Dear all,

This week's update will be quite lengthy. Please take the time to read through thoroughly. Please reply after reading this email ASAP.

Several changes have been implemented to the Tong Xun Yuan organization. I've summarized those relevant to SYD as below:
1. The Friday Weekly paper will cease to exist. It will be replaced by "豆号"an insert in the Wednesday publication of lianhe zaobao.
2. There will be no more Wen Hua Ying. (Something else might come, but no finalized plans yet)
3. Yinxin will be held from 18th to 20th March 2009 (Wed to Fri of March hols). Please indicate if you are free to attend. We need all the manpower we can for this event.
4. Dress code in SPH – No slippers and revealing clothing (like FBT shorts). Preferably covered shoes, T-shirt and pants/jeans.
5. All activities to cease at 10pm (Sat) and 5pm (Sun). If you have to go SPH on Sunday, group leaders must be informed as we have to apply for permission. The security will not grant you entrance without prior notification.

Community Involvement Programme:

Every year, TXY members engage in a CIP activity, and we are obliged to help out. This year, we will need 2 photographers. Details are as follows:

Venue: Serangoon North
Date/Time: 6, 13, 20th Jan 2009 from 7-9pm. (Basically all Tues)
Activities: Teaching kids to make CNY decorations and card
Participants can claim CIP hours. Yes, you can photograph and have fun and still gain credit. A great deal!

Eye the City Challenge

This is a photographic activity organized by externals, but we find it very meaningful and hope everyone from SYD can join. We will be organizing a shoot as a group, although if you feel that you can shoot better alone, we are not forcing you to stick with us. We have yet to decide on the venue to shoot, and are open to suggestions.

Every participant will be shooting during the last 24 hours of 2008. The aim is to create a visual archive of the changes to Singapore over the years. Selected works will be published in a coffee-table book which everyone will receive. Registration is on 30th Dec. Students pay $12 and adults, $15. Please read the links below for specific info.

E- Brochure: http://eyeecity.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/43/1?xurl=http://eyeecity.multiply.com/photos/album/43/Eye_e_City_2008%231

Terms and conditions (IMPORTANT must read!):

Pg 1: http://eyeecity.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/45/1?xurl=http://eyeecity.multiply.com/photos/album/45%231

Pg 2: http://eyeecity.multiply.com/photos/hi-res/45/2?xurl=http://eyeecity.multiply.com/photos/album/45%232

Application form:

http://eyeecity.multiply.com/photos/album/47/Eye_e_City_2008_Application_Form

Those below 18 years old have to get their parents to sign the consent form.

It is advisable for everyone to do a little research on the upcoming changes to Singapore so as to find a suitable theme.

Volunteers needed for photo shoot

In conjunction, on the 31st Dec our guwen Ray has organized a photo outing for a group of 10 wheelchair-bound disabled individuals. In some sense they will be shooting their own Eye the City. He is looking to us for volunteers to help out. Details are as follows:

- Meet at Tiong Bharu MRT 9am (tentative)
- Will split into 3 groups visiting Vivo, Esplanade and Botanical Gardens separately
- Participants have compact cameras sponsored by Fujifilm, but if we want to shoot we'll have to bring our own equipment

The shoot will end at 12 noon, so we can continue with our challenge after that. The details are not finalized. I will update volunteers via SMS so if you are keen to help you must REPLY.

Here is what I need from you in your reply:
1. Are you free to attend Yinxin? Which days are you free?
2. Are you interested in covering the CIP event?
3. Do you intend to participate in Eye the City challenge? (if yes please register on the 30th yourself) If yes, do you want to shoot as a group or individual?
4. Do you intend to help out at Ray's photo shoot?

If there are any things that you don't understand, feel free to contact me. Weekly email updates will now be sent on Sundays, as I understand that some members have no internet access on weekdays.

That's all for now. Enjoy the last few days of holidays =)

Regards,
Wangwei

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