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
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-Raleigh-FitnessCenter@ubs.com.
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Mondays:
Tuesdays:
Wednesdays:
Thursdays:
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:
Bring your colleagues, your favorite tune, and join us for a fun-filled afternoon of karaoke led by your new host! Come for zero judgment, unexpected office talent, and maximum fun. We will meet on Monday, August 3 from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. in Alfred Escher Auditorium C. Please register below so we know to expect you, and we can't wait for you to steal the show!
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.:
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
Premise Health will be hosting a tabling event on Lung Health in the Exchange Café on Wednesday, August 5 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. All are welcome and no registration is required. Stop by to speak with our providers!
Back by popular demand, join us as we embark on a delightful journey through premium local beers! Whether you are a beer aficionado or just beginning your exploration into the world of beer, this event led by a cicerone promises to be both educational and enjoyable. We will meet on Thursday, August 13 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. in Alfred Escher Auditorium C. Our “sip” events always sell out quickly, so be sure to register now! We can’t wait to see you there.
Think fast - it's sports trivia time! Put your knowledge to the test and compete in our live-themed trivia challenge, where the winner will win a prize - and bragging rights for the summer as Raleigh's new trivia champion! We will meet on Tuesday, August 18 from 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. in Alfred Escher Auditorium C. Please register below so we know to expect 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!
Join us for Raleigh’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 19 from 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Alfred Escher Auditorium C. 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.
Are you looking for a cozy activity to finish off the workday? Join Raleigh's knitting club! This group will be led by an instructor with years of experience in different styles of knitting. 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 information on your skill level and what items you are interested in crafting.
We will meet in the Falcons Room on Thursday, August 20 and Thursday, August 27 from 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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 - where the winner will be featured in our newsletter! We will view the submissions and hold the vote on Wednesday, August 26 from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the Exchange Café. Please submit your photo by emailing us here by Friday, August 21, and be sure to register using the link below:
Enjoy a variety of board games and card games guaranteed to bring light-hearted fun into your day! There will be a raffle with a prize of a new game each month, and snacks and refreshments will be served. We will meet on Tuesday, August 25 from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the café seating area. Please register below so we know to expect you:
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
As summer rolls along, it 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:
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. Telehealth visits carry no charge for both Primary Care and Behavioral Health all of 2026.