Editor’s note: This article was published earlier this year and reprinted in anticipation of Karen’s upcoming cooking demo. Get in the mood for Thai food!

by Sandy Kiyomura

In December, Tina Woo and I spent two and a half weeks touring Thailand. Sandy’s cousin, Randy Chinn, met us in Bangkok and provided a “local” tour of shopping centers, Chinatown  and introduction to Thai massage parlors. The Terminal 21 shopping center had a “San Francisco” themed floor which included a cable car and Golden Gate bridge. We toured Chinatown and had Dim Sum “Thai style.”  We then spent the next 16 days touring Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Sukothai and Ayuttaya and Phuket. Here are some of the photo highlights:

At the Elephant Sanctuary, we fed and bathed the elephants. As big as they were, they were loving and affectionate.  We found the Thai people to be friendly and humble, perhaps due to their Buddhist beliefs. One morning we rose early and accompanied our tour guide to present some food to the monks.  When you donate food they chant and pray for you. 

Although it was a long trip, it provided a wonderful introduction to the country and history of Thailand, its people, culture, and delicious cuisine. It was great to spend time with a local, Sandy’s cousin Randy, who has lived in Phuket for the past 20 years. 

Note: This was a GATE 1 tour. If anyone would like to travel by GATE 1, please say that Tina or Sandy referred you and you will get $50 credit towards travel. 

We have some great reads this month, including a mountain trip and photos by Sandy K., a summary of the October NSC bike ride, announcements about Warren Miller movies and our Thai cooking event, and of course, our President’s message.

Please feel free to submit any articles you’d like to write or share to newsletter@niseiskiclub.org. If you have photos to share, keep them separate from the written document, and in JPG format please. I will then place them in the article.

If you have not done so already, remember to vote by Tuesday, November 3!

by Armand Gutierrez, President

Plans for Skiing?

Although the Breckenridge trip was canceled, that doesn’t mean you should forgo the opportunity for skiing locally in Tahoe. All of the resorts are hyping that they have “re-imagined” the mountain experience, whatever that means. Sure, I get it. It’s just a less intrusive way of saying that there will be a number of restrictions at the resort, none of which are draconian in nature. But I can live with physical distancing (a better term than “social distancing”), lift ticket reservations, facemasks, and limited access to dining areas. For this season, and hopefully only this season, these restrictions will provide a safer environment for indulging in our favorite ski activities. 

As we enter November from a long dry spell, the resorts have already posted their tentative opening dates:

• 20 November – Heavenly Valley, Northstar
• 25 November – Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows
• 26 November – Sierra at Tahoe
• 4 December – Kirkwood
• 15 December – Homewood
• TBD – Mt. Rose

The keyword tentative is used because the Tahoe resorts are bone dry at the moment, unlike a certain unnamed resort somewhere in Wyoming. As usual, I’ll be waiting until at least mid-December before making that first drive to Tahoe and that first pandemic-derived experience.

Thanksgiving Holiday

Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving is my other favorite time of the year. The tradition of visiting my brother and the rest of the family might not be the same as in past years. The grandkids will be returning from college and, as has been reported in the newspaper, colleges have become a hotbed for COVID-19. However, the desire to be with family, plus throw in a measure of safety protocols, a traditional family dinner just might happen.

On behalf of the Board I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your time with family and friends.

by Rick Dumlao

On Sunday Oct. 18th Nisei sponsored a bike ride to the Coyote Hills Regional Park, just north of the Dumbarton Bridge.

About 10 of us set out for a leisurely ride. The air quality was good, the sun was out, and there was just enough of a breeze to keep the heat away. We all enjoyed the day together. During the ride we learned about salt flats, a Navy destroyer still shipwrecked in the bay, an old Nike missile site, the marshlands, and a 2,000 year old native Indian dwelling.

A variety of birds and other wildlife were seen on the way. The ride ended up with a BBQ at Rick’s house. We had some burgers and hotdogs and some drinks along with enjoyable conversation. In total, the ride was 15.5 miles long and took about 2 hours to complete. All in all, it was a very nice day!

Last month we mentioned the Foam Fest in Truckee during the month of October, benefitting the Achieve Tahoe Organization upcoming winter program for people with disabilities. For a $30 donation, you get three 16 oz. beers at any of three Truckee area breweries. They have extended this fun fundraiser through November 15. See more information here.

by Sandy Kiyomura

After 7 months of SIP, I finally left the island of Alameda. It was such a feeling of freedom to be able to drive “out of town”.

My first trip was to Tahoe. I stayed at “the Ridge “ in Stateline and enjoyed the mountains that I had not seen since January. (For those of you who didn’t know, I broke my ankle skiing in January and never got to ski this year). My first stop was Granite Chief, the shop in Truckee, which adjusted my bindings before my accident. Yup, they lowered the DIN a bit. I think it’s
important to get your bindings checked. My bindings should have released (and prevented the break). Maybe they looked at my age and decided the DIN was too high.

Second stop in Truckee was to some breweries. I don’t really drink beer, but Achieve Tahoe had a Foam Fest where can get a mug and 3 beers at three breweries for a donation. It was nice to be in Truckee again.

We golfed 2 days in the Carson Valley. Beautiful golf course for $30 at Sunridge.

That was 600 miles to Tahoe and around the Lake a few times.

Next stop was Yosemite. My son was fortunate to get a campsite for 2 weeks. I’m not much of
a camper but survived 3 nights.

A little bit of family history. My son’s girl friend is Chelsea. Her mom is Elaine Morizono who is
married to Glenn Kiyomura, Dylan’s dad. We all had a “family” camping trip.

Actually, it was a climbing trip. Dylan is a rock climber. You may be able to see him in this picture.

Look near the top of the white line. He and climbing friend are at the top of the white line.

Then Dylan and Chelsea drove to Alabama
with their dog Tolby and cat Hind.

Warren Miller’s movies are still going on, and on Saturday, November 21 is the West Coast streaming premiere of the 71st film, “Future Retro.” Each event is supported by regional sponsors and there will be unique prize giveaways. Get ready for a Warren Miller experience like never before, all from the comfort and safety of your home this November. Stay tuned for more details and how to get tickets by following us on Instagram and Facebook, and on the Warren Miller website.

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

Our very own Nisei Ski Club Trip Director and part time chef has cooked for many weekend ski trips and NSC Parties, feeding 30-40 people at a time. Now she’s ready to put on her apron and show you how to make some delicious Thai food. You can control
the spice level to your tasting.

Join us on Saturday, December 5th, 2020 at 1:00 pm for a down to earth virtual Zoom demonstration.
Recipes and Zoom Link will be sent ahead with ingredients needed so you can follow
along or just listen and learn.
What’s on the menu?

• Easy Green Curry with Chicken
• Pad Thai – Thai-Style Stir-Fried Noodles (TBA)
• Coconut-Flavored Sticky Rice with Mangoes

Please RSVP for the Zoom Webinar to Karen at tripdirector@niseiskiclub.org
Class time – 1.5 hours
See flyer here with pictures and all information.

Here is the latest news from Nisei. Make sure to look at the events discussed in the articles below, including the club bike ride and the Asian Pacific Film Fest. Remember to mail in your election ballots or vote in person.

by Armand Gutierrez

Summer is officially over, fall is upon us, and soon it will be our favorite season for snow sport activities. I’m going to miss our ski week: the hustle and bustle of traveling with 50+ skiers, the traditional potluck dinner, the farewell dinner, and skiing with a great group of people. However, Tahoe skiing will be the main event for this season.

Giving, to Help Others

Last year NSC donated to the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Fest (https://svapfilmfest.org) to support their production of films germane to the Asia American and Pacific Islanders community. This year, we decided to once again support the SVAPFF with another donation for this year.

Last year, Sandy Kiyomura pointed out that she has been a volunteer ski instructor with Achieve Tahoe (https://achievetahoe.org). Achieve Tahoe leads the way in adaptive sports and recreation for people with disabilities. This year the board also agreed to make a donation to this organization.

Ready to Ride?

Tired of being inside all summer? Have the need to get out and finally get some fresh air and see the world around you? Then save the date for Sunday, October 18^th, and join bike leaders Rick Dumlao and Curtis Otaguro for an outdoor excursion at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Newark. See their write-up for details. 

On the Slopes at Tahoe

Last month I provided a list of possible scenarios for the upcoming ski season with respect to safety protocols. Turns out all of them will be implemented at Northstar, Heavenly, and Kirkwood (Vail organizations). Northstar and Heavenly are opening on November 20^th, Kirkwood on December 4^th. Squaw and Alpine have not yet announced their opening dates.

2021 FWSA Ski Week Trips

Although the Breckenridge trip has been cancelled, there are other ski-week trips available through FWSA. There are two trips scheduled:

• Sun Valley, 30-Jan-6 Feb. Currently there are 46 signups.
• Zermatt, Utah, a mini ski-week, 21-26 March, and signups are being accepted. Ikon pass accepted.

All NSC members are eligible to participate in FWSA events. Details for the trips can be found here: 

https://fwsa.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=623165&module_id=334799

If you have any questions contact me at president@niseiskiclub.org.

by Karen Soo

Tired of sitting on the couch watching game shows, movie reruns or depressing news reports?  Let’s go for a bike ride and get some air!  Rick & Curtis are planning a “socially distant” bike ride at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Newark, CA.  Coyote Hills is in the East Bay just north of the Dumbarton Bridge.  The roads are fairly flat dirt and paved roads.  Either dirt bikes or road bikes will do.  Along the way you will experience some marsh wetlands, hills, and salt flats next to the bay.  You may also see a variety of wildlife such as hawks, egrets, ducks, geese, fish, foxes, squirrels, butterflies, sheep, and deer.  Bring binoculars or cameras!

The trip is about 15 miles (shorter options available) and will take approximately 1-1/2 hrs.  We will start & finish at the home of Rick and Patty Dumlao.  There we will gather, get some water and inflate our tires.  Afterwards, we’ll have an optional BBQ lunch, snacks and drinks in the backyard.  Bring an appetizer if you’d like, but make sure it is “Covid acceptable,” i.e., wrapped or packaged for individual usage.

Where:  32452 Jacklynn Drive, Union City

When:    Sunday, October 18, 2020

Time:     9:00 AM, rolling out at 9:30 AM

Cost:     FREE for members and guests 

Bring $5.00 for optional BBQ lunch after the ride. 

SIGN-UP DEADLINE: Friday, October 16, 2020

What to bring: All riders MUST wear a helmet and should carry a pump.  Bikes should be in good condition.  You should bring a water bottle, spare inner tube, patch kit, tire levers, sunscreen, lunch and snacks to share (optional).  Due to unpredictable weather, a light jacket is suggested for cool weather conditions. Bring your mask. We must wear them while we gather and afterward at the BBQ (except while eating, of course).

Directions and Information:  We will send information in a separate email.

Help needed:  Group leaders and flat-fixers needed in case we split up into multiple groups. 

No SAG Support but we will be equipped for flats and minor repairs. 

RSVP: Rick Dumlao       coyotehillsbike@niseiskiclub.org 

Curtis Otaguro coyotehillsbike2@niseiskiclub.org 

*Photographs of this event including participants may appear on the NSC website or in the newsletter.

**All participants must sign the Nisei Ski Club Waiver at the start of the ride.

All are welcome.  Minors under 18 must be accompanied with an adult. 

by Tina Woo

Once again, the Nisei Ski Club is proud to support the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest 2020 taking place from October 2-10. You may recall, last year the club sponsored Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066. Due to Covid-19, this year’s event is an all-digital event which offers flexibility for the film viewer. Over 70 films will be offered in 20+ categories, including documentaries, drama, culinary food and lifestyle, animation, immigration and social justice, and Asian American shorts. These films will inspire, offer hope, make you laugh, think, cry and generate memories.

A festival pass can be purchased for $50, which allows viewing all film packages at one low price. Alternatively, individual films can be purchased for $5 each and some films are “free” with a nominal donation. To view trailers, read a short film description and purchase tickets, log onto https://svapfilmfest.org

Please consider supporting this event which brings films about history, culture, heritage and community awareness.

Our sympathy goes out to the family of Ken Oda, a former NSC member. View his obituary here.

You’ll find the newsletter for September below. Enjoy!

by Armand Gutierrez, NSC President

September is upon us, and I’ve been receiving the usual advertisements from various ski resorts as a reminder for purchasing their season pass and the new safety protocols for a pandemic ski season. Yes, it will be a different experience on and off the slopes for this season, and I’m looking forward to testing the waters. I’ve been skiing since ’75 and have encountered a variety of situations and conditions, but this year will definitely be a new one. 

Proposed Safety Protocols on the Slopes

While the majority of the resorts in the US are examining their safety protocols for this season, resorts in New Zealand and Australia are already open for business. What can you expect for this year? Here is a list of possible scenarios that are already in place in the land down under:

• Reservations for those popular days (most likely on weekends and holidays)
• Limited number of ticket sales
• Reduced seating for indoor dining
• No outdoor seating for picnic lunches
• Contact tracing
• Wearing a mask when needed
• Social distance in the lift line
• Reduced lift seating (e.g. 2 people on a 4-seater).

Perhaps there is a silver lining to the safety protocols. For example, limited ticket sales would translate to uncrowded conditions. And wearing a mask is a no-brainer when it’s snowing.

2021 NSC Ski Week to Breckenridge, CO – CANCELLED

 The Breckenridge trip has been officially cancelled due to lack of sign-ups. Yes, hard to put together a trip when there are only four people signed-up. The last time an NSC trip was cancelled was right after 9/11 and the 2002 Chamonix trip was cancelled. 

If anyone is still interested in going to Breckenridge then please contact me before the end of the month (president@niseiskiclub.org). Air and lodging reservations have been partially released and a few air seats and condo units are being retained in case a small group is still interested in skiing Breckenridge. I can still coordinate with Sports America on air/lodging/ground arrangements/lift tickets, but payment will be direct to Sports America and your trip will not be an NSC-sponsored trip. Cost will be slightly higher since there will be no group rates on ground transportation or lift tickets, and group air rates only apply if there are 10+ sign-ups. You will also have to find your own condo mates.

2021 FWSA Ski Week Trips

Although the Breckenridge trip has been cancelled, there are other ski-week trips available through FWSA. There are two trips scheduled:

• Sun Valley, 30 Jan-6 Feb. Presently there are 64 signups.
• Zermatt, Utah, a mini ski-week, 21-26 March, and signups are being accepted. Ikon pass accepted.

All NSC members are eligible to participate in FWSA events. Details for the trips can be found here: 

https://fwsa.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=623165&module_id=334799

If you have any questions contact me at president@niseiskiclub.org.

by Tina Woo, Membership Chair

2020 is proving to be a challenging year, amidst the COVID-19 virus and California wildfires.  Despite these uncertainties, the board of Nisei Ski Club is continuing to meet and discuss plans for this year.  We strive to provide community and camaraderie for our members.  

For fall, we are planning for several events, including a bike ride, a Thai Cooking Demo by Karen Soo via Zoom, as well as attending and sponsoring the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific Film Festival.  The annual picnic and tea dance events are currently on hold.  Feel free to submit any ideas and suggestions for future events. 

San Jose Taiko is offering senior taiko lessons for the month of September via zoom. Check out www.taiko.org.  Classes are less than $10 each.  See the article below about the free taiko bucket-making class on September 2. 

We continue to have one of the lowest membership fees of any ski club in the area. Please consider joining or renewing your membership this year in support of Nisei Ski Club!

contributed by Tina Woo

San Jose Taiko will be having a free “How-to-make-a-bucket-taiko” class at 1-2pm on Wednesday, Sept 2. You can access the class by using the Zoom link below. No need to register for this class; just click on the Zoom link next Wednesday at 1pm. You will need a 5-gallon bucket or similarly sized plastic trash can OR a sturdy cardboard box (and 2 pairs flat disposable chopsticks if you’re using a box) OR an old tire; a roll of packing or strapping tape, and scissors. 

Click to join the Zoom class:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81238891955

Passcode: 417649Meeting ID: 812 3889 1955

Simply clicking on the above link should get you into the class. If it doesn’t, and it asks for more info, I have listed all of the class info at the bottom of the email.

In lieu of a taiko, you can use buckets, tires, or trash cans that have been covered with tape to mimic a drum head. Examples are here, and instructions are here.  Other things that work:

• Exercise ball
• Zabuton attached to a table or stool
• Drum pad

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81238891955
Meeting ID: 812 3889 1955 Passcode: 417649

Dial by your location       

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)       

+1 408 638 0968 US (San Jose)       

+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)       

+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)       

+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)       

+1 646 876 9923 US (New York)       

+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)

Meeting ID: 812 3889 1955 Passcode: 417649

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kfBvA3dfN

by Armand Gutierrez

As we enter another month of trials and tribulations with the pandemic mandates of wearing masks and limiting our social activities, life does go on with video chats, perhaps visiting family, and no longer hoarding toilet paper. Hopefully, whatever you’re doing to keep your sanity is working for you. Our club activities so far have been either deferred or cancelled, but the Board continues to meet, via video chats, to discuss the issues presented and any future events that may be of interest to the membership.

It’s been a year since NSC was designated as an FWSA Historic Ski Club. This year FWSA is celebrating their 90^th Anniversary of their founding on October 7, 1930, and for this celebration a 90^thAnniversary Commemoration Booklet is being produced. The booklet will feature a list of all the FWSA Historic Ski Clubs and Councils in this collectible edition plus advertising space for clubs to congratulate FWSA on this milestone. The NSC board approved a small advertisement space so our club can be recognized as a Historic Ski Club and to congratulate FWSA.

Now, picture yourself in the 1930s with the latest ski gear and apparel. Does it look like this?

Sign-ups for the Breckenridge trip (23-30 January 2021) are well below what is normally expected for June and July. This most likely can be attributed to a deep concern in going on a ski trip during the pandemic situation. However, I’m hopeful that there will be an improvement in the pandemic situation and there will be sufficient signups to still conduct the trip, albeit with a smaller-than-usual group. If you have any questions regarding the trip please drop me a line at president@niseiskiclub.org.

Recap on Epic Passes

Breckenridge is part of Vail Resorts so you can pick up an Epic Pass for the next season. Once again, Sports America is offering the Epic Pass promotion-trip rebate of $30 for an Epic Local Pass and $50 for a Full Epic Pass. 

Breckenridge is on the Epic Pass, which is also good for Northstar, Heavenly Valley, and Kirkwood. Here is what you need to know about the Ikon and Epic Passes for the Breckenridge trip:

Purchase the Ikon Base Pass (Squaw/Alpine) from Sports America and receive a $30 discount, or purchase the Full Ikon Pass and receive a $50 discount on the Breckenridge trip. However, the Ikon Pass cannot be used at Breckenridge. Go to this link to purchase: https://www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei

• Purchase the Epic Local Pass (Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood) and receive a $30 discount, or purchase the Full Epic Pass and receive a $50 discount on the Breckenridge trip. The Epic Pass can be used at Breckenridge for unlimited access. Go to this link to purchase: https://www.sportsamerica.com/epic-nisei

• Purchase both the Ikon/Epic passes and you will receive a combination 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.

Breckenridge Trip Cancellation Policy

In the event that it is deemed necessary to cancel the Breckenridge Trip due to insufficient sign-ups or resort closure full refunds will be made to all participants. Trip cancellation will have to be made no later than October 1^st.

Epic Pass Credit for Shortened Season

By now Epic Pass holders should have received a letter or email indicating the credit for the shortened season. When purchasing the Epic Pass through Sports America the only option is to select the type of pass you want for the indicated price. However, you can submit a copy of your letter/email to Brandon Ruggles (brandon@sportsamerica.com) and you will receive the credit applied to the total price of the pass before it is charged to your credit card. Note this date: September 7^th is the last day for the lowestEpic Pass prices plus ten buddy passes. 

Epic Pass Refund Policy

New for 2020-2021 is the Epic Coverage. This is free for all pass holders and provides refunds associated with certain personal events (i.e. illness, job loss, and injury).  It also expands coverage to protect your from resort closures, such as any due to COVID-19. For additional information you can visit this website:  https://www.epicpass.com/info/epic-coverage.aspx

Here we are already in the thick of summer. This month, you will find Armand’s message full of important information about the next ski season, including our planned NSC trip to Breckenridge. Don’t miss it!

President’s Message, by Armand Gutierrez

CATS Event July 1

Resources for Caring People

by Armand Gutierrez

Summer is officially here, bringing with it several weeks of warm-to-hot weather which is conducive to outdoor activities. The easing of the shelter-in-place mandate is a welcome relief for those of you making those excursions to the golf links, hiking and biking trails, and other outdoor activities. Unfortunately, some of our annual events are still deferred until safety protocols have been lifted, and this would include our annual picnic, Mt. View Obon Festival, and a day at the bocce ball courts. I’m getting the feeling that our Annual Membership and Luau Picnic might become a Pre-Ski Season event.

2021 NSC Ski Week to Breckenridge, CO

Next year’s ski week will be at Breckenridge, CO from 23-30 January, 2021. Breckenridge is part of Vail Resorts so you can pick up an Epic Pass for the next season. Once again, Sports America is offering the Epic Pass promotion-trip rebate of $30 for an Epic Local Pass and $50 for a Full Epic Pass.

Breckenridge is on the Epic Pass, which is also good for Northstar, Heavenly
Valley, and Kirkwood. Here is what you need to know about the Ikon and Epic Passes for the Breckenridge trip:

• Purchase the Ikon Base Pass (Squaw/Alpine) from Sports America and receive a $30 discount, or purchase the Full Ikon Pass and receive a $50 discount on the Breckenridge trip. However, the Ikon Pass cannot be used at Breckenridge. Go to this link to purchase: https://www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei
• Purchase the Epic Local Pass (Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood) from Sports America and receive a $30 discount, or purchase the Full Epic Pass and receive a $50 discount on the Breckenridge trip. The Epic Pass can be used at Breckenridge for unlimited access. Go to this link to purchase: https://www.sportsamerica.com/epic-nisei
• Purchase both the Ikon/Epic passes from Sports America and you will receive a combination 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 .

Breckenridge Trip Cancellation Policy

In the event that it is deemed necessary to cancel the Breckenridge Trip due to insufficient sign-ups or resort closure, full refunds will be made to all participants. Please don’t delay in signing up for the trip if you are interested. The flyer can be accessed through the above links or you can click here. It’s also available on both the “Events” tab and the “Ski Trips” tabs above. Trip cancellation will have to be made no later than October 1st.

Epic Pass Credit for Shortened Season

By now Epic Pass holders should have received a letter or email indicating the credit for the shortened season. When purchasing the Epic Pass through Sports America the only option is to select the type of pass you want for the indicated price. However, you can submit a copy of your letter/email to Brandon Ruggles (brandon@sportsamerica.com ) and you will receive the credit applied to the total price of the pass before it is charged to your credit card. Note this date: September 7th is the last day for the lowest Epic Pass prices plus ten buddy passes.

Epic Pass Refund Policy

New for 2020-2021 is the Epic Coverage. This is free for all pass holders and
provides refunds associated with certain personal events (i.e. illness, job loss, and injury). It also expands coverage to protect your from resort closures, such as any due to COVID-19. For additional information you can visit this website: https://www.epicpass.com/info/epic-coverage.aspx

contributed by Jackie Maruhashi

This event is tomorrow, July 1 at 8 PM. Sign up ahead on the website. https://www.catsasiantheaterscene.org Don’t miss it!

Rising star, ukulele maestro Kris Fuchigami, will perform and talk about his love for the ukulele and Hawaiian music and how it has changed his life. Accompanied by Keiko Fuchigami on keyboards, Kris has won the most prestigious awards including the Na Hoku Hanohano Award for Ukulele Album of the Year, and the Instrumental Composition of the Year.

You don’t want to miss this event, live on ZOOM and Facebook.

Japanese American Citizen’s League: The Japanese American Citizens League is a national organization whose mission is to secure and safeguard the civil and human rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and all communities who are affected by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American Community. https://jacl.org

Bystander Intervention Training to Stop Anti-Asian/American and Xenophobic Harassment provided by AAJC and Hollaback:
https://www.ihollaback.org/bystanderintervention/

Responding to Xenophobia workshops provided by Center for Anti-Violence Education:
https://www.caeny.org/upcomingprograms?view=calendar&month=04-2020

Restaurants you might want to try:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.mercurynews.com/2020/06/03/black-owned-restaurants-open-in-bay-

Hoyt’s Recipes: https://drive.google.com/open?id=122YDkHJTNB31sAMZB0utsqFVLM55qJj-

Happy summer! This month, make sure to read Armand’s message about the ski passes and NSC trip to the Colorado Rockies in 2021. Don’t miss an interesting article by Carol Henri about her Nisei parents experience in the 1940s, and Hoyt’s recap of the elections for our 2020-21 NSC Board of Directors.

by Armand Gutierrez, President

It’s June and the start of the 2020-2021 NSC season. Our recent election resulted in no changes to the board. Thanks to all of you that took the time to vote, and you can read the full election results in Hoyt’s article.

2021 NSC Ski Week to Breckenridge, CO

Next year’s ski week will be at Breckenridge, CO from 23-30 January, 2021. Breckenridge is part of Vail Resorts so you can pick up an Epic Pass for the next season. Once again, Sports America will be offering the Epic Pass promotion-trip rebate of $30 for an Epic Local Pass and $50 for a Full Epic Pass.

For 2020-21 Breckenridge is on the Epic Pass, which is also good for Northstar, Heavenly Valley, and Kirkwood. Here is what you need to know about the Ikon and Epic Passes for the Breckenridge trip:

• Purchase the Ikon Base Pass (Squaw/Alpine) from Sports America and receive a $30 discount, or purchase the Full Ikon Pass and receive a $50 discount on the Breckenridge trip. However, the Ikon Pass cannot be used at Breckenridge. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei
• Purchase the Epic Local Pass (Northstar, Heavenly, Kirkwood) and receive a $30 discount, or purchase the Full Epic Pass and receive a $50 discount on the Breckenridge trip. The Epic Pass can be used at Breckenridge for unlimited access. Go to this link to purchase: www.sportsamerica.com/epic-nisei . Sports America will also honor the refund that Epic Pass is providing due to the early ski resort closures.
• Purchase both the Ikon/Epic passes and you will receive a combination 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.

Epic Pass Refund Policy
Breckenridge is part of Vail Resorts so you can pick up an Epic Pass for the next season. New for 2020-2021 is the Epic Coverage. This is free for all pass holders and provides refunds associated with certain personal events (i.e. illness, job loss, and injury). It also expands coverage to protect your from resort closures, such as any due to COVID-19. For additional information you can visit this website: https://www.epicpass.com/info/epic-coverage.aspx

by Hoyt Nelson, Elections Chairperson

Elections are now over. Thanks to those who cast the 49 ballots (a respectable 70% for our club). The results are:
President: Armand Gutierrez
Vice President: The board determined that this position is not needed for our smaller size
Treasurer: Frank Chang
Trip Director: Karen Soo
Newsletter Editor: Judy Bracken
Membership Chair: Tina Woo
Directors at Large: Gregory Wong, Rick Dumlao, Sandy Kiyomura, Curtis Otaguro, Hoyt Nelson

There were a few write-ins, but no more than two for any one person, so they did not affect the results.

Congratulations to all and good luck to the Nisei Ski Club during the coming year. We will plan what social events that are possible under the circumstances and try to improve your skiing experience. We will also promote our club and our Asian heritage, as was the original intent of the club by its founders. We encourage everyone in the club to add their efforts in these attempts.

Special thanks to my wife, Nancy, who did most of the interface with Survey Monkey since she had the most experience with that program.