Magazine May/Jun 2018

THE AMERICAN CLUB S INGAPORE ISSUE 154 • MAY / JUN 2018 www.amclub.org.sg

PRINTER: NAILI PRINT MEDIA MCI (P) 004/08/2017 0210/1948RAC

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

CLUB'S MANAGEMENT

General Manager Devin Otto Kimble

President Kristen Graff president@amclub.org.sg

Assistant General Manager Patricia Au

Vice President Kenneth Fagan vicepresident@amclub.org.sg

Assistant General Manager Vijayakumar Raj (Vijay)

Senior Director of People Development Tan Lee Lee

Secretary Diane Knox secretary@amclub.org.sg

Senior Director of Facilities & Security Tang Teck Wah

Senior Director of Club Services Su-Ann Khor

Treasurer Rahul Arora treasurer@amclub.org.sg

Director of Food & Beverage Malik Riley

Director of Fitness & Leisure Randy Simon

GENERAL COMMITTEE Aaron Kim Ashok K. Lalwani Beng Bak Low

Director of Finance Angie Ng

Assistant Director of IT VP Chai

Executive Sous Chef Paul Ng

Bill Bowman Dana Hvide Neil Goldwax Ngiam Siew Wei Peter Proft Phua Swee Leng Richard Hartung

Duty Managers Anthony, Palani & Ronald

MAGAZINE

Marketing & Communications Manager / Data Protection Officer Jacklyn Ong jacklyno@amclub.org.sg Marketing & Communications Executive Constance Yeo constancey@amclub.org.sg Senior Graphic Designer / Magazine Designer Geraldine Soh geraldines@amclub.org.sg

American Association Representative Stephanie Nash

American Embassy Representative Lt Col Howard Eyth

American Women’s Association Representative Cyndy O’Connor

Senior Graphic Designer Sarah Lau

Canadian Association Representative Sandra Johnson

Advertising Tel: (65) 6739-4388 / Fax: (65) 6737-2963 / info@amclub.org.sg

C ontents ISSUE 154 • MAY / JUN 2018

01 FROM THE PRESIDENT 02 FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER 03 NEWS Club Closure - Staff Fun Day & Staff Dinner & Dance We Want Your Memorabilia! Spring Camp Niche Group Lucky Draw A Welcome to Our Newest Club Members! Did You Know? Rant & Rave Redevelopment Updates 11 LIBRARY Thinkspace e-Books New Arrivals 13 MEMBERSHIP The Cornell Club - New York New York Athletic Club Reciprocal Clubs 15 ART SCENE Together or Seperate 17 TRAVEL Summer Fiesta 19

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EVENTS Mother's Day Father's Day Organic Wine Myths

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23 MEMBER FEATURE The Ties that Bind 29 SPA Maison Caulières May & June Promotions 31 STAFF FEATURE Meet our Grillhouse Manager! 33 YOUTH Mother's & Father's Day Funtastic Fridays: Movie Time Funtastic Fridays: Pool Ball & Nerf Battle Drop-off Weekend Drawing Contest Summer Camp Little Drone Pilots Birthday Party Package Need Balloons? 37 TENNIS 39 GYM BMI: Don't Stress it Colonial Cup 41 AQUATICS 43 ESSENTIALS

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Strategic Partners:

FROM THE President

Dear Members,

Business Center has increased by more than 60% from pre- redevelopment days. So we will get there. Keep the faith; it will just take time. Many of our best ideas come from Members, and our management team is open to hearing your observations and comments about the new spaces. They are actively collecting and collating Member feedback. So please drop a feedback card at the front desk; each card is personally reviewed and responded to, as long as you leave your name. In some instances, quick fixes are possible and The Club endeavors to make improvements as soon as possible. In other cases, the fixes require more time, discussion and attention. This is all part of the process, and you—the Members—are part of the process, as well. We have an extremely diverse membership of approximately 10,000 people. We are listening to everyone’s views. What works for one family may not work for another. The Club is trying hard to balance the needs for the majority of Members. We hope the spaces that have just opened, as well as ones on the horizon, will be enjoyed by Members for years to come. It is my hope that we can all create new memories, experiences and a new phase of our Club lives soon.

We have all moved. Be it internationally, regionally or locally—we’ve all been there. And to be honest, it’s not a lot of fun. There are boxes everywhere, you’re trying to find the best spot to put your favorite items, the furniture doesn't always fit quite right and muddy footprints and dust cover the floors. The silver lining, however, is that once everything is unloaded and the dust is swept up, you’ve got a new place to call home. And that’s a wonderful feeling. With attention and care, this unfamiliar place turns into a home. And you’ve got a new place to create memories, experiences and a fresh phase in life. Right now, some of our boxes are unpacked and the dust is getting cleaned up, but we’re still working out many of the details in this “move.” Furniture placement is not finalized, the décor and landscaping are not all installed and our amazing staff is figuring out new equipment and procedures. And, we still have construction fixes that are happening. A lot of work has been done, but we still have a lot to go. We’ve passed the mid-point of the marathon, but we’re not to the finish line yet. Opening each phase of The Club is a process, and it will take time to finesse operations and work out the kinks. We ask for your patience during this time. While it seems a distant memory, we experienced hiccups when Thinkspace opened, too. After several months of adjustments and improvements—many of which originated from Members’ feedback—and a full year of working through fixes with the construction team (our contractually stipulated amount of time), Members now love the space and usage of the

Thanks again for your patience!

Kristen

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FROM THE General Manager

Dear Members,

Vision: To create a vibrant community with a distinct American culture; a place families can proudly call their home away from home. Ultimately, The Club exists for the Members. They are the “owners” and through the committees, shape and control the facilities and operations. I encourage anyone who is interested in seeing continuing improvement to get involved in a committee that matches your particular interest. While the number of participants on a committee may be limited in order to make them easier to manage, there is generally a degree of turnover that will allow those who want to be engaged an opportunity to participate in the future if not immediately. You can find a full list of the committees, subcommittees, ad hoc committees, and working groups on the TAC website under the “Volunteers” tab. Areas of interest range from the more general committees of Social & Dining to Youth & Family and Sports & Recreation, but also include the more specific subcommittees and working groups on sustainability, investment and swimming. While The Club is in the midst of a major renovation at the moment, it won’t be too long until we will be celebrating the “re-opening” of the clubhouse as well as TAC’s 70th anniversary. As we look forward to the end of this current chapter, it is important to remember that we will continue to change and evolve as new Members join, demographics shift, and Singapore looks to the future. In order to remain successful and relevant, nurturing a great operating team will certainly be one of The Club’s cornerstones. Another will be the interest and participation of our Members to meet new challenges as they occur. In closing, I’d like to thank everyone who has made TAC what it is, specifically the stalwart employees and member volunteers. Without them The Club would not be what it is today.

With the ongoing renovation works, it seems like every day presents a different club. Along with the challenges of keeping the existing operations on track, there is demolition to contend with as well as new spaces to be opened. For the staff and managers, a good number of whom have been with The Club for many years, it has taken some adjustment to get used to a workplace that is drastically changed from what they have known and loved. At this point in time much of The Club is occupying temporary locations and that is not only true for Members but for employees as well. For example, I am writing this message at my desk, which is adjacent to what will be lot 18 once we are able to open fully the B2 car park again, while listening to the “music” from the demolition of the area that, in the near future, will be the brand new gym. In my short tenure, I have been most impressed with the flexibility, patience, willingness, and adaptation of the staff and managers. They have worked hard to provide as much service as possible as the walls shift around them, trying to keep things running smoothly to the best of their abilities while The Club is literally being torn down and rebuilt. It is certainly not an easy environment. In a country where the unemployment rate is generally stuck at 2% and finding a new employer is as easy as answering an online notice or simply walking down Orchard Road and asking at practically any one of the myriad businesses there, it is a testament to the team’s dedication that The Club’s turnover has remained in the single digits. Another group that has amazed me is those Members who have dedicated their time on a strictly volunteer basis to participate in the committees responsible for governance and to provide direction for the design and operation of The Club during and after renovation. These hardworking folks have interacted with consultants and contractors to try and shape a club that caters to a broad range of needs, striving to meet The Club’s mission and fulfill its vision: Mission: We are in the happiness business, stirving to enrich the lives of our Members, staff, guests and partners through fun, food, fitness and family, delivered with pride.

All the best, Devin Otto Kimble

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NEWS

Please note that The Club will close for a full day on Monday, June 18 for its Staff Fun Day and at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, July 30 for its Annual Staff Dinner & Dance . Last orders and activities will take place at 2:00 p.m. on July 30. The Club will resume operations as usual the following day. CLUB CLOSURE Staff Fun Day & Staff Dinner & Dance

Thank you for your continuous support of our staff welfare initiatives – we really appreciate it!

We Want Your Memorabilia!

A new history wall will soon be unveiled at our new clubhouse, and will feature images, collections and memories of The Club from years past. If you have any old items relating to The Club – such as old photographs, collectibles (e.g. mugs, photo frames, souvenirs, etc.), uniforms, membership cards, documents, publications, or any other Club memorabilia that you would like to contribute to our history display, please drop them off at the Concierge before August 1. We want to showcase them!

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Spring is synonymous with rejuvenation, and indeed our little campers were full of life at our recent Stars n’ Stripes Spring Camp! From exciting adventures on MegaZip, ClimbMax, and the vertical skywalk at Sentosa to art jamming and coding, we hope our youngest Members forged a treasure trove of memories and made some new friends in the process.

Summer camp registration is open! Check out the Youth section in the following pages or email camp@amclub.org.sg for more information.

Niche Group Lucky Draw Congratulations to our lucky winners and thank you to all Niche Group Members who have taken part in our draws!

February – Lorraine Hadley 1 pair of round trip Fiji Airways tickets (Singapore to Nadi, Fiji) worth $2,000

March – Fiona Zakowich 4D3N stay inclusive of daily breakfast & 60-minute spa for 2 at The Estate Villa, The Residence Bintan worth $2,500

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A WARM TO OUR NEWEST CLUB MEMBERS!

Anthony & Chloe Tan Yap Yee Wei Wallace Torres & Ana Cruz Hong Seong Wan & Park Yoon Jo Joseph Kuoa & Lourdes Yap Monica Acree & Christopher Levickis Christopher Harrington & Li Min Chris & Judith Rosenthal Selviya Risjad & Meinarko Dananto Jason Hawkins & Viktoriya Kuznetsova Dong Woo Kim & Song Myung Weon Bhavna & Karambir Anand David & Londa Rebetzke Matt Clarkson & Farah Usmani Sarah Faruki Adeline Fournier Seema Farswani Michael Joseph Heisaam Khandker Law Jee Wei & Yang Tze Yi Steve Angie Ng & Aaron Rozario Alexander Ng Mark Nicholson Avinash & Kavita Satwalekar Greg & Narelle Scritchley Herman & Janey Schueller Chella Gabriel & Gabriel Peter Anne Tangney Natalie Vander Vorst Margie Warrell Joseph Del Mar Yap Hong Seong Wan Shintaro Naganuma

Did You Know? Age comes with its own set of challenges at the workplace, and with the re-employment age in Singapore recently being extended to 67 years, The Club was pressed to find ways to help our mature workers cope on the job. With the help of WorkPro, a tripartite scheme, we were pleased to embark on job redesign in two areas to benefit our older staff in the kitchen, and help them remain productive. SALAD DRYING Previously, manually drying salads took up nearly two hours of our kitchen team’s time daily. The physical and repetitive task of spinning salads weighing approximately 20kg was a heavy load for our mature staff, and a recipe for back injury over time. The salad drying process is now automated – salad-spinning is done in 10 minutes, relieving our team of the burden of manual spinning. MEAT PATTY MAKING In the past, our culinary team made meat patties by hand daily, producing 240 patties per hour. Now, our patty forming machine has enabled our older cooks to produce up to 1,200 patties per hour, increasing output and enabling them to cope with increased demand.

With these changes, The Club has been able to channel productivity savings into annual increments for some 250 staff, ranging from $31 to $121 per month.

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Rant Rave &

We receive hundreds of valuable feedback from our Members each month. Positive or constructive, your comments are important in helping us assess our services and offerings, and enable us to identify ways to better meet your needs.

Read on for a selection of our most recent Member feedback.

I've been meaning to drop a note about plastic straws at The Club. It's a huge waste and environmentally unsound. The USA alone produces 500m of straws per day. Let's not contribute so much.

Thank you for your feedback. You’ll be pleased to know that our Strategic Planning Committee has invited Club Members to be part of a Sustainability Working Group that is being established to support sustainability initiatives. The Club will be developing plans to enhance its sustainability and expand environmentally-friendly practices. Initiatives may include recycling, use of more eco-friendly materials, reduction of energy and resource usage, Member education and other initiatives. Along with benefiting The Club in a multitude of ways, the efforts of this working group will have a positive effect more broadly on the environment in Singapore. If you would like more information about this working group, please drop us a line at ldc@amclub.org.sg.

I tried the new tuina massage at sên Spa and I found it really good! Dr. Xinyi is very knowledgeable and her techniques were strong and comfortable. She explained every step clearly and performed a consultation for me prior to treatment. She was really lovely and speaks perfect English so I knew she understood what my concerns were. I think she will do great! I’ll book again for next week.

We are so glad you love our new tuina massage! Dr. Xinyi is in-house on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Be sure to also try our new Bamboo Massage and Hot Stone Inspired Massage! For more information, please email spa@amclub.org.sg.

We want to hear from you! Email your feedback to info@amclub.org.sg. Your comments may be published in subsequent issues of our magazine.

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REDEVELOPMENT UPDATES

At the time of this printing, the Central kitchen was still getting up and running, so we weren’t offering our full spread of menu items. This is some of what you can look forward to when we have full operational capacity in the kitchens: CENTRAL

FRESHLY MADE SALADS Mixed Citrus Green Salad with Avacado and Mango; Thai-Style Eggplant and Chicken Salad; Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad with Miso Sweet Potato and Coconut Green Dressing; convenient bento boxes.

SATISFYING BREADS A variety of bagels, cookies, pastries, and cakes oh my! SANDWICHES Chicken Waldorf on Turkish Bread; Ham, Cheese, & Egg on Croissant; BBQ Chicken on Ciabatta; Bean and Vegetable Wrap on Flour Tortilla, hot and

DELICIOUS SMOOTHIES Big Berry Combo; Maximum Mango; North Pole; Soy Sensation HEALTHY AND FRESH VEGETABLE JUICES Carrot; Ginger; Celery; Beetroot; Cucumber

satisfying Paninis, and much more!

PROTEIN PACKS A variety of healthy and delicious foods loaded with protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied

FRESHLY SQUEEZED JUICES Green Apple; Cantaloupe; Rock Melon; Watermelon; Grapefruit; Orange; Pineapple

YOU’ LL BE PLEASED TO KNOW! All of our previous Thyme menu items will remain at their old prices once Central stops its 50% off promotion

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WE’RE STILL WORKING

THE UNION BAR MENU IS NOW AVAI LABLE ALL DAY AT THE 2ND FLOOR We heard you! We are now making the Union Bar menu available daily from 11:00a.m. - closing at The 2nd Floor to give you more affordable dining options. This menu will be available exclusively in the Emerald Room and in the bar area. Reservations are available, otherwise seating is on a first- come, first-serve basis. Please feel free to give us a call at 6739 4329 to make reservations or check on availability. See you upstairs!

The decision was made to open these outlets now, so that Members can begin exploring and enjoying the spaces, even though they are not in their final condition.

There is still a lot of work to be done to the spaces that recently opened as part of TOP 1 — the spa, the temporary gym, the pools and pool deck, Central, and Grillhouse.

Please bear with us as we continue to work to improve these areas. We hope that once all the dust has settled and the details get polished, you will enjoy them to the fullest!

SPINNING IS NOW AVAI LABLE Spinning classes are now available during this interim period at The Tanglin Club. Classes started on April 1 and will continue while we have our temporary gym facility. You can pick up the spinning schedule at the temporary gym. Please note that spinning classes are subject to change and are limited to 20 Members per class.

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Pool and Deck FAQs Dated April 13, 2018

Why did you make the big pool one depth? 3. pool depth

The walkway in front of the aquatics counter is too small. Are you going to fix this? 1. Pool walkway

Why did you take away the sun loungers? 3. sun loungers

Not to worry, we didn’t take away the sun loungers, they just haven’t been set up yet. There will be approximately

Why did you put those big (picnic) tables by the pool? 4. big (piCnic) tables The training pool was made one depth for several reasons: 1. Members voiced a preference for having a competition pool at the focus group level, 2. We can hold swim meets and swimmers will be able to record “official times”, 3. Swimmers can dive safely from both ends of the pool. There was also a preference of having a children’s pool where kids can splash and play easily—hence the 1.2 meter teaching pool, which is the same depth as our old shallow end. We agree that family usage is a large part of our membership. We have purchased platforms for the training and teaching pools to allow smaller children to use the pools if they are water safe. Member focus groups, Committee Members, and our aquatics team were very active in helping us design the pools.

Once further TOPs happen there will be several other routes to get to the Scotts Road side of the building and we anticipate pedestrian traffic will normalize — i.e. some people will head for the carpark, others will want to take a route to the lobby, etc. This is something that we are aware of and will monitor as the spaces open and everything settles. I don’t like the white pool tiles. Why did you choose this color? 2. Pool tiles

8 sun loungers at the pool once construction is complete and the pool area is fully opened. 5 have already been ordered and are on their way, and we have put in an order for another 3, pending confirmation from the supplier. At one point we had more sun loungers at the pool, but in the year prior to the pool closing, sun lounger usage was monitored by our staff and usage was not high. Over a period of several months, sun loungers were periodically removed from the deck and replaced with other seating. When the pool closed in August 2016, we had approximately 8 sun loungers, many of which were not in use throughout the day. Our staff noticed that there was a small, but dedicated, sun lounger group of Members. Based on those observations, we decided to order the same number of new sun loungers for the new pool, and we feel that the vast majority of time that loungers will be available for those who want to use them. As we do with all our facilities, we will monitor usage once the new poolside opens.

The pool, like our prior pool, has white tiling due to safety. When the pool is filled with water, as it is now, it appears blue, just as it did previously. White tiles make it easier for the lifeguards to see people below the water surface at night, as they don’t reflect light off the surface as colored tiles do. As always, safety is our first priority at the pool.

The large furniture next to the pool are picnic benches that will be used for children’s birthday parties. This was also a callout by the Youth focus group.

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SÊN SPA FAQs

poolside changing roomS FAQs

1. SMALL CHANGING ROOMS The bathroom on the right in the women’s spa changing room is way too small. You are right, that cubicle on the right is tight. This was a construction issue that will be rectified by the contractor in the coming weeks. When the work is complete, both cubicles will be standard size with the one on the left being a handicapped toilet. The one on the right will gain several inches of space, so you won’t have to squeeze. The contractor has ordered the materials to make this fix, and we anticipate receiving them in the next several weeks. When they are ready, this work will be done at night, so as not to disrupt Member usage. 2. Footbath Faucets The faucet in the (pedicure) footbath juts out too far / hits my feet / is awkwardly placed.

1. showers The showers in the changing rooms are either really hot or really cold. They need to be recalibrated. Please fix this.

We immediately brought the issue to the attention of the contractor, who ordered parts and began working on Saturday, March 31. They were able to make a partial fix that weekend, and the contractor is continuing to work on this issue. It remains a priority for The Club. We will keep Members updated, as everyone’s safety is our primary concern.

We are aware of the issue with the footbath faucets. We have ordered some special spa foot pillows that are made to fit the footbath and the faucet and we are hopeful that will alleviate this issue. We anticipate the delivery of these pillows in the next several weeks and will begin using them immediately upon their arrival.

2. small changing room

The changing rooms are too small. Once the new gym opens, those users will have a separate

gym changing room. There are two additional family changing rooms on the pool deck (a callout from our focus groups) as well as a handicapped bathroom that can also be used.

3. OTTOMANS Please add ottomans to the relaxation room.

The spa does an average of 128 services a day. In design consultation with the spa committee, this room was designed as a waiting room vs. a relaxation room due to the volume of appointments we do a day.

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LIBRARY

THINKSPACE As well as offering a space to work or relax, our Business Center at Thinkspace also caters to all our Members’ business and meeting needs. Services available include meeting rooms, printing, photocopying and scanning.

MEETING ROOMS

Rate (per hour)

Boardroom (16 pax) $55 Room of 8 $45 Room of 6 $35 Room of 4 $27 Studio (1 pax) $10

Elite/VIP Members enjoy 10% off and 15K/10K Members enjoy 5% off the meeting room rates

Digital copies of Financial Times, The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Harvard Business Review (NEW!) are available via our desktop computers at Thinkspace. You can also access these publications on your personal device by connecting to the Club’s WI-FI.

PHOTOCOPYING

Black & White – A4 $0.10 per sheet Black & White – A3 $0.20 per sheet Color – A4 $1.50 per sheet Color – A3 $2.50 per sheet BINDING / SCANNING / LAMINATION Binding – A4 $6.00 per booklet

Scanning – A4 Scanning – A3 Lamination – A4 Lamination – A3

$0.10 per sheet $0.20 per sheet $2.00 per sheet $4.00 per sheet

e-Books Access a world of books anytime, anywhere, with e-Books! Simply download the free OverDrive app to view and borrow our available titles for up to 2 weeks. If you don’t have a smart device, you can approach our Thinkspace staff to borrow an iPad and browse hundreds of e-books in our Adult Library catalogue. No more late fees if you forget to return your book! How to use OverDrive: 1. Visit https://theamericanclub.overdrive.com 2. Log in with your full membership ID, with no spaces or dashes (e.g. A123400) 3. Browse and borrow!

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Non-Fiction

New Arrivals

fiction FICTION

young adult Y A

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MEMBERSHIP

The Cornell Club-New York is a Five-Star Platinum Club of America located just off Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, providing guests with an exclusive location when visiting New York! Guests can enjoy: • 48 overnight guest rooms including complimentary breakfast • Two dining rooms offering casual fare, fine dining, and a children’s menu • Health & Fitness Center to work out or relax with a massage • Calendar of club programs to socialize and network • Meeting and event rooms for social and business functions The American Club Members are invited to take advantage of our Sunday-stay promotion in the months of July and August! When booking a two-night stay for Friday and Saturday or Monday and Tuesday, reward yourself with a Sunday stay at 50% off the daily rate. Please contact frontdesk@cornellclubnyc.com to make reservations. THE CORNELL CLUB-NEW YORK 6 East 44th Street, New York, NY 10017, USA Tel: +1 212-986-0300 The Cornell Club-New York truly is the quintessential place to Reconnect, Reminisce, Relax.

Email: info@cornellclubnyc.com Website: www.cornellclubnyc.com

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New York Athletic Club A Proud History: Founded in 1868, the New York Athletic Club has been serving its members for almost 150 years, providing a gracious, inviting setting for athletic and social events. Supporting athletes at the highest levels of competition, the NYAC boasts a count of more than 270 Olympic medals. The club offers 187 well-appointed guestrooms, banquet and meeting rooms. With a dining room and lounge overlooking Central Park, reciprocal guests make the NYAC their preferred destination for business and pleasure. Reciprocal guests also enjoy access to the club’s athletic facilities, including but not limited to the Aquatics Center, gymnasium, Fitness and Wellness Center, and squash- racquetball courts. Located at 180 Central Park South, the club is in close proximity to Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Broadway, Fifth Avenue, Radio City Music Hall and many other renowned attractions.

New York Athletic Club 180 Central Park South, New York, NY 10019 Tel: +1 212-767-7000 Email: reservation@nyac.org Website: www.nyac.org

Reciprocal Clubs Membership at The Club goes beyond enjoyment of just our facilities – all Members benefit from access to over 150 reciprocal clubs worldwide (via our Club management program) and more than 300 clubs in the United States (via ClubCorp USA). A visit to any of our reciprocal clubs is easy – simply request for a letter of introduction from our Concierge (concierge@amclub.org.sg) and present this letter and supporting documents to your destination club upon arrival. Any payments at the club will be made through credit card or cash coupons. Reciprocal visits to ClubCorp clubs in the US require no letter of introduction and can be arranged via email to Clubcorp (clubline@clubcorp.com) prior to your visit.

To view our list of reciprocal clubs, visit the Membership section of our website or request for one at the Concierge.

Reciprocal Club Recommendations We are continuously looking to enhance and add to our list of reciprocal clubs. If you have visited a club that you think would be a great addition to our reciprocal list, let us know by forwarding the club’s name and website to kimberlyl@amclub.org.sg or by calling 6739-4360. Reciprocity arrangements will be subject to our management and Membership Committee’s review, and the process may take 3 – 5 months.

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ART SCENE

Together or Separate

By Eun Vivian Lee

Imagine human emotions expressed on canvas – colorful, layered with depth, and always unique.

Artist Eun Vivian Lee has always been fascinated by emotions, and portrays them through her art. To her, art can remind people to stop and smell the roses, to savor and embrace fleeting moments that, only in retrospect, do we realize are important.

Born in Seoul, Korea, and based in New York City for the last 20 years, the contemporary artist now splits her time between New York, Hong Kong and Singapore.

EXHIBITION AT THE CLUB MAY 1 – JUNE 30

Art Launch Friday, May 11 Thinkspace 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Complimentary glass of wine and cheese

Eun Vivian Lee 6 Ridgewood Close #20-06, The Trizon

Singapore 276697 Tel: +65 9127-2345

10 West End Avenue #30B, New York, NY 10023 Tel: +1 646-832-8902

www.eunvivianleestudio.com Email: eunvivian@gmail.com Instagram: @vivsrun

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TRAVEL

Delight in picturesque beach retreats or chic city escapades this summer! Our specially curated getaways are ideal for family bonding over the holidays while you enjoy great savings and savor new experiences. FIESTA

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Rosewood Luang Prabang Available till Dec 31

Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas Available till Sep 30

Sitting at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, Luang Prabang is a fusion of traditional and colonial architecture in Asia. Climb Mt Phousi for a panoramic view of the breath-taking city, explore the holy Pak Ou Caves and enjoy a gourmet picnic at the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall. Complimentary airport transfers, breakfast, day excursion, 60-minute Laotian massage, selected mini bar items and champagne upon arrival

Unwind with a blissful retreat to the Maldives. Wine and dine at the exquisite underwater restaurant before adjourning to the water observatory for an enchanting stargazing session. Snorkel at some of the world’s most treasured reefs, explore uninhabited islands or embark on a sunset cruise to Hanifaru Bay (UNESCO Marine Biosphere). Enjoy up to 25% off the best available rate + free upgrade to full board meal plan

Ritz-Carlton Langkawi Available till Jun 30

Ritz Carlton Tokyo Available till Aug 31

Anantara Angkor Siem Reap Available till Oct 31 Explore ancient Khmer legends and plunge into the rich tapestry of this ancient kingdom. Start the day with a trip to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor, traverse the region by vespa, quad bike or on horseback, and indulge in mouth-watering Khmer cuisine at the Chi Restaurant & Bar.

Overlooking the Andaman Sea and surrounded by a lush rainforest, this 5-star hotel combines natural beauty, culture and unparalleled luxury. Enjoy the island’s only overwater spa with stunning views, before immersing in a myriad of activities – yoga, batik painting, soap making and cooking classes. Stay 4 Nights, Pay 2 Nights

Take a trip to the Land of the Rising Sun and revel in Tokyo’s incredible cosmopolitan nightlife and rich local culture. Located a stone’s throw away from centuries-old attractions of the Roppongi District and numerous restaurants with world-class cuisine, Ritz Carlton Tokyo offers a perfect blend of modern and traditional. Stay 4 Nights, Pay 3 Nights

Stay 3 Nights, Pay 2 Nights

For more information, please drop by the Travel Desk, visit www.countryholidays.com.sg, call 6735-1033 or email traveldesk@amclub.org.sg. Blackout dates, minimum nights and other terms & conditions apply; valid for new bookings only.

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EVENTS

MOTHER’S DAY Mothers are the unsung heroes of our lives - show your appreciation to these wonderful women with a delectable buffet brunch.

FATHER’S DAY Treat Dad like a king with a feast to match, this Father’s Day!

Sunday, May 13 The 2 nd Floor

Sunday, June 17 The 2 nd Floor

First Seating: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Second Seating: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Adult Member: $69.95 Adult Guest: $79.95 Child Member (6 – 11 years): $34.95 Child Guest (6 – 11 years): $39.95

First Seating: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Second Seating: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Adult Member: $69.95 Adult Guest: $79.95 Child Member (6 – 11 years): $34.95 Child Guest (6 – 11 years): $39.95

Child (4 – 5 years): $9.95 Child (under 4 years): Free

Child (4 – 5 years): $9.95 Child (under 4 years): Free

Maximum Capacity of 110 A la carte menu is not available Reservations required; a 48-hour cancellation policy applies

For more information or reservations, please call 6739-4329 or email 2ndfloor@amclub.org.sg.

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WINE RANT

By Alvin Gho, Wine Specialist The organic food movement has been fuelled by US market enthusiasm since the early 2000s. Organic food sales rose 17-20 percent at the turn of the millennium, compared to sales of conventional food, which rose just 2-3 percent year-on-year. In 2012, the American organic food market was reported to be worth approximately $30 billion (out of the world’s total $81 billion). With its underlying premise forged upon the drive to keep our land and soils sustainable for generations to come, the organic movement is driven primarily by people’s desire to eat better and healthier. For all the marketing hype surrounding organic foods, consumers have developed the perception that organic products are healthier and naturally taste better. The concept of ‘organic’, however, and the philosophy surrounding it go much deeper than that. With organic wines also taking the world by storm these days, I would like to take this opportunity to unravel some myths. MYTH: ORGANIC WINES TASTE BETTER Organic wines are simply wines produced with organically grown grapes. This means that the processes and sprays used in the vineyards are selected with sustainability of the land in mind. Synthetic pesticides, herbicides and other synthetic add-ons are not permitted. While this MAY result in better quality of grapes for winemaking, other man- made controls that can be used to manipulate the grapes and/or juice in the winery also means that great tasting wines can be produced, regardless of whether the grapes are organic or not. Organic Wine Myths

MYTH: ORGANIC WINES ARE NATURAL Certain things are left unspoken from winemaker to consumer. I am surprised how, unlike almost all pre- packaged food and drink, ingredient lists are not mandated on wine labels. The use of sulfur dioxide (sulfites) as a preservative is highly common in the food industry. Found in many consumables from dried fruit and coca- cola to fruit juice, sulfites are added to almost all wines in varying quantities to extend their shelf life. Most conventional wines are subject to a limit of 350 parts per million (ppm), with EU organic wines limited to 100 ppm. The US Department of Agriculture requires a wine labelled “Organic” to contain less than 10 ppm of sulfites, while those “Made with Organic Grapes” can contain an upper limit of 100 ppm. A list of other additives can be added to organic wines. Tartaric acid can supplement finished wines that are lacking in acidity. Sugar (in several forms) can be added to unfermented grape must (juice) to ensure the wine achieves minimum alcohol levels as required by local law. Grape concentrates can be added to “fix” light wine colors. And of course, wood chips are famously stirred into wines for a tannin boost when the latter is lacking in the fruit or if oak barrels are too costly. As they say, you are what you eat. By extension, I believe you are also what you drink. Slowly but surely people need to become aware of where their wines come from and what goes into them. It is alarming that information like these never make it to consumers.

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Pathway Membership One year Membership is available for North Americans for a limited time! Visit www.amclub.org.sg/membership or call 6739-4386 or email membership@amclub.org.sg for information and to book a Club tour.

Terms & Conditions apply. The Management reserves the right to change any of the Terms and Conditions without prior notice.

MEMBER FEATURE

THE

THAT

Fifty years of marriage is an incredible milestone, and Mansoor and Rosy Nakhooda chose to spend 36 of those wonderful years at The Club. The Nakhoodas joined The Club in 1982 and have been Members ever since. Today, both VIP Members regularly enjoy their home away from home with their two children and four grandchildren. Read on to find out what The American Club means to this multi-generational family! We are Canadian, and it was a logical decision for my family to join The Club after we emigrated to Singapore. Our children Aarif and Farhana went to the Singapore American School and their friends hung out at The Club; having a club membership made it easier for them to settle in and adjust to Singapore life. Both of them enjoyed the sporting and exercise facilities and used them extensively; now they are both Members in their own right, and our grandchildren are continuing this experience. In the early days, The Club was quite small with limited facilities, but it grew rapidly with newactivities being added to make the community more vibrant. We have seen several changes and improvements to the physical facilities – none as extensive as what we are experiencing today – but the total dedication of the Management to membership satisfaction and development remains consistent over the years. The current redevelopment will bring The Club on par with the latest developments in the States. Despite changes to the facilities, exterior, and even Management over the years, one thing of great value to us is the exemplary service rendered by the dedicated staff. Turnover is thankfully very low and most of the old-timers know my family by name. Why did you choose to join The Club and what are your favorite aspects of membership? How has your club experience changed over the last 36 years?

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Why did you choose to remain a Member all this time? I have remained a Member of The Club since 1982 as it is a perfect family club with something for all ages. It has become a second home for our family. My wife and I love to meet up and socialize with friends at the various outlets, like the old Eagle’s Nest and the elegant The 2nd Floor restaurant. Other amenities like laundry and express courier services add to the convenience of a one-stop living experience, not forgetting the gym, spa, library and swimming pool. What spurred you to join the Membership Committee (MC) as a volunteer? There is a lot of diversity within our membership – it is constantly changing and joining the MC has provided a welcome challenge and enriching experience for me. We live in constant change as membership policies and decisions for an essentially expatriate community are never homogenous. I joined the MC so that I could be more aware of the issues relating to membership and be part of the solution process. The current most pressing issue is that of the major renovations that are underway. We need to ensure that membership level remains healthy throughout the redevelopment. Membership retention and membership growth remain our core goals. Describe a memorable experience you or your family has had at The Club. We recently celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary with close friends and family at The 2 nd Floor. The Club put together a fabulous event for us – despite the renovations and drilling in other parts of The Club, the ambience in the restaurant remains as classy as ever. Sa’at (The 2 nd Floor), Yvonne (Banquet & Catering) and the rest of the team put together an unforgettable evening for me, my wife and our fifty happy guests.

Our doctor is a Harvard-trained and American Board Certified physician who focuses on safety and effectiveness, patient education and US FDA-cleared products and treatments. Our popular services are: • BOTOX ® • Dermal Fillers • Ultherapy ® Non-Invasive Face Lift IT'S ALL ABOUT TRUST

• Laser and IPL Treatments • Dermapen™ Microneedling • Pearl Resurfacing Procedure • Cutis Chemical Peels • Exilis™ Ultra Face & Body Skin Tightening • Dr. Perfect V-Line PDO Thread Lift

Medical & Scientific Director MD, MBA, MPH (Harvard) Fellowship (Harvard) Practical Dermatology (Cardiff) DR. SYLVIA RAMIREZ American Board Certified

• CoolSculpting ® & Z Lipo Fat Freezing Procedure • Vanquish ME™ Contact-less Fat Reduction • Ultra Femme 360™ Non-Surgical Vaginal Rejuvenation • Cellulite Reduction (X Wave™ & Z Wave Pro Shockwave Therapy)

Cutis Medical Laser Clinics 9 Scotts Road #08-07 Pacific Plaza (Just 5 mins from American Club) You can reach us at: 6801 4000 | hello@cutislaserclinics.com | www.cutislaserclinics.com

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SPA

MAISON CAULIÈRES

At sên Spa, you can be assured that our treatments comprise only the finest products. All our body massage signature essential oil blends incorporate Maison Caulières base oils.

Based on an almost 300-year family heritage and know-how, Maison Caulières oils hail from the Desforges de Caulières estate, a family-owned farm in the Loire Valley Châteaux in the heart of France. Growing mainly sunflower, rapeseed and linseed, Eric Desforges de Caulières discovered their exceptional virtues while manipulating his oils daily – he noticed that his hardened, calloused hands became smoother and more pleasant to the touch. Due to their high concentration of essential fatty acids, the oils have beneficial properties for both health and the skin. Not only are they excellent for use on their own to moisturize, rejuvenate and protect the skin, they are also edible grade so you can drizzle them on your salads!

SÊN SPA MASSAGE OIL BLENDS Select from one of these during your massage with your Therapist.

RELAX Base oil: Maison Caulières rapeseed oil Essential oils: Patchouli, Sweet Orange, Lavandin, Benzoin, Elemi, Geranium

DETOX Base oil: Maison Caulières rapeseed oil Essential oils: Grapefruit, Cypress, Juniper UPLIFT / ENERGIZE Base oil: Maison Caulières rapeseed oil Essential oils: Rosemary, Lavender, Peppermint

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MAY & JUNE PROMOTIONS

MOTHER’S DAY SPECIAL: Only the best for Mom – give her the gift of a glowing complexion with our decadent and luxurious Kerstin Florian Caviar facial that firms, tones, refines and deeply hydrates the skin with protein-rich caviar and powerful antioxidants. Includes a double mask, arm and foot massage and hand peel.

Caviar by Kerstin Florian facial (105 min): $230 (U.P. $265)

FATHERS' DAY SPECIALS: 45 min Turkish Body Scrub + 60 min customized body massage: $135 (U.P. $155) 45 min Turkish Body Scrub + 90 min customized body massage: $165 (U.P. $190)

NAILS Manicure with gelish polish: $49 (U.P. $56) Gelish experience: $56 (U.P. $65)

ELITE, VIP, 15K AND 10K MEMBERS ENJOY AN ADDITIONAL 5% OFF PROMOTIONAL SERVICES

Not valid in conjunction with Niche Group privileges, loyalty packages, guest therapists, sports and physiotherapies or other promotions. Terms and conditions apply.

GUEST THERAPIST: JULIAN EYMANN MAY 5 – 22

All-time favorite guest therapist Julian Eymann will return to The Club in May! A certified California Massage Therapist since 1998 and graduate of the International Massage Association, Julian is trained in chiropractic massage therapy, deep tissue, trigger points, sports therapy and clinical advice.

For more details or to book an appointment, visit sên, call 6739-4449 or email spa@amclub.org.sg.

Not valid in conjunction with Niche Group privileges, any discounts or loyalty packages.

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STAFF FEATURE

WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS NEW ROLE AT GRILLHOUSE? I love food, but more than that, I love the adrenaline that comes with handling a restaurant during peak dining hours. The smell of freshly cooked food, the sizzle of hot plates and the satisfaction from seeing happy customers leave the restaurant is something I wouldn’t be able to get anywhere else. At most restaurants, there is usually a small group of loyal patrons but the rest of the customers come and go. However, Members at The Club stay for years – sometimes decades – and I’m looking forward to getting to know our Members who will eventually frequent Grillhouse. Most people think that food is the most important aspect in a restaurant business. While serving great fare is important, the staff truly form the soul of any restaurant. A team of passionate and enthusiastic staff will be constantly motivated to create magic moments for guests. We live in a time where new restaurants pop up every other day; creating exceptional experiences and treasured memories for Members will therefore set us apart from other F&B establishments. We’re lucky to already have an existing pool of dedicated staff, but as our operations grow, it will be essential for us to grow our team of passionate individuals as well. WHAT ARE SOME LITTLE-KNOWN CHALLENGES OF BEING IN THIS LINE?

The old Poolside restaurant was the heart of The Club, where many Members gathered for delicious food amid splashing pool fun, or to simply enjoy weekend downtime with family and friends. Grillhouse promises the same great experience, but with a twist – smoky, lip-smacking Texas barbeque! With the opening of our new outlet, we’ve also welcomed new Grillhouse Manager, Yusof Malik on board our team. Find out what inspired him to take up the challenge of managing our new F&B concept. WHAT GOT YOU STARTED IN THE F&B INDUSTRY? I got my foot in the (restaurant) door as a part- timer at various cafes and banquet functions. What was meant to be a means to earn some extra pocket money sparked a lifelong interest in F&B! My subsequent roles at Raffles Hotel, Guy Savoy (Marina Bay Sands) and the now defunct La Maison Fatien taught me not just how to manage restaurants, but also the crucial skills of developing teamwork, staff rapport, and creating memorable experiences for customers.

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THIS MOTHER’S DAY, SENDHERMORE SO SHE CANDOMORE

Zero-Margin FX Rates No Hidden Charges Bonus Points

Use Code: AMCLUB10* Sign Up Now To Enjoy Bonus SG$10! Sign Up In 3 Easy Steps

www.instarem.com

*Valid till June 30, 2018, on first transaction of minimumvalue of SG$ 1, 000. T&Cs apply.

RANO. 01420

YOUR FABULOUS NEW HOME/INVESTMENT

I’m sure most of you are already aware of the sizeable advantage US citizens have in purchasing private property in Singapore. But did you realise now is the first time in over 5 years that it’s a great time to buy here.

Call or message me for a chat on: 91512958 - Rob Jones

YOUTH

Mother’s & Father’s Day Mother’s Day is just around the corner! Form an even stronger bond with your child by taking part in our Mother’s Day activities. Fathers are a son’s first hero and a daughter’s first love…commemorate Father’s Day this June with themed activities. Drop-off Weekend Yankee Doodler Room

Funtastic Fridays: Movie Time Yankee Doodler Room 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Member: $10 | Guest: $15

Saturdays: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Sundays: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Member: $10 | Guest: $15

May 4: The Incredibles May 11: Maleficent May 18: Brave June 1: The Jungle Book June 8: Despicable Me June 15: The Lion King June 22: Ice Age 3

May 5 & 6: Braided T-Shirt Scarf* May 12 & 13: Flower Bouquet*

May 19 & 20: Gift Basket* May 26 & 27: Canvas Art*

June 2 & 3: Giant Foam Finger June 9 & 10: Coffee Mug* June: 16 & 17: Awesome Trophy* June 23 & 24: Paper Card Holder & Dad’s Snack Stash * includes Mother's / Father's Day card Drawing Contest May 1 – 11: Best Mummy in the World Win a $30 Smiggle voucher and a complimentary mani/ pedi session for mummy at sên Spa! June: 1 – 15: My Daddy, My Hero Win a $30 Smiggle voucher and a beer voucher for dad at Union Bar!

Enjoy complimentary popcorn & light bites!

Funtastic Fridays: Pool Ball & Nerf Battle Zone Studio

Session 1: 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Session 2: 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Session 3: 7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Member: $15 | Guest: $20

May 25: Pool Ball Join us for a strategic game of pool ball - moms play for free! June 29: Nerf Battle Join us for an exciting game of nerf battle - dads play for free!

Age categories: 4 to 5 years | 6 to 8 years | 9 to 11 years | 12 to 14 years 1 winner per category Complimentary

For more information, please call The Zone at 6739-4413 or email youth@amclub.org.sg

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