TOWN COUNCIL
Issue No. 77 • July - September 2007 • MICA(P)070/02/2007
NEWS
Bishan-Toa PayohTown Council
Pg 6
BISHAN ACTIVEGROUND BREAKINGBISHAN ACTIVEGROUND BREAKING
Ouch, myback hurts!
Pg 8/9A Sports HubComing YourWay
Pg 13National DayAwards
Chairman's Message
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Dear ResidentsOver the last 42 years, Singaporeans from all walks of life have contributed greatly to
the country’s growth and prosperity. The most visible change is the staggering physical
transformation that Singapore has undergone. Some of our infrastructures have even
won international acclaims and praises for their efficiency and practicality. Our
sustained economic growth has given the people a better and more comfortable
lifestyle, and this has created opportunities for many to pursue their personal interests.
However, one achievement that stands above all is our public housing programme.
From an elevated view, it’s awesome to see the size and numerous blocks of flats that
dot our landscape. It is our programme to provide a home for everyone that is the
engine that has energised the will of the people to be united and to work towards a
common goal.
Over the years we have built a warm and friendly community where friendships were forged and our children
grew and played together. This strong sense of community spiritedness is able to develop because the HDB, Town
Councils and the Grassroots Organisations have provided the common spaces and facilities to allow residents to
mingle and engage in meaningful activities within the vicinity of their homes.
We will continue to improve and modernise by embracing technology. As the building facades and equipment
aged over time, we will carry out maintenance and improvement works to restore them to their former glory.
Old housing estates have been revitalised through the various upgrading and improvement programmes. One
such estate is Toa Payoh, which has been transformed into a hip and vibrant modern bustling town where young
Singaporeans are seen living alongside the older generation.
I am pleased that the rejuvenation of Toa Payoh has attracted young adults make their homes in what was said
to be a slow-paced and boring township. I look forward to see these young adults grow their families in Toa
Payoh. For an estate to stay relevant and be a conducive place for young families, it has to continuously improve
and upgrade its facilities, and offer a safe and secure environment for the residents. Thus, we have the government’s
highly popular upgrading programmes and the Town Council’s town improvement projects to breathe some
freshness to the estates, and to meet the people’s needs and expectations.
Singapore is a developed country with an economy going at full speed. Singaporeans would expect to see the
old and run-down estates be given a face-lift, and be transformed into a 21st century state-of-art Town fitted
with the latest facilities and equipment to meet their ever changing lifestyles.
At the National Day Rally in August, our Prime Minister gave Singaporeans a peep into his crystal ball to reveal
the breath-taking ideas he has for our country. Indeed we are going to be a city of possibilities, offering new
meaning to life in the heartlands. I hope to see residents give their support to the Home Improvement Programme
(HIP) and Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) as these upgrading programmes will improve your homes,
add life and colour to your estate and value-add to your asset.
Zainudin NordinChairman, Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council
Electrical RewiringDivision Blocks
Bishan East Blk 117 to Blk 125 Bishan St 12Blk 135 to Blk 138 Bishan St 12Blk 145 to Blk 149 Bishan St 11Blk 168 to Blk 191 Bishan St 13
Elderly Fitness Corner / Fitness CornerDivision Block
Toa Payoh Central Blk 161 Lorong 1 Toa PayohToa Payoh East Blk 37 Lorong 7 Toa Payoh
Thomson Blk 319 Shunfu Road
Cyclical Works &New FacilitiesComing your wayHDB residential blocks are scheduled for cyclical works to keep them in goodcondition, and for the services to function efficently and problem free.
The Town Council is responsible for the maintainence of some blocks in theGRC. Thus, detailed planning is essential to ensure works carried out smoothlyand with minimal disruption and inconvenience to residents. Due to natureof works involved, we are mindful of your safety and will do our best tobarricade the affected areas, and keep you updated. Thus, the Town Councilseeks the understanding and co-opearation of residents to inform your familymembers and advise your children to stay away from the work sites.
We appreciate your support to ensure a smooth completion of the works.
Division Block
Toa Payoh Central Stateland next to Blk 175 Lorong 2 Toa Payoh
Woodball Court
Division Block
Bishan East Blk 155 Bishan St 13Bishan-Toa Payoh North Blk 240 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh
Blk 205 Toa Payoh North (2nos)Thomson Blk 445 Sin Ming Ave
Blk 120 Lorong 1 Toa Payoh
Children Playground
Re-Roofing WorksDivision Blocks
Toa Payoh East Blk 43, 46,48 & 50 Lorong 5 Toa PayohBlk 17A Lorong 7 Toa Payoh
Toa Payoh Central Blk 97,99A to C Lorong 3 Toa PayohBlk 101A & B Lorong 2 Toa Payoh
Division Block
Bishan-Toa Payoh North Bishan North Neighbourhood Park
Street Soccer Court
1. Keep away and don’t attemptto trepass any safety barricades,chainlink fencing areas.
2. Look out for any falling objects.
3. Keep away from all machineryand hacking works.
4. Walk under the void decks,walkway or shoring provided,avoid walking at Open Space.
5. Avoid hanging clothes outsidewhen painting works arecarried out outside the unit.
6. Avoid waiting at open space.
7. Close all windows when hackingand hoisting works are carriedout.
8. Avoid standing or sticking outyour head outside windows or
along the corridor.
Safety
Tips
Estate improvement
Sep
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Homefront
A resident / tenant of Housing & Development Board (HDB) unit is deemed to have understood his/her
legal obligations, that is to pay his/her monthly S&CC to the Town Council that is managing the estate, as
stated in HDB’s Notification To Purchaser’s letter, the Resale of Flat letter, and upon signing the Lease/Rental
Agreement with HDB (refer to the documents for details), and thereafter, the resident/tenant is responsible
to effect the prompt payment of his/her monthly S&CC to the Town Council without the latter having to
remind the former of his/her obligations. The Town Council reserves the right to seek legal action to recover
the outstanding S&CC and corresponding penalty fees from the resident/tenant.
S&CC Reminder
Service & Conservancy ChargesJuly to December 2007
ROOM NORMAL REDUCED S&CC NET FREETYPE S&CC* S&CC REBATE PAYABLE MONTH
1 room $53.20 $19.50 - $19.50 Sep & Dec
2 room $55.20 $29.00 - $29.00 Sep & Dec (0.5mth)
3 room $57.00 $40.00 - $40.00 Sep (0.5mth) &
Dec (0.5mth)
4 room $61.00 $52.00 - $52.00 Sep (0.5mth) &
Dec (0.5mth)
5 room $63.00 $63.00 - $63.00 Dec (0.5mth)
Executive $85.00 $85.00 - $85.00
HUDC $105.00 $105.00 - $105.00
MG (Type A) $85.00 $85.00 - $85.00
MG (Type B&C) $90.00 $90.00 - $90.00
Normal S&CC* applies to non-citizens, owner of private residential property (including those from HDB).They are not eligible for the S&CC rebates.
For those paying through GIRO, the Town Council will arrange with your bank to deduct the appropriateamount due to the Town Council after taking into account the S&CC rebates that you are eligible for.
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Homefront
Kadar bayaran biasa S&C hanya boleh digunakan untuk mereka yang bukan penduduktetap , pemilik kediaman privet, perniagaan atau industri (termasuk yang dimikiki olehHDB). Mereka tidak layak bagi rebate untuk & S&CC.
Bagi mereka yang membuat bayaran melaui Giro/Inter Bank Giro, Majlis Bandaran akanmembuat pengurusan dengan bank bagi potogan peruntukkan jumlah bagi S&CC, diambilkira rebat S&C yang bagi anda.
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Bishan East &Thomson ResidentsGet Their LUPResidents of Blks 182-191 Bishan St 13 and Blks 401-408 Sin Ming Avegave their support for the Lift Upgrading Programme(LUP).
Poll Results
Bishan East
TC-LUPBlk 183 88.68% in favourBlk 190 92.59% in favour
LUPBlk 182 89.29% in favourBlk 184 92.65% in favourBlk 185 90.00% in favourBlk 186 87.50% in favourBlk 187 86.96% in favourBlk 188 94.12% in favourBlk 189 92.65% in favourBlk 191 86.21% in favour
Thomson
TC-LUPBlk 402 87.3% in favourBlk 405 91.5% in favourBlk 408 92.7% in favour
LUPBlk 401 91.6% in favourBlk 403 91.7% in favourBlk 404 91.6% in favourBlk 406 87.2% in favourBlk 407 91.2% in favour
Ouch, myback hurts!
See your doctor if:
✔ Pain goes down yourleg below your knee.
✔ Your leg, foot, groin,or rectal area feel numb.
✔ You cannot control yoururine.
✔ Your pain was caused by an injury.
✔ The pain is so intense youcannot move around.
✔ Your pain does not seem to be getting better aftertwo to three weeks.
Health Matters
National Healthcare Group PolyclinicsAdding Years of Healthy Life to the People of Singapore
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Injuries such as muscle and ligamentous strains, jointproblems, or a "slipped disc" can all present with painin your lower back.
The most common cause of back pain is the incorrectuse of your back muscles in physical activities like liftingof heavy furniture, resulting in a sprain. Other rarercauses of back pain are bone cancers, fractures, boneinfections and kidney stones.
Pain ReliefA good position to adopt for relief of
back pain is to lie flat on your back in
bed. Place pillows under your knees to
keep your hips and knees bent. This takes
the pressure and weight off your back.
If you have hurt your back, you may need
a day or two of rest. Resting longer than
this can cause your muscles to weaken,
which can delay your recovery. Even
though it may cause some discomfort,
walking around for a few minutes every
hour aids in the recovery.
Hot pads and gentle massage can help
relax painful muscle spasms. Apply heat
treatment for half an hour at a time. The
application of ice packs is useful for
reducing swelling and pain in the
immediate period following a sprain.
Medicines that you can purchase over
the counter at the pharmacy to reduce
pain and inflammation include oral
panadol, ketoprofen and other anti-
inflammatory plasters and topical gels /
creams / ointments.
Treatment of ongoing back problems
must be directed at the cause. This may
mean losing weight for those who are
overweight, getting your muscles in
better shape by exercising regularly, or
improving your posture when you
are sitting, standing, and carrying
heavy loads.
When to worryConsult your doctor about your back
pain if you have underlying medical
conditions such as cancer, tuberculosis,
kidney stones and connective tissue
(example, systemic lupus erythematosus,
rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing
spondylit is) . Symptoms such as
unexplained weight loss, fever, inability
to find a position of comfort, back pain
not relieved by rest or blood in the urine
may point towards something more
sinister. In addition, if you experience
numbness and weakness of your legs,
you should also seek medical attention.
Active Lifestyle
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Relax your Mind with
YogaLearn the basics of yoga, the ancient India art of healing, toningand rejuvenating the body and bringing sense of calm and peacethrough postures, breathing and concentration. This programme issuitable for both males and females of all ages. Yoga can give youinner peace and harmony, and strengthens your body. It also helpsto increase the felixbilty of your body.
The course instructor, Ms Annie Lau has been practising yoga since2000 and has been teaching the art since year 2004. There are 15students in her class.
So, head on down to Toa Payoh West CC to find the inner peace inyou.
How To Join
When : Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
Time : 6.30pm / 7.30pm
Where : Toa Payoh West Community Club
Fees : $50.00 onwards
Contact: Toa Payoh West CC at 6353 4487
Feature
Bishan-Toa Payoh residents,are you ready to get Active?
A Sports HubComing Your Way
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The plot of land surrounded by Bishan St 23 will be the site of Bishan Active
– your one stop sports venue for the complete adrenaline & endorphine rush.
Central Singapore District Mayor Zainudin Nordin got the ball rolling at the
Ground Breaking Ceremony on 23 June 2007. In a year’s time, Bishan-Toa Payoh
residents will be making a beeline to Bishan Active to enjoy the healthy lifestyle
facilities.
Facilities
• Soccer Field • Basketball Court
• Roller blade track • Two feature walls
• Fitness Corner • Playground
Feature
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Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MPs, attend
many social activities. We bring you
some of the recent ones.
Here's a pictorial spread of their visit.
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Mr Hri Kumar Nair happy to meetthe elderly residents.
DPM Wong Kan Seng makingsmall talk with the little ones.
Mr Zainudin Nordin getting to knowthe residents during his visit.
Dr Ng Eng Hen sharing a light-heartedmoment with a family.
Mrs Josephine Teo is all ears
to a resident.
Meeting the Residents
Around Town
At just 14, Bishan resident Daniel Ng is
already a junior entrepreneur and youth
worker. He has published a book entitled
“Dan’s Dynamic Dictionary on Science”,
featuring his drawings and cartoons on
science. Daniel hopes that that the book
will make science fun to learn for
primary to secondary two students.
The San Yu Adventist School student
has printed 10,000 copies of the book,
with part of the proceeds from the sales
going to a charitable organisation to
help bully victims.
What inspired you to producethis book?I have always loved doodling. Pictures
help me to better understand and
remember what I learn. My friends
found my doodles on science definitions
to be creative so I shared my doodles
with them. As a result, they did quite
well in their science examination. This
sparked off an idea that I can help more
people by publishing my doodles into
a book.
Why did you choose science?I have been very interested in science
since I started learning the subject.
Science is my favourite subject because
I love to fiddle with things – it is a
practical and hands-on subject.
Junior entrepreneurDaniel helps make sciencefun to learn How did your ideas for the
drawings and cartoons comeabout?As I have been doodling for quite a long
time, I have become quite skilled in it.
Whenever I learn a topic, I start thinking
of pictures that will make the topic fun
to learn and understand.
How much time did you spendto produce the book?I started working on the book last
November and completed the project
on May 28. My family helped me a lot
throughout the process. What was most
critical in the initial stage were the
definitions. Once we completed that, I
was able to work on the 96-page book.
I learnt much from the production
process. To facilitate the layout of the
book, I had to re-create many of my
illustrations from horizontal to vertical
orientation.
Did anybody help you in theproduction process?My family – father, mother and sister –
helped me in the entire production
process. We drew closer as a result of
the project. Mr Kenneth Chee, my form
teacher, also helped to edit the book.
Why did you decide to donateportions of the sale of the bookto charity?I had been bullied in school for a long
time. However, thanks to the support
from my counsellor, I have been encour-
aged and become more confident. My
counsellor said that there are others
who need help. This prompted me to
decide to donate to people who cannot
afford counselling, which can be rather
expensive. I have pledged to donate a
portion of my sales to fund Starkidz!
Programme by Chi ldren-At-Risk
Empowerment (CARE) Association.
What is your future plan? Willyou be producing another suchbook?Yes, I have another project in mind but
I would like to keep that a secret for
now. I will start working on that after
my coming examinations. I want to
be able to continue to serve society.
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Community
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Learn something new to enrich
yourself. Here are some courses for
you to enjoy and have fun learning.
What’s on
Toa PayohSouth
Course : Teochew Opera Excerpt
Duration: Every ThirdThursday of the Month
Time : 7.00pm – 10.00pm
For more information,please contact Toa PayohSouth CC at 6259 6602
Course : Children’s Art
(Creative Thinking
Art)
Date : 29 September to
31 October 2007
(Every Friday)
Time : 7.30pm – 9.00pm
Course : Elementary
Japanese(Stage 1)
Date : 21 September to
7 December 2007
(Every Friday)
Time : 7.30pm – 9.00pm
For more information, please
contact Toa Payoh East CC at
6256 7601
Toa PayohEast
Awards
13Congratulations
National Day 2007 Awards
PBM AwardDUBCDarjah Utama Bakit
Cemerlang(The Distinguished
Service Order)
PBM Award
Mr Cheng Wai Keung,JP, DUBC, BBM(L)
Chairman, Bishan CCMC
BBM Award
PBM Award
Miss Lee Ker Hwa, PBMChairman, Bishan East Zone 6 RC
Mr Cheng Siew Cherng Roy, PBMChairman, Bishan North Zone 2 RC
Mdm Chan Choy Kum Doris, PBMChairman, Toa Payoh Central Zone 6 RC
Mr Lau Pub Taai, PBM, PBSChairman, Toa Payoh East Zone 5 RC
Mr Lim Cheng Aun Ronald, BBM, PBMChairman, Thomson CCC
Mr Sin Siew Cheong William, PBMChairman, Bishan Heights RC
Mr Wong Chin Nai, PBMMember, Thomson CCC
Mr Tan Kee Khoon Alfred, PBMChairman, Bishan East Zone 4 RC
Mr Lai Kah Seng, PBMVice-Chairman, Toa Payoh East CCC
Mr Ding Ngie Choon, PBMChairman, Toa Payoh Central Zone 3 RC
GRC Community LeadersTown Council Members
AdvertismentCLASSIFIEDS
Town
Toa Payoh SouthToa Payoh South
Date : 28 - 30 September 2007
(Friday-Sunday)
Time : 6.00pm – 10.00pm
Venue: Blk 228 to 230 Lorong 8
Toa Payoh
Learn Spelling without memorizing!New Phonics & Reading classes forNursery to Primary students startingsoon in Bishan. Small group toconcentrate on your child ’spronunciation. Tuition classes aresoon available. For further inquiries,contact : 9864 6144.
PHONICS & READING CLASSES
ENRICHMENT CLASSES
Simply Cool ProgrammeMastering Hanyu Pinyin andEnrichment (P1/2). Creative Writing,Comprehension and Oral (P3 to P6).Classes conducted at an enrichmentcentre at Bishan. Call 6250 9838.
PIANO TEACHER
Looking for a Qualified pianoteacher? All grades. Bilingual.Patient and experienced. Location:Bishan or can go to student’s house.For details Call/SMS Catherine -9640 7831.
We provide home tuition for allsubjects: English, Maths, Science,Humanities, 2nd Languages (Malay,Tamil, Chinese) for kindergarten,Primary and Secondary StudentsCall us 9187 9051/ 9785 2605 – Irene.Website: www.patrena.com.sg
Lady Graduate Ex-teacher offersPri/Sec tuition. Subjects: Eng/E./A.Maths /Science /Physics/ChemistryVenue: Toa Payoh Lorong 1/Lorong4 junction (Tutor’s residence)Experience: Teaching/Tuition –23 years. Rates: Negotiable. Pleasecall/SMS Jessica @ 9653 6114.
Effect ive bi l ingual teacherspecialize in K1-P4 for all subjects(Morning only). Call 9128 3270.
TUITION
Looking for a reliable tutors foryour child? We are providingimmediate tuition for all subjectsand areas. JC $35, Sec $25, Pr $16.A.E.C Maths, Phys, Chem, Bio, POA,Eng. Call 6356 6958.
TUITION
CREATIVES
Ever wanted to make yourporcelain doll? We have talentedteachers to guide you from basicsthrough your finished doll. Fee:$38 per lesson, excluding materials.Contact Rema 9712 9245 [email protected]
Sel l ing Genuine Designers 'Fragances. Available brands areAnna Sui, Burberry, Calvin KleinEstee Lauder, Hugo Boss, Lancome,Ralph Lauren and etc. Visit ourwebsite at ajperfumehut.8k.comnow to choose your fragrances.Free Delivery included.
FRAGANCES
Imported Italy classic 3+2 livingroom sofa set (includes coffeetable)Heavy Duty white creamTV console. Almost New! Viewto offer. Bishan. HP: 9128 3270.
FURNISHING
Notice Board
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Mini FairHaveFun!
Join your fellow residents
and get to know them
better at these activities
organised especially
for you.
Fun Time
S/N Name
1 Ms Ng Kuang Koon
2 Mr Tan Wen Ching Eric
3 Ms Alice Woodflord
4 Ms Suzana Bte Rahmat
5 Ms Carol Ling Shwu Mei
6 Mr Paul Chua
7 Ms Loke Wai Leng
8 Ms Lee Pei Ying
9 Ms Rozana Binte Mohd Yunos
10 Ms Hng Gaik Boey
Entry Rules1. Only HDB residents of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC are eligible
to participate and all entries must be made on the official entry form.
2. Each household is allowed to send in only one entry.
3. Councillors and employees of Bishan-Toa Payoh TownCouncil and their immediate families are not allowedto participate.
4. The judges' decision is final and no correspondencewill be entertained.
5. Prizes will be awarded to the first 50 all correct entriesdrawn and winners will be notified by post.
6. Answers will be published in the next issue of Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council News.
Please send your entries on the back of anenvelope to reach us before 28 October 2007Address the envelope to:
The Editor,The Quiz Corner (Quiz No. 66), BTPTC NewsBlk 125A, #01-134, Lorong 2 Toa Payoh,Singapore 311125.
IMPORTANT: The information disclosed by you to the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council is being furnished voluntarily and on the basis that you consent that it may be used by the TownCouncil and the Advisors of the Town Council (in their capacity as Advisors, Members of Parliament or in any other capacity whatsoever for the purpose of communicating with you).
Winners forQuiz #64
Answer toQuiz #64 -
Blk 22Toa Payoh
East
S/N Name
11 Ms Gan Yah Ing
12 Mr Goh Chok Jee
13 Ms Jenny Tang Lai Ngoh
14 Ms Ho Soo Leng
15 Ms Gerardine Yip
16 Ms Jessie Goh
17 Ms Yeong Yam Heng
18 Ms Valerie Johanna Loh
19 Ms Asiah Bte Apna
20 Ms Mak Sawo Wah
15
Trendy T-shirts to be WON!
Name: Mr/Ms
NRIC No:
Address:
Postal:
Tel: Home Office
Mobile Email
Name one of the facilities you will find at Bishan Active
(Deadline: 28 October 2007)
Question
Quizfor
#66
The MPs of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRCand Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council
wish all Muslim ResidentsSelamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri
The MPs of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRCand Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council
wish all Muslim ResidentsSelamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Anggota Anggota Parlimen bagiBishan-Toa Payoh GRC dan
Majlis Bandaran Bishan-Toa Payohmengucapkan
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Anggota Anggota Parlimen bagiBishan-Toa Payoh GRC dan
Majlis Bandaran Bishan-Toa Payohmengucapkan
Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri