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November 2025 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

As the weather changes from cool to cold, I find myself leaning into oven-cooking recipes that keep my kitchen warm. Oven-cooking also helps minimize the aroma of the food, which is preferable when cooking fish so the smell does not linger in the house. This recipe can become your go-to method for roasting salmon, especially because the fennel can be swapped out with another aromatic vegetable, such as an onion or bell pepper. The fennel seeds can be swapped out with a different spice, or omitted altogether.

Salmon Roasted with Fennel and Lemon

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 tbsp (30 g) olive oil

1 fennel bulb, sliced in ¼” (6 mm) strips

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

½ tsp (3 g) fennel seeds, ground (optional)

1 lemon

1 ½ lbs (680 g) salmon, cut into 4 even filets

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 °F (218 °C). Prepare a baking dish just large enough to hold fish tightly in a single layer. Add fennel to the baking dish, along with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkling of salt, pepper, and half of the fennel seed. Mix and spread evenly over the bottom of the pan.
  2. Halve the lemon and squeeze juice from one half of it over the vegetables in the pan. Wedge the remaining lemon half and set aside.
  3. Oil and season the fish with salt, pepper, and the remaining fennel seed, coating all sides. Lay the seasoned filets over the vegetables in the baking dish. Transfer the baking dish to the oven and cook for about 9 - 14 minutes, depending on thickness. For 1" (2.54 cm) filets, cook for about 10 minutes. Ensure the salmon is cooked through to 140 °F - 145 °F (60 °C - 63 °C), as it should be opaque inside and flake apart easily. Remove from the oven, and serve with lemon wedges.

Recipe of the Month from Cooking School’s Chef Brian

It is great to have a back-pocket recipe for a quick yet elegant seafood salad that can be prepared for lunch or dinner. This recipe can even be used as a sandwich or served with toasted crostini as an hors d’oeuvre. If you prefer, you can use cooked shrimp in place of crab.

Crab Salad

Serves 3 – 4

Ingredients:

1 lb (453 g) jumbo lump crabmeat, picked through for shells

¼ cup (31 g) mayonnaise

1 lemon, for zest and juice

1 garlic clove, grated on a microplane

2 teaspoons (8 g) of chopped tarragon

2 teaspoons (8 g) of chopped dill

Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper

Instructions:

  1. Combine mayonnaise, a dash of lemon zest, juice from half the lemon, grated garlic, chopped herbs, a sprinkle of kosher salt and a few turns of black pepper. Mix completely; taste and adjust to your liking with more lemon juice.
  2. Add crab and gently fold it into the mixture, being careful not to break up pieces as you stir. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

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.
  • Stretch Break from 3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
  • Pilates from 6:15 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Tuesdays:

  • Kinstretch (Lower) from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
  • Vinyasa from 4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  • Total Body Functional Movement from 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Wednesdays:

  • Kinstretch (Upper) from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
  • Calisthenics from 5:15 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.

Thursdays:

  • Boxing from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
  • Stretch Break from 3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
  • Adrenaline Circuit from 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Fridays:

  • HIIT from 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Thanksgiving To-Go!

As Thanksgiving approaches, don't forget to place your order for fresh-baked pies and tasty side dishes! Starting Monday, November 3, order forms will be available in the café, or you can place your order on Thrive. When placing your order, you can select a pickup date of Tuesday, November 25 or Wednesday, November 26.

Virtual Wellness Wednesday Classes

Every month, our Wellness Manager and registered dietitian Maya Billig (MS, RD, CDN) hosts informative Virtual Wellness Wednesday classes from 10:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. Don't miss this month's classes! Be sure to click on the links below to enroll:

Meet the Community Manager

This month, be sure to join us for an exciting "Meet the Community Manager" session! At this tabling, you will have the opportunity to chat with the 11 Madison Avenue (EMA) Community Manager to learn more about the upcoming activities planned for this month, and to also suggest ideas for future events. All attendees will be entered into a raffle for a special prize!

We will meet at the tables in front of the café and G elevator bank on Thursday, November 6 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. See you there!

Birthday Bash

Who has a birthday in November and is ready to celebrate? On the first Thursday of 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, November 6 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Hong Kong Room. Please register below to secure your spot:

Sign Up Here

Outdoor Running Club

Say hello to autumn 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. and on Thursdays at 5:30 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: Thursday, November 6 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Hydration Station Two: Tuesday, November 11 at 5:00 p.m.
  • Hydration Station Three: Thursday, November 20 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Hydration Station Four: Tuesday, November 25 at 5:00 p.m.

Angel Tree

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country each year. Our Angel Tree awaits your generosity! By selecting an angel, you will fulfill a child’s holiday wish and make their holiday season brighter.

Beginning Friday, November 7, you can pick up an Angel card. Each Angel card will detail the requested items for you to purchase. Since many angels contain requests from an entire family, this presents a great opportunity for a team or department to work together. Please consider helping us achieve our commitment to local families in need. Once you pick your Angel card, please check it out with the Community Manager located at the Reception Desk on Floor 2B.

If you choose to take an Angel from the tree, you are committing to purchasing the items and returning them to the office by the deadline, Friday, December 5.

Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix Watch Party

In celebration of the MSC Cruises Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix, join us for a watch party on Friday, November 7 from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m., where light snacks and refreshments will be provided! We will meet in the Club Room on Floor 2B. Bring a friend, and enjoy thrilling coverage on the big screen! Please register below so we know to expect you:

Sign Up Here

Café Samplings

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

  • Issei: Produces gluten-free mochi gummies sweetened with cane sugar and bursting with flavor: November 10
  • Milkboy: Offers gourmet Swiss milk chocolates produced using milk from the Swiss alpine meadows: November 18

Announcing The Veterans & Allies Network's New Speaker Series

Announcing The Veterans & Allies Network's New Speaker Series

The Veterans & Allies Network is launching a new speaker series titled, “Beyond the Stripes: The courage to serve, the wisdom to reflect”. Please kindly join us for the following events below open to all UBS employees:

  • Monday, November 10 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. ET: Fireside chat with Philip Koontz via Microsoft Teams. Phil is a former U.S. Navy SEAL who served in the Navy Special Warfare Command and SEAL Team 10 and is the author of The Truth Behind My Trident. To attend virtually, please click here to join the Teams meeting directly.
  • Wednesday, November 12 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. ET: Interview with Medal of Honor Winner Clint Romesha via Microsoft Teams. Clint Romesha is a retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant and Medal of Honor recipient known for his extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Kamdesh in Afghanistan in 2009. To attend virtually, please click here to join the Teams meeting directly.

Hot Topic Lunch Table

Bring your lunch, take a seat, and join in on the conversation! Each session centers on a single topic – relevant, resonant, and sure to spark an exciting discussion. For this session, the participant with the best talking points will also receive a prize! From last night’s sports game to the latest episode of "that show everyone’s been talking about," there’s a topic for everybody at the Hot Topic Lunch Table.

We will meet at the Floor 2B Reception Desk at 12:00 p.m. and head to the café tables afterwards. Please register below so we know to expect you:

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 the special items below!

  • November 12, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: The Coffee Bar will offer a special, savory treat - a mini French Onion Quiche baked to perfection.
  • November 19, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: The Coffee Bar will offer a delicious Warm Cookie Pop-Up served with your choice of hot chocolate or a single espresso.

Fall at Madison Square Park

Make the most of the Fall with the following special event hosted by Madison Square Park Conservancy:

  • November Sunset Art Tour: Join Tiera Ndlovu, Assistant Curator, for a free 15-minute tour of Larry Bell’s Improvisations in the Park. Bell’s signature glass compositions reflect the park, surrounding buildings, and people walking by throughout the day. Set against the sunset, this tour will showcase how the shifting light enhances the dynamic nature of these artworks. This tour will occur on Wednesday, November 12 from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. No tickets are required, as this event is free and open to the public. To receive event updates, please register here.

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

Cafe Tours With Wellness Manager Maya Billig

Are you ready to explore the healthy food options available in the café? Join registered dietitian, nutritionist and wellness manager Maya Billig on Thursday, November 13 as she provides tips to improve your daily meal choices. She will explain the Better For You program and will also educate those with special dietary needs about the signage related to food allergens. There is no better time than the present to start eating better! This tour will take place in the café from 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., and we will meet at the Coffee Bar. Be sure to enroll using the link below:

Sign Up Here

Premise Health Activation

In honor of Diabetes Awareness Month, Premise Health will be hosting a tabling event on Thursday, November 13 on Floor 2B near the G elevator bank from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Stop by and talk to a provider for information on preventing and managing diabetes. All are welcome and no registration is required.

World Kindness Day

In honor of World Kindness Day on Thursday, November 13, join us as for an afternoon of gratitude and joy! We will write cards of appreciation, display a slideshow appreciating our colleagues, and create a wall of gratitude while enjoying refreshments. We will meet in the Geneva Room on Floor 2B on Thursday, November 13 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., and all the materials you need will be provided. Please be sure to 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:

November 14: Sweet Potato Casserole & 3 Types of Toppings

November 21: Thanksgiving Turkey & Gravy

November 26: Southern Pecan Pie

November 28: Potato or Sweet Potato Fritters

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

FIFA Tournament

Goooooooal! Join us for EMA’s first-ever FIFA tournament, where the competition will be both friendly and fierce! You can either join solo or as a team of two, and compete to become the reigning FIFA champion of the office! Games will be played on our Nintendo Switch, and we will meet on Friday, November 14 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Club Room on Floor 2B. Please register below so we know to expect you:

Sign Up Here

Fan Zone: Make Your Gameday Sign!

Bring your team spirit (and creativity!) to the EMA Fan Zone. Stop by during the lunch hour to design your very own gameday sign - whether you're cheering on your favorite team, star player, or even your favorite sport! We'll have all the supplies you need, from eye-catching paints to fun stencils and stickers. Join us on Monday, November 17 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Geneva Room on Floor 2B to create your signs. We'll leave them to dry throughout the day, and then you can return to pick them up any time from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. to take them home. Please be sure to register for this event below, you won't want to miss out!

Sign Up Here

Tailgate Tuesday

Calling all sports fans, join us for our first-ever Tailgate Tuesday! As baseball comes to a close, football, basketball, and hockey are heating up! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to celebrate your team. Bring your colleagues and don your favorite team's apparel as you snap Polaroids at our photo booth, test your knowledge with fun sports trivia, enjoy tailgate-themed snacks, and enter a raffle for a prize! This event will occur in the Club Room on Floor 2B on Tuesday, November 18 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Space is limited, so please register below to secure your spot. Go team!

Sign Up Here

Salsa & Sip!

Come feel the rhythm and learn a move or two at our Salsa & Sip Class led by a seasoned Salsa 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 Wednesday, November 19 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Toronto A & B Rooms on Floor 2B. Space is limited, so please register below to secure your spot:

Sign Up Here

Café Collaborations with MOSAIC

Celebrate Culture & Cuisine with Us!

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

  • November 19: In honor of Native American Heritage Month, The Chef Table will offer Grilled Beef Tenderloin served with Juniper Sauce, a recipe from the cookbook New Native Kitchen: Celebrating Modern Recipes of the American Indian, accompanied by sautéed Acorn Squash and a puree of Potato & Sunchoke (a ginger root-like tuber with a white, creamy interior).
  • November 19: In celebration of Thanksgiving, the Global Buffet will serve Maple-Brined Turkey Breast with Pan Gravy, Sourdough Stuffing with Sage and Madeira (Portuguese wine), Balsamic-Glazed Pork Loin with Sautéed Apples, Honey-Whipped Sweet Potatoes, Charred Brussels Sprouts, Brown Sugar-Spiced Acorn Squash, Roasted Pears, and Pumpkin Pie.

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.

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, November 19 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

Care Packages For Veterans

In honor of Veterans and Military Family Appreciation Month, help us honor our veterans on this important day by creating care packages together. We will meet on Thursday, November 20 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in the Club Room on Floor 2B. Please register below so we know to expect you:

Sign Up Here

Autumn Tea Tasting with Wellness Manager Maya Billig

Nothing says autumn like a robust cup of tea that warms your spirit! Join us on Thursday, November 20 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. to enjoy delicious samples of seasonal tea blends as Registered Dietitian and Wellness Manager Maya Billig walks you through the health benefits of each ingredient. Whether you're looking for a mid-day pick-me-up or a moment of radiating warmth, make sure to stop by for an afternoon treat! Our sampling will be held in the Hong Kong Room on Floor 2B. Please register below so we know to expect you:

Sign Up Here

Wellness Corner with Maya Billig

Moving Toward Better Health: November National Diabetes Month

November is National Diabetes Month, and is a time that shines a spotlight on the importance of taking proactive steps for better health. One of the most impactful habits we can follow to control blood sugars and keep our good health is to simply move more. Movement not only supports overall wellness but also plays a critical role in preventing and managing diabetes.

You don’t need a gym membership or complicated workout plan to get started. Movement can be woven into daily life: walking to do errands, playing with your kids, taking the stairs, or stretching while watching TV. These small bursts of activity add up and can significantly improve how the body processes blood sugar. Research shows that even light movement after meals can help stabilize glucose levels.

The American Diabetes Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity each week. That may sound like a lot, but broken into 20–30 minutes a day, it becomes manageable. Better yet, it can be tailored to what you enjoy — brisk walking, swimming, dancing, or cycling. Secret is out – the E in exercise actually stands for enjoyment!

Movement also offers benefits beyond blood sugar. It reduces stress, strengthens the heart, boosts mood, and supports healthy sleep patterns. In short, it helps you feel your best.

This National Diabetes Month, commit to adding more movement into your routine. Every step, stretch, and stride is a powerful investment in your health and future.

Sustainability Tips

Building a Sustainable Community

The month of November invites us to reflect on gratitude, community, and the impact of our choices, especially as we prepare for Thanksgiving. It is a month where sustainability can be woven into both our celebrations and our everyday routines.

In the workplace, November is a great time to reduce energy use as temperatures drop. If your office has heating controls, coordinate with your team to maintain a comfortable but efficient setting. Additionally, if your team hosts a Thanksgiving potluck or gathering, opt for reusable dishware when possible.

At home, Thanksgiving offers a unique opportunity to practice mindful consumption. Plan meals carefully to minimize food waste and compost vegetable scraps when possible. If you are able, try sourcing ingredients locally. Farmers markets have seasonal produce that supports regional agriculture and reduces transportation emissions.

By embracing gratitude and intentionality, we can make November a month of meaningful impact for both our communities and the planet.

Premise Health Article

As we enter the holiday season, many of us are sprinting toward year-end goals, navigating market volatility, and juggling client demands; it can feel like the only time to rest is during the upcoming festivities. As a result, you may exclude yourself from the planning and find yourself irritable, which can lead to emotional isolation. But in a high-performance culture like yours, it’s easy to forget that behind the spreadsheets and strategy decks are human beings that are each carrying their own emotional loads.

This kind of isolation can quietly impact your mental and physical well-being. It may increase stress, reduce sleep quality, and impair decision-making. These can jeopardize critical functions in your line of work but more importantly in your emotional and social well-being.

Here’s what helps: intentional connection. Not grand, but small, consistent ones. A brief conversation, a shared meal, or simply acknowledging a colleague’s effort can buffer stress and restore a sense of belonging. At home, even if you arrive late or must leave early, express gratitude to those you share the household with and ask if there's something small you can do to participate. If you’re feeling stretched or just not yourself, consider speaking with a professional. Support is available and confidential.

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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