August 2018 The American Society of São Paulo
SAVE THE DATE
the FORUM monthly newsletter
Aug Aug Sep Sep Dec Dec
08 18 06 18 08 09
Happy Hour Youth Sports Registration Member Coffee WomenWork Angel Party Holiday Party
Celebrating Our Independence
Gala Donation Progress
by Anjee DiSanto, Editor in Chief
by Maria Stiehm, Vivenda da Criança Liaison
T
his year, June 30th marked the annual Independence picnic celebration cohosted by the American Society and US Consulate. Around 200 attended the event decked out in their best reds, whites, and blues. The event was lucky to catch one of the warmer winter days and a beautifully themed blue and white-streaked sky. This fortunate weather, along with the spacious setting provided by Graded School and the patriotic decorations from the decorating committee, made for a perfect substitute for those who may have been homesick for an American cookout. This event was the last for Consul General Ricardo Zuniga after years of service. The picnic allowed both a final chance to hear his words in
speech form and ample opportunity to mingle and wish him well. Families in attendance brought a delicious range of salads and desserts to supplement the staple of hot dogs and burgers fresh off the grill. The Hideaway Cats further set the mood with their upbeat repertoire as attendees sampled caipirinhas or shared the Independence Day spirit with their families. Marines were also on hand selling shirts to fund their next Marine Ball. The US Marines Color Guard kicked off the official activities for the day with a patriotic ceremony. Besides words from the Consul General, members also gathered to witness continued on page 6
W
hen running a children’s community center, maintaining key infrastructure is crucial for day to day operations. The American Society’s 2017 Gala donation of R$50,000 allowed Vivenda da Criança to fund the institution’s recent work on a vital sewage line project. In partnership with the American Society, Vivenda recently installed an underground sewage system that connects the institution’s sanitation facilities to municipal sewage lines. As a result of this investment, Vivenda will no longer have to rely upon a septic tank to manage its sewage. Aside from eliminating the expense of periodically emptying a septic tank, Vivenda has also modernized its facilities, paving the way for future expansions. Vivenda, located in Parelheiros, is a community center that provides supplementary school programs for over 180 local school children ranging from ages 7 to 14. It also provides job training for local youth and hosts a social services program which assists over 1,000 local families. This investment will help all of these programs continue to thrive. Vivenda would like to provide a heartfelt thank you to the American Society for its donation! §
Giving the Gala charity checks at the 2018 Independence Day party (photo courtesy of Vasco de Jesus Rodrigues)
Cover image: Butantan Institute Courtesy of: Ariane Pergon
August 2018
PRESIDENT'S LETTER
Summer in Our Second Home by Ariane Cartwright
Board of Governors President Ariane Cartwright president@amsoc.com.br
J
uly is a quiet time in São Paulo. Schools close for the winter holidays and many of us travel, often back to the US. I too got the chance to travel home with my son to New York City, where I grew up, to visit family and friends. The “City,” as us New Yorkers are prone to call it, was as hot as ever and humid. Greeting us as we stepped off the plane was a blast of hot air and the chaos of JFK airport. As is the case with many of us expats, the longer we’re away from “home” the more nostalgic we are for it. Yet we find ourselves almost like tourists in our own cities, surprised by the changes that have happened since we’ve been away. I went into full tourist mode on this last trip, seeing the sights like the Statue of Liberty and visiting the Museum of Natural History for the first time in decades. It was great fun to see these sights through the eyes of my son, who’s just starting to form his own identity and sense of nationality. Back in São Paulo this month we celebrated Independence Day together at Graded School, in partnership with the US Consulate and the US Marines. The venue was fantastic, and I’d like to extend my warmest thanks to Graded School for hosting us and to our event organizers. At the party, US Consul General Ricardo Zuniga addressed our members for the last time, as he has now officially finished his posting in Brazil and has returned with his wife Christina to Washington D.C. We are so thankful for their years of support and partnership and we look forward to welcoming the new incoming CG Adam Shub when he arrives later this month.
Vice President Judy Zanchi vp@amsoc.com.br Treasurer Alan Blau treasurer@amsoc.com.br Secretary Brian Wilson secretary@amsoc.com.br Campinas Chapter Malcolm Macdonald campinas@amsoc.com.br
As part of our new Membership Benefits Program, we just created with the São Paulo Yacht Club a new membership category for AmSoc members, allowing you and your families to join the club for a 3-month period over the summer and winter holidays. With no sign up fees or hidden costs, this membership grants you full access to the club and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. A wonderful new perk exclusive to our members. Do you have a new idea for an AmSoc partnership, or would you like to join our events committees? Send me an email and we’ll make it happen.
Athletics John Kennedy athletics@amsoc.com.br John Mota ysp@amsoc.com.br Business Networking Elias Gedeon Fernanda Gedeon Stephen Penney networking@amsoc.com.br Communications Cricket Stickney marketing@amsoc.com.br Community Action Committee Kristy Miranda charity@amsoc.com.br Corporate Sponsorship Isabel Franco sponsorships@amsoc.com.br
Abraços,
Membership Team Sherry Esteves members@amsoc.com.br
OUR MISSION: The American Society of São Paulo (AmSoc) promotes friendship by organizing social, cultural, and athletic events for its diverse membership; encourages integration with the Brazilian society; and supports the American traditions of education, philanthropy, and volunteerism. Rua da Paz, 1431, Chácara Santo Antonio, 04713-001, São Paulo, SP Tel: (11) 5182-2074 / Fax: (11) 5182-9155 / www.amsoc.com.br
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Annual Gala Ruth Hollard galachair@amsoc.com.br
Social Kelly Maurice Lucy Nunes Lynda Perdigon social@amsoc.com.br Welcoming Melinda Brenninkmeyer welcoming@amsoc.com.br
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
August 2018
Welcome To Our New Members We thank all of our new members for their support. Not a member? Join today! Visit amsoc.com.br/joinnow
NAME
PARTNER
Camila Gedeon David Ecija
Maria Ecija
Érica Giacomello
NATL.
AREA
COMPANY
EMAIL ADDRESS
Brazilian Brooklin
camilagedeon@hotmail.com
Spanish
Vila Nova Conceição Hilton
david.ecija@hilton.com
Jardim Paulista
erica@ericagiacomelli.com
Fabiana Watlington Calvin Watlington
Brazilian Vila Ayrosa
Consulate
fabbie_fm@hotmail.com
Giselle Fouyer
Robson Fouyer
Brazilian Butantã
Giselle Fouyer Idiomas
giselle.fouyer@gmail.com
Isabelle Miller
Pedro Miller
IsabelleRmiller@gmail.com Chácara Monte Alegre
J. Davis Wolf
Brasil America Foods
david@brasilamericatrucks.com
Michele Cross
David Cross
American Vila Nova Conceição Deloitte
mlcross@aol.com
Peter Rebrin
Ana Paula Rebrin
Brazilian Vila Andrade
QBE Seguros
peter.rebrin@hushmail.com
Rogerio Peralta
Brazilian Higienopolis
Peralta´s Tutoring
rogerio.faria@yahoo.com.br
Stephen Penney
American Alto da Boa Vista
steprestes@hotmail.com
Helping Hands Member
C
Campinas Member
Meet New Member Stephen Penney! Where were you born? São Paulo, Brazil Prior overseas assignments? Lived and worked in the Philadelphia area, Boston and New York City. How long have you lived in Brazil? 18 years What do you find great about Brazil? The food, the weather, the appreciation of life, family and closeness. Places you plan to visit? The South region and the Chapadas (Diamantina, Veadeiros, etc.)
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
Recommendations? The Clube de Campo de São Paulo, on the Guarapiranga Reservoir, The Sala São Paulo in the Julio Prestes train station, life in Pinheiros and Vila Madalena, the Zu Lai temple near Cotia. What has surprised you about São Paulo/ Brazil? Always improving, and at a rapid pace. What do you like to do in your free time? Hung Ga Kung Fu, gardening, documentaries. Surprising fun fact about yourself? I think dinosaurs are awesome.
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August 2018
CONSULATE CORNER
Nantucket Island: A “Land Far Out to Sea” by Erin Cozens
T
he United States has no shortage of amazing beaches and beach communities, each with its own distinct character. This August, families all around the country will make their way to coastal towns from Oregon to Alabama to North Carolina. Few of these will have the long and storied history of Nantucket, a 17-mile-long island resting almost 30 miles off the coast of Cape Cod in Massachusetts. At one point in the eighteenth century the wealthiest town in America, Nantucket now offers visitors miles of unspoiled beaches, wonderful restaurants and shopping, a rich history, and a break from the summer heat.
well-preserved historic center, with perhaps the best existing example of 18th and 19th century seaport architecture in the country. Artists were drawn to Nantucket’s stunning views and quiet way of life, and beginning in the 1920s, notable American artists such as Frank Swift Chase lived and worked on the island. As more and more people from the Northeastern part of the United States discovered Nantucket, the island reinvented itself as a place to spend a relaxing summer break surrounded by history, nature, and art.
A Fixed Point
A Long and Storied Past
Nantucket has a complex history that pre-dates the arrival of Europeans to the Americas by centuries. The island’s original inhabitants were the Wampanoag tribe, whose members spread across much of southeastern Massachusetts as well as the other island off the coast of Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard. Nantucket means “land far out to sea” or “faraway land” in the Wampanoag language, though the island’s distance from the mainland did not prevent its inhabitants from traveling to Cape Cod in order to trade for food and other goods. As many as 3000 Wampanoag lived on Nantucket in 1659 when Europeans began to settle on the island. The arrival of foreigners also brought disease, as it did in so many parts of the Americas, and by 1700 the Wampanoag population numbered only 800, living alongside 300 European settlers.
Most Important Port in the World Around 1715, a new industry came to dominate the small European settlement on Nantucket: deep-sea whaling. Whale blubber was processed to produce oil for lamps as well as soap, and as such was perhaps the most valuable commodity in the world during this period. Whaling ships would often have crews of about 21, 18 of whom would man the small whaleboats in charge of harpooning a whale and tiring it out so it could be killed and processed on the ship. At first, many crewmembers of the ships came from the Wampanoag community through a system of indentured servitude. Nantucket abolished
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slavery in 1783, and later whaling ship crews were composed of Europeans and a growing African-American population, which by 1840 numbered 571 on the island. As whaling rose to prominence in the eighteenth century, Nantucket dominated the industry, sending ships as far as the coast of Brazil, Hawaii, and Tahiti in search of sperm whales. During this period Nantucket was the center of commerce for whale oil and products made from it. As Herman Melville wrote in Moby Dick, “Two thirds of this terraqueous globe are the Nantucketer's. For the sea is his; he owns it, as Emperors own empires; other seamen having but a right of way through it.”
An Island’s Rebirth
The decline of the whaling industry in the late nineteenth century—due in part to the discovery of petroleum fields in Pennsylvania —fundamentally changed life on Nantucket. A devastating fire in 1846 destroyed much of the island’s waterfront and more than a hundred homes. At the same time, mainland cities such as Salem and New Bedford began to assert their dominance as the most important ports in North America. On Nantucket, what was once a thriving center of trade and commerce became a small community of long-time residents. During the end of the nineteenth and throughout the twentieth century, however, tourism became an increasingly important part of life on Nantucket. The island has a strikingly
My earliest memories are of summers on Nantucket, with its endless empty beaches, rose hips growing on the side of roads made of sand, and more scallop shells than a kid on vacation could ever collect. To me, Nantucket was a fixed point: no matter where we lived while I was growing up, every summer my parents, brother, and I would pack up and drive to Hyannis to take the two hour and fifteen minute boat ride to the island. My grandparents had bought a ramshackle house on a tiny spit of land known as Smith’s Point in the 1960s, before Nantucket achieved the popularity it has today. For 50 years the house served as a gathering point for my large and far-flung extended family. Today, Nantucket continues to bring families together to enjoy its pristine beaches, beautiful landscape, and incredible history. §
US Citizen Contacts Emergencies: (11) 3250-5373 (incarceration, detainment, evacuation, health) Non-Emergencies: (11) 3250-5000 (from 1-2pm daily) or saopauloacs@state.gov (lost passports, reparation of remains, Social Security, minor health issues)
@USCitsBrazil
The official U.S. Embassy Twitter account for American citizens in Brazil. The English feed features daily tips and news for the expat community.
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
August 2018
Volunteers Wanted Volunteering is a great way to meet others! Send an email to vp@amsoc.com.br for more information on any of the below opportunities.
Thanksgiving Event Coordinator The Thanksgiving Event Coordinator helps to develop an American-style setting for giving thanks and breaking bread as a community. Responsibilities include: • Working with the venue to plan the annual Thanksgiving buffet dinner • Keeping track of reservations and publicity
Youth Athletics: Coaches for Soccer, Basketball, Football These volunteers have the gratifying role of leading our community’s youth to discover their talents and foster friendships through regular sports events. Responsibilities include: • Serving as team leaders and teachers by coaching the Saturday youth sports games • Creating an environment of good sportsmanship and fun!
Membership Team Associates These positions are some of the most important in that they involve not only gathering members for AmSoc but making them feel welcome and helping them get involved! Responsibilities include:
Kids Halloween Party Committee Members Volunteers in these positions are in charge of bringing the magic of an American Halloween to children living far from the states. Responsibilities include:
• Developing relationships with potential members and renewing those of current members • Liaising with new members to welcome them and answer questions
• Planning decorations, games, and prizes • Handling reservations and publicity for the event
Gala Volunteer Coordinator
Adult Athletics: Golf & Softball Organizer
This position entails bringing together one of the biggest social events of the year. A meticulous sense of organization and the ability to prioritize are a must! Responsibilities include: • Coordinating team members to help with reservations and donations • Organizing schedule and duties for best coverage on the night of the event
This volunteer helps to bring out the spirit of competition in our members through organization of several annual events. Responsibilities include: • Organizing the annual Challenge Golf Cup in May with around 50 participants • Planning the November softball tournament and potential softball pickup games
Travel Club Coordinator
Gala Team Members
SMILE Program Coordinator
The perfect position for a member with a sense of adventure and a flair for rallying groups. Responsibilities include:
These volunteers work with the Annual Gala Coordinator to help create one of the year’s greatest social events. Responsibilities include:
This is a monthly volunteering opportunity connecting AmSoc members with kids at our sponsored charities through fun and engaging activities. Each month, a group of volunteers participates in a pre-planned event. Responsibilities include:
• Organizing day trips, overnights, hikes, or picnics for members • Developing new ideas for gatherings and group adventures
• Helping the Coordinator to develop an annual theme and related activities • Assisting with reservations, donations, and decorations
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
• Helping plan events & outings • Coordinating volunteers
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August 2018
Celebrating Our Independence continued from page 1 the presentation of checks to two AmSocsponsored charities thanks to the proceeds from generous donors and attendees of the recent AmSoc Gala Celebration. Those who contributed funds to the two sponsored charities will be happy to know that the money served a great purpose in each case. A check for R$44,000 was given to Associação Criança Brasil, with which the organization is now able to proceed with their plan of extended play areas for the children. The other check for R$43,000 went to Casa Limiar; this recipient was able to procure a much-needed van for transporting children thanks to those Gala donations! Attendees were also fortunate to see a spectacular free performance from Millennium Dance Complex Brazil. Co-owned by celebrity choreographer Milo Levell, who is himself a United States Armed Forces Veteran, the group operates a Moema-based studio that is a franchise of the famed Millennium Dance Complex in Hollywood, California. From pecan pies to patriotic garb, organizers and performers all succeeded in bringing that back-home American feel to Graded School’s campus for the afternoon. Thanks to all of those who devoted time to making the event a success, as well as to those who shared their patriotic spirit through attendance! §
Dra. Karen Bygdal Andreasen Dental Care | CROSP 47616 I ndi vi dual in c o me tax preparat io n and consult in g
Partner of American Society for 15 Years English, Danish & Portuguese spoken!
• Tax planning • Estimated taxes
General Practice - Adults and Children: Functional Jaw Orthopedics Specialist
• US Federal tax returns • Brazilian tax returns • Tax equalization
Tel: (11) 5531-4698 (11) 3799-1460 WhatsApp: (11) 99811-6172
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bygdal@globo.com R. Barão do Triunfo, 612 - cj 1709 Campo Belo, São Paulo 04602-002
Marcelo Calvoso Tel 55 11 5572 5411 Cel 55 11 99121 8811 mcalvoso@uol.com.br
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
August 2018
All photos courtesy of Prof. Vasco de Jesus Rodrigues. For more photos of the Independence Day event, visit the Photo Gallery on our website at amsoc.com.br/ photo-gallery.
New event: Bi-monthly AmSoc Coffees! We would like to announce that our current AmSoc new member coffee events are opening up to ALL AmSoc members going forward. Expanding this bi-monthly event to the entire AmSoc community will create another opportunity for meeting new people and seeing familiar faces! We hope to see you for a cup of joe in Jardins on September 6th!
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
American Society of São Paulo’s Welcoming Committee present
Member Coffee Thursday, September 6th
@ 10:30am
Location provided upon RSVP
Come meet other members & learn how you can get involved with AmSoc! RSVP by noon, September 1st welcoming@amsoc.com.br
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August 2018
AMSOC-CAMPINAS
What is Your WhatsApp Contact?
Campinas Chapter Leadership Team
by Malcolm Macdonald, Campinas Chapter Leader
J
une is the end of the international school year, a month of sad goodbyes and the widening, sometimes by many thousands of miles, of our network of “old friends”. August, by contrast, is very palpably “our” New Year. It is a month of new beginnings, new plans, new social gatherings, and even new resolutions! I would therefore like to take advantage of welcoming all who are returning from your various exciting vacations. We look forward to hearing your stories. I would also like to wholeheartedly welcome all those new faces who I hope will join us in continuing the tradition of good people having good fun that seems to be a Campinas registered trademark. In the past I have listed things to see and numbers to help you get started, but this year, for those of you arriving in Campinas, particularly from overseas, my strongest recommendation is the downloading and installing of the WhatsApp messaging service. This is the single most used app on most of
"...WhatsApp achieves what is often deemed to be impossible: creating a real social life from social media!"
Chapter Leader Malcolm Macdonald campinas@amsoc.com.br Community Action CAC.campinas@amsoc.com.br Events Manu Moreno events.campinas@amsoc.com.br Marketing & Graphics Jennifer Licko marketing.campinas@amsoc.com.br
our phones and it is vital for communication in Brazil and in Campinas for friends, family, and school as well as for organizing services from dog-grooming and lawn mowing to pool cleaning. Socially, as a long-time resident of Campinas, I can attest that expat social life also revolves around the ubiquitous green logo. Book clubs, the cigar group, the whiskey appreciation society, poker tournaments, surprise party planning, trailing spouses adventure planning, and just plain old weekend BBQs with friends almost all start and end with a WhatsApp group invite.
Some survival tips regarding WhatsApp in Campinas include the obligatory “muting” of the larger groups. These can be quite vocal and often a member or two will be in Shanghai or the like on business and weigh in with a comment at three in the morning. A muted group means less distractions when not expected. In terms of social planning, it’s also important to remember to conform to BNBR (Be Nice, Be Respectful). My favorite groups tend to avoid, except in emergencies, spreading news and specifically rumors, have very few “rants”, and almost all close down after a planned event with shared pictures and thanks to hosts. Finally, WhatsApp gives you the opportunity to opt out of recording all incoming images on your camera roll. I strongly recommend that this opt-out is taken up, otherwise you will be amazed at the sheer number of unrelated images that appear in your camera roll. You can always save individual images from a group to your roll, but to save them all will require frequent and irritating sessions deleting unwanted pictures from your device. Used with care, you will find that WhatsApp achieves what is often deemed to be impossible: creating a real social life from social media! Good luck, and to all of us, may we enjoy a fantastic 2018/2019! §
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The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
August 2018
AMSOC-CAMPINAS
A History of Feijoada by Malcolm Macdonald, Campinas Chapter Leader
A
dish as Brazilian as soccer, as distinctive as Rio de Janeiro’s Sugarloaf Mountain, feijoada owes its roots to the mid-16th century, when colonial Portuguese imported slaves to Brazil from all over Africa through their West African ports. Unlike those who were taken to North America, these slaves found themselves in a land not so dissimilar to their ancestral home. This meant that their similar skills and knowledge, especially when it came to food, brought them considerable value and respect. As the slaves cooked the food for the landowners using the sought-after cuts of meat, the remains were gathered and transformed into a hearty, aromatic stew, packed with seasoning and padded out with beans. It was the perfect meal to sustain the slaves and indeed the servants who sweated all day in the tropical heat, as well as to help fend off the cold during the winter months.
"It’s a meal fit for any occasion, from small gatherings to festive celebrations." Having said that, a true feijoada is not something you carelessly throw together for an easy midweek meal. There is a certain order to things: First, it’s the soaking of the dried beans, the preparation of the meat, the chopped onions, finely chopped garlic, bay leaves, bacon, meat with bone, meat without bone, then adding the beans and simmering it for at least six hours, or, better yet, overnight.
Brazil’s national dish, feijoada, is a sublime combination of pork and beans and is traditionally presented on a large platter with beans in the middle and meats arranged in a symmetrical, decorative pattern.
What might look like a plate of inky purples and black is a symphony of velvety meat, creamy beans, and lots of texture. It’s a meal fit for any occasion, from small gatherings to festive celebrations. Feijoada is Brazilian soul food: food of the people. So, if you happen to be invited to sample some in a Brazilian setting, you’ll be in for a treat. And just such a treat is in store for AmSoc members, their family, and friends on August 25, 2018 from 12pm at the Fazenda Santa Maria in Morungaba, SP. An easy hour-and-ahalf drive from São Paulo or 30 minutes from Campinas, this supremely renovated coffee
Brazilians treat their drinks and sides as being just as important as the main dish. Traditionally, you begin with a caipirinha and finish off with a cold draft beer. Sides are essential for enhancing the flavor combinations. The usual include couve à mineira (braised kale), a spicy sauce made with the remaining juice from the soaked beans, plain white rice, farofa (fried and seasoned cassava flour), and, importantly, finely sliced oranges to aid digestion.
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
farm provides the setting to enjoy the most authentic feijoada experience possible. Please check the AmSoc website (www. amsoc.com.br), or the QR code provided, for details. All are welcome. Kids will enjoy the freedom of fresh air and space to play, while adults are guaranteed to enjoy a true “bucket list” experience. §
Editor, Illustrator & Print Designer Jackie Wyant Multi-page layouts & publications Promotional materials Text editing & proofing { Free consultations & job estimates }
(11) 99568.9605 artist@saltandunicorns.com www.saltandunicorns.com
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August 2018
COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE
One Day of Generosity Can Change a Life by Sue Banman Sileci, AmSoc Member
E
ach year, the American Society of São Paulo hosts the Angel Party, a Christmas party which helps over 240 underprivileged children in the São Paulo area. During a day of festivities, the children are also gifted supplies which most of us take for granted, but which give them a better start to the coming school year.
This is our 19th Angel Party, to be held on December 8th this year at Graded School in Morumbi. Every year our event relies on volunteers to make this one magical day a reality for these kids. Without the help of donors, sponsors, and time, the Angel Party simply couldn’t happen. Help Santa give every child a big bag of necessary items that will get them through the coming year. You can sponsor a child directly, gather a group of friends to sponsor one child, or volunteer your time to help organize and run the event. Companies are additionally welcome to volunteer services or items necessary for this event! Sponsorship of a child is R$550, which includes a whole list of clothes and necessary items, as well as a fun toy. Santa Claus gives these on the day of the event. You can receive a list and do the shopping yourself, or donate and have the shopping done for you. Those interested in sponsoring a child, as an individual or a group, should contact Sue Banman Sileci at angelparty.sponsors@amsoc.com.br.
American Society of São Paulo's
19th Annual
Angel Party Saturday, December 8 @ Graded School
Providing São Paulo's neediest children with the Christmas of their dreams. A day of fun-filled activities, celebrations, and personalized gift bags for each child. To sponsor a child, Sue Banman Sileci at angelparty.sponsors@amsoc.com.br For other information, Kristy Miranda at angelparty.chair@amsoc.com.br
What I like the most is the games where I can win cool things. This is because I enjoy getting to choose what I win, the gifts I get. And the gift I need most is clothes. And I like to win sneakers. Note from Jennifer, one of the many children who benefit from your support of the Angel Party
To volunteer your time or see how your company can be involved in this endeavor, contact Kristy Miranda at angelparty.chair@amsoc.com.br. Don’t forget to talk to your friends, your coworkers, your family, and your neighbors. Let them know about this special once-a-year event. You’ll meet a lot of wonderful people with big hearts, and you’re helping children who have very little, both in material items and in love and support. Take a moment to read the experiences various Angel Party participants have had over the years. You can make a huge difference! §
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The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE
August 2018
The Angel Party is a much-anticipated party for the children at Helen Drexel. It is an event where our children enjoy individual attention and can have fun, exchange experiences, and share the love and affection of volunteers during the important time that is Christmas. Come and be part of our story! Roberta Lund, General Manager at Associação Maria Helen Drexel
Being part of the Angel Party has been such a rewarding part of my time in São Paulo. Working together with a great group of people giving their time and love to children less fortunate for a day full of fun and smiles: it truly is a heartwarming experience! Sandy Brinkman, Angel Party Games Coordinator for 5 years
August's Volunteer of the Month
Nominate a member Do you know an AmSoc member who has an excellent story to tell about how they've made a difference in our greater community? Nominate someone else, or nominate yourself! Our Managing Editor would love to hear from you and publish your story. Send an email to forum@amsoc.com.br with the positive impact you've made in São Paulo (and Brazil!) and look to be featured in an upcoming FORUM issue!
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
Debbie Watson
Debbie helps out with so much here at AmSoc, always with a smile—she even volunteers for our SMILE program! Back in May, she organized the Gala prize donations, staying on top of an overwhelming task with the heart of an angel. Which explains her presence behind the scenes as we organize the Angel Party event, to be held in December this year. Thanks so much for your generous heart and your contagious smile, Debbie! To nominate the next Volunteer of the Month, email forum@amsoc.com.br
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August 2018
ATHLETICS
Getting Active with Adult Sports by Anjee DiSanto, Editor in Chief
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s the Brazilian “winter” ends, AmSoc sees many members returning from vacations and new members joining the flock. These new members in particular might be interested in how to get active and involved athletically in São Paulo, and AmSoc is ready to fulfill that need. Here is a glimpse of the adult sports events sponsored throughout the year.
Marcio Canavarro Clinical Psychologist CRP 06/66894
English and Portuguese Spoken
Basketball Tournament
Alameda Dos Araés, 1189 Planalto Paulista São Paulo 04066-003
This full-court basketball tournament typically takes place in April. Around six teams play a five-on-five round-robin series of three games to establish the top four, who then do a single-elimination run-off to find a winner.
marcioxcanavarro@gmail.com Phone/WhatsApp 55 (11) 97300-6102
Softball Tournament
Submit Your Content
This annual one-day event takes place in November each year, usually with around six teams participating. The format is a three-game round robin with a subsequent single-elimination round to establish an overall champion.
What discoveries have you made in São Paulo city and the surrounding area? We'd like to hear from you! To be featured in our next Members Recommend, send an email to forum@ amsoc.com.br with your personal recommendations on how to enjoy all that São Paulo (and Brazil!) has to offer.
Wednesday, August 8th 7pm
ME
R. Coropés, 41 Pinheiros (11) 3032-4007 / brewdog.com
R I C AN S O
ET Y
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Other past sporting events have included pick-up softball tournaments in the Fall and tennis tournaments in the Spring, though organizers are needed to rekindle interest and participants for these projects (perhaps a fitting task for new members with an athletic flair!). For those interested in helping with or attending the above-listed events or in developing new athletic endeavors, send an email to contact@amsoc.com.br. §
CI
Usually held in February on the Saturday prior to the Super Bowl, the “Abacaxi Bowl” is an American-style flag football tournament. The tournament typically hosts around eight to ten teams who play six-on-six in a three-game round robin format throughout the morning. After breaking for lunch, tops teams play in a single-elimination format to establish the winner.
American Society of São Paulo’s
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Abacaxi Bowl
This event carries a long tradition linking the American Society and the St. Andrews Society and is as much a social as a sports function. Fifty or more golfers typically attend the tournament, a one-day match play event. Winners are presented with the Munro Cup, an homage to the creator of the event, Norman Munro.
THE
Challenge Golf Cup
OF
E s t . 19 5 0
S Ã O PA U L O
Friends of AmSoc welcome!
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
August 2018
ATHLETICS
Help Your Kids Build Their Confidence! by John Mota, Athletics Coordinator
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ver the years, we regularly have around 100 enthusiastic boys and girls participating in our multisport training activities and games, led by volunteer parent coaches and assistants. Our children are from all different schools and backgrounds. We have seen that most kids participating in our Youth Sports Program walk away making significant progress in their sporting abilities.
American Society of São Paulo presents
Youth Sports Program Registration Day Saturday, August 18th
This August 18th, we will carry out our AmSoc Youth Sports Program registration at Graded. Children ages 7-13 will be able to sign up for soccer, basketball, softball, and flag football. We might also provide soccer for younger kids (ages 5-7) depending on the number of kids that register.
@ Graded School 9am to 12pm
2018 SEASON 2 SCHEDULE TIME SLOT
SPORT
9AM to 10:30AM
Soccer, Girls (ages 5-7 & 7-13) Soccer, Boys (ages 5-7 & 7-13)
We Need Sports Enthusiasts!
9:30AM to 10:30AM
Basketball (coed ages 7-13)
If you'd like to volunteer to help coach or assist, contact our Athletics Coordinator, John Mota, at ysp@amsoc.com.br or WhatsApp +55 (11) 99622-2177.
10:30AM to 12PM
Baseball (coed ages 7-13) Flag Football (coed ages 7-13) Volleyball (coed ages 7-13)
To participate in our YSP you need not be from the USA, nor be an AmSoc member. But are you aware that AmSoc members carry a 50% discount on the one-time fee for the season? Our sessions take place almost every Saturday (except for holidays) from August 18th to early December. We are currently looking for flag football parents who would be willing to help coach kids. See you on Registration Day! §
Advertise with us! Interested in purchasing a print ad or classified space? Advertise in the next issue of the FORUM newsletter for as little as R$90 per issue, including exposure on our website & social media, plus our private Facebook Group. Special rates offered for our Annual Directory advertisers. Call Andrea Berce at (11) 99164 2634 or send an email to sales@amsoc.com.br for full details and rates.
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
13
August 2018
AmSoc Gala Sponsor & Board Recognition Reception by Sherry Esteves, Membership Committee
O
n Thursday, June 7th, we came together for the American Society’s Gala Sponsor and Board Recognition cocktail. The reception was a red carpet event held in the lovely home of Ruth Hollard. Our gala sponsors and new board members received hand-delivered invitations for this special evening to celebrate. Many of our gala sponsors and friends joined us, including Âncora Engineering, Ingram Micro, Ford Motor Company, Gol Airlines, Marriott Intl., and Port of Virginia. Our President, Ariane Cartwright, addressed the group and proposed a toast. It was a great opportunity to thank our gala sponsors and share what we were able to accomplish because of their generous support. Our new board members joined and were welcomed to the group. Past presidents Marlene Rubeiz and Joann Ivy were also in attendance to appreciate the work of the new leadership. It was a nice evening decorated in the Gatsby theme. Wine and appetizers were served, and everyone had a great time! A special thanks to Ruth Hollard, Judy Zanchi, Cricket Stickney, and Sherry Esteves for hosting and coordinating the event! §
Reserve YOUR 2019 Ad Space Now! The American Society of São Paulo
Let our 800+ English-speaking members know about your business! Ensure your competition doesn’t have the advertising advantage. Buy ad space in our Guide, with rates starting at R$500! Delivery date: February 2019
Membership Directory & Resource Guide 2018
American Society of São Paulo’s Annual
*2018 cover art courtesy of Taro Kaneko & Galeria Face Arte
14
Membership Directory & Resource Guide For additional sales information: sales@amsoc.com.br
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
August 2018
MEMBERS RECOMMEND
Discovering the Authentic Brazilian Amazon by Guillaume Légaré, AmSoc Member
I
had the opportunity to discover an amazing part of the Brazilian Amazon around midJune with my wife and two young sons, spending five days at the Anavilhanas Jungle Lodge, a small, unique place located in the heart of the Anavilhanas Archipelago. The lodge is located in front of Anavilhanas National Park, about 200 km from Manaus on the banks of the Rio Negro (Black River), accessible by car in about three hours. The site was ideal for an authentic—and very comfortable— experience, providing an opportunity for adventure and knowledge in the Amazon Rainforest while visiting a local community.
The Amazon Rainforest is the largest equatorial forest on the planet. It occupies 6.5 million km2 and covers 40% of the Brazilian territory, extending through Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana. The Amazon Basin is the largest in the world, with almost 4 million km2. It consists of broad rivers of “muddy waters” as well as black and clear water. Rivers like the Amazon are called “muddy waters” due to nutrient-rich sediments carried down from the Andes Mountains. The Amazon, one of the longest rivers in the world, starts at the source of the Apurímac River in southern Peru, flows into the Amazon Delta in northern Brazil, and then reaches the Atlantic Ocean. It enters Brazilian territory as the Solimões River, and, after joining the Rio Negro in Manaus, it
receives the name Amazon. The Rio Negro’s black water is formed in the sandy soils of the Central Amazon, and the dark color is due to the organic composition. It is the largest blackwater river in the world and is navigable for about 700 km, reducing to a 1 meter depth in the dry season and going up to 15 meters during the rainy season. It is quite impressive to see the permanently flooded forest (floresta de igapó) as the river’s width goes from 1.6 km in the dry season to 48 km during the rainy season! The Anavilhanas Archipelago is a Brazilian conservation unit and was categorized as a national park in 2008. It is now managed by the ICMBIO (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation).
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The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
The Amazonia offers incredible diversity: 40,000+ species of plants, 3000+ fish, 1294 birds, 427 mammals, 428 amphibians, and 378 reptiles. It is a unique opportunity to see some animals like the black caiman (jacareaçus), which can measure up to 19 ft and weigh 650 lbs, Amazon river dolphins (botoscor-de-rosa), cururu toads (sapos-cururus), macaws (araras), sloths (preguiças), and harpy eagles (gavioes-reais). It was the perfect trip to feel the energy of the Rainforest. The silence, the noises of the jungle, the warm and heavy rain, and the sun’s heat made it a great experience. Certainly a oncein-a-lifetime unforgettable family discovery! §
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15
August 2018
NETWORKING
The ‘Executive Perspective’ at Let’s Connect by Stephen Penney, Board Member
I
n its most recent Let’s Connect event, the American Society had the honor of presenting the Partner for Russell Reynolds Brazil, Jacques Sarfatti, to its members and some non-members. Mr. Sarfatti delivered a highly informative and interactive presentation, stimulating the audience to think about what the latest trends in executive education, training, and career planning meant for each of their individual lives. An array of specific topics was touched upon, such as personality traits, C-Suite “must-haves,” core leadership competencies, Flexibility vs. Rigidity, the latest corporate culture transformations, and more. The audience was invited to actively participate and ask questions throughout Mr. Sarfatti’s presentation, giving the occasion an “MBA classroom” feel; if not for the necessary halt of the presentation due to the location’s closing hours, discussions would have lasted all night! In addition to the presentation segment itself, the event, as in all Let’s Connect events, gave members and non-members alike the chance to interact with one another upon arrival and prior to leaving. Many attendees take these opportunities to exchange business cards and fortify their professional network base locally and internationally. Let’s Connect events draw in citizens from all over the world, creating a unique environment for learning and networking. Stay informed for the next Let’s Connect event! Also, please stay informed for the next Expand event, which follows a similar format to Let’s Connect but targets subjects more relevant to Millennials, such as digital marketing, programming, e-business, and more! § Want to see a specific topic explored at our next event? Drop us a line at networking@amsoc.com.br and tell us about your ideas! Interested in our Millennial-focused Expand events? Email expand@amsoc. com.br for more information.
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The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
NETWORKING
August 2018
Find Your Beginning by Jackie Wyant, Managing Editor
M
ost writers will agree that the hardest part of writing is getting started. This can apply to many aspects of life, especially when it involves setting goals and reaching them. If you haven’t joined us yet at our WomenWork event, mark your calendars for September. Every other month, a guest speaker (Woman of Merit) will join us to discuss her particular journey. Find the inspiration you need to get started, and inspire others to do the same! Unfortunately, our original speakers for our July event, Fernanda & Taciana, from 'The Girls on the Road’, were delayed overseas and needed to reschedule with us. Look for them at our November event!
Fortunately, Binka Le Breton, NGO President of Iracambi (en.iracambi.com), graciously offered to fill their spot. The event venue was packed, and Binka's presentation was informative and engaging. Participate in our third WomenWork event, to be held on Tuesday, September 18, at 7pm. Cateto, located on R. Francisco Leitão, 272, in Pinheiros, is graciously providing us their upstairs space for our event. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP at amsocwomenwork. eventbrite.com before September 17th. The Women of Merit speaker for September is Lucy Nunes, Superintendent of Chapel School. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, and raised in Southern California, Lucy holds both US and Brazilian citizenship, speaks three languages, and has a diverse cultural background. As Superintendent of Chapel School, Lucy is enjoying her 29th year of a dynamic career in education. She is an impassioned child advocate and is dedicated to promoting excellence in education that fosters a culture of kindness, social activism, critical thinking, and creative problem solving. As an active member of various regional and international organizations for the betterment of education, Lucy also serves on the board of the American Society of São Paulo and volunteers at the Clube dos Vira Latas dog shelter.
WomenWork
Sharing knowledge & experience for a better future.
Tuesday, September 18th 7pm at Cateto Pinheiros
Woman of Merit
Lucy Nunes {school superintendent} RSVP to attend
amsocwomenwork.eventbrite.com There will be a short Q&A after Lucy's presentation, followed by networking, socializing, and a tasty beer or two to close out the evening! At WomenWork, we encourage social responsibility, sharing knowledge & experience for a better future, and the importance of any employment, whether paid or volunteer. Since the launch of our event in May, we’ve raised over R$450 to sponsor Ana Carolina at the 2018 Angel Party. If you’d like to find out more about this charitable event or any of the other charitable organizations the American Society of São Paulo supports, visit amsoc.com.br/ how-to-help. Want to make a difference? Share your journey with us. See you at WomenWork on September 18th! §
Have a specific topic you'd like us to cover? Interested in joining our committee to help with future WomenWork events? Drop us a line at womenwork@amsoc.com.br. For more photos of the previous event (and to see what you're missing out on!) visit amsoc.com.br/photo-gallery
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
17
August 2018 Classifieds
CONTACT AMSOC OFFICE STAFF
APARTMENT FOR RENT
Excellent Opportunity for Family w/ Kids going to Graded School, located in front of main entrance! Luxurious Apt with 400 square meters, 4 bedroom suites, 360 view, 20th floor, 5 car space parking, Indoor and Outdoor pool, Tennis court, Fully equipped gym. Please call Jack at 95316-6888 or email h9doral@gmail. com for more info.
PERSONAL TRAINER
I will come to your home, office or workout facility and create an exercise and fitness program tailored to your health concerns, fitness goals, and schedule. For adults and children, individuals or groups. Sessions conducted in English, Spanish or Portuguese. For more information please contact Daniela Franco at 99739-6191 or dsf29@hotmail.com.
Our office staff is composed of talented, hard-working people, who get their job done between the hours of 10am and 3pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays). In these limited hours, they not only keep our various internal processes running smoothly, but also support our many volunteers, helping make the American Society what it is today. JOB TITLE
NAME
EMAIL ADDRESS
Office Manager
Andrea Berce
officemanager@amsoc.com.br
Office Assistant
Carol Matos
assistant@amsoc.com.br
Communications Coordinator
Carol Matos
communications@amsoc.com.br
Intern
Filipe Perfetto
intern@amsoc.com.br
Bookkeeper
Mateus Sampaio accounting@amsoc.com.br
STORE EVERYTHING YOU WANT, FOR AS LONG AS YOU NEED, IN THE BEST LOCATIONS OF SÃO PAULO!
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Boxes range from 1sqm to 100sqm (10,7ft2 to 1076ft2)
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The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
August 2018
Getting on Board
Using Art for a Clearer Reality
compiled by Jackie Wyant, Managing Editor
by Érica Giacomelli, AmSoc Member
Sherry Esteves
Membership Committee I was born in Galloway, New Jersey, and lived there for 18 years, then went to WVU in Morgantown, West Virginia. After graduation, I moved to Washington, D.C. for 8 years, then Orlando, Florida for 2 years… next stop was São Paulo in 2011. My Brazil-versary is coming up soon—almost 7 years! My favorite thing about São Paulo is: living in a big city and being able to do so much. I’m so glad that I learned Portuguese! My favorite AmSoc memory is: the Great Gatsby Gala! It was such a fun event. I learned a lot helping coordinate and also had a great time! One embarrassing thing that has happened to me in São Paulo is: confusing words and getting strange looks. Oh my! Luckily, people seem to like my American accent. :) §
For a full and up-to-date listing of our dedicated Board Members, visit amsoc. com.br/board-members.
I
am a true believer that art changes lives. Art creates empathy. By seeing others’ realities through art, we get out of our mundane dayto-day routines. By seeing art, we embrace the parts of our brains that empathize with others, generating more happiness in us. Understanding the world through the lenses of the artists, we are in communion with new points of view, with new cultures, with new truths that enrich our experiences of the world. By experience, I know that being a newcomer in another city is very hard. But if we try to see life through the curatorship of institutions and art galleries of the city, we can understand the people and the culture so much more easily! Art demonstrates cultural perspectives, and through art we see the reality of the world, where you see the world around you as much more crystal clear. Also, it displays the reality of other people who are, like us, the centers of their own universes, in the same way we are the centers of our universes. By enjoying artwork, we also broaden our world perspectives. In Brazil right now, it’s a concern of the artistic world to recuperate the history of the people who created the country with their own lives. There are many exhibitions that dwell in the perspective of the members of society that do not get the attention they fully deserve. Some examples are the exhibitions “Histórias
This coming semester we are planning the inauguration of the AmSoc Art Club. The proposition is to get together once a month, discuss ideas of art, art history, and aesthetics, and then visit an exhibition in São Paulo that displays artwork related to the ideas discussed at the get-together. I invite all that are interested in the art club to send an email to contato@ericagiacomelli.com so we can organize the best dates and times to fit most schedules. See you soon! § Érica Giacomelli is an Art Advisor and Art Consultant based in São Paulo. www.ericagiacomelli.com.br
Boa Viagem!
American Society of São Paulo presents
KIDS
Afro-Atlânticas,” which is divided between MASP and Instituto Tomie Ohtake, and “José Antonio da Silva: ‘Nasci Errado, e Estou Certo’” at the Pinacoteca de São Paulo. There are endless possibilities of art here in São Paulo: in museums, galleries, private collections, alternative institutions, and even in street art.
PARTY
Trick-or-Treating, Desserts, Games, Prizes & More!
SAVE THE DATE Weekend in Late October
Volunteers needed! Contact Lynda Perdigon at social@amsoc.com.br to find out how you can help!
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter
Victoria Olsa & Kathryn Owens Buenos Aires, Argentina Traveling soon? Take a photo with your FORUM, email it to forum@amsoc.com.br
19
COMMUNITY CALENDAR August 2018
Learn more about upcoming American Society events at www.amsoc.com.br
08 Wednesday 8AM to 10:30AM
International Newcomers Club monthly meetup
Location: Empório Moema (Av. Macuco, 218) Information: www.newcomers-sp.com.br
08 Wednesday 7PM to 10PM
AmSoc Happy Hour catch up with old friends and make new ones
Location: BrewDog (41 Rua Coropés - Pinheiros) Information: www.amsoc.com.br For details, see ad on page 12
18 Saturday 9AM to 12PM
AmSoc Youth Sports Program Registration soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, and football
Location: Graded School (Av. José Galante, 425) Information: www.amsoc.com.br/youthsports For details, see ad on page 13
25 Saturday 12PM to 6PM
AmSoc Feijoada on the Farm enjoy traditional foods on a private farm, with live music and Mint Juleps
Location: Fazenda Santa Maria, Morungaba Information: www.amsoc.com.br For details, see article on page 9
AmSoc Let's Connect São Paulo meet new people and share experiences
Location: Caruso Lounge (Av. Horácio Lafer, 44 - Moema) Information: www.amsoc.com.br For details, see article on page 16
TBA
C
C
Campinas Event Note: these events are open to all AmSoc members. São Paulo is roughly a 1.5 hour drive from Campinas. Come for a visit!
About FORUM
Editor in Chief Anjee DiSanto (editor@amsoc.com.br) Managing Editor Jackie Wyant (forum@amsoc.com.br) Advertising Sales Andrea Berce (sales@amsoc.com.br) Layout by Salt&Unicorns (www.saltandunicorns.com) Printed by EGB (egb.com.br)
FORUM is published monthly (excluding January and July) in print and online (amsoc.com.br/forum). Views expressed in FORUM do not reflect those of AmSoc members or staff. Ads appearing in FORUM do not constitute an endorsement of products or services.