Nisei Ski Club

by Hoyt Nelson, Board Member

On Fathers’ Day this year, my son took me to a unique place in the hills off Hwy 17 past Los Gatos.  It’s called Nonno’s (that’s Italian for Grandfather’s) at 21433 Broadway Rd. in Los Gatos (but actually in Redwood Estates), tel. 408-353-5633.  See YELP for more details. You start by taking a R off Hwy. 17 going S from Los Gatos and take a R toward Redwood Estates/Holy City (6 or 7 mi. S of Los Gatos).  Then turn R onto Madrone Dr and take a L to stay on Madrone and another L to stay on Madrone.  Turn L toward Broadway Rd. and then take a slight R onto Broadway.  Hopefully you have GPS for more clarification since it can be a bit tricky to find.  The small cluster of rustic buildings has no large signs, but you may notice a tiny (12 ft. X 12 ft.) post office on the L just across the street from the restaurant.   Head to the back yard on the far R side of the main building where you will see 2 bocce ball lanes and lots of picnic tables in the woods.   The side of the building is where food and drink are dispensed.  

Nothing but lots of very friendly locals here (and a couple of visiting Norwegians here on holiday). It’s easy to get into a fun conversation with anybody there. Great salad and pizza bars and pizza (made in a wood-fired oven shaped like a 5ft. high garlic bulb).  Even the kinds of pizza that I never order tasted great and the salad bar had fresh ingredients with most of the stuff you see in fancier places.  Some reviewers say it’s the best pizza in California.  Desserts and sandwiches are also available, but don’t miss the pizza. I think it was $22 for all-you-can-eat salad bar and pizza but that might be just for Fathers’ Day.  The cook just keeps pumping out different types of pizza in response to requests or his whims.   Beer, wine, etc are extra.  I believe the back yard pizza thing is just weekends, but check.  There’s a restaurant along side, but there’s no menu.  The guy says Yelp doesn’t keep it up to date so he doesn’t list it anymore.  Just call.  The 2 bocce courts and balls are free.  The lanes are just pounded dirt with rough wood sides and a few markers, and are a little squirrelly, but you may figure out some of the major lumps after a while.  As we left, the woman who runs the small store next to the Post Office waved at us and smiled as drove off.  It’s just that kind of a place.  My son and I had a great time and you will too.

contributed by Judy Bracken, Newsletter Editor

I had a lot of plums from my tree this year, and this was a good way to use them. I think you could probably substitute peaches, cherries or other stone fruit for the plums, depending on what you have. It’s easy to prepare; make a double recipe and freeze one for later!

Ingredients

• ¾ to 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter or butter flavor coconut oil, softened
• 1 cup unbleached flour, sifted
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
•  Pinch of salt (optional)
• 2 eggs
• 24 halves pitted purple plums
•  Sugar, lemon juice and cinnamon, for topping

Preparation

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cream the sugar and butter in a bowl. Add the flour, baking powder, salt and eggs and beat well.
3. Spoon the batter into a springform pan of 8, 9 or 10 inches. A quiche dish works well too, but make sure to butter it first. Place the plum halves skin side up on top of the batter. Sprinkle lightly with sugar and lemon juice, depending on the sweetness of the fruit. Sprinkle with about 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, depending on how much you like cinnamon.
4. Bake 1 hour, approximately. Remove and cool; refrigerate or freeze if desired. Or cool to lukewarm and serve plain or with whipped or ice cream. (To serve a torte that was frozen, defrost and reheat it briefly at 300 degrees.)

by Armand Gutierrez, President

Summer is here with a mix of warm and hot weather. Thoughts of skiing have been displaced by golf, biking, hiking, BBQs, and other outdoor activities. However, several NSC members are planning on one last ski adventure at Squaw Valley for their 4^thof July skiing. If interested contact Karen Soo (tripdirector@niseiskiclub.org).

NSC Annual Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic, June 9^th

Once again we had a great turnout (over 40 people) for our annual membership meeting and Luau picnic, and the weather was warm-to-hot with a slight refreshing breeze. Normally we have a membership meeting, Karen’s Left-Center-Right game of chance, and a group picture. However, everyone was having such a great time talking with other members, relaxing, and enjoy the day that we completely forgot the usual events. Thanks to everyone that showed up and had a great time.

Upcoming Events

Mt. View Obon Festival is on July 20^thand 21^st. This is an annual event in which NSC usually participates and is always a fun event. After all, there’s a variety of food, carnival-style games, cultural events, lots of people, and the famous Beer Booth. If you are interested in volunteering for jobs ranging from set up, to Manju making and Yakisoba prep, there are signup sheets at this link: https://signup.com/go/GYUcmKs

Whistler/Blackcomb Ski Week 2020

Plans are moving forward for the Whistler Blackcomb ski week trip for 2020, and the date is 1-8 February. The Whistler flyer has been posted and you can now send in your applications. This trip will be limited to 60 applicants so be sure to send yours in early. This trip is a little more expensive that our usual trips, but the cost can be greatly reduced if you have the Epic/Epic Local pass for lift tickets.

For 2019-20 Whistler/Blackcomb will be on the Epic Pass, and is also good for Northstar, Heavenly Valley, and Kirkwood. Here is what you need to know about the Ikon and Epic Passes for the Whistler/Blackcomb trip:

·     Purchase the Ikon Base Pass(Squaw/Alpine) from Sports America and receive a $30 discount on the Whistler/Blackcomb trip. However, the Ikon Pass cannot be used at Whistler/Blackcomb. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei

·     Purchase the Epic Local Pass(Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood) and receive a $30 discount on the Whistler/Blackcomb trip. The Epic Pass can be used at Whistler/Blackcomb for up to ten days. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/epic-nisei

If you have any questions about either of the passes then drop me a line at president@niseiskiclub.org.

Davos/Portugal Ski Week 2020

NSC is collaborating with FWSA on their 2020 ski trip to Davos, Switzerland (Feb 28 – Mar 7), with an extension week to Portugal (Mar 7-13). Davos offers 186mi of guaranteed ski pistes, 57 cable cars/lifts, 110 slopes, and a vertical drop of 5,656 feet. In other words, this place is huge, and the Klosters ski resort sits next door for additional skiing adventures. If you are planning on making this trip then now is the time to sign up as rooms are filling up fast. It is recommended that couples or two single skiers signup for the Executive Double Occupancy rooms, and couples can also signup for the Jr. Suites. Please submit all forms and the first payment directly to me at:

FWSA Davos Ski Trip

c/o Armand Gutierrez

1843 Cabana Drive

San Jose, CA 95125

Subsequent payments will be sent directly to Debbie Stewart, VP of International Travel (address is on the applications). The Davos/Portugal flyer and application forms have been posted.

If you have any questions about this trip then drop me a line at president@niseiskiclub.org.

Thank you and the Nisei Ski Club for continuing to volunteer and help the Mountain View Buddhist Temple at their annual obon and bazaar, which will be held from July 16-21. Take down will continue until the 23rd.
This link, https://signup.com/go/GYUcmKs, goes to a group page with sign-up sheets for: 

1.  Manju making  2.  Chicken cleaning (for teriyaki chicken)  3.  Pre-bazaar setup and post-bazaar takedown  4.  Yakisoba preparation  5.  Yakisoba booth  6,  Raffle booth  7.  Putting away signs and banners (after Sunday night closing)

The following link goes to the sign-up sheet for helping in the dining hall:https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2856553/false#/invitation
Thank you and your organiztion for your continuing help! 

There is another Obon Festival in San Jose July 13-14. Check this link for more information.

by Judy Bracken, Newsletter Editor

As a delegate of Nisei Ski Club, I was able to attend this annual convention as I happened to be in the area. Far West Ski Association consists of nine councils with more than 150 clubs in California and other western states. The convention spanned four days from June 13 to 16, although I only went to the Friday night auction and Saturday meetings. I was curious to see what goes on at a ski club convention, besides lots of fun and merriment, as is usually the case with ski club members!

On Thursday and Friday, which I did not attend, there were opportunities to experience several spa, golf and adventure activities in the area. Friday night started with a silent auction, which had representatives from just about every ski area in the West. Walking through the booths, I found ski area maps and swag, as well as encouragement to visit their resort and reasons why it was the best place to go. There were ski trip and lodging auction items, and a few other things to bid upon.

Saturday was a little more business-like, with meetings on topics such as insurance coverage, trip planning tips, and membership recruiting. I learned a few things and briefed our board members upon my return. The meetings were broken up by a lunch gathering, in which we sat at tables with others in our own councils. Awards were given for Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, and a few other things. The luncheon had a great speaker, Dr. Jon Kedrowski, who told us in detail about his climbing and skiing experiences in the Rocky Mountains as well as Mt. Everest. He had climbed every “Fourteener” in Colorado (50 peaks surpassing 14,000 feet in elevation) and skied down many of them in the winter. He talked about his four trips up Mt. Everest, and how difficult it is every step of the way. He has four published books and is a sought-after lecturer. Only 40 years old and he has accomplished all of that!

There was also a big dance and dinner on Saturday night, and special elections on Sunday, which I did not attend. Next year, the convention will be held in Portland, Oregon at the end of May. Think about going!

San Francisco Opera and San Francisco Giants invite you to join us for Opera at the Ballpark this September! Our FREE simulcast of Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet will be transmitted in high definition live from the stage of the War Memorial Opera House to the new 71-foot high x 153-feet wide (2,160 pixel high x 4,672 pixel wide) Mitsubishi Electronic Diamond Vision Board in Oracle Park. The newly installed model is twice the resolution and 50 feet wider and 20 feet higher than the former video-board. It is the third largest video-board in Major League Baseball and the largest movie screen in San Francisco. Performance-quality audio combined with Oracle Park’s upgraded screen creates an enhanced open-air operatic experience for Bay Area audiences. 

Bring your friends and family for a front-row seat and enjoy garlic fries and show-stopping arias under the stars.

Hello everyone,

The year is halfway over, believe it or not. This month there is important information about next season’s ski trips so make sure to read it all. Here is this month’s content:

President’s Message, by Armand Gutierrez

FWSA Convention, by Judy Bracken

Volunteers for Obon Festival

Opera at the Ballpark

Remember to attend our summer picnic on June 9 (click on link for complete information). Here is a preview of articles in this month’s newsletter:

President’s Message, by Armand Gutierrez

Election Results, by Hoyt Nelson

Tea Dance Wrap-Up, by Tina Woo

Summer Events, contributed by Tina Woo

Park City Memorabilia, by Judy Bracken

Skiing is Not Over Yet!

Recipe Corner (NEW!)

I would love to see members contribute articles or photos. Send to jwaldobracken@gmail.com by June 27.

by Armand Gutierrez

It’s June and the start of the 2019-2020 NSC season. Our recent election resulted in changes to the board; primarily we now have five at-large board members instead of eight. Thanks to all of you that took the time to vote, and you can read the full election results in Hoyt’s article.

Upcoming Events

NSC Annual Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic, June 9^th

The NSC Annual Picnic on June 9^that Las Palmas Park in Sunnyvale (same place as last year) is coming up soon. See complete information in flyer and check your email for your Evite invitation.  If you didn’t get an Evite then please notify Karen Soo (tripdirector@niseiskiclub.org).

Mt. View Obon Festival is on July 20^thand 21^st. This is an annual event in which NSC used to participate and it is always a fun event. After all, there’s a variety of food, carnival-style games, cultural events, lots of people, and the famous Beer Booth. Although NSC is not providing volunteer workers this year, you can still attend and support the Festival.

Whistler/Blackcomb Ski Week 2020

Plans are moving smoothly for the Whistler Blackcomb ski week trip for 2020, and the date is 1-8 February. There will be more details in the July newsletter. A number of members have all ready secured their Epic Passes for the Whistler trip, but it’s not too late to get yours if you haven’t done so yet. Final total price for the trip has yet to be determined but look for details in the July newsletter.

For 2019-20 Whistler/Blackcombwill be on the Epic Pass, and is also good for Northstar, Heavenly Valley, and Kirkwood. Here is what you need to know about the Ikon and Epic Passes for the Whistler/Blackcomb trip:

·     Purchase the Ikon Base Pass(Squaw/Alpine) from Sports America and receive a $30 discount on the Whistler/Blackcomb trip. However, the Ikon Pass cannot be used at Whistler/Blackcomb. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei

·     Purchase the Epic Local Pass(Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood) and receive a $30 discount on the Whistler/Blackcomb trip. The Epic Pass can be used at Whistler/Blackcomb for up to ten days. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/epic-nisei

If you have any questions about either of the passes then drop me a line at president@niseiskiclub.org.

by Hoyt Nelson

The polls are now closed and the winners are:
President: Armand Gutierrez 
Vice President: Vacant 
Treasurer: Frank Chang 
Trip Director: Karen Soo 
Newsletter Editor: Judy Bracken
Membership Director: Tina Woo

Board Members at Large: Curtis Otaguro, Rick Dumlao, Greg Wong, Sandy Kiyomura and Hoyt Nelson

The new board will take office on June 1st.

Congratulations to all the new directors and thank you all for voting.  We look forward to another successful year for the Nisei Ski Club and all of its members.

by Tina Woo

On this afternoon we were greeted with dark grey skies, occasional downpours, and a winter advisory watch over the mountain summits!  However, this did not deter 20 avid Nisei Ski Club skiers and dancers  from the inaugural tea dance held on May 19, 2019 in Cupertino.  The group gathered at 2 pm and participated in some line dancing: the Electric Slide and the Cupid Shuffle. This was just the warm up!

Sandy Kiyomura introduced the group to three dances: Cha Cha, East Coast Swing and Night Club Two- Step. She provided a brief history about the origins of the dances. Club members were very receptive and enthusiastic about learning the basic patterns, practicing as well as getting refresher tips. Sandy provided both the “leader” and “follower” patterns and encouraged dancers to rotate partners.  Not only were we challenging our brains but also burning calories – approximately 500 during this event! Sandy has shared an article on the anti-aging benefits of dancing and mental exercise: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/30/well/move/health-benefits-dancing.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share.   A big “thank you” to Sandy for providing us with these dance lessons.  

Let’s review what we learned:

Cha Cha: Basic pattern, crossover breaks with follower spot turn, and Chase turns. 

East Coast Swing: Basic pattern, throw out, outside and inside turns. 

Night Club Two Step: Basic pattern, open break with underarm turn, opening outs

Kathy Fang and her friend Jeff Wright assisted Sandy in teaching the dances and provided a demonstration of the very romantic  Bolero. They drove all the way from Berkeley and we appreciated their assistance. 

Club members brought refreshments and finger foods to share. We were treated to David Tom’s Pistachio and Chocolate Fudge bars, Jackie Maruhashi’s jello mochi, Janet Ngai’s banana, pumpkin seed and chocolate bread, David & Peggy Hori’s wontons and eggrolls and Sandy’s mochi, to name a few. (See the new Recipe Corner).

Following the dance lessons, we had a chance to socialize, get to know NSC board candidates, discuss future ski trips, and more.

A fun time was had by all. Perhaps this is a prelude to future dance events? If you have ideas for future get-togethers, please let anyone on the board know!

Squaw Valley will be open until July 7, Friday through Sunday, 8-2. They are offering a special $5 Friday pass, proceeds of which will benefit the Tahoe Fund. You must purchase the tickets 48 hours in advance. Check it out!

contributed by Tina Woo

Sunnyvale Art, Wine & Music Festival 

The Sunnyvale Art & Wine Festival is happening June 1st & 2nd from 10am-6pm in Downtown Sunnyvale at historic Murphy Avenue. Stroll the streets during this two-day event including more than 350 of the nation’s best artists, live music, ice cold margaritas, champagne, sangria, quality beers, and carnival rides for the kids too! http://www.svcoc.org/index.html

The Stern Grove Festival takes place at Sigmund Stern Grove located at 19^thAvenue & Sloat Boulevard  in San Francisco.  Free concerts start at 2 pm and usually end between 4:30 – 5:30 pm.  Arrive early for best seating, first come, first served. Hand-stamping at the entrance begins at 10 am.  Stern Grove is celebrating its 82^nd season and the lineup follows:

Sun, June 16: Digable Planets, jazz and hip-hop

Sun, June 23: Los Van Van, Cuban combo of rock and jazz

Sun, June 30: Galactic, vibrant funk R&B and jazz

Sun, July 7: San Francisco Symphony

Sun, July 14: Mitski, indie-rockers

Sun, July 21: Toots and the Maytals, reggae and funky soul

Sun, July 28: San Francisco Ballet

Sun, Aug 4: The Psychedelic Furs, punk music

Sun, Aug 11: Pink Martini, international jazz, swing, world music, cabaret

Sun, Aug 18: The Big Picnic/Isley Brothers, R&B

Free Shakespeare in the Park

For the 37^th season of Shakespeare in the Park, SF Shakes will present a production of “As You Like It.”

Admission is free. For more information, call SF Shakespeare Festival at 415-558-0888 or visit the website. Below are the performance venues.

June 29-July 14, Saturdays & Sundays @ 7pm, Amador Valley Community Park in Pleasanton

August 10-August 25, Saturdays @ 7 pm, Sundays @ 4 pm, Sequoia High School, Redwood City

July 20-August 4, Thursdays, Fridays Sat & Sun @ 7 pm , Cupertino Memorial Park

August 31-September @ 2 pm, San Francisco Presidio

9/19, 9/20, 9/21 & 9/22 – 10 am & 2 pm,  Jerry Garcia Amphitheatre, Golden Gate Park

Bay Area Dragons

Free Dragonboat Lessons Meetups on Saturdays at 10:30 am at the Foster City Boat Dock, located at Foster City Blvd & Bounty Drive. Lessons end by noon.

Join the Nation’s First Co-ed Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team, Live Love Survive. Saturday practices from June 1-September 21, 10:30am to 12:30pm at Oyster Point Marina Gate 7, South San Francisco.  For more information contact Jennifer Eng at 415-465-0085 or jennengfitness@gmail.com.

San Jose Taiko

Friday, June 21 @ 6:30 pm – Make Music Day, San Jose Japantown

Saturday & Sunday, July 13-14 @ 4:30 pm (Sat) and 3:30 pm (Sun), San Jose Obon, Japantown

Saturday, July 20 Lesher Family Festival @11:30 am & 1:30 pm Walnut Creek

Sunday, August 4 @ 5pm – Palo Alto Obon
Check out www.taiko.org for complete listings.

by Judy Bracken

We skiers know Park City as a top ski and summer resort and one of the venues for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. But long before it became a resort destination in the 1960s, it boasted a colorful history as a boom town for silver mining from about 1870 to 1950. As the silver boom tapered off and a tragic fire burned over half of the town structures, the city struggled to survive and the population waned. But once the idea of skiing began to take hold, change was abreast.

Growing up in Salt Lake City, I witnessed Park City transform from a sleepy ghost town to a glamorous ski area attracting movie stars and people from all over the world. I skied the mountain with my family when it was first open (passes came to a grand total of $30 for 5 kids and 2 adults!) and continued to take lessons at the Park City ski school for several years. There was a day that was so cold my nose turned blue. When I was in junior high, our parents would drop me and a few friends off for the day to ski…we experienced our first taste of ski freedom and joy as we explored the runs and powder spots. I remember when my dad broke his leg on the last run of the day skiing “Payday.” It was a spiral fracture and required him to be in a full leg cast for six months! And it was at Park City that I had my one and only ski theft in my lifetime so far–my nearly new Head 360 skis were on the rack while we were waiting for our ride, and a thief decided to pick them up. I was so heartbroken!

My family had some history with Park City, as my father helped orchestrate some of the legal work involved with the resort, and my grandfather actually worked briefly as an engineer for the mines. Recently, I came across some old ski passes, as well as some old maps showing where the many mine shafts are under the valley that is now covered with homes and ski runs. There was a time when you could board an underground mine train near what is now The Canyons, clad in skiwear and lugging skis, travel through tunnels turning every which way, and in about 40 minutes be at the base of the Thayne’s lift where you started your day of skiing. It was quite an adventure! Park City has changed a lot since then, but the adventure still exists at this world class mountain resort.

Editor’s Note: Please feel free to submit recipes for this new section in the NSC newsletter. Send to jwaldobracken@gmail.com

Sandy’s Banana Bread, from Sandy Kiyomura

2 cups flour

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

½ cube butter

½ cup sugar

2 eggs

2 bananas (mashed)

½ cup milk

In a large bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, soften butter and mix with sugar. Add in the eggs, milk and bananas. Add this wet mixture to the large bowl and mix well. Put in a “bread” baking dish and bake for 50-55 minutes at 350 degrees.

Mochi Cake, from Sandy Kiyomura

1 package (16 oz) Nor Mei flour (sweet rice flour)

1 ¾ cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

4 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 ½ cups milk

½ cube butter

Parmesan cheese

Mix all ingredients together (except butter and Parmesan cheese). Stir well until smooth. Pour into a 9” X 13” greased or non-stick pan. Remove from oven. Put melted butter on top, then sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for another 30 minutes or until done. Cool. Cut cake into bite size pieces and serve.

Believe it or not, May is just about here, along with the newsletter. Below you will find the following articles:

President’s Message, by Armand Gutierrez

Fog City Band with member Dave Schultz

Spring Social Dance and Greet the Board Candidates

Membership Drive by Tina Woo

Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic by Karen Soo

Boots for Sale

by Armand Gutierrez

May is here and that means it’s time to bring an end to the NSC 2018-2019 season. Like last year NSC had a pretty good season highlighted by a variety of accomplishments and events:

·     Annual Luau and Membership Picnic

·     Volunteer participation at the annual Obon Festival in Mountain View

·     NSC 60^thAnniversary Dinner

·     NSC Bocce Ball Event

·     Warren Miller Film @ Heritage Theater, Campbell

·     NSC Pre-Season Potluck Dinner

·     A most fantastic ski week at Big Sky

·     Various members went on the FWSA Niseko/Hakuba Ski Trip

·     NSC Weekend Ski Trips

·     NSC Tea Dance/Potluck (coming in May-see more below)

June marks the start of the NSC 2019-2020 season, and beginning this month you can take advantage of the $5 membership discount if you sign up and submit your membership form before May 31^st. Please submit your application to Tina Woo (Membership Chairperson).

Since it’s the end of the ski season it’s time to start having our spring NSC events. Coming up we have a Tea Dance/Potluck event on May 19^th. Sandy Kiyomura will provide dance instruction so be sure to wear your dancing shoes. In June our annual Post-Season Annual Membership meeting and picnic on Sunday, June 9^th. Take a look at the article in this month’s newsletter for details. 

Board Nominations & Elections

The nominations process has been completed and the next step is elections. The elections chairman tells me there were several nominations therefore the slate consists of the new nominees and incumbents, and we’re fortunate that everyone on the board has agreed to serve again. However, voting is important and although there were few nominations you can still vote for a write-in candidate. Whether you’re voting for the incumbents, nominees, or a write-in candidate, it’s important that you do vote. Your vote tells the board that you do appreciate the volunteer work performed by members of the board, so please take the very short time needed to cast your vote. You will be receiving an email informing you to vote online using SurveyMonkey.

Whistler/Blackcomb Ski Week 2020

A number of members have all ready secured their Epic Passes for the Whistler trip, but it’s not too late to get yours if you haven’t done so yet. Final total price for the trip has yet to be determined (still waiting on air fare) but look for details in June or July.

For 2019-20 Whistler/Blackcombwill be on the Epic Pass, and is also good for Northstar, Heavenly Valley, and Kirkwood. Here is what you need to know about the Ikon and Epic Passes for the Whistler/Blackcomb trip:

·     Purchase the Ikon Base Pass(Squaw/Alpine) from Sports America and receive a $30 discount on the Whistler/Blackcomb trip. However, the Ikon Pass cannot be used at Whistler/Blackcomb. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei

·     Purchase the Epic Local Pass(Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood) and receive a $30 discount on the Whistler/Blackcomb trip. The Epic Pass can be used at Whistler/Blackcomb for up to ten days. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/epic-nisei

If you have any questions about either of the passes then drop me a line at president@niseiskiclub.org.

One of our members, Dave Schultz, is a member of this band and wanted to share this with you:

San Jose’s own 9-piece band with three horns, a rhythm section, and two singers. Playing danceable funk-rock hits by Tower Of Power, Earth Wind & Fire, Bruno Mars, Huey Lewis, Commodores, and many others. Definitely be ready to dance … consider it your Monday night workout!

When: Monday, April 29, 2019 from 7 PM – 9 PM

Where: El Taurino Vip Restaurant 95 South Market St, Suite #170, San Jose, CA 95113

Cost: $10 cover

Summer picnic menu: Tacos – Hamburgers – Franks

Parking: On street or garage at San Pedro Square Come out and enjoy the great music. And thanks in advance for supporting the Fog City Band !

by Tina Woo

The ski season is almost over (except for Squaw, Alpine and Mammoth) and it’s time to put away the equipment until next year.  

SAVE $5!  How?  By renewing your Nisei Ski Club membership.  The annual membership dues are discounted to $25 until end May. Beginning June 1, the membership fees will increase to $30. Sign up and learn about the fun activities taking place this summer, balance of the year and the week-long trip to Whistler in February 2020.

Here are some testimonials from members about their membership experience:

Having been a member of Nisei Ski Club for over 25 years, I’ve served on the board as membership chair and other positions, and enjoyed volunteering and organizing events.  Because of this club, I’ve been able to participate in river rafting, kayaking, deep sea fishing, hiking, horse racing, ballroom dancing,  learning to play bocce ball, in addition to skiing.  

Greg Wong

I first skied with Nisei Ski Club around 1974, when I took a trip to Aspen with the group. After that trip, I “unjoined” for 25 years while I raised three children who were on the Squaw Valley Freestyle team. I have been with Nisei for the past 20 years, serving as Trip Director and Board member at various times. I’ve also led some bike trips, recently across the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island. On May 19, I will be teaching dance lessons at the post season social. Please come and join me. 

Sandy Kiyomura

I joined NSC in order to go on a ski trip with my friend Sandy to Aspen. That was three years ago, and I’ve been on trips to Vail and Big Sky since then. I hope to go on many more with NSC, in addition to the trips offered by Far West and Bay Area Association Ski Clubs. I find the members warm and welcoming, besides being tons of fun to ski with.

Judy Bracken

So, please send in your membership forms.  Join the club and have fun. This marks the 61^st anniversary of the club. 

2019 Lange RS 120 Ski Boots

Size: 25.5 (men’s 8-8.5 shoe size) Advanced to Expert, high performance/race Used approximately 10 days, excellent condition

Retail: $700  Asking $250

Sold by Randy Hirai. If interested contact Karen at tripdirector@niseiskiclub.org

It’s no April Fool’s joke–your monthly newsletter is ready for your reading enjoyment. Here are your selections:

President’s Message by Armand Gutierrez

Hakuba Ski Trip by Kathy Fang

Ready, Get Set, DANCE! by Sandy Kiyomura

Mark Your Calendars contributed by Tina Woo

Unique Ski Lodging contributed by Dan Lew

by Armand Gutierrez

April is here and that means the end of another great ski season. Due to all the snowfall, several resorts have extended their season, but most will be closing by the end of April. Mammoth and Squaw Valley will stay open a little longer; with Squaw once again offer skiing on the 4^thof July. 

2019 FWSA Ski Week to Hakuba Valley, Japan My first trip to Japan for skiing and touring was an opportunity that will forever be in my memory banks. Of the ten ski resorts available, I had selected four to ski based on their conditions (number of lifts/runs, snow depth, and weather). Happo-One and Goryu/47 were the two largest and Tsugeike came in third. Although Tsugeike wasn’t the largest, it offered the best powder skiing while we, “we” meaning other NSCrs, were there. Goryu/47 is actually two resorts: Goryu and 47, and you can ski either resort with the interconnected lifts.  See Kathy Fang’s article below for more about the trip.

Toward the end of the ski week there was a farewell dinner and entertainment provided by the local Taiko drummers. For those that have never seen Taiko drummers this was probably the highlight of the week. 

April NSC Weekend Ski Trip Karen Soo, our trip director, has organized a carpool effort for a weekend of skiing at Tahoe on April 13-14. If you’re interested in going then contact Karen at tripdirector@niseiskiclub.org

Board Nominations & Elections  Well, it’s that time again for holding our board nominations and elections for the 2019-2020 season, and an email for making your nominations for the board has already been sent out. As you know, volunteers run this club, and without them this club would cease to exist, and it’s been in existence for 60 years! You are encouraged to take this opportunity to nominate an individual for one, or more, of the board positions. All individuals that accept the nomination(s) will go through an election process in May, and final results will be announced at the annual June picnic. Ask any of the current board members and I’m sure they will tell you that by volunteering they get back more than they ever gave. By volunteering you will experience social benefits as well as provide a greater sense of self-worth, trust, and lots of fun. Many of you have served on the board in the past, and your efforts were greatly appreciated and perhaps you would like to join the board again. For those that have never served. then perhaps now is the time to consider a board position and provide new ideas and useful experiences.

Whistler/Blackcomb Ski Week 2020 Next year’s ski week NSC will be going to Whistler/Blackcomb, Canada. Our last visit to Whistler/Blackcomb was in 2010, so it’s time for a return trip. Last year Sports America offered the Ikon and Epic Passes at a discount for any member that signed up for Big Sky, and the Ikon Pass was good for five days of skiing at Big Sky.

For 2019-20 Whistler/Blackcomb will be on the Epic Pass, and is also good for Northstar, Heavenly Valley, and Kirkwood. Here is what you need to know about the Ikon and Epic Passes for the Whistler/Blackcomb trip: 

*Purchase the Ikon Base Pass (Squaw/Alpine) from Sports America and receive a $30 discount on the Whistler/Blackcomb trip. However, the Ikon Pass cannot be used at Whistler/Blackcomb. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei

*Purchase the Epic Local Pass (Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood) and receive a $30 discount on the Whistler/Blackcomb trip. The Epic Pass can be used at Whistler/Blackcomb for up to ten days. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/epic-nisei

*Purchase the Epic Local Pass before April 14^thand get ten buddy passes and the lowest rate for the pass.

If you have any questions about either of the passes then drop me a line at president@niseiskiclub.org

by Kathy Fang

I don’t regret being tempted by Sandy Kiyomura last June to go on a ski trip to Japan organized by the Far West Ski Association (FWSA) in March 2019.    Recently I vowed to explore the slopes beyond the Tahoe resorts I have enjoyed for my 17 years of skiing.  With Sandy’s urging, I decided to get started by going to Japan!

Sandy and I opted to go for two of the three weeks being offered on this trip, spending our first week at the Niseko resorts in Hokkaido with about 40 other skiers, and the second at the Hakuba Valley resort in Nagano with 70 travelers. With such large groups, there was a bit of waiting around, but  thanks to the careful planning by Debbie Stewart and Wanda Ross of FWSA, the travel arrangements went quite smoothly.

Niseko is a town on Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island, near the dormant volcano of Mt. Yotei. Niseko Ski Resort is comprised of four interlinked ski resorts—Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and An’nupri.  They were part of the Winter Olympics in 1972. We found people from Australia and Europe flocking there. The views from each of the four peaks were amazing! 

Hakuba Valley Ski Resort, the host of 1998 Winter Olympics, is the largest ski resort in Japan.  It consists of ten resorts in Nagono Prefecture.  For this second week, we stayed in the classic Hotel Tokyu, with large rooms, beautiful mountain views, a convenient location, and delicious French inspired cuisine.

Near Hakuba Valley, we went to visit a Snow Monkey (Japanese macaque) Preserve in Nagano.  Snow monkeys are the most northern living nonhuman primates. Legend says that many years ago, snow monkeys discovered that soaking in the hot springs was quite enjoyable, especially in winter.  To prevent them from coming to the human hot springs, the locals built special hot spring spas for snow monkeys and then lured them there with food. Thus, these monkeys would happily stay in the reservation areas and enjoy their own spas.  The snow monkeys, minding their own spa experiences, paid little attention to us.

It is said that Japan has the best powder in the world.  When we arrived in Niseko and Hakuba in early March of this year, the weather and snow conditions were very much like those in Squaw this year—a lot of snow but warm, moist, and icy sometimes—“spring ski” conditions.  Sandy and I met and skied with people from Nisei and other clubs from many spots all over California and other western states. The sportsmanship and camaraderie on the slopes with other members in the group made this ski trip fun and memorable.

Like many of you, learning the history, meeting the locals, experiencing their day-to-day life and culture are important parts of our travels.  Since the economic downturn in the 1990’s, Japan has had a hard time recovering. Due to the national low birth rate, we observed many men and women well beyond middle age working in the service industries.  As a recovery method, Japan has focused on increasing tourism, which has doubled in the last five years.

Travel in Japan nowadays is relatively easy and comfortable.  Everywhere we went, things were neat, clean, nice and orderly. Trains and buses are always on time. Food is healthy and delicious. Plates are presented like flower arrangements.   Japanese people are courteous and helpful.   Surprisingly, travel in Japan is so much less costly than my first visit there fifteen years ago!

Overall, I had a wonderful time during my first ski trip to Japan with FWSA.  Next year, FWSA goes to Davos, Switzerland and Portugal! Maybe you’ll be there?