by Armand Gutierrez

Spring is in the air and our ski season is fading into history for this season. Although the pandemic established new guidelines for the ski resorts, the ski season wasn’t a total loss. A number of NSCers heeded Mother Nature’s call to enjoy the winter wonderland in Tahoe, Sun Valley, Snowbird, Deer Valley, and other great skiing resorts.

Last year at this time we were facing the challenges of a pandemic and the cancellation of all of our planned events: the Annual June Membership Luau/Picnic, a second Tea Dance, Karen’s Thai Cooking demonstration (deferred), and our ski week trip to Breckenridge. But that was last year, and this year it’s time to return to what we do best – enjoying the camaraderie of all of our NSC friends and family. At our March board meeting we discussed another Zoom Happy Hour (scheduled for 5:30pm, April 9th), Karen is planning another cooking demonstration in May, having our Annual June Membership Luau/Picnic in August, and our annual ski week is in progress for next January.

Frank and Armand’s Excellent Ski Adventure
Before the season ended Frank and I moseyed on up to Tahoe for some schussing down the slopes in pursuit of skiing pleasures, and Mother Nature blessed us with clear, blue skies and good snow conditions. As can be seen in the photograph, Frank met up with some of the wildlife in the area and was prepared to defend his right to ski in the woods. If you’re a Tahoe regular perhaps you can name the resort, and if you really know your way around the mountain, name the run.

Board Nominations & Elections
Well, it’s that time again for holding our board nominations and elections for the 2021-2022 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, 60 years strong, would cease to exist! 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 in the June Newsletter. Normally the results would be announced at the annual June picnic, but due to current county requirements the June picnic is postponed. 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.

2022 NSC Ski Week to Steamboat, CO

Next year’s ski week will be at Steamboat, CO from 29 January – 5 February, 2022. Steamboat is an Ikon Pass destination so you can pick up an Ikon Pass for the next season. Once again, Sports America will be offering the Epic/Ikon Pass promotion-trip rebate for anyone that goes on the trip and purchases a pass through Sports America. For 2021-22 Steamboat will be on the Ikon Pass, and is also good for Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows. Here is what you need to know about the Ikon and Epic Passes for the Steamboat trip:

Purchase an Ikon Pass (Squaw/Alpine) from Sports America and receive a:

• $30 trip discount for an Ikon Base Pass, or
• $50 trip discount for an Ikon Pass.
• Go to this link to purchase: : www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei
• The Ikon Base Pass is good for five days skiing at Steamboat

Purchase an Epic Pass (Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood) from Sports America and receive a:

• $30 trip discount for an Epic Local Pass, or
• $50 trip discount for an Epic Pass
• Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/epic-nisei .
• Epic passes cannot be used at Steamboat.

Purchase both the Ikon/Epic passes and you will receive a combination trip discount based on the type of passes you purchase. If you have any questions about either of the passes then drop me a line at president@niseiskiclub.org .

QotM: If you lack the courage to start, you have already finished.

by Sandy Kiyomura

Alameda is very fortunate to have Virginia and Elwin Jang, talented and dedicated volunteers at the Alameda Food Bank. They are both in their later years, and were unable to volunteer at the Food Bank during this pandemic. Having traveled the world and Virginia being a (retired) nutritionist, they wanted to find a way to help the community. Virginia collected and personalized recipes from around the world, using foods commonly found at Food Banks and Farmer’s Markets. Together with Elwin’s help as Taster in Chief and computer guru, they published this 44 page book of recipes. The recipes are culturally diverse, healthy and easy to prepare. I have made several dishes that take no more than 30 minutes. Many recipes promote the use of plant-based, high quality protein foods such as tofu, dried peas and beans.

This book has made my meals more interesting. Below are pictures of some of the dishes I’ve tried: Korean Ground Beef Bulgogi, Jambalaya, and Shepherd’s pie (half eaten). Needless to say, my “tasters” had seconds and thirds; no leftovers here! People who have purchased the book have asked for more copies, and I’m told they are running low.

The proceeds from the book sales benefit the Alameda Food Bank. Books are $10 each, with $5 for shipping and handling (unless you pick up). You can make checks for the books out to me: Sandy Kiyomura, 18 Cheshire Ct. Alameda, CA 94502. However, if you want to make a larger donation to AFB, write a separate check for them. Packing and shipping is $5 for 1-2 books, $10 for 3-4.