Archive for June, 2013

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 (tripdirector@niseiskiclub.org).

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 sunpeaks@niseiskiclub.org

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 StJosephsHill@niseiskiclub.org to sign up and get more information.
>>> NOTE – revised email address <<<