by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

It’s a Small World After All…

I guess you can figure out where Curtis and I spent our vacation in September, Walt Disney World. (WDW). We had sunshine, 80% humidity and the temperature was in the 90’s. Its was HOT but its was still a happy place for us.

Walt Disney World Resort (WDW) is a world – renowned entertainment complex located in Orlando, Florida. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Walt Disney World Resort is a significant economic driver for the state of Florida. It generates substantial revenue and has a significant impact for the local economy in various ways.

Thanks to our charge cards, we spent our share of “Benjamin’s” on park tickets, accommodations, dining, shopping, transportation and other tourism related expenses which benefited the local businesses and the state’s economy.

This is Curtis’s first trip to the Sunshine State. My 8^th time to WDW.

I started planning our trip after the ski season. I subscribed to Ear Shots YouTube videos. Read all the blogs on Facebook and tried to understand what people do to plan for their trips.

We picked a week after Labor Day when all the kiddies were back at school and of course we went during the hurricane season. ( Less crowded) What are the odds of Hurricane Ian 2022 hitting land again? We got lucky, no hurricane in sight. We had the occasional thunder shower downpour.

We used my miles to fly down to Florida. We purchased advance park passes for 4 full days. DING $99.00 a day for the theme parks which includes. Epcot, Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom.  Just like a ski resort, walk up ticket prices were $150.00 a day. OUCH!

We spent 14 hours in the park. We did rent a car and drove to the parks – DING $25.00 a day for parking. We walked 26,000 to 28,000 steps a day, that’s 11 to 12 miles. Good sneakers are advised.

OUT is the traditional Fast Pass. IN is the Genie + – A reservation system for select rides. The plus side of Genie + is the lines were shorter and the wait was quick. I think Genie + was worth it. DING $15.00 – $20.00 a day per person, depending on the park.

Curtis was a champ in reserving the rides. Believe me, we did not miss a thing. We rode almost all the rides and seen all the shows and attractions.

We stayed at my friend’s time share, Club Wyndham at Bonnet Creek, which was on the Disney property but not a Disney affiliated accommodation. DING $80.00 a night / a bargain. 10–15-minute ride to the parks.

The disadvantage is we cannot go into the park 30 minutes earlier. We did go to the park early for rope drop (7:30am-8:00am)– this means we were there at the front of the line when the parked opened up. Once the rope drop we did our power walk to our first ride.

 The 4 parks offer various shows, parades, character meet and greet. At the end of the night, the fabulous fireworks show took place at 9:00pm – People were already waiting at their spots at 7:00pm.

Epcot has the new Guardian of the Galaxy roller coaster ride plus the international food festival.

Magic Kingdom has the Tron Light cycle ride- A ride on an individual motor cycle. See Video

Hollywood Studio has the Star Wars theme rides.

Animal Kingdom has the Pandora – The world of Avatar. Fly on the back of a mountain Banshee.

(Watch the Avatar Movie and you will understand what a Banshee is.)

We packed sandwiches for lunch and we carried a lot of snacks with us. We each had our own Camel bak so we were hydrated throughout the day. Plus, Florida tap water is nasty.

I had my smoke Turkey Leg on steroids. It was tender and not dried at all.

Epcot had their annual food festival around the park. Different kiosks had different types of food.
Again, Curtis researched and ate and drank his way around Epcot.

We invested in the Disney photo pass package. DING $169.00. Photographers were stationed all over the parks to take your pictures. Standing in line, we got our pictures in front of various place like Cinderella Castle and the Millennium Falcon. We didn’t do take too much pictures with the Disney characters – a long wait and we had no time for that. We did get one picture with Mickey Mouse. There were 275 photos of us from the package, in addition to our own pictures.

We had one day of rest after 2 days in the parks. We just laid by the pool and walked around Disney Springs and had dinner there.

Overall, It was a fun,, well planned trip. You definitely need to plan ahead. We were like 2 kids running around from ride to ride. Did we get dizzy on the rides? Not really, but some of the ride effects were amazing. If anyone wants to take a magical trip to Walt Disney World, send me an email and I’ll share my notes with you.

Here are some pics taken by the Disney photo pass Package.

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

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

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

From San Jose Taiko

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

TWO SHOWS!

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

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

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

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

by Karen Soo, Trip Director

Check out Warren Miller’s new movie ALLTIME

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

by Armand Gutierrez, President

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

Upcoming Events

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

September 9 – Car Tour Rally

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

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

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

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

Helping Maui

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

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

2024 NSC Jackson Hole – 27 January to 3 February

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

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

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

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

by Carolyn Wong, Nisei Ski Club Member

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

Doing it with a group of your best ski buddies.

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

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

Date Saturday, September 9, 2023

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

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

SIGN UP FORM HERE

https://www.alpineinnpv.com/

by Jeanne Katsuro, Vice President

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

Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023

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

                     2110 El Camino Real

Santa Clara, CA 95050

Time – 5:00pm

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

It’s going to be a fantastic evening!!

For more information, please send updated emails to

Jeanne Katsuro vicepresident@niseiskiclub.org

NSC 65th Anniversary Sign Up Form

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

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

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

Hey Fellow Chefs,

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

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

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

Enjoy!!

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

Bottom Cake:

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

Cream Cheese Layer:

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

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

Guava Gel Topping

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

Instructions

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Karen Soo, Newsletter Editor

From San Jose Taiko

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

TWO SHOWS!

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

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

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

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