DECEMBER 2010aljuniedGRCMy homeMy homeMICA (P) 172/07/2010 REVITALISED!

Shops in Serangoon North sport a brand new look

A BRIGHT IDEASave money with LED lights

SAFE & SECURE WITH TORCHScores success within weeks of its launch

REVITALISED!Shops in Serangoon North sport a brand new look

A BRIGHT IDEASave money with LED lights

SAFE & SECURE WITH TORCHScores success within weeks of its launch

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CONTENTS

1 Welcome Message

ACTIVE ALJUNIED2 Clean & Green @ Aljunied

GRC3 Safe and Secure with TORCH4 A Bright Idea, 5 ’Yes!’ to Upgrading,

Revitalised!6 National Day Awards,

Aljunied Town Council receives Chinese visitors

7 A big ‘well Done!’, Mary Makes a Clean Sweep

ALJUNIED LIFESTYLE8 Residents catch YOG

fever

HAPPENIN’ ALJUNIED9 Aljunied GRC Residents

Score in 2nd TCMR 10 By laws Laundry Poster11 Aljunied Town Council

Financial Year 2009/201012 Giving Weight to

Good Manners13 Eating Out

Main Offi ce: Blk 810 Hougang Central #02-214 S(530810)

Bedok Reservoir Offi ce: Blk 609 Bedok Reservoir Road #01-646 S(470609)Serangoon North Offi ce: Blk 147 Serangoon North Ave 1 #01-421 S(550147)General Enquiry Line: 6744 1033Fax: 6747 5770Email: feedback@aljunied-tc.org.sgWebsite: www.aljuniedgrc.sg

For advertising enquiries, please contact Ms Clara Chee at 6744 1033 or clara.chee@aljunied-tc.org.sg

Editorial CommitteeMdm Tan Choon Hua Daisie, BBM (Chairman)Ms Yeo Poh Hwee Ann (Vice-Chairman)Mr Chew Hue Boon BenjaminMr Chua Kah SoonMrs Liew Soo Wah, PBMMr Ong Kiat Chuan PatrickMr Tan Seck BengMr Woon Tek Fah, PBM

Aljunied GRC My Home is published quarterly by Aljunied Town Council. 52,000 copies are distributed to all HDB households in Aljunied GRC. This publication is also available at Town Council Offi ces, Community Centres and Clubs. Copyright is held by the publishers. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. While every effort has been made to ensure that information presented is up-to-date, some details are liable to change and the publishers cannot be held responsible for consequences arising from errors and omissions in this publication.

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(Left) Aljunied GRC celebrates Deepavali

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My homeMy homeDear Residents Much has happened since our last newsletter. The Aljunied Town Council hasbeen working hard to improve the lives of residents by upgrading the GRC.

After a six-month renovation, the market and hawker centre atKovan opened on 1 November with better ventilation, brighter lighting andmore amenities.

The new Serangoon North Village has also been unveiled after two years of upgrading work. Further upgrading are also in store for our SerangoonNorth residents who have voted for a makeover from the NeighbourhoodRenewal Programme.

Across the GRC, residents are also now enjoying brighter nights as 160 HDB blocks and 23 multi-storey car parks have been fitted with energysaving LED lights.

A community and security programme, TORCH, which involves AljuniedTown Council conservancy workers has also been launched. I am confident TORCH can help us to reduce crime because its members are familiar with their precincts' going-on.

Of course, our cleaners have also been working hard to keep the estateclean, with Mdm Mary Lim Choon Eng clinching this year’s Clean & GreenSingapore Best Cleaner Award.

More upgrading and improvement plans to the estate will be announced at a later date. Meanwhile, let us continue to work together to make Aljunied GRC a safe and conducive place to live. I wish everyone a happy festive season.

Yours sincerely,Mdm Cynthia PhuaChairman of Aljunied Town CouncilMP for Aljunied GRC

WELCOMEmessage

Title: ALJUNIED Issue.: Dec 2010Size: 255(h) x 177(w)mm Color: CMYKServer: TP_Customise DTP: Cristin

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ACTIVEALJUNIED

Every year, Tree Planting Day is an integral part of Aljunied GRC’s community activities. Each new life planted is a step closer to promoting a greener tomorrow with fresher air for all. Check out our MPs in action!

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Criminals will feel the heat from the TORCH (Town Council Workers On Watch) Community Safety and Security Programme

Town Council conservancy workers in Aljunied GRC will now serve as additional eyes and ears to assist the community in crime prevention.

Launched on 24 July 2010, it is a joint collaboration between Hougang Neighbourhood Police Centre and the Aljunied Town Council. It involves 49 foremen and supervisors, and 330 conservancy workers who tend to the various precincts in the Aljunied GRC.

The TORCH leaders were briefed by the police on 15 July on their roles and how they should approach suspected criminals. The members were also briefed by various government agencies on how to deal with issues such as fire safety and contraband cigarettes.

After six months, the Hougang Neighbourhood Police Centre and Aljunied GRC will evaluate this trial project’s effectiveness and viability. They will look at the results produced, as well as feedback from residents and TORCH members.

“We are confident TORCH can help us to reduce crime because its members are familiar with the goings–on in the precincts where they work. They can detect unfamiliar faces and unusual activities. We are proud to have them on our Community Safety and Security Programme,” explained Madam Cynthia Phua, MP for Aljunied GRC, and also Chairman of Aljunied Town Council.

SAFE & SECURE WITH

TORCH

success storyOn 5 August 2010, the police laid an ambush for a suspected motorcycle thief in Hougang Avenue 8.

When they moved in to detain him, he tried to get away. There was a struggle, but Mr Jebalal Nadasan, a conservancy worker, stepped forward to help. The 62-year-old also shouted out to Bangladeshi nationals working nearby, Mr Sharif Patwari Abdul Rajjak, 29, and Mr Suman Kumar Das Romananda, 23, to help.

Both Mr Sharif and Mr Suman are also conservancy workers in the area.

Deputy Commander of Ang Mo Kio Police Division, Superintendent of Police Manimaran Pushpanathan said, “This case highlights the effectiveness and importance of police-community partnership in fighting crime,” he said.

Madam Cynthia Phua with Mr Suman Kumar, Mr Jebalal Nadasan,Mr Sharif Patwari (fourth, fifth and sixth from left, respectively)

Para pekerja penyenggaraan Majlis Bandaran di GRC Aljunied kini akan bertindak sebagai mata dan telinga tambahan bagi membantu masyarakat mencegah jenayah.

Dilancarkan pada 24 Julai 2010, ia merupakan satu kerjasama antara Pusat Kejiranan Polis Hougang dengan Majlis Bandaran Aljunied. Ia melibatkan 49 mandur dan penyelia, dan 330 pekerja penyenggaraan yang menjaga kawasan-kawasan di bawah GRC Aljunied.

Pada 5 Ogos 2010, tiga pekerja penyenggaraan, Encik Jebalal Nadasan, Encik Sharif Patwari Abdul Rajjak dan Encik Suman Kumar Das Romananda telah membantu polis memberkas seorang pencuri motosikal bersiri.

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ACTIVEALJUNIED

A bright ideaResidents now look forward to brighter nights and more money saved, thanks to LED lights

One hundred and sixty seven HDB residential blocks across Aljunied GRC had the lights along their corridors, staircases, void decks

and 23 multi-storey car parks replaced with

AfterBefore

energy–efficient LED (light–emitting diode) lights recently.

These LED lights are energy efficient, and save up to 60 per cent in electricity bills. They also have a longer life span of up to 50,000 hours – or around 10 years – if used 12 hours a day.

“This project is part of our programme to continuously look at ways to reduce our operational costs without sacrificing on the quality of our delivery,” said Madam Cynthia Phua, Town Council Chairman, and MP for Aljunied GRC.

To save even more energy, the LED lights at staircases are fitted with motion sensors so that the lighting can be dimmed when not in use.

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The new Serangoon North Village was unveiled during a dinner celebration on 25 July 2010. Formerly known as the Serangoon North

Neighbourhood Centre, its shops were given a new lease of life under the HDB’s Revitalisation of Shops scheme.

The new name is mounted on top of Block 153, Serangoon North Ave 1. Spelt out in large orange letters, it was unveiled by Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance & Transport, together with her fellow Aljunied GRC MPs – Foreign Minister Mr George Yeo, Senior Minister of State (Foreign Affairs) Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, Chairman of Aljunied Town Council Mdm Cynthia Phua, and Vice Chairman of Aljunied Town Council Mr Yeo Guat Kwang.

Shops in Serangoon North sport a brand new look after a makeover

Revitalised!

‘YES!’ to upgradingSerangoon North residents give the go-ahead for a $7m makeover from the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme

A resounding ‘yes’ vote to proposed upgrading works have been given by residents of Serangoon North. The results, gathered from the Consensus Gathering Exercise held on 21 and 22 August, showed 82 per cent of residents in favour of the HDB

Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP). As such, residents in Hwi Yoh Court and Hwi

Yoh Ville will enjoy new facilities like modern children’s playgrounds, covered linkways connecting every block and a family park.

Showing her support for the NRP, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance & Transport, and MP for Aljunied GRC graced the Exercise.

Mrs Lim said the Serangoon North Merchants’ Association — under the leadership of its chairman Mr Patrick Ong PBM — worked hard to get more retailers to join the association as members in support of the ROS scheme.

Two years in the making, this project saw new amenities added and existing ones improved. Uneven slopes were removed, giving way to bright and clean barrier-free walkways, while the market produce shops were retiled and their ventilation improved.

The upgrading also enhanced the area’s best known highlight – its pet stores. A new ‘Pet Walk’ promenade and a Central Plaza between Block 151 and 154 were constructed, as well as a bird-viewing corner at the car park behind Blocks 151 and 151A. The new area means future pet-inspired carnivals and performances can be held there. “There is now an entertainment value for those who come here to shop,” said Mrs Lim of the $6-million upgrading.

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In recognition of their contributions and service to Singapore, we congratulate this year’s recipients of the National Day Awards

National Prideg y p y

The Public Service Star (Bintang Bakti Masyarakat, BBM)

The Public Service Medal (Pingat Bakti Masyarakat, PBM)

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Aljunied Town Council receives Chinese visitorsChinese government officials

undergoing a Master's program in Public Administration and

Management at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, paid a visit to Aljunied Town Council on 22 October 2010.

The Town Council gave a presentation on new township concepts, operations and management in Singapore.

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang, Vice Chairman of Aljunied Town Council and MP for Aljunied GRC chaired the event and answered the enquires posted by our enthusiastic visitors.

Mr Tay Chee MengChairman, Aljunied–Hougang Zone 9 RC

Mr Han Tat FongPatron, Bedok Reservoir–Punggol CCC

Mr Koh Beng KangMember, Bedok Reservoir–Punggol CCC

Mr Wong Chiat WanChairman, Paya Lebar Zone 8 RC

Mr Chew Hua SengPatron, Serangoon CCC

Mr Sawaran SinghChairman, Eunos Zone 3 RC

Mdm Jennifer Chew Chairman, Eunos Zone 5 RC

Mr John LeowChairman, Hwan Gardens NC

Mr Png Yiow Beng, PBMVice–Chairman, Aljunied–Hougang CCC

Mr Tng Kay Lim, PBM Chairman, Paya Lebar CCC

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ACTIVEALJUNIED

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Aljunied GRC won three Clean and Green awards from the National Environment Agency

A big ‘Well Done!’ Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was Guest of Honour at the Clean & Green Singapore

(CGS) 2011 launch ceremony at Sengkang Square on 6 November 2010. Vice Chairman of Aljunied Town Council and MP for Aljunied GRC Mr Yeo Guat Kwang was also there to show his support.

Mary makes a clean sweepCleaner from Eunos Division emerges to win the Clean & Green Singapore Best Cleaner Award

At the event, Aljunied GRC won three awards namely:* Best Constituency (National Level) – Aljunied–Hougang Division* Best Team Effort (District Level) – Paya Lebar Division* Best Cleaner (District Level) – Eunos Division

CCC Chairman Mr Leon Luai PBM received the best constituency award on the launch date. The other two awards will be given out at another event on 11 March 2011. The Best Cleaner award will be given to Mdm Mary Lim Choon Eng

(see story below).Aljunied TC also took part in the CGS

event by showcasing its community video to residents and the public. This encourages them to be socially responsible by not cluttering their corridors and not littering, thereby making the estate a cleaner and safer place to live in.

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T his year’s Clean & Green Singapore Best Cleaner Award went to Mdm Mary Lim Choon Eng who won the prize from the National Environment Agency.

A major factor was the 61–year–old’s dedication to cleaning the void decks and lift lobbies of Blocks 601 and 602 at Bedok Reservoir Road over the last six years. “Mary starts her work at 4am even though her official start time is 6.30am. She begins her day mopping the void decks, and only proceeds to clean the lift lobbies after 6.30am so as not to disturb the residents,” said site manager Mr Ken Tan.

Both her children can support her but Mary chooses to work. She pays her own monthly household expenses and also her husband’s medical fees. He has been wheelchair-bound after a car accident.

Occasionally, some residents will buy her a meal. “She is friendly and helpful in nature and is responsible in her duties. I often hear residents praising her,” added Mr Tan.

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They join in the fun as YOG Flame is carried through Aljunied GRC

Youth Olympic Games fever hit Aljunied GRC on the third day of the Youth Olympic Flame’s journey through Singapore as our MPs and

residents joined in the YOG fun on 10 August. In the Paya Lebar Division, Mdm Cynthia Phua

cheered on the torch bearers and gave moral support by joining in the run.

Mr Yeo Guat Kwang also joined in to cheer for the two torch bearers, Mr Leon Luai, PBM Chairman of Aljunied – Hougang CCC, and Mr Gary Goh, Chairman of Aljunied – Hougang Zone ‘8’ RC.

Other participants in the Flame’s journey included Minister Zainul Abidin Rasheed from the Eunos Division who spurred on the participants and Mr John Leow from the Serangoon Division.

In the Bedok Reservoir-Punggol Division, the flame was carried across Bedok Reservoir in a dragon boat. Minister George Yeo finally completed the day’s event when he transferred the flame from a torch and lit up a cauldron at the Temasek Polytechnic.

RESIDENTS CATCH YOG FEVER

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ALJUNIEDLIFESTYLE

Being engrossed in your work out is not an excuse to forget your manners. Here are some tips on how to be a considerate gym user

GIVING WEIGHT TO GOOD MANNERS

D on’t you hate it when it’s finally your turn to use the exercise bench at the gym, only to find out it’s covered with perspiration from the

previous user? That’s why it is important to always bring a towel to the gym so that you can wipe your sweat from the equipment after you have finished. Should you forget, all public gyms have spare towels on sale; you can’t get in without one, anyway.

And remember, the trainers are there to assist, not pick up after you, so don’t leave your belongings anywhere you want. These will not only make the gym look messy, but are a safety hazard as other people might trip over them. Use the lockers available.

Rules like these are to ensure that the exercise environment is as pleasant as possible, although it is the user’s initiative to make the extra effort to be considerate.

James Lee, gym manager of the newly opened Gym @ Bedok Reservoir, highlights a few points that will make anyone a model gym user.

DON’T:Shout or use profanitiesHog the weights and other exercise equipment. If others are waiting, ask if they’d like to shareSlam the weights onto the floor. It might distract other users midway through their exercise routinesTake more than 15 minutes for your shower

DO:

Introduce yourself, and ask the trainer to explain how the equipment is used if it is your first time therePut the weights back where you found themWipe the equipment with your towel after you have used itDress comfortably, but decently

On 21 November 2010, Minister for Foreign Affairs George Yeo officially launched the Gym @ Bedok Reservoir, a unique gym that is housed at a multi-storey carpark. Opened on 1 October, the 186-sqm gym houses the latest exercise equipment. Personal training programmes and group classes like kickboxing are available. Users must be at least 16 years old. Charges: $3.50 for adults, $2.50 for students (below 21) and senior citizens (50 years and above).

Located at Bedok Reservoir Road, 714A, #03-01.

ALJUNIEDLIFESTYLE

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Hougang foodies are spoilt for choice – and more – at the new and improved Kovan 209 Market and Food Centre

Eating out

A fter six months of extensive renovation and upgrading, the Kovan 209 Market and Food Centre reopened on 1 November 2010. Bigger

and better, it now showcases cost–effective features which are both user– and environmentally–friendly.

Going GreenMaking the neighbourhood greener, there is now a garden on the roof. There is also a biodegradable food waste management system installed to process food waste. A higher ceiling also help to create better ventilation.

Cutting CostsThere are skylights in the new roof that flood the market and food centre with more natural light. LED lights have also been installed at the common area and the internal stalls to provide brighter – but cheaper – lighting.

Eating ConvenienceLadies can now hang their bags from the tables as well, and that means there will be more space for food. There are six new toilets too. Five new sinks have also been strategically placed around the food centre to facilitate washing of hands before and after meals.

Socially-consciousA new feature at the market is the 12 return tray stations. With this in place, Aljunied GRC residents and the public now have another opportunity to put into practice their civic consciousness.

THIRST QUENCHERGet all your local favourites, like soya bean, grass jelly and bird’s nest, for only 30 cents each! It’s a price tag that stall owner Mr Goh Kai Suah has kept for almost 30 years, providing affordable but refreshing beverages for generations of foodies.

Sun Kee Drinks #01-65 Operating Hours: 6.00am-3.30pm, Closed on Mondays

The Kovan 209 Market and Food Centre is at Blk 209, Hougang Street 21, Singapore 530209.

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