November, 2019

EXECUTIVE ORGANIZATION

   BOARD OF DIRECTORS

  President – Toby Kravet – 808-224-1065
  Jonathan Carr
  Geoffrey Chu
  Michiro Iwanaga
  Bill Hodges
  Anita Hodges
  Alan Teramura
  Linda Giers
  Caroline Sluyter
  Mike Tsutsui

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  Newsletter Editor
  Toby Kravet

(Click on Contacts for e mail addresses)

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

Additional events, such as concerts, hikes, excursions, may be added.  Watch your email for possible updates.

Every Monday evening (except on holidays and, of course, during Hawaii Ski Week): 4:30 P.M. A group of ski club members and their friends play tennis at Keehi Lagoon courts, off  Lagoon Drive.  Stay in shape and share refreshments afterwards!

November 7 (Thursday) 5:30 P.M. General Membership Meeting at Zippy's - Vineyard, 59 N. Vineyard Blvd.

November 28 (Thursday) 9:30 A.M. Traditional Thanksgiving morning volunteer activity (for those who volunteered) serving meals to the needy at Blaisdell Center and pre-event potluck for everyone in the Club (see below).

November 14 (Thursday) 5:30 P.M. Board Meeting at Henry Loui's.

December 21 (Saturday) 5:30 P.M.  Annual Christmas Party Potluck at the ground floor recreation area/terrace of the Esplanade, 500 Lunalillo Home Road.  Bring a dish to share and a gift of approximately $15.00 value if you wish to participate in the Secret Santa gift exchange.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE:

Our 2019-2020 Kick-Off Meeting at Rainbow Marina did not disappoint.  The weather, always a concern for an outdoor venue (although we were under roof in a pavilion) stayed dry, Geoff cooked up his usual storm of steak and chicken, and surprise, surprise, the Schewes (Schewe Travel) donated a free neighbor island trip as one of our door prizes. We also gave away two free memberships and what was to have been the grand prize, $50.00 cash, until Linda Schewe offered the trip.   I just wish that more of you had come, especially the ten of you who RSVPed but did not show.  We planned for more and were begging everyone at the end to take leftover food home with them.  Mahalos aplenty to the "Family Hodges" for renting the venue, picking up the Chinese food to accompany the grilled items, and bringing a table, to Geoff, of course, for his culinary magic, and to the Schewes for their generous door prize donation.  For those of you who did not come and have yet to send us your membership fee for the 2019-2020 year, please complete the form on our website and mail it to us (address on form) ASAP.  Remember, you need to be an active member to go on one or more of our trips.  If you are unsure as to whether or not you paid (i.e. your check is still outstanding), please contact Jonathan, jonathan@hawaiisnowskiclub.com , not me, as I only have the information that Jonathan provides.

"Mucho Mahalos" to those of you who suggested possible venues for Membership Meetings.  Personally, I liked Ruby Tuesday, but they no longer wanted to accommodate us unless we could agree to arrive and be seated at pretty much exactly the same time.  After checking out a few suggested places, we have decided to try Zippy's at 59 N. Vineyard Blvd., right across from the Foster Botanical Garden, for our November meeting.  It is centrally located,  they can give us a private room, the food is relatively inexpensive, and they DO serve beer and wine.  Bring cash, though, as they prefer we put everything on one bill, and we kind of have to do it, at least this time, as we gave them a deposit to be returned as a credit on the bill.   The deposit may not be necessary in the future, if there is one (a future as our meeting place), for Zippy's.   This will be the last "stand alone" General Membership Meeting for awhile as the December Meeting will be our annual Christmas Party (on December 21), our traditional Pre-Trip Party for Hawaii Ski Week will serve as our January meeting, and we are then off to the snow.  

Talking about parties, mahalo,  to "Sam" Wright who, for the "umpteenth" time, has made the recreation room in her condo available to us for our
Christmas Party on December 21, and to Judy (Sobin) and Jeff (Lilley) for inviting us, for the second time,  to their beautiful home on the water in Hawaii Kai for our Pre-Trip Party.  I couldn't have one at my house:  My whole house would fit into their living room.  Also, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Gail Yuen for all her suggestions through the months and years, of places for us to meet and play.  Zippy's -Vineyard, which we are going to try out for our General Membership Meeting on November 7 was Gail's suggestion as was Macaroni Grill for our most recent Pau Hana.

Finally, there are a couple of important signups further on in the Newsletter.  Under the description of Thanksgiving day activities, there is a request to email Anita with information on what you intend to bring to the morning potluck.   Added to the description of the Big Sky trip in  "ANNOUNCEMENTS,"  there is a list of optional activities and a request to email Anita to advise her of the activities in which you might like to partake:  We need to plan ahead.

See you soon.

A hui hou kakou,

TOBY

UPCOMING SKI CLUB ACTIVITIES:

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Zippy's - Vineyard
59 N. Vineyard Blvd.
(Corner of Mauna kea St., Across from Foster Botanical Garden
 November 7, (Thursday) 5:30 P.M.

We are trying out Zippy's as a replacement for Ruby Tuesday.  They are giving us a private room, the Ohana Room, for our meeting, but bring cash so we can pool our money for one bill, and I can get my deposit back.  If it works out, and we come back (next year), we may not need a deposit.  Also, the later time, 5:30 P.M. rather than 5:00.  This is Zippy's so they don't have cocktails, but they do serve beer and wine, so what else do we need?  See you at Zippy's on November 7.

 
TOBY 

TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY
SERVING AN EARLY THANKSGIVING DINNER TO THE NEEDY
AND PRE-EVENT POTLUCK
Blaisdell Center
777 Ward Ave.
November 28  (Thursday)  9:30 A.M (potluck tailgate); ll:30 A.M. (volunteering)

Thursday, November 28 will be the 49th Annual Salvation Army Thanksgiving Day Dinner at the Blaisdell Center. This will be the 27th year that the Hawaii Ski Club has volunteered at this event. We will join over 1000 community members from a variety of civic groups and schools who volunteer to make this event special for those people who are less fortunate.

The potluck tailgate brunch, prior to the shift for the volunteers, is a  great way to start your Thanksgiving day, enjoying friends, good food, and the sunny outdoors.  The  brunch will be held from 9:30-11:00 A.M. outside the Blaisdell auditorium in the grassy area between the parking structure and pond adjacent to the arena.  ALL SKI CLUB MEMBERS are invited. This is an annual tradition where we enjoy the fellowship of other ski club members before we serve dinner to the less fortunate of Honolulu.  At least we won’t be hungry later when we serve turkey dinners and pumpkin pie! Every club member is invited to join this tailgate even if you are unable to volunteer inside the auditorium.  If you plan to attend the potluck, please email Anita with your potluck contribution/dish. Parking is free in the parking structure. Bring your own chairs and join us.  Anything you wish to bring is welcome. You may sign up for what you wish to bring by emailing me,   anita@hawaiisnowskiclub.com


FOLDING TABLES: 1) Hodges
2) Hodges
3) Hodges
COOLER with ICE: Hodges
GALLON JUG with WATER: Hodges
2 GALLON JUG for MIMOSAS: Wanda
FOOD
MAIN DISH like egg dish, meat, etc.
1) Nancy, egg casserole
2)
3)
FRUITS:
1) Wanda
2)
BREADS, PASTRIES
1) Hodges
2)
3)
YOUR PERSONAL SPECIALTY:
1)
2)
ORANGE JUICE:
1)Eldon Ahue
2)
Other type of juice or drink:
1.
CHAMPAGNE:
1)
2)
Starbucks Coffee will be served and provided by ski club.

ANITA & BILL


 

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS  PARTY
The Esplanade, 500 Lunalillo Home Road
December 21 (Saturday)
5:30 P.M.

Sylvia "Sam" Wright has come through yet again to get us the recreation room/terrace at her condo, The Esplanade, on Hawaii Kai Drive for our Annual Christmas Party.   This is both pot luck and BYOB.  Also, if you want to participate (almost all do) in the traditional gift exchange,  bring a grab bag gift with approximate value of $15.00   You will be given a raffle ticket, and when your number is called, have the option of choosing a gift from the "pile" or one that has already been chosen, thereby forcing the original chooser to choose from the pile again:  This can get pretty funny, satisfying, or frustrating depending upon whether you are victor, victim, or spectator----at that particular moment. and victors can turn into victims at the next ticket pulled----unless we change the rules.  To get to the Esplanade, turn left off Kalanianaole Highway at Lunalillo Home Road, the last traffic light before the highway goes up the hill towards Hanauma Bay. Drive in the mountain direction approximately .6 of a mile and look for the looming white building complex on the left.  While parking is limited at the building (eleven guest stalls in the circle at the entrance)  there is normally plenty of street parking available on the other side of the street and on side streets off the other side.  The recreation area is right on the ground level beside the lobby. 

TOBY

PRE-TRIP PARTY & GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
748 KALANIPUU ST.
HONOLULU, HAWAII 96825
(Hawaii Kai)
JANUARY 11 (SATURDAY) 5:30 P.M.

Stay tuned for the particulars

 

PAST SKI CLUB ACTIVITIES:

OCTOBER PAU HANA
at
MACARONI GRILL
 Ala Moana Shopping Center - Hookipa Terrace
October 18, 4:00 PM to whenever

My eyes went a bid sideways when Macaroni Grill was suggested as a Pau Hana location, but it worked out fine.  The parking, of course, was more than adequate, the bar area had "lotsa" small tables but close enough so that we could easily table hop, and although the beer selections was limited and the Pau Hana priced pupus a bit on the "light" side, the "party" went to around 8:00 P.M- - - I'm told.   When I left at 5:30 P.M. to go to the Wahine Volleyball game, I counted fourteen, and I hear that four more arrived after my departure.   Unless some of you "coconut wireless" another Pau Hana in the next couple of months,  this was our last Pau Hana for 2019:  Some of us get pretty busy around the holidays. 

TOBY


ANNOUNCEMENTS:


SKI TRIPS FOR 2020

The ski trips described  below are for Hawaii Ski Club members.  You can join the club by completing the form on www.hawaiisnowskiclub.com.  Annual membership is $25 single or $35 couple. To register, click on the "Sign Up" link, complete the form online, take a screenshot or copy and paste it into your computer, print it out,  and mail it to us with the appropriate payment (address on form).  If you are unable to complete it online, you can print out the blank and complete it by hand.

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HAWAII SKI WEEK 2020
BIG SKY RESORT
BIG SKY MONTANA
January 17 - January 25, 2020

If you're looking for uncrowded slopes, mixed terrain ideal for groups or families with varying level of expertise, a massive amount of terrain—5,750 acres to be exact—and a relaxing, laid-back mountain setting then a Big Sky ski trip should be a top of-mind choice. Being off the beaten path, as Big Sky is, certainly has its perks: lift lines are nonexistent. Locals and return visitors joke that if they have to wait in line for more than two minutes it’s a busy day. Big Sky also offers a handful of exceptional, rustic Montana dining experiences, sure to gratify guests looking for a unique meal.


Options Include:
• Round-trip Air Honolulu to Bozeman Airport
• Charter Bus Round-trip Ground Transfers
• Hotel Room at Summit at Big Sky or
• 3 Bedroom Condominium at Big Horn
• Group Lift Tickets
• Discounted Group Ski Rentals
• Women’s 3 Day Clinic (Jan 18 – 20)

Register for the trip with Ski.com  https://events.ski.com/GroupListing

$500 Deposit due July 7, 2019
Final payment due on November 13th

For more info contact Alan Teramura:
(808) 372-9970
alan@hawaiisnowskiclub.com

SIGN UP FOR OPTIONAL BIG SKY ACTIVITIES


1. NASTAR ski races ($10 for two runs)
2. Big Sky Women’s 3-day Ski Clinic: Jan 17-19. Must sign up and pay in advance ($800) and pre-arrange extra night in hotel with Ski.com
3.For women who wish to have a small (2-3) group lesson with other women club members but do not wish to attend the 3-day clinic ($170-250 pp for half day)
4.All-day snowmobile tour of Yellowstone National Park. Price includes round trip bus to West Yellowstone, snowmobile rental, required snowmobile helmet (your ski helmet won’t be permitted as substitute), admission into national park, lunch, professional tour guide (required for snowmobiling in national park). Cost for single rider on snowmobile approximately $350 pp; for double (two riders on same snowmobile), approximately $225 pp.
5.Dog sledding near Big Sky: approximately $145 pp for 2 ½ hours (price depends on number of participants)
6.Dinner sleigh ride at Lone Mountain near Big Sky; approximately $150 pp (price depends on the numbers of participants)
7.Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing *
8.Zipline*
*Prices determined when Big Sky Resort opens Nov 28
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN ANY OF THESE OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES, PLEASE EMAIL ANITA at anita@hawaiisnowskiclub.com .  Sign-up is NOT a commitment. However, we should make arrangements in advance if we have a large group who want to participate in these

SKI NISEKO - HOKKAIDO, JAPAN
February 8-16, 2020

Niseko is the arguably one of the top ski resorts in Japan and is located in the northern island of Hokkaido, about a two hour shuttle bus trip from Sapporo. It receives a yearly average of 45 ft. of dry powder with abundant tree skiing. The mountain is divided into four ski areas serviced by 3 gondolas and 30 additional  lifts and the terrain is approximately 30% beginner, 40% intermediate and 30% advanced. We will be staying in Grand Hirafu, the largest of the four ski areas. There are a number of shops and restaurants within easy walking distance from our hotel.  Package cost for airfare is $1,000 economy nonstop on Hawaiian Airlines to Sapporo.   Land package includes 7 nights hotel with buffet breakfast, round-trip shuttle bus from airport to hotel, and 6 days lift tickets with cost ranging from $1590-$1912 based upon twin occupancy and room type.  Airfare upgrades and single supplements for hotel are available at additional costs.  For additional information and signup form, see the Trips section of our website, www.hawaiisnowskiclub.com/trips.htm.   You can also contact Alan Teramura, alan@hawaiisnowskiclub.com (808) 372-9970.    If you would like to extend your trip to include Rusutsu (below) contact our packager, Schewe Travel Associates, shchewetravel@hawaii.rr.com

 

SKI RUSUTSU-HOKKAIDO, JAPAN
February 15-23, 2020

Trip includes round-trip to Sapporo, round-trip motor coach transfers from airport, 7 nights lodging at Rusutsu Resort Hotel, breakfast and dinner vouchers and 6 out of 7 days lift tickets (add $35.00 to total price if under 60).  The hotel is ski-in/ski-out with 6 restaurants, onsen, movie theatre, swimming pool, and onsen.  Total price is $3,781 with for a single occupancy room and $2,984 for double occupancy.  For an extra $500 - $600, depending upon hotel, you can spend an additional 3 days skiing Niseko.  For additional information and signup form, see the Trips section of our website, www.hawaiisnowskiclub.com/trips.htm.   You can also contact Alan Teramura, alan@hawaiisnowskiclub.com (808) 372-9970.

 

POTENTIAL SKI AND SIGHTSEEING TRIP
TO
NEW ZEALAND
August, 2020

Under Construction:  Stay Tuned

 

HAWAII SKI CLUB IS ON FACEBOOK

If you are on Facebook, add the HSC as a “friend.” You will be up-to-date with recent HSC activities that members upload. The HSC Facebook page has photos from members on ski trips and at Club activities.  You can also include your personal photos and announcements relating to the club for all HSC members to view.

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Contributions from the membership to future newsletters are encouraged and will be greatly appreciated: Please e mail them to Toby (see Contacts) no later than 9 calendar days from the end of the month. Thanx much.

Updated club info available at http://www.hawaiisnowskiclub.com/

  October, 2019 Newsletter