by Angela Ren Nisei Ski Club Member
Miniature Golf
Bring your friends! Join in the Fun with Nisei Ski Club!
Date: Saturday, 6/21/25
Milpitas Golfland 1199 Jacklin Road
https://www.golfland.com/milpitas/
10 am to noon
$18/ per person
Lunch to Follow Join us!
Everyone is Welcome ~ Mini Golfer or Free Spirit!
Please join us for lunch at 12:45pm
Cheung Hing Seafood Restaurant
1235 E. Calaveras Blvd, Milpitas
by Tina Woo, , Board Member
BEAT LA! BEAT LA! BEAT LA!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2025
SF Giants vs. LA Dodgers – Game starts at 1:05pm
Oracle Park View Reserved Section
Only 30 tickets available
Special Price from a Season Ticket Holder
Nisei Ski Club Member $60
Non Nisei Ski Club Member $68
We would like at least one Nisei member per group of 4 attending.
Meet for Lunch @ 11:30am near the Crazy Crab’z Section 142 inside Giant’s Stadium
Please email Tina Woo for if you are interested baseball@niseiskiclub.org
Please complete the below information PER PERSON
Name: First ____________________________________ Last ___________________________________________
Phone Number: _______________________________ Email _________________________________________
Write Check Payable to Nisei Ski Club
Send Check to Nisei Ski Club c/o Tina Woo, 21577 Villa Maria Court, Cupertino, CA 95014
by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor
If you’re a fan of chocolate, nuts, and coconut, go ahead and add cowboy cookies to your list of favorite desserts. This cookie is a riff on the classic chocolate chip cookie with hearty mix-ins, which means they’re moist, chewy, and loaded with gooey chocolate.
Saddle up and bring them to your next bake sale, bake ’em for a special after-school snack for the kids, or add them to your Christmas cookie plate. These loaded cookies are seriously irresistible!
Why are they called cowboy cookies?
These cookies were made famous by former First Lady Laura Bush, who submitted them for a baking contest during the 2000 presidential election. Her Texas-sized, cowboy cookies beat out her competitor Tipper Gore’s ginger snap recipe, and they began their road to fame from there!
What ingredients are in cowboy cookies? Cowboy cookies start with the base of a chocolate chip cookie; from there, you add bonus ingredients like oats, pecans, coconut, and M&M’s.
Enjoy!
Bon Appetite – Julia Child and Karen Soo share the same birthday.
Makes 11 dozen small cookies or 5 dozen large cookies
Ingredients
For variations use:
Chopped walnuts, coconut flakes, and 6 oz of chocolate chip
Or
Plain M&M’s candies to garnish top of cookies red and green for Christmas or pastels for Spring/ Easter
Directions
by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor
Discover the 2025 AAPI Heritage Month Celebration Guide
San Francisco’s Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month is your gateway to exploring vibrant traditions and diverse cultures. Our carefully curated guide features an array of exciting AAPI cultural performances, workshops, film screenings, community festivals, and author talks taking place throughout May 2025. Consider this guide your passport to experiencing the rich heritage of our community.
by Armand Gutierrez, President
April is here and that means two things: taxes and resort closings. Not much you can do about taxes, but if you’re thinking of skiing in April then think spring conditions: a little firm in the morning, getting better between 10am – 2pm, then soft and slushy and sticky. Here is a list of resort closings:
April 13 – Northstar, Kirkwood
April 20 – Heavenly
April 27 – Mt. Rose
May 26 – Palisades/Alpine, Mammoth
Upcoming Events
There are a numerous events scheduled for 2025 and a few for 2026. Many thanks to Jeanne Katsuro for putting together a Calendar of Events and those events are now on the Events & Ski Trips tab on the website at: https://www.niseiskiclub.org/events-ski-trips/
Membership Report
There have been no new members and our total remains at 86.
2025 FWSA Tignes/Val d’Isère Ski Week
There were 7 NSC members on the ski week trip that included Ziang Liao, Jeff Wright, Kathy Fang, Judy Bracken, Carol Henri, Dan Lew, and myself. And it is safe to say that everyone enjoyed the sunny skies, cool temps (mid-20s), and great snow conditions. Next year’s FWSA trip will be to Chamonix, France, with the extension to Paris and Normandy.
2026 NSC Ski Week
Plans for Park City for 2026 are in progress, but lodging has not been confirmed yet. Date will be 31 January -7 February, but due to the Sundance Film Festival that date might have to be moved up one week. Park City is on the Epic Pass and you might want to consider getting an Epic Pass for this trip. This season’s lift ticket prices are not exactly user-friendly and group rates might not be available. So, stay tuned for further developments in the coming months.
Board Nominations & Elections
Well, it’s that time again for holding our board nominations and elections for the 2025-2026 season, and an email for making your nominations for the board will soon find its way to your inbox. As you know,volunteers run this club, and without them this club would cease to exist, and it’s been in existence for over 65 years! You are encouraged to take this opportunity to nominate an individual for one, or more, of the board positions. We do have an opening for Treasurer, as Frank Chang would like to retire from that position. All individuals that accept the nomination(s) will go through an election process in May, and final results will be announced in the June Newsletter. 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 experience.
Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org
QotM: Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President
Welcome to Nisei Ski Club Social Calendar for 2025
April 6, Sunday – Bowling Event – Jeff Honda
4th Street Bowl 10a – 12p Lunch at 4th Street Bowl after Bowling
May 10, Saturday – Hiking Event – Joel Hayashida
Lafayette Reservoir 9:30 am / Lunch in Walnut Creek
July 13, Sunday – SF Giants vs. LA Dodgers – Tina Woo
Full – 36 people
August 10, Sunday – Annual Membership/Luau Picnic – Karen Soo
Sunnyvale – Time 12:00pm-5:00pm
August 23, Saturday – Mahjong – Judy Hom
Time to be Announced
September 6, Saturday – Pickleball – Tina Woo
Potluck – 9:30a – 3:00p
September 14, Sunday – 2nd SF Giants vs LA Dodgers – Tina Woo
Signups: 1 Nisei Member per 1 Guest
September 20, Saturday – Bike Ride – Curtis Otaguro
Location and time to be announced
October 23 – November 3, 2025 France Vacation (No Skiing) – Jeanne Katsuro
$5999 with Air 12-day 16 meals
Dinner on the Eiffel Tower overlooking Paris
24 signups / 14 openings
Nisei Ski Club Social Activities 2026
January 17, 2026 Saturday Martin Luther King Weekend
Potluck and Games
Miraido Village Party Room
550 N 6th Street
San Jose, CA 95112
April 19 –27, 2026 Utah Painted Canyons Vacation (Not a Ski Trip) with Collette Travel Agency
Utah 5 National Parks and 2 National Monuments
Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Parks
Colorado & Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments
$3299 9 days & 11 meals
April 27 – 29 – 3 Night Extension in Las Vegas
Only 20 people
October – November 2026 Kingdoms of Southeast Asia Vacation (Not a Ski Trip) with Collette Travel Agency
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand
$6799 with Air $4599 land only – 19 days 31 meals
Additions – 3 Night Post Extension in Thailand
5 Night Pre Extension in Singapore
Only 24 people
by Jeff Honda, Board Member
Join Nisei Ski Club and try out your bowling skills on Sunday, April 6th. Lunch to follow at Fourth Streel Bowl. Check out their extensive breakfast / lunch menu. https://4thstreetbowl.com/coffeeshop/
by Joel Hayashida, Board Member
Saturday, May 10 2025: Meet at Lafayette Reservoir Parking @9:30AM
Join the NSC for a beautiful spring Bay Area hike at the Lafayette Reservoir (East Bay MUD Link), and continue the fun by strolling the Walnut Creek Downtown Broadway Plaza (Link) zone “après hike” and explore the shops, brewpubs, and eateries led by former NSC President, Joel Hayashida. The baseline 3-mile morning hike that encircles the reservoir (AllTrails Link) has gentle hills and refreshing water views. Depending on group interest and abilities, we can also take the 4-mile Lafayette Reservoir and Rim trail Loop (AllTrails Link). Along the way, we will see late spring flowers, trees, the lake, and perhaps wildlife! Park at the Reservoir parking lot (Google Maps Link). The all-day parking fee is $7 per vehicle and the kiosk accepts major credit cards and quarters. Bring: hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, water… Downtown Walnut Creek activity will be ad hoc but with a plan based on group interest. Target eatery is True Food Kitchen in Broadway Plaza.
True Food Kitchen Link: True Food Kitchen | Seasonal Restaurant & Scratch Bar
Everyone invited to eat with us after the hike Approximate Time to meet: 1PM
Lafayette Reservoir Link: Lafayette Reservoir :: East Bay Municipal Utility District
Final details will be provided to signees via email around May 5, 2025.
Registration & Questions: Email Joel Hayashida at Diablohike@niseiskiclub.org
First Name: ________________ Last Name: ___________________________________
Cell Phone: _______________________ Email: ________________________________
Please register so that we know you are attending and for more details. We will email details on parking and plan for the NSC Diablo Valley hike and stroll within a week of this event!
by Tina Woo, , Board Member
36 Nisei Ski Club members, family and friends will be going to Oracle Park to cheer on the SF Giants battle against the LA Dodgers on Sunday, July 13 at 1 pm. We are sold out at 36 people but if you’re interested, please contact Tina Woo asap as this game is sure to be “sold out.” Ticket prices are approximately $86 for View Reserved Section seats.
Please email Tina Woo for if you are interested at baseball@niseiskiclub.org
BEAT LA! BEAT LA! BEAT LA!
by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor
Jeanne Katsuro has generously gifted me a cookbook call Everything from Soup to Sushi. This cookbook was created from the United Methodist Women of the Wesley United Methodist Church located in San Jose, California.
As I scroll through 450 pages, I will pick some interesting vintage recipes for the next few months.
The recipes are categorized under Appetizers & Beverages, Breads, Soup Salads, and Vegetables, Main Dishes, Desserts, Asian Dishes and Beyond Sushi.
The first printing of this cookbook was 1990. Let me give you a heads up, some of the ingredients used in the recipes does not have any healthy, nutritional value.
Maybe you can choose one of these recipes and make it for the NSC Picnic on August 10 at Las Palmas Park, Sunnyvale. Just a suggestion…..
Thank You Jeanne for the cookbook.
Enjoy!
Bon Appetite – Julia Child and Karen Soo share the same birthday.
Makes 1 Log
Ingredients
Directions
2. Beat cream cheese with lemon juice, liquid smoke, grated onion, horseradish, salt and pepper until fluffy in a small bowl of electric mixer.
3. Stir in salmon.
4. Chill thoroughly and shape into a log.
5. Chill several more hours before serving.
6. Sprinkle log with paprika and garnish with parsley sprigs.
7. Serve with crackers.
Apr 1
by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor
A Stevie Wonder sighting or a new Easter Bonnet.
by Karen Soo, Trip Director
The Far West Ski Foundation is conducting its Annual Spring See’s Yum-Raising to benefit its missions, with programs that include: U.S. Ski Team Junior Racing Scholarships; adaptive & rehabilitative snowsports programs; sustaining snowsports through supporting industry initiatives in climate control, youth/family development and diversity, plus support of underdeveloped athletic programs; and preserving its legacy through snowsports research projects, museums & libraries.
Visit our shop to pick and choose your favorites and buy and ship your candy online. It’s that easy! The deadline to order is April 4, 2025.
https://www.yumraising.com/ secure/farwsf_far_west_ski_ foundation51/Jan@yc5944/candy
FWSF is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) autonomous public benefit corporation. Happy shopping and thank you for your support!
The Nuts and Chews See’s packaged box is one of my favorites. If you feel like sending me box, I would not turn it away. Karen
The overarching objective of the Far West Ski Foundation is to sustain snowsports to ensure that the inspirational experiences of snowsports will remain for future generations. FWSF missions are:
The overarching objective of the Far West Ski Foundation is to sustain snowsports to ensure that the inspirational experiences of snowsports will remain for future generations. FWSF missions are:
The Nuts and Chews See’s packaged box is one of my favorites. If you feel like sending me box, I would not turn it away. Karen
Happy shopping and thank you for your support!
FWSF is an autonomous public benefit corporation, in compliance with law and regulations Under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code (https://farwestskifoundation.org). For additional information please contact Jane Wyckoff, FWSF Vice President, 949-933-9607, fwsajane@gmail.com
by Armand Gutierrez, President
Presently I’m on my annual FWSA International Travel ski week in Tignes and Val d’Isère, and will be here from 28 Feb – 8 Mar. And after that I’ll be in Marseille and Nice France for the extension week. There are six other NSC members heading to France for a week of skiing in the French Alps. I first skied Tignes in 1980 (yeah, that’s a real long time ago) and it has really grown with more lifts, more terrain and, of course, more lodging and people. A skiing day in Val d’Isère is also in the plans
Membership Report
There have been no new members and our total remains at 86.
2025 NSC Sun Peaks Ski Week
The Sun Peaks team has returned and everyone had a great time, despite the very, very cold temps (-5° to 10° F). And yes, that is the coldest I have ever skied. The cold temps kept the snow in great condition and the sunny skies made us feel a little warmer.
2026 NSC Ski Week
Park City for 2026 was announced at the Sun Peaks Farewell Dinner. Date is still TBA and I’ve got true ski-in/ski-out condos lined up (tentatively). Park City is on the Epic Pass and you might want to consider getting an Epic Pass for this trip. This season’s lift ticket prices are not exactly user-friendly and group rates might not be available. So, stay tuned for further developments in the coming months.
Board Nominations
Now that it’s March it’s time to think about Board Nominations for the 2025-26 season. If anyone has an interest in joining the board for the next season and has questions about what it entails then just drop a note to any of the current board members, or perhaps you have someone in mind to nominate for the board or can nominate yourself. Please keep in mind that the Nisei Ski Club relies on volunteers to be on the board and undertake the running of the club. It’s not all work and no play and Board meetings have been online using Zoom. It is a convenience to attend a Zoom board meeting from the comfort of home, but I do miss the face-to-face interaction and the lunches afterward.
Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org
QotM: A library is a hospital for the mind. – Anonymous
by Patti and Art Moore, New NSC Members
Art and Patti live in Wenatchee, Washington and joined the Nisei Ski Club at the invitation of the President, Armand Gutierrez. We were excited by the opportunity to come to Sun Peaks in February for the wonderful eastern British Columbia snow.
Despite the VERY cold Canadian temperatures Patti was able to accumulate 5 ski days at Sun Peaks. During that time, Patti skied on every chair at the resort. Her favorite run was either Sundance or Crystal. She had a fantastic time and, at the end of the trip Patti had a total of 28 ski days under her belt.
Meanwhile, Art was busy trying to heal from injuries suffered in early January while skiing at our home ski area of Mission Ridge, Washington. I spent most of the trip with a heating pad or an ice pack on my back.
The Crystal Forest Condos were wonderful and our roommates David Tom and Bill Lee were fun and very sociable. Another new friend who we also greatly enjoyed meeting and interacting with was Carolyn Wong. We really enjoyed all their company and all of the other Nisei Ski Club members who we met and spent time with.
The Sun Peaks village was within easy walking distance and offered many distractions and wonderful places to eat, drink and shop, of which we took advantage as much as possible.
Part way through the trip we heard that another Nisei Ski Club member, Wendy Sam, had suffered an injury in a fall and needed to be taken to higher level Emergency Care than was available at the ski area. Since we were there with our car it just made sense not to wait for an ambulance to come out for Wendy and so Art loaded Wendy and Sheldon up and drove them into Kamloops for treatment.
The trip was very well organized with just the right mix of organized social activities and free time to explore on our own. All in all, we made many new friends and had a wonderful time with the Nisei Ski Club at Sun Peaks!
by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor
Check out Bill Lee ‘s photos and videos from the recent NSC Trip to Sun Peaks. B.C.
Thank You Bill for creating great memories for us.
PHOTOS:
(2-01-25 Sat. to 2-08-25 Sat.) Photos of NSC’s trip to Sun Peaks, B.C.
VIDEOS:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/e8TJ1WKEun2bkFTGA
ENJOY!!
by Karen Soo, Trip Director
While 22 NSC members endured freezing weather at their weeklong trip to Sun Peaks, BC, another 6 NSC members planned a week trip to Vail, Colorado, February 1st to 8th.
We didn’t get any of the fresh stuff but we had nice weather and the snow held up for the week.
Our lodging was located at the Lionshead Village. The walk to the Gondola took about 10 minutes. So no local Vail shuttle bus were needed.
A lot of home cooked dinners were planned for the week. Thanks to Amy and David, BBQ Grill master Jim Sanchez and Janice Malena.
Overall, we had a fun time skiing and eating with good company. No accident to report.
See you all next year at Park City with NSC in 2026!
by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President
Welcome to Nisei Ski Club Social Calendar for 2025
April 6, Sunday – Bowling Event – Jeff Honda
4th Street Bowl
10am – 12pm
Lunch at 4th Street Bowl after Bowling
May 10, Saturday – Hiking Event – Joel Hayashida
Location and time to be announced
May 17 or 31, Saturday – Hydro-biking – Angela Ren
Monterey Bay – Elkhorn Slough
June 14, Saturday – Bike Ride – Roland Lee
Tiburon Loop
Time to be announced
June 28, Saturday Mahjong – Judy Hom / 3 hours
July 26, Saturday Mahjong
August 30, Saturday Mahjong
To Be Announced
July 13, Sunday – SF Giants vs. LA Dodgers – Tina Woo
15 tickets reserved tickets so far
August 9 or 10, 16 or 17 – Karen Soo
Annual Membership/Luau Picnic
Date to be announced
September 6, Saturday – Pickleball/ Potluck – Tina Woo
9:30am – 3:00pm
September 20, Saturday– Bike Ride – Curtis Otaguro
Location and time to be announced
October 23 – November 3, 2025 France 12-day Trip – Jeanne Katsuro
23 signups
15 openings
January 17, 2026, Saturday Martin Luther King Weekend
Potluck and Games
Miraido Village Party Room
550 N 6th Street
San Jose, Ca 95112
by Jeff Honda, Board Member
Join Nisei Ski Club and try out your bowling skills on Sunday, April 6th. Lunch to follow at Fourth Streel Bowl. Check out their extensive breakfast / lunch menu. https://4thstreetbowl.com/coffeeshop/
by Tina Woo, , Board Member
BEAT LA! BEAT LA! BEAT LA!
Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks,
I don’t care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for GIANTS (OR DODGERS),
If they don’t win, it’s a shame.
For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out, at the old ball game.
Come see the 2024 World Series Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers play against the San Francisco Giants. See the players: DH Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez, Tommy Edman, Will Smith, Max Muncy, to name a few, including Most Valuable Series player, Freddie Freeman. They beat the New Work Yankees 4 to 1 in an exciting final win!!
Would you be interested in joining fellow Nisei Ski Club members in the classic battle between the SF Giants vs. LA Dodgers. If so, please complete this survey. How many tickets can we order for you: Sunday, July 13, 2025 at SF Oracle Park. Game time: 12:45 pm.
Name & Contact Info_________________________________
____ # of tickets you need?
Please email Tina Woo for if you are interested at baseball@niseiskiclub.org
She would like to start the process of ordering tickets for the game. View Reserved Section 313 beginning with Row 12. Go Giants! Go Dodgers!
by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor
Here’s an easy recipe that you can make as a side dish. Make it on a Sunday and you can eat it for lunch for the rest of the week. You can add slivers of cucumbers and carrots for a nice additional crunch.
Enjoy!
Bon Appetite – Julia Child and Karen Soo share the same birthday.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-5
Ingredients
Directions
Dressing:
Combine soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, and chili sauce in food processor or blender. Blend until well combined.
by Karen Soo, Trip Director
There’s a new store that just opened up in Union City. I was contacted by the Account Manager of Columbia Sportswear. There’s a sale for Ski pass holders.
Ski Pass Holders Get Exclusive Access to the Columbia Sportswear Employee Store in Richmond and Union City until March 31st.
Columbia Employee Store Invitation Details:
Ski Pass Holder Access at Columbia Sportswear Employee Store in Richmond and Union City until March 31st.
Union City https://stores.columbia.com/ca/union-city/employee-store-423
Richmond https://stores.columbia.com/ca/richmond/employee-store-426
by Armand Gutierrez, President
In December I had plans for skiing Tahoe, a rarity since the snowfall is not usually good in December. To make up for not skiing in December I did spend two weekends in Tahoe and got in 4 days of skiing. I was pleasantly surprised that the snow was in good condition due to the cold temps that prevailed and the ability to fire up the snowmaking equipment. But alas, there still were runs that had bushes and little trees showing. Weather predictions are for rain to come to the Bay Area in February so let’s pray that Mother Nature blesses us with an abundant snowfall.
Membership Report
Let’s welcome Ann Cowels and Joyce Weiss as new members that joined at the NSC Potluck Lunch and our total is now 86 members.
2025 FWSA Summer Ski Trip – Valle Nevado, Chile
The Valle Nevado trip is currently taking applications and if you’re thinking about this possible once-in-a-lifetime ski adventure, then now is the time to step up to the plate and sign up. This is the first FWSA summer ski trip to Valle Nevado, Chile. This is a 10-day trip with 7 nights in Valle Nevado and 2 nights in Santiago. Lift tickets are included on this trip, and if you have an Ikon Pass a discount is available depending on the type of Ikon Pass you have. If you are interested then please contact me at your earliest convenience (president@niseiskiclub.org) or see the flyer for additional details.
2025 NSC Ski Week
The Sun Peaks team is off to Sun Peaks for a week (1-8 Feb) of skiing, schussing, dining, and experiencing the Canadian way of life on the slopes. Bill Lee, our unofficial photographer, will return with his usual album of photographs chronicling our ski week.
Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org
QotM: Actions prove who someone is, words just prove who they pretend to be.
by Tina Woo, , Board Member
BEAT LA! BEAT LA! BEAT LA!
Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd;
Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks,
I don’t care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for GIANTS (OR DODGERS),
If they don’t win, it’s a shame.
For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out, at the old ball game.
Come see the 2024 World Series Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers play against the San Francisco Giants. See the players: DH Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez, Tommy Edman, Will Smith, Max Muncy, to name a few, including Most Valuable Series player, Freddie Freeman. They beat the New Work Yankees 4 to 1 in an exciting final win!!
Would you be interested in joining fellow Nisei Ski Club members in the classic battle between the SF Giants vs. LA Dodgers. If so, please complete this survey. How many tickets can we order for you: Sunday, July 13, 2025 at SF Oracle Park. Game time: 12:45 pm.
Name & Contact Info_________________________________
____ # of tickets you need?
Please email Tina Woo for if you are interested at baseball@niseiskiclub.org
She would like to start the process of ordering tickets for the game. View Reserved Section 313 beginning with Row 12. Go Giants! Go Dodgers!
By Ida Gamban – Guest
On January 18th, the Nisei Ski Club hosted a potluck as a reunion for the Nisei Ski Club Eastern Canada Travelers and friends. Bringing together 45 members and guests to the Miraido Village Party Room in San Jose Japantown. This festive gathering provided a wonderful opportunity for attendees to reconnect, share exciting travel experiences, learn about upcoming adventures, and enjoy an afternoon of games and camaraderie.
Event organizer Jeanne Katsuro, along with Collette Travel Coordinator, delivered captivating presentations on past and future travel opportunities. Jeanne recounted her group’s unforgettable journey to Eastern Canada, while Laurie Miller from Collette introduced an array of breathtaking travel possibilities from cruising along the Black Sea in Europe to embarking on an exhilarating safari in South Africa.
Following the presentations, guests indulged in a lavish buffet filled with a delectable mix of Asian and American cuisine. The spread featured everything from a rich and creamy crab dip to savory pineapple cha shu bao, delicate somen noodles, tender pulled pork, and an array of other mouthwatering dishes. Dessert was equally impressive, with freshly baked pies, homemade cookies, and other sweet treats satisfying every craving.
As the afternoon continued, the spirit of friendly competition took over. Some guests gathered around card tables for a lively game of poker, while others engaged in spirited rounds of mahjong, Scrabble, and various board games. Laughter and conversation filled the air as experienced players guided newcomers through the intricacies of different games, creating an atmosphere of warmth and inclusion.
The club’s camaraderie was unmistakable, as members old and new bonded over shared experiences and new friendships formed. To top it all off, attendees were encouraged to take home leftovers from the feast, a perfect way to savor the event long after the afternoon had ended.
With good food, great company, and the promise of exciting travel adventures on the horizon, the Nisei Ski Club potluck was a resounding success, setting the stage for another year of unforgettable memories.
By Sandy Kiyomura, NSC Member
On Saturday January 25th, Seven Nisei Ski Club members boarded the United flight to Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Who was on the trip? Elaine Graves, Roland Lee, David Uyeda, Jay Fukuda, Ed Lee, David Uyeda and myself, Sandy Kiyomura. We joined 135 others members from Far West Ski Association. At the airport, I saw an old friend, Jim Stewart from Rusty Bindings. I met Jim on a Far West trip to Japan, once in 2004 and again in 2017. Jim was such a nice person that he treated me to a nice breakfast.
We had a smooth flight to Calgary. Their mountains looked different than the ones in the Sierras. At Calgary airport, we took a bus to Banff. After settling in, Elaine and I went to registered and got my 5-day lift pass. Sorry to say, I only skied 2 out of the 5 days – details to follow.
We met up with the group that evening and we had Pho for dinner. The next day we were excited to ski Lake Louise. David Uyeda, Jim Stewart and I took the mountain tour. I wasn’t used to skiing so fast since I’ve only skied at NorthStar earlier in the month. Our guide Davide from Italy was excellent. He took us all over the mountain. Guides usually cannot take skiers on black runs. We met up with more people after lunch and skied until 3:30pm.
The next day we went back to ski Lake Louise. I skied with Elaine and I’m happy I skied nonstop on a black diamond run. The run was called Meadowlark and I won’t forget it. We skied on this run right after lunch and I experienced a “weird” fall. I twisted and was falling backwards down the hill with my legs split. Ouch. I felt a pop and came to rest with my left ski uphill. A nice ski instructor, Cameron stopped and helped me. Once I told him I just had hip surgery a few months ago he called Ski Patrol and 3 patrollers got me off the slopes. Elaine said they were going really fast down the slopes, but all I could see was the sky. There was a small clinic at the bottom, but they sent me to the hospital via the ambulance. After some X-rays, they determined nothing was broken and I probably tore my hamstring. Elaine and Roland were able to help me back to the hotel by 8pm. So now you know why I only skied 2 days and have crutches and a wheelchair as my mode of transportation for the week.
There were many events planned during a Far Wes Ski trip, both on and off the slopes.
I really enjoyed their dessert night. We attended Council night where Karen Albrecht announced that the exchange rate was so good that she gave each room a $62 bottle of wine in addition to the prime rib or salmon entrée. There was a picnic at the lodge at Lake Louise and a farewell dinner dance. Unfortunately, I couldn’t dance. SNIFF, SNIFF
