Nisei Ski Club

by Armand Gutierrez, President  

April is here and that means two things: taxes and resort closings. Not much you can do about taxes, but if you’re thinking of skiing in April then think spring conditions: a little firm in the morning, getting better between 10am – 2pm, then soft and slushy and sticky. Here is a list of resort closings:

April 13 – Northstar, Kirkwood     

April 20 – Heavenly

April 27 – Mt. Rose

May 26 – Palisades/Alpine, Mammoth

Upcoming Events

There are a numerous events scheduled for 2025 and a few for 2026. Many thanks to Jeanne Katsuro for putting together a Calendar of Events and those events are now on the Events & Ski Trips tab on the website at: https://www.niseiskiclub.org/events-ski-trips/

Membership Report

There have been no new members and our total remains at 86.

2025 FWSA Tignes/Val d’Isère Ski Week

There were 7 NSC members on the ski week trip that included Ziang Liao, Jeff Wright, Kathy Fang, Judy Bracken, Carol Henri, Dan Lew, and myself. And it is safe to say that everyone enjoyed the sunny skies, cool temps (mid-20s), and great snow conditions. Next year’s FWSA trip will be to Chamonix, France, with the extension to Paris and Normandy.

2026 NSC Ski Week

Plans for Park City for 2026 are in progress, but lodging has not been confirmed yet. Date will be 31 January -7 February, but due to the Sundance Film Festival that date might have to be moved up one week. Park City is on the Epic Pass and you might want to consider getting an Epic Pass for this trip. This season’s lift ticket prices are not exactly user-friendly and group rates might not be available. So, stay tuned for further developments in the coming months.

Board Nominations & Elections

Well, it’s that time again for holding our board nominations and elections for the 2025-2026 season, and an email for making your nominations for the board will soon find its way to your inbox. As you know,volunteers run this club, and without them this club would cease to exist, and it’s been in existence for over 65 years! You are encouraged to take this opportunity to nominate an individual for one, or more, of the board positions. We do have an opening for Treasurer, as Frank Chang would like to retire from that position. All individuals that accept the nomination(s) will go through an election process in May, and final results will be announced in the June Newsletter. Many of you have served on the board in the past, and your efforts were greatly appreciated and perhaps you would like to join the board again. For those that have never served then perhaps now is the time to consider a board position and provide new ideas and useful experience.

Questions: contact president@niseiskiclub.org

QotM: Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

Welcome to Nisei Ski Club Social Calendar for 2025

April 6, Sunday – Bowling Event – Jeff Honda

4^th Street Bowl 10a – 12p Lunch at 4^th Street Bowl after Bowling

May 10, Saturday – Hiking Event – Joel Hayashida

Lafayette Reservoir 9:30 am / Lunch in Walnut Creek

June 14, Saturday – Bike Ride – Roland Lee

                                Tiburon Loop – View Car Show afterwards

                                 Time to be announced

July 13, Sunday – SF Giants vs. LA Dodgers – Tina Woo

Full – 36 people

August 10, Sunday – Annual Membership/Luau Picnic – Karen Soo

Sunnyvale – Time 12:00pm-5:00pm

August 23, Saturday – Mahjong – Judy Hom                                                          

Time to be Announced

 September 6, Saturday – Pickleball – Tina Woo

            Potluck – 9:30a – 3:00p

September 14, Sunday – 2^nd SF Giants vs LA Dodgers – Tina Woo

            Signups: 1 Nisei Member per 1 Guest

September 20, Saturday – Bike Ride – Curtis Otaguro

                Location and time to be announced

October 23 – November 3, 2025 France Vacation (No Skiing) – Jeanne Katsuro

$5999 with Air 12-day 16 meals

Dinner on the Eiffel Tower overlooking Paris

24 signups /       14 openings

Coming soon in Spring or Summer Hydro-biking – Angela Ren 2025

            Monterey Bay – Elkhorn Slough

                              Nisei Ski Club Social Activities 2026

January 17, 2026 Saturday Martin Luther King Weekend

                                                Potluck and Games

                                                Miraido Village Party Room

                                                550 N 6^th Street

                                                San Jose, CA 95112

April 19 –27, 2026 Utah Painted Canyons Vacation (Not a Ski Trip) with Collette Travel Agency

                                                Utah 5 National Parks and 2 National Monuments

                                                Arches, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, Bryce Canyon, Zion National Parks

                                                Colorado & Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments

                                                $3299 9 days & 11 meals

                                                April 27 – 29 – 3 Night Extension in Las Vegas

                                                Only 20 people

October – November 2026 Kingdoms of Southeast Asia Vacation (Not a Ski Trip) with Collette Travel Agency

                        Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand

$6799 with Air $4599 land only – 19 days 31 meals

                        Additions –    3 Night Post Extension in Thailand

                                    5 Night Pre Extension in Singapore

                                                Only 24 people

by Jeff Honda, Board Member

Join Nisei Ski Club and try out your bowling skills on Sunday, April 6th. Lunch to follow at Fourth Streel Bowl. Check out their extensive breakfast / lunch menu. https://4thstreetbowl.com/coffeeshop/

by Joel Hayashida, Board Member

Saturday, May 10 2025: Meet at Lafayette Reservoir Parking @9:30AM

Join the NSC for a beautiful spring Bay Area hike at the Lafayette Reservoir (East Bay MUD Link), and continue the fun by strolling the Walnut Creek Downtown Broadway Plaza (Link) zone “après hike” and explore the shops, brewpubs, and eateries led by former NSC President, Joel Hayashida.  The baseline 3-mile morning hike that encircles the reservoir (AllTrails Link) has gentle hills and refreshing water views.  Depending on group interest and abilities, we can also take the 4-mile Lafayette Reservoir and Rim trail Loop (AllTrails Link).  Along the way, we will see late spring flowers, trees, the lake, and perhaps wildlife!  Park at the Reservoir parking lot (Google Maps Link).  The all-day parking fee is $7 per vehicle and the kiosk accepts major credit cards and quarters.  Bring: hat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, water…  Downtown Walnut Creek activity will be ad hoc but with a plan based on group interest.  Target eatery is True Food Kitchen in Broadway Plaza.
True Food Kitchen Link: True Food Kitchen | Seasonal Restaurant & Scratch Bar

Everyone invited to eat with us after the hike Approximate Time to meet: 1PM

Lafayette Reservoir Link: Lafayette Reservoir :: East Bay Municipal Utility District

Final details will be provided to signees via email around May 5, 2025.

Registration & Questions: Email Joel Hayashida at Diablohike@niseiskiclub.org

 First Name: ________________ Last Name: ___________________________________

Cell Phone: _______________________ Email: ________________________________

Please register so that we know you are attending and for more details.  We will email details on parking and plan for the NSC Diablo Valley hike and stroll within a week of this event!

by Tina Woo, , Board Member

36 Nisei Ski Club members, family and friends will be going to Oracle Park to cheer on the SF Giants battle against the LA Dodgers on Sunday, July 13 at 1 pm. We are sold out at 36 people but if you’re interested, please contact Tina Woo asap as this game is sure to be “sold out.”  Ticket prices are approximately $86 for View Reserved Section seats.

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

BEAT LA!   BEAT LA!   BEAT LA!

Sign up now!

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 3, 2025 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

A magical island topped by a gravity-defying abbey, the Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay count among France’s most stunning sights. For centuries one of Europe’s major pilgrimage destinations, this holy island is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as is its breathtaking bay.

Sign Up! France Manifique Trip October 23 – November 03, 2025

Reservation is for 38. It will be fun for Nisei to fill the whole bus!

Signup with this hyperlink for the France trip here deposit $698 which is fully refundable by April 2025

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

First Come First Serve! If you want to add 3 more nights to the end of the Paris Manifique Trip, I have reserved only 6 rooms currently.

Those of you who want to go to France with Nisei Ski Club!

    I have arranged a 3 night Post Trip in Paris to stay at

        Hyatt Regency Etoile where we will be ending our France Manifique Trip.

            Price is $1140 per person which is $380 per night.

            The price includes breakfast and tax and fees.

                Tax is 8.45%

                Plus there is a 20% VAT or Value Added Tax on both the breakfast and the room.     

            Here is an approximate break out of the taxes and fees

                $275 Room

                $  20 Breakfast

                $295 Total

                $   59 VAT 20% Value Added Tax

                $   24.92     8.45% City Tax

                $378.92 Total

            If you want to try to compare the prices.

I have concluded that it is a very good price given the Hyatt Regency Etoile Location and the other extras we get.

If you take this Post Tour with Collette, it will be covered in the $549 Collette Travel Insurance.  It will not cost more money for the insurance.

Travel Insurance must be purchased at the time of the initial deposit.

For those travelers who are coming from San Jose, it will also include the travel to and from the SF Airport on the later date.

I have Reserved only 6 rooms for the group at this price.

First Come First Serve!

In order to reserve this Post Tour you have to sign up for the basic France Manifique Tour and then we can add it on.

If there are more rooms needed, as time goes by the prices go up.

Currently, the price for this Post Tour is reserved.

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Jeanne Katsuro has generously gifted me a cookbook call Everything from Soup to Sushi. This cookbook was created from the United Methodist Women of the Wesley United Methodist Church located in San Jose, California.

As I scroll through 450 pages, I will pick some interesting vintage recipes for the next few months.

The recipes are categorized under Appetizers & Beverages, Breads, Soup Salads, and Vegetables, Main Dishes, Desserts, Asian Dishes and Beyond Sushi.

The first printing of this cookbook was 1990. Let me give you a heads up, some of the ingredients used in the recipes does not have any healthy, nutritional value.

Maybe you can choose one of these recipes and make it for the NSC Picnic on August 10 at Las Palmas Park, Sunnyvale. Just a suggestion…..

Thank You Jeanne for the cookbook.

Enjoy!

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

Makes 1 Log

Ingredients

• 1 Can Red Salmon 15 1/2 oz.
• 1 – 8-ounce package cream cheese softened
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 2 teaspoons grated onion
• 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Dash of pepper
• Paprika
• Parsley

Directions

1. Drain and flake salmon, removing skin and bones.

2. Beat cream cheese with lemon juice, liquid smoke, grated onion, horseradish, salt and pepper until fluffy in a small bowl of electric mixer.

3. Stir in salmon.

4. Chill thoroughly and shape into a log.

5. Chill several more hours before serving.

6. Sprinkle log with paprika and garnish with parsley sprigs.

7. Serve with crackers.

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

A Stevie Wonder sighting or a new Easter Bonnet.

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

The Far West Ski Foundation is conducting its Annual Spring 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.

Visit our shop to pick and choose your favorites and buy and ship your candy online.  It’s that easy!  The deadline to order is April 4, 2025.

 https://www.yumraising.com/ secure/farwsf_far_west_ski_ foundation51/Jan@yc5944/candy

FWSF is a non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) autonomous public benefit corporation.  Happy shopping and thank you for your support!

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

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.

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