this issue

Issue No. 87 • January - March 2010 • MICA(P)033/01/2010

TOWN COUNCIL NEWSBISHAN-TOA PAYOH

STOP

LIVE YOUR PART STOP GRAFFITISTOP GRAFFITI

Pg 4Shots from the top

Pg 8 & 9Inconsiderate Acts Consequences

2

notes from town council

Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council

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

New Year; New Look!!

Check out our refreshing new site @ www.btptc.org.sg

In Stephen Covey's book, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People",

one of the principles good habits is to "begin with the end in mind".

The basic principle is very true in HDB living, where our actions can

impact those around us.

For instance, even though you live on the upper fl oors, the cleanliness

of your void deck can make a difference in your block. Nobody likes to

be associated with a dirty and smelly place. Keep your void deck and

surroundings litter and graffi ti free and see how much pride this could

instill in each resident.

Remember, begin with the end in mind. If you want a clean neighbour-

hood, do your part and think before you act.

CONTENTSImprovement Works Coming 3Your Way

Shots from the top 4

Variety adds spice to exercise 5

Service & Conservancy Charges 6

Inconsiderate Acts Consequences 8-9

Getting In-Touch! 11

Advertisements are all thatyou should believe?Think again. 13

Notice Board 14Bus 235 Route amendment 14

Quiz 15

Start Period: February to June 2010

Upgrading of Existing Toilets

Division Blocks

Thomson Blk 320 Shunfu Road (Shunfu Mart)

Construction of Barrier Free Access Ramp

Division Blocks

Bishan-Toa Payoh North Blk 206 to 207A Bishan Street 23

Replacement of Fibreglass Reinforced Polyester (FRP)Water Sectional Tanks

Division Blocks

Bishan-Toa Payoh North Blk 202 Toa Payoh North Blk 204 Toa Payoh North Blk 208 Toa Payoh North Blk 209 Toa Payoh North

Start Period: February to June 2010

Repairs and Redecoration Works

Division Blocks

Bishan East Blk 101 Bishan St 12 Blk 102 Bishan St 12 Blk 103 Bishan St 12 Blk 104 Bishan St 12 Blk 105 Bishan St 12 Blk 106 Bishan St 12 Blk 107 Bishan St 12 Blk 108 Bishan St 12 Blk 109 Bishan St 12 Blk 110 Bishan St 12 Blk 111 Bishan St 12 Blk 112 Bishan St 12 Blk 113 Bishan St 12 Blk 114 Bishan St 12 Blk 115 Bishan St 12 Blk 116 Bishan St 12

Blk 145 Bishan St 11 Blk 146 Bishan St 11 Blk 147 Bishan St 11 Blk 148 Bishan St 11 Blk 149 Bishan St 11 Blk 135 to 138 Bishan St 12 Blk 168 to 172 Bishan St 13 Blk 187 to 197 Bishan St 13

Bin Compound near Blk 145 Bishan St 11 Bin Compound near Blk 138 Bishan St 12 Bin Compound near Blk 189 Bishan St 13

Improvement Works Coming

Your WayThe 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. Improve-

ment works such as the construction/

upgrading of facilities continually

provide residents with 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

work sites.

We appreciate your support in ensur-

ing a smooth completion of works.

1. Keep away and do not attempt to trespass any safety barricades or chainlink fencing areas.

2. Look out for falling objects.

3. Keep away from machinery and hacking works.

4. Walk under void decks, walk way or shoring provided, avoid walking in 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 corridors.

SAFETY TIPS

3

ESTATE IMPROVEMENT

Shots from the topMoving into his Bishan fl at provided Siew Heng Keong with more than just a place to live in – the 16th storey unit offered great photo opportunities with its unblocked view of the town for the camera buff.

It is no wonder then that Mr Siew has devoted many hours to capturing shots of Bishan and the surroundings.

“Bishan is the best place to live in terms of location and its residents. You name it, we have it,” beamed the 62-year-old retiree, who has been staying with his wife in his fi ve-room fl at since they moved from Ghim Moh in 1986.

Since he picked up photography during his secondary school days, he has taken a multitude of shots, starting with his fi rst camera – a Zeiss Ikon single lens camera.

“I’m not good in drawing or writing but fi nd great joy in photography, which gives me a way to express myself. I love capturing moments in daily life, scenery and night scenes,” said Mr Siew.

Following his retirement in 2007, he has more time to devote to his hobby. Once a week, he will go to different places, such as Little India and MacRitchie Reservoir, to take photographs. Healso travels to once or twice a year to other countries to indulge in his hobby.

“I have been to places such as Japan, Cambodia, Vietnam, and China. Recently, I was in Batam to capture the daily life on the island. My dream is to go to Africa and India and the United States. India is a photographers’ paradise because it is very colourful,” said Mr Siew.

Contrary to popular belief, Mr Siew believes that one does not need to spend a lot of money on the hobby. His current camera and accessories cost just over $3,000.

But he pointed out that picking up photography involves more than just learning to use a camera.

“Budding photographers also need to learn how to use photo editing soft-ware so that they can do more with their images,” said Mr Siew, whose other hobbies include reading, surfi ng the Web and catching up with friends.

4

AROUND TOWN

1.

A little variety can spice up an exercise routine. When Stephanie Cheong completed her pilates course, she wanted to continue exercising but preferred something that is fun.She decided to try Cardio-Mix and is enjoying the course because of its variety of movements. “I like it because it offers a mixture of cardio exercises and dance,” said the 36-year-old teacher.

Ms Cheong joins 16 other ladies for her workout at Toa Payoh Central CC every Tuesday evening.

Cardio-Mix lessons include warm up,hi-low impact aerobics workout, bodysculpt toning, and fi rming with resistance band. Participants also learn a relaxation technique which includes stretching and yoga cool-down for total wellness. This cardio-respiratory fi tness workout is ideal for those who want to keep fi t as it challenges their bodies to work within their own level and improve their overall health.

According to trainer Yvonne Peng, Cardio-Mix is more fl exible and lets participants do more, such as body shaping, dance steps and kick boxing.“It’s suitable for both genders and

people of all ages as the exercisesare not vigorous,” said 43-year-oldMs Peng, whose students range from teenagers to working adults in their 50s.

As the movements are very fl exible, she tweaks the eight-week course based on her students’ response. “If a particular dance step seems diffi cult for them, I will slow down so that they can get it right fi rst before proceeding further.”

Ms Peng has been teaching aerobic since 1989 and became a full-time trainer in 2003.

How To Join: When: Every Tuesday Time: 7pm - 8pm Where: Toa Payoh Central Community Club Fees: $72.00 (PA members) $77.00 (Non-members) Contact: Toa Payoh Central Community Club at 62521249

5

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

6

HOMEFRONT

Kadar bayaran biasa S&C hanya boleh digunakan untuk mereka yang bukan penduduk tetap , pemilik kediaman privet, perniagaan atau industri (termasuk yang dimikiki oleh HDB). Mereka tidak layak bagi rebate untuk & S&CC.

Bagi mereka yang membuat bayaran melaui Giro/interbank Giro, Majlis Bandaran akan membuat pengurusan dengan bank bagi potogan peruntukkan jumlah bagi S&CC, diambil kira rebate S&C yang bagi anda.

Normal S&CC* applies to non-citizens, owners of private residential property (including those from HDB). They are also not eligible for the S&CC free-month rebates.

For those paying through GIRO, the Town Council will arrange with your bank to deduct the appropriate amount after taking into account the S&CC rebates that you are eligible for.

Service & Conservancy Charges for 2010 Flat Normal Reduced Free Month Type Rate* Rate

1 room $53.20 $19.50 Mar (0.5 month) Jun (0.5 month) Sep (0.5 month) Dec (0.5 month)

2 room $55.20 $29.00 Mar (0.5 month) Jun (0.5 month) Sep (0.5 month) Dec (0.5 month)

3 room $57.00 $40.00 Mar (0.5 month) Jun (0.5 month) Dec (0.5 month)

4 room $61.00 $52.00 Jun (0.5 month) Dec (0.5 month)

5 room $63.00 - Jun (0.5 month) Dec (0.5 month)

Executive $85.00 - Jun (0.5 month)

HUDC $105.00 - -

Multi-Generation (Type A) $90.00 - Jun (0.5 month)

Multi-Generation (Type B & C) $85.00 - Jun (0.5 month)

7www.btptc.org.sg

LIVE YOUR PART PAY ON TIMEPAY ON TIME

8

In the previous issue, we showed you inconsiderate acts spotted by the MND offi cer, and how you can help to reduce such acts. For this issue, let us think about these anti-social behaviour and their consequences.

An action is often done within a minute or two; sometimes with or without thinking before we act. Thinking of the end in mind is thinking a step ahead, considering the con-sequences of our actions. A litter you throw on the ground leads to a dirty estate/home. Imagine another 50 people in your block doing the same? This would result in a dirty surrounding around your home. That is what no one likes.

A bad habit requires us to change our mindset. It requires us to think of the type of home we want to live in. It ultimately echoes the phrase of ‘doing to others what you want them to do to you’.

Dirty surroundings, graffi ti-stained property, stepping on dog poo, rats scurrying for food waste, and passers-by being hit by falling fl owerpots or bamboo poles. These are things you do not want happening to you!

So… Live your part. Think before you act.

Inconsiderate Acts

Acts Result/Consequences:

Littering Dirty estate

Graffi ti/Stain/Vandalism Common property destroyed and incurs repair/replacement costs

Obstruction along corridor Untidy, restricts movement, potential fi re hazard

Dog poo left on the ground Unhygienic

Killer litter Someone hit on the head or killed

12345

9

FEATURE

s ConsequencesMore defects spotted by the inspector:

Litter Litter

Unauthorised fi xture

Obstruction

Graffi ti

Stain

Obstruction

10

Getting In-Touch!Getting In-Touch!

11

MEETING THE RESIDENTS

Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC MPs actively attend activities, continually taking time to get in-touch with residents.

We bring you some snap-shots of them.

12

Advertisement

13

In general, all advertisements are supposed to be

truthful, honest, decent, and legal. Even though

the advertising industry is self-regulated, all

advertisements have to adhere to guidelines

stipulated in the Singapore Code of Advertising

Practice (SCAP). SCAP is administered by

the Advertising Standards Authority of

Singapore (ASAS) which is a council set

by CASE. If an advertisement is found

to be in breach of SCAP, ASAS, with

the help of media owners, can suspend

the advertisements until the breach is

rectifi ed.

Hence, the question is, should advertisements be

taken literally? Well, the answer is, if the advertise-

ment claimed the advertised product is able to

create wonders, then it should really be the case.

Otherwise, it would have been a misleading claim.

However, when artistic expressions are involved,

consumers should take advertisements with a

pinch of salt. For instance, a certain drink will

not make a person a genius overnight, but the

advertisement may create an impression that

people make smart choices by choosing the drink.

So, when it comes to advertisements, what should

consumers really look out for?

The most crucial thing is, of course, the small prints.

The small prints on the advertisements are usually

disclaimers or terms and conditions. Under SCAP,

they have to be legible and be of a minimum

font size of 8. Should the consumer purchase

the advertised product or service, they should

pay careful attention to the disclaimer to avoid

disputes.

These are a few examples of disclaimers that

consumers should look out for in advertisements:

(1) Hair products and servicesWhen it comes to advertisements relating to hair

products and services, advertisements may claim

that such products and services can enhance

hair quality, promote hair growth or even

stop hair loss. However, the fact lies

that there is no specifi c proof that

any product can do so (except certain

registered medicinal products).

(2) Bust enhancementSpecifi cally in relation to bust or breasts, advertisers

are not supposed to make claims that their products

and services can enlarge breasts as it is not possible

without surgery.

Advertisements usually state their services as “bust

enhancement” or “bust firming” and it is likely

that they will argue that such services are not

“bust enlargement”.

(3) AirfaresWith the popularity of budget airlines, airfare

advertisements are one of the most common

advertisements these days. However, advertisers

should not advertise $0 airfares as ultimately

this is not true. What they are required to do is

to advertise the all inclusive rate; the

rate advertised is usually

the cheapest

possible

fare.

Contributed by Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE)

CONSUMER MATTERS

Remember the recent advertisement where a consumer

went to OCBC Bank to ask for a birthday cake on her

birthday as depicted in the bank’s advertisement?

Advertisements are all that you should believe?

Think again

14

COMPUTER

Singapore Microcomputer Society (since 1978) organises FREE educational talks every Friday evening at Bishan CC. Join for networking, new friends and knowledge. Non-members pay a door fee. Promotion for Passion Card members.Visit www.sms.org.sg or call 6243-3965.

Build a user-friendly website that works for your target audience. Other services include: logos, brochures & packaging design, email design, and design of wedding, family or travel photo books. Reasonable rates. Suitable for start-ups. Tel: 96228824. Email: info@ingsray.com Web: www.ingsray.com

High Quality!! home tution by Full-time NTU graduate tutor. I specialise in Sec. 3 - 5 Physics/ Chemistry/A & E Math and Sec 1-2 math and science. Reasonable rates. Call Kelvin 97366207.

NOTICE BOARD

Advertisment

TOWN CLASSIFIEDSTUITION TUITION

DELI

DESIGN

Wholesome Deli serve healthy, delicious vegetarian food free of eggs, dairy products and MSG. Soya milk and whole meal bread made fresh everyday at our shop. Sandwiches, burgers and cinnamon rolls contain 25% - 50% whole meal fl our. Menu also includes fried unpolished rice, fried unpolished rice bee hoon, pizza, spaghetti and Chinese dumpling. Visit us at Blk 123, #01-509 Toa Payoh Lorong 1. Call 6253 5752 to order. Free delivery with $30.00 order and above within Toa Payoh and Bishan.

Want to earn extra income while working part time, in a Health and Wellness Industry.No experience required, training will be provided. Housewives and Retirees are welcome to join. Attend our free training session. To reserve seats call Hp 97852605.

BUSINESS

We provide home tuition for all subjects: English, Math, Science, Humanities, 2nd Languages (Malay, Tamil, Chinese) for Kindergarten, Primary and Secondary Students. Call us 91879051 / 97852605 – Irene. Website: www.patrena.com.sg

Tuition by qualifi ed, graduate MOE female teacher. Credentials: NUS (B.Soc Sci), PGDE (Primary) 9 years of tutoring and school experience! Free trial lesson and consultation (Bishan) will be provided to ensure right fi t between pupil and teacher. Contact: 92377274

Lay your child’s foundation right! Effective bilingual teacher trained in early childhood education and specialized in K1 – P4 for all subjects. Call 98567171.Rare! Science Graduate. Effective experiencedteacher for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Maths E/A/C. (Student’s residence) Reasonable fees. Call 96171577

15151515111

#76#76FUN TIMEFUN TIME

Answer toAnswer toQuiz #75:Quiz #75:

Terms and Conditions:1. Closing date: 12 March 2010. 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 fi nal and no correspondence will be entertained.8. Prizes will be awarded to the fi rst 30 all correct entries drawn and winners will be notifi ed 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.

Question for Quiz 76:

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>AddressExample:BTPTC Q73 B JohnTan S1234567G Blk125AToaPayohLor 2#01-134S311125

Winners will be notifi ed via SMS.More details can be found at www.btptc.org.sg

Winners for Quiz 75:

Quiz Revamped! You can now send us your answers via SMS!

(C) 16

No Name1. Vivian Wong Xin Hui2. Mohamad Nazreen Bin Zakaria 3. Oh Eng Soon 4. Lim Ah Le 5. Teng Seng Bok 6. Clara Tan7. Lim Boon Chong8. Zhang Kai9. Ray Chew10. Shirley Lee11. William Handoko Anggakusuma12. Eric Tay13. Pang Soo Goh 14. Kang Siew Khing 15. Choong Loo Min 16. Chia Guan Sey

No Name17. Olyvia 18. Vivien Tan 19. Mary Rose 20. Gerardine Yip 21. Tan Mei Lian 22. Wang Haifeng 23. Koh Chee Wai24. Steven Lee25. Mok Jia Ming26. Mok Keng Yeow

Vandalism will result toAnswer:a) fi re hazardb) common property destroyedc) repair and replacement costsd) B and C

Winners will be notifi ed via SMS. More details can be found at www.btptc.org.sg

The MPs of Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC and Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council

wish all Chinese Residents

Happy & ProsperousLunar New Year