Saturday, 23rd January 2021

A group of 6 members consist of ChanKN, MelissaK, FredaL, JasmineW, VincentH and DollyL visited to GUI (Group-Up Initiative) Singapore 21^st Century “School of Life’ in a nature-inspired campus this morning guided as promised by DennisH which ended with fantastic lunch there too.

Each and every one was extremely excited along with way while DennisH patiently guiding and showing us his very own vermicomposting project.  Vermicomposting is a decomposition process by which various species of worms are used to convert organic materials (usually wastes) into humus-like material known as vermin-compost which can possibly use on farms.

Followed by to a quick look at a self-made kitchen where one can enroll in baking.  Today, they were baking pineapple tarts and pizza using traditional Tabun oven – a clay oven, shaped like a truncated cone, with an opening at the bottom from which to stoke the fire…  Fascinating is the word that I wanted to use to describe this.

Then, a walk to vegetable garden plot whereby vegetables and spices are being grown there.  As usual, shopping seems to be always an interest to us, so some bought organic veggies, gingers and chikus at a reasonable price.

Next, we saw a group of volunteers washing lots of plastic bottles and containers for recycling.  Currently, they are only able to use #2 – HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) plastic most commonly used and is considered one of the safest forms of plastic.  Was told that they are in the midst of asking for funding to procure a machine to be able to recycle other different types of plastics.  Good Luck.. Type #2 plastic after washed can be re-make into coaster for cups and kettle holders.

GUI also make sure that kids are not being left out too, we strolled along another plot of land whereby playground were built into look-alike construction site (kids’ version) so that these kids were given hands-on working experience together with adults.  Along the way, we noticed Woodcraft classes being conducted.

I am sure that we had covered almost everything we wanted to know or maybe I can hear my stomach calling out for lunch.  WaHaHa… LUNCH TIME!!!

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to DennisH whom had given us much of his informative details and the patience he had shown as we were busy taking many photos.

DollyL

Fun way to learn Mandarin on the GO!

A get-together session in speaking the language on anything under the sun, understanding each other better and of course building stronger friendship ties especially in this covid-19.

Mistakes to avoid – Chinese character do have multiple pronunciation and meaning. Some will treat as a joke and laugh it off and some will treat it seriously and get offended.

We are here to improve more conversational Mandarin at the same time know more of our Chinese Culture and customary Practice…

Please join me on every Monday.

Vivian Lai

Thank you to all SHC members for your time joining me in the Entrepreneur last zoom session on 10 Jan 2021.I shared with members how to generate ideas. An idea is to address a pain or gap.

I used Rest.com.sg as an example. Rest.com.sg is an online portal for advertiser to place their ads at an affordable price.

Currently, most online ads are control by big techs. There are also many types of payments. Not many SMEs and startups have the financial resources to place ads on those current online social media.  Thus Rest.com.sg is to address this gap.

During the next session, I will share with members how to validate your idea.
Also next session, will have the honor to let our member, Dennis H, to share more info for a complimentary tour of GUI.

Please do zoom in this Sunday 17 Jan.
Till we meet again, have a great week ahead.

Treasure Hunt Season 2
EO: Vincent Hee

Date : 23 Jan 2021 (Sat)
Venue: Clementi Mall
Time: 9.00am to 6.00pm

Prizes: $10 x 4 NTUC vouchers for the winning team. Runners – up get premium chocolate bars.

To participate :

1) Register : Form groups of two or four and WhatsApp names to

• Vincent Hee : 9186 8698
• Anne Choi
• Jasmine Wong

2) Report : On site in front of Clementi Mall and WhatsApp your group photo with backdrop to receive the 10 locations photos from the official of your choice. Following your findings, all ten photos should be send back to the same official. This is to ensure smooth tabulation.

3) Please note, the start time will click off right after you received all the ten photos.

4) Last or final photo must be taken with your whole group. All the participants must be in the picture to qualify for the end time.

5) Happy Hunting. Good luck.

Vouchers contributed by Daniel Chan, chocolates by Vincent, and Zero Coke from Terence.

Thanks to Daniel and Vincent and Terence for encouraging participation with the prizes.

VintageRadio.SG is digital radio station whose mission is to bring back the good old days from the 50s to 70s through a curated programme of content and music.

Recently, Lydia and I were at their office to record the 2021 countdown. We were so delighted and thankful for the opportunity to co-host with the iconic radio and TV personality Mr Brian Richmond.

It was a wonderful experience and we enjoyed every minute working with the professionals. We had a shout out of Silverhairsclub.com.

Come! tune in to Vintage radio.sg on 31st December at 4pm to catch our show as we shared more of our favourite singers during our younger days and ring in the New Year.

Agnes Seow

Monthly Gathering amidst the Zoom Holiday – Keen? Well, I am and if you also as keen as I do.  Let’s keep 27 December 2020 from 2.00pm to 5.00pm for this…. See you soon ya…

Do join us on the last Sunday Gathering of Year 2020. Bring along your own kakis to chit-chat or celebrate this year end inside Main Room or a Private Room either to reminisce year 2020 on what is your greatest achievement or happy moments in sharing with your SHC Buddies : You name and you have it lor..

So this happened to be on 3rd day of Christmas… be it a partridge, 2 turtle doves and 3 French hen… tell us what your loved ones sent to you or have done for u…

But of course, if you have any other suggestions, share with me lor… otherwise, this is a free-for-all meeting. Looking forward to C U all this Sunday.

EO – Dolly Lim

Hi and an advance Merry Christmas everyone…

During this festive season, wish to share my 2014 German Christmas markets trip which I hope one day you may consider taking this trip too, when we can finally travel.

Compiled into 5 short videos with lively Christmas carols as background music, will show the cities visited, from Frankfurt to Rottenburg, Numerberg, Weimar, Eisenach, Erfurt, Dresden and ending in Berlin.

Do zoom in and join me on Wed, 23rd, 8pm sharp.

This Sunday, we will discuss different age group 40s, 50s and 60s direction towards entrepreneurship.
Each age group has its own needs, I will share with SHC members on this coming Sunday zoom session.

Now, the results of the Treasure Hunt. In order of merit…

1^st Place               WATERMELON – leads the race to finish in 1 hr 8 minutes

2^nd Place              KIWI – just after 4 minutes to end it in 1 hr 12 minutes

3^rd Place              AJIV – was slowed down on their 9^th item but manage to finish 1 hr 21 minutes

4^th Place              BANANA – last but not least though exhausted managed to clock 1 hr 41 minutes

Kudos to All TEAM MEMBERS for all the effort and positive thinking. We don’t think this race would have been possible without your true participation. You Guys n Gals deserve a treat!

Looking forward to more great adventures from SHC Members…

Sally Foo

Our very first physical race on a lovely Saturday.  In total, we have 4 Teams of 4 participants each – namely, AJIV, WATERMELON, BANANA and KIWI – a combination of male and females.

This activity was created to encourage walking as a form of exercise cum teambuilding – as we see quite a number of energetic and enthusiastic members doing such walk on a regular basis.

Feeling energetic is a key to happiness and studies do show that you will feel much better not only about yourself but when you feel exhausted, overwhelmed and blue – a completed task DONE will probably gives you the sensation of relief.

Treasure Hunt is a game organized by Terence who prepares a list of 10 images taken at Marina Barrage.  Being a tracker myself, upon arrival on site, these images will be forwarded to the respective Team Leader to start their Hunting Race – the goal is to be the first team to complete the list.  Players take photographs of the listed items and post it back to me.  In return, I will take note of each treasure found and recorded the timing from my mobile and compile it to get the total time taken to complete their task.

Feedback from the Hunt Racers – fun with laughter and engaging as a team but sweaty and tiresome.  At the end of the race, some continued to enjoy the serenity of Marina Barrage with kite flying and thereafter a wholesome dinner – isn’t that what we call ??…

The HUNT has been set for 3 days and we still have up to Monday to complete the race and result will be announced on Tuesday noon, 01 December 2020.

Sally Foo

Video presentation is ready for viewing….

Slow-roasted Whole Steamship Round

TOPIC Discussion

1. Presentation on How to choose the PERFECT Cut of BEEF

FUNDAMENTAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

1. Common breed of Beef Cattle
2. Explain on Inspection vs Grading
3. Different types of Cattle Feed
4. Identify Beef Cuts

• Difference between Porterhouse Steak vs T-Bone Steak – both have the best of both world which is the tenderloin and the sirloin

Porterhouse Steaks – cut from the rear end of the short loin, contain a bigger section of tenderloin along with a large strip steak

T-bone Steaks – cut closer to the front, contain a smaller section of tenderloin

2. BASIC BEEF TERMINOLOGY

• Marbling – refers to the white specks of intramuscular fat in each meat cut, it adds great flavour and can be an indicator of how good the beef is.  Cattle raised on grain will have more marbling than grass-fed.

• Three types of Beef Grading in USA

Prime – highest quality, features beautiful red meat laced with thin pattern of white fat. This type of beef on the market makes up only 2-3% of available consumable beef – most expensive cuts

Choice – high quality, widely available beef (top 54% quality), but has less marbling than Prime. Choice roasts and steaks from the loin and rib will be very tender, juicy, and flavorful and are suited for dry-heat cooking

Select – is very uniform in quality and normally leaner than the higher grade. It will lack in flavour coz less marbling.

Certified Angus Beef (CAB) – Cattle have consistent, high quality beef with superior taste. Do not confused Angus Beef with CAB (cannot be legally used by an establishment that is not licensed to do so.

• Wagyu – simply means Japanese Cow, there are 4 breeds native to Japan. One of the breeds is genetically unique – it has this crazy marbling of fat on inside of muscle tissue – so integrated within the muscle.
• Kobe – specific product from a specific place, cattle are hand-fed using high-energy feed including beer and beer mash, to ensure tenderness and high fat content. Also hand-massage to reduce stress.
• Grass-Fed – cattle raised exclusively on forage.
• Grain-Fed – cattle raised primarily on forage but “finished” in a feedlot with grains to fatten them.
• Organic – cattle raised without added hormones, pesticides or other chemicals
• Antibiotic-Free – animals were not given antibiotics in their feed, in their water, or by injection.

3. RECIPES – using

• Chuck Tender with Ginger & Spring Onion – https://youtu.be/EfRpZ3GnvBM
• Beef Bourguignon – https://youtu.be/_Bx9P32tdaM

4. FAQ

• Do you have a lot of cooking equipment? How often do you use it all? Do you have any pieces of equipment that you rarely ever use?

ANSWER – some loves cooking and never fail to purchase the best equipment to make the cooking journey more pleasurable. Some after a while due to age catching up or hardly cook, left their well-equipped pots n pans as white elephant.

So do dig up your storeroom or kitchen cabinet and drag them all out to give them a new lease of life.

Inspirational Quote

Having the most essential cooking tools in your cupboard will make your life so much easier…

Sally Foo

Thank you to all supporters during this session, Video presentation for your viewing…

TOPIC we talk about…

1. Presentation on Food Production – Specification & Differences on Shellfish
   • Production Specification on IQF (Individual Quick Frozen) products in packaging
   • Identifying the sex of lobster & Crab
   • Differences between Aquaculture vs Wild-Caught
   • Lobster Myths exposed
   • Types of Lobster – Warm Water vs Cold Water Lobster: What’s the Difference?

 Gordon Ramsay demonstrates How to Cook the Perfect Lobster – https://youtu.be/kR5Qnq7X1GU

 FAQ

• Have you tried cooking food from another culture? What did you prepare? How was it?
• Is it cost-effective to do your own cooking? Can you save money by cooking?
• Would you rather do the cooking or do the washing up afterwards?

ANSWER: – I hardly cook; cook only simple food; not much explore to other culture cuisine; cost saving if they cook at home; some rather cook and other rather wash; minority got no choice and have to do both cook & wash…

5. Eric Neo Salmon Satay with Pineapple & Raisin Salsa – https://youtu.be/Fx30P3zjVEg
6. Common Culinary Terminology starting with “E & F”

• Emulsify– to blend two liquids like oil and water
• Fillet– to cut a portion of meat or fish
• Flambé– to drizzle a flammable spirit over a food while its cooking, to ignite the just before serving
• Fold– to incorporate an ingredient, such as whipped cream or beaten egg white, with a careful motion that retains air [over-and-under motion]

Inspirational Quote

There is no end to learning, but there are many beginnings – Tim Johnson

1. SHC Treasure Hunt is planned as a monthly event.  Its objectives are:

A. Encourage team building, in line with SHC objective of providing a platform for Sporeans over 45 to meet friends.

B. Encourage walking as a form of exercise.

2.  Details:
A. Open to SHC members only.
B. Participants in groups of 2 or 4.
C. Dates: Sat 28 Nov, Sun 29 Nov or Mon 30 Nov. Your choice of 3 days.
D. Time: 8am to 8 pm. Your choice.  You can start any time.
E. There are 10 items eg lamp post, POI, signs, plants, etc.

3. Procedure:
A. All items found must include a picture of at least 1 team member.
B. The 1st item must show all 2 or 4 members. The time received by the judge is your start time. 
C. The last 10th item is the ending time. Here, total time is calculated.  The last item must show 2 or 4 members of the team.
D. Every item is unique eg lamp post number.
E. Team leader, plse whatsapp 9489 4360 rsvp with number of people and text “Treasure Hunt 2 or 4”.

4.  Winner:
A. Shortest total time.
B. All 10 items must be photo’d and whatsapp to the judge, continuously item by item.
C. Results: Tue noon.
D. Prize: a of refreshing drink to be shared by team.
E. Judges will be announced soon. They will track the items and photos from home.
F. For clarification, come join Zoom morning breakfast 7.30 am or Lunch chat 1pm.

Terence Seah

Thank you all for the support…
Video presentation showcase – All you need to know about PORK – The Ultimate Guide to Pork Cuts – shared amongst our SHC participants.

TOPIC DISCUSSION of the Day
1. In many Cultures, women cook more than men. Why? Who did most of the cooking when you were growing up?
– Most of the participants’ feedback is WOMEN, remembering those were the days in the 60s where home kitchen is Mom’s territory – Dad goes to work while Mom stays home to raise the children and keep the house.
– A couple of participants mentioned hubby n brother, these ladies are the fortunate ones who do not have to wreck their brains but just savour instead.
– For me, professional kitchens still male dominated and women are doing such amazing stuff still fighting to get recognized in the culinary industry.

2. Recipe Sharing, all pork related…
• Hakka Braised Pork Belly with Mei Cai – https://youtu.be/orqRkqYYTQY
• Sweet n Sour Pork with Pineapple – https://youtu.be/dzu6E19sXSg
• Chef Eric Teo – https://youtu.be/MQVRRtez9rg
• Grilled Thai Pork Jowl/Neck – https://spicepaw.com/2020/08/11/grilled-thai-pork-jowl-pork-neck/

3. Common Culinary Terminology – starting with “D”
• Dash – 1/8″ teaspoon.
• Deglaze – to dissolve browned food residue in a hot pan with liquid
• Dice – To cut into small pieces, usually ¼” to 1/8”
• Dollop – A spoonful of a semi-solid food, like whipped cream or mashed potatoes, placed on top of another food
• Dredge – To lightly coat uncooked food with a dry mixture, eg flour, cornmeal, or bread crumbs, to be pan fried or sautéed
• Dress – To coat foods with a sauce, such as salad
• Drizzle – To pour liquid back and forth over a dish in a fine stream, usually melted butter, oil, syrup, or melted chocolate
• Dust – To coat lightly with a powdery ingredient, such as confectioners’ sugar or cocoa

Quote
Every day is a new learning experience – seize the opportunity.

For members who have considered spending time in JB, we are forming a group to get to know one another and prepare to live and age together as a community in JB.

Conditions for joining the discussion.

1.  Stay on Rented properties, house or condo. on a 1-year rental commitment.

2. Rental cost of one room – SGD 4000 per year. Exclude rental deposit, food and transport.

3. Members decide share or single, how many rooms per property and who are their housemates.

4. We aim to enjoy and benefit from living together as a community –  security, safety, food, fellow assistance, friendship economy of scale. 

5. Due to Covid travel restrictions, we may be able to start this ‘Ageing together in JB” community in mid 2021.  Meantime, let’s discuss, get to know our community better, very important, and prepare to kickstart our plans .

6. To join the regular Zoom discussion, RSVP “Ageing together in JB” via WhatsApp 9489-4360.  Club will then send you a zoom link.

Terence Seah