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September 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

Apples are the September Superfood! In this recipe for apple compote, we have offered a basic formula as a base that is delicious on its own or easily customized. You can add spices like cinnamon or cloves, aromatics like ginger or citrus zest, or extracts like vanilla. Keep in mind that the sweetness and tartness of the fruit and juice you use will affect how much sweetener you will want to add, so taste throughout the cooking process and add the sweetener in small batches until it is sweetened to your liking.

Customizable Apple Compote
Makes about 1 cup (236 mL)

Ingredients:

½ cup (118 mL) tart cherry or cranberry juice, or water
½ cup (113 g) packed and chopped dried fruit, a mix of tart (such as sour cherries or cranberries) and sweet (such as dates, figs, prunes, apples, or raisins)
2 small apples, peeled and cut into a small dice

1 - 4 tbsp (13 - 50 g) white sugar, brown sugar, or honey

Instructions:

  1. Combine the juice (or water) and dried fruit in a medium pot and place over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Then, turn off the heat and let the mixture steep for 10 - 14 minutes.
  2. Add the apple and return the pot to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a low, gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is thickened and the fruit is softened to your liking for about 8 - 12 minutes. Add water or juice as needed to adjust the consistency to your liking. Stir in sugar or honey a little at a time, tasting between each addition to determine whether more is needed.
  3. Remove the pot from heat and discard any optional ingredients. Let cool slightly and enjoy warm, or cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Recipe of the Month from Cooking School’s Chef Brian

For this month’s recipe, I wanted to share a simple salmon cooking technique you can use often. Once you master it, you will be able to prepare salmon without the recipe and can use your creativity to customize it with different sauces or pair it with various sides.

Pan-Seared Salmon
Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 (6 oz; 170 g) salmon fillets, skin on
1 - 2 tbsp (14 - 27 g) olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Place a wide skillet over medium heat and preheat it for a few minutes. While the pan is heating, prepare the salmon by gently but thoroughly patting it dry with paper towels or clean kitchen towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Add a thin layer of oil to the preheated pan. When the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully lay one piece of fish, skin-side down, into the pan. Use a spatula to very lightly press the fillet down into the pan to prevent it from curling. After 8 - 10 seconds of gentle pressing, repeat with the next piece. Do not overcrowd the pan, as there should be a little space between the pieces. Cook in batches if necessary.
  3. Continue to gently press the fillets into the pan as they cook. Let the fillets cook for about 4 - 5 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy. Use a rubber spatula to get a corner of the fish to release from the pan, then continue to lift the fish to release the rest of the skin. Gently flip the fillets and cook for about 6 minutes more until the flesh flakes apart easily with a fork and is opaque through the center. (Thicker fillets may need a few additional minutes; reduce the heat if needed). Serve with lemon wedges.

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:

  • Sweat Now, Brag Later (HIIT) from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
  • Stretch Now, Walk Later (HIIT) from 1:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
  • Exos Signature Series: Pillar Strength from 3:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
  • Yoga from 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Tuesdays:

  • Stress Reduction from 11:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
  • Move, Lift, & Learn from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
  • Exos Signature Series: Total Conditioning from 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Wednesdays:

  • Build & Burn (HIIT) from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
  • Technical Boxing from 5:15 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Thursdays:

  • Pilates from 7:30 a.m. - 8:15 a.m.
  • Boxing from 12:30 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
  • Stress Reduction from 2:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • Circuit Overdrive (HIIT) from 5:30 p.m. - 6:15 p.m.

Fridays:

Fire Fridays (HIIT) from 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Premise Health Activation

Premise Health will be hosting a tabling event about Flu Awareness on Wednesday, September 23 on Floor 2B near the G elevator bank from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. All are welcome and no registration is required. Stop by to speak with our providers to learn more about how to protect yourself this flu season!

UBS Fashion Week & Sip

In celebration of New York Fashion Week, don't miss our first UBS Fashion Show & Sip on Thursday, September 24 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.! Enjoy a selection of new wines while showcasing your personal style. Whether you'd like to walk the runway and strike a pose for our photographer or simply cheer on your colleagues, everyone is welcome to participate. We will meet in Toronto Room A on Floor 2B. Space is limited, so please register below to secure your spot:

Sign Up Here

Special Events at the 2B Café

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

  • September 7 - September 11: In honor of Rosh Hashanah, join us for a warm bowl of traditional Matzah Ball soup offered from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
  • September 17: In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, join us for our breakfast special: Mangú (a flavorful Dominican dish made from boiled green plantains mashed into a smooth, creamy puree) served with Pickled Red Onion, Fried Cheese, Salami, and Fried Eggs from 7:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Build Your Own Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookie!

This year, we're celebrating summer with a fitting feast: a jumbo cookie for you to decorate, load up with mix-ins, and take home to enjoy! Don't worry about the baking: once you're finished creating your masterpiece, we'll bake the cookie for you. Just stop by at the end of the day and pick it up! Join us on Tuesday, September 22 anytime between 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the Club Room on Floor 2B to build your cookie, and come back to the Club Room anytime between 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to pick it up. The smell of warm cookies awaits you! Be sure to register below to secure your spot:

Sign Up Here

U.S. Open Watch Party

Catch every electrifying serve, rally, and match point as the world's best compete at the U.S. Open Championships! For our U.S. Open Watch Party, we will meet on Tuesday, September 8 in the Geneva Room on Floor 2B from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Light snacks and refreshments will be served. Please register below so we know to expect you:

Sign Up Here

Birthday Bash

Who has a birthday in September 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, September 3 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Club Room on Floor 2B. Please register below to secure your spot:

Sign Up Here

Outdoor Running Club

Say hello to fall and become a part of our supportive community by joining our weekly outdoor running club! No experience is required, and 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 weekly in the Battery Park Room on Floor 2B - a place to refuel with nutritious refreshments after the run. No registration is required. We can't wait to run with you!

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 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:

September 18: Retro Baking: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

September 21: Dominican Steak, Fried Plantains, & Sauced Onions

September 25: Stacked! The Ultimate Guide to the Fluffiest Pancakes

September 28: Bratwurst Mac & Cheese with Pretzel Breadcrumbs

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

Fun Fest

Don't miss our Fun Fest, where we will feature a medley of carnival-themed snacks and games! We will meet in the Club Room on Floor 2B on Thursday, September 17 from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Please register below so we know to expect you, and we can't wait to see you there!

Sign Up Here

Fall at Madison Square Park

Stroll into fall with the following special events hosted by Madison Square Park Conservancy:

  • Garden Walk: Early fall is one of the best times to view the native plants in Madison Square Park! We will explore some eco-restoration projects in the park including the No Mow Lawn near Madison Avenue, the park’s varied pollinator homes, and how the gardens have changed over time to support wildlife. View some native plants in bloom including asters, goldenrod, and more! To register for this free event being held on Tuesday, September 8 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., please click here.

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

Art Sale at EMA

Join us for a special art sale featuring works from the UBS Art Collection. Proceeds will benefit Free Arts NYC, a UBS Social Impact Program partner and non-profit organization that empowers youth from underserved communities through art and mentoring programs. The sale will take place in the Toronto A & B Rooms on Floor 2B on Monday, September 21 from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and Tuesday, September 22 from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For further inquiries, please email the UBS Art Collection team at sh-ubs_art_collection@ubs.com.

Café Samplings

Expand your palate and join us for flavorful samplings and sales from an amazing vendor! The following will be available during lunch from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.:

  • September 22: Founded by Bronx-native Chef Keesha O’Galdez, Live Loud Foods is a gourmet snack brand best known for its bold, globally-inspired candied nuts that push the bounds of flavor and creativity! From candied nuts dusted with jerk seasoning to their citrus pistachio blend, this brand offers something for everyone!

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, September 16 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the Club Room on Floor 2B. Please register below to secure your spot. Let the games begin!

Sign Up Here

Ping-Pong Tournament

Ready to claim office bragging rights? Bring your best serve, smash, and spin to our Ping-Pong Tournament being held in the Club Room on Floor 2B on Tuesday, September 29 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.! Please register below to secure your spot:

Sign Up Here

Wellness Corner with Maya Billig
The Power of Micro-Breaks: Why Stepping Away From Your Desk Matters

When your calendar is packed and your to-do list keeps growing, taking a break can feel counterproductive. But stepping away from your desk - even for a few minutes - can actually help you feel more focused, energized, and productive.

Micro-breaks are short pauses - often just a few minutes - that give your brain and body a chance to reset. They can be as simple as standing up to stretch, walking to refill your water bottle, taking a few deep breaths, or stepping outside for some fresh air.

Long stretches of sitting and screen time can leave you feeling stiff, tired, and mentally drained. Breaking up those periods with small bursts of movement can help you feel more energized while giving your eyes and mind a much-needed break.

Try building micro-breaks into your workday instead of waiting until you feel exhausted. Take a lap around the office between meetings, stand while taking a phone call, or spend five minutes outside at lunchtime. You can even set a calendar reminder to prompt you to move.

The goal isn't to work less - it’s to work better. A few intentional pauses throughout your day can help you reset, recharge, and return to your work with renewed focus. So the next time you feel stuck, step away - you may come back with a fresh perspective.

Sustainability Tips
Sustainable Living This September

As we transition from summer into fall, September provides an excellent opportunity to refocus on sustainable habits and the impact our daily choices can have on the environment. This month also marks Zero Waste Week, an international campaign that encourages individuals and organizations to reduce waste, rethink consumption, and make the most of available resources. By taking small actions to prevent waste before it is created, we can collectively reduce our environmental footprint and support our sustainability goals.

To recognize these important sustainability initiatives, we are excited to celebrate Zero Waste Day on September 23. UBS facilities teams across the globe are planning activities to raise awareness about waste reduction, recycling best practices, and sustainable living. Whether through educational events, waste audits, recycling challenges, or simply making more mindful choices throughout the day, Zero Waste Day is an opportunity for all of us to contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Sustainability is built through consistent actions, and every effort makes a difference. By participating in Zero Waste Day and embracing simple waste-reduction practices throughout the month, we can continue to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and make meaningful progress toward our sustainability objectives. Thank you for your continued commitment to creating a more sustainable workplace and community.

Dart Dash!

Ready, aim - bullseye! Step up to the board and see if you have what it takes to become EMA's new darts champion, where the winner will win a prize. We will meet in the Club Room on Floor 2B on Wednesday, September 30 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please register below so we know to expect you - and let the games begin!

Sign Up Here

Premise Health Article
Protect Yourself, Your Family, and Your Coworkers This Flu Season

The CDC estimates that there will be 20 - 22 million flu illnesses; 270,000 - 280,000 hospitalizations; and 11,000 - 12,000 deaths nationwide this season.

  • Influenza (flu) spreads easily through respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces in homes, workplaces, and other shared spaces.
  • Individuals can spread the flu before symptoms develop and may remain contagious for up to one week.

Common flu symptoms include the following:

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Occasional nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

The flu vaccine remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of illness, severe complications, and hospitalization. Free flu vaccines are available to UBS employees at the Premise Health Center. Schedule your vaccination today to help protect yourself and those around you.

We’re Here to Support You

All benefits-eligible 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. Telehealth visits carry no charge for both Primary Care and 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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