September | October 2020
SWISS CLUB, THE HOME FOR ALL NATIONALITIES PONDERING THE PANDEMIC
Coping and Hoping
NEW NORMS FOR GOOD
Keeping You Safe at the Club
TASTE OF OKTOBERFEST Dine In or Take Away
SCHOOL IS IN!
New Crew at the Swiss School
CELEBRATING ‘TOGETHER’ Swiss National Day Hosted by the Embassy
THE HOME FOR ALL NATIONALITIES
REFERRAL REWARDS FOR SWISS CLUB MEMBERS Receive up to *$200 Club Credits when you refer your friends to us!
VISIT SWISSCLUB.ORG.SG/REFER FOR MORE INFO *Terms & Conditions apply.
A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Suzanne Lauridsen Editor, Relax
Dear Members, How to begin? The year 2020 has shocked me to my core. In fact, it all still seems a little unreal, and sometimes surreal. I have been guilty of trotting out trite phrases like – nobody saw this pandemic coming. However, it seems that many scientists did. Specifically, those who had been studying the pattern of outbreaks of infectious diseases knew that it was just a matter of time till a pandemic of this catastrophic magnitude hit us. Hopefully, with the painful learnings of recent months, the world will be better prepared to battle the next pandemic when it comes. Enough doom and gloom. The truth in that old saying that every cloud has a silver lining is becoming increasingly apparent with every passing day. With great respect for those who are struggling with illness, grief, financial hardship and separation from loved ones, there is a bright side to this wretched situation. You just have to look for it. We did just that it and shared what we found in ‘Pondering the Pandemic’. Read about how the world is turning lemons into lemonade – including your fellow Members and loyal staff members, on Pages 28 - 33. Whether you are WFH (that’s Working from Home, of course), at home, at work or at school, please take care and stay well – and as the Monty Python gang famously sang, always look on the bright side of life! Yours,
Inside this Issue SWISS CLUB 3 4 4 5 6 7 7 8 9 9
A Note from the Editor Club Management, Staff and Reservations Committee Welcomes and Farewells A Word from the Committee Swiss Club Redevelopment Update Opening Hours A Message from the General Manager Meet Your Safety Management Officers All Caught Up
28
9
Pondering the Pandemic: In Search of Silver Linings
Meet Your Safety Management Officers
23
Swiss National Day Celebration at Home
DINING
10 A Taste of Oktoberfest 12 On the Wine List… in October
EVENTS
16 An Ode to Oktoberfests Past
SPORTS 18 19 20 21 22
Tennis Cravings Satisfied A World-class Swimming Programme Focus on Fitness Super Summer Soccer Yoga for Physical and Mental Health
INTERESTS 23 24 25 26 28 34
Swiss National Day Celebration at Home Meet Our New Faces Meet a Staffer: Wife, Mother, Foodie, Cook and Colleague Manicure and Pedicure Service Pondering the Pandemic: In Search of Silver Linings Fitness with Friends
10
18
A Taste of Oktoberfest
22
Yoga for Physical and Mental Health
Tennis Cravings Satisfied
Relax magazine is edited and designed by SPEcial Pte Ltd. Content is curated by Swiss Club Marketing. Suzanne, Copy E: suzy@spe-cial.com
T: (65) 9820 9520
Edwin, Art
E: edwin@spe-cial.com T: (65) 8500 2975
Pam, Liaison
T: (65) 9871 0666
Trick, Art
E: trick@spe-cial.com
E: pam@spe-cial.com swissclub.org.sg
MCI (P) No. 044/02/2020
/swissclubsingapore
@swissclubsingapore
T: (65) 8511 5746 @SwissClubSing
CLUB MANAGEMENT, STAFF AND RESERVATIONS CLUB
FOOD, BEVERAGE & EVENTS
Aaron Lim, General Manager E: aaron.lim@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9457
Adrian Vogt, F&B Manager E: adrian.vogt@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9428
ADMIN & HR
Raymond Ho, Restaurant Manager E: raymond.ho@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9434
Apple Chew, Administration & Human Resources Manager E: chinphing.chew@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9422 FINANCE
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Lydia Zhai, Chief Accountant E: lydia.zhai@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9450
Riza Mazlan, Marketing & Events Manager E: riza.mazlan@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9436
MEMBERSHIP
SPORTS & RECREATION
Serene Yee, Member Relations Manager E: serene.yee@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9426
Elvis Tan, Sports & Recreation Executive E: elvis.tan@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9438
FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE Kumar Samy, Facilities Manager E: samy.kumar@swissclub.org.sg DID: 6591 9451
THE GUESTHOUSE ROOM RESERVATIONS E: theguesthouse@swissclub.org.sg T: 6591 9420
DINING RESERVATIONS W: www.swissclub.org.sg/restaurants T: 6591 9420 F: 6591 9452
COMMITTEE
MEMBERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Rolf Gerber President E: president@swissclub.org.sg or rolf.gerber@swissclub.org.sg
Adrian Jacklowsky Deputy President E: deputypres@swissclub.org.sg or adrian.jacklowsky@swissclub.org.sg
Thomas Vonrueti Treasurer E: treasurer@swissclub.org.sg or thomas.vonrueti@swissclub.org.sg
Michael Bell Secretary E: secretary@swissclub.org.sg or michael.bell@swissclub.org.sg
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BANQUET RESERVATIONS E: adrian.vogt@swissclub.org.sg T: 6591 9428
Caroline Steger F&B, Guesthouse E: caroline.steger@swissclub.org.sg Riccarda Zuellig F&B, Guesthouse E: riccarda.zuellig@swissclub.org.sg Pooja Agarwal Marketing/Members Relations E: pooja.agarwal@swissclub.org.sg Robbie Hills Marketing/Members Relations E: robbie.hills@swissclub.org.sg William Forwood Property & Masterplan
E: william.forwood@swissclub.org.sg
Adrian Luedi Sports E: adrian.luedi@swissclub.org.sg Gemma Colls Sports E: gemma.colls@swissclub.org.sg
Welcomes and Farewells The Swiss Club welcomes:
The Swiss Club welcomes back:
Name
Type of Membership
Monica Schick
Ordinary
Klaus Peter Kiessling
Ordinary
Matteo Fantacchiotti & Maria Rosito
Associate
Dominique Kull & Aline Anliker-Kull
Ordinary
Marc Schumacher
Ordinary
Fabrice & Brunhilde Fagedet
Ordinary/Associate
Alex Peter Forster & Forster-Lim Mei Ling
Ordinary/Associate
Nicolas & Prashanthi Mathier
Ordinary/Associate
Patrice & Valerie Conxicoeur
Associate
Sanjay & Ravina Kirpalani
Associate
Daniel Lau & Patricia Teo-Lau
Associate
Olliver Marx & Carolyn Law
Associate
Andrew McCormack & Amelia Croll-McCormack
Associate
Nicolas & Sophie Neykov
The Swiss Club farewells: Name
Type of Membership
Sophie Beck
Ordinary
Rolf Blaser
Ordinary
Markus Grossmann
Ordinary
David Hug
Ordinary
Johannes & Renate Iten
Ordinary
Hans Jaeger
Ordinary
Philipp & Andrea-Suzan Kindt
Ordinary
Associate
Mark Kopp
Ordinary
Damas Potoi & Annabel Waterfield-Potoi
Associate
Urs & Brigitte Lichtenberger
Ordinary
Samaresh Singh & Rohini Acharya-Singh
Associate
Matteo Vezzosi & Martina Klein-Vezzosi
Associate
Robin Matzinger & Diana Federer-Matzinger
Ordinary
Ben & Sharon Walker
Associate
Markus & Rahel Pallmann
Ordinary
Alexander & Inga Wick-Niemoeller
Associate
Patrick & Christina Schueffel
Ordinary
Benjamin & Hannah Ayme
Term
Ralph Steinegger & Steinegger-Fu Yan
Ordinary
Erik & Chloe Barreto
Term
Luzi Sproll & Fabienne Aggeler
Ordinary
Jean-Etienne & Aude Beneton
Term
Michael & Tzvetelina Westphalen
Ordinary
Victoria Claverie & Paul Hare
Term
Stefan Emil Ziegler
Ordinary
Pierre Dawson & Gemma Elford-Dawson
Term
Fabrice & Brunhilde Fagedet
Ordinary/Associate
Arnaud De Parseval & Petronille Caupin-De Parseval
Andrew & Kimberly Billing
Associate
Term
Simon David & Jennie Anne Claringbold
Associate
Floris & Isabelle Du Bois
Term
Henrik & Paula Hartzell
Associate
Florian & Laurence Dubois
Term
Peggi Herrdum
Associate
Jean-Baptiste & Anne-Laura Feat
Term
Trevor & Ausra Larbey
Associate
Lars Heibutzki & Daniela Suter-Heibutzki
Term
Sven H Hein & Mariko Okamoto-Hein
Term
Pierre-Francois Lemonnier & Stephanie Nussmann
Associate
Marius & Camilla Johansen
Term
Susann Siu Fong Prenzlin & Ruediger Prenzlin
Associate
Per Magnusson & Sabine Roemer-Magnusson
Term
Carsten Ingo Sebening & Sebening-Tay Yak Kiah Judith
Associate
Yann & Cecile Marche
Term
Jennifer Rita Timmermann
Associate
Julian Moneta Lopez & Monica Ramila Falla-Moneta
Term
Jon & Sandra Berrick
Associate Transferable
Guido & Christina Mueller
Term
Christiane & Christian Schumacher
Sam Hugo & Harriet Robertson
Term
Non-Swiss/ Swiss Nominee
Jonas & Andrea Trindler
Term
Alexandre Bouchardy & Murielle Henchoz-Bouchardy
Term
Baptiste & Natalia Vaissie
Term
Term
Francois Jules G Verlaine & Emma Maria Waddington-Verlaine
Simon James Brown & Tracey Roslyn Brown-Veivers
Term
Nicolas & Pascale Mousset
Term
Philippe & Caroline Vezio
Term
Term
Roland Wallner & Wallner-Huang Jenny Jie
Term
Francesco Pasquetti & Emanuela Cattaneo-Pasquetti
Julia Marie-Caroline Waters-Polo & Benjamin Andrew Waters
Tom & Emily Pullin
Term
Term
Neil & Alisa Thomas
Term
5
A Word from the
Committee
“
For the past 149 years of operation, the Swiss Club has faced many challenges and has always emerged stronger, because we have always put you, our Members, at the heart of our organisation. With that commitment in mind, I am confident that we will overcome this challenging time as well.
Dear Swiss Club Members, As we slowly resume our normal Club operations, the Swiss Club Committee would like to sincerely thank you for your continued understanding and support these past few months during the Circuit Breaker period. It has been an unusual and difficult time for everyone and for the Club. The Swiss Club is committed to continue all necessary measures to protect you, your loved ones and your fellow Club Members. The focus on safety and hygiene extends to the entire Club premises. Apart from temperature taking, we disinfect all furniture and essential fixtures in the Club on an hourly basis. This includes, among others, the common spaces such as the playground, the seating areas at the Jungle Cove and around the pool as well as the restaurant at the Pavilion. Your part in adhering to the prevailing rules and regulations by the authorities while being at the Club as well as ensuring the safety of everyone at the Club is highly appreciated. As with all major events around the world being postponed, cancelled or broadcast virtually, our legendary Oktoberfest celebration 2020 is no exception. Where would the fun be in attending a virtual Oktoberfest? Let us look forward to coming back bigger and better for our 22nd Oktoberfest in 2021 during the Swiss Club’s 150th Anniversary celebration!
Furthermore, 2021 is an exceptionally special year for the Swiss Club as the Club celebrates its 150th Anniversary. The 150th Anniversary Committee has been planning a yearlong calendar of activities and events, although government regulations regarding social gatherings may require us to scale down some of our plans. The kick-off to the Club’s 150th yearlong anniversary celebration was envisaged to coincide with the completion of our Masterplan renovation at the end of this year or in January 2021. Although renovation works on the Clubhouse have restarted with full steam since August 2020, the completion of the Clubhouse may not happen before the end of Q1 2021, barring unforeseen circumstances or approval delays by the Authorities. For the past 149 years of operation, the Swiss Club has faced many challenges and has always emerged stronger, because we have always put you, our Members, at the heart of our organisation. With that commitment in mind, I am confident that we will overcome this challenging time as well. Thank you for being part of the Swiss Club family, and I look forward to seeing you at the Club.
R. Gerber Rolf Gerber President
“Swiss Club, The Home for all Nationalities”
6
S W I S S
C L U B
Swiss Club
Redevelopment Update
P
lans are made to be changed, and the COVID-19 situation certainly proved that to be true. Here is a summary of the key dates regarding the Club’s redevelopment plans. Thank you for your patience. It will be worth the wait!
Conditions of Restarting • Deployment of Safety Management Officers (SMOs) and Safe Distancing Officers (SDOs)
• All site personnel to be Swab tested every 2 weeks
• Workers’ dormitories require clearance by MOH (Ministry of Health)
Key Dates as Advised by
• Average number of workers on site daily is 20
Phase 2 Key Dates*
Singapore Government
• Resume work on site
• Circuit Breaker
7 April to 1 June 2020
• Pergola/Arbenz verandah casting August 2020
27 July 2020
• Preparing to restart
1 June to July 2020
• Restarting at a ‘slower pace’ August to November 2020*
• Fitting out
September to December 2020
• Inspection for defects January 2021
• Targeted completion
20 January 2021
*Subject to approvals from relevant authorities
OPENING HOURS CLUB PREMISES
THE GUESTHOUSE/RECEPTION
Daily: 07:00 – Midnight
T: 6591 9420 Daily: 10:00 – 20:00
DINING OUTLETS BUKIT KIOSK Mon – Sun 08:00 – 14:00 (Breakfast daily 08:00 – 11:00)
PAVILION (Last food order 21:30, last beverage order 21:45) Mon – Sun 11:00 – 22:30
JUNGLE COVE (Last food order 21:30, last beverage order 21:45) Mon – Fri 11:00 – 22:30 Sat, Sun & PHs 10:00 – 22:30
TANDOORI CORNER (At Pavilion) Mon – Thu 11.30 – 15:00 (Last order 14:30) 18:00 – 21:45 (Last order 21:30) Fri – Sun 11:30 – 21:45 (Last order 21:30)
For restaurant reservations, please call 6591 9420, between 10:00 – 19:00. After office hours, please call 6591 9431.
SPORTS FACILITIES Daily Tennis/Padel Court Football Field Gym Multicourt Leisure Pool
07:00 – 22:00 07:00 – 22:00 07:00 – 22:00 07:00 – 22:00 07:00 – 22:00
Mon – Fri Lap Pool Sports Hall
06:00 – 22:00 18:00 – 22:00
*Can be booked for exclusive usage
Weekends, Public and GESS School Holidays Lap Pool 07:00 – 22:00 Sports Hall 07:00 – 22:00** Outlet opening hours are subject to changes. **Fees apply for usage of Sports Hall. Prior booking is required.
7
A Message from the
General Manager
“
Face masks, social distancing and SafeEntry requirements, as inconvenient as they may be, are here to stay at least for the next few months. We kindly ask everyone to adhere to these new norms and keep the Club compliant with ongoing regulations, so that we may all continue to enjoy our ‘Home away from Home’.
Dear Members, Since the last issue of ‘Relax’ Magazine in March/April, followed by a hiatus from May till August 2020, lots of changes have taken place both within the Club and around the world. We have adapted with remarkable speed and embraced countless new norms, many of which have become a part of our daily lives. Face masks, social distancing and SafeEntry requirements, as inconvenient as they may be, are here to stay at least for the next few months. We kindly ask everyone to adhere to these new norms and keep the Club compliant with ongoing regulations, so that we may all continue to enjoy our ‘Home away from Home’. In particular, this summer holiday period marked a major change from previous years. Around this time, the Club would usually be welcoming Members back from their travels abroad – visiting family and friends at home, or enjoying a getaway from school and work. However, this year we have had a record number of Members utilising the Club during summer. It is heartening to see so many of you using the facilities responsibly, and with great consideration for the safety and peace-of-mind of your fellow Members and staff.
8
In the coming months, my team and I will be planning and organising more special promotions and activities to keep the Club fun, engaging and inclusive for all, whilst bearing in mind the new social norms and enforcing all compulsory safety measures. Keep a lookout for our upcoming F&B specials, Halloween happenings and Christmas offerings on Pages 10 - 15, and Quiz Nights on Page 25. Should you have any ideas for new activities and social or special interest groups, do share them with our Events team. Finally, I would like to sincerely thank you for your valuable support and understanding regarding any inconveniences you may encounter during this unprecedented period. It is much appreciated. Stay safe and see you soon at the Club!
A. Lim
Aaron Lim General Manager
“Swiss Club, The Home for all Nationalities”
Meet Your Safety Management Officers
I
t has been approximately three months since we have emerged from Phase One of the Circuit Breaker. On behalf of all our colleagues at the Swiss Club, welcome back to the Club. We are your Safety Management Officers, and we are here to help you adapt to the new ‘normal’ of mask-wearing and safe distancing. A PAT ON THE BACK AND A FRIENDLY REMINDER During our frequent walks around the Club grounds, we have been heartened to see Members reminding each other to put on their masks. In general, we have observed a high level of compliance from everyone, which will go a long way towards keeping everyone safe. However, we cannot afford to become complacent and seek everyone’s cooperation in ensuring that masks are worn and safe distancing is practised at all times. Be it at the Club or in public, the general rule of thumb is to mask up whenever you are not eating or engaging in strenuous activities. This simple statement should suffice in guiding you when you are unsure of whether or not you have to wear a mask. Also, keep your social circles small – gatherings should be no larger than groups of five. As we journey together in the fight to eradicate COVID-19, guidelines and restrictions are constantly changing. We are fully conversant with the latest advisories, so please do not hesitate to seek our advice. Stay safe and see you at the Club!
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES? For clarification or information, please email Elvis Tan or Adrian Vogt at: E: elvis.tan@swissclub.org.sg adrian.vogt@swissclub.org.sg
UP
ALL CAUGHT Return Your Towels
It’s been a while since we’ve ‘caught up’ here. Please take note of these do’s and don’ts.
Entry Protocol
Our pool towels are now fitted with new and improved RFID tags to help us replenish stocks more efficiently. Please limit your usage to a maximum of two towels per Member and return them immediately after use, or the next day at the latest, to avoid a charge of $16.05 (including GST) per unreturned pool towel.
Present Your Membership Card
Lap Pool Closure
From 15 August Members are now permitted to bring up to 4 guests to dine at the Club and/or use Club facilities at all times (except for tennis courts, which guests are permitted to use on weekdays only). Please remember to: • Pre-register your guests at Reception or via the Swiss Club App • Ensure that your guests check in at the temperature check tent and wear wristbands on completion of SafeEntry • Pay Guest Fees for your guests’ use of facilities as follows: $20 per adult, $50 per family (max. 4 pax), $10 per child/young adult (below 18 years old)
Please note that the lap pool will be closed from 31 August to 25 September 2020, between 9am and 3.30pm, for Chatsworth International School’s children’s classes. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
Book Your Gym Sessions To ensure compliance with ongoing social distancing rules, please book your gym sessions via the Swiss Club App on the day of your visit. Bookings must be made on the same day as the intended session.
Please remember to present your membership card to security personnel at the red tent when you enter and follow SafeEntry protocol. A scanned copy on your phone or a minimum of one card per family will be accepted. If you wish to enter the Club but do not have your card, you may be issued a temporary day card at a cost of $5 per card.
Register Your Guests
Park Thoughtfully Please make a point to park your vehicle within a demarcated parking lot.
9
A Taste of
Jungle Cove and Pavilion (19 September to 4 October 2020) There’ll be no dancing on tabletops this year, but there will be feasts on our tables. Be sure to sample our special seasonal Oktoberfest menu.
Starters
Bierbeisser (Air Dried Pork Sausage), Gherkin,
$12
Fresh Horseradish, Mustard, Bread
Goulash Soup Pretzel
$8 $2.80
Mains Crispy Roasted Pork Knuckle, Sauerkraut,
$32
Sausage Skewer (Nürnberger Sausage,
German Pork Sausage, Chicken Cheese Sausage), Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Mustard
$22
Servietten Pretzel Knödel (German Pretzel Dumpling) with Mushroom Ragout and Thyme
$20
Weisswurst (3pcs), Oven Baked Pretzel, Sweet Mustard
$16
Potato Salad, Jus, Mustard, Gherkins, Baby Radish
Dessert
$98 Swiss Club Oktoberfest Sharing Board (serves 3 to 4 pax): Crispy Roasted Pork Knuckle, Sausage Skewers, Weisswurst, Potato Salad, Sauerkraut, Servietten Pretzel Knödel, Jus, Gherkins, Mustard, Fresh Horseradish
Apple Strudel $10 with Vanilla Sauce
All prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes. Payment via Swiss Club Membership card will enjoy a 25% discount. Pictures are for illustration purposes only.
10
Special Beverages
Jägermeister 4cl Bottle $6
Erdinger Weissbier 0.5L $14 1L Mass $27 3.5L Tower $90
Stiftungsbräu Lager 0.5L $14 1L Mass $27 3.5L Tower $90
Takeaway Menu Collection period: 19 September to 4 October 2020 Last day to order: 17 September 2020 Our takeaway offerings include hearty seasonal dishes like Roasted Pork Knuckle, Beef Stew with Mushrooms, Roast Spring Chicken, Goulash Soup and Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce. Enjoy them at home with small groups of family and friends, and wash them all down with imported Erdinger beer and Viennese wine. Orders commence 1 September. View the full menu and place your order at
www.swissclub.org.sg/oktoberfest
All prices are subject to 10% service charge and prevailing government taxes. Payment via Swiss Club Membership card will enjoy a 25% discount. Pictures are for illustration purposes only.
11
Party Like it’s... 2020! It’s that Oktoberfest time of year again. And okay, we can’t party like we normally do, but we can party responsibly at home, with small groups of family and friends. To help you get your Oktoberfest on, the Swiss Club is selling Oktoberfest memorabilia. Choose from three value-packed and fun-filled party kits.
1 beer holder 1 beer opener and 2 aprons
$10
s! r e e Ch
1 tall Bavarian hat 1 beer mug 1 apron
$20
st! o r P 2 beer mugs 2 aprons 2 T-shirts
Visit or call Reception at 6591 9420 (10am - 7pm) to purchase your Oktoberfest party kits.
(selected sizes only)
$20
! Skol
On the Wine List ... in October Man Family Wines Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region 2019
Man Family Wines, Skaapveld, Syrah, Coastal Region 2017
$65 per bottle $14 per 150ml glass
$65 per bottle $14 per 150ml glass
A crisp, expressive, medium-bodied wine. Light yellow or straw in appearance. Vibrant aromas of quince and tropical fruit. On the palate, fresh stone fruit and apple flavours are backed by refreshing acidity and minerality.
Ruby red with aromas of fresh fruit, rose petals and hints of wet spices, an elegant palate with notes of red prune, cherry and blueberry finishing with liquorice and cloves and an aftertaste of black pepper and cranberry.
OME, TA K E H
UR D S AV O N A E V A S
!
Man Family Wines Chenin Blanc, Coastal Region 2019
Man Family Wines, Skaapveld, Syrah, Coastal Region 2017
Mixed Case
Take home
Take home
Take home
6 bottles of white wine @ $270 ($45 per bottle)
6 bottles of red wine @ $288 ($48 per bottle)
3 bottles of white and 3 bottles of red @ $279 Terms and conditions apply.
12
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E V E N T S
SWISS CLUB HALLOWEEN NIGHT
EAT, DRINK, AND BE SCARY Barbecue by the Pool Saturday, October 31 | 6 - 9 PM Leisure Pool MORE DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED VIA OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
S W IS S CL UB C HR I ST M A S SP E C I A LS !
CHRISTMAS DOUBLE!
Join us for our very first Christmas Double celebrations!
Come for our Christmas Eve Dinner or Christmas Day Brunch and enjoy a wide range of our Christmas favourites served fresh from Live cooking stations. If you can't decide, come for both!
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST NOW! VISIT SWISSCLUB.ORG.SG/CHRISTMAS 14
CHRISTMAS TAKEAWAY 2020
T o o r d e r , v i si t swi ss cl ub .or g.s g/x ma s -o rde r o r v ia t h e S wi ss C l ub m o bi l e app. Av ai la ble for o rde r f rom 1 De ce m be r 2 020
MAINS Honey Baked Ham (1.5kg or 3kg) with Apple Sauce | $70 / $135 Whole Roast Turkey (4kg) with Chestnut, Cranberry and Sauce | $65 Boneless Lamb Leg (2kg) with Mint Sauce | $89 Slow Roast Beef Sirloin with Sauce Béarnaise (2kg) | $119 Crispy Pork Knuckle with Gravy | $29/pc
SIDES (SERVES 3 PAX) Assorted Glazed Vegetables | $12 Oven Roasted Pumpkin | $12 Roasted Potato | $15
Butter Spätzle | $15 Brussels Sprouts with Bacon | $15 Glazed Chestnuts | $15
LOG CAKES (900G-1KG) Soursop, Lychee, Lime Sponge, Lychee Cremeux | $60 Dulcey Yuzu, Almond Sponge, Orange Marmalade | $60 Chocolate Log, Rich Chocolate Sponge, Chocolate Butter Cream | $60 Tanariva Raspberry, Rich Chocolate Sponge, Raspberry Confit | $60
GATEAUX Xmas trunk, Milk Chocolate Mousse, Milk Chocolate Crunch (500g) | $45 Lemon & Raspberry Gateaux, Pistachio Crunch, Lemon Mousse (800g) | $55
WINES & CHAMPAGNE Laurent Perrier $105 Ara Pathway Sauvignon Blanc $60 Ara Pathway Pinot Noir $60 Monte Do Zambujeiro, Alentejo, 1.5l magnum bottle $135
TERMS & CONDITIONS Cu t o ff d ay: Fr id ay, 18 th Decemb er 202 0 | All items a re sub ject t o a vai lab ili ty Co llection dates: 23 - 25 De c 2020, 11am -6pm | Any other date f or collect ion s ubj ect to a vailability All pri ces are subj ec t to 10% se rv ic e cha rge a nd preva iling government t axes.
P ay m en t v ia Swi ss Cl ub Me m bers h i p c a rd wi l l en joy a d i scoun t of 10%
An Ode to Oktoberfests Past F
or the first time since the Swiss Club hosted its first Oktoberfest in 1999, we will not be throwing the ‘biggest party of the year’. While it’s disappointing for sure, nobody could deny that it’s a necessary sacrifice for the greater good. Meanwhile, let’s relive fond memories of Oktoberfests past, and look forward to awesome Oktoberfests to come.
2015… The Alpine Horn Signals
Permission to Party
After the speeches and the singing of the national anthem, the alpine horn signals the start of festivities.
2015… All the Way from Munich, Germany…
The amazing 12-piece Musikkapelle Partenkirchin fly in from Germany every year to take the stage at the Swiss Club Oktoberfest.
2016… Let the Good Times Roll
and the Cold Beer Flow
Expats and locals, colleagues and clients – everyone parties together at Oktoberfest.
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2018…
Dance the Night Away Everyone’s breaking out their moves and wishing the night would never end.
2017… Folk-Rock
Heart-throb Wows the Crowds! Austrian singing sensation Andreas Gabalier won many hearts in Singapore.
2019… Freddie Mercury Lives! Tapping renewed interest in the super-band Queen following the release of the blockbuster movie ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, the Swiss Club’s 2019 Oktoberfest featured world-renowned tribute artist Luke Antony.
2019…
Frolicking Frauleins Dance Up a Storm
These dancing queens got everyone on their feet.
2017…
Sunday is Fun-day for the Whole Family Frühschoppen Sunday is a daytime affair for young and old – less beery than the nocturnal gatherings but just as cheery.
A Hope for Oktoberfests Future Rest assured we’ll be hosting another awesome Oktoberfest in 2021. Hope you can join us then! Meanwhile, do partake of our special Oktoberfest menu and enjoy a little taste of things to come. Stay well, raise a glass to the good health of your family and friends, and look forward to party for more reasons than ever before… including beating this pandemic. Prost!
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S P O R T S
Tennis Cravings Satisfied
I
t has been a rough eight months since the beginning of 2020. However, after the lockdown the tennis courts have been very, very busy. Everyone was obviously craving a hit of tennis! PLANS IN THE PIPELINE Over the next couple of months we will be organising some tournaments for adults and juniors. We have not yet fixed the dates, as the situation is still quite complicated with the ongoing restrictions. Thank you for your patience, and rest assured that we will keep you updated via the Swiss Club e-newsletter. THANKS, AND WELCOME I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our regular and loyal players. Many thanks for your support, from taking lessons to registering your kids for our summer camps and regular junior programme, and for trusting us to help you and your families improve your tennis skills.
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I would also like to extend a warm welcome to the new Members. I regret that it’s not always easy to get a slot for a private lesson or a place in our junior programme. As you can appreciate, tennis is very popular in the beautiful environment of the Swiss Club. We do our utmost to ensure that everyone gets to play. TENNIS SUMMER CAMPS Our tennis summer camps were incredibly successful with more than 160 registrations. The kids were always in a good mood – ever ready to play, run, break a sweat and have tons of fun. Thanks to their fantastic attitude, the coaches had an amazing time too! Please like our Facebook Page to view photos of your children during the camps. We’ll also be posting information about new events. KINDNESS HITS HOME A big ‘bravo’ to coaches Asher, Alan, and JB for working so hard and playing for such long hours every day to accommodate our Swiss Club members. They spend between 200 and 240 hours on court to make sure all of you can play!
Last but not least, I would like to specially thank two very special people on behalf of the whole coaching team. A big shout-out to our boss and friend Ken for continuing to pay us a small salary during the months when we couldn’t work. It helped a lot. Thanks, mate. And finally, a huge thank you to Martin Silberstein, our most active player, who decided to pay us for all the lessons he didn’t play during the lockdown. That was an incredible gesture, Martin. We are lucky indeed to have a player and a friend like you. In closing, enjoy your tennis, stay safe and be healthy! Article and photos courtesy of Pierre Capdeville, Swiss Club Tennis Director
INTERESTED IN PLAYING TENNIS? Please contact Pierre Capdeville, 40XV Tennis Director at: T: 9236 3594 E: swissclub@forty-fifteen.com
A World-class Swimming Programme
T
he aquaDucks programme is a smart blend of the best American, European and Australian teaching techniques, which have been further streamlined for Singapore. Combined with the most vibrant, energetic and fun coaches you will ever find, it delivers an exclusive world-class swimming programme. Our mission is to provide each of our students with an exceptional swim journey within their comfort zone, and teach them the best lifesaving and swimming techniques for life. Our team consists of like-minded, passionate professionals who are share the belief that our students’ individual needs and water safety are of the utmost importance. We never stop learning, and are constantly updating our credentials. We constantly strive to deliver an unforgettable swimming experience to our students. All of us in the aquaDucks team extend a splashing wet welcome!
Very Popula r!
Register ea rly.
Learn to Swim Camps (5 to 8 years old) This ever-popular camp encourages young swimmers to work on their swim techniques and water safety skills. Children get to learn together with their friends while playing games and singing along with our friendly coaches.
SWIMMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY We offer: • Babies and Toddlers (6 - 30 months old) • Preschool (3 - 4 years old) • Learn to Swim (5 - 8 years onwards) • Stroke Development (8 years onwards) • Competitive (8 years onwards) • Adults’ Stroke Development • Adults’ Masters Training • Helpers’ Swimming Lessons Dive into the fun. Book a free trial today at swiss@aquaducks.com.sg OCTOBER HOLIDAY CAMPS During the October holiday (13 - 26 October) aquaDucks is preparing special camps for all ages. Registration commences 21 September.
Stroke Correction and Development Camps (9 years and above) The stroke correction camp is for children who have completed their Learn to Swim levels and wish to strengthen their stroke techniques. In this camp, we work on perfecting the four strokes: freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly. Swim Gym Camps (9 years and above) This programme offers children the opportunity to attend a boot camp and receive Stroke Correction swim training in the pool on the same day.
INTERESTED IN SWIMMING? For more information on our swimming lessons and activities, please contact aquaDucks at: E: swiss@aquaducks.com.sg
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S P O R T S
D
Focus on Fitness ue to the coronavirus, we’re all stuck in one country. Most of us have more time than ever before to focus on fitness. The downside is that most fitness centres are severely limited in capacity. The upside – we can run or cycle outside, given Singapore’s weather.
STRENGTH TRAINING, STREAMED Jogging and cycling are great for getting your cardio in, but what about your resistance workouts? We need to get our muscles stimulated and engaged, too. So, what can we do? Active Fitness has been livestreaming classes straight to your living room. This has meant that Members of the Swiss Club were able to still keep their muscles fully engaged and keep their strength up through the lockdown and beyond. MORE CLASSES, MORE INSTRUCTORS Bearing in mind the strict restrictions in gyms, we have increased the number of classes available to our Members and also the number of our instructors. With a class available almost every day of the week, you can definitely find a spot to get in a great workout especially if your external gyms do not have the capacity to accommodate you.
PRIVATE SESSIONS If classes aren’t your thing, you can always book a private session. Our instructors are all fully certified and highly trained to help you achieve your fitness goals. With a dedicated team permanently stationed at the Swiss Club, we have been helping Members achieve their fitness goals since 2014, to a high level of satisfaction. If you’re looking to make the best out of your time here, do contact us and we’ll be happy to help you out. Article courtesy of Timothy Felix, Active Fitness Director KEEN TO FOCUS ON YOUR FITNESS? For more information on our classes, private sessions and opening hours, please contact Jason at: T: 9026 3452 E: getactive@activefitness.com.sg
MEET THE TEAM
Kristel Jason
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Becky
Basil
S P O R T S
Super Summer Soccer D
uring the summer holiday period, our football provider CUFA conducted a series of highly successful half-day soccer camps. DRILLS FOR SKILLS Camp day started with an early drop off between 8.30am and 9am, before the actual camp kicked off at 9am and kicked on till noon. Upon arrival, the children were brought to the weather-smart and air-conditioned Swiss Club’s indoor hall in small groups of five, in compliance with the ongoing social distancing rules. The camp started with warm-up routines, agility exercises and drills for skills such as passing and receiving, dribbling and shooting. The CUFA coaches helped each child to reach their daily skill target by demonstrating each drill and supporting the player to execute each drill, then repeating each set. The aim was to get the players to feel comfortable demonstrating each drill to their peers. Sufficient hydration breaks and rest times were built into the programme. CUFA provided fresh fruits, prepared and packed in individual portions by the Swiss Club chefs.
After the snack break, the players demonstrated their newly learned skills in a 1v1 and 2v2 playing format. SELLOUT SUCCESS The fun-filled and action-packed CUFA football holiday camps were sold out after a few days. The stress-free, friendly and educational camp experience resulted in many players repeating the camp and booking two or three weeks of the CUFA football camp. Thanks to all involved, players and parents, for the tremendous support. We look forward to the next CUFA football camps in October and during the Christmas holidays. Do register early to avoid disappointment. Meanwhile, stay healthy and keep playing.
INTERESTED IN REGISTERING YOUR CHILD IN A CUFA FOOTBALL CAMP? Please visit www.cufa.com.sg or contact Olliver at: T: ​ 9821 3869
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S P O R T S
Yoga for Physical and Mental Health
S
ince 2019, Nathalie has been leading Hatha Flow and Yin Yang yoga classes at the Swiss Club. She shares the highlights of her journey here, along with a description of the two types of yoga she teaches and their respective benefits.
After Nathalie took up yoga in 2009, it quickly became her passion. Noting its profoundly positive impact on her physical and mental health, which saw her become calmer and more balanced, she decided to become a yoga instructor. She continues to grow her knowledge by attending various courses and workshops on yoga, meditation, mindfulness and sound healing.
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YIN YANG YOGA – FOR BALANCING ENERGY, FLEXIBILITY AND STRENGTH Yin yang yoga blends two styles of yoga in one practice. It brings together the benefits of passively holding yoga poses with more dynamic sequences and standing postures. Yin and yang are the Taoist concepts which describe the two relative qualities present in everything. Yin is more internal, passive, cooling and downward, while yang is more external, dynamic, warming and upward. When applied to yoga, yin yoga is a slower practice where poses are passively held for longer, working on the deep, dense (yin) connective tissues and joints in the body. On the other hand, yang yoga refers to a more active practice working on the (yang) muscles and blood flow, thus building strength, stamina and flexibility. HATHA FLOW – FOR SYNCHRONISING BREATHING WITH MOVEMENT Hatha yoga is a powerful and transformative practice of postures (asanas), breath (pranayama), gestures (mudras), locks (bandhas) and meditation sounds (nadausandhana), integrated into a cleansing process (shat kriyas). It aims to magnify the physiological functions of the body in order to attain mental stability before the realisation of spiritual goals. The word ‘hatha’ comes from the Sanskrit terms ‘ha’ and ‘tha’, meaning
‘sun’ and ‘moon’. Hence hatha yoga is the science of balancing the solar-lunar opposites that exist within each of us, for a more intimate connection to the self. It helps to build flexibility and mobility, maintain healthy joints, stimulate the immune system and improve sleep quality. CALM BEFORE MEDITATION All yoga practices aim to help the practitioner attain calm and facilitate a free flow of breath and prana, in preparation for meditation. During these challenging times, yoga can stengthen your immunity and help you stay calm and focused. Why not give it a go? SCHEDULE OF YOGA CLASSES Nathalie looks forward to meeting you on the mat at the Swiss Club, under the cover by the paddle area. Monday 8.30am Yin Yang Friday 8.30am Hatha Flow Saturday 9am Hatha Flow
Article and photos courtesy of Nathalie Sofia, Yoga Library Pte Ltd
Swiss National Day Celebration at Home pianist Alain Roche stunned the audience with his ‘vertical piano’ performance, Rahel Senn performed an innovative electronica piano piece at the famous Matterhorn Mountain. The stirring finale saw Marcel Baerenfaller playing the Alphorn in Singapore and Ambassador Fabrice Filliez displaying how raclette is traditionally served.
W
e were not able to gather physically to celebrate the Swiss National Day on 1 August, but it did not prevent us from celebrating as a community.
UNPRECEDENTED ARRANGEMENTS In collaboration with art-management.com and together with the Swiss Chamber of Commerce, the Swiss School in Singapore, the Swiss Association, the Swiss Club and Switzerland Tourism South-East Asia, the Embassy of Switzerland organised a one-hour digital celebration of the Swiss National Day on Facebook on Saturday evening, 1 August. DIVERSE PROGRAMME Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno! It means ‘One for all, all for one’ or in other words, together, we are strong. Referencing this Swiss motto, Ambassador Filliez welcomed the participants in his opening message. Subsequent messages and entertainment were provided by the Swiss pillars, Switzerland Tourism, and Swiss-related institutions such as the Singapore-ETH Centre, the St. Gallen Symposium, hotel management school Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne, the St. Gallen Institute of Management in Asia, as well as the Swiss International Airlines and Swissôtel Merchant Court. We enjoyed musical performances by the talented Swiss Ticino artist Veronica Fusaro, pianist Nico Brina with an amazing backdrop, francophone duo Aliose with their hit song ‘Me passer de toi’ and Sophie de Quay & the Waveguards performing a special in Montreux. After
MULTILINGUAL WEBSITE In addition to our local celebration, the Swiss community and friends of Switzerland all over the world were invited to visit the multilingual interactive website www.missione1agosto.org crafted by Presence Switzerland of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland. Visitors could watch the Swiss President’s National Day speech, find Swiss music, fun facts about Switzerland and DIY activities, such as traditional recipes, yodelling classes, and tutorials on how to make lanterns. SWISS MOVIE SCREENING Finally, in collaboration with The Projector, the Swiss Embassy also screened the film ‘Switzerlanders’ online for free later in the evening. Directed by Swiss director Michael Steiner and inspired by Ridley Scott’s 2010 documentary ‘Life in a day’, it portrayed the amazing diversity of Switzerland and insights from real Swiss people in the summer of 2019. THANK YOU We would like to sincerely thank all participants for joining us at our digital celebration. We are also grateful for the extensive positive feedback from the Swiss community. Many shared that they had watched the live-stream together with friends and family while enjoying food from our Swiss-related food and beverage partners Coucou, Marché Restaurant, Swiss Club, Swissôtel the Stamford, Wine Universe, and Wursthans. A special thank you also goes to our lucky draw supporting partners Helvetia and Sons, Huber’s Butchery, Swissôtel Merchant Court and V-Dining Restaurant. This digital celebration showed us alternative ways to create social ties and solidarity during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are extremely grateful to our partners and supporters for making this celebration happen.
Without this strong and unified network of the Swiss pillars, Swiss-related institutions and businesses, and the Swiss community in Singapore, this would not have been possible. In collaboration with Events architect art-management.com Swiss Chamber of Commerce Swiss Club Swiss Association Singapore Swiss School in Singapore Switzerland Tourism Southeast Asia Supported by Coucou Ecole Hotelière de Lausanne EHL Singapore-ETH Centre Helvetia and Sons Huber’s Butchery Marché Restaurant St. Gallen Institute of Management in Asia St. Gallen Symposium Swiss International Airlines Swissôtel Merchant Court Swissôtel The Stamford V-Dining by V-Zug Wine Universe Wursthans RELIVE THE CELEBRATION If you missed the celebration, you can still watch it on our Facebook account under events ‘Swiss National Day at Home Celebration’!
Article and photos courtesy of Embassy of Switzerland in Singapore
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I N T E R E S T
Meet Our New Faces
A
t the start of the school year 2020/21, we welcomed many new faces and commenced our new French classes. Say hello to our new faculty members.
MARC SCHUMACHER PRINCIPAL After three and a half years as director of the Swiss School Curitiba in southern Brazil, I am looking forward to working in this modern, multicultural and dynamic city. As a teacher, I have worked at various high schools in Basel, at a private school in Geneva, at the German School in Quito, and at the Swiss Schools in Mexico and Madrid. Because of my desire to take on new challenges, make organisations more efficient and constantly improve their quality, I have always enjoyed taking on leadership and project responsibility. Therefore, I am very proud of this extremely interesting and exciting challenge in the magnificent city of Singapore. MURIELLE QUENZER VICE PRINCIPAL Bonjour! I took on the role of vice principal after serving as the school’s first French teacher. I have a Master in Sciences of Education and had been a primary teacher for more than 20 years. I love working in a multicultural environment and have experienced it in different places like Argentina, Colombia, Hong Kong and Switzerland. I am looking forward to my second year in Singapore. SAMUEL BONJOUR, KINDERGARTEN, FRENCH STREAM Hi! I am really happy to be the Swiss School’s first French Kindergarten teacher. In Switzerland, I worked with students of different ages and my focus is always on giving each student the opportunity to participate in the learning process, always with kindness and enthusiasm. My wife and daughter have accompanied me on this adventure. STEFANIE ROHR PRIMARY CLASS TEACHER, GERMAN STREAM 1/2 B For the past seven years, I have worked as a kindergarten and primary teacher at different schools in Switzerland. I am very excited to be part of the Swiss School as a P1/2 B class teacher, and am looking forward to sharing special moments with the Swiss School community. LIVIA WERMELINGER PRIMARY CLASS TEACHER, GERMAN STREAM P1/2 C After several years of teaching first and second grade in Switzerland, I will continue my work at this impressive and multicultural place. I am very pleased to be a part of the Swiss School in Singapore. In my spare time, I love being out in nature and taking part in sports. I also like to travel and explore different cultures.
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NEWS FROM THE
SOLENNE BERTHOD BARCARD PRIMARY CLASS TEACHER, FRENCH STREAM P1/2 F I was born in Colombia and have lived in Switzerland, Quebec, Germany and South Africa. Passionate about child development, I studied Senso5 didactics and became a lecturer at the Haute Ecole Pédagogique du Valais. I am proud to be part of the educational team at the Swiss School of Singapore. MICHAEL SCHOLBE PRIMARY TEACHER, GERMAN STREAM P3/4 B Grüezi! I grew up in Lucerne and in my free time I love to travel the world to explore hidden places and meet new people. I have a passion for outdoor activities like hiking. I have been teaching 3rd and 4th grade as a class teacher in Switzerland for several years and it is wonderful to work with children at this age and see their progress. CAROLE CHATELAIN PRIMARY CLASS TEACHER, FRENCH STREAM P3/4 F Bonjour! I am from Lausanne in Switzerland and have been working as a primary school teacher for the last four years, with French-speaking students aged 8 to 10. Teaching is my passion and I love the collaborative work which takes place daily with children, parents and colleagues. I love to discover new places, cultures, activities and travel around the world. DEAN NICOLETTI ENGLISH DEPARMENT Hello! I am from Toronto, Canada and have over eight years of international teaching experience in Australia, South Korea, China and Vietnam. My passion for teaching has developed from the personal joy and satisfaction I receive from helping others learn. I am also an avid traveller who loves to explore new places and meet new people. SUSANNE NUFER HEAD OF SPECIAL NEEDS I grew up in Switzerland and, for the past 17 years, have been teaching at schools – first as a primary teacher and then as a special needs teacher. I love working with children and I am motivated to support them according to their abilities and needs. I am very happy to have been living for several years in Singapore. Article courtesy of Prisca Reitz, Marketing & Communications Representative, SSiS, and photos courtesy of Prisca Reitz and Camilla Businger
I N T E R E S T M E E T A S T A F F E R
Meet Kristy: Wife, Mother, Foodie, Cook and Colleague
K
risty Nguyen, the wife of our Club’s Marketing and Events Manager Riza, is a dedicated F&B team member and a devoted mother. After serving our Members at Bukit Kiosk, Jungle Cove and Pavilion, she goes home to spend quality time with her three little ones.
THE LADY LOVES HER WORK Having previously worked in customer service at a health services agency that specialises in medical tourism to Singapore, Kristy loves being on her feet as opposed to being desk-bound. She relishes her interactions with Members and colleagues. “I get to meet different Members and people from all walks of life. Our colleagues are a fun bunch and we share all sorts of things with each other,” shared Kristy. Speaking of fun, Kristy will never forget her first visit to the Club during
last year’s Oktoberfest (sadly cancelled this year due to the pandemic). She remembers it fondly as a wild, fun party like no other Oktoberfests she had attended. FAMILY, FOOD AND FRIENDS When Kristy’s not at work, she loves to spend time with her kids and catch up with friends over a barbecue. Riza confirms that she’s also a great cook. Her best dishes are spring rolls and a spiced beef noodle soup called Bo Kho. When we asked Kristy to recommend a dish from the Swiss Club’s various
menus, she promptly sang the praises of the DIY sandwiches from Bukit Kiosk. “You can choose your own fillings, from vegetables to meat. It’s very similar to the Vietnamese sandwich known as Banh Mi. I think of it as a Swiss Banh Mi!” shared Kristy. A MESSAGE TO MEMBERS “Come look for me at Bukit Kiosk for your DIY Sandwich!” urged Kristy. Now that’s an invitation that’s hard to pass up.
QUIZ NIGHT CHAMPIONSHIPS Form a team and pit your wits against other quiz brainiacs and maniacs.
2020 UPCOMING DATES 25 SEPTEMBER 30 OCTOBER 27 NOVEMBER 18 DECEMBER REGISTRATIONS OPEN FIRST WEEK OF THE MONTH $30 / TEAM OF 4 PAX (MAX) | 7PM | POOLSIDE VISIT SWISSCLUB.ORG.SG/QUIZ-LEAGUE FOR MORE INFO Points system (per match): Winner - 4 pts Runner up - 2 pts Attendance - 1 pt (min. 2 attending team members) Absent team - 0 pt
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Manicure and Pedicure Service
I N T E R E S T
S
ince March 2020, former architect turned manicurist Yupaporn Sudjai has been operating Daily Nail by Yupa, located at level 3 of The Guesthouse. Her services are the ultimate in personalised attention, complete with a cup of tea or coffee in an exquisite vintage bone china cup, served with a gracious smile.
YUPA NAILS IT Originally from Chiangmai, Thailand, where her mother owns and operates a hair and nail salon, Yupa had been working as an architect in Singapore before switching to her personal passion, nail art. What started as a hobby, creating beautiful nails for her family and friends in her spare time, became a business as demand increased. Yupa loves her new workplace, and going by the feedback from her first customers, Members love it too. The atmosphere is very relaxing, with background music and natural sunlight
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filtered through greenery. The view stretches from the Members’ carpark to the swimming pool and playground area. To complete the experience, every customer gets a personal foot scrub!
Bloomer’, a French manicure in a gradient of colour. She personally loves to draw flowers, so if you fancy flower power at you fingertips, you know where to go!
PREMIUM PRODUCTS AND STRICT HYGIENE MEASURES Yupa uses premium brands Gelish, Zoya (which is safe for pregnant ladies), Footlogix (for foot spas) and OPI (for hand spas). She is scrupulously particular about hygiene, and ensures that all tools are sterilised between customers.
FINISHING TOUCHES TO A BEAUTIFUL ‘YOU’ “Beautiful nails make you happy!” said Yupa. “They help you present the most beautiful ‘you’ to the world, which is important for self-esteem and confidence. We all need to feel good about ourselves.” Heed Yupa’s advice. Take time out and treat yourself to a mani or pedi at Daily Nail by Yupa. We all need a little self-care in these unsettling times.
ON-TREND NAILS For ladies keen to try the latest nail art trends, Yupa recommends ‘Baby
Daily Nail by Yupa September Special Gel Mani + Pedi @ $99 (UP $126)
Book now at 9099 4925
Exclusively for Members MENU OF SERVICES • Classic Manicure $48/$58 (Gel) + $10 for French design • Express Manicure $28/$38 (Gel) • Daily Care (without polish) $38/$45 (Man) • Extensions $115 (for 10 fingers)/$15 (per nail) + $10/$15 (Gel) for polish • Nail Art Additional $28-$48(depending on complexity of design) • Classic Pedicure $58/$68 (Gel) • Express Pedicure $38/$48 (Gel) • Daly Care (without polish) $48/$55 (Man) • Princess (below 12 years old) • Classic $28/$35 (Gel) + $5 for nail stickers • Removal of Gel Polish $15 NOTE: Gel nails come with a 5-day warranty.
OPENING HOURS Services at Daily Nail by Yupa are all by appointment only. Weekdays10am to 4pm Weekends12pm to 7pm Article courtesy of Yupaporn Sudjai, Owner, Daily Nail by Yupa
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I N T E R E S T
Pondering the Pandemic In Search of Silver Linings
T
his year has been like no other. For expatriates in particular, the bans on international travel have been frustrating at best and devastating at worst. Many businesses, save a few lucky winners, are hurting. Lives have been lost, families separated. But – and there is a but – there is a bright side to all of this. You just have to look for it.
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In March, Google Trends reported an unprecedented number of search engine entries for ‘good news’.
I N T E R E S T
You may have heard the term ‘doomscrolling’. It has already popped up in the online edition of Merriam-Webster. It’s a word of the moment that refers to the compulsive, incessant trawling of the Internet for some awful new development or super-alarming statistic. You might simply file it away to contemplate during your next sleepless night. Apparently counting case numbers and mortality rates is the new ‘counting sheep’. You might bury it in your sub-conscious mind to become yet another trigger for a low-grade anxiety attack. Or you might share it with your friends over a Zoom ‘unhappy hour’. Either way, doomscrolling spiked in the early months of the pandemic, for obvious reasons. However, something changed. In March, Google Trends reported an unprecedented number of search engine entries for ‘good news’. In fact, it was more than double that of any time since Google began releasing search data in 2004. The month after that, it almost
doomscrolling doubled again. YouTube (´du:m,skrə lIŋ) showed similar results. (noun) Traffic increased 1. the practice of or tendency to search exponentially to online for bad news, especially uplifting sites such during the COVID-19 situation as Upworthy, Huff 2. the perverse continuation of Post, The Good News scrolling through bad news even Network and Greatist. though it is saddening If netizens’ online appetite for good news is anything to go by, this pandemic is stirring optimism while it causes despair. We may not be looking on the bright side, but at least we are looking for it. Ω
DOOMSCROLLING NO MORE
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I N T E R E S T
FAMILY TIES STRENGTHENED
Chances are that you’ve been spending more time in the company of your spouse and children than ever before. There were probably times when you felt like screaming at the top of your lungs and/or locking yourself away from them all. But then something subtly shifted. Perhaps you realised that this situation was going to continue for some time, so you’d better all get used to it and work out a way to harmoniously co-exist. Maybe you saw somebody struggling – emotionally, physically, financially, and remembered that loved ones pull each other up, not bring each other down. Anyway, you worked it out. What began as a kind of collective dread evolved into a renewal of the values that underpinned our own
SURPRISING OURSELVES by Michael Gerber The pandemic has hit us hard and took away the ‘usual level of freedom’ to travel regularly and wherever the wind blew. Experiencing a lockdown and being stuck at home with the same family members over weeks was a new experience. After expecting many family dramas amongst the Gerber Clan, we were extremely surprised to manage the lockdown with fun and excitement. We also got to see and appreciate new facets of each team member. Our son Jakob turned out to be the gym master, organising a workout with the (disco) music on the balcony five times a week. My wife and myself organised regular walks and smaller hikes late in the evening. Our helper was the ‘food manager’ and cook, coming up with magic new recipes. All together it worked really well. Till today we are super-proud of our strong family bonding during the tough times.
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upbringings – or at least those of us who were raised by good people (not necessarily functional nuclear families). We asked some of our Members to share their experiences. The responses were heart-warming. Read about how the Gerber and Pollina families fared and flourished, despite initial misgivings.
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With the luxury of time on our hands, long-lost luxuries have been found again.
I N T E R E S T Like the Gerbers and Pollinas, many families have been pleasantly surprised by the outcomes of compulsory confinement at home. Being house-bound has sparked a revival of the simple art of conversation, bonding over cooking and long lingering family meals, reading (for pleasure, not work) and playing board games (remember them?). With the luxury of time on our hands, all of these long-lost luxuries have been found again.
HUMANITY SHINES
After shameful shows of greed and hysteria in the early days of the Circuit Breaker, it seems that people have started becoming more considerate towards each other. You’ve probably been a partner in that strange little supermarket shuffle – the dance of avoidance when two excessively polite shoppers urge each other to ‘Go first’ and nobody makes a move. It beats pushing and shoving and grabbing.
FROM ‘CORONA TENNIS’ TO TORTELLINI by Roberta Pollina Nothing can prepare you for being locked down at home for over two months, and nothing will take away that feeling of being trapped in your own home. However, we can say that overall our family has come out stronger and definitely more united from this forced seclusion. Having breakfast with Daddy every day was “one of the best things ever” for Francesco, who, being the youngest of the family, always likes to have everyone around, spending time together as a family. The boys were busy with home-schooling, which required a lot of focus and concentration, but when free, they were following the strict training schedule that Daddy had set out for them: agility ladder, dumbbells, elastic bands, weighted ball, bosu ball had all become part of our daily routine, teaching us just how critical physical wellbeing is for mental health. Also, when you have a lot of time to fill and your days are slow, you discover those activities too often neglected in our usually fast life. For us, they included making fresh pasta with the children (tortellini made a weekly appearance in our menu), tending those sad-looking indoor plants, trying a new layout for the living room, clearing the wardrobes... If we hadn’t had to stay at home, the children would never have played “Corona Tennis” (named after the coronavirus) using the laundry rack as a net, the padel rackets and a foam ball, or learnt how to roll dough or clean the AC filters. There have been ups and downs, moment of laughter and hugs and moments of stress and madness. Sometimes we even (felt like we) hated each other, but for the most part it was a loving family time!
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It seems that people have started becoming more considerate towards each other.
We couldn’t fail to notice the kindness of Club Members in the course of editing contributions to this issue. We were awed and humbled by Martin Silberstein’s incredible gesture of insisting on paying for the almost-daily tennis lessons he couldn’t take during Circuit Breaker. Many staff have expressed gratitude for retaining their jobs. We are pleased to share some of their experiences here. HUMAN BEHAVIOUR AT ITS BEST When Aaron asked me to be a Safety Officer, I was a little nervous at first. In my head, I endlessly rehearsed ‘polite’ ways to ask Members and their guests to observe social distancing. As it turned out, people were so overjoyed to regain some personal liberties, like eating out with small family and friends groups, that they were absolutely committed to complying with the rules. On the rare occasion I had to remind somebody, they were the ones that ended up apologising to me. This may be a difficult time for the world, maybe the worst we’ll ever experience in our lifetimes, but I think I’ve seen human behaviour at its best. Elvis Tan, Sports and Recreation Executive/Safety Management Officer
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I N T E R E S T KINDNESS IS CATCHING I feel very fortunate to have remained employed during the Circuit Breaker period, thanks to the takeaway food services offered by the Swiss Club. I was also grateful for the support network of my colleagues, who have become my dearest friends over the 12 years that I have been working here. Though we weren’t seeing each other as often as usual, we stayed in touch via social media. Now that things are slowly returning to ‘normal’, I’ve noticed that everyone – Members and colleagues alike, seems to be trying a little harder just to be ‘nice’. I do believe that kindness is catching. Yati, F&B Service Ambassador
GETTING FIT (AND FIGHTING FAT)
UPDATED MY KNOWLEDGE I am very thankful to the Committee of the Swiss Club for making sure that all of the staff kept their jobs. With more time on my hands than usual, I was able to catch up with many of my F&B industry friends, though mainly online. I updated my knowledge of what’s happening locally and overseas, read up on culinary trends, and gleaned a lot of information and inspiration that I hope to channel into the Club’s future F&B offerings. Adrian Vogt, F&B Manager/Safety Management Officer
Necessity is the mother of invention, as the saying goes. The Gerbers’ balcony workouts to disco music and the Pollinas’ ‘corona tennis’ are fantastic examples of the creative ways people have devised to exercise in confined spaces. Some joined livestreamed classes, including those offered by our fitness convenor Active Fitness, and worked out ‘together, apart’ in their living rooms and bedrooms. With permission to exercise for an hour a day even during Phase One of Circuit Breaker, many others slipped on their running shoes and took to parks and pavements. Along with self-guided or livestreamed yoga sessions, mindful walking calmed many noisy minds. You may have heard of the Japanese term ‘shinrin yoku’ – literally ‘forest bathing’. A widely recognised form of physical and psychological ‘ecotherapy’ inspired by Shinto practices and developed in the 1980s to help treat work-stressed executives, it basically entails a mindful walk through nature. It was unknowingly practised by all of us who reconnected with nature during the pandemic. With the lack of vehicular and human traffic, the birdsong was louder and lovelier than ever. Now, let’s address the elephant in the room (pun intended). We’re talking about comfort eating and the extra kilos that may well be sitting on your hips. The trending hashtag #Quarantine15 refers to the pounds supposedly most of us have gained during the pandemic. Though online psychologists urge us to make peace with our new shapes, other medicos offer cautionary tales of the long-term ill-effects of weight gain. One thing’s for sure – with social distancing measures still in place, albeit relaxed, we are all eating out less and thus more in control of what we eat (unchecked binge-eating while binge-watching Netflix excluded). One of our popular Swiss Club staff members, Eden, bucked the trend by not gaining weight, but losing weight during the Circuit Breaker. Here is her inspiring story. EDEN’S TRANSFORMATION As a Filipino overseas worker here in Singapore, it was very hard for me not to be able to see my family back home for the longest time. I am so thankful for the advanced technology that made it possible for me to get in touch with them every single day.
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BEFORE 64.2kg
While I was stuck at home, I did my best to stay emotionally strong and keep busy. I learned how to cook Filipino dishes, started my vlogging channel on YouTube, called ‘The Life Changing Story of Eden’, and got closer to God through online gatherings organised by my church. I also undertook intermittent fasting to lose weight, and was able to lose 7kg in two months! With God’s help, I found more courage during the pandemic, and perhaps because of the pandemic, than I ever thought I had. Eden, The Guesthouse & Member Relations Department
If you’re comfortable with a few extra kilos, cut yourself some slack and wear sweatpants till the pandemic passes and you can fully resume your fitness regime. If you’re hating your new shape, then now is an ideal time to consciously moderate your intake and start working out again. The Swiss Club’s gym is operating with social distancing measures in place. Timothy Felix has some great advice on getting into shape on Page 20 of this very issue.
NATURE TAKES A BREATHER
This silver lining is shiny and bright as the newly blue skies over Bangkok and the crystal-clear waters of the Venetian canals. Clearer skies, cleaner waterways and rare animal sightings are just some of the bright side-effects of the pandemic. Even the ozone layer appears to be self-healing (though it’s apparently not related to the coronavirus). Carbon emissions saw a record drop during the pandemic, and it’s easy to understand why. WFH (working from home) became the new norm. Shops, cinemas, gyms were closed – there was nowhere to go. However, did we really suffer that much? Many have embraced the leisurely luxury of just hanging out at home and letting go of the need to keep up with the Joneses or the Tans and fill our social diaries. Perhaps we’ll be kinder to the environment and easier on ourselves long after the pandemic has passed. The downside (sorry for striking a negative note when the title of this story promised good news), the increased waste from disposable gloves and masks is cause for environmentalists’ concern. A trending post on social media warned that soon there’ll be more masks than jellyfish in the Mediterranean. However, forewarned is forearmed. The fact that newspapers around the world have picked up on the story, even in the midst of a global pandemic, suggests that we’re becoming more environmentally aware. And that’s good news for sure.
TECH ENTERS THE EXPRESS LANE
This pandemic has fast-tracked research and development on a slew of technology, from drones for no-contact food delivery to UV light-emitting cleaner
robots. Businesses have been forced to adopt a ‘do-or-die’ mentality towards technology, from embracing basic cloud computing to webcam meetings and presentations. In the healthcare sector, advances have been in leaps and bounds. The race to develop a vaccine aside, the pandemic has accelerated advances in self-monitoring and self-diagnostic devices, primarily to free up healthcare resources to cope with the pandemic casualties. Longer term, this ‘degentrification’ of healthcare will have a profoundly positive impact, especially on poorer and remote communities. The COVID-19 Digital Engagement Report by Twilio had only good news to share. For example, the pandemic has emerged as the digital accelerator of the decade, with 97% of enterprise decision-makers polled agreeing that the pandemic has sped up their companies’ digital transformations by an average of six years. We’re getting smarter, faster.
THE REALLY, REALLY GOOD NEWS
Community transmission is slowing steadily at the time this issue is going to print, and cautious optimism is the mood of the moment. When all’s said and done, Singapore is a pretty good place to be. As our veteran Member Mario Stellino put it, “Though I’ve never stayed put anywhere in this world for more than 12 months since I was 18, I sure am glad I am in Singapore now.” We couldn’t agree more. Watch this space for more good news.
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When all’s said and done, Singapore is a pretty good place to be.
Sources: https://9to5google.com/2020/04/14/google-search-good-news-trend/ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/14/style/good-news-coronavirus.html https://time.com/5259602/japanese-forest-bathing/ https://www.cnet.com/health/stop-body-shaming-yourself-for-the-quarantine-15/ https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/packing-on-pounds-during-covid19-and-how-to-turn-it-around/ https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/global-co2-emissions-saw-recorddrop-during-pandemic-lockdown/ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/08/more-masks-thanjellyfish-coronavirus-waste-ends-up-in-ocean https://www.twilio.com/covid-19-digital-engagement-report
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Fitness with Friends PROGRAMME OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2020
Join in our regular sports activities, form new friendships and socialise as you keep fit. We cater to all interests, ages and levels of fitness. Let’s get going! FOOTBALL SOCIAL FOOTBALL Mon 8pm – 10pm (Sports Field)
TENNIS SOCIAL (MEN’S/LADIES’) Sat 3pm – 6pm (Courts 2, 3 and 4)
Andreas Kalkum E: andreas.kalkum@gmail.com to join our mailing list. An email is sent to Swiss Club Members every Friday to get players registered for football on Monday.
Please contact Pierre at T: 6591 9438 or E: pierre@forty-fifteen.com
GERMAN-SWISS ALL STARS COSMO LEAGUE Tue 7pm – 9pm (Sports Field)
Mon 9am – 11am (WITS Team)
CASUAL KICK Tue 9pm – 10.30pm (Sports Field)
Fri 8am – 9.30am (STA Team) 10am – 12pm (Ladies’ Group Training)
Please contact Urs Brutsch at E: Urs.Brutsch@hpwm.sg (German All Stars) FOOTBALL TRAINING FOR KIDS – COSMO UNITED FOOTBALL ACADEMY Training on Saturday 10.30am – 12pm (Indoor Sports Hall) Open to all Players born between: 1 Jan 2012 and 31 Dec 2015 Opened to Swiss Club Members and Non-Members. Please contact Olliver Marx at E: info@cufa.com.sg W: www.cufa.com.sg T: 9821 3869
LADIES’ TEAM TRAINING Courts 4 and 5
Tue 10am – 12pm (WITS Team)
JUNIOR PROGRAMME Mon – Fri 4pm – 7.30pm Sat 8.30am – 12pm • Parent/child and tiny tots programme • Junior introductory/ development programme • Junior intermediate/ advanced programme For times and dates, please see the 40XV display at the tennis courts. FORTY-FIFTEEN (40XV) Tennis Director: Pierre Capdeville E: pierre@forty-fifteen.com Please check the tennis noticeboard for courts allocation for coaching and social tennis. LADIES’ TENNIS LADDER Please contact Corinna Gorriz at E: corinna@gorriz.de or T: 8725 6761
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PADEL For Padel enquiries, contact Pierre Capdeville at E: pierre@forty-fifteen.com or swissclub@forty-fifteen.com SWIMMING Please contact aquaDucks at E: swiss@aquaducks.com.sg or David at david@aquaducks.com.sg T: 8260 9032 (weather update only) BABIES AND TODDLERS SWIMMING LESSON (6-36 MONTHS) Tue – Fri 3pm – 5pm Sat 8.30am – 12pm PRESCHOOL SWIMMING LESSON (3-4 YEARS OLD) Tue – Fri 3pm – 5pm Sat 8.30am – 12pm LEARN TO SWIM (5-8 YEARS OLD) Tue – Fri 3pm – 5pm Sat 8.30am – 12pm STROKE AND DEVELOPMENT (CD 1-4) Tue – Fri 5pm, 6pm Sat 8.30am, 9.40am, 2pm, 4.45pm ADULTS TRAINING (starting date TBC September) Tue 7.15pm Wed 2pm
I N T E R E S T
BASKETBALL (SOMA SPORTS SINGAPORE) Age Groups: 3-5, 6-12, 13-18 years old Mon 7.30am – 8.30am and 3.30pm – 5.45pm Tue 7.30am – 8.30am and 3.30pm – 5.45pm Sun – Commencing in September GOLF German-Swiss Golf Club Please contact Adrian Luedi at E: germanswissgolfclub@gmail.com or T: 9081 8506 JASS *Venue to be advised Please contact Michael Sutter or Nadine Breitenmoser at E: jass@swissclub.org.sg or T: 9648 5077 KARATE KYOKUSHIN KARATE Wed 5pm – 6pm 4 years and above Parents are welcome to join class (Aerobics Studio) Please contact the instructor, Sensei Lai at E: ekl@caa.columbia.edu or T: 9185 0900 MAHJONG Wed 7.30pm – 10.30pm (Board Room One) Please contact Jill Boschung at E: jillbos@yahoo.com or T: 9022 4605
PROFESSIONAL FITNESS SERVICES AQUA BIKING Wed 7pm – 7.50pm Sat 9am – 9.50am (Note: Pre-register to secure a bike for class) INDOOR CYCLING Sat 11am – 11.45am (Aerobics Studio) (Note: Pre-register to secure a bike for class) BOOT CAMP Mon 6pm – 6.45pm Thu 8.30am – 9.15am (Sports Field/Outdoor Multi-Court) PILATES Mon 8.30am – 9.30am (Outdoor area near Sports Hall) Sat 10am – 11am (Edelweiss Room)
SKAT Wed 8pm – 11pm (Pergola) Please contact Hubert Nerlich at E: hubertnerlich@gmail.com or T: 6734 0034 for more details PILATES – BY CHRISTABEL PILATES MATWORK Wed 8.30am – 9.30am (Aerobics Studio) Please contact Christabel Lim at E: christabel_lyh@hotmail.com or T: 9619 5820 (Note: Pre-registration is required for this class) YOGA HATHA FLOW YOGA Fri 8.30am – 9.30am (Aerobics Studio) HATHA YOGA Sat 9am – 10am (Aerobics Studio)
STRONG BY ZUMBA Mon 8.30am – 9.30am (Edelweiss Room)
YIN YANG YOGA Mon 8.30am – 9.30am (Aerobics Studio)
ZUMBA Tue 8.30am – 9.30am (Aerobics Studio)
Please contact Nathalie Sofia (Yoga Library Pte Ltd) at E: Sofia.nathalie@gmail.com or T: 8260 4049 for more details
BARRE TONING Wed 8.30am – 9.30am (Edelweiss Room) TRX SUSPENSION TRAINING Fri 8.30am – 9.30am (Outdoor Fitness Corner)  Please contact Jason Stanley 24 hours before class at E: getactive@activefitness.com.sg or T: 9026 3452 PERSONAL TRAINING Please contact Timothy Felix at E: getactive@activefitness.com.sg or T: 9191 7475
ALIGNMENT-BASED HATHA YOGA Thu 8.30am – 9.30am (Aerobics Studio) Please contact Nadja Pizzo at E: yogawithnadja@gmail.com or T: 9145 4408 for more details SALON AND SPA SERVICES AVEDA SALON & SPA Please contact us at T: 6463 0400 or SMS: 9655 8165
(Note: Pre-registration is required for this class)
GOT A SUGGESTION? If you would like to suggest a new activity, please contact Elvis Tan, Sports & Recreation Executive at: E: elvis.tan@swissclub.org.sg T: 6591 9438
