anti-social c) irresponsible d) all of the above behaviour. Stand to WIN attractive prizes! SMS your answer in the following format to 77688 (BTPTC SMS Code) BTPTC<space>Qn No.<space>Answer<space>Name<space> NRIC<space>Address Example: BTPTC<space>Q74<space>B<space>JohnTan<space>S1234567G <space>blk125atoapayohlor2#01-134s311125 Winners will be notified via SMS. Terms and Conditions: 1. The contest is opened from 30 Sep 2009 to 31 Oct 2009. 2. Participant will bear the normal SMS charges by respective mobile operator. 3. Participants below 18 years of age must seek parental consent. 4. Only HDB residents of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC are eligible to participate. 5. Each household is allowed to send in only ONE entry. 6. Councillors and employees of Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council and their immediate families are not allowed to participate. 7. The judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entertained. 8. Prizes will be awarded to the first 30 all correct entries drawn and winners will be notified by SMS. 9. Answers will be published in the next issue of Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council News. 10. Entries sent in via post will not be accepted. Winners for Quiz 73: No Name 1. Philip Tan 2. Han Oi Lin Alice 3. Ho Yat Leong 4. Chim Bee Kiong 5. Dexter Lim 6. Tay Kiak Him 7. Gina Lim 8. Milton Wong 9. Lena Sim Mei Yan 10. Peh Shun Hui 11. Tan Lay Keat 12. Lois Quek 13. Ang Qiao Tian 14. Linda Xu 15. Koh Seng Hoon 16. Reynaldo Caniedo 17. Wenny Desintha 18. Connie Tham No Name 19. Valerie Bay 20. Kelly Yong 21. Zaharah Janidi 22. Tan Wee Hua 23. Jig Cabrillos 24. Lynette Lee 25. Dolphine Tan 26. Gwenda Soh 27. Indumathy 28. Joshua Tan 29. Dawn Tan 30. Alexandra Chan Answer to Quiz #73: (C) Bishan Harmony Park 15
The MPs of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council wish all Muslim Residents Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Anggota Anggota Parlimen bagi Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC dan Majlis Bandaran Bishan-Toa Payoh mengucapkan Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The MPs of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council wish all Hindu Residents Happy Deepavali