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April 2026 Upcoming Events at Eleven Madison Avenue (EMA)

Dear Colleagues,

This month, the UBS Cooking School and community events calendars are packed 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,

The Community Management Team

Recipe of the Month from Cooking School’s Chef Sydney

Chef Sydney's Recipe

When you need a dish that looks intricate but is simple to prepare, try Oreganata: a topping of breadcrumbs seasoned with oregano, lemon, and garlic. This topping can be used on a variety of fish or shellfish, or it can work on baked chicken as well. You can add grated parmesan to the crust, if you like!

Trout Oreganata

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2/3 cup (160 mL) panko breadcrumbs

3 cloves of minced garlic

1 lemon, for zest and juice

1-2 tsp (1.5 g - 3 g) dried oregano

3 tbsp (42 g) olive oil, divided

Kosher salt, fresh black pepper, and red pepper flakes

4 (5 oz or 140 g) skin-off trout fillets, pat dry

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the panko, garlic, lemon zest (set aside the lemon wedges after zesting), oregano, 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of the olive oil, and a pinch of salt and both peppers. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly oiled but still fluffy. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
  3. Season the fish all over and brush the bottoms with the remaining oil. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet and press the breadcrumb mixture evenly into the tops of the fillets. Place the tray in the middle or upper third of the oven to roast until just cooked through, about 7-9 minutes. The trout is done when it is opaque in the center and flakes easily with a fork. Broil if needed for the last minute of cooking to further breadcrumb browning. Serve with lemon wedges.

Recipe of the Month from Cooking School’s Chef Brian

Chef Brian's Recipe

April is when Take a Child to Work Day occurs, so it is the perfect time for a you can make for your kids. Making homemade chicken tenders is a guaranteed hit for kids (and parents) alike!

Homemade Chicken Tenders

Serves 3 adults or 6 kids

Ingredients:

1 lb (453 g) of boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 1” (2.5 cm) strips

1 cup (236 mL) of buttermilk or plain yogurt

1 tsp (6 g) of kosher salt

1 ½ cups (354 mL) of panko breadcrumbs

2 tbsp (28 g) of olive oil

Instructions:

  1. To marinate the chicken, combine chicken with buttermilk or yogurt and salt in a bowl and toss well to combine. Wrap tightly and marinate in the refrigerator for 12 - 48 hours. Remove the chicken from refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
  2. When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking tray with a rack. Place the breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt and drizzle of oil; toss well to combine. Working one piece at a time, place marinated chicken in the breadcrumbs and press to adhere onto all sides; place on the prepared rack. When all the chicken is breaded and on the rack, transfer tray to oven and cook for 12 - 16 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are brown and chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°F).
  3. Spread out the breadcrumbs on a large plate. Lightly coat the crab cakes with the crumbs. Transfer the cakes to a platter and cover with plastic wrap. Chill the cakes in the refrigerator at least 1 hour before cooking.
  4. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the oil and butter over medium heat. When hot, work in batches to avoid crowding, add the crab cakes to the pan and cook, turning once until golden brown for about 4 minutes on each side. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Group Fitness Schedule

Group Fitness Schedule

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-EMA-FitnessCenter@ubs.com.

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday: 5:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Mondays:

  • Tabata Bootcamp from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
  • Exos Signature Series: Pillar Strength from 3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Tuesdays:

  • Stress Reduction from 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  • Kinstretch from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
  • Yoga Vinyasa from 4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Exos Signature Series: Total Conditioning from 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Wednesdays:

  • Strength & Conditioning from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
  • Kinstretch for Strength & Recovery from 5:15 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Thursdays:

  • Boxing from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
  • Stress Reduction from 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • Adrenaline Circuit from 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Fridays:

  • HIIT from 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Special Events at the 2B Café

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 these special items from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.:

  • April 5: In celebration of Spring, the Global Buffet will offer Paneer (a delicious, soft Indian cheese) served with Eggplant and Cashews, Fava Bean & Asparagus Rice, and Grilled Naan (a fluffy, Indian flatbread). This recipe is from the Greenfeast: Spring, Summer cookbook by Nigel Slater.

April 22: In celebration of Earth Day, the Chef Table will offer plant-forward favorites including a Falafel Gyro served with Tomato, Cucumber, Romaine, Feta, Red Onion, Tzatziki, and Pita with Greek Fries on the side.

Café Collaborations with MOSAIC

Celebrate Culture & Cuisine with Us!

This month, in partnership with MOSAIC, we’re celebrating National Arab American Heritage Month and Passover with the following menu items at the Café from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

  • April 6: In honor of Passover, the Global Buffet will offer Braised Beef Brisket; Roasted Herb Chicken; Roasted New Potatoes; Sauteed Green Beans; Herring Salad with Wine Sauce, Cucumber, Beets & Apple; Broccoli Salad; and Herb Watercress Salad.
  • April 29: In celebration of National Arab American Heritage Month, the Global Buffet will offer tender Moroccan Lamb & Tomato, Chicken & Preserved Lemon Tangine (a slow-cooked stew), Moroccan-Spiced Eggplant & Tomato, Moroccan Couscous, Chickpea Bulgur Salad, Minted Cucumber & Tomato, and Moroccan Carrot Salad with Feta and Spicy Lime Dressing.

Join us for a month of amazing flavors, cultural appreciation, and tasty traditions. Don’t miss out - come hungry and celebrate with us! For more information, please visit goto\mosaicamericas.

Outdoor Running Club

Say hello to spring and become a part of our supportive community by joining our weekly outdoor running club! No experience is required, as all skill levels are welcome. We will meet at the Lobby Reception Desk on Tuesdays at 5:00 p.m. to run along the East River. Our hydration station will be open once a week - a place to refuel with nutritious refreshments after the run. No registration is required. We can't wait to run with you!

  • Hydration Station One: Tuesday, April 7 at 5:00 p.m.
  • Hydration Station Two: Tuesday, April 14 at 5:00 p.m.
  • Hydration Station Three: Tuesday, April 21 at 5:00 p.m.

Hydration Station Four: Tuesday, April 28 at 5:00 p.m.

Masters Tournament Watch Party

Be the first to catch the action at our Masters Tournament Watch Party! Bring your colleagues and join us in Toronto Room A on Floor 2B on Thursday, April 9 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., where snacks and refreshments will be served. Please register below so we know to expect you:

Sign Up Here

Virtual Cooking School Classes

The UBS Cooking School offers free, virtual classes daily where employees can practice their cooking skills and prepare fantastic recipes designed by our onsite chefs. A few of our popular, upcoming classes are featured below:

April 10: Tender & Buttery Scones

April 13: Aleppo Spice Lamb Chops with Muhammara Pepper Sauce

April 17: Best-Ever Southwestern Black Bean Veggie Burger

April 24: Silky Chocolate Mousse, Original & Flavor Twists

Use this link to view more of our virtual Cooking School classes: Cooking School

Birthday Bash

Who has a birthday in April and is ready to celebrate? During each month, we host a Birthday Bash, complete with cake and a cheerful rendition of "Happy Birthday" sung to all of our co-workers with birthdays within the month. Our next celebration will take place on Thursday, April 9 in Toronto Room A on Floor 2B from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please register below to secure your spot:

Sign Up Here

Mini Golf Tournament

Do you have what it takes to become EMA's new mini golf champion? Prove it! In celebration of April's Masters Tournament, spice up your workday with friendly competition at our mini golf tournament! We will meet on Tuesday, April 14 in Toronto Room A on Floor 2B from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Please register below so we know to expect you:

Sign Up Here

Virtual Wellness Wednesday Classes

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, be sure to sign up below!

Virtual Wellness x Cooking Class - Trout Oreganata with Italian Greens: Wednesday, April 15 from 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Beginner's Bachata & Sip!

Come feel the rhythm and learn a move or two at our Beginner's Bachata & Sip class led by a seasoned Bachata dance instructor! Whether you're the king of the dance floor or a bit awkward on your feet, you're sure to improve your groove by the end of this lesson. The session will cover the basic steps, intermediate moves, and of course, free dancing time for you to practice what you've learned. Help yourself to our selection of premium beer and new snacks! Join us on Thursday, April 28 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Club Room on Floor 2B. Space is limited, so please register below to secure your spot:

Sign Up Here

Earth Month: LEGO Edition

Celebrate Earth Month in the most fun way, LEGO-style! Build a sustainable, Earth-themed masterpiece that you can reuse time and time again for maximum fun, as all materials will be provided. We will meet on Tuesday, April 21 in the Geneva Room on Floor 2B from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please register below to secure your spot:

Sign Up Here

Spring at Madison Square Park

Kick off spring with the following special events hosted by Madison Square Park Conservancy:

  • April 21: Celebrate Earth Month by joining our horticulture team for a Garden Walk on Tuesday, April 21 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.! Over ten thousand spring bulbs bloom in Madison Square Park each spring, so join us and learn about the vast floral collection such as tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, redbuds, camellias and more. To register, please sign up here.

To view Madison Square Park Conservancy’s full event calendar, please click here.

Dungeons & Dragons

Join us for an afternoon of epic quests, daring battles, and endless fun! Whether you're a seasoned dungeon master or a newbie rolling your first character, this event is perfect for you. We will meet on Wednesday, April 15 in the Dubai Room on Floor 2B from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please register below to secure your spot. Let the games begin!

Sign Up Here

Stop Food Waste Day

Did you know that nearly one-third of all food is wasted? Join our Wellness Manager and Registered Dietitian, Maya Billig, MS, RD, CDN and a UBS Environmental Analyst for a special virtual Wellness Wednesday session in honor of Stop Food Waste Day on Wednesday, April 22 from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.! Learn sustainable strategies practiced by UBS, and practical strategies to reduce food waste, save money, and make a positive impact on the planet - one meal at a time. To register, please sign up below:

Sign Up Here

In addition, join us in the café for the special menu below:

April 26: In honor of Stop Food Waste Day, The Chef Table will serve exquisite Salmon Tarragon Cake Sliders with House Potato Chips from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. from the innovative Stop Food Waste Day Cookbook from Chef Christopher Ivens-Brown.

Take a Child to Work Day

In celebration of Take a Child to Work Day, bring the young ones down to the second floor throughout the day for fun activities designed to keep them entertained, engaged, and excited! The following activities will be available as scheduled throughout the day of Thursday, April 23:

Toronto Rooms A & B, Floor 2B:

  • Nintendo Switch Free Play: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Enjoy our vast selection of both currently popular and classic video games. Most of our games support two players, some support up to four at a time!

Hong Kong Room, Floor 2B:

  • Ping Pong and Foosball Free Play: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Try your hand at these three timeless games any time throughout the day!

Toronto Rooms A & B, Floor 2B:

  • Sign Up Here: Funny Face Photobooth with Souvenir Photo: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Sign Up Here: Funny Face Photobooth with Souvenir Photo: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Whether you make a funny face or pose with one of our outrageous props, remember the occasion with a keepsake photo from our instant film photobooth.

Toronto Rooms A & B, Floor 2B:

  • A Day at the Carnival: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Step right up, step right up! Enjoy tons of fun with our carnival games, including ring toss, football toss, carnival-style basketball, giant Jenga, giant Connect 4, and more!

2B Café:

  • Take a Child to Work Day Buffet: 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

In celebration of Take a Child to Work Day, the Global Buffet will offer familiar favorites including Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard, Pigs in a Blanket, Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce, Steamed Broccoli, Carrot Sticks and Celery Sticks with Ranch, Macaroni Salad, and Tomato & Mozzarella Salad.

Toronto Rooms A & B, Floor 2B:

Join us for lots of laughs in the most fun game of Simon Says you've ever seen! Stay focused, outlast the competition, and win prizes!

Toronto Rooms A & B, Floor 2B:

  • Sign Up Here: Portrait Painting Session 1: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Sign Up Here: Portrait Painting Session 2: 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Sit across from your child and paint portraits of each other, then reveal your masterpieces at the end! Whether it turns out to be Picasso-like or pure parody, it's a fun exercise in creativity!

Wellness Corner with Maya Billig

Start Your Morning on the Right Foot: The Power of a Morning Routine

A simple morning routine is a powerful way to build confidence, discipline, and clarity in your day. By showing up for ourselves, we take ownership of our day before giving time to others.

By the end of the day, most of us are exhausted. We’ve answered emails, made many decisions, and overcome day-to-day challenges. Even when we intend to work out, start a project, or get organized at night, it is often much harder to take care of these responsibilities. Our energy is gone.

Morning routines work because they happen before our energy is depleted. Our minds are clearer and our willpower is stronger. Even something small like stretching, going for a walk, journaling, or making a nourishing breakfast can create momentum for the rest of the day. A good morning routine often starts the night before - getting enough sleep, putting our phones away earlier, and preparing for the next day.

Starting the day by following through on promises we make to ourselves proves that we can hold ourselves accountable, we can do hard things and show up for ourselves. It gives us confidence that grows quietly, but changes how we move throughout the day and show up for others.

Your routine doesn’t have to be complicated. One small, consistent habit in the morning can help you start the day feeling more grounded, focused, and in control.

Sustainability Tips

Spring Sustainability

April brings the arrival of spring and Earth Day on April 22, making it a great time to refresh sustainable habits. As the weather warms and daylight increases, this month is about renewal. It’s a time to be more mindful of how we use energy, reduce waste, and make choices that support the environment both at home and at work.

At home, April is a great time for sustainable spring cleaning by donating or reusing unwanted items, conserving energy as heating needs decrease, and enjoying seasonal foods that have a lower environmental footprint. In the office, simple actions like using natural light, reducing printing, and choosing reusable items can make a difference. In recognition of Earth Day, keep an eye out for UBS sustainability activities or support an Earth Day initiative in your community. Even small actions taken this month help reinforce sustainability as part of our everyday routine.

Premise Health Article

Breathe Easy: Asthma & Allergies

One of the most important times of year to talk about respiratory health is during the peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers, spring! Over 300 million people worldwide are living with asthma and allergies, and rates continue to rise.

Common Triggers:

  • Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
  • Pet dander, dust mites, and mold
  • Air pollution, smoke, and strong chemical smells
  • Cold air or sudden changes in weather
  • Certain foods (especially nuts, shellfish, dairy, and eggs)

Symptoms Worth Taking Seriously:

  • Persistent coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness, especially at night or during exercise
  • Frequent sneezing, runny nose, or itchy watery eyes
  • Skin reactions such as hives or eczema flare-ups
  • Severe allergic reactions/Anaphylaxis

Five Steps to Better Management:

  • Work with your primary care provider
  • Take medications as prescribed
  • Monitor pollen counts
  • Keep your environment clean
  • Carry your emergency medication

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., schedule online via the MyPremiseHealth portal, or by calling your dedicated health center. No cost, 30-minute mental health consults are available with Behavioral Health.

Shoe Repair & Shine

Since 1989, Shoe Repair & Shine has offered an abundance of onsite services to EMA, including patent leather clean-up, shoe dyeing, and shoe stretching! A wide variety of related products are also available for sale, such as suede renewal spray, leather conditioner, insoles, and shoe trees. Shoe Repair & Shine is located in EMA’s lobby in front of the 25 St/Park Ave S entrance. For service, please visit Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. For more information, you can contact Shoe Repair & Shine’s office at 212.325.7610, or mobile at 917.655.2931.

Dry Cleaning Services

Look no further! Dry Cleaning & Alteration by Flatiron Tailor Shop is available for all of your dry-cleaning needs. They offer competitive dry cleaning prices, alteration services, and free pickup and delivery. In addition, State and Liberty suits also receive a 15% off discount. Dry Cleaning & Alteration by Flatiron Tailor Shop is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. and is conveniently located onsite next to the shoeshine in front of the 25 St/Park Ave S entrance. For further details, please call 551.574.4699

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