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
For an easy springtime side dish, few veggies are as quick to cook as asparagus. Just 4 - 8 minutes under the broiler is all you need, which gives a few minutes to throw together the accompanying avocado sauce. You could add a drizzle of your favorite condiment to the aioli, such as hot sauce or Dijon or Worcestershire or vinegar. This side dish works well served along with poultry, red meat, fish or shellfish, or beans and grains.
Broiled Asparagus with Avocado Aioli
Serves 4
Ingredients:
1 ½ lbs (680 grams) asparagus, trimmed of woody ends
About ¼ cup (60 mL) olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted
1 lemon (half for zest and juice, remaining ½ cut into wedges)
1 garlic clove, minced or grated
Instructions:
Chef Brian's Recipe
When my kids want to join me baking, I have to make sure we have an easy project. This is a go-to in our house: using store-bought canned & uncooked biscuits to make monkey bread. While the typical flavor pairing is cinnamon and sugar, I like to make a cheese and garlic version when we are the mood for bold, savory flavor. The flavor combinations are endlessly customizable: you can change the spices, cheeses, and even the aromatics - for example: scallion-black pepper-pecorino, caramelized onion-rosemary-gruyere, or jalapeno-paprika-pepper jack cheese.
Garlic & Cheesy Monkey Bread
Makes one 9-inch (23 cm) Bundt pan
Ingredients:
½ cup (113 g) + 2 tbsp (140 g) of unsalted butter, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 oz (113 g) of shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese (or a combination of both)
2 teaspoons (6 g) of dried oregano
2 cans (453 g) of uncooked, refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
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-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:
Tuesdays:
Wednesdays:
Thursdays:
Fridays:
The Fallen Soldier table is reserved to honor our missing loved ones or missing comrades in arms. The empty place represents Americans still missing from each of the six branches of service - Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force – and civilians.
The Table set for one is small - Symbolizing the frailty of one prisoner
alone against their oppressors.
The Tablecloth is white - Symbolizing the purity of their intentions to
respond to their country's call to arms.
The single Red Rose displayed in a vase - A reminder of the families
and loved ones who keep the faith awaiting their return.
The Yellow Ribbon tied on the vase - Symbolizing the unyielding
determination to demand a proper accounting of our missing.
The Candle is lit - Symbolizing the upward reach of their
unconquerable spirit and our hope for their return.
A Slice of Lemon is on the bread plate – To remind us of their bitter
fate.
There is Salt upon the bread plate - Symbolic of the families' tears as
they wait.
The Glass is inverted - They cannot toast with us.
The Chair - The chair is empty. They are not here.
We should never forget the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call to serve and fought for our freedom with honor. There will be a Fallen Soldier table in the 2B Café for the month of May. The table is sponsored by the UBS Veterans & Allies Network (goto/veterans), and all are welcome to view it regardless of military service or background.
You voted, and the results are in - Birch Coffee is now the official coffee roaster at your coffee pantry!
Birch Coffee, based in New York City, sources specialty coffee ethically and invests locally. By partnering with producers who practice responsible land stewardship and supporting literacy and education programs in underserved communities, Birch Coffee links sustainable agriculture at origin with social equity initiatives at home.
Thank you for voting, stop by our pantry areas today and enjoy your preferred coffee: Birch Blend.
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:
May 5: Mexican Smoky Garlic Shrimp & Citrus Salsa
May 11: New Orleans Gumbo & Garlic-Butter French Bread
May 12: One Hour Technical Class: Cookie Workshop
May 18: General Tso's Chicken or Tofu with Steamed Rice
May 20: Argentinian Steak & Red Chimichurri
Use this link to view more of our Cooking School classes: Cooking School
This month, expand your palate and join us for a flavorful sampling from New Jersey's very own 'The Dessert Ladies', featuring their elegantly crafted delicious treats. Known for their unforgettable chocolate truffles, in addition to samples there will be gift boxes for Mother's Day available for purchase. This tabling will be held on Tuesday, May 5 from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. in Hawk's Nest B (seating area adjacent to the coffee bar).
Celebrate culture and cuisine with us! This month, in partnership with MOSAIC, we’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo; Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month; and Jewish American Heritage Month with the following menu items at the Café from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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.
In conjunction with Asset Management, the Veterans & Allies Network is asking employees to “drop in” to write a card for a Veteran in a VA home on Tuesday, May 5. Cards, envelopes, and pens will be provided. We encourage you to stop by and leave a note for a veteran to show your appreciation. We will meet from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in Hawk's Nest A (seating area in front of the cooking school).
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!
Is running on your mind as the days start to get warmer? 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!
Note: To use the locker room facilities in the fitness center you must have an active membership.
Join us to celebrate mom with this special LEGO crafting event, where you'll get the chance to build a stunning bouquet piece by piece! Pick your 'flowers', take a seat, and enjoy this relaxing hands-on experience during the lunch hour. We will meet in Hawk's Nest A (seating area in front of the Cooking School) from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7. This is a unique event you will not want to miss, so please be sure to register below:
Are you looking for a cozy activity to finish off the workday? Join our new weekly knitting club, which meets Wednesdays from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., with our first session of this month taking place on Wednesday, May 6. This group will be led by an instructor with years of experience in different styles of knitting and crocheting. All materials will be provided and at the end of each session your work will be stored securely so you can pick right back up where you left off! All skill levels are welcome and instructional resources will be made available each session. As space is limited, we ask that you please register by emailing us here. In your email, please include some info on your skill level and what items you'd be interested in crafting.
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:
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 May's birthdays on Thursday, May 7 from 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 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:
What would you do if you were at a restaurant with high-net-worth clients and they asked you to choose a bottle of wine for the table? If your first answer was panic, or if you aren't sure which wine you'd choose, this event is for you! Put your nerves at ease and join us for a fun and informative session that will build your confidence in selecting and discussing premium bottles of wine. This workshop will be led by Jacqueline Boshart, a veteran in the NYC wine industry who has built a name for herself selecting and procuring wine for high-net-worth individuals. This session will take place on Thursday, May 14 from 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room #10 (second floor, 1200 building). Please register below to secure your spot:
In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, join our Book Club which will meet on Monday, May 18 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in Conference Room #10 (second floor, 1200 building). We’re excited to feature Boat Baby, a powerful memoir by NBC News anchor and correspondent Vicky Nguyen, as this month’s book. Blending heroism with humor, Nguyen shares her family’s harrowing escape from Vietnam and her extraordinary journey from refugee to reporter. This meeting will cover the first 27 chapters of the book. Complimentary books will be provided to the first 15 registrants who enroll using the in-person link below, after which in-person registrants will need to secure their own copy. Those unable to join us in-person can still participate virtually using Teams, but will also be responsible for acquiring their own copy of the book.
Register Here - In-person
Register Here - Virtual
Spring is the time for renewal, so don't miss this special opportunity to refresh your Microsoft Teams and LinkedIn pictures with a complimentary headshot from iClick! We will meet on Monday, May 18 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Conference Room #3 (second floor of the 1200 building). Spots are limited, so please be sure to reserve your spot by signing up below:
Reintroducing Your Counseling & Mental Health Services
Supporting the well‑being of our clients has always been the core mission at the UBS Employee Health Center, and we’re excited to share that our counseling and mental health services remain available and flexible. These services are designed to meet UBS employees where they are: navigating stress, adjusting to life changes, or simply looking for someone to talk to. Through introductory no-cost consultations, in-person sessions, or no-copay telehealth for 2026, our licensed behavioral health clinician offers confidential sessions at your pace and schedule.
May is the month for Mental Health Awareness. Take this time to reflect on how you may be feeling. Consider if your energy levels have been consistent, if your appetite and sleep have experienced disruptions, or if you are otherwise feeling unsatisfied. If not due to a health-related concern, these factors could be influenced by changes in mood, stress, or anxiety. You and those around you are the best resources to consider if there have been any changes. Our Behavioral Health Professional can provide quality care to help identify the physiological or emotional roots.
If you could benefit from talking with a professional, consider reaching out. Our team is here to support you in any way.
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.
Are you ready to explore the healthy food options available in the café? Join registered dietitian, nutritionist and wellness manager Maya Billig on Tuesday, May 19 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:
On May 20, the fitness center will be free of charge for those who want to complete the 2026 Murph Challenge. The “Murph” honors the legacy of Michael P. Murphy who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Afghanistan in 2005. The challenge can be modified to ensure everyone can participate regardless of their fitness levels. Let the Veterans & Allies Network know you’ve completed the challenge, and we’ll send you a t-shirt! Please reach out to Amanda Lupi (Amanda.lupi@ubs.com) for more details.
In celebration of the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix, join us for a watch party on Friday, May 22 from 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. where light snacks and refreshments will be provided! We will meet in the Hawk's Nest Game Room (adjacent to the Library). Bring a friend and enjoy as we socialize and enjoy thrilling coverage on the big screen! Please register here so we know to expect you.
Join us for a thrilling pool tournament on Wednesday, May 27 from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.! Showcase your skills to be crowned Lincoln Harbor's pool champion and win bragging rights for the rest of the year! We will meet in the Hawk's Nest Game Room (adjacent to the Library). Be sure to register below to ensure your spot in the competition:
Calling all tennis fans! In celebration of the French Open this month, join us for a watch party on Thursday, May 28 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the Hawk's Nest Game Room (adjacent to the Library). Snacks and refreshments will be served! Make sure to register below to secure your spot:
Join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and music! Sample our selection of imported sake, belt out your favorite songs on karaoke, and enjoy a variety of delicious dumplings while you cheer on your colleagues. Festivities will take place on Thursday, May 28th from 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in Conference Room #9 (second floor, 1200 building). This event is sure to be a hit, so register below to make sure your spot is secure!
Eat Right and Be Kind to Your Mind
Each year in May we honor Mental Health Awareness Month by looking into the various ways to boost mental health through daily habits. Eating patterns are undoubtedly connected to brain health, our mental wellbeing, and may help prevent certain mental health disorders.
In a fast-paced world, balancing work, family, and personal commitments can make maintaining consistent, healthy eating habits difficult. Mental state can affect eating habits, while diet can influence mood. Stress and low mood can disrupt appetite, food preferences, and meal patterns. Diets high in processed foods are associated with a higher risk of depression and anxiety. In contrast, eating patterns rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, and healthy fats are linked to lower risk of mental health disorders. Simple habits like consuming fatty fish, leafy greens, berries, whole grains, and nuts while limiting processed foods can provide nutrients that support brain function and mood.
Diet quality appears more important than supplements alone for mental health. Eating whole foods that contain nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamin D, folate, and selenium has been found to be most effective for brain function, memory and reducing depression or anxiety.
Research on the gut-brain axis shows that the gut microbiome can influence mood and emotional regulation. Probiotics may alter brain responses to emotional stimuli and reduce depressive symptoms in some individuals.
By emphasizing balanced, whole-food-based eating patterns and establishing regular meal times, we nourish our bodies and minds.
Sustainable Habits
May is a great time to turn sustainability awareness into everyday action. With spring in full bloom, the month offers a natural opportunity to focus on biodiversity, resource conservation, and simple habits that support a healthier environment both at work and at home.
World Bee Day, celebrated on May 20, highlights the vital role bees play as pollinators in maintaining healthy ecosystems and supporting global food systems. As part of UBS’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity, beehives have been installed at several office locations across the Americas. These hives help strengthen local biodiversity while also raising awareness about the importance of pollinators and the ecosystems they support.
Sustainability can be supported through everyday practices. Simple actions such as properly sorting waste using pantry and copy‑room signage, reducing unnecessary printing, and being mindful of energy use help contribute to the building’s environmental goals.
These everyday efforts help reinforce sustainability as part of our daily routine this spring and support a more resilient environment inside and outside the workplace.