CIS Names Theatre After 16-time Grammy Award Winner, David Foster

By Lisa Leland, Communications And Marketing Executive

On Saturday, 3 November 2012, Canadian singer, songwriter, record Producer and 16-time Grammy award winner David foster visited the Canadian International School (CIS) Lakeside campus to officially inaugurate the school’s David Foster Theatre, named after him. Foster, a proud Canadian, has been instrumental in the success of countless performers. He has an uncanny ability to recognize talent, to encourage people to reach their fullest potential and is an educator in his own right.

Foster demonstrated his considerable talent on the piano playing the Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire.  He also called for students from the audience to get on stage for impromptu performances.  Kyarah Boon, grade 9, sang A Note to God by Charice and was joined by her sister, Noa Boon, grade 8, who sang In this Song also by Charice. 

Antonio Magides, grade 11, who also sang with Foster during last year’s visit, delivered an outstanding rendition of Ave Maria, a song arranged by David Foster for Andrea Bocelli.  At the prompting of David Foster, Antonio also reprised his

rendition of Michael Bublé’s I’m Feeling Good, and was praised for following instructions well and outdoing his performance with David Foster last year. Scan the QR code to see how talented Antonio is.

Connor Magides, a 13 year old in grade 9, captivated the audience by singing Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up”. At the end of the visit, Foster remarked on how supportive students had been as they cheered on their peers, and how important this positive culture is in schools today and for student success. 

About the CIS David Foster Theatre

The David Foster theatre is a state-of-art facility complete with 500 seats, an 11 metre fly tower that is capable of six scenery changes, an orchestra pit, a high quality sound system, as well as environmentally friendly features such as an air conditioning system located under the theatre seats, which is approximately 60 per cent more energy efficient than regular theatre air conditioning systems.

Tiong Bahru

By Lianne Chilton 

Tiong Bahru has attracted the attention of up and coming businesses, artists, and professionals in recent years. The once quiet, old-fashioned kampong-style neighbourhood is now home to a number of new coffee shops, bakeries, casual and fine dining establishments and upscale one-of-a-kind boutiques. These new businesses co-exist with family run provision shops, eating stalls and long-time residents. The sights, smells, sounds and tastes of both the old and the new in Tiong Bahru were the focus of the CAS October Out & About.

Our tour began with Lynda taking us through the colorful and often surprising history of Tiong Bahru. The name translates as "new tomb": Tiong from the Hokkien for tomb, Bahru from the Malay for new. The once hilly area with mangrove swamps, pig farms, and a sago factory, also once housed a cemetery that no longer exists except for two tombs. Those former residents were moved to the location of the November’s tour, Bukit Brown cemetery, when the area was developed. Needing more space for the housing needs of Singaporeans, the Singapore Improvement Trust undertook the task clearing the land and preparing it for development.  In 1936 they began building the first "new town" or suburb to the city. The unique blend of shophouse and Art Deco architectural features such as rounded balconies, flat roofs, exterior spiral staircases and air wells are unique in Singapore, and priced the flats out of the reach of most average Singaporeans.  Building continued in the area after the end of WWII, including the building of housing more affordable to the average person.  Over time as more and newer HDB flats were built in newer estates, the area began to decline and "grey" as the average age of the residents increased.  In 1993 twenty blocks of the pre-war flats were gazetted for conservation and will remain preserved despite the modernization taking place in the area.

Our first stop in the area was Yong Siak Street. The 40 Hands coffee shop, which many believe was the catalyst for the rejuvenation of the area, opened here in 2010. In addition to the coffee shop, an independent bookstore and several F & B establishments and boutiques have relocated/opened on this street. As we neared the end of the street we turned down a back alley and found ourselves in the secluded back parking area, which lead to the area being known as the “den of beauties”. Wealthy businessmen were said to house their mistresses in the flats because of the privacy of the back entrances and courtyards afforded them. We were also able to take a look at the entrance to what is believed to be the last public air raid shelter on the island and was in use when the Japanese  bombed Singapore between December 1941 and January 1942.

We then headed toward Qi Tian Gong Temple taking time to admire the beautiful architecture and foliage and also take note of the many renovations in progress. Lianne told us of the temple’s origin, dating back over ninety years and that it is considered to be the first temple in Singapore dedicated to the Monkey God. From the corner temple we made our way up Eng Hoon Street, passing yet more eateries and coffee shops, to the Tiong Bahru Wet Market for a cold drink and a sampling of hawker stall goodies. The market on the main floor, considered to be one of Singapore's finest, sells everything from fruits and vegetables to extremely fresh fish and meat, to household wares, clothing and even paper effigies and locally roasted coffee beans.

Our last stop before lunch at a local Thai restaurant was at the home of Chinese-Canadian artist Billy Ma. Billy generously welcomed our group into his gazetted flat, where we were fortunate to view not only the relatively unchanged style of it, but also some of his work and hear from the artist himself about the inspiration and the stories behind the prints. His company, Booda Brand, sells a line of conversation and thought provoking limited edition prints. (www.billyma.com/billyma.com/Booda_Brand)

Tiong Bahru, with it's wonderful blend of old and new, beautiful architecture, funky shops and delicious food is definitely worth a visit!

Start the New Year With a Smile

It’s that time of the year where you prepare to flash those pearlie whites and let them sparkle for the occasion! If you have an outstanding dental issue, e.g., a cavity that you know you need to address, or that dull pain in your tooth, or that wisdom tooth that you had previously been advised to have removed –our advice is to do something about this BEFORE the holiday season.

The reason for taking timely action is to avoid the situation where you have a dental issue flaring up right in the middle of the holiday celebrations – it can really put a dampener on your spirits, and also cause some anxiety and frustration in searching for a dentist during a period when most clinics are closed.

Here are some tips on how to end the current year and start the New Year with a lovely smile:

Brush at least twice a day with a soft bristle toothbrush and remember to floss

Rinse your mouth after consuming red wine or fizzy dinks to reduce the likelihood of staining your teeth and limiting the amount of sugar in your mouth

Make an appointment to see your dentist to brighten your smile to start off the new year on a right note… 

Specialist Dental Group would like to wish our readers and patients a “Happy and Healthy Holiday Season and a Wonderful New Year!

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·      Specialist Dental Group is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services. For details, send an enquiry via www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call 6733 7883

MLT exclusive: Interview with David Foster

Interviewer Franca Ciambella

On 3 November 2012, the Canadian international school named their Theatre after David Foster, legendary Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, musician and 16-time Grammy Award winner. David was present to officially open the “David Foster Theatre” along with nearly a dozen  members of his family from British Columbia.

School principal Glenn Odland, referred to David, as - amongst other things, “an educator”. David said that this is most touching attribute that he has ever been accorded. He spoke about the importance of education, mentoring and good upbringing, and the influence that his family has had on his career. The MLT interviewed David after the event.

MLT: David, you spoke about the importance of upbringing and Canadian values. You are also in an industry that is known for “backstabbing” and being somewhat “dog eat dog”, so how important is integrity to success?

David: We are not all like that. You are in an industry that is labeled as being “even lower than sharks”(referring to the Interviewer’s day job as a lawyer), yet not all of you are sharks and some of you are nice people. Sure in our young years we all made mistakes and did things we would not do as we get older, but yes, integrity is very important.

MLT: Are you saying that the good guys eventually “win” or get to the top?

David: Yes, that is correct. It may take some time, but they do.

MLT: You travel all over the world, so do you feel Canadian?

David: Absolutely, I feel 100% Canadian. My values are also very Canadian.

MLT: What is your advice for a young person who wants to get into the music industry?

David: You need to focus on your goals and almost have blinkers on, as it is easy to get distracted. There are so many things along the way that catch your attention, so it is easy to go astray. So stay focused. Also, place your materials on You Tube and other sites where someone like me may have the chance to listen to them. That is a way of getting discovered. Some of it also has to do with luck.

MLT: Is there a role for music and world peace? Can someone in music get the Nobel Prize for Peace?

David: Absolutely. Music is a unifier and is responsible for things like bringing down the Berlin Wall. Groups and people like the Beatles and U2 have contributed a lot to world peace. Someone like Bono may very well get the Peace Prize in the future.

The Importance of Dental check-ups

We have heard of the old adage, “Prevention is better than cure”. When it comes to oral health, this advice rings true - It’s about preventing and detecting early symptoms of dental problems.

People do not usually see the need to visit a dentist unless they are in pain. However, some serious dental problems can be silent and not cause any discomfort until a critical stage.

What happens during a dental check-up:

• The dentist will do a consultation and perform a thorough examination of your dental condition
• Any cracks, decay or wear and tear to the teeth will be assessed
• Your gums will be checked to see if they hug around the teeth firmly
• An X-ray will be taken as and when advised by the dentist, to help detect hidden problems which are unseen with the naked eye (rest assured, advances in technology have resulted in digital x-rays being much safer, and much more detailed than before)

Remember the 3 Rules of 2s to keep your teeth in their best shape:

• Visit your dentist regularly, twice a year,
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and
• Brush your teeth for at least two minutes each time.

To find out more about common dental issues visit our FAQ page at http://bit.ly/VCHNIb

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·        Specialist Dental Group is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services. For details, send an enquiry via www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call 6733 7883

Where to Draw the Line

By Jo Clary Maughan

Have you ever stood in front of the mirror and wondered which hemline suits your legs best? Should you invest in long and full skirts, or go for a leggier mini?

Knowing which hemlines suit you best is usually a process of trial and error.  By following the tips below, you can get it right every time:

1.       The length of your body in proportion to your torso determines your ideal hemline. If you’re long legged but short in the torso, you can wear a longer hemline. If you’re shorter in the legs than the torso, your best hemline is around the knee or shorter. Steer clear of very long skirts.

2.       The width of your hemline can make your legs appear thinner or heavier than they really are. A wide hem gives the illusion of slender legs, while a right hem will make them appear heavier. A very wide hemline will also make you appear shorter.

3.       Every one of us has a natural curve in the leg and it’s at this curve your best hemline can usually be found. Never end a hemline at the widest point of your calf – this will only make your legs appear heavier, giving you a dowdy look.

4.       Lastly, whichever hemline you do choose to wear, always remember the Golden Rule of matching your hemline to the heel height you pair with it. “The shorter the hem the lower the heel, the lower the hem the higher        the heel”.  Never wear a mini with a pair of stilettos and never wear a long skirt with a pair of Birkenstocks.

Call F3 today to find out more about booking a Colour & Style Consultation to enjoy the freedom of purchasing garments and accessories you’ll wear over and over again!

Jo Clary Maughan, AICI FLC, Leading Image Consultant at F3 Image Consultants, provides individual consultations and group workshops for: Colour Analysis, Fashion & Style Solutions, Make-up Solutions, Accessory Magic, Wardrobe Audits, Personal Shopping, Total Makeovers, Professional Makeovers, Deportment Solutions and Colour & Style Solutions for Men.

 F3 Image Consultants --  Phone: 6876-1761/9150-1705 / Email: info@f-3.com.sg / www.f-3.com.sg

Hosting a Wine Tasting at Home

By Herb Pilles

A wine tasting is a fun way to learn more about the subtle qualities of wine and move from “just drinking” to a greater awareness and enjoyment of the unique characteristics of different wine varieties and origins. 

At your next dinner party, instead of buying the same bottles on the two-for-one offer, carefully select two different wines of the same grape variety, perhaps an Australian shiraz and a French Syrah.  Serve them both at the same time - just before your main course, two glasses side by side, and let your guests taste and compare.  Or you could choose two entirely different wines and let your guests decide which wine to drink with their meal, and compare notes.

For a blind tasting, blindfold the bottles, not your guests! Take two bottles of the same grape, for example, a red Burgundy and a New Zealand pinot noir, wrap each in a white napkin, and challenge your guests to compare.  You might like to identify which is the “old world” and which the “new world”.  Or which is the more expensive one – not always obvious! 

These are some important things to pay attention to in a wine tasting.

1.   The Appearance
Hold the glass up to the light, examine the colour, the clarity - cloudy, brilliant, clear, sparkly, dull? The viscosity - swirl it slightly. Does it have shapely legs (the way the wine runs down the inside of the glass)?  Is it watery, oily, heavy, sparkly?

2.   The “Nose”
Swirl again and yes, stick your nose in the glass and breathe in deeply!  Is there a distinctive, identifiable aroma? Have some fun with words:  “I detect a faint hint of barnyard”, perhaps, or, blackberry, fresh bread, peaches, English leather, gasoline?

3.   The Taste
For most people, this is what really matters!  For white wines, is it sweet, or dry, or bone dry?  Is there a balance between acidity and sweetness?   For reds, is it astringent, hard, dry, soft?  How is the acidity- tart, flat, refreshing?   Is it full-bodied or flat and thin?  When you hold the wine,        do the flavours fill your mouth?  After you swallow, do the flavours linger or disappear?  Does the wine have a satisfying complexity, or is it simple and disappointing?

4.   Overall Impression
After all the analyzing, it is important to bring everything together for a full picture, an overall impression of the wine.  This is where you finally ask the question, “How much did you like it?”

All this dialogue is just fine verbally.  You can get more serious and academic about it, but really, it’s all about learning 

more and enjoying more,  so design a wine tasting that works for you!

Thinking Visibly with Harvard Scholar and Author, Dr. Ron Richhart

Parents and staff from international schools around Singapore attended the  Canadian International School’s “Visible Thinking” evening with visiting Harvard scholar Dr. Ron Ritchhart on 11 October. 

A leading researcher with Project Zero at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Dr. Ritchhart provided an intriguing walk through his most recent new book, Making Thinking Visible, exploring practical tools designed to enable learners to take their thinking to a deeper level. The strategies he has put together can be implemented both inside and outside of the classroom, making them tremendously valuable for teachers, students and parents alike as they seek and implement a 21st century education.

What is the CIS Visible Thinking Initiative?

The Visible Thinking Initiative is a key focus for the CIS staff for the 2012/2013 school year and beyond.

The initiative considers what it means to be a thinker - examining thought processes and how to improve them at all stages of development. This concept of visible thinking goes beyond mere recording of thought - it is about developing the skills and tools to recognize if one is taking thinking to a higher, more effective and more meaningful level. It has to do with critically analyzing and synthesizing information. The Visible Thinking Initiative consists of evaluating decisions while simultaneously considering and understanding more than one point of view by engaging in metacognition (analyzing one’s own and others’ thought processes, how one thinks and how one learns).

This initiative has already had a meaningful and profound impact on both teaching and learning at CIS since the start of the school year. Teachers will continue to implement additional thinking routines and thinking tools in their classrooms as the academic year progresses. These routines and tools are all specifically crafted to support key 21st century learning skills as identified by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (www.p21.org): critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. 

Give Your Child’s Teeth a Healthy Start

Have you ever wondered when is the right time to bring your child to see a dentist? Many parents might not realize this but you should bring your child to see a dentist no later than two years of age.

Ideally, bring your child along with you for your own dental appointments. He or she will start getting used to visiting the dental clinic, and when it is time for his or her turn to see the dentist, there will be easier adaptation.

Why is it important?

It is important that the child visit the dentist for a check-up to ensure the teeth are growing properly and that there are no cavities or other dental issues. Such “well teeth” check-ups will set the stage for a positive experience when visiting the dentist in the future.

Tips for mothers to prepare their kids for their first dental visit

• Schedule the dental appointment when the child is rested and not hungry
• Do not pass any anxiety that you may have to your child and refrain from using the dentist as a threat (e.g. "if you eat too many sweets or you have to see the dentist")
• Choose a dentist who is familiar with providing dental care for children, and a child-oriented dental clinic

To find out more about common children’s dental issues visit our Children’s Dentistry page

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·      Specialist Dental Group is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services. For details, send an enquiry via www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call 6733 7883

Campus Radio 938 Live hosts talk show at CIS

By / Dr. David Ansbacher, High School Principal, Lakeside Campus

If you happened to tune in to 938 Live on the morning of Friday, 14 September 2012, you got a treat, as our Grade 12 students held a thought-provoking conversation on the weekly Campus Radio talk show.

Hosted by Joel Chua, a crowd of grade 12 students gathered in the auditorium to discuss the topic, “Do teens today believe that they need to be perceived as beautiful (attractive) in order to succeed?” Two of our students, Tanya Deol and Connor Chilton, were on the panel with Rick Butler, our DP Theory of Knowledge teacher and Catherine Chan, the Managing Consultant of Iconiq Image. They discussed perspectives on the definition of beauty and the importance of beauty in regards to student success in life.

Our Grade 11-12 Theory of Knowledge students have been reading and discussing writers throughout history and perspectives on beauty; with this, the discussion ranged from comments on current media culture, cultural perspectives on beauty and so much more.

Great Cheese! Which Wine?

Text & Photos : Herb Pilles

Bread, wine, and cheese are a classic combination that go way back in time.  I’ll bet there was a generous chunk of goat cheese on the table with the bread and wine at The Last Supper, along with olives and dried figs!

Today, of course, we have a variety of wines and cheeses available to us, and we try to enhance our enjoyment of both by finding just the right combination.

Imagine a platter with a stunning variety of cheeses on it- brie, stilton, a creamy goat, and one or two hard cheeses like grana padano, and well-aged cheddar.  How do you find a wine that matches all of these cheeses?  You don’t.  Consider carefully selecting just one amazing cheese.  Take your time to taste and savour it, then ask, what would go well with this?

Forget about apples, grapes, pears, or other fresh fruit.  They might enhance the cheese, but they destroy the wine.  Dried fruit like figs, dates, and nuts work well if you feel you need something else on the plate.   You can also forget about flavoured crackers like shrimp or seaweed - they get in the way of everything.  Thin slices of good baguette, some unflavoured bread-sticks, or bland crackers such as matza will allow you to enjoy both the cheese and the wine.

Don’t bother with an expensive wine!   It’s hard to enjoy the delicate nuances of a fine wine when you have a mouth full of butterfat or stinky gorgonzola.  An expensive wine might not enhance your cheese, but a rich creamy cheese will make a cheap bottle of red taste fantastic!  (Beware of wine tasting events that serve cheese first!)

To match cheese with wine, start with a fabulous cheese then try to imagine what would complement this taste sensation?  The answer might not be wine.  A strong stinky cheese like munster or limburger might be best with a cold lager.  A fine single malt might be just the thing to honour that wonderful, well-aged cheddar. A young white cheddar with Gewurztraminer, or sauvignon blanc?  A rich dark port with that stilton?  A lovely, delicate goat cheese with a sweet Mosel riesling?

Resist the temptation to google, “What goes with...?”  Taste the cheese and trust your judgement.  Or, offer a number of alternatives and let your guests choose what they like best.  It might lead to some interesting conversation!

Photo caption:
Three Fabulous cheeses meet their match.  The Alps Blossom cheese is rich and earthy, matched with a wonderful flowery French Merlot.  The Chiriboga Blue meets a dreamy late harvest red made from over-matured grapes, and a Spanish Manchego is paired with a Rioja, but would also be set off nicely with a dark Port.  The cheeses come from Toque on Dunhearn Road.

A Taste of Penang

By Heather Michaud

A one of the more storied and colourful destinations you can fly to for a weekend getaway from Singapore is the island of Penang, off the west coast of Malaysia.  Recognized along with Melaka as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008, the historic heart of George Town is full of exuberantly ornate temples and charming shophouses.  These provide the backdrop for what is undoubtedly the most popular pastime in Penang: EATING.

My husband and I traveled to Penang in early September and the Hungry Ghost festival was in full swing, with Chinese clans laying out spreads of food and incense burning in the alleyways to appease their ancestors. 

We were guided on our culinary quest for street food by our foodie friends and bloggers…and our eyes and noses.  Talk to anyone in Penang, and they’ll point you in the direction of a cart or hole-in-the-wall spot that serves up the best laksa, the best char kway teow, or the best cendol in town.  Locals delight in their island’s multicultural mix of Malay, Chinese, Peranakan, Indian, Thai, Portuguese, and more.

At the quaint Campbell House boutique hotel where we stayed, our host waxed poetic about the chicken rice in a nearby shop.  After breakfast, he walked us over to the place serving his favourite dim sum, wheeled through a crowded dining hall on

steaming, stainless steel carts.  After this second breakfast, we went in search of the famed coconut tarts at the local bakery.  We weren’t not able to sample them, however, as they are so popular that they sell out on weekends - by 9 in the morning.

For more information:

Reuter’s “Travel Postcard”:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/08/31/us-travel-penang-idUSBRE87U09Y20120831

Penang-based travel writer and foodie Robyn Eckhardt’s in the Wall Street Journal:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704113504575265443635851202.html

Diabetes and Tooth Loss, What’s The Connection?

Did you know that your oral condition can sometimes be a window to your overall health condition? Studies have shown that there is an association between diabetes and oral health complications.

Our gum specialists have also been able to tell from a patient’s gum condition, whether a patient is a diabetic.

Diabetes doubles the likelihood of tooth loss

•          Those with diabetes more likely to lose teeth than non-diabetics – especially for men
•          Diet contributing factor- Diabetic men with a total fruit/vegetable intake lower than average, are two times more likely to get periodontitis
•          Diabetes causes a reduction in the body’s resistance to infection – For diabetics, an infection to the gum tissues can lead to periodontal disease (chronic inflammation and infection of the gums)

 See the dentist immediately if you have the following persistent signs or periodontal disease:

•         Gums that bleed easily
•          Red, swollen or tender gums
•          Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
•          Persistent bad breath or bad taste

If you are experiencing gum problems, do visit your dentist to determine the cause of the problem. Your dentist can also refer you to a medical specialist should the source be non-dental related.

To find out more about dental issues or to make an appointment to visit the dentist, visit www.specialistdentalgroup.com

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·      Specialist Dental Group is a corporate sponsor of the Canadian Association of Singapore (CAS). CAS members enjoy a special rate for dental services. For details, send an enquiry via www.specialistdentalgroup.com or call 6733 7883

A Tribute to CIS Graduating Class of 2012

After a busy and productive school year, 22 June 2012 marked the end of an era for the 2011/2012 graduating class of the Canadian international school (CIS). We collectively said goodbye to a diverse group of talented students who: studied hard throughout Grade 11 and 12 in order to graduate, negotiated with their teachers, acted as role models for the Elementary and Middle School students that they shared a campus with, built houses in Cambodia for those less fortunate, and entertained us with a high caliber musical production of Footloose.

 The CIS class of 2012 donned their black caps and gowns, and jubilantly crossed the stage to receive their High School Diplomas. Other awards that were presented during the night included $1,000 scholarships from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Ontario Scholar Award, and LongevityAward.

After the awarding of diplomas, school valedictorian Angela Butler, who spent her entire education at CIS, spoke eloquently about her time at CIS and of her plans for the future. Her speech was followed by a photo and video montage of the graduating class throughout the past year, which brought laughter and tears to the eye of most people in the room, teachers included.

As the first graduating class at the new Lakeside campus, the graduates all gathered in the atrium for the first-ever cap toss to celebrate this important milestone, and to conclude the night’s celebrations.

      This year’s graduates will scatter across the globe as they leave to attend universities in countries such as Canada, Australia, UK, USA, and Singapore in the upcoming academic year.

We wish these delightful, young global citizens all the best for their futures. Bon
voyage and good luck!

/ Michelle Sharp, Head of Communications & Marketing

www.cis.edu.sg

Join Us - The Canadian Dragon Boat Team of Singapore

Team members need not be Canadian; we currently have over a dozen nationalities on the team. We encourage anyone and everyone who is interested to give the sport a try. Our team members range in age from 12 to 61.

Training lasts for two hours per session and is held in the Kallang Basin (see map below). Generally, we practice on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, with Thursday night  practices for most of the season. At most practices, we also have a boat for absolute beginners that goes out with an experienced coach and helmsman.

Please bring:

·         1.5L of water

·         Clothes and shoes that you don’t mind getting wet

·         Hat/sun block

·         The completed waiver

We practice rain or shine (you’re going to get wet anyway). Practice is $10 including drinks, beer and the occasional barbecue.

For more information, visit www.canadiandragons.sg.org

Tiong Bahru : 31 October, 2012

If you think the first public housing estate in Singapore was Toh Payoh, you are not quite correct.  Before the advent of HDB, there was the colonial Singapore Investment Trust (SIT) and their first estate was Tiong Bahru.  Built in the 1930s, Tiong Bahru was made up of 30 apartment blocks of two to five stories high. 

The late shop house architecture and art deco feel of this area are unique in Singapore.  For some time, the estate slipped into genteel decay, but after the gazetting of 20 buildings in 2003, it has gradually come to the attention of the artistic and bohemian community - to the point of becoming popular again. 

Come join us on a walk around the area, exploring some temples and the popular wet market, as well as some of the wonderful shops and restaurants.  Lynda Rousseau and Lianne Chilton will be your guides for this ramble around a largely unknown gem of Singapore.

Please register for this fascinating walk before October 28 to liannechilton@gmail.com.  We will update you on meeting time, location and lunch details closer to the O&A date.

/ Lynda Sellars

The Diva Race

The diva race is a special one. It’s when all the female paddlers gather, with support of the male members of the team, and race against each other. This year the races were tight and everyone had fun. The Canadian Dragons were lucky enough to secure a third place finish, receiving a medal for their efforts. We are now in full training for the Singapore Dragon Boat Festival, which is coming up on June 30 and July 1 at Bedok Reservoir. Once again we will be striving for some medals at these races. Come on out and watch this fantastic event. When this is complete, our attention will turn forward to late August for the 10Km race. This is a more strenuous race requiring different stamina reserves.

We are a team of many nationalities and welcome paddlers new to dragon boating or paddlers returning to the sport but new to the team. If you are interested in joining our fun team, come out for training at Kallang Riverside Park. We train in the boat on Saturdays from 4:00 – 6:00, and Sundays from 10:00 – 12:00. Please come 30 minutes early to sign in, get kitted out – we have PDF’s and paddles, and to warm up. Hope to see you soon.

/ Sally Monteith