Monthly NewsletterMarch 2014

www.AmSoc.com.brForum

In This Issue

Page 6: Come and find out what goes on inside one of our supported organizations.

The Year in Parties

Page 8: 2014 has been billed as the year of endless parties in Brazil. Don’t miss our list of what not to miss!

The American Society of São Paulo 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.

Our Mission

In This Issue

Save the DateSave the DateMar 19th - Happy Hour at BOS BBQMar 22nd - Projeto Sol VisitApr 5th - Annual Children’s Field DayApr 13th - Easter Egg HuntApr 23rd - Annual General MeetingMay 9th - AmSoc Gala

Projeto Sol Visit

Blog Of The Month

Page 16: A new feature awaits you on our back page.

The Annual Gala 2014 - Make your plans today!

Get out your dancing shoes, fancy dresses, tuxedos and party jewels and gather your friends to make plans for the 2014 American Society GALA fundraiser on Friday, May 9, 2014, at the Buffet Colonial in Moema.

Once a year, we invite all our members to join us in this elegant event. You will enjoy your evening from the moment your car is swept away by the valet, until you’ve danced the last dance....is that Frank Sinatra singing “New York, New York”?

The event will be held again at the lovely Buffet Colonial in Moema. The food, atmosphere, and service last year were terrific, and we expect more of the same in 2014. The evening will begin with cocktails and the silent auction. Afterward, we will move into the dining room for the live auction, a performance by the children from one of our charities, and a buffet dinner, followed by dancing until the wee hours of the morning.

This event, while certainly a wonderful chance for us to all socialize, renew old friendships, and win wonderful prizes, is also a chance for us to give back to needy children in São Paulo,

Hop to it! Celebrate Easter with AmSoc’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Chapel School on Sunday, April 13 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The Easter Bunny will be hopping around hiding eggs and posing for pictures. Children will receive Easter baskets, cupcakes, and Easter eggs, of course.

Members and non-members are welcome. Entry fee is per child. Members R$30 per child; Non-Members R$45 per child.

Please contact the AmSoc office at 5182-2074 or at Contact@AmSoc.com.br to confirm your presence so that the Easter Bunny brings enough baskets. Happy Easter!

Easter Egg Hunt

(continued on page 10)

Progressing through the “dog days of summer,” it’s hard to comprehend the contrast between the record heat in São Paulo during January and early February, and the record cold in the

northern states back in the United

States. January was the hottest month on record in São Paulo, with an average maximum temperature of 31.9 degrees Celsius, while my home state of Michigan had an average minimum temperature of -18C degrees. I guess you can say that “Hell has frozen over” – Hell, Michigan that is, where the wind chill factor reached -33C degrees back in early January. I treasure each day of blue sky and hot sun here in Brazil and reflect on how cold it is back home. February shows signs of the heat easing up in São Paulo, which hopefully will lead us into a comfortable autumn season and rising water reserve levels.

2014 brings us some changes and many new AmSoc activities. Our new Office Manager, Victoria Schulsinger ,

began in January and is assisted by our office assistant, Lais Gomide. Victoria and Lais are at the heart of all the administrative efforts for AmSoc, and the Board of Directors is very happy to have them both on board.

February kicked off with the Super Bowl party and a Happy Hour event at BOS BBQ, the annual Abacaxi bowl flag football tournament, the Youth Sports sign-up, and in March our new AmSoc Travel Club has its inaugural trip planned to Inhotim in Minas Gerais.

April will feature the start of adult softball Saturdays, the annual adult basketball tournament, and the Annual Community Field Day at the Consulate, where children from the various charities AmSoc supports spend a day of games, sports activities, and lunch at the American Consulate. Along with the Angel Party in November, this event is highly anticipated by the children and they truly appreciate the opportunity to mingle with AmSoc members, practice their English, and enjoy a great day of activities. Also in April, we’ll have the Easter Egg Hunt and the annual General Board Meeting and Cocktail Reception at the United States Consul General’s residence.

May brings us the annual AmSoc

President’s Corner

By Frank Pierce, AmSoc president

Forum March2

Lynn Cordeiro, editor and layout

Ernest White II, staff writerJulie Herrmann, Coordinator

Forum is printed by EGB.(http://www.egb.com.br)

Views expressed in Forum do not necessarily

reflect those of the American Society board

of governors, members, or staff. Forum reserves the right to edit content for brevity and/or clarity.

The American Society of São Paulo

Rua da Paz, 1431 04713-001 Paulo, SPTel: (11) 5182-2074 Fax: (11) 5182-9155email the editor: mail@falaphoto.com

Forum is published monthly, with the exception of February and July, by

Abo

ut F

oru

m

Charity Gala on the 9th with dancing and live and silent auctions to help in the support of two designated charities – Lar Tia Edna and Crianca Brasil. We’ll also have a Memorial Day service and, of course, the Independence Day picnic and fireworks display at the Consulate. These are only a few of the many events we have planned this year and I hope to see everyone come out and enjoy the events and American holidays.

This year we will also be rolling out our new AmSoc website, with many new features and references for our members. We will be expanding our charitable activities with “painting days” at some of the organizations we support, as well as clothing and supply drives. As charitable activities are one of the pillars of AmSoc, the Community Action Committee is always looking for more volunteers to help with the many activities and you can participate by contacting the AmSoc office. We’ll also be looking to expand the Happy Hours and create more opportunities for social and business networking. All-in-all, it’s a very busy and exciting year ahead for AmSoc members.

Of course, let’s not forget the big event beginning in June – The World Cup. Let’s all get out and cheer for the USMNT!

The American Societyof São Paulo

Forum 32014

Welcome to Our New MembersWelcome the following New Members who joined us recently. We are very grateful for your support!

Name: Jenny and Jim SweetlandWill Sweetland, 21 year old son Where you were born:Jenny- Lexington, KY (grew up in Ann Arbor, MI)

Jim Sweetland- Hartford, CTWill Sweetland- Newtown, PADaughters:Annie Sweetland Sibeni- Olean, NY(Annie and her husband Chris - born in Queens, NY just had a daughter Phoebe- born in NY, NY) !!!Mary Jane Sweetland- Newtown, PA

Length of time you’ve been in Brazil:The project started over a year ago but we have moved into our apartment November 2013. Why Brazil? Jim is working for Merck/MSD on their integration project.

Family with you? Or at home?Yes, we are all coming and going as much as possible. Best things so far:Brazilian people have been very kind to us. I like seeing their affection between friends and family. Always surprised to see couples kissing in what I didn’t think of as a romantic spot - the bus stop or the mall, escalators - it’s a kick! Love is all around!Jim loves all the sushi - I think his favorite place is JAM. Biggest frustration: Jim’s 5 mile drive to work

can take 2 hours - that is really something. What you miss back home: Target Progress with Portuguese:Slow, need help. Favorite place to hang out:Looking for suggestions. Reading/sports/music/travel, which do you prefer? Jim played ice hockey as a goaltender - if anyone has any ice information please let us know. He loves hiking. I would love to go to the fishing village and the falls. I noticed there is a trip in March. I want to sign up for future trips like that - Those look great! Carnival plans? No plans yet - I hope we will get to Rio (it’s very expensive).

Meet Our New Members

Last name Name Spouse Nationality Membership Company

FERRERO Irene Patricia FERRERO USA Single Membership Santander

GODFREY Sandra GODFREY Canada Single Patron Membership The Rhind Group

IVANOFF Caline IVANOFF Andrei IVANOFF USA Family Membership OFF Publicidade e Propaganda

MARTY Laure MARTY Alpi CAMILLE France Family Membership

NELSON James NELSON Rebecca NELSON USA Family Membership U.S Consulate

PELLETIER John PELLETIER Natalia EVANGELISTA USA Single Patron Membership InterAmerican Inglês Intensivo

RAPKE Hoffman Gabrielle RAPKE Andrew HOFFMAN USA Family Patron Membership Sansung Eletronica da Amazonia Ltda.

SWARTZ Jason SWARTZ Brooke SWARTZ USA Family Membership

SWEETLAND Jenny SWEETLAND Jim SWEETLAND USA Family Membership Merck MSD

TOMASONI Adriano Cassio TOMASONI

Alessandra FONSECA Brazil Family Membership Agropecuária Glória Morro Agudo

VAN BALEGOIYEN Irma VAN BALEGOIYEN Ronald VAN BALEGOIYEN

Netherlands Family Membership Banco Rabobank

Forum March4

By Xelaju Korda, American Consulate

Consulate Corner: Sports For All And Urban Art At The U.S. Consulate São Paulo

Anyone who has taken a right-hand turn off of Rua São Sebastiao onto Rua Thomas Deloney in São Paulo’s Chacara Santo Antonio neighborhood in the last two weeks cannot help but notice the colorful new mural gracing the 80-foot-long wall of the United States Consulate. The U.S. Consulate commissioned Brazilian artist Alexandre Keto (http://alexandreketo.blogspot.com/) to design and create the stunning piece, incorporating themes from the World Cup, Afro-Brazilian influences, and the U.S. Mission’s “Sports for All” initiative. Part of the State Department’s Sports Diplomacy programs, “Sports for All” is an umbrella phrase capturing programs the U.S. Mission to Brazil is using to build connections between the United States and Brazil, and to encourage the social inclusion of traditionally underrepresented groups in sports.

In developing the mural concept, the Public Affairs team at U.S. Consulate São Paulo focused on ways to highlight the Sports for All initiative, and was drawn to one of São Paulo’s most famous

and prevalent art forms – complex and sophisticated graffiti-inspired urban art. In other words, according to Public Affairs Officer Rakesh Surampudi, the mural was a way to “show our support and connect with this dynamic city,

and to channel excitement about the World Cup.” Artist Alexandre Keto seemed a natural fit for the project – he was one of the artists the U.S. Consulate supported at the Feira Preta

(http://www.feirapreta.com.br/) in December 2013 – and he quickly understood the idea behind the mural.

Keto prepared the wall, sketched out the design, and worked over the course of a week to prepare the mural for the visit of U.S. Ambassador to Brazil Liliana Ayalde, Consul General Dennis Hankins, and members of the U.S. Men’s National soccer team, who were in São Paulo for a two-week training camp. On January 24, the Consulate and Keto orchestrated a happy melee of participants to add to the mural, including Brazilian youth

from the state social project Fabrica da Cultura, Consulate children, and members of the U.S team. Everyone seemed to have a great time painting the wall, and given the attention and compliments the wall has received, it appears to be a great success. An official unveiling with the ambassador is tentatively scheduled for late March.

A video clip of the U.S. Men’s team visit can be found here: http://www.ussoccer.com/media-library/videos/us-men/2014/01/american-graffiti--brazilian-style.aspx

More information on the Mission’s Sports for All initiative can be found on the Mission’s social media platforms:

https://www.facebook.com/EmbaixadadosEUA.BR

https://twitter.com/EmbaixadaEUA

http://instagram.com/embaixadaeua

http://Sãopaulo.usconsulate.gov/

Under the Sports for All initiative, the Diplomatic

Mission of the United States in Brazil has developed

a number of programs to highlight the important

role sports play in reaching marginalized audiences,

promoting social inclusion, empowering youth, and

building lasting institutional and people-to-people

linkages between the United States and Brazil.

The American Societyof São Paulo

Come March 19, seventeen women accompanied by São Paulo Sculptress Claudia Kiatake will be embarking on an exciting and cultural journey, visiting the world-famous INHOTIM Park and Museum near Belo Horizonte! This marks the inaugural event of what we hope will be the first of many fun and interesting trips to come.

We are hoping to organize trips to the wine country, the Amazon, a golf event, and maybe even take a bus to a soccer game!

Lynne Logullo, a long-time AmSoc member and travel agent with Top Level Turismo, has made all the travel arrangements. She has come up with a fantastic package that includes round- trip airfare, stay at the Royal Savassi boutique hotel, all transfers to the hotel and park, and tours of Belo Horizonte and INHOTIM.

We will begin our trip with a private three-hour city tour of BH, followed by a group dinner at the charming Glouton restaurant in Lourdes Barrio, BH, considered to be the newest revelation in Veja. The next day we will travel to INHOTIM to begin our exploration of the magnificent open-air contemporary art museum. The highlight of the trip will be a private tour of the park to serve as introduction to the over 110 acres of extensive beautiful gardens, art galleries, and sculptures. There will be time to explore the park in person using the electric cart shuttle services, as well as have lunch in one of the restaurant on site. There will also be free time to explore BH, to visit a museum, or the Mercado Central to do some shopping.

As a very special treat, to launch our inaugural trip, Claudia Kiatake

has organized an event at Patricia Centurions atelier, featuring guest speaker Daniele Dal Col, who will talk about Brazilian Contemporary Art as well as the INHOTIM Contemporary Art Center. Daniele is an art advisor to several private collections in Brazil

and abroad and has over 12 years of experience in the art marketplace.

There are a few spots still available for folks who wish to join us. Please email charitathakkar@gmail.com or lynne@topleveltur.com.br if you would like to participate.

2014 Forum 5

Inaugural Trip Of The AmSoc Travel Club

Forum March6

Projeto Sol Visit, March 22

“Blessed be childhood, which brings down something of heaven into the midst of our rough earthliness.” - Henri Frederic Amiel

When Sister Angela Mary and Luiz Carlos dos Santos started Projeto Sol in 1982, their aim was to create a space where children and youth could gather in safety and enjoy the tranquility of life off the streets.

From humble beginnings in a shack in a shantytown, Projeto Sol has expanded to two buildings and offers classes and refuge to some 230 children and youth, with many more awaiting the chance to claim a spot when one becomes available.

Sister Angela Mary Carey, C.S.C., grew up feeling the call to mission. Young Patricia Mae was educated by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross (CSC) of South Bend, Indiana, and was raised with the notion of service. As a student, she won a diocesan essay contest with her vision of vocation, and dreamed of serving abroad, spreading the Word and the Love of God. She came to Brazil in 1965, first working as a teacher in a parish and later discerning that her calling was with the poor and marginalized youth of the favela of Cidade Dutra. This has been her mission, her passion, since 1975.

Initially, she and her partner-in-mission, Luiz Carlos, focused on the youth who had been jailed due to connections with drugs, trying to keep

those young men safe while in jail, and after their release.

Luiz Carlos has been at Sister Angela’s side since she first approached the young sociologist for help, a request to which he responded, “I have dreamed of doing this all my life.” He quit his job for a half-pay stipend funded by charitable donations, and helped Sister Angela Mary to serve the drug addicts of the favelas.

After five years, they recognized that recuperation was a failure, and that, instead, prevention was required. But they needed a place of operations. They found a shack in a nice lot of the favela, but had no money to pay for it.

“My grandmother taught me to write a check,” said Luiz Carlos, and so they wrote a check for 200 cruzeiros they didn’t have, knowing that St. Therese

of Lisieux (The Little Flower) would help them find the money. The next day, they received a donation of 201 cruzeiros. 200 to pay the debt, and 1 to buy ice cream as celebration.

For five years, Sister Angela Mary and Luiz Carlos fought to keep the site safe, battling drug users, traffickers, and “bandits,” the latter who threatened Luiz Carlos’s life and knocked down and battered Sister Angela Mary. Still, they stood their ground, and eventually the community began to gather around them, one mother declaring that the criminal contingent would cross

through a burned gate over her dead body.

Eventually, the bandits abandoned the area, and what had once been five lots of garbage, debris, and pestilence was cleared to make room for the oasis of Projeto Sol.

From these humble beginnings has grown current-day Projeto Sol, which to this day is funded by the generosity of donors such as AmSoc members and private foundations and individuals.

Projeto Sol is a community-based organization that serves children of the favela, aged 7 to 17. Guided by the belief in the dignity and freedom and human potential of each child, they inspire these children to rise to the challenge of friendship, demonstrating, through immersion in the beauty of art, the enchantment of dance, the enthusiasm

and joy of sports, and the fantasy of books. Children can summon their imaginations and creativity to dream of new lives for themselves and others in poor communities. Finally, they teach the children to envision for themselves lives in which justice and peace will reign.

All of the teachers at Projeto Sol were once students there themselves. They’ve returned from their studies to give back to a community that initially gave them refuge and hope.

“Projeto Sol has at its main goal the integral education and the interior transformation of the children and youth entrusted to their care, through which they become people whose Faith in God is profound and unshakeable, capable of directing their lives with dignity, love and solidarity,” says Sister Angela Mary.

Projeto Sol shows that social transformation of the human being is possible through a pedagogy based on the fine arts, culture, and sport, and rescuing the dignity and self-esteem of the individual, based on commitment to the community and valuing family.

By Ann Aubrey Hanson, AmSoc member

The American Societyof São Paulo

“By soaking in the beauty of the visual arts, the charm of the dance, the joy of sports, and fantasy books, our children and young people become able to dream of a new life, a life of peace,” says Sister Angela Mary.

Projeto Sol currently serves 230 children and youth, providing educational and recreational activities, as well as offering daily breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack, perhaps the only meals these children receive in a day.

Those who know São Paulo know that the disorderly accrual of living space in the favelas is largely responsible for the immense difficulties of the

poorest sections of the population. The subhuman living conditions, sanitation, and hygiene, as well the lack of public facilities for leisure, sport, and culture, adversely affect the lives of its children and youth.

In an area with more than 250 registered slums and 1.5 million people living in those slums, Projeto Sol is an oasis for children—a haven of health, education, and sanity.

On Saturday, March 22, at 4 pm, AmSoc members and their families are invited to visit Projeto Sol, to tour the establishment and to enjoy a dance performance by several of its youth. A bus will take visitors to and from

Cidade Dutra, alleviating the need for individual drivers. Cost of the event is R$30, R$20 for the ride and R$10 to cover the cost of Cranky Max and Patsy Mae, a children’s book written by Mary Breslin (Sister Angela Mary’s sister) and illustrated by Sister Angela Mary. Ninety percent of the proceeds from the sale of the book will fund the work of Projeto Sol, and 10 percent will fund other AmSoc charities. Additional copies of the book will be for sale at the event.

To attend the Projeto Sol tour, contact Eileen Tasso at eileentasso@gmail.com.

Donations are graciously accepted.

2014 Forum 7

Making A Difference at the 5th Annual Community Field Day, April 5th

Remember the Volunteer Day at the US Consulate? On April 5, we’re holding the same event but it has a new name: the Annual Community Field Day. Come and help!

We all want to do our part to make a positive impact during our time in Brazil. Finding our niche and reaching a bit beyond our everyday routines can be quite challenging. If you have been thinking about how you can become more involved in your local community here in São Paulo, come and spend a few hours having fun with some of the underprivileged children that AmSoc supports.

The Community Action Committee (CAC) of the American Society and the staff of the US Consulate are looking

for volunteers of all ages to make this year’s day a success. This is a great opportunity for families, couples, and singles. You can choose to participate in the activities you enjoy most: tennis, soccer, swimming, football, crafts, barbecuing, and just hanging out in the open air with interesting kids.

The children coming to play do not normally have access to safe green space to run around, or clean swimming pools to

cool off in on these hot summer days. The joy they receive from getting exercise outdoors in a safe environment with their friends is priceless. They

have the chance to relax and let their guard down for a while, and you as a volunteer can help give them that important down time they need.

If you are interesting in participating in this event please contact Lauren Negro at lauren_milton@hotmail.com. We will have two shifts, from 11:00-2:30 and 2:00-5:00. If you aren’t able to come this day (or even if you are), you could help by donating $R20.00 to sponsor a child for the day. (Or R$100 for five children!)

If you’d like to make a cash donation to the event, contact Sue Banman Sileci at sue@sileci.com.

We look forward to seeing you on April 5!

Forum March8

The Year in PartiesBy Ernest White II, Staff Writer

With the eagerly anticipated and much-hyped World Cup soccer tournament added to Brazil’s already packed roster of annual celebratory events, 2014 is shaping up to become the most festive year of unadulterated partying on record. In fact, despite violent – sometimes deadly – protests, price gouging, perpetually delayed infrastructure improvement projects, fatal accidents at stadium construction sites, and a host of issues that cast serious shadows over the celebratory atmosphere, millions of soccer fans from Brazil and abroad will be joining the ranks of revelers coming for Carnival, Semana Santa, Bumba Meu Boi, and a rack of festivals and events throughout the year. Even if the house isn’t exactly in order, this year, Brazil is still ready to party.

Carnival

People barely get the chance to shake off their New Year’s hangovers before Carnival season kicks off. Wrapping up at the beginning of this month (March 4th, to be exact, so when you read this, it may not be too late), Brazil’s – nay, the planet’s – biggest bash happens throughout the country. Of course, Rio de Janeiro hosts the flashiest, most fabulous version of the annual celebration in its world-renowned Sambadrome, designed by none other than prolific Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer in a style reminiscent of a thong.

Once a year, parade organizations called samba schools compete against one another in theme, costuming, float design, drum cadence, dancing, and overall coordination to be crowned best samba school and to have its samba become a national hit. Millions of reais are pumped into the samba schools, representing some of the poorest neighborhoods in the city, to bring the magic and glamor to life in a spectacle that would make P.T. Barnum envious.

One of the Carnival season’s best-

kept secrets is São Paulo’s own event, held at the Anhembi Sambadrome, and featuring just as much creativity and spirit as Rio’s event, even if most paulistanos who can afford the ticket are off to Rio or Salvador.

The local samba schools pay top dollar for Rio-based Carnival designers (carnavalescos), who whip up visual fantasies as elaborate and enthralling as any in Rio. Catching the action in São Paulo means fewer crowds, admittedly less energy (since the whole city isn’t swept up like in Rio), but also a closer look at all the beautiful people and pageantry. Roving bands of partiers, called blocos, keep the atmosphere lively in both cities, as well as in smaller locales throughout Rio and São Paulo states.

Up the coast in Salvador, what has been dubbed as a more authentic Carnival celebration (still featuring plenty of big-named stars and big-brand sponsors, however) takes place downtown and parallel to the beach, as countless crowds spill out into the streets jamming to slow-moving sound systems blasting axé music, which is a catchy blend of samba and reggae. Further north, the twin cities of Recife and Olinda also rock with street parties during Carnival.

Holy Week

The third week of April – Holy Week, or Semana Santa in Portuguese – marks the run-up to Easter Sunday (April 20). Ouro Preto, the baroque gem of Minas Gerais, holds the most renowned celebration, with parades and processions working their way up and down the town’s steep cobblestone streets.

One of the unique aspects of Ouro Preto’s event is the flower carpet competition, in which groups or individuals construct vivid, beautifully designed carpets made from flower petals, straw, coffee, and other natural materials, upon which the procession

participants march in an interpretation of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. While this event may be a bit more solemn than salacious shindigs such as Carnival, the energy is no less festive.

World Cup 2014

Ready or not, the year’s biggest event, the 2014 FIFA World Cup, is coming to Brazil this winter. Running June 12 through July 13, the whole shebang starts here in São Paulo, where the Brazilian national team takes on Croatia inside the brand-spanking-new Itaquerão stadium in Zona Leste.

Over four weeks and 64 matches, teams from a scant 32 countries will play for the prized trophy and the prized money at an unprecedented 12 stadiums throughout Brazil: São Paulo, Natal, Fortaleza, Manaus, Brasília, Recife, Salvador, Cuiabá, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte, and, naturally, Rio de Janeiro, where the final match takes place. Last month, stadium delays caused FIFA to consider removing Curitiba from the list of host cities, but in the end, the situation resolved itself and Curitiba is still on the line-up.

Of course, air fares between all these host cities will not be cheap, so if you’re economically minded, choose your venues carefully.

Tickets to matches for non-Brazilian fans range from $90 for third-tier admission to $990 for a prime view to watch Brazil run away with it all – which may not be wishful thinking, according to legendary Brazilian footballer Zico and Brazilian team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, both of whom assert that the home team has what it takes to win on home turf.

Bumba Meu Boi

If you’re already heading to the Amazon for one of the World Cup matches in Manaus, you might as well make a side trip downriver to the city of Parintins for the annual Bumba

The American Societyof São Paulo

2010 Forum 92014

Meu Boi festival from June 27 to 29. A theatrical melange of African, indigenous, and European cultures – the founding cultures of Brazil itself – the event involves elaborate costumes, entrancing music, and exhilarating dance, just like Carnival. A kooky, costumed cast of characters, featuring the eponymous bull (boi – the event’s common name, means “hit the bull,” though it is officially called the Parintins Folklore Festival), pregnant girls played by unshaven men, and other personalities various and sundry participate in a display of folkloric allegory, and spectators are expected to participate as well, so don’t forget your dancing shoes.

Brazilian Grand Prix The penultimate race in the 2014

Formula 1 season, the Brazilian Grand Prix brings the biggest names in international auto racing here to São Paulo on November 9. Held at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in Interlagos, this year’s race is expected to bring in a few hundred thousand visitors to the city. Considered to be one of the more rigorous courses in the circuit, the Brazilian Grand Prix hasn’t been won by a Brazilian since Felipe Massa snagged the checkered flag back in 2008 – his second win in as many years. Three-day tickets to the event (no single-day tickets are available) range from R$725 to over R$14,000!

Independence Day

Perhaps because of so many large celebrations at other times during the year, Brazilian Independence Day – September 7 – isn’t nearly as well known as those other celebrations, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t celebrated. In fact, many cities throw sizable Independence Day parties, replete with fireworks, cultural events, and parades. São Paulo and Brasília have some of the largest events, with the former being the site where Dom Pedro I declared Brazilian independence from Portugal and establishing the Empire of Brazil in 1822, and the latter being the national capital, built from scratch and opened for business in 1960. São Paulo’s Parque de Independência, in the Ipiranga district, hosts a memorial statue to “the liberator” Dom Pedro to emphasize the importance of the São Paulo region as a leading light in the country, starting with independence.

New Year’s Eve (Reveillon)

Brazil’s second-biggest bash after Carnival, New Year’s Eve – popularly referred to as Reveillon – is huge in Rio and Salvador, with millions of revelers ringing in the new year on Brazil’s most famous beaches. Fireworks, concerts, and other presentations punctuate the festivities, but the most impressive sight is millions of people dressed in white immersing themselves in the

ocean or floating tiny votive offerings at midnight in honor of Iemanjã, goddess of the sea and a Yoruba deity that features heavily in the Afro-Brazilian religion Candomblé, as well as Brazilian culture in general. In fact, the vast majority of participants are not adherents to Candomblé, but make the offering anyway as a good luck gesture for the coming year. Still, if this year-end blowout doesn’t blow you away, Carnival 2015 is only a few short months away.

As each party ends, another one appears before the tents of the previous one are even folded up. Brazil’s social calendar is indeed a year-long one, drawing people from around the world who want to sample Brazilian culture in its various incarnations.

This year, 2014, is an anomaly as a once-in-a-lifetime event is being held on home turf. Regardless of the financial boondoggles and civil unrest, there are plenty of soccer fans willing to deal with the costs to experience the thrill of having their home team play at home.

If you’re going to be in Brazil any time in 2014, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be a part of any of the huge parties happening throughout the year, becoming the embodiment of FIFA’s English tagline for the Cup: “All In One Rhythm.”

Forum March10

Brazil.A good percentage of the money

raised from the live and silent auctions will go to support projects at two of our charities - Associação Criança Brasil (ACB) and Lar Tia Edna (LTE). Specifically, ACB, a charity that provides educational daycare & afterschool programs for more than 500 children ages 6 months to 15 years, has asked us for funds to send 2-3 teachers to a specialized training program to learn to teach art, music, and reading to the children. LTE has asked for funds to improve their facilities so that they can qualify for government aid. This

children’s home houses 12 children ages 5 to 20.

Gather your AmSoc friends and reserve your table NOW! Tickets are on sale beginning March 1 for R$300 per person, R$2400 for a table that seats 8. After April 1, the price will increase to R$375 per person. We expect the event to sell out at 320 guests, so don’t delay. Woody Dunstan will be back as our favorite auctioneer, and Jason Bermingham has graciously agreed to be our Master of Ceremonies again.

Auction items are already rolling in….hotel stays, works by wonderful São Paulo artists, restaurant vouchers, spa treatments, jewelry, and electronics. If you have an item to donate, please

contact the AmSoc office. Please come and enjoy this fun

evening - we are certain you will enjoy yourself and you will be helping out the children of Lar Tia Edna and Associação Criança Brasil.

Friday May 9, 2014

7:30 pm cocktails and silent auction

9:30 pm dinner/live auction

Dancing to follow

Email contact@amsoc.com.br for your tickets.

AmSoc Gala 2014(continued from front page)

The American Societyof São Paulo

2014 Forum 11

We are now accepting nominations for the Eric

Poliak Award for Community Service to be presented

at the upcoming Annual General Membership

Meeting in April.

This award was founded in memory of Eric Poliak,

past governor and president of the American

Society, community member, and friend. After Mr.

Poliak’s untimely death in May 1984, the Board of

Governors established this tribute to be given to

the person in the São Paulo U.S. expat community

who has unselfishly contributed his or her time and

effort for the good of the entire community. The

Eric Poliak Award represents the American Society’s

highest honor.

The American Society membership submits

nominations for this award each year. A committee

made up of former American Society presidents

and previous winners of the award chooses the

final recipient. Recent award receipients are Eileen

Tasso, Marlene Rubeiz, Sister Angela Mary, Theresa

Mary White, and Sonya Querido.

Please submit your nomination by April 5, 2014,

to AmSoc Vice President Judy Zanchi at

judyzanchi21@gmail.com

Erik Poliak Award Nominations

Forum March12

AmSoc Sports

Review: Abacaxi Bowl 2014

The Abacaxi Bowl, AmSoc’s annual flag football tournament, was held on Saturday, February 1, the day before the Super Bowl at Graded School in Morumbi. Nine teams participated in the one-day tournament, which consisted of three round robin brackets, with the two best teams from each bracket advancing to a single-elimination playoff.

T h e C o u g a r s took back the title this year, h a v i n g ceded it to PACA last year, and were dominant throughout the tournament, putting up 4 to 6 TDs every game, while only allowing their opponents 1 or 2 TDs per game. KC Frost, who played QB and SF for the Cougars, was named MVP, and had nearly as many defensive INTs as TDs. The Cougars have won 4 of the last 5 Abacaxi Bowls.

The Cronos, a newcomer to the Abacaxi Bowl, were the #1 seed going into the playoff round, tying with the

Cougars and PACA with a 2-0 round robin record, but with a higher point differential. They were dominant throughout the tournament up until the final, where the Cougars established their superiority, controlling the game and posting a final score of 28-12.

PACA still holds the overall lead in Abacaxi Bowl championships over the years, and was, likewise, dominant this

year until their loss against the Cougars, 36-8 in the semi, having gone 2-0 in the round robin and winning their wildcard game against the USMC, 42-26.

The Devilz, a one-time Abacaxi Bowl runner up, advanced to the wild card with a 1-1 record, and moved past the Locos, also 1-1, with a 26-20 victory, but were unable to handle the Cronos’ speed and agility, losing in the semi 18-0.

Special thanks go out to our

host Graded for providing a terrific environment for the tournament; to our sponsor Traktor, who provided us with flags; and to the refs, who endured the heat as much or more as any of the participants throughout the day!

Finally, thanks to all the teams that participated and to their guests. All told, there were nearly 200 players and guests on the day. We look forward to seeing everyone next year at the Abacaxi Bowl 2015!

Place Team Win-Loss

PF-PA Pt Diff

1. Cougars 4-0 128-48 +80

2. Cronos 3-1 98-44 +54

3. PACA 3-1 114-98 +16

4. Devilz 2-2 68-80 -12

5. Locos 1-2 90-96 -6

6. USMC 1-2 75-94 -19

7. Chapel 0-2 44-72 -28

8. Old School 0-2 28-64 -36

9. Bears 0-2 34-83 -49

The American Societyof São Paulo

By Matt Couri, AmSoc Member

Seattle 43 : Denver 8 In a private room above the crowded

bar of BOS BBQ, a select group of football fans, ex-patriots, American tourists, and their friends gathered to watch the year’s greatest sporting event - The Super Bowl!

From my days at Indiana University to my time in Philadelphia, the Super Bowl has always been a time of gathering where we share a couple of good beers with good friends, eat wings and chili, and cheer for our favorite teams. When I was invited to attend the AmSoc Super Bowl party at BOS BBQ, I cringed as I remembered the last three Super Bowl games that I had to endure while living in Brazil.

An American in Brazil really suffers during this greatest game of the year. Due to the time zone difference, games go on until late in the morning. If you decide to venture to a bar or pub, you are hard-pressed to find a place that turns the music off and plays the sounds of the game. I earned my favorite battle scar on Feb. 6, 2011, as the Green Bay Packers faced off against the eternal Pittsburg Steelers in North Texas at Cowboy’s Stadium. Me? Well, I was at some pub with a couple of friends where we had convinced the owner to change the channel and turn up the sound of the television in his half-empty establishment. The sounds of the game competed with the background noise of customers, what seemed liked canned laughter, and mildly hypnotic techno music. As for the Secondary Audio Program (SAP)? Well, that was not an option and we were forced to listen to television announcers that knew less about the game than my two-year-old niece, as we munched on pasteis, coxinhas, and other traditional Brazilian snacks. Don’t get me wrong, I love pasteis and coxinhas, but not on Super Bowl Sunday. In general, it is tough to find a place in São Paulo that respects the tradition of the Super Bowl that we have all come to love so much.

Then I got the invite from AmSoc, and my good friend Victoria Schulsinger

said something along the lines of, “Matt, all past São Paulo Super Bowl experiences will be erased from your mind! Come watch the game at BOS BBQ, they will play the whole thing on Fox!” This means that the lucky patrons of BOS BBQ on February 2, 2014, would be watching the game as if they were in the United States!

No more unknowledgeable announcer misinterpreting the rules of the game, botching names, and being confused about what just happened. Now it would be Joe Buck calling the play-by-play, Troy Aikman as color analyst, and Pam Oliver and Erin Andrews as sideline reporters. I would drink cold draft beer and share with friends a heavenly sampler of spectacular hot wings, onion rings and chili, complete with BBQ ribs. Later, I could even order a juicy burger.

So I went, and I was completely surprised, and I stayed until the end because the event was everything it promised to be and more!

Imagine how thrilled I felt as I walked into a private room with couches and tables where the television was streaming the Fox pre-game program in English! When the game started and cut to commercials, I thought I had died and gone to heaven when I realized I was watching Don Cheadle in an elevator with a llama while he was drinking a Bud Light; and after that, the M&M character kidnapped by mobsters so they could crush and sprinkle him over ice cream! The experience came complete with half-time show, Bruno Mars, RHCP and even U2 debuting their new song.

But none of that matters, because I met people from Ohio and Indiana, we talked about the game, I saw the commercials, and I will be back next year, EARLY, to scope out the best seat. So even though the game was a total blowout and probably the least exciting performance that I have seen on the field, it was one of the best Super Bowl experiences I have ever had. Thanks AmSoc! For next year, please reserve me the third seat from the left at the bar.

2014 Forum 13

Review: Superbowl at BOS BBQ

Dr. Wendy M. SmithCredentialed Learning Specialist

55 (11) 3885.7256 [office]55 (11) 9.9236.5267 [mobile]

TREATMENT FOR LEARNING DIFFERENCES WITH IN-HOME SUPPORT

Cognitive weaknesses are a result of ongoing learning

struggles. Fortunately, obstacles can be overcome and

improved significantly.

Specializing in sensory cognitivetreatment for Autism Spectrum Disorders, AD/HD, Learning and Communication Disorders, and

Behavior Modification.

In-depth pre- and post testing for the following areas:

Initial and Follow-up Consultations include:

Identification of strengths and areas for improvementRecommendations for follow-up treatment and/or supportHomeschooling available

• Expressive Language• Mathematics• Phonology• Reading• Written Expression

Comprehensive Evaluation

•

•

•

Dawn Morelli, LCSW. American licensed

and trained Therapist/Counselor

My expertise includes mood, anxiety, cultural issues, relationship and family concerns, self-esteem, trauma, and personal growth. I have strong skills in assessment/evaluation which al-low to identify the best and most effective treat-ment. I work with individuals, families and chil-dren. 98963-2871 or dawnmorell@yahoo.com

Personal Trainer

I will come to your home, office, or workout facility and create an exercise/fitness program tailored to your health concerns, fitness goals, and schedule. For adults and children, individu-als or groups. Sessions in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. For more information please con-tact Daniela Franco at (11) 99739-6191 or dsf29@hotmail.com

Piano and Keyboard Classes

BEGINNING MUSIC CLASSES FOR PIANO OR KEYBOARD. SPECIAL METHOD FOR CHILDREN 4 YEARS AND OLDER, TEEN-AGERS, ADULTS AND SENIOR CITIZENS.CLASSES IN PORTUGUESE OR ENGLISH. CONTACT: SUELY AZEVEDO 98456-5365YEARS OF SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCE! CLASS IN YOUR HOUSE IN MORUMBI AND SOUTH AREA.

Family Dentistry

Dental care you can trust for your whole family. We want to make sure you are comfortable and confident in our care. We work only with the highest quality products and equipment, bring-ing specialists to you so that you don’t have to face traffic and providing you with clear infor-mation to make the dental decisions that are right for you. Native English. Tel.: (11) 3044-3111; Website:www.familydentistry.com.br.

Math and Science tutor

Fernando Knijnik has been offering tutoring services for over 25 yrs. Physics, math and chemistry are taught for all levels, including IB, SAT, ACT, AP, GMAT and Brazilian vestibular, to name a few. Mr. Knijnik has worked for sev-eral years in the international schools of SP. For more info, please call (11) 991346700 or fer-nandoknijnik@hotmail.com

Interiors Rental Furniture

Quality and refined furniture rental for your home away from home. We offer great variety! A complete line of appliances, kitchen devices and linen & towels. Complements such as rugs, lamps and decor items. www.interiors.com.br or interiors@interiors.com.br

American-licensed Expat Psychologist

Richard Morhaime, Psy.D., offers skilled psy-chotherapy for children and adults. He also pro-vides complete diagnostic evaluations in Eng-lish for children with academic or behavioral difficulties, featuring individualized recommen-dations for school and home. For more infor-mation, contact Dr. Morhaime at 5538-0099 or 99669-8057 or visit www.expatpsychologist.com

classifieds

Forum March14

Housing

Luxury Apartment for Rent by Graded

Prime location on Jose Galante. 400m2 w/ 3 suites. Master bdrm w/ 2 baths and 2 closets. Armored doors, marble floors, living w/ fire-place, central a/c, enclosed varanda w/ BBQ fa-cility. Extensive amenities- 25 mt indoor pool, full gym w/ saunas, tennis court, outdoor pools and party room available. 5 car garage. Pls call Andrew at 98202-0008.

Taylor Real Estate

Luxury spacious houses, apartments and pent-houses. Sales and rentals.Ten years experience with expatriates. Furnished and unfurnished. Trilingual Real Estate agents. References from consulates and multinationals.Photos sent by email. Relocation Service. Consult the site: www.taylorimoveis.com. e-mail: taylor@taylo-rimoveis.com. Phone: 55 11 3079-8888 and 55 11 98774- 5100 (Maria Elisa)

Vila Nova Conceição –

SP’S Best Place to Live

Near Ibirapuera Park. Modern building, with all sports facilities, pool, gym, play room, barbecue and sports court. 130m2, 3br (1 suite), living room with terrace, complete kitchen, big service area, two parking spaces. Fully furnished with all appliances. Contact Ana Beat-riz (11)99626-6229 or (11)3849-7085 –anabeatriz@caboverde.com.br

Vende-se apartamento Campo Belo -

Rua Gabrielle D’Annunzio

Modern Luxurious 3 Bedrooms Apartment with Complete Leisure - Zona Sul - Campo Belo. Building designed for those who seek com-fort, distinction and security to live with fam-ily. Amanzing view. Gourmet Enclosed Ter-race. Renowed builder. Contact: Liv Almeida / Phone: +55 (11) 3081-8188

Services

A classified of up to 350 characters costs R$65 for AmSoc members and R$80 for non-members. To place a classified please call (11) 5182-2074 from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., or send an e-mail to AmSoc1@americansociety.com.br.

Plac

e a

Clas

sified

Forum does not check all of the advertisers appearing in this newsletter. We urge you to use these services; however, thoroughly check prices and services prior to finalizing any service or purchase agreement.A

Note

to

Our R

eade

rs

The American Societyof São Paulo

2014 Forum 15

calendarLearn more about this month’s AmSoc events (highlighted) at www.AmSoc.com.br.Important Dates: march 4 – new orleans marDI Gras carnIval (Us), march 4 – carnIval holIDay (BraZIl), march 5 – cInZas De carnaval (BraZIl), march 8 – DIa Da mUlher/ woman’s Day (BraZIl), march 9 – DaylIGht savInG tIme starts (Us), march 17 – st. pat-rIck’s Day (Us)

March 2014

Enjoyed this publication? Become an American Society Member and get a

free Forum subscription!

For more than 60 years The American Society of São Paulo has worked to establish a strongnetwork for expats living and working in São Paulo. Join Today!!!

Visit our website at www.amsoc.com.br and fill in our on-line formor call the AmSoc office at 5182-2074

Membership Committee Help

Make phone calls to welcome new members, attend PTA breakfasts and AmSoc social events to sign up new members, assist with updating current member records, call for member renewals. If you can spend one or two hours per week helping out, please contact contact@amsoc.com.br

AmSoc 4th of July celebration co-coordinator

Work with last year’s coordinator to put together a celebration to remember for our members at the US consulate here in São Paulo! From arranging the music, to organizing the food, to taking rsvps. The date of the event is Saturday June 28th. Contact richweg@uol.com.br if you can take the lead role!

GALA dinner/auction prize coordinator

If you are a whiz with a spreadsheet, we need you! Coordinate and keep track of all gifts donated by sponsors to be auctioned off at May 9 gala. Work with committee head to get prize registration forms, format write ups for the tables, prepare bid sheets and write thank yous after event is over. Email gzanc@bellsouth.net if you can help.

10 Monday INC Book Club & Lunch A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. Location: Will be given upon RVSP +/- 3 days before the event. RSVP until March 3rd to gzanc@bellsouth.net

11 Tuesday Travel Club Reception/ Contemporary Art talk

Time: 10:45 a.m – 12:45 p.m. Location: Atelier Patricia Centurion. Address: Al. Lorena 1611 – cj 111 (between Rua Augusta and Rua Haddock Lobo). Parking available in the building. RSVP to: adm@patriciacenturion.com.br / Att: Carol

12 Wednesday INC Monthly Coffee and Bazaar Time: 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m. Location: Espaço Escandinavo. Address: Rua Job Lane, 1030 - Alto da Boa Vista

13 Thursday INC Happy Hour Time: 8:00 p.m. Location: Upon RSVP until March 10th. RSVP to area2@newcomers-sp.com.br

19 Wednesday AmSoc Travel Club Visit to Inhotim. More information on our website - HIGHTLIGHT EVENTS at www.AmSoc.com.br

19 Wednesday Happy Hour at Bos BBQ Time: starting at 6 p.m. Address: Rua Pedroso Alvarenga, 559, Itaim Bibi. OPEN EVENT

We Need You!

Blog Of The Month: Tossing Off The BowlinesEvery month, the Forum’s last page will

introduce you to a blog about life and living in Brazil. This month we feature Ann Aubrey Hanson’s blog ‘Tossing off the Bowlines’ which you can follow on http://tossoffbowlines.com

A Whistler’s Tale

The mystery is solved!Since we arrived, we’ve been seeking

the source of a night-time whistling, heard throughout the night and into the wee hours of the morning. Many times after we arrived, Tom would return from walking the dogs in the dark and declare, “I almost saw it!” referring to the bird we were intently hunting as the source of the whistle. We’d heard the local bem-ti-vi, a bird whose name mimics its call (BEM-CHEE-VEE), and figured that the Whistler might be a similar bird.

The call sounded like a penny-whistle to me, but was never exactly the same, and it came at all hours of the night. We figured it had to be a bird. Oddly enough, none of our friends in the condo buildings have heard it, so they were no help.

One night, Tom saw a man on a dark street making that sound with a penny-whistle. So, it wasn’t a bird, after all! But, why was he whistling on a dark side street? Our hackles rose: we’d

heard about this. It was the call of a drug dealer. With so many homeless on the streets around us, we figured this might be his way of notifying customers that he had wares to sell.

Suddenly, the enchantment was gone. Thereafter, whenever we’d hear the whistle, we’d just shake our heads sadly at the state of the world, the magic gone.

Then, last night when he took the dogs out for their last perambulation, he heard the whistle again, and saw the man across the street by Bar Tina, a local hangout for a group ofgentlemen who sit and sip beer and chat. As Tom crossed over to the bar in the course of the walk, the Whistler and the bar owner greeted him (they see us every day; we’re on nodding status). Overcome by curiosity, Tom asked what the whistling was about (figuring now it wasn’t to do with drug dealing).

Turns out that Odilson (the Whistler) is a night watchman, who patrols two of the side streets near us, making

sure that street people don’t plant themselves on the doorsteps of the homes during the night (which they are wont to do). His whistle signals to the homeowners who have hired him that he is on his beat, and warns the street dwellers that they will be moved along if he sees them.

I have to admit, a touch of the magic is back. It’s not a bird, but it is a man at work, holding back the night. I like that.