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Editor’s June 2013 Communiqué

Hot Dog!  Summer’s here!  (Well, not  officially until June 21)

Lot’s of events this month and in the upcoming months!

First off, however, RENEW your MEMBERSHIP or join the club.  << Membership Form link >>

This month, we have:

Remember to perform random acts of kindness!

Nisei Ski Club June 2013 Membership Report

~ by Armand Gutierrez  ~

1.      Membership Activity

The month of May saw a good number of members taking advantage of the discounted membership fee by renewing their membership.  We had 18 members join, plus the returning board members (8), and Morgan Hua has decided to take a break from the board after serving a number of years. That brings us to 30 members.  Also, congratulations to Joe Feng for being the first to renew his membership.

2.      2013-2014 Election Results

I would like to thank the membership for participating in this year’s NSC board nominations and elections. There was a 40% turnout for elections and the results are as follows:

a.      President – Armand Gutierrez
b.      Vice President – Hoyt Nelson
c.      Treasurer – Frank Chang
d.      Secretary – None ~ position is available!
e.      Trip Director – Karen Soo
f.       Newsletter Chairman – Dan Lew
g.      Board Member – Joel Hayashida
h.      Board Member – Curtis Otaguro
i.       Board Member – Bryan Hess

 

 

President’s Message ~ June 2013

~Armand Gutierrez~

Last year I volunteered to be President of NSC because Morgan Hua had already served two terms and he decided that it was time to pass the gavel to another NSC member. This year I volunteered to be on the ballot along with any other nominees for President. Well, there were no other nominees or write-ins so it looks like I’m back for another season. Once again, the board will remain the same; with the exception that Morgan will be taking a “break” from serving on the board. I would like to thank the current board members for remaining “on board”, and a special thanks to Morgan for serving on the board for a number of years. Besides my duties as President I will also continue my Membership Chairman position.

This past ski season was slightly better than last years, but not by much. The season started off well with snow in November and December, but after that it seemed like Mother Nature decided to take a nap. The highlight of the season had to be the Steamboat trip where everyone was treated to the famous champagne powder.

This year’s ski week will be at Sun Peaks, BC. I picked Sun Peaks because it offers great skiing on a variety of slopes, Nisei has never been there, and I figured it was time to explore new territory. Take a look at the flyer on the website and sign up for what should be a great ski experience.

This month we’re also having a Post-Season Picnic at Las Palmas Park in Sunnyvale. There was such a good turnout at last year’s picnic the board decided to have this event to once again reunite old friends, meet new friends, and get everyone excited about the upcoming season. Read the flyer for details and look for an Evite invitation in your email. One other upcoming event is the Mt. View Obon Festival on July 20-21. If you’re interested in volunteering for this event please contact Karen Soo ().

I’m hopeful that this season will bring us an increased membership, a few more social events, and a good ski season.

NSC 2014 Ski Week Trip to Sun Peaks, BC ~ Feb 8-15, 2014

Jake the Ski Fool says “follow me to Sun Peaks BC for our 2014 ski week trip.” NSC has never been to Sun Peaks and the snow conditions are outstanding. Remember the “snow ghosts” at Big White? Well, Sun Peaks prefers to call them “snow angels”. Experience the thrill of skiing through trees, light powder, and meet up with a few snow angels!

 

Dates:              February 8 – 15, 2014
Price:              $1475 (Senior – $1400)

Trip price includes:

  • Roundtrip airfare from San Francisco to Seattle to Kelowna on Alaska Airlines
  • Roundtrip charter bus from Kelowna to Sun Peaks
  • 7 nights stay at the Crystal Forest condominiums (5-minute walk to lifts and village, plus private hot tubs)
  • 5 of 6 day lift ticket (6-day optional, senior (65+) also available)
  • Farewell Dinner
  • NSC Souvenir
  • Mid-week activities at additional cost:
    • Dog Sled Tours
    • Fondue Dinner and Evening Descent
    • Ice Skating
  • Price does not include Baggage Fees (see Alaska Airlinesfor current baggage fees)
    • Baggage fees as of June, 2013:  $20/first, $20/second. Boot and ski bag are consideed a single bag.

Price and availability guaranteed for 32 seats only. Sign up now. (See Sign-up form).

Sign-up deadline: September 15, 2013

Rooming: Condos are 2BD or 3BD. Accommodations will be assigned based on roommate preference and room availability.

Cancellation Policy:  It is your responsibility to find a replacement if you cancel. Cancellation fees will depend on what NSC is charged and what is refunded from Alaska Airlines or Sun Peaks Resort.

You must be at least 21 years of age and a member of the Nisei Ski Club to sign up for this trip.

Questions?      Contact: Armand Gutierrez at

Las Palmas Park Picnic, You’re INVITED ~ June 22, 2013

Save the date and time!
Come out and catch up with current and past NSC members.

The current NSC board members would like to invite you to a picnic.

Who’s invited: NSC members and their invited Guests.

When:  Saturday,June 22, 2013 12:00PM – 5:00PM

Where: Las Palmas Park  / Picnic Area #1
850 Russet Drive, Sunnyvale.

See the linkbelow for the exact location and parking information: http://sunnyvale.ca.gov/Portals/0/Sunnyvale/DCS/Parks/Las%20Palmas-r02.pdf

Why:   To update our membership, discuss what’s in store for next year, and enjoy a pleasant day together.

Cost:   NO COST, Just bring your favorite side dish or dessert to share.
NSC will supply all beverages, plates, utensils, & napkins

RSVP information and food preference will be listed in an upcoming EVITE.

BAC Baseball Outing – Oakland A’s vs Texas Rangers, Aug 2, 2013

Friday, August 2, 2013

Game time @ 7:05pm

$32 seats, regularly $35

Bay Area Snow Sports Council, BAC

Presents it’s Eighth Annual

FUND RAISER for Disabled Sports USA Far West

All proceeds over cost go to DSUSA

Additional contributions will be greatly appreciated

Deadline for purchasing tickets: July 12th, 2013

Click this link for the  << Event Flyer >> and full details!!

ST. JOSEPH’S HILL: A NEW NSC HIKE ON SATURDAY, JUNE 15th

 Lead by Hoyt Nelson

>>> ERRATUM – NOTE contact email address has been revised- see end of article <<<

Great views of Lexington Reservoir to the west at the start and a sweeping view of the Santa Clara Valley to the east at the top.  There will still be monkey flowers, Scotch broom and remnants from the vineyards that supplied sacramental wine for the Novitiate in Los Gatos many years ago.

Take Hwy 17 South just past Los Gatos and exit at Bear Creek Road (Lexington Reservoir on your left) so you can  go left and double back on the other side of 17 on Alma Bridge.  Continue across the dam spillway  to a parking lot on the right.   There is a $4 parking fee and you may get a ticket if you park along the road to avoid this so carpooling is suggested.  (We can meet at my place at 9:30).  We meet in the parking lot at 10 AM where the hike begins just a few feet further on the left up the hill.

I have done this hike 3 or 4 times, but can’t find any my pix, so I attached a few from http://www.bahiker.com.   This is a great detailed source of hiking information in the Bay Area –  60 hikes that are roughly as far south as Santa Cruz/Gilroy to about Healdsburg to the north and to Brentwood in the east.  It’s easy to navigate and  includes exhaustive lists of related information.

The hike is a little over 3 miles round trip on a semi-loop dirt trail with about 650 ft. of elevation change.   We should be done by noon.  Not too much shade, so bring a hat, sunscreen, drinks, and layer your clothing.  Also bring camera, snacks and wear sturdy foot. There is a porta-potty but no water in the parking lot.

I can suggest lots of spots for lunch nearby or you can bring your own.

Contact Hoyt at to sign up and get more information.
>>> NOTE – revised email address <<<

May 2013 Editor’s Ravings

MAY is membership renewal month!  Your NSC membership expires at the end of May.  Renew before the end of the end of the month and get a $5 discount for the 2013-14 membership year!  For you mathematically inclined, that’s a 16.66% discount – try to get that kind of return on your mutual fund!!!  Click here for the membership form: >>membership form<<

 

At this year’s tragic Boston Marathon, the following  humorous sighting was made at the athlete’s village at the starting town of Hopkington, adding a bit of levity for an otherwise unforgettably sad day.

 

On a happier note, we have Armand’s President’s Message and Membership Report which can be read here: >> President’s Message<< and >> Membership Report <<.

Lastly, Curtis Otiguro reports on the Pinnacles National Monument hike. We in the San Francisco Bay Area are blessed with the proximity of  National Parks, Yosemite and the newest, Pinnacles, within easy driving distance.  Read Curtis’ “Lure of the Pinnacles” and enjoy some armchair travelling!

 

REMEMBER – RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!!!  Invite your family, friends & enemies to join!!! The more the merrier!

President’s Message ~ May 2013

Ischgl, Österreich

~Armand Gutierrez ~

Sad to say, but, I’ve finally acknowledged that the ski season has ended. It wasn’t  the best of seasons with Mother Nature giving us great hope in November and December and then leaving us high and dry from January to April.  Still, it was a better season than last year and this was one of those seasons that I didn’t have to use 4WD up at Tahoe, which means either I missed the snowfall weekends or it just didn’t snow that much. Fortunately, there was plenty of snow on my Innsbruck trip. Three days at Innsbruck, one day at St. Anton, and one day at Ischgl provided some excellent skiing. A return trip to Ischgl is in the cards because I was amazed at how big this place is. Think three or four Vails put together and you have what Ischgl has to offer.

This is also the end of our 2012-2013 season and it’s time to bring in the 2013-2014 NSC season. Last month we had our nominations and this month it’s time for elections. Based on the nominations it looks like there won’t be much of a change on the board, but we’ll still have the election ballot go out to everyone so you can due your duty of voting. Lucky winners will be announced at the June NSC Post-Season Picnic.

We’re currently finalizing plans for the June NSC Post-Season Picnic at Las Palmas Park (Sunnyvale) on June 22nd. As mentioned last month, this will be a potluck lunch where you provide your favorite dish and the Board will provide the beverages (beer, soda, and water). Details will be in the June Newsletter.

Interested in volunteering for a worthwhile event? Well, the annual Mt. View Obon festival is scheduled for 20-21 July and they could use a helping hand, especially for the ever-popular beer booth. If interested then contact either Karen Soo ( "> ) or me ( "> ) for details.

 

May 2013 Membership Report

 Membership Activity
~ Armand Gutierrez ~

We’re ending our 2012-2013 season with a total membership of 58 members and I’m hopeful that the upcoming season will see an increase in membership. The 2013-2014 season starts in June but if you send in your completed membership form during the month of May the early membership fee is only $25 instead of $30. This last season our membership was sufficient to plan and have one weekend ski trip (we did have three planned but two had to be cancelled), and the ski week had 28 lucky skiers at Steamboat. So now is the time to for you to recruit some friends and if we can get 75+ members then we can start planning on a possible 2nd weekend ski trip.