Dear Colleagues,

This month, the UBS Cooking School and community events calendars are filled with fun and engaging classes, events, and activations. Included are some delicious recipes for you to enjoy, as well as highlights of some of our Cooking School classes, Wellness Wednesday classes, and upcoming community events. Please join us for these exciting “Key Occasions.”

Regards,

Our new order and pay kiosks in the café will go live on Monday, June 16! This new system is designed to speed up the ordering and payment process, making it faster and more efficient for everyone who visits the café. This upgrade marks an important step forward as we continue to innovate and enhance the experience for all our guests. You can expect to see the following:

• Seamless order and pay at the kiosks: For all stations, with the exception of the self-serve and chef’s tables, you will now order and pay for your meal through our state-of-the-art-kiosks.
• Faster checkout: The new kiosk ordering system expedites ordering and payment simultaneously, therefore once you’ve ordered at the kiosks, there's no need to wait in line to pay at a register.
• Pricing: Heads up! You might spot some changes on our café signs. Prices used to include New Jersey sales tax - now, tax is added at checkout.

Mobile ordering continues: You can still preorder using the Thrive app or desktop link for added convenience and reduced wait times (see below).

These upgrades aim to improve your overall experience. We appreciate your support during this transition and look forward to serving you more efficiently! We also welcome your feedback. Click here to send us your thoughts, or scan the QR codes located throughout the café.

When the weather warms up, my desire to turn on my stove and oven goes down! As the summer months approach, I seek out proteins that can be cooked quickly, allowing me to keep my stovetop use to a minimum and preventing my kitchen from overheating. Searing tuna steaks is a great way to get dinner cooked within just a few minutes.

Coriander & Pepper Seared Tuna

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 tbsp (14 g) coarsely ground coriander seed

2 tsp (28 g) pink peppercorns

1 tsp (14 g) coarsely ground black pepper

4 (6oz / 170g) tuna steaks

3 tbsp (42 g) vegetable, canola, or olive oil

Kosher or coarse sea salt, to taste

For serving:

Lemon wedges

Arugula or watercress

Instructions:

1. Combine spices with salt and oil and mix well. Add to tuna and coat well on all sides.
2. Place a large skillet over high heat and add a thin layer of oil. When the oil is smoking, add tuna so that each piece is touching the pan (do not overcrowd, cook in batches if needed). Cook tuna until charred on both sides but still rare inside for about 1 – 2 minutes on each side.

Lay arugula or watercress over a serving platter. Top with tuna steaks, and place lemon wedges around outer edge of the platter. Serve immediately.

When you are looking for a hearty and bold side dish, grits are a great option. You can infuse your cooking liquid with herbs or other aromatics, or skip this step to keep things simple. Smoked cheddar cheese adds bold, savory flavor that brings a lot to the table, but you can use something milder if desired.

Smoked Cheddar Grits

Serves 4

4 cups (950mL) chicken stock, homemade or low sodium

4 garlic cloves, smashed

2 bay leaves or thyme sprigs (or both)

1 cup (240 g) stone ground grits

2 ounces (56 g) extra-sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

2 ounces (56 g) smoked cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter

2 tablespoons (28 g) heavy cream

Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken stock, garlic cloves, and herbs to a boil. Turn off the stove, and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain out the aromatics, return the stock in the saucepan to the stove, and set over medium-high heat.
2. Bring the stock to a boil. Slowly whisk in the grits, reduce the heat to low and cook, stirring frequently until the grits are tender for about 20 minutes.

Turn the heat off, and stir in the shredded cheeses, butter, and heavy cream. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Join our talented trainers and enjoy a great workout in one of our group fitness classes. To sign up for the session of your choice, stop by the Fitness Center or email SH-WMUS-FitnessCenter@ubs.com.

Hours of Operation:

Monday – Thursday from 5:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Friday from 5:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Mondays:

• Tabata from 11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
• Yoga from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Tuesdays:

• Strength & Conditioning from 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Circuit Training from 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesdays:

• Body Weight Tabata from 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
• Indoor Cycling from 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Yoga from 1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Thursdays:

• Strength & Cycling from 12:15 p.m. – to 1:00 p.m.
• HITT from 1:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

Fridays:

• Circuit Training from 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Pilates from 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
• HIIT from 5:15 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. 

Every month, our Wellness Manager and registered dietitian Maya Billig (MS, RD, CDN) hosts informative Virtual Wellness Wednesday classes. Don't miss this month's classes and sign up below!

• Resistance Training Increases Longevity: Wednesday, June 4 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
• A Dietitian’s Take on GLP-1 Medications: Wednesday, June 18 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

• 11:00 a.m. class
• 12:30 p.m. class

• 11:00 a.m. class
• 12:30 p.m. class

• 11:00 a.m. class

• 11:00 a.m. class
• 12:30 p.m. class

• Tuesday, June 10 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Tuesday, June 24 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Calling all chess fans! Join us as we play chess in the sunshine on Tuesday, June 10 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. We will meet at the Lobby Reception Desk, after which we will meet at the tables near the Tennis Court to play. Please register below so we know to expect you.

Sign Up Here

Don't miss Lincoln Harbor's annual Iron Chef contest on Wednesday, June 11 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. in Hawk's Nest A (seating area by the Cooking School)! This exhilarating event features UBS's very own Chef Brian Gwinner, Chef Dionilfry Pichardo-Gomez, Chef Edward Ventura, Chef Jason Sepanski, and Chef Gavin Modest. Each chef will be given one secret ingredient, followed by 30 minutes to create one dish. Each dish will be scored equally on taste, presentation, and usage of the secret ingredient by judges John Nunziata (Regional Chef) and Eric Simeon (Executive Chef at CitiBank).

No registration is required to be a part of the audience, so bring your colleagues and join the fun!

Our cafeteria continues to delight and surprise us all month long with several tasty offerings that will be available on the days listed below. Don’t miss out on the special events below!

• June 11 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m: Father's Day Chef Table featuring Grilled Filet of Beef Tenderloin, Herb Grilled Prawns, Truffle Mashed Potatoes, and Creamed Spinach.
• June 12 from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m: Fried Mac & Cheese Bites Pop-Up featuring truffle garlic aioli on the side
•   June 18 from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m: First Week of Summer Pop-Up featuring watermelon fries with tajin or salt paired with coconut-lime dip.

Calling all golf fans! In celebration of the US Open, join us for a watch party on Thursday, June 12 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. where light snacks and refreshments will be provided. We will meet in Room 8 of the 1200 Building. Please register using the link below, and bring your colleagues for an afternoon of sports fun!

Sign Up Here

In celebration of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, join us for a watch party on Friday, June 13 from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. where light snacks and refreshments will be provided! We will meet in Room 8 of the 1200 Building. Bring a friend, and enjoy thrilling coverage on the big screen! Please register below so we know to expect you.

Join us as we debut a brand-new game for Lincoln Harbor's Nintendo Switch - Super Smash Brothers - and compete to crown Lincoln Harbor's first Super Smash Brothers champion! Do you have what it takes to smash the competition? Play to find out. We will meet in the Game Room (located in the Hawk's Nest adjacent to the Library) on Tuesday, June 17 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. To secure your spot, please register below.

Many common men's health issues can be treated or avoided through regular screenings. In honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month, Premise Health will be offering a tabling event on Tuesday, June 17 focusing on the power of prevention. Come to Hawk's Nest B (adjacent to the Coffee Bar) from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. to speak with the team about key screenings that can improve men’s well-being. No pre-registration is required.

Celebrate the beginning of summer with an Ice Cream Social! Don't miss this opportunity to mingle with old and new colleagues as you sprinkle ice cream with delectable toppings. We will meet in Hawk's Nest A (seating area by the Cooking School) on Wednesday, June 18 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. To secure your spot, please register below. Don't forget to bring your sweet tooth, and we can't wait to see you there!

Celebrate Culture & Cuisine with Us!

This month, in partnership with MOSAIC, we’re honoring Juneteenth and Caribbean American Heritage Month with themed menu items at the Café from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.:

• June 18: Juneteenth Chef Table featuring Braised Oxtail, Glazed Carrots & Chayote Squash, and Red Beans & Rice.
• June 24: Caribbean American Heritage Month Chef Table featuring Grilled Shrimp Skewers, Coconut Quinoa Bean Salad, and Grapefruit Ginger Dressing.

Back by popular demand, join us for the return of Family Feud! Teams of 5 will compete for a prize for each member of the winning team - and the title of the new Family Feud champion. We will meet in Room 8 of the 1200 Building on Thursday, June 19 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Spots are limited, so please register individually below:

In celebration of the US Golf Open this month, join us for a Mini-Golf Challenge. Embrace the spirit of friendly competition as you play to become Lincoln Harbor's Mini Golf champion! We will meet in Room 8 of the 1200 Building on Wednesday, June 25 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Refreshments will be provided. To secure your spot, please register below:

Thank you to all of those who voted for June's book club pick! Our selection by majority vote is Jewish American author Bess Kalb’s Nobody Will Tell You This But Me, a heartwarming memoir that creatively reconstructs the author’s late grandmother’s voice to tell the story of generations of strong women in their family. We will meet on Thursday, June 26 in Room 8 of the 1200 Building from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., where snacks and refreshments will be served.

To purchase a copy of the book and register, please use this link: Purchase a Copy Here. Kindly note the registration cost covers your physical copy of the book.

This month, expand your palette and join us for flavorful samplings and sales from an array of vendors below! The following samples and sales will be available during lunch from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.:

• Evie Snacks: Woman-owned company offering Texas-seasoned, gluten-free pecans: Tuesday, June 3
• 52Hertz: LGBTQ-owned company crafting bold snacks infused with floral aromas and Sichuan pepper, including rich toffee chocolate: Tuesday, June 27

The Power of Protein: Why It Matters and How to Get Enough

Protein does more than help build muscle. From supporting your immune system to stabilizing your energy levels, protein is an essential nutrient for recovery, strength, and overall vitality.

Protein is made up of amino acids—tiny building blocks that are involved in nearly every process within the body. Unlike carbohydrates or fats, protein isn’t stored for later use, meaning we need to include it in our diet regularly to meet our body’s needs.

Consuming enough protein supports several vital functions. It plays a key role in repairing muscle tissue, especially after physical activity or strength training. It helps manage hunger and fullness, which can support weight management by keeping you satisfied between meals. Protein also contributes to bone density, an important factor for aging well and staying active. Protein powers your metabolism and hormone production, influencing everything from your mood to your ability to recover from illness or injury

Whole foods are the best way to meet your protein needs. Animal-based options such as eggs, chicken, Greek yogurt, and fatty fish like salmon and tuna are rich in complete proteins and other nutrients like iron and vitamin B12. For those who follow a plant-based approach, lentils, tofu, edamame, quinoa, nuts, and seeds are excellent choices that provide protein and fiber

While protein powders can be helpful in certain situations — especially on busy days — they should complement, not replace, a diet rich in whole foods. When choosing a protein powder, look for clean labels with minimal ingredients. Avoid products that contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners and opt for options with third-party testing when possible.

A Sustainable Summer

Embracing Your Identity: A Path to Workplace Well-Being

Mental health thrives when individuals feel safe and empowered to express their authentic selves—especially in the workplace. Navigating professional spaces while suppressing core aspects of your identity can take a toll on mental well-being, resulting in internal conflicts. Fostering an environment where personal expression is encouraged is beneficial and essential.

Authenticity fosters confidence and reduces stress. When employees feel comfortable being themselves, they experience greater job satisfaction, improved performance, and stronger connections with colleagues. Whether it’s sharing cultural traditions, embracing gender identity, or being open about personal values, expressing who you are allows for a more fulfilling work experience. Individuals can advocate for their own well-being by setting boundaries, seeking supportive allies, and confidently embracing self-expression.

If you’ve ever felt hesitant to share your true self at work, know that your identity is valuable. By embracing who you are, you contribute to a more accepting and emotionally healthy professional environment: not just for yourself, but for those around you. Your mental health matters, and authenticity is taking one such powerful step.

How to Access Services:

All UBS (Non-Contractor) Employees can access our Health Center Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed 12:30-1:00 for lunch) with the option to schedule appointments online via the MyPremiseHealth portal, or by calling the Health Center directly at 201-273-9822. No cost, no obligation 30-minute mental health consults are available upon request with our Behavioral Health Professional.