by Armand Gutierrez, President  

Fall is here and it’s time to start thinking about the upcoming ski season. Temps are cooling down and let’s see if Mother Nature decides to give us some early rains and cold weather. It’s also that time of the year when the creatures of the night come out in force and your self-discipline is tested with the bags of Halloween candy that are readily available. Will you be prepared for this next big event?

Membership Report

September saw an uptick in sign-ups, and that brings our roster to 98 members. Our all-time high from last year was 114, so there’s still time to break that record. We also have 16 new members for this year.

One Warm Coat Drive

Our second-ever One Warm Coat Drive was a great success and many thanks to those members that donated coats. Last month the donated coats were delivered to Sacred Heart Community Service. This really shows the generosity of our membership and I’m looking forward to this being an annual event to help out people in need

2027 NSC Ski Week – Important Update

Signups for Snowmass have been coming in and we’ve got 20 signed up so far. New signups will be put on a Waitlist until a condo can be filled. Signup deadline (and final payment) is 20 October.

The Ikon Pass includes Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk, and the Ikon Base Pass is good only for Snowmass. However, if you don’t want to get an Ikon Pass then Sports America is offering 5/6-day (adult/senior) lift tickets that will be good for all four mountains. Details and signups are in the Snowmass Flyer on the Events & Ski Trips tab.

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).

FFWSA Ski & Adventure Trips

 FWSA has recently announced two trips: an adventure trip to Quito, EC and the Galapagos Islands from 17 – 26 October 2027, and a mini-ski week in Alyeska and the start of the annual Iditarod. Both flyers and order forms can be found on the BAC & FWSA tab on our website

Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org
 
QotM: : The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain. – Dolly Parton.

by Curtis Otaguro, Board Member

A hike that is only 2.5 miles and takes about an hour and a half? Sign me up! On September 19, a group of 12 NSC members gathered at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Newark for our Tidelands Trail adventure. And we really lucked out with the weather. Normally there’s a breeze from the Bay while hiking this trail, but there wasn’t a breath of wind. The water was practically glassy, making the salt marshes and Bay views even more beautiful. We started on the LaRiviere Marsh Trail working our way to the Tidelands Trail, enjoying the scenery without having to work too hard—which, frankly, is my kind of hiking.

We also had a few wildlife and historical discoveries along the way. A Snowy Egret made an appearance on the LaRiviere Marsh Trail, posing just long enough for us to appreciate it before continuing on its way. Later on the Tidelands Trail, we came across a little red hut, a historic structure that originally provided shelter for duck hunters. I had always thought of Don Edwards as simply “that refuge in Fremont,” but apparently there is much more to it. The refuge is actually a series of preserves around the southern end of San Francisco Bay, and it was the nation’s first urban national wildlife refuge. Who knew an easy Saturday morning hike could also turn into a history lesson?

Of course, no NSC hike would be complete without lunch. We headed to Good Neighbor Seafood Restaurant in Newark, looking forward to one of our favorite dishes: twice cooked spareribs, or Gindo Pai Gwat. Unfortunately, somewhere between our intentions and our ordering skills, we ended up with twice cooked pork instead. And, as we quickly learned, twice cooked pork is NOT the same thing as twice cooked spareribs. Needless to say, we were quite disappointed as this is their signature dish.

Despite the Great Sparerib Mix-Up of 2026, it was a wonderful NSC outing. Perfect weather, glassy Bay water, beautiful scenery, a Snowy Egret, a bit of history, good friends—and only one culinary disappointment. It was another reminder that you don’t need a mountain, a chairlift, or sore legs to have a great day with the NSC Ski Club. Sometimes all you need is a flat trail, good company, and a very carefully checked lunch order!

By Armand Gutierrez, Kegler Extraordinaire

Keglers Beware! The Nisei Ski Club hit the lanes for its annual bowling event on August 15 (yes, this article missed the deadline for September’s newsletter). High rollers on Team A: Alex Kami, Jeanne Katsuro, Armand Gutierrez, and Team B: Christine Dews, Wendy Low, McKenna Dews gave their all to strut their stuff on the lanes. Jeanne came out on top with high series aided by a double in her second game, while Alex maintained consistency across the trio of games with high series, (scores not given so as not to embarrass anyone). But it can be revealed that El Jefe finally broke a hundred with a high of 103.

Now, last year’s entertainment was provided by Jeanne dropping a bowling bag on her foot and knocked her out of contention. And Roland Lee showed up with his arm in a sling. This year Wendy showed us her deft skill in handling a bowling ball by dropping it on her backward swing. Perhaps a slight lack of focus? Nah, she did it twice just to prove that she could do it again. Having the dropsies caused her score to head south and we all wondered what changed. Turns out there were two yellow bowling balls, one belonging to Alex that was a little heavier with larger finger holes, and one selected by Wendy that had regular finger holes. Get the picture? And, of course, El Jefe managed a forward swing that maneuvered the bowling ball into his right knee. Result: a gutter ball of course. Many thanks to organizer Jeff Honda for providing hints and tips on technique and style and NOT to move like Jagger.

by Jeanne Katsuro, Trip Director

Experience Endless Mountain Horizons, complex Evergreen Tropical Forests filled with exotic flora and wildlife.

Costa Rica is the Emerald of Central America Vacation

April 17 – 28, 2027

Sign up Link: gateway.gocollette.com/link/1417445

Hurry! Signup for our Costa Rica Trip!

Seat Reduction Date is September 17

Only 9 Reservations Left!

On September 17, Nisei will have to return the remaining open positions which then be sold to other travelers from other travel companies like AAA.

After September 17, the air fare is subject to change and more than likely will experience an increased air fare.

April 17 – 28 Costa Rica $4649 Double $5649 Single

24 Person trip

12 Days, 23 Meals (11 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 8 Dinners)

Additional rate of $1990 for Business Class

Wonders of Tortuguero National Park – travel by boat to your hotel before heading further down the rivers & canals to the world’s finest sea turtle research station.

• Explore the Town to Tortuguero and relax at your lodge set in the middle of the jungle
• Experience the morning calls of the monkeys to the gentle chatter of the birds and all the other wonderful sounds of the rainforest

Take a boat back to the mainland and make your way to Sarapiqui & Trimbina Rainforest Center 

• There have an “Impact Moment”, an ecotourism destination that is vigilant of environmental, social & economic impact.
• Learn the process of sustainably converting cacao seed from bean to bar and taste for yourself what it is call the food of the gods.
• The pure source of Chocolate!

Penas Blancas River Safari – paddle & float down the river on a peaceful adventure, taking in the sights & sounds of the rainforest

• as your naturalist guide describes the intricacies of the wildlife around you.
• Visit the “finca” of a local family and try homemade snacks such as banana bread, local coffee and more.
• Take a guided walk through the private primary forest reserve for a look at the various flora and fauna.

Arenal – Famous hanging bridges suspended over the rainforest floor, relish a bird’s-eye view of the jungle

Your choice

• Costa Rica is the birthplace of Zip lining – glide over the canopies of a mind-blowing rip through the jungle or
• Make you way across lava fields of the Arenal Volcano for an up-close-and-personal look at the volcano on a moderate hike along the trails formed by lava during the 1968 eruption.

• Later explore and family owned farm, taste the exotic fruit harvest and experience the traditional way to process sugar cane. 
• Sip of cane liquor before engaging in a culinary demonstration and farm to table lunch
• White Water Rafting adventure that is great for all levels of rafters
• The adventure on the Rio Balsa or Sarapiqui River provide plenty of action & thrills, but with milder white water rapids. Class II  – III
• Enjoy the majestic foliage of the rainforest as you watch for monkeys, sloths and toucans while you raft.
• Afterwards eat traditional Costa Rican lunch and celebrate your adventure!

Following morning, wake up and smell the coffee at a local farm that produces Costa Rica’s well-known Coffee Beans!

Playa Herradura end the day with the sunset over the Pacific Ocean alongside birds in every color of the rainbow.

Manuel Antonio National Park home to verdant rainforests and white sand beaches.

In this natural wonderland, traverse the trails where the wild things are or go for a swim in the turquoise waters as wildlife rummages in the canopies.

Tarcoles Rio Grande – Exhilarating jungle crocodile safari, boat beneath the towering jungle, and look along the river banks for a glimpse of these incredible creatures.

It will be lot’s of fun!  Come join us! 

Experience the Comradery of Nisei Ski Club and have Memorable Experiences!

by Jeanne Katsuro, Trip Director

In Addition to our Costa Rica trip in April 2027

We are going to New Zealand with a Post Trip to the Fiji Islands

October 7-25, 2027 Sign up Link: gateway.gocollette.com/link/1417492

This trip will fill up fast!

• We already have 8 sign ups 16 positions remaining.

New Zealand $9,949 Double $11,849 Single

                   –Additional Rate for Premium Economy $3990

                   -Additional Rate for Business Class $9990

North and South Islands

                   -24 Person trip

                   -19 days, 26 meals (16 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 8 Dinners)

Post Trip to Fiji Islands- 4 days /3 Nights optional

                   -$1,599 Double $2299 Single Land & Air

                   -4 Meals: 3 Breakfasts & 1 Dinner

Highlights:                                                                    

Lord of the Rings Tour

Auckland “City of Sail” rated one of the World’s Best Places to Live

• A Panoramic City featuring America’s Cup Village, the War Memorial &
  • Auckland Harbour Bridge

Rotorua known for Geothermal Activity, Maori Cultural Experience &

Redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest

Wellington “Windy City” a coastal city nestled against the mountains

• See the Beehive, New Zealand’s Parliament, Old Government Building the largest wooden building in the Southern Hemisphere
  • It is also know for it’s reputation as a foodie destination, enjoy a private walking food tour
  • Stroll along the vibrant waterfront and Queen’s Wharf

Lord of the Rings Tour

• Take a Ferry & sail across Cook Strait & experience one of the most beautiful ferry rinds in the world.

Christchurch “Garden City”, the largest city on the South Island

• Magnificent Gardens and Elegant Park District
• Willow Bank Wildlife Reserve, leader in the conservation of New Zealand’s
• species. Here you will have the chance to view New Zealand’s “Big 5” kiwi, kaka, tuatara, kea and takahe.
• Learn about Maori culture and paddle on the Avon River in a traditional canoe
• Learn about Christchurch’s long history of exploration in Antarctic during a

visit to the International Antarctic Center

Aoraki/Mount Cook Region, Enjoy unspoiled wilderness & where extensive

glaciers blanket the rugged peaks.

Dunedin, one of the earliest European settlements on the islands which holds proudly to its Scottish heritage and traditions

• Visit Baldwin Street, the world’s steepest public road as awarded by Guiness Book of Records.
• Visit Larnach Castle, built in 1871, this gothic castle offers insight into Victorian culture
• Visit the Royal Albatross Centre, the only mainland breeding location in the world. Albatrosses have an epic wing span of 10 feet

Queenstown, “Adventure Capital of the World” a mountainside town set against the shores of Lake Wakatipu,

• Take a gondola to Bob’s Peak for stunning views
• Cruise Milford Sound with rock faces 4000 feet up and Scenery that will take your breath away
• Consider an optional tour through the stunning Queenstown countryside, showcasing many of the locations where Blockbuster movies have filmed.
• Lake Wakatipu Cruise aboard an iconic coal-fired steamship see Queenstown’s stunning landscape
• Sheepdog Demonstration

Post Trip Fiji Islands Beautiful Tropical Paradise.

• With Fijians warm and friendly vibrant culture.
  • Expansive Sandy Beaches and Clear Ocean Waters.Relax by the beach and pool or choose one of the many fun adventurous activities available.

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Here’s an easy cheesecake recipe that skips the traditional cream cheese. Instead, the main ingredients are cottage cheese and plain Greek yogurt, combined with eggs and oat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

It’s simple to make, creamy, lightly sweet, and a little lighter than a traditional cheesecake. The cottage cheese and Greek yogurt also add extra protein while keeping the cheesecake delicious and satisfying.

Bon Appetite – Julia Child and Karen Soo share the same birthday.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 ripe banana
• Optional: for adults or older kids, if you want it sweeter, you can add 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup. Do not use honey for babies under 1 year old.
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• berries or fruit of your choice, optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F / 175°C.

• Add the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, banana, eggs, and oat flour to a blender.
• Blend until completely smooth.
• Let the batter sit for 5–10 minutes, so the oat flour can absorb some moisture.
• Pour into a lined small baking dish or a 6-inch pan.
• Add berries or fruit on top, if using.
• Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is only slightly soft.
• Let it cool completely, then refrigerate for 2–3 hours, or ideally overnight, before slicing.

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

Check out Warren Miller’s new movie DAYS OFF

Find out where it is playing in your neighborhood. https://warrenmiller.com/film-tour

Have a safe Halloween – October 31, 2026