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

For the easiest holiday dessert, I always make poached pears. They are elegant, healthy, and versatile. You can change the cooking liquid to juice or wine, and you can change the sweetener to honey, maple, agave, or palm sugar (or skip the sugar for a healthier version). These can be made a couple days in advance, and they can be served in a variety of ways. I love to serve them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, topped with crumbled graham crackers.

Spiced Cider Poached Pears

Serves 4 – 6

Ingredients:

3 cups (709 mL) apple or pear cider

1 - 3 whole spices (not ground), such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, cardamom pods, anise seeds, or slices of fresh ginger

1 orange, for zest and juice

⅓ cup (40 g) brown or white sugar

4 pears (ripe but firm), such as bosc, anjou, or seckel

Instructions:

1. In a deep, wide saucepan, combine the cider with the spices, strips of orange zest, orange juice, and sugar. Bring to a simmer, whisk well, and reduce to the lowest heat.
2. Prepare the pears by peeling, halving lengthwise, and scooping the seeds with a small melon baller. Add the pears to the saucepan with the cut side down. Add water as needed to submerge the pears in liquid. A cartouche (a pot lid made from a circular piece of parchment paper with a small vent hole in the center) can be used to keep pears from floating above the liquid.
3. Cook very gently, adjusting the heat as needed: you should see a few small bubbles coming to the surface occasionally, not constantly. Check often to ensure the mixture is not boiling, and gently reposition the pears so that they stay submerged below the liquid. Cook until translucent and easily pierced with a small knife for 20 - 40 minutes depending on ripeness. Pears can be eaten hot or cold. Cool and store in cooking liquid.

By simmering longer, liquid can be reduced down to a syrup for serving, if desired.

If you need an easy but elegant recipe for your next holiday party, look no further than these puff pastry cheese twists. With store-bought puff pastry, you can make many different hors d'oeuvres, but these are always a hit. While the type of cheese is flexible, choose one that is firm and grates easily, as soft cheeses will melt out of the pastry during baking. You can flavor the cheese with spices, or even with herbs if you desire. To top it all off, you can skip the cheese and simply make these as ‘puff pastry twists’- they will still be popular!

Parmesan Cheese Twists

Makes 24 Twists

Ingredients:

1 cup (113 g) finely grated firm, aged, grating cheese (such as parmigiano reggiano, pecorino, manchego, gruyere, cheddar), divided

Black pepper and red pepper flakes, to taste

1 sheet puff pastry (half of 490 grams box), thawed

All-purpose flour, for dusting

1 egg, beaten with a drop of water, for egg wash

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Prepare two baking trays with parchment. In a mixing bowl, combine ¾ cup (65 g) of cheese with seasoning to taste. Reserve remaining cheese.
2. Lightly flour your work surface and lay out the thawed pastry sheet. Roll the sheet out into a 16" (41 cm) x 12” (30 cm) rectangle. Brush with egg wash. With the short side of the pastry sheet facing you, sprinkle cheese mixture over half of the puff pastry closest to you. Fold the empty half of the pastry sheet over the cheese-covered half, sandwiching the cheese in between. Press gently to seal.
3. With the short side of the pastry sheet facing you, cut dough into 24 strips (8” x ½”, or 20 cm x 1 cm). Transfer strips to your prepared baking trays with space between each strip. Brush each strip on both sides with egg wash. Twist the strips gently and press the ends down onto the pan to prevent uncurling during baking. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over strips. Transfer trays to oven and bake cheese twists until golden brown and puffed, rotating the pans halfway through, for about 10 - 15 minutes. Transfer to the wire racks to cool slightly before serving.

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:

• 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 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
• Indoor Cycling from 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Thursdays:

• Strength & Cycling from 12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• QueenX Circuit from 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 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.

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.

Whether you're interested in learning something new or want to improve your guitar skills further, register for a one-hour free guitar lesson taught by our UBS colleague Bryan Guner. Guitar lessons will be taught every Tuesday and Wednesday from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. beginning with the first session on December 2. As space is limited, we ask that you please register by emailing us here. In your email, please include the date you would like to reserve and some info on your skill level.

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:

• Wednesday, December 3, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: The Coffee Bar will transform into the Popcorn Bar of your dreams, complete with sides of caramel, cheese powder, and chocolate sauce!
• Wednesday, December 10, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: The Coffee Bar will be serving up their gourmet hot chocolate with three different toppings for you to choose from.
• Wednesday, December 17, 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: The Coffee Bar will be hosting a 'Build your own snack bag' Pop-Up, where you can fill a bag with goodies of your choice, such as M&Ms, pretzels, and more!

Is running on your mind? Finish the workday strong with a group running session on the scenic Lincoln Harbor waterfront. Our weekly club is open to all skill levels, featuring multiple pace groups of runners, joggers, and walkers. Afterwards, be sure to stop by Hawk’s Nest A (seating area by the Cooking School) for our Hydration Station - a place to refuel with nutritious refreshments post-run. We will gather at 4:30 p.m. in the first-floor lobby and depart together as a group. Remember to bring a comfortable pair of running shoes, and please note, no registration is required. Ready, set, go!

• Session One: Wednesday, December 3 - 4:30 p.m.
• Session Two: Wednesday, December 10 - 4:30 p.m.
• Session Three: Wednesday, December 17 - 4:30 p.m.

Note: The running club will not meet on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. In the event of inclement weather, we will hold our session in the fitness center.

The UBS Cooking School offers in-person classes 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:

December 4: Cajun Crab Rolls with Remoulade Sauce & Chips

• 11:00 a.m. class
• 12:30 p.m. class

December 8: Classic Chicken Parmigiana

• 11:00 a.m. class
• 12:30 p.m. class

December 16: Indian Butter Chicken or Tofu with Naan & Rice

• 11:00 a.m. class
• 12:30 p.m. class

December 22: Classic Shrimp Cocktail & Cocktail Sauce

• 11:00 a.m. class
• 12:30 p.m. class

December 29: Steak Afrique & Sauce Yassa

• 11:00 a.m. class

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

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 sign up below

• Virtual Wellness x Cooking Class - Sticky Chinese Chicken with Ginger, Soy, and Tea: Wednesday, December 3 from12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Virtual Wellness Wednesdays - Fuel, Hydrate, and Move Through the Winter (Co-Taught by Fitness Specialist Enrique Camacho): Wednesday, December 10 from 10:00 a.m. –10:30 a.m.
• Virtual Wellness Wednesdays - Building Healthy Habits That Stick: Wednesday, December 17 from 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
• Virtual Wellness x Cooking Class - Stunning Stuffed Squash: Wednesday, December 24 from 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• Holiday Special: Virtual Wellness Monday - Reflect, Rest, and Recharge - Happy New Year!: Monday, December 29 from 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Ready for a DIY project that activates both your sweet tooth and your architectural creativity? Join us for this fun crafting session where you'll be able to construct and decorate your very own mini gingerbread house. All supplies will be provided, as well as a container to transport your creation home safely. We will meet on Monday, December 8 from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. in Hawk's Nest A (seating area in front of the Cooking School). Please be sure to register here to secure your spot:

Register Here

On Tuesday, December 9, the doors of the Cooking School will be wide open from 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., welcoming all to stop by for a fun mini truffle rolling session. In this short hands-on lesson, Chef Sydney and Chef Brian will teach you how to work with chocolate ganache and roll truffles that you get to take home! No registration is required, so feel free to stop by with a colleague or two for a sweet hand-crafted treat.

Premise Health will be hosting a tabling event for Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month on Thursday, December 11 in Hawk's Nest B (adjacent to the Coffee Bar) from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Stop by and talk to a provider for information on recognizing and managing seasonal affective disorder. All are welcome and no registration is required.

Still thinking of holiday gift ideas? We’ve got you covered! On Wednesday December 10, you’ll have the chance to pick up some fabulous skin care items right here in the office at Kate McLeod’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop. Kate McLeod is a New York-based beauty company known for producing solid moisturizers made from pure cocoa butter and all-natural ingredients. Their signature Body Stones melt on contact and are clinically proven to deliver up to 72 hours of long-lasting moisture thanks to their ultra-concentrated, waterless formula.

Whether you’re shopping for thoughtful host or hostess gifts, stocking stuffers, something small yet special for colleagues or friends, or even a treat for yourself, you’ll find easy, meaningful gifts for everyone on your list. Make sure to stop by the Kate McLeod Holiday Pop-Up Shop on December 10 from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in Hawk’s Nest B (adjacent to the Coffee Bar).

Happy birthday to you! Join us each month to celebrate our UBS colleagues' special day together. For this festive occasion, we'll have plenty of birthday cake and of course, we'll all sing 'Happy birthday'! We will celebrate December's birthdays on Thursday, December 11 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Hawk's Nest A (seating area by the Cooking School). To make sure you don’t miss out on the celebration, please register below:

Register Here

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.

You can pick up an Angel card from the Community Manager desk in the Hawk's Nest (outside of TechPoint) until Friday, December 5. Each Angel card will detail the requested items for you to purchase. As many angels support an entire family, this would make a great team donation! Please consider helping us achieve our commitment to local families in need.

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. The deadline has been extended to Friday, December 12.

Start your engines, Mario Kart returns to Lincoln Harbor for another fun-filled tournament! Bring your competitive spirit and pick your favorite character as you drift around corners, collect powerups, and breeze past your opponents. This tournament will take place in the Game Room (adjacent to the Library) from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15. Please be sure to register here:

Register Here

Celebrate Culture & Cuisine with Us!

This month, in partnership with MOSAIC, we’re celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa with the following themed menu items at the Café from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.:

• December 16: In celebration of Hanukkah, the Global Buffet will serve Braised Beef Brisket, Roasted Herb Chicken, Sweet Potato Tzimmes (a traditional, sweet and savory Jewish dish featuring dried fruit, sweet potatoes and carrot), Sautéed Green Beans, Herring Salad, Broccoli Salad, and Herb & Watercress Salad.
• December 26: In celebration of Christmas, the Global Buffet will feature Maple Brined Roasted Chicken with Pan Gravy; Candied Sweet Potatoes; Roasted Brussels Sprouts; Parsnips & Baby Carrots; Baby Arugula served with Dried Figs, Roasted Pear, and Balsamic Vinaigrette; Wheatberry Salad with Apples, Radishes, and Sherry Vinegar; and Honey-Glazed Butternut Squash.
• December 29: In celebration of Kwanzaa, the Chef Table will offer Grilled Shrimp with Pili Pili Sauce (a flavorful African hot sauce) served with Southern Succotash and Baby Carrots.

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

This month, expand your palate and join us for flavorful samplings from Evie's Snacks, a woman-owned company offering Texas-seasoned, gluten-free pecans! This tabling will be held in the café on Tuesday, December 16 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Items will be available for purchase.

Create your own holiday magic with this playful craft session! Design a DIY snow globe that's uniquely you - whether it's whimsical, wintry, or witty. We will provide all materials as you fill your joyful snow globes with the decorative trinkets of your choice. We will meet on Tuesday, December 16 from 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. in the Hawk's Nest A (seating area in front of the Cooking School). Please register below so we know to expect you:

Register Here

Calling all hockey fans - join us as we debut a new game for our PlayStation 5: NHL '26! Hit the ice either solo or with a colleague and outscore the competition. All are welcome to join regardless of skill level, and the winning player or team will receive a prize! This tournament will take place in the Game Room (adjacent to the Library) from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17. Please be sure to register here:

Register Here

Grab your best (or worst!) holiday sweater and join us for an end-of-year party you won't want to miss! On the last Thursday before we depart for the holidays, we'll be decking the halls of the Hawk's Nest with seasonal snacks and premium beverages sure to lift your spirits. Partake in karaoke with all of your favorite holiday songs, snap keepsake Polaroids at our festive photo booth, and if you're lucky, you may even be able to brush shoulders with Santa Claus himself! Join us on Thursday, December 18 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the Hawk's Nest Seating Library (seating area next to the Game Room) for an evening full of cheer. Space is limited, so please be sure to purchase your ticket here:

Register Here

Think you have the best slapshot at Lincoln Harbor? Time to prove it! Join us for this indoor hockey slapshot competition where precision, bragging rights, and a prize for the winner are all up for grabs. We will meet in Conference Room #3 (second floor) on Friday, December 19 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Spaces are limited, so please register below to secure your spot:

Register Here

Shining Through the Seasons: Supporting Employee Well‑Being

As the year draws to a close many of us feel the weight of balancing professional and personal commitments. The holiday season can bring joy, but it can also introduce stress, fatigue, and emotional challenges. At UBS, we recognize that mental health is just as important as financial health, and we want to provide resources and reminders to help you thrive.

One common concern during this time is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression linked to reduced daylight in the winter months. Symptoms include low energy, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood. This experience involves a dip in motivation or well-being as the days grow shorter. There are simple, meaningful interventions you can incorporate into your day like taking breaks, staying physically active, and maintaining social connections. The holidays themselves can bring unique pressure, such as family expectations, financial planning, and the challenge of finding time for rest.

Remember to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and ask for support from family or co-workers. We encourage you to check in with yourself and your colleagues. The significance of a small gesture is meaningful, such as sharing gratitude or offering a listening ear. Wishing you peace, balance, and renewal this season.

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.

Financial Wellness

Wellness isn’t just about your body and mind—it includes your finances. Financial wellness means feeling confident about your money, making informed decisions, and planning for the future. Strong financial wellness reduces stress and increases freedom. Financial stress can affect mental and physical health, contributing to anxiety, poor sleep, and high blood pressure. By taking control of your finances, you create peace of mind and stability.

Steps to Improve Financial Wellness:

1. Track Your Spending – Budgeting is about awareness, not restriction.
2. Build an Emergency Fund – Even a small cushion of three to six months’ expenses protects against unexpected costs.
3. Manage Debt – Focus on paying off high-interest debt to reduce financial strain.
4. Invest in the Future – Regular saving for retirement or long-term goals grows over time.
5. Set Goals Aligned with Your Values – Prioritize what matters most, like travel, homeownership, or giving back.

During open enrollment, schedule a call with a financial advisor to determine which insurance plan is best for you. Getting the right coverage is a key part of financial wellness and can prevent unexpected expenses down the road. Financial wellness is a journey—small, consistent steps lead to greater confidence, lower stress, and a healthier, more balanced life.

December is a season of celebration and a time to reflect on how our choices shape the world around us. As we wrap up the year, let’s make sustainability a part of our holiday traditions and workplace habits!

Gift-giving is a hallmark of December, but it doesn’t have to come at an environmental cost. Consider giving experiences like cooking classes or local events instead of physical items or choose locally made goods that support small businesses and reduce transportation emissions. When wrapping gifts, opt for reusable bags, recycled newspaper, or reuse paper grocery bags.

Holiday meals are another opportunity to make a difference. Plan portions carefully to avoid excess, and if you do have leftovers, freeze them for later or share with neighbors. Compost vegetable scraps when possible and try sourcing ingredients from local farmers markets to support regional agriculture.

In the office, make it a goal this month to cut down on plastic goods purchased and thrown away. Bring your own mug for coffee or tea and encourage your team to do the same. Small changes like this reduce waste and help create a more sustainable workplace culture. UBS has environmental targets to meet, and we need your help to reduce the waste going to landfill from our offices!

By ending the year with mindful choices, we set the tone for a more sustainable start to 2026