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
Chef Sydney's Recipe
Adding fresh summer fruit to a salsa is a great spin on a classic sauce, bringing in bright acidity and soft sweetness. In the recipe, we use pineapple for a tropical flavor, but this recipe also works well with peaches or nectarines. For an easier preparation, skip the step of cooking the fruit and use it raw.
Grilled Pineapple Salsa
Makes 1 Quart (about 1 Liter)
Ingredients:
1 pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into long, thin spears
About 2 tbsp (26 g) high-heat cooking oil, such as canola
Kosher salt
1 red bell pepper, small dice
1 – 2 serrano or jalapeño chili peppers, small dice
½ red onion, small dice
1 bunch of cilantro leaves, chopped
1 - 2 limes
Instructions:
I always look forward to getting back to grilling once the summer season rolls around. This for jalapeño-lime chicken is a quick and easy take on marinated, grilled chicken breast. To skip the heat, replace the jalapeño with bell pepper.
Jalapeño-Lime Grilled Chicken Breasts
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 - 2 jalapeño peppers, sliced thin
6 scallions, sliced thin, dark greens separated
4 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 tsp (2 g) of ground cumin or coriander seeds (or both)
2 limes: 1 for juice, and 1 for wedges
¼ cup (55 g) of olive oil, divided
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 ½ lbs (680 g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, butterflied and pounded
Instructions:
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:
Tuesdays:
Wednesdays:
Thursdays:
Fridays:
Bring your colleagues, your favorite tune, and join us for a fun-filled afternoon of karaoke! Come for zero judgment, unexpected office talent, and maximum fun. We will meet on Tuesday, August 18 in the Club Room on Floor 2B from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please register below so we know to expect you, and we can't wait for you to steal the show!
Kick off summer with the following special events hosted by Madison Square Park Conservancy:
To view Madison Square Park Conservancy’s full event calendar, click here
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 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.:
Nothing says summer like a cool, refreshing smoothie! Join us on Tuesday, August 11 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. to enjoy delicious samples of nutritional smoothies with recipes crafted by Registered Dietitian and Wellness Manager Maya Billig. Whether you're looking for a refreshing mid-day pick-me-up or a moment of tropical bliss, stop by and join us for a cool afternoon treat! Our sampling will be held in the Hong Kong Room on Floor 2B. Please register below to secure your spot:
Are you ready to take a trip around the world - without leaving the office? In celebration of White Wine Day this month, don't miss this phenomenal opportunity to join our White Wine Tasting featuring selections from around the world! We will meet in the Geneva Room on Floor 2B Thursday, August 20 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Capacity is limited, so be sure to register below to secure your place!
Who has a birthday in August 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, August 13 in the Club Room on Floor 2B from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Please register below to secure your spot:
Say hello to summer 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 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!
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!
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:
August 14: Scoop Shop: Homemade Ice Cream
August 21: Seafood House Secrets: Classic Crab Cakes
August 28: Candy Shop Classics: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
August 31: Nigerian Spiced Steak with Fried Sweet Plantains
Use this link to view more of our virtual Cooking School classes: Cooking School
Grab your racket - it's time to play! In celebration of the U.S. Open this month, serve up some fun as we play badminton indoors alongside Super Mario Tennis Aces on the Nintendo Switch! We will meet on Thursday, August 27 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:
Capture the energy, excitement, and unforgettable moments of this summer's sports! Enter your best sports shots of 2026 for a chance to win a prize and show off your photography skills. Please submit your photo by emailing us here by Friday, August 20 at 4:00 p.m. Then, we will meet in-person on Thursday, August 27 in the Club Room on Floor 2B from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. to vote on the best photo, where the winning submission will receive a prize - and a feature in our newsletter! Please register below to secure your spot:
Think fast - it's trivia time! Put your knowledge to the test and compete in our live trivia challenge, where the winner will win a prize - and bragging rights for the summer as EMA's new trivia titan! We will meet on Tuesday, August 25 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Club Room on Floor 2B. Please register below so we know to expect you:
Join us for EMA’s first-ever LEGO competition, where teams must race to be the first to assemble their LEGO F1 supercar. Gather your team, plan your strategy, and get ready for an exciting challenge! We will meet on Wednesday, August 26 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Club Room on Floor 2B. Each member of the winning team will get to bring home their very own LEGO F1 car! There are two ways to register for this event:
Solo (one ticket) - Solo registrants will reserve only one ticket and will be placed with other solo registrants to form a team.
Team (up to four tickets) - To register as a team, you may reserve up to four tickets. We will reach out to confirm your teammates are joining prior to the event.
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, August 19 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in the Dubai Room on Floor 2B. Please register below to secure your spot. Let the games begin!
Hormone Health: Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
Hormones are your body’s chemical messengers, helping regulate everything from energy and metabolism to mood, sleep, and reproductive health. As women age, natural hormonal changes - especially during perimenopause and menopause - can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, hot flashes, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and changes in body composition. While these changes are normal, there are steps you can take to support your hormone health.
One of the most effective strategies is maintaining a balanced diet. Aim to include lean protein, fiber-rich carbohydrates, healthy fats, and plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables at each meal. These nutrients help stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and support overall hormonal function. Staying active is equally important. Regular resistance training helps preserve muscle mass, supports bone health, and improves metabolism, all of which become increasingly important with age.
Managing stress is another key factor. Chronic stress can disrupt sleep, increase fatigue, and make it more difficult to maintain healthy lifestyle habits. Incorporating stress-reducing practices such as walking, yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can support overall well-being.
Finally, don’t overlook the importance of quality sleep. Adults should aim for 7 - 9 hours of sleep each night, as adequate rest supports hormone regulation, recovery, and energy levels.
Healthy aging isn’t about eliminating hormonal changes - it’s about supporting your body through them. By focusing on nutritious foods, regular movement, restorative sleep, and stress management, you can build a strong foundation for hormone health and feel your best at every stage of life.
August is an ideal time to reflect on how small, everyday actions can contribute to a more sustainable future. As summer temperatures remain high, simple choices such as conserving water and being mindful of energy consumption can have a meaningful impact on the environment. One practical sustainable habit to adopt this month is carrying a reusable water bottle and coffee mug, helping to reduce waste while encouraging more conscious consumption. Supporting local farmers' markets and choosing seasonal produce are also great ways to reduce transportation emissions and support local communities.
An important environmental observance in August is World Water Week, held annually from August 23 - 27, which brings together people from around the globe to discuss water conservation, access to clean water, and sustainable water management. The week serves as a reminder that water is one of our most valuable natural resources and that even small efforts, such as fixing leaks, shortening showers, and using water responsibly, can make a difference.
In addition to water, there are many other valuable environmental resources worth appreciating this month. For example, did you know that trees are often called nature’s air conditioners? By providing shade and helping to cool the surrounding area, they play an important role in keeping our communities comfortable and healthy. In urban environments, trees can reduce temperatures, improve air quality, and lower energy demand during the hottest months of the year. As we continue through the summer season, August is the perfect time to appreciate green spaces and take simple steps that help protect our environment.
By making sustainability part of our daily routines, we can collectively create a healthier and more resilient future for generations to come.
Stay Healthy, Hydrated & On Track
Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and family. With a few simple strategies, you can enjoy the season while supporting your wellness goals.
Stay Hydrated in the Heat:
Hydration is key to maintaining energy, supporting metabolism, and preventing heat-related illness.
Tips To Stay Hydrated:
Make Smart Food Choices at Summer Events:
Barbecues and festivals don’t have to derail your progress.
Build a balanced plate:
Stay Active & Enjoy the Season:
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.
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.
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