by Armand Gutierrez, President  

The recent rainstorms came just in time to provide enough snowfall to enable most of the resorts in Tahoe to open before Thanksgiving! Of course not all lifts or runs or open, but there still is skiing to be done. It’s been a number of years since I’ve skied in December, but I’m planning on it this time around.

Membership Report

Let’s welcome back returning member Angela Ren for the month of November and our total is now 82 members. Angela is a former member as Membership Chairman 2002-2003.

2024-2025 Far West Skier’s Guide

The annual Far West Skier’s Guide is now available for your viewing pleasure on the website at https://www.niseiskiclub.org/events/. This is their 37^th Annual Edition and the largest at 116 pages. It is jam-packed with information about Far West Ski Association programs, snow sports industry news, and feature articles from award-winning authors.  Also included is the Councils and Clubs section, a great reference for readers looking for a club to join. (NSC is mentioned on several pages, can you find them?).

2025 NSC Ski Week

The Sun Peaks ski trip is full with 22 people, and two FWSA friends that made their own arrangements and will be joining us on the slopes. Final arrangements are being coordinated with Sports America and now is the time for everyone to get a few days in at Tahoe before we leave for Sun Peaks. The photo was taken on 6 November and is the new West Bowl Express chair.

Christmas Greetings

This has been another good year for NSC with the many events during the year- a first-ever non-ski event to Eastern Canada, the annual Luau/Membership Meeting picnic, and Mahjong and Pickleball events. On behalf of the NSC Board I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.

Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org

QotM: Truth does not mind questions, a Lie does not like being challenged.

by Tina Woo, NSC Member

Pickleball appears to be a very popular event for Nisei Ski Club. 

We had 18 sign-ups for the event but 2 dropped out due to illness and injury.  Nonetheless, 16 individuals signed up for the beginner, advanced beginner and intermediate/advanced group lessons with pickleball pros Danny Fong and Cindy Leonard.  Both coaches provided one-hour lessons and tips for the groups, followed by social play.  Instruction included pickleball basics, dinking, serving, game scoring, punching and strategy.  

We had 4 novice players including Sandy Jones, Angie Ren, Denise Shoda, and Brad Lum.  Advanced Beginners included Judy Hom, Helen Lok Lee, Lydia Santo and Lynda Won. Intermediate players included Emiko Cheek, Norman Chin, Winston Fong, Jeanne Katsuro, Sally Shimada-Lee, Tom Shoda, Mark Tsukuda, and Wendy Low Yee. Everyone seemed excited to play and look forward to informal get-togethers and a future Club event.  Some players proceeded to nearby Falafel Stop for lunch and lively discussions about the club and ideas for future social events.

Here’s an email from Sally Shimada-Lee

“Hi Tina, 

Thanks for organizing and inviting us to this annual fun event.  The facility, coaches, time of year were great. As you know, I think Cindy Lenard is a wonderful instructor and motivator. Lunch after was fun too getting to know more about the NSC and it’s direction. “

Smiles, 

Sally

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

The Far West Ski Foundation is conducting its Annual Winter See’s Yum-Raising to benefit its missions, with programs that include: U.S. Ski Team Junior Racing Scholarships; adaptive & rehabilitative snowsports programs; sustaining snowsports through supporting industry initiatives in climate control, youth/family development and diversity, plus support of underdeveloped athletic programs; and preserving its legacy through snowsports research projects, museums & libraries.

What could be sweeter than chocolate for a good cause?  Buy delicious See’s Candies to show your support for the Far West Ski Foundation.  The deadline to make a purchase is: December 6, 2024.

The overarching objective of the Far West Ski Foundation is to sustain snowsports to ensure that the inspirational experiences of snowsports will remain for future generations.  FWSF missions are:

The overarching objective of the Far West Ski Foundation is to sustain snowsports to ensure that the inspirational experiences of snowsports will remain for future generations.  FWSF missions are:

• Building for the Future – with its Athletic Scholarship Program for junior racers.
• Rehabilitation and Renewal – with its support of adaptive and rehabilitative snowsports programs.
• Sustaining Snowsports – supporting snowsports industry initiatives, such as, climate control, youth and family development, and diversity.
• Preserving the Legacy – with research, preservation, education and publication of snowsports history.

Visit our shop to pick and choose your favorites and buy and ship your candy online.  It’s that easy!  Ship to your family and friends!  Our storefront is located at the following link:

https://www.yumraising.com/secure/farwsf_far_west_ski_foundation51/JanWyc5944

The Nuts and Chews See’s packaged box is one of my favorites. If you feel like sending me box, I would not turn it away. Karen

Happy shopping and thank you for your support!

FWSF is an autonomous public benefit corporation, in compliance with law and regulations Under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code (https://farwestskifoundation.org).  For additional information please contact Jane Wyckoff, FWSF Vice President, 949-933-9607, fwsajane@gmail.com

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 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

Sign Up Soon! We have 20 people who are interested in signing up for the France Trip. October 23 – November 23, 2026 Reservation is for 38 people.

Signup with this hyperlink for the France trip here deposit $698

https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1286433

Here are the answers to most of your popular questions for the France Magnifique Vacation.

1. The deposit of $698 is completely refundable up to April 24
2. The insurance refundable of $549 is completely refundable up to April 24
3. April 25 or after if you purchased insurance, the amount you paid minus the insurance.
4. Collette insurance you can cancel for any reason – no medical excuse necessary.
5. Sign up for the France now & sign up for the Pre and Post Trips Later
6. You can sign up for the dinner at the Paris Latin for a champagne flowing can-can kicking music driven cabaret later. Value: $225
   This is the event I am hoping that Nisei Ski Club can pay for from our commission it will depend how many people sign up.
7. Bonus Information! Collette is giving us more money back!

Participants who had travelled with Collette Travel will get Loyalty Points!

5% of your land portion of your trip and insurance
For Eastern Canada Travellers, this amount is approximately: $140 to $190 each person’s Loyalty Dollars vary.

More than just travel insurance. It is Medical Insurance as well

Collette Travel Insurance Plan Covers the following

1. Cost of the trip including the deposit
2. Cancel for Any Reason ~ No Medical Reason Needed Emergency Medical Expenses Covered in France
3. Medical Needs including Hospitalization up to $50,000 Note: Your own medical insurance policy may not cover medical expenses in another country
4. Travel Delay Coverage Example: If your travel partner needs to stay in a Hospital for a medical emergency, your expenses to stay in France with your partner will be covered up to $150/day up to $2100
5. Emergency Dental Expenses ~ $75
6. With the Collette Travel & Medical Insurance there is No Deductible.

We are currently working on a pre-trip to London for 3 days and a post trip in Paris for 3 additional days.  More information to come.

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

Pack your bags and passport, Nisei Ski Club is heading to FRANCE in 2025!

Here is the itinerary for Nisei Ski Club – Vacation (No Skiing) to FRANCE

Sign up Here!

https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/1286433

Call or Text – 408 569-1415 Jeanne Katsuro

If you need a roommate, I will try my best to find you one.   

New Dates – October 23 – November 3, 2025

It is a great group price $5999 for a Double

12 Days

16 Meals (10 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch 5 Dinners)

Last Dinner is on the Eiffel Tower Over Looking Paris!

Includes the prices of all the excursions everyday

Transportation to and from each of the excursions

Transportation to and from each city.

Elite Flights to France

Package includes One Group Pick up from San Jose Area to SF Airport and Back
(North Bay and East Bay Participants will need to find their own ride to SFO)

Cities, Communes and Regions visiting

• Versailles
• Giverny
• Caen
• Saint Malo
• Loire Valley
• Chenonceau
• Amboise
• Paris

Highlights Includes:

• Versailles Royal Palace and Gardens
• Giverny
• Normandy
• D-Day Landing Sites
• Omaha Beach
• American Cemetery
• Le Mont St. Michel
• Loire Valley
• Winery Tour
• 2-Night Chateau Stay
• Chenonceau Castle
• Amboise 
• Paris

Choice on Tour: Paris City Tour by Bus or Montmarte by Metro Walking Tour

• Seine River Cruise
• Eiffel Tower Dinner

I hope you can make it. It will be exciting.     

Please read the descriptions of the excursions and meals in the attached flyer

Merci. Jeanne

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

These are one of my favorite cookies to make. The cookie is believed to have been created by Glaser’s Bake Shop, which was opened in 1902 by Bavarian immigrants in Manhattan. Many others believe the cookie began as “half-moon” cookies that were served at Hemstrought’s Bakery in Utica, New York. While it’s hard to tell where these cookies’ roots lie, each story shares one common element: they come from German food traditions.

Jerry Seinfeld made the Black and White cookie famous in one of his episodes.”Look to the cookie, Elaine. Look to the cookie”

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

Ingredients

Yield 12 to 14 Cookies

For the Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/3 cup sour cream or whole-milk yogurt
• 1/3 cup whole milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), at room temperature
• 3/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Glaze

• 2 1/2 cups confectioner sugar
• Boiling water, as needed
• 11/2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of fine sea salt
• 2 ½ ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled
• 2 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange racks in top and bottom thirds, and line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sea salt and baking soda. In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, milk, vanilla, lemon zest and almond extract.

3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Beat in eggs, one at a time, until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.

4. Reduce speed to low and beat in 1/3 of the flour mixture, then 1/3 of the sour cream mixture. Repeat until both mixtures are incorporated, scraping sides of bowl as necessary. (Mixture will be the consistency of thick poundcake batter.

5. Dollop heaping 1/4-cup scoops Of batter onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. (You should have 12 to 14 cookies.) Bake for 6 minutes. Rotate the baking sheets. Continue to bake until the cookies have firmed up and spring back when lightly pressed in the center, 6 to 9 minutes. (They’ll brown only on the bottoms.) Take care not to overbake, or they will dry out.

6. Transfer baking sheets to wire racks and let cool for 15 minutes, then transfer cookies directly to racks to cool completely.

7. While the cookies cool, make the glaze: Place the confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl and whisk in 3 tablespoons boiling water, the corn syrup, vanilla and salt. Continue to whisk, adding more boiling water as needed, until you have a thick yet spreadable frosting that is the texture of hot fudge sauce. (Too thick is preferable to too thin.) Flip each cookie over and spoon glaze over half of its flat side, spreading to edges with the back of the spoon. Place on wire rack to set. You will have vanilla frosting left over.

8. Whisk melted chocolate into vanilla frosting, then whisk in cocoa and enough room temperature water to make a thick yet spreadable glaze. Glaze the bare half of each cookie. Let glaze set for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Wishing you health, peace and happiness to you and your family.,, And the rest of the World.

See you in 2025 , Nisei Ski Club Officers and Board Members.

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Someone is hogging up too much space on the subways….

Where is Harley Quinn when you need her?