by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

One of the best ways you can help Maui and its affected residents is by simply donating what you can to trusted donation funds. While so many have already donated, the amount of funds that will be necessary to help rebuild what was lost, and assist those who are hurting, is truly staggering. We recommend giving to established funds and organizations, such as the Maui Strong Fund, the Maui Humane Society and Red Cross Hawaiʻi, which are all directly involved in the recovery of Maui.

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

From San Jose Taiko

The 50th Anniversary concert, “50 and Beyond” will feature a medley of San Jose Taiko songs from the past and present – including classics and some new favorites – as well as give attendees a preview of the art/work that’s ahead in our limitless future.  As always, we will tell our story and the story of Japanese/Asian Americans in Silicon Valley through our music. It’s an event 50 years in the making and the culmination of our 50th Anniversary celebration!  Please join us at the California Theatre to help us celebrate this milestone.

TWO SHOWS!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 – 2 PM AND 7:30 PM

California Theatre
345 S. 1st St.
San Jose, CA 95113

For tickets https://taiko.org/50th

Between those two shows, we are having a 50th Anniversary Bash at the nearby Signia by Hilton Hotel (formerly the Fairmont). This fundraiser will include appetizers, cocktails, and more and will take place from 4:30-6:30pm. Tickets are available here. 

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

Check out Warren Miller’s new movie ALLTIME

Find out where it is playing in your neighborhood. https://warrenmiller.com/events

by Armand Gutierrez, President

Dang! I can’t believe we’re heading into September and the next thing will be the start of ski season. But then I should have known that ski season is around the corner because my inbox is full of emails from various ski resorts inviting me to come visit, and ski shops that want to convince me that I need new gear (skis, clothing, etc).

Upcoming Events

Get your calendars out and mark these dates down for planned events for the remainder of the year.

September 9 – Car Tour Rally

If you haven’t signed up for this yet you still have time. This tour is being hosted by Carolyn Wong and she has done this for her Porsche Club members. This will be a fun drive through Pescadero, Half Moon Bay, and lunch at Rosotti’s Alpine Inn near Portola Valley. This is the first time NSC has held a Car Tour event (to my knowledge) and if it’s well-received there could be a follow-on event for next year. Take a gander at the flyer for details. Although the flyer says the deadline is Tuesday, September 5, it has been extended to Friday, September 8.

October 28 – 65^th NSC Anniversary Dinner – We had a great time at our 60^th Anniversary Dinner so be sure to sign up for this Anniversary Dinner. There will be great food and the opportunity to see friends and members you probably haven’t seen in quite awhile. Take a look at the flyer and get your checkbook handy.

November 4  – NSC Pickleball Event – Details in the October Newsletter.

November 11 – NSC Bowling Event – Details in the October Newsletter.

Helping Maui

The firestorm in Maui was pretty devastating in terms of property damage, loss of life, and will long be remembered. A number of our members have ties to Hawai’i and several members of the Hawai’i Ski Club are on the Jackson Hole trip. At our August Board meeting a vote was passed to make a financial donation to help the residents of Lāhainā. If you are interested in making a donation go to this website and scroll down to Number 2:

https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/maui-fires-what-you-can-do-to-help/¹²

2024 NSC Jackson Hole – 27 January to 3 February

The Jackson Hole trip is fully booked with 5 2-bedroom units and 3 3-bedroom units. However, there are additional 2- and 3- bedroom units available. New applications will be accepted but put on a Waitlist until a condo can be filled.  So if you’re interested in going then now is the time to step up to the plate and send in your application and check (full balance). And speaking of payments, a number of applicants forgot about the 2^nd payment due in August and now full payments are due by September 15. If you’re a late-comer and want to be on this trip then go to the NSC website and download the Jackson Hole Flyer, fill it out, and send it in so you can be added to the Waitlist. If enough people sign up to fill a condo you’ll be notified to send in your payment..

QotM: Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

One of the best ways you can help Maui and its affected residents is by simply donating what you can to trusted donation funds. While so many have already donated, the amount of funds that will be necessary to help rebuild what was lost, and assist those who are hurting, is truly staggering. We recommend giving to established funds and organizations, such as the Maui Strong Fund, the Maui Humane Society and Red Cross Hawaiʻi, which are all directly involved in the recovery of Maui.

by Carolyn Wong, Nisei Ski Club Member

What could be better than a drive along the backroads in San Mateo County?

Doing it with a group of your best ski buddies.

This driving tour will start at the Steven’s Creek County Park and travel the backroads through Pescadero, along the coast through Half Moon Bay, and end at the Rossotti’s Alpine Inn for lunch.

The Driving Tour is being led by an experienced tour leader. We will travel as a group (caravan) while enjoying the roads and the scenery. Any car is welcome.

Date Saturday, September 9, 2023

Meet at the Stevens Creek County Park main parking lot (drive past the small parking lot on the right and turn left to go up the hill, we will meet in the parking lot on the left near the bathrooms) at 9:30 AM. We will depart at 10:00 AM.

There will be a rest break at the Arcangeli Grocery, known for their artichoke bread, in Pescadero for a rest stop before we head north up the coast.

SIGN UP FORM HERE

https://www.alpineinnpv.com/

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

Join us and celebrate – Nisei Ski Club’s 65th Anniversary.

Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023

Location:       China Stix Restaurant https://www.chinastix.net/

                     2110 El Camino Real

Santa Clara, CA 95050

Time – 5:00pm

Come out and get reacquainted with past presidents and your NSC members.

It’s going to be a fantastic evening!!

For more information, please send updated emails to

Jeanne Katsuro vicepresident@niseiskiclub.org

NSC 65th Anniversary Sign Up Form

65th-Anniversary-Dinner-Final-Flyer-Version-3-FinalDownload

Here are some pics from our NSC 60th Anniversary DInner in 2018

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Hey Fellow Chefs,

Julia Child and I had a splendid birthday celebration. I don’t know what she’s up to, but I’m still celebrating this month. I’m taking a trip to the happiest place on earth. I hope to post the trip article next month.

By popular demand, here is the guava cake recipe that was the dessert highlight of the Nisei Ski Club picnic that took place on July 22, 2023. Thank you to Linda Honda, wife of board member Jeff Honda.

If you happen to tried out the recipe, send me a picture so I can post it here.

Enjoy!!

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

Bottom Cake:

• 1 box strawberry cake mix – use baking instructions on box.
  • 9 x 13 Inch Glass Pyrex
• 1 + 1/3c. Guava nectar or guava juice
• 3 eggs
• 1/3c. coconut oil (liquid) room temperature

Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8oz. Cream cheese softened
• 1/3 c. Sugar
• 1 tsp. Vanilla
• 8 oz. Cool whip thawed

*Add ‘Hawaiian Sun’ guava jelly, 1/4 c. mix  Set aside, put in refrigerator until ready to use

Guava Gel Topping

• 2c. Guava nectar or guava juice
• 1/2c. Sugar
• 1/4c. Cornstarch
• 3T. Water

Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, mix together cake mix, guava juice, eggs, and coconut oil until well combined. Bake in a 9×13 glass baking dish according to cake mix package directions. 

• In a medium mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with hand mixer until fluffy. Add sugar and vanilla and mix well. Slowly fold in the Cool Whip and refrigerate until ready to use. 

• In a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups guava juice and sugar to a boil. Make a slurry out of the cornstarch and a small amount of water.  Remove guava juice from heat and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Return to heat and bring back to a boil and boil for one minute. Cool in refrigerator.

• When cake has cooled, spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cake. When cake has cooled, spread cream cheese mixture evenly over cake. Glaze the top of the cake with guava gel. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

• Glaze the top of the cake with guava gel. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

• Add strawberries, blueberries, mint sprigs to your preference. Enjoy

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

From San Jose Taiko

The 50th Anniversary concert, “50 and Beyond” will feature a medley of San Jose Taiko songs from the past and present – including classics and some new favorites – as well as give attendees a preview of the art/work that’s ahead in our limitless future.  As always, we will tell our story and the story of Japanese/Asian Americans in Silicon Valley through our music. It’s an event 50 years in the making and the culmination of our 50th Anniversary celebration!  Please join us at the California Theatre to help us celebrate this milestone.

TWO SHOWS!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 – 2 PM AND 7:30 PM

California Theatre
345 S. 1st St.
San Jose, CA 95113

For tickets https://taiko.org/50th

Between those two shows, we are having a 50th Anniversary Bash at the nearby Signia by Hilton Hotel (formerly the Fairmont). This fundraiser will include appetizers, cocktails, and more and will take place from 4:30-6:30pm. Tickets are available here. 

by Tina Woo, Membership

World premiere by Brenda Wong Aoki and First Voice

Saturday , September 30 – October 1st, 2023

Soul of The City follows a storyteller who has no more stories to tell. Her husband is sick, her boy has moved away, and no one is listening to her stories. Pursued by demons and haunted by ghosts, the storyteller embarks on a journey to find the soul of San Francisco. This multimedia music drama is a ritual performance. Rooted in traditional Japanese theater and music and infused with contemporary spoken word and Asian American Jazz, the Soul of The City reveals the divine in us all.

The audience will arrive dressed in their personal regalia and will gather in the garden to put prayers, photographs or talisman on the Soul of The City sacred tree. A Shinto priest will bless us with a purification ceremony and willing participants will be given temple bells to call the ancestors. We will then go inside the theater. The audience will witness a ritual performance of jazz, storytelling, and poetry that is accompanied by photographs and images of Brenda’s family in San Francisco since the 1800’s. At the conclusion of the performance we will return to the garden for refreshments, renewed, recharged and inspired to carry on.

Written by Brenda Wong Aoki. Directed by David Furumoto with musical direction by Masaru Koga. Original music by Mark Izu, Masaru Koga, and Derek Nakamoto. Multimedia by Andi Wong and Olivia Ting. Costumes by Lydia Tanji. Performers include Brenda Wong Aoki, Caroline Cabading, Masaru Koga, devorah major, Jimi Nakagawa, Derek Nakamoto, and Kenneth Nash.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

by Armand Gutierrez, President

July is over, and so is the hot weather towards the end of the month and we all survived 90+ temps. If I could accurately predict the weather, I would be a wealthy man. But, alas, my mortal powers are limited to just keeping fit for the upcoming ski season, so I have no predictions for August. But keep in mind, there is talk about another El Niño year.

NSC Annual Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic

The NSC Annual Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic were held on Saturday, July 22nd, and the weather was great, a great crowd of 55+ people, and a number of new faces. Everyone dined on a variety of cuisine, the new board was introduced, and a short discussion on family memberships was presented. If you missed this event now you will have to wait until next year.

2024 NSC Jackson Hole – 27 January to 3 February

Applications are coming in so if you haven’t sent yours in then what are you waiting for? Jackson Hole is always a big favorite and lodging spaces are getting taken up. For those of you that have made a deposit then August 15^th is the due date for the second payment. Go to the NSC website and download the Jackson Hole Flyer, fill it out, and send it in (don’t forget your check). As an added incentive, you can go down (literally) as an NSC Legend just by taking this simple fall line run (AKA Corbet’s Couloirs):

Here is the sign up form for Jackson Hole weeklong trip.

2024 JACKSON HOLE FLYER

QotM: Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

by Carolyn Wong, Nisei Ski Club Member

What could be better than a drive along the backroads in San Mateo County?

Doing it with a group of your best ski buddies.

This driving tour will start at the Steven’s Creek County Park and travel the backroads through Pescadero, along the coast through Half Moon Bay, and end at the Rossotti’s Alpine Inn for lunch.

The Driving Tour is being led by an experienced tour leader. We will travel as a group (caravan) while enjoying the roads and the scenery. Any car is welcome.

Date Saturday, September 9, 2023

Meet at the Stevens Creek County Park main parking lot (drive past the small parking lot on the right and turn left to go up the hill, we will meet in the parking lot on the left near the bathrooms) at 9:30 AM. We will depart at 10:00 AM.

There will be a rest break at the Arcangeli Grocery, known for their artichoke bread, in Pescadero for a rest stop before we head north up the coast.

SIGN UP FORM HERE

https://www.alpineinnpv.com/

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

Join us and celebrate – Nisei Ski Club’s 65th Anniversary. NEW DATE

A banquet is planned for the following date –

Date: Saturday, October 28,2023

Location:       China Stix Restaurant https://www.chinastix.net/

                     2110 El Camino Real,

Santa Clara, CA 95050

Time – 5:00pm

Come out and get reacquainted with past presidents and your NSC members.

It’s going to be a fantastic evening!!

For more information, please send updated emails to

Jeanne Katsuro vicepresident@niseiskiclub.org

Here are some pics from our NSC 60th Anniversary DInner in 2018

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Hey Fellow Chefs,

Since Julia Child and I share the same birthday, we’re taking this month off to celebrate.

Yes, its a month long celebration.

See you next month with new recipe posting. If you have a family recipe that you would like to share with us, send me an email at newsletter@niseiskiclub.org

In the meantime, have a great summer and enjoy this..

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

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Another successful NSC picnic that took place on Saturday, July 22. Las Palmas Park.
According to the Evite, 55 current NSC members and potential new members came out. The weather cooperated and we got the best picnic spot #2 with tree covered shading.

The picnic tables were filled with delicious pot luck dishes and scrumptious desserts.  At the end of the day, I’m sure there were plenty of left overs.

A big thank you to Curtis O for starting the BBQ and making the hot dogs, hot links and ribs. I hoped you had the chance to taste some of the slow cooked ribs that fell off the bone.

While the BBQ was heating up, Nelson O grilled his Sous Vide Tri-Tip, that disappeared really quickly.

What was there to eat?

King Egg Rolls, Thai Fruit Dessert, Tuna Sashimi, homemade Focaccia, Chili, sushi rice, chicken wings, pasta salads, appetizers and plenty of different salads and desserts.

I heard one of the hits of the dessert tray was the home-made Guava cake with strawberry topping– Who ever made that, can I get the recipe?

Armand conducted his annual membership meeting. He introduced the new board and talked about the upcoming Jackson Hole trip and the possibility of including minors to our future weeklong ski trips.

A big thank you for Armand for getting the ice beer.

A big thank you to Frank for getting the iced soda and water.  I heard we ran out of soda and water – I OOPS.. My apologies, that won’t happen again next year.

A big thank you to Morgan for getting the permit for the Las Palmas Picnic spot #2 and getting NSC supplies from our shed.
A big thank you again to Curtis for BBQing and bringing all the picnic supplies.

A big thank you to Bill and Celeste for taking pictures of the picnic.

And a big THANK YOU TO YOU!! Thank you for getting off your seats to take the NSC group photo and bringing your entrées and desserts to share. Without your participation, the club will not exist.

I missed the picnic this year and you boys and girls. I hope to see you at the NSC 65^th Anniversary Dinner on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Sign Up.

Have a great summer.

by Tina Woo, Membership

World premiere by Brenda Wong Aoki and First Voice

Saturday , September 30 – October 1st, 2023

Soul of The City follows a storyteller who has no more stories to tell. Her husband is sick, her boy has moved away, and no one is listening to her stories. Pursued by demons and haunted by ghosts, the storyteller embarks on a journey to find the soul of San Francisco. This multimedia music drama is a ritual performance. Rooted in traditional Japanese theater and music and infused with contemporary spoken word and Asian American Jazz, the Soul of The City reveals the divine in us all.

The audience will arrive dressed in their personal regalia and will gather in the garden to put prayers, photographs or talisman on the Soul of The City sacred tree. A Shinto priest will bless us with a purification ceremony and willing participants will be given temple bells to call the ancestors. We will then go inside the theater. The audience will witness a ritual performance of jazz, storytelling, and poetry that is accompanied by photographs and images of Brenda’s family in San Francisco since the 1800’s. At the conclusion of the performance we will return to the garden for refreshments, renewed, recharged and inspired to carry on.

Written by Brenda Wong Aoki. Directed by David Furumoto with musical direction by Masaru Koga. Original music by Mark Izu, Masaru Koga, and Derek Nakamoto. Multimedia by Andi Wong and Olivia Ting. Costumes by Lydia Tanji. Performers include Brenda Wong Aoki, Caroline Cabading, Masaru Koga, devorah major, Jimi Nakagawa, Derek Nakamoto, and Kenneth Nash.

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

From San Jose Taiko

The 50th Anniversary concert, “50 and Beyond” will feature a medley of San Jose Taiko songs from the past and present – including classics and some new favorites – as well as give attendees a preview of the art/work that’s ahead in our limitless future.  As always, we will tell our story and the story of Japanese/Asian Americans in Silicon Valley through our music. It’s an event 50 years in the making and the culmination of our 50th Anniversary celebration!  Please join us at the California Theatre to help us celebrate this milestone.

TWO SHOWS!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 – 2 PM AND 7:30 PM

California Theatre
345 S. 1st St.
San Jose, CA 95113

For tickets https://taiko.org/50th

by Armand Gutierrez, President

Once again July is coming in warm-to-hot temperatures, but nothing quite as bad as what’s transpiring on the East coast. Last year’s celebration of our country’s founding was quite a spectacle and I suspect this year’s celebrations will be even greater. So do your part over the 4^th of July weekend by raising Old Glory high above and into the field of blue.

NSC Objectives for this Season

This past season there have been two initiatives that I presented to the board for discussion: family memberships and the FWSA Website Award. The first is controversial, while the second is not.

Family Memberships. The concept of family memberships was born as a result of another way to increase our membership, something that has remained steady over the past few years but took a nosedive during the COVID pandemic. However, preliminary research indicates that, while technically feasible, there are a number of considerations: Constitution/By-Laws changes, insurance, family membership fees, annual ski week, age limits, parental responsibilities, and most important – membership approval. Frank Chang, our treasurer, suggested a series of forums to bring this discussion to the membership and, based on feedback, have a required membership vote. Since we don’t have regularly scheduled meetings I would like to hold these forums at the following events: NSC Annual Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic, the planned 65^th Reunion Dinner, and at the Farewell Dinner on our Jackson Hole ski week.

FWSA Website Award. As part of the FWSA International Travel team I’ve been exposed to the many programs that FWSA sponsors or supports. When I learned about the Historical Club Award I realized that the Nisei Ski Club met all the requirements and, with a little bit of work from the board, we submitted the requisite historical material and subsequently NSC was designated as an FWSA Historical Club. Well, with some changes to our website I think we can win the Website award (novice category) as well. Karen Soo has already been making changes and additional changes will be forthcoming.

Mt. View Obon Festival

The festival will be held July 15-16 so mark your calendars for this annual event. In the past, organizers of the festival have asked NSC for volunteers to work the various booths. Well, this year they have reached out to Karen Soo to see if NSC would be able to provide volunteer support for this year. Check out details this month to sign up.

NSC Annual Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic

The NSC Annual Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic is scheduled for July 22^nd/ Saturday 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 on the Picnic Flyer.

FWSA 90^th Annual Convention

The FWSA 90^th Annual Convention was held from 15-18 June, in Boise, ID. This was my first time attending (16-18 June) in two capacities: 1) to assist Debbie Stewart (VP International Travel) with the Silent Auction and her Snow Sports Leadership Academy presentation, and 2) to provide NSC representation.

At the luncheon, Keynote Speaker Genia Fuller-Crews, a World Freestyle Champion and Honored Member of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame (https://skihall.com/hall-of-famers/genia-fuller-crews/), shared her story of competing in and winning World Freestyle Championships (70s) and her work with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame for equality of recognition. And at her table during the Banquet were four of her buddies that also competed, and won, in freestyle (ballet, moguls, aerials) competitions and are also in the Hall of Fame

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). Debbie Stewart also invited me to sit in as her guest at their board meeting. The board meeting was quite similar to our board meetings, but with a little more parliamentarian rules. Next year’s FWSA Convention is being held in Reno and hosted by our very own Bay Area Sports Council (BAC) and Sierra League & Council.

Here is the sign up form for Jackson Hole weeklong trip.

2024 JACKSON HOLE FLYER

QotM:  Your greatness is not what you have, but what you give.

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

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

Mountain View Buddhist Temple is having their annual Obon Festival.

Dates – Saturday, July 15^th and Sunday, July 16^th.

The Obon Committee has developed a link for our members to volunteer

though their new volunteer webpage https://sangha.mvbuddhisttemple.org/obon/

For more information about the Obon (parking, hours, etc.), please go to the Obon website https://obon.mvbuddhisttemple.org/

If you have questions, please contact the Obon chairpersons

Sandy and Yuki    mvbt.zone13@gmail.com.

Thank you for stepping up to the plate to VOLUNTEER!

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

Please join us on Saturday, July 22 at Las Palmas Park in Sunnyvale for our annual Nisei Ski Club Luau Picnic.

Time – 12:00pm – 5:00pm

You will receive your Evite invitation in July.

How is Karen going to coordinate the picnic from New York?

Just watch and see.

Please RSVP no later than July 19th, so we can order the right amount of food for the picnic.

NISEI SKI CLUB LUAU PICNIC INFO

Join us and meet your fellow members.

by Carolyn Wong, Nisei Ski Club Member

What could be better than a drive along the backroads in San Mateo County?

Doing it with a group of your best ski buddies.

This driving tour will start at the Steven’s Creek County Park and travel the backroads through Pescadero, along the coast through Half Moon Bay, and end at the Rossotti’s Alpine Inn for lunch.

The Driving Tour is being led by an experienced tour leader. We will travel as a group (caravan) while enjoying the roads and the scenery. Any car is welcome.

Date Saturday, September 9, 2023

Meet at the Stevens Creek County Park main parking lot (drive past the small parking lot on the right and turn left to go up the hill, we will meet in the parking lot on the left near the bathrooms) at 9:30 AM. We will depart at 10:00 AM.

There will be a rest break at the Arcangeli Grocery, known for their artichoke bread, in Pescadero for a rest stop before we head north up the coast.

https://www.alpineinnpv.com/

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

Join us and celebrate – Nisei Ski Club’s 65th Anniversary.

A banquet is planned for the following date –

Date: Saturday, November 4, 2023

Location:       China Stix Restaurant https://www.chinastix.net/

                     2110 El Camino Real,

Santa Clara, CA 95050

Time – 5:00pm

Come out and get reacquainted with past presidents and your NSC members.

It’s going to be a fantastic evening!!

For more information, please send updated emails to

Jeanne Katsuro vicepresident@niseiskiclub.org

Here are some pics from our NSC 60th Anniversary DInner in 2018

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Hey Fellow Chefs,

Have you seen the prices of Dim Sum these days? Prices has sky rocketed from $5.00 to 6.00 for a plate of Shumai/ 4 pieces.

Here’s a simple recipe that you can make at home. You just need determination and a good appetite.

Shumai or Siu Mai is a dim sum favorite, with an easy pork/shrimp filling. This is mom’s traditional recipe. You can make this in advance and freeze it for future consumption.

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

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Pork Marinade

• 10 oz. ground pork (280g)\
• 1 1/4 teaspoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• For the Shrimp
• 8 ounces shrimp (225g, peeled, deveined, roughly chopped)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon oil

To Finish the Shumai

• 3 shiitake mushrooms (soaked and finely chopped)
• 2 slices ginger (grated; may substitute 1 teaspoon pressed ginger juice)
• 2 scallions (very finely chopped)
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• 20 egg dumpling wrappers (circular shaped)
• frozen peas (optional)

Instructions

1.To make the filling, start by mixing the pork with all the marinade ingredients. Stir the ground pork in one direction (clockwise or counterclockwise) for 5 minutes, until it resembles a fine paste. In a separate bowl, mix the chopped shrimp with salt and oil. Mix one direction for 1 minute and set both mixtures aside in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Chop the shiitake mushrooms, ginger and scallions. Add these to a large bowl along with the pork mixture and shrimp mixture. Add the oyster sauce to the bowl, and stir the whole thing together in one direction for 5 minutes. You can also do this in a food processor, but I think mixing by hand gives it a better texture. The filling is ready.

3. Lightly brush the bottom of your steamer with oil or line it with damp cheesecloth. You’re ready to assemble the shumai. Take a wonton skin and add about 1 ½ teaspoons filling to the center. Follow the photos and turn up the sides of the wonton skin around the filling. Lightly squeeze to shape the shumai. Add the green peas to the top for decoration, if using, and place in the steamer. Space the shumai about 1 inch apart.

4. Steam the shumai for 12 minutes over medium to high heat. Enjoy them while they’re hot!

Tips & Notes

Recipe makes about 20 dumplings. I would double this recipe and freeze the extras for another day.

by Judy Hom, Janet Gee, Nisei Ski Club Members

It was a cloudy June morning that eventually cleared to sunny skies at Judy’s and Winston’s spacious backyard in Castro Valley. Sixteen eager Mah Jong learners gathered to become more skilled, with beginners starting with the basics, to intermediates fine-tuning on the more complicated traditional scoring.

Of course, first we had to dine on all the scrumptious eats that everyone brought to the potluck, including spam musubi, inari sushi, grilled veggies, fruit and green salads, mapo tofu, pork, spaghetti, garlic bread, meat balls, apple and chocolate carrot cakes.

After we were sufficiently stuffed, at Jeanne’s table, newbie Roland took advantage of his beginner’s luck to the dismay of Kelvin, Toy and Tony.  Judy started her intermediate’s table playing in clockwise direction, but Jackie. Joyce, Curtis, and Greg didn’t have any trouble reversing to the correct counter-clockwise direction mid-way through the afternoon. Curtis had the highest scoring hand of the day at the intermediate table.

Angie imparted her trove of mah jong knowledge to her table of beginner players, Lennie, Carol, Amy, and Mark including practices like not going to the bathroom and washing away your luck. Janet’s table of Bev, David, Sarah and Sandy had lots of neuron-growing discussions on strategy related to points; Sarah gave up her cold seat to Winston, who turned up the heat MJ’ing on a string of winning hands, with Rod delivering a few assists.

A fun time was had by all, such that everyone stayed two hours past the planned ending time to keep playing!  Thanks to the Fong’s for their wonderful organization and hospitality, and to Sandy who donated MJ sets to two lucky attendees. CLICK ON EACH PICTURE TO SEE LARGE FORMAT

Even the pooches had a great time together.

by Armand Gutierrez, President

It’s June and the start of the 2023-2024 NSC season. Our recent elections resulted in several changes to the board – three board members “retired” from the board and we have one former president joining as a board member and two new board members. Thanks to all of you that took the time to vote, and you can read the full election results in Jeanne Katsuro’s article.

NSC Annual Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic

The NSC Annual Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic is scheduled for July 22^nd/ Saturday 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 on the Picnic Flyer.

Mt. View Obon Festival

The festival will be held 15-16 July so mark your calendars for this annual event. In the past organizers of the festival have asked NSC for volunteers to work the various booths (especially the Beer Booth). Well, this year they have reached out to Karen Soo to see if NSC would be able to provide volunteer support for this year. Details are still forthcoming but keep the dates open if you would like to volunteer.

FWSA 90^th Annual Convention

The FWSA 90^th Annual Convention is being held from 15-18 June, in Boise, ID. I’ll be attending (16-18 June) in two capacities: 1) to assist Debbie Stewart (VP International Travel) with the Silent Auction and her Snow Sports Leadership Academy presentation, and 2) to provide NSC representation.

2024 NSC Jackson Hole

The 2024 NSC Ski Week will be at Jackson Hole from 27 January – 3 February. Currently I’m waiting for the lodging rates to become available and for Sports America to send me a proposal. I’m anticipating 70+ signups since Jackson Hole is a very popular ski resort.

Upcoming Events –

Judy H and Jan G – Learn to play Mah Jong Saturday, June10th

Hoyt Nelson – NSC Bocceball Event Saturday, June 24th

QotM:  You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.

NSC Picnic – Saturday July 22