by Armand Gutierrez, President  

The end of June brought us some mild temps and July is going to give us some milder temperatures (but very pleasant). So get ready for that July 4^th BBQ with friends and family and enjoy the weekend celebrations. And don’t forget to bring out Old Glory and display it high above.

NSC Annual Membership Meeting/Luau Picnic

The NSC Annual Membership Meeting/Luau Picnic is scheduled for Saturday, July 18th, so mark your calendars. As usual the club will be providing beverages and a lunch entree and you can bring a favorite side dish. Details will be in the Picnic Flyer. An Evite will be sent out in early July so please RSVP and let Karen know what you are bringing.

Passing of former NSCer Ken Pace

A number of NSC members will remember Ken Pace as an avid skier that went on a number of NSC ski weeks, his last being the Whistler/Blackcomb trip in 2020 with his wife Cindy Low (also an NSC member), and FWSA international trips, Ken peacefully passed away on Saturday, 13 June from a variety of health issues. Some of you will also know that Ken was my best friend of almost 50 years. We first skied together when I ran the Ski Fools back in the early 80s. We had a cabin in Tahoe Vista and Ken and I were up there almost every other weekend, skiing Squaw Valley, Northstar, and sometimes Heavenly.

NSC Takes 2^nd Place in FWSA Outstanding Web Site

Last year NSC came in 3^rd in the FWSA Outstanding Club Website Award. This award is based on layout, content, usefulness, navigation, club size, and there are three categories: Masters, Advanced, and Novice. Well, I was hoping for 1^st place but it looks like a little more work is needed on the website and we’ll try again next year.

Over the past year Karen Soo and I have been updating the website based on a worksheet provided by FWSA. As sort of a newcomer for this award I am pleased to announce that we placed 2^nd in the Novice category.  Getting silver now establishes a new baseline; NSC will definitely enter again in 2027 and go for the gold.

One Warm Coat Drive

Last year the club initiated our first annual One Warm Coat Drive at the Annual Membership/Luau Picnic. This year we will once again have the One Warm Coat Drive at the Annual Membership/Luau Picnic on Saturday, 18 July. So dig deep in your closets and bring a clean and wearable coat, sweatshirt, or jacket as a donation that will make an impact on people’s lives by participating in the One Warm Coat Drive.

2027 NSC Ski Week

Plans for Snowmass for 2027 are in progress, with lodging at the Timberline Condos confirmed (again) for 23-30 January. Yes, there were some changes since we could not get enough units at the Crestwood (6-13 Feb). The Ikon Pass includes Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, and the Ikon Base Pass is good for only Snowmass. If you don’t want to get an Ikon Pass then Sports America is offering 5-day (adult/senior) lift tickets that will be good for all four mountains. Details and signups are in the Snowmass Flyer.

Use this for Epic passes: https://www.sportsamerica.com/epic-nisei

Use this for Ikon passes: https://www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei (requires a password that was sent earlier as a separate email).

2027 FWSA Ski Week

FWSA is going to Val Gardena, February 27 – March 6, with an extension to Puglia and Rome, March 6-13. Val Gardena stands as a distinguished ski destination within the Dolomites, featuring 112 miles of slopes, world-class lifts, and convenient access to the Sellaronda and the Legendary 8 (slopes). Val Gardena is on the Ikon pass: Ikon Pass – 7 days, Ikon Base Pass – 5 days. For details and signup forms go to the BAC & FWSA tab on the website (https://www.niseiskiclub.org/events/).

Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org

QotM: Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.

By Armand Gutierrez, Responsable des adhésions

June was a weak month for memberships with only five members joining, and we typically get around 30 memberships. July should show an increase in membership with the Snowmass Flyer posted and that will attract more memberships. For month ending in June we have a total of 71 members, with nine new people.

Jason Ku (our treasurer) and I completed work on a set of new Membership procedures designed to make joining easier.  There are now two membership forms: the Standard Membership form and a new Returning Member membership form created for returning members. This is a fillable-PDF form that allows you to fill-out the form with minimal information (name, payment type) and submit it as an attachment in an email to the membership chairman. The Standard Membership form remains the same and will be used by new members joining the club. If the fillable-PDF form proves popular then it may be applied to the Standard Membership in the future. A new set of procedures is now on the Membership tab, along with links to the two membership forms.

By Armand Gutierrez, President

The FWSA 93^rd Annual Convention (SkiCon) was held from 12-15 June, in San Diego, CA. This was my third time attending (13-15 June) in two capacities: 1) to assist Gloria Raminha (VP International Travel) with the International Travel booth, and 2) to provide NSC delegate representation. As a delegate representing NSC I attended various seminars, entitled to make nominations for the various open positions (I didn’t) and to vote during the elections (I did).  The photo shows a partial shot of a banner of all the Historic Ski Clubs.

Saturday kicked off with a morning continental breakfast and a brief general meeting. The remainder of the day offered a variety of programs of interest (a Canva workshop, Public Affairs Panel, and the Paint the Town Red session for those with an artistic talent. The Snowsports Leadership Academy had two seminars: The Membership Multiplier: Modern Marketing for Ski and Snowboard Clubs, and The Snowball Effect: Turning Small Efforts into Big Fundraising Wins.

I attended the two seminars and learned a few things about what works for recruiting new members and how fundraising can bring in revenue for a club. Of the two seminars the Membership Multiplier was the most informative since our focus is on increasing our membership. The evening concluded with the Awards Banquet & Dance. For some this is a formal event with tuxes and gowns, and for others (including myself) a little less formal.

Sunday was devoted to FWSA board nominations/elections, and presentation of various Council and club awards (including the FWSA Outstanding Club Web Site Award). Last year NSC placed 3^rd in the Novice category, and this year we moved up a notch to 2^ndd place. Once again I was amazed and impressed by the passion and volunteerism by the many attendees. Not only the FWSA board, but by the various clubs and their delegates. Next year’s FWSA Convention is being held in South Lake Tahoe. Well, that’s not official but I was listening to a South Lake Tahoe exhibitor and she mentioned that they might be hosting the convention. Like I said, nothing official.

by Roland Lee, Board Member and Son Alex

Unfortunately, no one from the Nisei Ski Club joined us for the ride. Perhaps a 20-mile ride is a bit more than some of the NSC cyclists were looking for!

Alex and I still had a fantastic day on the road. With the roads around Tiburon closed to regular traffic for the annual car show, it made for a peaceful and enjoyable ride with very few cars.

The car show is always a highlight. This year’s featured exhibit showcased Cadillac race cars along with classic Cadillacs dating from 1931 onward. The collection, as always offered a wonderful mix of beautifully restored vintage automobiles.

I’ve been doing this ride for many years, and it never disappoints. Between the classic cars, the lack of traffic, and the beautiful weather, it was another perfect day.

Check out these classics

By Angela Ren, NSC Member

Unlike Covid-19, this fever is not deadly (at least not to our health) but can be just as contagious!

While doing some research for this article, I discovered that this game has exploded in popularity across the country.  In 2025, searches for Mahjong clubs and lessons increased more than 4,000 percent. In NSC, it is no different.  Space was limited to only 20 sign-ups but they filled up so quickly that a waitlist had to be started.

The original Chinese game started in the 1800’s and spread from China across the world with dozens of variations.  At this event, we played the Cantonese style with 13 tiles and flowers.  5 tables of players from beginner to intermediate levels, each with a coach to teach the newbie players how to play or to share tips to the intermediate players on how to improve their skills.  We also had a wide range of ages playing at this event – from Christie Dews’ daughter and friend in their 20’s to John Tatsukawa’s 88-year-old dad James.

No NSC event is without a fabulous potluck from salads to main dishes and dessert.  After everyone filled up their plates and happily feasted on lunch, we all swiftly cleaned off the tables so we could start playing Mahjong.  As the beginners started to learn the basics, the intermediate players were challenged to win with a minimum of 3 fan.  As a beginning player myself, I was just happy to win at all, even with a chicken hand or gai woo.  The intermediate players were definitely a lively bunch – lots of laughter and screaming after some of them scored 5,7, and 8 fans.  Everyone played with poker chips (no money) so no one went home with an empty wallet.  The most important benefit that we all took from this event was we all had a great time!

A big thank you goes to Judy and Winston for graciously hosting this event and to the 5 coaches (Judy Hom, Jeanne Katsuro, Janet Gee, Sarah Lowe, and Angie Fong) who gave up their opportunity to play in order to help teach all of the players.  Until the next gathering when we can again yell Poong! Chow! Sik Wu! and Ji Mo!

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

Please join us on Saturday, July 18th at Las Palmas Park in Sunnyvale for our annual Nisei Ski Club Luau Picnic.
Bring a gently used coat or sweater for the ONE WARM COAT DRIVE

Time – 12:00pm – 5:00pm

You will receive your Evite invitation at the end June. It will be sent out from Armand G.

Please RSVP no later than Wednesday, July 15 so we can order the right amount of food for the picnic.

by Armand Gutierrez, President

The Nisei Ski Club has participated in a variety of charitable organizations, and over the past few years we have supported the Asian Pacific Film Fest, Achieve Tahoe, and a one-time donation for the victims of the Lahaina fire in Hawaii in 2023 through cash donations. Now NSC has an opportunity to make an impact on people’s lives by participating in the One Warm Coat Drive. The One Warm Coat organization https://www.onewarmcoat.org/ is a national nonprofit organization that embodies a movement of kindness through the donation of coats to people in need.

This charitable opportunity is now available to the membership and for you to join Jeanne Katsuro and I on this charitable endeavor. So how can you help? Simple. At the Annual Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic on July 18, all you need to bring is one warm coat (or more if you have them). The coats can be for adult or young kids, and should be clean and wearable (no holes or rips). The coats collected at the picnic will be picked up by Jeanne or myself, and stored until October or November when they can then be taken to one of the One Warm Coat designated drop off locations. From there they will be distributed to people in need during the Thanksgiving or Christmas season.

by Jeff Honda, Board Member

Join Nisei Ski Club and try out your bowling skills on Saturday, August 15. 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!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026

SF Giants vs. LA Dodgers – Game starts at 12:05pm

Oracle Park View Reserved Section 315. Only 20 tickets available.

Special Price from a Season Ticket Holder

Nisei Ski Club Member $70

Non Nisei Ski Club Member $75

We would like at least one Nisei Member per every 2 tickets.

Meet for Lunch @ 11:30am near the Crazy Crab’z Section 315 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 _________________________________________ 

Number of Tickets:_________________________________________________

Please send Zelle event payments to: nsctreasurer2025@gmail.com

Or Send Check to Nisei Ski Club c/o Tina Woo, 21577 Villa Maria Court, Cupertino, CA 9501

Questions: Contact Tina at  baseball@niseiskiclub.org

Join the Nisei Ski Club for an exciting trip to Snowmass, January 23–30, 2027!

The sign-up form is attached. Don’t miss out—send in your deposit now to reserve your spot. We look forward to another great week of skiing, snowboarding, and fun with friends!

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

Great News Everyone!

We got at new negotiated price for the additional Business Class flight price!

It is $1990!

It previously was $2490!

Sign up soon!

Take care

Jeanne

https://groups.gocollette.com/en-US/link/1417445

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

This bark is the perfect combination of salty, nutty, and crunchy, with a deep roasted black sesame flavor that tastes incredibly sophisticated—yet comes together in less than 10 minutes.

Even better, it’s loaded with healthy fats, calcium, antioxidants, and gut-friendly ingredients. It’s the kind of dessert that satisfies your cravings while offering real nutritional benefits.

Be sure to SAVE this recipe, because once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again. Trust me—it’s that good!

Bon Appetit – Julia Child and Karen Soo shares the same birthday

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup black sesame seeds
•  ½ cup pistachios roughly chopped
• ½ cup white sesame seeds
•  ⅓ cup pumpkin seeds
•  ⅓ cup sunflower seeds
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp miso paste
• ½ cup maple syrup

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 300°F convection.
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
3. Add all the dry ingredients into a bowl and mix. Heat miso and maple syrup over low heat in a small pot whisking constantly.
4. Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and mix well. Spread evenly onto the baking sheet and press down firmly.
5. Bake for 20 minutes. Then take turn the bark around in the oven and lower the temperature and bake for another 10mins.
6. WAIT FOR THE BARK TO COOL COMPLETELY and then break up into pieces.
7. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature.

by Tina Woo, NSC Member

Saturday, July 11, 2026

San Jose Stage, 490 S 1st Street, San Jose

Join us for an inspiring showcase of AAPI creativity and storytelling. The festival brings together original short plays and monologues by emerging and established AAPI playwrights, performed by a dynamic ensemble of AAPI actors. Celebrate the depth, humor, power, and originality of AAPI perspectives in theatre as we spotlight new voices and vibrant storytelling.

You can get your tickets here

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/3rd-annual-aapi-playwright-festival-sj-japantown-guided-tour-tickets-1989767460036?keep_tld=true

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Come on out and volunteer your time to help the local community.

Mountain View Buddhist Temple is having their annual Obon Festival.

Dates – Saturday, July 18^th and Sunday, July 19th.

This year, the Mountain View Buddhist Temple (MVBT) Obon Festival bazaar committee members had developed an online volunteer sign-up page for the various activities and booths leading up to the bazaar and during the two-day bazaar on Saturday, July 18^th and Sunday, July 19^th.

 Positions available – Will be updated next month https://sangha.mvbuddhisttemple.org/obon/

In the past years Nisei Ski Club members had volunteered at the Obon Festival Beer booth. You know how that goes. A little pour, a little taste on the side. BURP..

Here is the link for the BEER BOOTH- Hurry before it gets filled up. SIGN UP PAGE WILL BE AVAILABLE NEXT MONTH

Thank you for stepping up to the plate to VOLUNTEER!