by Armand Gutierrez, President  

It’s November and let the rain begin! There are a number of resorts planning on opening for some Thanksgiving skiing, but right now it’s going to be a wait-and-see what Mother Nature decides. Before the ski season starts there are still a number of non-ski events coming up:

• 9 November, Saturday – Pickle ball Event with Tina Woo/Jeanne Katsuro
• All of November – Sports Basement SnowFest

Membership Report

There were no new/returning members for the month of October and our total remains at 81 members.

Sports Basement SnowFest

The annual Sports Basement SnowFest, presented by Palisades Tahoe, will be offering a variety of discounts, awesome giveaways, and more at all of their stores. The SnowFest starts 2 November and goes through 24 November. Go here, https://shop.sportsbasement.com/pages/snowfest, to sign up for tickets at a store near you. I’m also working on getting a club discount so stay tuned.

Where To Ski Over Thanksgiving

The big event in November is Thanksgiving and that brings up plans for heading to the slopes for some Thanksgiving weekend skiing. But, the big question is – will there be enough snow?  OK, he’s not exactly a turkey, but a skiing ostrich is awesome!

• November 8 – Mt. Rose
• November 15 – Mammoth
• November 15 – Boreal
• November 16 – Sun Peaks, BC
• November 22 – Heavenly Valley (California side)
• November 22 – Northstar
• November 22 – Sugarbowl
• November 27 – Palisades/Alpine
• November 29 – Big Bear
• November 29 – Sierra-at-Tahoe
• December 6 – Kirkwood
• December 7 – Bear Valley
• December 12 – Diamond Peak

Ski Pros Avalanche Sale

The San Francisco and San Jose Avalanche sales have come and gone, but the remaining sale in Sacramento is coming up.

Sacramento — Nov 22-24 — https://theavalanchesale.com/event/sacramento/

Uncrowded Ski Resorts

Thanks to eagle eye Dan Lew for identifying the location for this lift at Vail, and it was right after the Covid Pandemic ended and ski resorts started opening up again.

2025 NSC Ski Week

The Sun Peaks ski trip is full with 22 people occupying six condos. There are two condos still available, but it will require a group of four for each condo. If you’re interested then you need to contact me at your earliest convenience. The photo was taken on Sunday, November 3rd and Sun Peaks is scheduled to open on 16 November. Sports America has posted the Epic/Ikon links for the 2024-2025 season and is offering a 6.5% trip rebate (based on pass price) if you purchase the passes from Sports America and go on the Sun Peaks trip:

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

Use this for Ikon passes: https://www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei

Password: snow

Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org

QotM: When anger rises, think of the consequences. – Confucius

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

The Eastern Canada Trip, also called “The Potato Chip Trip” was Nisei Ski Club’s first annual vacation that didn’t involve skiing. The trip was fabulous!

Here are some of the highlights!

Toronto – The Spectacular Magestic Niagara Falls

We could feel power of the falls as our boat traveled right next to it. We experienced the wind and the water spraying against our faces. It was one of the most tremendous feelings that we have ever experienced.

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town filled with Canadian retail stores. We found the Budapest Bakeshop that made their own Chimney cakes, known as Kürtőskalács in Hungarian.  pIX. Sandwiches were made out of the Chimney cakes filled with incredibly fresh meats, cheeses and lettuce. Truly, it was one of the best sandwiches we ever had. We also found a shop that specialized in many types of maple syrups. Colors of maple syrups ranges from yellow, yellowish orange to a caramel brown to a deep rich brown maple syrup.

Ottawa – Thousand Islands National Park

We traveled up the St Lawrence River and saw many tiny islands after tiny Islands. Each island has a single tiny house to large castle like resorts. The Thousand Islands National Park has over 1800 islands.  As we sailed pass island after island, some islands were located on the Canadian side and some were located in the  United States side.

Ottawa – Thousand Islands National Park

We traveled up the St Lawrence River and saw many tiny islands after tiny Islands. Each island has a single tiny house to large castle like resorts. The Thousand Islands National Park has over 1800 islands.  As we sailed pass island after island, some islands were located on the Canadian side and some were located in the  United States side.

City of Ottawa – We experienced a blend of Canadian and French culture, Parliament Buildings and the Rideau Canal and the City National Art Gallery – Gothic Quebec – Heart of Canada’s French Heritage – Many people spoke French and English and some people only speak French. They had French TV programs in the hotel.  We took a coach tour of the Old Town and saw picturesque 17th century building, the famous Chateau Frontenac.

Sugar Shack was located in the Quebec Country Side – This is my favorite part of the trip.  They demonstrated Maple Syrup Making. We had the traditional Maple Syrup Breakfast Crepe, Eggs and Sausage. We also tried Maple Syrup Ice – Delicious. We purchased many traditional Canadian delicacies, such as Ice Wine, Ice Wine Tea, Maple Green Tea, Maple Hard Candies, Maple Sugar, Maple Butter, etc It was Maple Heaven.

Montmorency Falls is a 272-foot wonder. This fall is actually taller than Niagara Falls.  It was magnificent will all the fall colors reflecting on the water.

Montreal is filled with cathedrals, rushing waterways and lush gardens. We did the city tour of Jacques Cartier Square, Mount Royal and Notre Dame Basilica.

Collette, our travel group arranged 12 meals for the week. Nisei Ski Club Distributed Pineapple Cha Shu Bao and snacks for breakfast at the San Francisco Airport. The Pineapple Cha Shu Bao was hit with our members. Everyone talked about how good it was and asked where it was purchased.  It was purchased at Tai Pan 477 Saratoga Ave in Lion’s Plaza.

We had 3 dinner banquets during the week. In Montreal, during Canada’s Thanksgiving, we went to Occo Kitchen and Universal De’jeuners,

In Quebec, we went to Cabu. The kitchen was run by Canada’s first award winning female Chef Marie-Chantal Lepage.

Janet Gee celebrated her birthday there with a fabulous “Blue Chocolate Flower Cake”.  When milk chocolate was poured over the flower, it opened to reveal another beautiful red flower made of white mousse with red raspberry sprinkles.

Everyone loves a Goodie Bag.  A goodie bag distributed to all the members from the Maple Sugar Shack. It was filled with a Sugar Shack gift bag, Maple Syrup in a Maple leaf bottle, Maple Butter, Maple Sugar, Maple hard candy, Ice Wine Tea and Maple Green Tea and a Canadian Magnet.

How did our trip become the Potato Chip Trip?

Sarah Lowe found this unusual bag of chips from the Dollar Store called the “All-Dressed Potato Chip”. The other people in our group started to buy them too. In addition to the, All Dressed Potato Chip, we found other flavors from different cities:  Ketchup Potato Chips, Dill Pickle Potato Chips, Curry Potato Chips and Beef Potato Chips. Everything was hand carried back in their Maple Sugar Shack Gift Bag!

The trip was fun and exciting. Everyone had a great time. We spent a week together and created fun memories, new friendships and rekindled old ones.

We hope you can come to Nisei Ski Club’s trip to FRANCE! (A Vacation, non-skiing trip) October 23 – November 3, 2025.

Email me if you are interested.  Jeanne classicrock570@aol.com

by Tina Woo, NSC Member

What and Why Pickleball?

Over the last few years, pickleball has been rising in popularity.  Pickleball is considered one of the fastest-growing sports in the US.  But, what is pickleball exactly and why is it so popular?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines tennis, badminton and ping-pong using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes (called a wiffle ball).  It’s a game for players of all ages and skill levels.  It’s a great introductory sport.  It can also be challenging, fast-paced and competitive.

Why is Pickleball so popular? 

•  It’s ideal for all skill levels
• Pickleball is a social activity
• Pickleball is healthy
• Short learning curve, appeal to all ages and fitness levels, low costs

Want to learn more about pickleball?  Come and join us for a Nisei Ski Club pickleball event on Saturday, November  9 from 9-11 am at the Sunnyvale Tennis Center. For those who can’t make it, please plan to join us for lunch.

by Tina Woo, , Board Member

BEAT LA!   BEAT LA!   BEAT LA!

Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out with the crowd;

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks,

I don’t care if I never get back.

Let me root, root, root for GIANTS (OR DODGERS),

If they don’t win, it’s a shame.

For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out,  at the old ball game.

Come see the 2024 World Series Champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers play against the San Francisco Giants. See the players: DH Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Teoscar Hernandez, Tommy Edman, Will Smith, Max Muncy, to name a few, including Most Valuable Series player, Freddie Freeman. They beat the New Work Yankees 4 to 1 in an exciting final win!!

Would you be interested in joining fellow Nisei Ski Club members in the classic battle between the SF Giants vs. LA Dodgers.  If so, please complete this survey.  How many tickets can we order for you:  Sunday, July 13, 2025  at SF Oracle Park.  Game time:  12:45 pm.

Name & Contact Info_________________________________

____ # of tickets you need? 

Please email Tina Woo for if you are interested at baseball@niseiskiclub.org

She would like to start the process of ordering tickets for the game.  View Reserved Section 313 beginning with Row 12.  Go Giants!  Go Dodgers! 

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

Nisei Ski Club Potluck

Save the Date!

Invite your Friends!

Saturday, January 18, 2025

Starts at 12 Noon

Ends when the Fun Ends!

Miraido Village in San Jose Japantown 550 N 6th Street

Bring a Main Dish or Appetizer

We will take care of the salads, desserts & drinks

Let’s Play Mahjong, Card, Games and Let’s Talk Story!

Email: Subject Line “Potluck” ClassicRock570@aol.com

To let us know that you are coming! ~ Jeanne Katsuro

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Hey Fellow Chefs,

Wow, this year just flew by so quick. We just gave out candy on Halloween, we turn our clocks back for daylight saving time and Thanksgiving and Christmas is just around the corner.

I like to take the easy route in celebrating on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving here is pretty quiet for me. I love turkey and this is an easy recipe to follow. Roasting a spatchcock turkey reduces the cooking time by 75% and its easier for me to take it out of the oven. My biggest fear when roasting an entire whole turkey is that it decides to roll off the pan and exposed on to the floor. Yikes that would create messy disaster.

Simply cut out the back bone and spread the bird out flat before roasting. This technique is called spatchcocking that is commonly used with chickens.

Roast at 450 degrees for a 10-pound bird will be done in 45 minutes. The skin will be evenly brown because all the skin is exposed to the heat and will be cooked more evenly.

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

Ingredients

Yield: 10 servings

• One 8- to 12-pound turkey
• 10 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed, more to taste
• 1 branch fresh tarragon or thyme separated into sprigs,
• Or ½ teaspoon dried thyme or tarragon
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil or butter.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 450 degrees. Put turkey on a stable cutting board breast side down and cut out backbone. Turn turkey over, and press on it to flatten. Put  it  breast side up, in a roasting pan. Wings should partly cover breasts, and legs should protrude a bit.

2. Tuck garlic and tarragon under the bird and in the nooks of the wings and legs. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper.

3. Roast for 20 minutes, undisturbed. Turkey should be browning. Remove from oven, baste with pan juices, and return to oven. Reduce heat to 400 degrees (if turkey browns too quickly, reduce temperature to 350 degrees).

4. Begin to check turkey’s temperature about 15 minutes later (10 minutes if bird is on the small side). It is done when thigh meat registers 165 degrees on an instant-read meat thermometer. Check it in a couple of places.

5. Let turkey rest for a few minutes before carving, then serve with garlic cloves and pan juices.

by Sandy Kiyomura, NSC Member

On September 26, I began my trip to Africa along with NSC members Carol Henry, Roland Lee, and Rosa Luy. Our first flight was to Doha, 15 hours away. Doha is like a “designer’s paradise”. It’s not just the stores, but even the airport was like a Neiman Marcus with its own hotel. We then flew to Kilimanjaro (another 5 hours). By September 28, we arrived in Arusha and met our drivers for the week. Our drivers and their trusty Toyota Land Cruisers provided us with hours of animal sightings. I felt like I was on the “Indiana Jones” ride at Disneyland. Our room was a “hut”, but a 5-star hut. Debbie Stewart, the tour leader organized a wonderful dinner for us, along with a band and singer. Some of us even danced a bit.

The next day was our first Safari to Lake Manyara. We saw mostly monkeys and elephants. But the best was yet to come as we drove toward the Ngorongoro Crater. This is an extinct volcano with one of the world’s largest densities of wildlife. It’s a Unesco World Heritage site. Over the course of two days, we saw wildebeests, zebras, buffalos, lions, elephants, gazelles, flamingos and hippos. Our “5-star” lodging at the crater provided every room with a view of the crater since it was built along a hillside.

We drove towards Serengeti National Park for our next stop. The lodges we stayed at were again “5-star” huts. Since we were inside Serengeti National Park, there were no fences (the animals can roam freely). So at night, one had to call for an escort to the restaurant since animals could be around.

We spent another two days on Safari while in the park.  Some of us also took a hot air balloon ride.  We didn’t see as many animals from the air as from the road, but the scenery was still breathtaking. We even had an “English breakfast” afterwards. The balloon ride and breakfast was $700 and not included in the trip ($8,000 for land, food and air). 

After our days of safaris, we flew to the island of Zanzibar in a 13-passenger plane. Roland Lee offered to “co pilot” and helped us to arrive safely. Our first stop was Stone Town, another Unesco Heritage site. It was a trading post for spices, silk and the slave trade. It is a mixture of African, Indian, Arab and European cultures. We visited a spice farm on the way to our final destination: the Neptune Pwani Beach resort. This was a 5-star all inclusive resort, so food and beverages were included. Carol and I took some Yoga classes at their Yoga center. The beach and pools were beautiful and a nice way to end our trip.

I’ve taken several Far West trips and have found that the non-ski trips are definitely as enjoyable and worthwhile as the ski trips.  I think our 8 day Safari was very reasonable in cost, especially since it provided luxury accommodations, food, and transportation.  Everything was first class.

New York City Halloween Parade 2024 – Seems like Michael Jackson is still popular on Halloween…

by Armand Gutierrez, President  

Last month the Tahoe region experienced its first dusting of snow (all melted by now) and now we are all waiting for the rainy season to begin. Long-range forecast is for La Niña to provide a normal snowfall this season in the Tahoe region, and above normal snowfall in the northwest and Canada. And, of course, it’s also time for the witches, ghosts, goblins, and creatures of the night to come out to celebrate Halloween. Before the ski season starts there are still a number of non-ski events coming up:

• 11-19 October, Eastern Canada Trip with Jeanne Katsuro at the helm
• 9 November, Saturday – Pickle ball Event with Tina Woo/Jeanne Katsuro

Membership Report

There were four returning and one new member for the month of September and that brings us to a total of 81 members.  Membership signups usually increase from signups for the ski week, but it’s not expected to get any more ski trips signups at this late date. However, there may be more new signups in the coming months for the 2025 France trip.

Ski Pros Avalanche Sale

Remember the Snow Bomb shows that offered sales on ski gear, clothing, and accessories? Well, Snow Bomb gradually went away, but now there is Ski Pros. Ski Pros offers a variety of products similar to the Snow Bomb shows. So, if you’re interested getting new gear this year then think about attending the Ski Pros Avalanche Sale going on in October and November. Here are links to the various shows:

San Francisco — Oct 5-6 — https://theavalanchesale.com/event/san-francisco/?_kx=X8jM4lfhGbvrtbKBIeElNJfUwciS6owFtd49zr9Qc74.Xnteyk

San Jose — Oct 18-20 — https://theavalanchesale.com/event/san-jose/

Sacramento — Nov 22-24 — https://theavalanchesale.com/event/sacramento/

Uncrowded Ski Resorts

 I don’t know where this is but I sure would not want to be in that line. So, if you want to ski with space to breathe, carve your own path, and short lift lines then here are the top nine resorts to visit:

1. Beaver Creek, CO
2. Telluride, CO
3. Lake Louise, AB
4. Arapahoe Basin, CO
5. Big White, CO
6. Grand Targhee, WY
7. Whitefish, MT
8. Sun Peaks, BC
9. Kirkwood, CA

IKON/EPIC Pass Update

Here is some information regarding the Ikon/Epic passes for this season:

• October 9, Epic Passes increase in price.
• October 10, Ikon Passes increase in price.

Not sure about which pass to get? OnTheSnow (an online magazine) provides a section on ski pass comparisons to help you decide which pass to get if you haven’t done so yet. Click here https://www.onthesnow.com/news/ski-pass-comparison-ikon-pass-vs-epic-pass/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=09_26_24 to review the Ikon Pass vs. Epic Pass comparisons.

2025 NSC Ski Week

The Sun Peaks ski trip is full with 22 people occupying six condos. Final payments are due October 15^th, so get your checks out. Sports America has posted the Epic/Ikon links for the 2024-2025 season and is offering a 6.5% trip rebate (based on pass price) if you purchase the passes from Sports America and go on the Sun Peaks trip:

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

Use this for Ikon passes: https://www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei

Password: snow

Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org

QotM: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance.

by Tina Woo, NSC Member

What and Why Pickleball?

Over the last few years, pickleball has been rising in popularity.  Pickleball is considered one of the fastest-growing sports in the US.  But, what is pickleball exactly and why is it so popular?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines tennis, badminton and ping-pong using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes (called a wiffle ball).  It’s a game for players of all ages and skill levels.  It’s a great introductory sport.  It can also be challenging, fast-paced and competitive.

Why is Pickleball so popular? 

•  It’s ideal for all skill levels
• Pickleball is a social activity
• Pickleball is healthy
• Short learning curve, appeal to all ages and fitness levels, low costs

Want to learn more about pickleball?  Come and join us for a Nisei Ski Club pickleball event on Saturday, November  9 from 9-11 am at the Sunnyvale Tennis Center. For those who can’t make it, please plan to join us for lunch.

by Tina Woo, , Board Member

BEAT LA!   BEAT LA!   BEAT LA!

Take me out to the ball game,

Take me out with the crowd;

Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks,

I don’t care if I never get back.

Let me root, root, root for GIANTS (OR DODGERS),

If they don’t win, it’s a shame.

For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out,  at the old ball game.

Do you love baseball?  Would you be interested in joining fellow Nisei Ski Club members in the classic battle between the SF Giants vs. LA Dodgers.  If so, please complete this survey.  How many tickets can we order for you?  Sunday, July 13, 2025 at SF Oracle Park.  Game time:  12:45 pm.

Name & Contact Info_________________________________

____ # of tickets you need? 

Please email Tina Woo for if you are interested at baseball@niseiskiclub.org

She would like to start the process of ordering tickets for the game.  View Reserved Section 313 beginning with Row 12.  Go Giants!  Go Dodgers! 

by Judy Hom, Board Member

I hosted a second mahjong event because Jeanne Katsuro and others told me that they were interested in playing and learning more about mahjong. This year, 12 people signed up. Like last year, this was a potluck in addition to mahjong. After all, you can’t play on an empty stomach. There was a yummy assortment of food: spam musubi, oyster sauce chicken wings, egg rolls, dim sum, mapo tofu and more.

At the break, Ida Koo delighted us with her Hawaiian shaved ice. Ida brought her heavy duty shaved ice machine, syrups, Azuki beans, condensed milk, and ice cream. It was amazing. The day was warm so the shaved ice was a delightful and welcome treat.

Okay, back to the mahjong. At this event, we concentrated on the Hong Kong style of play and scoring.

Jeanne challenged her intermediate table to win with a minimum of 3 fan. No chicken hands or gai woo for her table. There was lots of yelling, screaming, and laughing coming from her table. And, there were some awfully big hands. Curtis was the biggest winner with 8 fan self draw (ji mo!). Everyone had to pay him 384 chips.

At my beginner table, I shared my list of mahjong tidbits like not patting another player’s shoulder which gives them bad luck. David Tom decided to test that superstition and patted Bev Lee’s shoulders a few times. We learned how to count fan and used chips (no money) so people could see who was the big winner at our table. Everyone ended up pretty even so patting Bev’s shoulders didn’t do much harm.

Sarah Lowe did a wonderful coaching the newbies. Dean Santo and James Chan had some big hands at that table.

Even if they didn’t win a hand, everyone had a great time at the event. I got a lot of questions about scoring. I put together these scoring tables from Amy Lo’s “The Book of Mahjong” and Benny Constantino’s “Let’s Play Mahjong”.

Fan

Agree on table limits before playing. A common limit is 6 fan. Each fan is worth 2 points (or 2 chips).

Ji Mo

Ji mo (self win) earns an extra fan. Everyone is a loser and must pay double.

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Hey Fellow Chefs,

Halloween is just around the corner and before you know it, we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas.

It’s almost scary how perfect these creepy witch finger cookies are as a Halloween treat. Buttery shortbread cookies are easy to make with green dye, and are finished with “bloody” raspberry jam and almond finger nails.

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

Prep Time 20 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

 Servings 28 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar confectionery
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon Almond extract
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt, if using salted butter
• 3/4 cup whole blanched almonds
• green food coloring few drops
• Raspberry Jam

Instructions

1. In a bowl, beat together butter, sugar, egg, almond and vanilla extract; beat in flour, baking powder and salt.  Add a few drops of green food coloring until it reaches your desired green.    Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
2.  Roll heaping tablespoons of dough into finger shape for each cookie. Press almond firmly into one end for the nail. Squeeze in center to create knuckle shape; using a paring knife or toothpick, make several places to form knuckle.
3. Place on lightly greased baking sheets or parchment lined baking sheets. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 20-25 minutes or until pale golden. Let cool for 3 minutes. 
4. Lift up almond; squeeze raspberry jam onto nail bed and press almond back into place, so the jam oozes out from underneath. Let cool. Makes about 28 large cigar size cookies.

Recipe Notes

1. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 or 5 days. They will keep for an extra day or so in the refrigerator, but will also likely dry out a bit.

2. To freeze, place the baked and cooled cookies all together in a plastic zipper bag. Squeeze out any excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Have a safe Halloween – October 31, 2024

https://archive.org/details/hd-it-is-the-great-pumpkin-charlie-brown-1966

by Armand Gutierrez, President  

September is here and the Sierra Nevada foothills already received a dusting of snow. Of course, it won’t last long but let’s hope it’s a sign of the times to come when winter sets in and Mother Nature brings us dumps of snow. Before the ski season starts there are still a number of non-ski events coming up:

• 7 September, Saturday, Mahjong Event at Judy Hom’s House of Tiles
• 11-19 October, Eastern Canada Trip with Jeanne Katsuro at the helm
• 9 November, Saturday – Pickle ball Event with Tina Woo

2025 NSC Ski Week

The Sun Peaks ski trip is making another change, from a small “group” back to a normal-sized group now that there are 18 signups and room for a few more. There are condos available, but it will be necessary to put new signups on a waitlist until a condo can be filled with four people. So, if you’re sitting on the fence about going, then now is the time to submit your application. For those of you that have made a deposit then August 15^th was the due date for the second payment. Go to the NSC website and download the Sun Peaks Flyer, fill it out, and send it in (don’t forget your check).

Sports America has posted the Epic/Ikon links for the 2024-2025 season and is offering a 6.5% trip rebate (based on pass price) if you purchase the passes from Sports America and go on the Sun Peaks trip:

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

Use this for Ikon passes: https://www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei

Password: snow

Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org

QotM: It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see – Henry David Thoreau

Send in your deposit to hold you space.

by Judy Hom, Janet Gee, NSC Members

If you missed the inaugural NSC Mahjong event in 2023, here’s a repeat event on

Saturday, September 7^th., 2024

Do you want to learn how to play mahjong or get more practice playing? Then, sign up for the NSC Mahjong event and potluck! Judy Hom, Janet Gee, and our coaches can teach you the basics if you don’t know how to play or coach you if you already know to but want more practice. We will focus on the Cantonese style where we play with 13 tiles and flowers. We will also explain how to score: HK and Classical Chinese style scoring. If learning more about mahjong is on your bucket list, then sign-up! When you sign up, you will receive a cheat sheet and a list of mahjong resources. We know that all NSC members like to eat so this is also a potluck event. 

Date:            Saturday, September 7, 2024

Time:           11am – 3:pm

Where:         Judy and Winston’s backyard, 18995 Carlton Avenue, Castro Valley

Cost: $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Bring a potluck dish to feed 4 or more.

Beverages will be provided. 

Space is limited to 16 sign-ups. Pls RSVP by August 31st

Please fill out a form for each person that is attending. For more information, please email Judy at mahjong@niseiskiclub.org.

SIGN UP HERE: MAH JONG

Will we see one of these Mah Jong Tables at Judy’s house?

by Tina Woo, NSC Member

What and Why Pickleball?

Over the last few years, pickleball has been rising in popularity.  Pickleball is considered one of the fastest-growing sports in the US.  But, what is pickleball exactly and why is it so popular?

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines tennis, badminton and ping-pong using a paddle and a plastic ball with holes (called a wiffle ball).  It’s a game for players of all ages and skill levels.  It’s a great introductory sport.  It can also be challenging, fast-paced and competitive.

Why is Pickleball so popular? 

•  It’s ideal for all skill levels
• Pickleball is a social activity
• Pickleball is healthy
• Short learning curve, appeal to all ages and fitness levels, low costs

Want to learn more about pickleball?  Come and join us for a Nisei Ski Club pickleball event on Saturday, November  9 from 9-11 am at the Sunnyvale Tennis Center. For those who can’t make it, please plan to join us for lunch.

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Hey Fellow Chefs,

Julia Child and I share the same August birthday. To celebrate, we’re off to celebrate and eating our way through Italy. Yes you heard me right. First stop to Stresa for a destination wedding and then hiking and eating our way to Cinque Terre, Florence, Venice, Burano and Milan. My palette will welcome the local Italian wine, fresh pastas and gelatos.

See you next month with new recipe posting and my adventurous trip abroad. 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..

My New York BFFs are calling me Karulia. Just like Benifer, Traylor or Swelce. Does Karulia has a nice ring to it?

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

By Sandy Kiyomura, NSC Member

The Chinese American Museum of Northern California (CAMNC) in Marysville was recently awarded a California Humanities for All Quick Grant for an exhibit entitled The Forgotten Chinatowns of Northern California. The grant is to invite ten Chinatowns to submit photos and text to create a new exhibit at CAMNC that will reflect the history and current condition of their respective Chinatowns. 

Ten different Chinatown communities have signed up for The Forgotten Chinatowns of Northern California exhibit, representing the communities of Auburn, Fiddletown, Folsom, Hanford, Locke, Mendocino, Red Bluff, Sacramento, San Jose, and Stockton. The community of Marysville is also being represented.

The exhibit will be a regular exhibit at CAMNC, and will open on September 7, 2024 at 12 noon.

At the opening, representatives from each community will do a presentation (CHCP Director Mike Mak will represent both the San Jose and Stockton Chinatown communities). Afterwards, CAMNC will sponsor a working dinner at 5:30 pm. Each Chinatown community is entitled to 2 guests at the dinner; additional guests (limited) can attend for $20 each.

CAMNC’s goal is to publicize the history and current efforts in the various Chinatowns in Northern California. This exhibit is also an opportunity for the Chinatowns to network and learn from each other. If there is enough interest, this exhibit can evolve into an annual conference.

For more information: contact CAMNC Director Brian Tom at brianltom@gmail.com

BONUS TOUR – David Lei will give a walking tour of the Marysville Chinese Temple and other nearby Chinese American heritage sites.  Starting at 10am, Sept 7th.  Meeting Place – the Marysville Chinese Temple – 1st St &, D St, Marysville, CA  

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

Winter is just 3 1/2 months away. Check out Warren Miller’s 2024 new movie 75.

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

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. We may complain about the heat, but then it didn’t last that long and it was much hotter for longer in Arizona and New Mexico. I have no predictions for August. But keep in mind; there is talk about another La Niña year.

NSC Annual Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic

The NSC Annual Membership Meeting and Luau Picnic were held on Sunday, July 21st, and the weather was great, a great crowd of 50+ people, and a number of new faces. Everyone dined on a variety of cuisine, and the board was introduced. If you missed this event now you will have to wait until next year.

2025 NSC Ski Week

The Sun Peaks ski trip is going to change to a small “group” trip due to the lack of signups. In order for this trip to not be cancelled there needs to be at least 6-8 more signups so we can meet the minimum of 10 for air. So, if you’re sitting on the fence about going, then now is the time to submit your application. Can you be the person that will keep this trip alive? Sun Peaks has a lot to offer and there are plenty of lodging spaces available. 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 Sun Peaks Flyer, fill it out, and send it in (don’t forget your check). That’s the group shot after the Farewell Dinner at Sun Peaks in 2014.

Sports America has posted the Epic/Ikon links for the 2024-2025 season and is offering a 6.5% trip rebate (based on pass price) if you purchase the passes from Sports America and go on the Sun Peaks trip:

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

Use this for Ikon passes: https://www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-nisei

Password: snow

Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org

QotM: No one ever says, “It’s only a game” when their team is winning.

by Sandy Kiyomura, NSC Member

As part of the “end of summer” celebration gathering, Sandy Kiyomura will give lessons on Cha-Cha and the Swing. Sandy has been an instructor at the Mastick Senior Center in Alameda for several years. Bring your dancing shoes and a potluck for everyone to enjoy.

You’ll have the opportunity to learn about Nisei Ski Club, meet club members, find out about future events as well as next year’s planned week-long Sun Peaks ski trip and a Japan Fall Trip! 

Date – Saturday, August 24th

Time – 12 pm – 3 pm

Where – Sandy’s Outdoor Dance Studio in Harbor Bay, Alameda.

Cost: $5 for members and non-members. Bring a potluck dish to serve 6-8, beverages will be provided.

Space is limited to 25 sign-ups. Please RSVP by Monday, August 19

Sandy will provide the address upon receiving your RSVP.

RSVP to Sandy Kiyomura at dance2@niseiskiclub.org

by Judy Hom, Janet Gee, NSC Members

If you missed the inaugural NSC Mahjong event in 2023, here’s a repeat event on

Saturday, September 7^th., 2024

Do you want to learn how to play mahjong or get more practice playing? Then, sign up for the NSC Mahjong event and potluck! Judy Hom, Janet Gee, and our coaches can teach you the basics if you don’t know how to play or coach you if you already know to but want more practice. We will focus on the Cantonese style where we play with 13 tiles and flowers. We will also explain how to score: HK and Classical Chinese style scoring. If learning more about mahjong is on your bucket list, then sign-up! When you sign up, you will receive a cheat sheet and a list of mahjong resources. We know that all NSC members like to eat so this is also a potluck event. 

Date:            Saturday, September 7, 2024

Time:           11am – 3:pm

Where:         Judy and Winston’s backyard, 18995 Carlton Avenue, Castro Valley

Cost: $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Bring a potluck dish to feed 4 or more.

Beverages will be provided. 

Space is limited to 16 sign-ups. Pls RSVP by August 31st

Please fill out a form for each person that is attending. For more information, please email Judy at mahjong@niseiskiclub.org.

SIGN UP HERE: MAH JONG

Will we see one of these Mah Jong Tables at Judy’s house?