Cleanest Block for 2012

Do you know that recently in Chua Chu Kang estate, there was a "Cleanest Block" competition within the 19 blocks managed by the RC ? If you did not know, Zone 9 RC has 19 blocks, from Block 762 to 792.  Above is the plate, proudly being etched onto the wall of Block 768 for residents to know that they have played a part in the estate cleaniness.

Lets all of us play our part and keep it up, not just for Block 768 but for all blocks, as we love to stay in a clean estate we call our own.

Rubbish from above ... Block 790

On 22 Sep 2012, a resident saw a frail hand with a white bag, extended out of the window and in horror, watch the packet of waste landed on the surface road.  Thankfully, it did not hit people or any vehicles, parked at the loading / unloading bay.

Our RC members got the call at 8.30am in the morning when the act happened.  We quickly arranged a team to visit the unit and discovered as follows :

1) Most likely it was a very elderly lady, with mobility difficulty
2) Family is aware but cannot do much as even with precautions taken, it still happens
3) Elderly lady was left home alone for extended period of time, as family has to work or has to go school

We will find time to meet with the resident and see how best we can assist.  Most important, in knowing that this elderly lady is home alone during working hours, our concern is more to find a team of people to visit them regularly.

If your home has elderly who is always alone at home as the rest of the family has to work or go to school, please do let the RC know.  Allow us to look into it to start a group who are keen for this way of serving.

Molest Case at Block 790

On 18 Sep, there was a molest case at Block 790.  From what we heard from residents feedback, the molester followed the victim from the MRT Station, all the way to the block.  The case is still under investigation by the police.

We would like to caution that crime can also happen, in the day time.  It can happen anytime.  Especially if anyone of the ladies, going into the lifts alone with a stranger, the best option is always to allow the stranger to go in, while you wait for the next one.

Please do remember to inform your loved ones about lurking dangers and the precautions they can take to keep themselves safe and sane.

Cluttered Stairways

During our recent "Citizens On Patrol" rounds in August, a lot of households are still cluttering the stairways or even corridors.  Our RC had taken pictures and submitted to Town Council for their actions, since our constant advice have gone into deaf ears.

We have advised Town Council to give warnings and ample time for residents to clear the items.  Our next coming "Citizens On Patrol", we will revisit the same units that has the cluttering problems.  If it persists, we will have to exercise a little more authority and advise Town Council to issue a summon.

For the benefit of all our residents safety, we do hope the affected parties will understand.

Block 787B Coffeeshop

I was at the Coffeeshop that is located in the boundary of Chu Chu Kang Zone 9 and it has been there faithfully serving the residents since Oct 1995. As I look back at the stalls selling various types of hawker fare, allow me to share my thoughts on the stalls one by one, for the benefit of those who did not know good food do exist in hidden places ... For those driving, the location is just behind the Esso Petrol Kiosk. For those taking MRT, it is 5 mins walk towards the direction of the Petrol Kiosk, via the void deck of Block 787.  

Chicken Rice Stall This stall is the lonest surviving stall, dating back from the days of inception in Oct 1995. Simple fare but with the fragrant rice, no wonder it lasts till today  

Western Food Run by a family with 2 growing children, dishes served have improved since the day they started their business and with servings that are sufficient to keep the tummy grumbling at bay. What I admire most is that despite price increase in raw materials, they have kept their prices stable. My favourite is having a simple burger with egg, where I can take home and enjoy as my late night snack.  

Vegetarian Food Stall A new addition less than a year, where business is good during the 1st and 15th day of the month. A stall that offers variety and operates long hours for the benefit of residents living in our area.  

Noodles - Fish Ball / Minced Meat / Laksa This stall is being operated by an iron lady, whom I see her from dawn till 10pm almost everyday. I enjoy the big and generous servings she gives, when literally after a meal, you can skip another .... That is how filling it can get ! My kids been eating her minced pork / fish ball noodles for the longest time, not getting bored of it. Maybe the meal served lacked vegetables, which is to their joy !!  

Carrot Cake, Fried Kway Teow, Hokkien Mee & Oyster Omelette This is a stall where during breakfast hours, the clanging of the pan while whipping up delicious Carrot Cake makes you just want to try, and there I did. After eating, it became my regular morning palatte with my family as a shared item, eaten to the last drop ...  

Lor Mee / Yong Tau Hoo The"Lor Mee" is a winner for breakfast item at this Coffeeshop where queues is a norm, especially on weekends. At times, even late lunchers do not get an opportunity savour it as the gravy is out of stock ! My favourite is the Lor Mee with Spinich Toufu ... simply marvellous !! Must try !!  

Bak Kut Teh / Pig Organ Soup A dish for lovers of high cholesterol food .. That's what my wife told me ! Due to my health and budget constraints, I am restricted to eating it at most twice a month, but the pig organ soup and trotters keeps you craving for more !  

Muslim Food Stall The latest edition where it seems to be here for a long time. The "Shenton Way Mee Goreng" is simply so delicious that you can see many people ordering in different combinations ... Mee with Bee Hoon, Kway Teow with Mee .... Secondly, i enjoy the mutton soup, where it is so rich and tasty, that it has been my regular meal with bread, if I want to eat something simple. Last but not least, the Prata is crispy and large especially the curries, simply good to have at any time of the day.  

Economic Rice / Seafood Zhi Char Last but not least, a must at every Coffeeshop. This stall have been with us for a period of time and sells affordable "chai fun" during lunch and dinner, and very well improved "Zhi Char" combinations. Previously I shun this stall at night cos felt the food was not tasty and presentation was poor, but with a new boss for almost 3 years, the impression I once had is no longer valid ...

The reviews are my honest opinions as a resident here for the past 17 years, eating almost three quarters of on packed food. I wish all of you could enjoy with the family. As the saying goes, " A family that eats together, stays together"

Suicidal Cats ?

On 3 July, I received a call of foul smell emitting from the grass patch behind Block 785.  It happened to be my day off, so after breakfast, went to investigate the foul smell.

The smell was indeed very bad, and as I was combing the grass patch, still cannot find the source.  However, at the corner of my eye, there was sightings of houseflies flying out from the drains.  Suspecting that there could be rotten food, instead I saw a dead cat lying in the drain.

We picked it up and there was no signs of injuries, except lots of bleeding coming out of the mouth.  Injuries could be internal.  Anyway, it was placed in a black bag and arranged for it to be disposed.

Our suspicion could be the cat have fallen from a height at night, and found itself landed inside the drain instead of the grass patch.  Suicide ?? Only the cat knows ....

Staircase Toilet ?

On 9 June 2012 at 1.00am, we went for our regular “Citizens On Patrol”.  It was pouring heavily and during our patrols,  we saw at Block 789 staircase landing, mezzanine level between level 1 & 2, had a circular item on the floor that looked like beef patty.  

On closer examination, we were shocked to discover that it was human faeces ! Gosh, we are thankful that the heavy rain washed away the smell of urine that came with it.

Did You See This Sign ??

If you are not a regular user of Stagmont Park, a prominent sign have been placed in front of Block 771 to ask for witnesses of a recent loanshark case in our neighbourhood, on 18 April, at approximately 9.17pm.

Citizens On Patrol will be formed soon by CCK Zone 9 RC.  It is our hope to be a deterrent and also a presence to increase the safety and security of the neighborhood we call "Home"

Ramp at Block 786 and 771

We are pleased to inform that a new ramp have been built in front of Block 786 and 771, which will be a great help for families with children on strollers and residents with market trolley baskets, crossing Choa Chu Kang Street 54.

Our RC would like to thank resident for his feedback and posture in allowing time for the ramp to be completed, as it requires clearance from few agencies.

Barking Dogs - Block 771

We received a call from our hotline on 20 March, about 12.15pm from a resident of Block 771, giving feedback of barking dogs in the home, which barked non-stop from afternoons to evenings.  He sought help from RC to speak to the owner of the dogs.

Upon clarification, the person who called us, did not have any details for us, just informing us to address the issue and not sure which unit it comes from.  The feedback from non-stop from afternoons to evenings, became occasionally.  Even if the frequency is not as often, we would like to help but with no details as to which unit it came from, it is very hard for us.  The person would like to feedback to HDB, and we advised that it is the same - details are needed.

Barking dogs do not bite, but they do create an irritation if it is prolonged barking with no reason.