1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

FORUM
Save the Date
February 26 – Happy Hour at Tex Redneck
March 19th – Happy Hour at SubAstor
March 29th – Kids’ Easter Party
April 11th – Childrens’ Field Day
April 29th – Annual General Meeting
May 8th – Annual Gala
th
In This Issue
Tickets Available March 1
More Information on Page 6: This
year’s Gala
marks the 65th
anniversary of
AmSoc in São
Paulo, and we are
celebrating with
an elegant black
and white ball. Get
your tickets to this fantastic event soon!
Members Recommend
Page 3: We have invited AmSoc
members to share their experiences and
endorsements of restaurants, shops, or
pretty much anything São Paulo!
Day Tripping
Pages 8 & 9: AmSoc Member Ann
Aubrey Hanson pays a visit to the
Basilica of the National Shrine of
Nossa Senhora Aparecida.
Our Mission
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.
Monthly Newsletter
March 2015
www.AmSoc.com.br
A SHOW OF GOODWILL
Non-Profit Thrift Store Opens its Doors in São Paulo
By AmSoc’s CAC Committee
G
oodwill São Paulo
has officially
launched its first
store in Brazil with AVAPE,
a workforce development
leader in Brazil that
provides services to people
with disabilities and others
facing challenges to finding
employment. The capacitybuilding project, known
as Goodwill São Paulo,
has been supported with
funding from the Caterpillar
Foundation over the last
three years to provide for
people facing challenges
to finding employment
throughout Brazil.
AmSoc board member
Eileen Tasso, along with
U.S. Consul General
Dennis Hankins and
Tom Hanson of the U.S.
Department of Commerce,
were present at the store’s
grand opening on January
20, 2015. Eileen was
instrumental in connecting
the staff from Goodwill to
contacts in Brazil who were
able to make this exciting
venture possible.
Nearly one-third
of Brazil’s population
continues to live in poverty,
and serious environmental
challenges are mounting.
To help address these
challenges, Goodwill São
Paulo has worked to equip
AVAPE with the tools and
systems needed to operate
a sustainable donated goods
retail enterprise. The money
that AVAPE earns through
its stores generates funding
to provide job training,
employment placement
From left to right, Kevin Meier, Goodwill Brazil Project Director, U.S. Consul General Dennis Hankins,
Carlos Ferrari, President of AVAPE, Jim Gibbons, Goodwill’s President & CEO, Andrew Gackenbach,
Goodwill International’s Latin America Project Manager, and Kim Zimmer, Goodwill’s Chief Marketing
Officer & Senior Vice-President for Global Development, attended the first Goodwill store in Brazil’s
grand opening on January 20, 2015.
and additional support
services to people with
disabilities, youth at risk for
delinquency, and others in
Brazil so that they can build
their skills and increase
their financial stability.
“As a proven,
environmentally sound
social services model
that conserves national
resources while
providing employment
opportunities for people
with disabilities and
disadvantages, Goodwill
generates essential revenue
for mission services,
and provides a direct
solution for donors and
communities to the issue
of sustainability regarding
unwanted goods,” said
Jim Gibbons, President
and CEO of Goodwill
Industries International.
“We are proud to partner
with Goodwill and AVAPE
in this project, focused on
people with disabilities
and their inclusion in the
market,” said Luiz Calil,
Caterpillar Brasil Country
Manager. “This partnership
will allow the access to
professional training,
increasing the employment
possibilities and improving
the quality of life for those
Brazilians.”
Goodwill São Paulo
improves the nation’s
environmental impact by
encouraging people to reuse
and repurpose the useable
clothing and household
items they no longer need by
donating them to Goodwill.
The organization educates
the local population on how
donations impact both people
and the planet and generates
resources for the workforce
development of people
with disabilities and social
vulnerabilities in Brazil.
The store is located at
Av. 21 de Abril, 1000/1008 –
Bresser; it is open Monday
to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. and Saturdays from
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information, visit
www.goodwillsp.com.br
President’s Page
H
ere we are, it’s already March,
the weather’s been hot for three
months and Carnaval’s over.
2015 can now
officially begin
in Brazil and
with last year’s
World Cup and
Presidential
elections behind
us hopefully
we’ll begin
to see
some economic
recovery and less
public protests –
By Frank Pierce,
well, ok, perhaps
AmSoc President
some “impeach
Dilma” protests will pop up.
At AmSoc however, we’re already
going strong with plans for upcoming
member events and continued, focused
support of children-based charities
throughout São Paulo. Following our
hugely-successful charitable program
in 2014, this year will be just as busy
and exciting. Perhaps you may have
seen the e-mails and Facebook posts
about our 2014 Community Action
Committee’s results – over R$80,000
in cash donations, new text books at
SPACE, supplies at Casa Limiar, a
new freezer at Vivenda, a new security
system at Helena Drexel, new books
and toys at Crianca Brasil and Projeto
Sol, infrastructure improvements at
ABBA and a new stove at Projeto Sol.
Of course we can’t forget the Angel
Party and Children’s Field day events
and all the “in-kind” donations from
volunteers and government-sponsored
FUMCAD programs. We always need
more volunteers, though, so please
contact the AmSoc office for details on
how you can help.
Next month we’ll have the annual
Children’s Field Day on the U.S.
Consulate grounds. Eighty to 100
underprivileged children will be
there for a full day of games, sports
activities, an American hot dog and
hamburger lunch, visits from local
sports professionals, and clowns. Many
volunteers help make this a great “day
away” for the children.
We also have the 2015 Annual
General Meeting (AGM) - an actual
Board meeting at the U.S. Consul
General’s residence accompanied by a
cocktail reception. This is a great event
to meet fellow AmSoc members, enjoy
the beautiful residence and hear about
how AmSoc is doing. Shortly after the
AGM is the Annual Charity Gala – this
year’s event, a “Black & White Ball,”
celebrates our 65-year anniversary of the
American Society of São Paulo!
Everyone should have or will very
shortly receive the 2015 Membership
Directory and Resource Guide in the
mail. This book is full of helpful
resources throughout São Paulo and
a listing of AmSoc members and
supporting individuals and corporations.
The cover includes a photo of the
beautiful art of Bia Doria which is the
actual piece that she donated to AmSoc
for auction at the Gala in May. There are
About Forum
Forum is published monthly, with
the exception of January and July, by
2
Ysa Rivera,
editor and layout
Forum is printed by EGB.
(http://www.egb.com.br)
The American Society of São Paulo
Rua da Paz, 1431 | 04713-001 São Paulo, SP
Tel: (11) 5182-2074 Fax: (11) 5182-9155
e-mail the editor: [email protected]
FORUM
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.
also several advertisements throughout
the publication and I encourage everyone
to frequent our advertisers’ businesses
and tell them you are an AmSoc member.
Finally, a call-out for volunteers:
our Youth Sports program is one of our
most highly-participated activities and
we are looking for volunteer coaches for
both tennis and volleyball. If interested,
please contact the AmSoc office for
details.
Hope to see everyone at the upcoming
events!
Abraços,
Frank
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{Resource Directory/Description of Services and Licenses}
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March
The American Society
of São Paulo
CONNECT WITH THE
AMSOC BOARD
AmSoc is proudly run by a
volunteer Board of Directors,
many of whom head up
smaller committees that
support our four pillars:
American Traditions & Local
Culture, Charity, Member
Resources, and Social &
Business Networking.
Please reach out to our
committee leaders if you
wish to volunteer your time,
if you want to know more
about our activities, or if
you have ideas for how we
can improve our efforts.
Athletics
John Kennedy
[email protected]
Business & Networking
Mariza Taillefer
[email protected]
CommunityActionCommittee
Eileen Tasso
[email protected]
Sponsorship & Fundraising
Ricky Rubeiz
[email protected]
Marketing &
Communications
Ana Magalhaes
[email protected]
Welcoming
Kaitlin Weatherly
[email protected]
2015
Members Recommend
Welcome to Members Recommend,
a new addition to the Forum in which
we invite our members to share their
experiences or
endorsements of
allthingsSãoPaulo,
whether they are
restaurants, shops,
events or anything
else you feel other
AmSoc members
would benefit
from.
This month, Luis Boldizsar has
three recommendations he thinks
you need to know about:
Janelas de São Paulo is a series
of watercolor paintings by local artist
Nara Rosetto. I found these through
a mutual friend and have purchased
two so far. It can sometimes be hard
to find beauty in the architecture
of this city, but Nara’s paintings of
the varied and unique windows
she discovers are a reminder that
we often need to look more closely
at what surrounds us in order to
appreciate where we live. Find
examples here: http://janelasdesp.
tumblr.com and contact the artist
at [email protected]
Dr. Barbara & Bichos de Bigodes
Pet Shop: After adopting our dog, we
discovered she had distemper and
immediately freaked out. Dr. Barbara
was caring and attentive, but also
focused on helping Fofy get better
quickly. She speaks perfect English
(as well as Dutch, German, Spanish
and probably a few others), and has
always been available whenever we
needed her. They have a new location
in Vila Olimpia with a full service vet
clinic and well-stocked store. www.
bichosdebigodesveterinaria.com.br
Bar do Arnesto This is the kind of
bar that every other bar in São Paulo
should try to emulate. Outdoor seating,
always cold beer, lots of cachaça, good
food, excellent service, and the kind
of music you think of when you think
of Brazil. Don’t expect English to be
spoken here, but don’t worry because
that won’t stop the waiters from taking
great care of you. It is right behind
the Faria Lima business strip and
gets crowded at happy hour. www.
bardoarnesto.com.br
Send your recommendations
to [email protected]
Sampagram
Recognize
this spot in
São Paulo?
Social & Cultural Events
Judy Zanchi
[email protected]
e-mail the location to
[email protected]
Membership
Luis Boldizsar
[email protected]
We’ll announce a
prize winner in next
month’s Forum!
FORUM
3
Consulate Corner: Information on Social Security
By Bryan Straub, Vice Consul
A
merican citizens living abroad
may not be aware that certain
Social Security benefits and
services are available to them, despite
their physical presence outside the
United States. As with many American
Citizenship Services needed while
visiting or living abroad, our consulates
and embassies around the world are
willing and able to assist in this regard.
Below are some helpful tips and resources
with regard to that important subject:
Social Security Benefits Abroad
Social Security is the federal retirement
insurance program to which most U.S.
employers and employees contribute and
from which most retirees receive benefits.
Social Security services for residents of
Brazil are handled through the Regional
Federal Benefits Unit located in San Jose,
Costa Rica, but the U.S. Consulate in São
Paulo can offer limited assistance, including
forwarding supporting documents for
applications submitted online
Social Security Administration
(SSA) Registration
The Consulate accepts completed
applications for original or replacement
Social Security cards.
U.S. citizen children born in Brazil
usually apply for a Social Security card
during the Consular Report of Birth
4
FORUM
Abroad (CRBA) process. You will
complete the forms during the CRBA
interview appointment at the Consulate.
If a U.S. citizen born abroad does not
already have a Social Security number,
he or she may also apply after completing
the CRBA process and obtaining a U.S.
passport.
For lost social security cards, there is
no requirement to obtain a replacement
if the Social Security number is known.
If you believe you were issued a Social
Security number in the past but no
longer remember it, please contact
Sã[email protected] for assistance.
Benefits and Responsibilities
Payees with greater than 40 credits
are eligible to receive social security
retirement benefits, usually reached after
8 years of full-time employment.
Beneficiaries who receive Social
Security benefits and move from the United
States, or any other country, to Brazil,
should report their new foreign mailing
address via email to [email protected].
U.S. citizens and residents abroad
may need to file and pay taxes to earn
Social Security credits for their work.
To check the filing requirement to earn
Social Security credits abroad, please
visit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
webpage and complete any appropriate
IRS tax form. Further inquiries or
concerns regarding U.S. taxes should
be directed to the IRS (www.irs.gov).
“MY Social Security” Helps You
Track Your Benefits
If you expect to receive Social Security
benefits someday, SSA has created an
online account you can create to:
• Keep track of your earnings and
verify them every year;
• Get an estimate of your future
benefits if you are still working;
• Get a letter with proof of your
benefits if you currently receive them;
• Manage your benefits;
• Change your address; and
• Start or change your direct deposit.
Setting up an account is quick,
secure, and easy. Simply visit www.
ssa.gov/myaccount/ and register like
millions of others have.
Other Questions?
For questions about your social
security, you should email the Federal
Benefits Unit in San Jose, Costa Rica
at [email protected]. To set up an
appointment to drop off any documents
with the American Citizen Services
Unit, please use our online scheduling
system at http://evisaforms.state.gov/
ACSSchedulingSystem.asp and select
“Notarial or Other Services.” You may
also email us at [email protected].
March
The American Society
of São Paulo
To Our New Members: Welcome!
We are very grateful for the support of those who recently joined AmSoc – please encourage others to join the club!
Name
Spouse
Nationality
Neighborhood
E-mail Address
Michael Basilovechhio
Katie Basilovecchio
American
Jardim Paulista
[email protected]
Marcus Coelho
Aline Vanessa
Coelho
American
Vila Yara
[email protected]
Natalie Della Rosa
Paride Della Rosa
American
Chácara Flora
[email protected]
Michael Garrote
Maureen Grewe
American
Casa Grande
[email protected]
Stephanie Geffriaud
Julien Geffriaud
American
Vila Olímpia
[email protected]
Todd Jurkowski
Jessica Jurkowski
American
Campo Belo
[email protected]
Sanjiv Kapur
Anju Kapur
American
Jardim Paulista
[email protected]
David Martin
Lacey Martin
American
Casa Grande
[email protected]
Brazilian
Vila Progredidor
[email protected]
American
Jardins
[email protected]
American
Itaim Bibi
[email protected]
Israel Martins
Caitlin Nagel
Matthew Nagel
Joe Parry
Rachael Perry
Alex Perry
British
Brooklin Novo
[email protected]
Jean-Emmanuel Seixas
Stephanie Seixas
French
Itaim Bibi
[email protected]
Christopher Smith
Ariana Camp
American
Itaim
[email protected]
American
Jardim Paulista
[email protected]
Louisa White
GET TO KNOW ONE OF OUR NEWEST MEMBERS: LINETH VEILLEUX
Length of Time in Brazil?
I have been here for the last 2 and a
half years
Family with you? Or at home? Living
here with my husband, Marc Veilleux,
and son, Andrew. Marc Jr. and Carolyn
Veilleux live in the U.S.A.
What do you like to do in your free
time? Walk around the city, visit
museums and meet people.
What has surprised you the most about
São Paulo and/or Brazil? The food
What do you find great about Brazil?
We love the food, culture and people
What part of town/neighborhood
will you be living? We live in Itaim Bibi
Favorite Place to hang out?
Ibirapuera Park
What school do your children attend?
Graded School
Places you plan to visit?
Pantanal, Amazonas
Contact info: 97098 7129 (mobile
[email protected]
Surprising fun facts? Feiras
Biggest question you have today
to ask a Brazilian: Why are they so
passive about political corruption?
Other overseas assignments you
2015
have been on? First time.
FORUM
5
COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE
MLK DAY OF SERVICE
T
o celebrate the Martin
Luther King Day on January
24, 2015, an enthusiastic
group of U.S. Consulate
employees teamed up with
AmSoc to help paint one of the
American Society’s sponsored
institutions, ABBA. Volunteers
included Kevin Brosnahan,
Thomas Bollati, David Bargueño,
Sharon DeVane Knode, Matthew
Kustenbauder, Alison Flanigan
Bassi, Kofi Gwira, Sarah Belousov,
Jeff Tomasevich, Tracy Musacchio,
and Devin Kennington.
6
FORUM
March
COMMUNITY ACTION COMMITTEE
5TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S FIELD DAY
Making a Difference
By Eileen Tasso, CAC Committee Chairwoman
H
ow do you create the perfect
Saturday in São Paulo? On
April 11th, come and spend a
few hours playing games, swimming,
cooking out, and sharing time with
some the most underprivileged
children at the 6th annual volunteer
day at the U.S. Consulate.
The Community Action Committee
(CAC) of the American Society and
the staff of the U.S. Consulate are
looking for volunteers of all ages
to make this year’s volunteer day a
success. This is a great opportunity
for families, couples, and singles.
You can choose to participate in
any of the activities you enjoy most:
tennis, soccer, swimming, football,
crafts, barbecuing, etc.
The children coming to play on
volunteer day do not normally have
access to a 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 have been thinking about
how you can become more involved
in your local community here in São
Paulo, you are like most of us. 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.
HOW TO HELP
If you are interesting in participating
in this event, contact Maureen Alves at
[email protected].
We will have two shifts, from 11 a.m. to
2:30 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m. If you aren’t able
to come this day, you could help by donating
R$20 to sponsor a child for the day.
We are also seeking corporate donations. If
your corporation would like to donate money or in
kind donations, contact [email protected].
Erik Poliak Award Nominations
We are now accepting nominations
from AmSoc members for the Erik
Poliak Award for Community Service
to be presented at the upcoming
Annual General Membership Meeting
on April 29, 2015.
This award was founded in
memory of Eric Poliak, past governor
and president of AmSoc, community
member, and friend. After his
untimely death in May 1984, the
Board of Governors established this
2015
tribute to be given to the person in our
expat community who has unselfishly
contributed his or her time and effort
for the good of the entire community.
The Eric Poliak Award represents
AmSoc’s highest honor. A committee
made up of former AmSoc presidents
and previous winners of the award
chooses the final recipient. Please
submit your nominations by April 5,
2015, ot AmSoc Vice President Judy
Zanchi at [email protected]
The American Society
of São Paulo
SUCCESS STORIES
Mel, a SPACE student at lower right, is shown above with her three
host sisters in Spring, Texas, where she spent a fall semester abroad.
By Sue Banman Sileci, CAC Committee
SPACE, one of the institutions that AmSoc
supports, sponsors underprivileged children
in private schools to prepare them for a
future full of new possibilities.
One of the six SPACE students, Mel,
returned in December 2014 from four
months as an exchange student in Spring,
Texas. She lived with an American family,
attended high school, and participated in
everything possible in that short time.
She started her adventure with very shy
and basic English, constantly worried about
making mistakes in the few things she could
say. Through sheer determination to study
until she understood the material, she got
sterling grades in all subjects at Providence
Classical School.
Mel is now a confident English speaker
and has returned to her school here, ready to
finish high school in two years and head on
to college. She’s even volunteering her time
to teach English to others in her community.
MISSED CONNECTIONS
It has come to our attention that
certain AmSoc e-mails are not
arriving to our members’ inboxes.
We are working to make sure
we have the most accurate
member information, use the
most reputable domain and
service providers, and that our
content is timely and relevant.
Please help us by verifying
that your AmSoc emails are
not being flagged as SPAM or
arriving in your junk folders.
THANKS!
FORUM
7
Day
Basilica of the National Shrine
By Ann Aubrey Hanson, AmSoc Member
T
At top is the Basilica of the National Shrine of Nossa Senhora Aparecida.
Above is the famed statue of the principal patroness of Brazil.
Pilgrims, above, make their way to teh Basilica on October 12, 2014, for
the feast day of Our Lady of Aparecida. Below are mementos left in the
Miracle Room by followers of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
8
FORUM
he Basilica of Nossa Senhora
Aparecida dominates the town
of Aparecida in São Paulo state,
Brazil. We had heard about the Basilica,
but thought it would be a colonial smalltown cathedral. Were we surprised: it’s
a magnificent edifice.
The Basilica houses the famous
statue of the Virgin Mary, referred
to in colonial documents and papal
bulls as “Nossa Senhora da Conçeicão
Aparecida,” a celebrated 18th-century
clay statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary in
the traditional form associated with the
Immaculate Conception. The image is
widely venerated by Brazilian Catholics,
who consider her the principal patroness
of Brazil.
Historical accounts state that the
statue was originally found by three
fishermen who miraculously caught
many fish after invoking the Blessed
Virgin Mary. According to local
tradition, the group was attempting
to catch a large amount of fish in the
Paraiba River for a banquet honoring
the visit of São Paulo Governor Pedro
de Almeida in 1717. Despite their
prayers, their attempts were fruitless
until late in the day, when one of the
fishermen cast his net and pulled it
back to find the headless statue of
the Virgin Mary. Upon his next cast,
he found the head of the statue. The
group cleaned the statue, wrapped it
in cloth, and returned to their labors,
to find their fortunes had changed and
they were able to catch all the fish they
needed. The statue is believed to be
the work of Frei Agostino de Jesus, a
monk residing in São Paulo.
After cleaning the statue, they found
that it was a black version of Our Lady
of the Immaculate Conception. Legend
has it that when the fishermen recovered
the body, and then the head, the slender
3-ft-tall figure of the Aparecida Virgin
became so heavy that they couldn’t
budge it.
The image is dark brown in color
and today is covered by a stiff dark
blue robe of richly embroidered thick
cloth with golden clasps. The statue
wears an imperial crown, added in
1904. Only her face and hands can
be seen.
The miracle is commemorated on
the feast day of Our Lady of Aparecida,
celebrated on October 12, which since
1980 is also a public holiday in Brazil.
The building in which the statue
is venerated was granted the title of
minor basilica by Pope John Paul II in
1980, and is the largest Marian shrine
in the world, and the second largest
basilica in the world (only St. Peter’s
in Rome is larger). Daily Mass can
see some 5,000 people in attendance.
During the weekend Masses, more
than 150,000 people might attend
one of several Masses offered in
the sanctuary that can hold 45, 000
worshippers at one time.
Because we were there on Thursday
before the October 12 th feast day,
the Basilica wasn’t crowded, though
hundreds would arrive as we were
leaving, and many more were en route
for the weekend festivities, making
the pilgrimage on foot along the busy
highways.
The first chapel dedicated to housing
the statue was built in 1745.
Work on the present basilica began
in 1955. Architect Benedito Calixto
designed a building in the form of a
Greek cross, with a tower. It can hold
up to 45,000 people. The 272,000 square
meters of parking hold 4,000 buses and
6,000 cars.
Pope Benedict XVI visited the
Basilica of the Shrine of Aparecida
on May 12, 2007. During his visit, he
awarded the shrine a Golden Rose, a
March
The American Society
of São Paulo
Trip
Get Involved
Do you have good ideas for trips or outings
for our AmSoc members? AmSoc’s Travel Club
is always in need of enthusiastic members
with good planning skills who would like to
organize great trips for our members!
If you can help, contact
[email protected]
e of Nossa Senhora Aparecida
gold ornament that Popes of the Catholic
Church have traditionally conferred as a
token of reverence or affection.
MIRACLE ROOM
The New Basilica has an unusual
feature, the Living Promises or Room
of Miracles. Strange, otherworldly, and
yet somehow compelling, it is filled
with mementos of people’s faith and
thanksgiving, left in memory of healing
and miracles.
The walls and ceilings are covered
with votives of thanksgiving left by
the faithful for miracles they have
received through their faith in Our
Lady of Aparecida. Many people have
been healed, or protected from harm
while in the military or while traveling
because of the intercession of Our Lady
of Aparecida.
It’s an overwhelming site, with
wax legs and other body parts hanging
from rafters and walls, crutches and
wheelchairs on display, and artifacts in
tall glass towers, housing soccer shoes,
military medals, eyeglasses, and an
odd assortment of other witnesses to
miracles. There’s even a gown left by
a former Miss Brazil in gratitude for
having won the competition.
In this space you can learn a little
about the strength of the faith of the
devotees of Our Lady of Aparecida,
where the devotee is able to make visible
the spiritual help received from God
through His saints.
Those who wish to make a votive
offering in the Room of Miracles will
find wax body parts for sale in the gift
shop, along with many other tokens of
faith.
.
HOW TO VISIT
It’s an easy day trip to visit the
Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida.
Only 176 km from SãoPaulo, it’s about a
2.5 hour trip along BR-116.
2015
FOZ DO IGUAÇU
Brazil’s Gem
By Pam Rokjer, AmSoc Member
Above and below are tokens of faith left in the Miracle Room by
followers of the Blessed Virgin Mary in recognition of healing and
miracles attributed to her.
I expected to experience some of
Brazil’s natural beauty while planning to
visit Foz do Iguaçu at the end of November,
but found so much more. After lots of
research, I decided to stay at the Belmond
Cataratas, the only hotel on the Brazilian
side of the falls in Iguaçu National Park.
The hotel is stunning, and its atmosphere,
service, food, and accommodations are
impeccable. I had the added benefit of
walking through the park before it opened
to the public, and only paying once for park
entry during my entire stay.
One early morning walk took me
down to Devil’s Throat, a walkway
that extends across and into the first
tier of the waterfalls, close to the drop
of the next tier. I walked through a
little rainstorm until reaching the end
of the walkway. Even with the fall’s
loud roar all around me, the untamed
beauty was breathtaking. If that wasn’t
close enough, a speedboat ride actually
took me under one of the falls. The tour
guides did a great job of getting it all on
video! And the full speedboat package
included a nature walk through the
tropical forest.
A few hours at the Bird Park (which
also includes reptile and butterfly
exhibits!) rounded out a wonderful visit
to Foz do Iguaçu. With the beautiful
weather, it was a nice way to spend an
afternoon.
This was one trip I would take again.
Brazil at its finest, a real gem.
FORUM
9
10
FORUM
March
The American Society
of São Paulo
Dear Ethicist,
Ask the Ethicist
I’ve lived in Brazil a number
of years and have many friends
here. I travel to the U.S. regularly
and am forever receiving requests from
friends to bring back iPads, designer
handbags,
iPhones and
expensive toys.
Generally, these
items are not large
in size but would
max out the $500
USD Brazilian
customs limit for
not declaring.
Traveling with these purchases adds
a great deal of stress to the trip and I
think it’s illegal. How should I handle
these friends’ requests?
Signed,
The Mule
Dear Mula,
Expats often complain about
unreasonable requests to bring back
expensive or large items yet feel
obligated to help friends. Currently, air
travelers entering Brazil are exempt
from paying import fees on up to $500
USD total worth of new personal items
they are carrying. Customs officers
will assess and impose fees on air
travelers, including foreign residents
and visitors, bringing any new items
with combined total value of over $500
USD. So, you’re off to visit your mom for
a week and a friend asks you to bring
back a new iPad. What are the risks?
Brazilian law requires you to
declare the tablet and pay the import
fees on it. Not declaring items over
exemption limit may bring a traveler
a fine of 20-50% the value in addition
to the import fees imposed.
How should you handle these
requests? With honesty. If it feels
wrong or makes your uncomfortable,
don’t do it. I recommend having a
frank discussion with your friend
about the burden it would be on you,
taking into account luggage space,
inconvenience and what you already
plan on bringing in for yourself. If the
item requested is over $500 USD or
will put your total of taxable items
over the exempt amount, discuss
how to handle the situation.
• Are you required by law to
declare? Will the rest
of your luggage be
scrutinized when you
declare?
• Do you usually
travel with multiple electronic items,
i.e., a laptop, tablet and phone? Will
that be an issue?
• Is your friend willing to pay
any import customs fees?
• How would your employer
view an import violation?
• Is bringing the item in luggage
legal? Bringing in car parts, for
instance, is prohibited.
Bringing in an iPad is not illegal if
you pay the customs fees but there are
some items on the prohibited list that
may be surprising. For more information
on can and cannot be brought into
Brazil, visit www.receita.fazenda.gov.br/
principal/Ingles/faq.htm.
~The Ethicist
Send your ethical dilemmas & questions by
email to [email protected]. This column was
written by Erica Winter, an International Business Ethics
Consultant from Washington, D.C.
Boa Viagem
Traveling soon? Take a snapshot with your Forum
and we will publish it in next month’s issue!
Send your photos to [email protected]
Richard Wegman took his Forum to
New York City in November 2014.
2015
FORUM
11
ATHLETICS
FLAG FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 2015
In an upset, Brazilians Capture Abacaxi Bowl Title
By John Kennedy, Sports Committee
AmSoc’s annual flag football
tournament, the Abacaxi Bowl, was held
on Saturday, January 31, 2015, the day
before the Super Bowl at PACA School
in Interlagos. Seven teams participated in
the one-day tournament, which consisted
of a round robin round of three games each
with the 4 best teams advancing to the
single-elimination semi-finals and finals.
Team Carcamanos took the title,
becoming the first Brazilian team ever to win
it. Although their history in our tournament
has been short and sporadic, this year they
were the undisputed champion of a different
sort of football tournament, one that always
was the domain of us Americans. Last year
they didn´t even enter, and the year before
they placed 4th. In 2011, their first year in
the tournament, they lost in the finals to the
perennial champion Cougars. This win was
particularly sweet for Carcamanos because
most of their players were those who played
four years ago and rebuilt themselves to
outplay a very strong Cougars team.
The final game was one of the best played
in recent memory and full of drama. The
Cougars entered the final seeded number
1 with a 3-0 record and a +68 net point
differential. Led by quarterback and 2014
MVP KC Frost (who flew in from Rio where
he lives just to play in this tournament), his
arm and patience seemed to find Cougar
receivers open all day long in an aerial attack
that put up 44.7 points per game, while their
stingy defense allowed only 4 touchdowns
in 3 games. The Cougars have won 4 of the
last 6 Abacaxi Bowls.
But it was a gritty Carcamanos team of
20 players on the roster that all day long
pestered opposing quarterbacks with an
alternating bunch of rushers that forced
them to throw awkwardly. In the final it was
much of the same, but it was the play of the
Carcamanos DBs that made the difference.
They had their hands on almost every pass
to a Cougars receiver, often tipping the
ball away and on two occasions making
“drive-stopping” interceptions. The real
drama in the game was watching a proud
Cougar team, like the champions they are,
comeback from 2 TDs down to have a
chance at tying the game in the remaining
seconds. However, the Carcamanos defense
prevailed and solidified their upset.
Three teams entered for the first time.
12
FORUM
Abacaxi Bowl Championship Team Carcamanos took the 2015 Title on January 31st.
Green Gang, a Brazilian team, won their
first game 18-6 against another new entrant,
BOS Bandits, comprised of Americans. But
they had an unlucky draw because they
had to face two well-seasoned teams in the
Cougars and Carcamanos in the following
two games of the round robin, losing both
without scoring a point.
The third new entrant was an American
group, the Cubatao Capiravas, who showed
a lot of potential with a well-organized
offense and a solid defensive squad. They
also had a tough draw because in their first
three games they faced the champions
of the last 3 years! First they barely lost
to the Carcamanos 24-22 in a very wellplayed game, then got man-handled by
the Cougars 40-8 by QB KC´s impressive
aerial attack, but qualified for the semis as
the “wild card” by beating PACA 16-13
in a tightly contested struggle where both
teams were fighting for the last playoff spot.
PACA didn´t make the playoffs
for the first time in recent memory,
probably because they were blindsided
by a very tough draw which had them
play the Cougars first, Carcamanos
second and Capiravas third. PACA still
holds the overall lead in Abacaxi Bowl
championships with seven titles.
The Devilz, a one-time Abacaxi Bowl
runner-up, made a strong showing as usual,
but in the end lost two very close games to
the two finalists, 20-16 to the Cougars and
8-0 to Carcamanos in the semis.
Special thanks to our host PACA for
providing a terrific environment for the
tournament. The fields were perfectly
lined with lime and the Booster Club sold
grilled chicken and beef on a stick to go
with homemade chocolate chip cookies
and an assortment of drinks. AMSOC
thanks PACA Director, Kevin Flurry for
making it happen.
March
The American Society
of São Paulo
YOUTH SPORTS
SOCCER PROGRAM
END OF YEAR PARTY
By Paul Groom, Sports Committee
The end of semester Pizza party
was held on November 29th, and was a
highly festive affair.
SOCCER
After a remarkable semester where
we played games against Graded, PACA
and St. Francis Schools, the soccer
players, of all ages, let down their hair
to play against their Mums and Dads.
The semi-annual Kids v Parents
game turned out to be more like Ants
vs Elephants. With no restrictions on
the number of players the parents were
ultimately overwhelmed by the sheer
volume of children, and lost the game
with some degree of grace. Rebecca
Dodds and Roderick Chambers were
the Adult’s standout players.
After the game an awards ceremony
was held where Ricardo Luis Pires won
the coveted Parent of the year award.
Thanks Ricardo for all your help over
the last three years. Ethan and Nicholas
Tilley were awarded “Most Improved
Players” status for the older kids, and
Kai and Eli Sarampudi (photographed
with trophies and medals) won in the
same status for the younger kids. ASYSP
veterans, Vitor Pires and Etienne Groom
both won performance awards.
BASEBALL
To close the baseball year, we held
an exciting multi-inning game where
the players were able to use in a game
situation all the fundamentals they had
been practicing during the season, all
kids were recognized with participation
medals during the awards ceremony.
BASKETBALL
This season the players made terrific
progress on the basic fundamentals of
the game; dribbling, passing, shooting,
Photos courtesy of Rakesh Sarampudi and Jean-Christophe Coly
and defending. During our festive
session, we enjoyed many competitive
games of Knock Out.
MOST INTELLIGENT PERSON AT THE PARTY
The award for most intelligent
person at the Party goes to Katy Rando
who remembered to bring the Pizza
cutting equipment!
Located at Braganca Paulista
110 km from São Paulo
Special rates for AmSoc members!
18 holes on one of Brazil’s top rated courses.
Unlimited access to three clubs:
Golf Club, HIPICA Club, & Club de Mata.
Small hotel for weekend getaways.
www.quintadabaroneza.com.br
Call Scott Griggs at (19) 9 8991 3333 or
email [email protected] for more
information or to schedule a round of golf.
2015
FORUM
13
CLASSIFIEDS
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
(11) 99739-6191 or [email protected]
Dawn Morelli, LCSW
Licensed American Therapist/Conselor
My expertise includes mood, anxiety, cultural
issues, relationship and family concerns, selfesteem, trauma and personal growth. I have
strong skills in assessment/evaluation which
allow to identify the best and most effective
treatment. I work with individuals, families
and children. Contact me at 98963-2871 or
[email protected]
Upholstery & Re-Upholstery
Commercial & Residential
Curtains, Blinds, Bed Spreads, Cushions, Pillows, Slip
Covers. A great collection of Fabrics. Free estimates.
Tapeçaria Nova Linha, R. Dias Castejon 170
J.Monte Kemel - Morumbi Area
011-35073605 / 37443735 / 991872969
[email protected]
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, bringing specialists to you
so that you don’t have to face traffic and providing
you with clear information to make the dental
decisions that are right for you. Native English.
CALLING ALL
CREATIVE TALENT!
The first Gala Decoration Committee
meeting will be held at the home of Ruth
Hollard in Jardim Europa on Wednesday
March 4th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Join us
for coffee and meet some new friends on
this fun committee! Parking is limited, but
there will be space for 3 cars in the garage.
To confirm, contact Ruth at
[email protected]
or 9 9405-6424
14
FORUM
[email protected]
Math and Science Tutor
LIV ALMEIDA - Private Broker
SELL BUY RENT
Fernando Knijnik has been offering tutoring
services for over 25 years. 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 several
years in the international schools of SP. For
more info, please call (11) 991346700 or e-mail
[email protected]
Money Coaching
Would you like to feel better about your money
and your life? Are you longing to create a more
purposeful abundant life for you and your
business? Would you like to experience greater
financial harmony in your relationships? If so,
then Money Coaching is the perfect choice for
you! Email [email protected] for
further details.
Pamela Iris Wax, LMSW
American Licensed Psychotherapist
Whether you are struggling with an individual
or family problem, a good psychotherapeutic
relationship can help you feel better about
yourself, improve your relationships and find
ways to help you reach your goals. Services:
Individual, couples, child/adolescent. Located
in Moema. Contact: Pamela Wax, MSW/LCSW
at 99656-2106 or [email protected]
Housing
Vila Nova Conceição – São Paulo´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 Beatriz (11)996266229 or (11)38497085 –
[email protected]
Residential properties JARDINS & HIGIENOPOLIS
I offer tailor-made services to help you find
or sell a residential property. Contact me at
(11) 3081 8188 or (11) 9 9705 1277.
BRAND NEW BUILDING
Furnished apartment (2 rooms with balcony)
in São Paulo. Great gym, swimming pool and
1 garage space.Great playground. Located in
Barra Funda near Soccer Museum and close to
subway station. For more details please contact
Marina: (11) 98158-4117 or (11) 3159-0765.
Idyllic Sitio for Rent
Sítio situated in idyllic rural surroundings (3,5
hectares/ 8,6 acres of land) close to the centre of
historic Itu and just 75 minutes drive from São
Paulo. Sítio has four large bedrooms, and sleeps
8 easily. Football field and swimming pool are
available. Available for weekends/ holiday
periods or longer rent. Please contact Dominique
(99876-0350) or Paul (97977-1608) for details.
Apartment for Rent
Close to Graded School
Spacious apartment with 400m2 just behind
Graded School on a quiet and private street. 4
suites, ample living and dinning rooms, library
with fireplace, lunch and TV rooms.
4 car
garage in a building with great amenities
including swimming pool, tennis/sports court,
gym and garden. Please speak to Andrew at
98202-0008 or email at [email protected].
Rental: R$8000.
Place a
Classified
Personal Trainer
(11) 3044-3111; www.familydentistry.com.br.
A monthly classified ad of up to
350 characters costs R$80 for
AmSoc members and R$90 for nonmembers. A discount is available
for placing ads for more than one
month. To place a classified, call our
office at (11) 5182-2074 between
10 a.m. and 3 p.m., or send an e-mail
to [email protected]
A Note to
Our Readers
S ervices
Neither Forum or AmSoc confirm or
verify the information offered as a
convenience to our readers by advertisers
appearing in this newsletter. We
gladly promote these offers; however,
we urge you thoroughly check prices
and services prior to finalizing any
purchase agreements.
Luxury Apartment for Rent
in Sorocotuba, Guaruja
Luxury 4 bedroom apartment, completely
furnished. Beautiful balcony, breathtaking
view of the ocean. Few steps away from
the beach. Excellent for those who seek
contact with nature 100 km from SP.
Close to everything. See pictures at:
www.homeaway.com/vacation-rentalp3618787
Alessandra
at
(11)
98265-2010
or
March
The American Society
of São Paulo
CALENDAR
March 2015
Learn more about this month’s AmSoc events (highlighted) at www.AmSoc.com.br.
Important Dates: TUESDAY, MARCH 17TH is ST. PATRICK’S DAY
7
Saturday
AmSoc Little League Sports
9 a.m. to noon
U.S. Consulate: Rua Henri Dunant, 500 - Chácara Santo Antônio
Only registered players and their families are allowed to enter Consulate grounds.
14
Saturday
AmSoc Little League Sports
9 a.m. to noon
Chapel School: R. Vigário João de Pontes, 537 - Chácara Flora
For more information, contact Paul Groom at [email protected]
19
Thursday
Happy Hour
Starting at 6 p.m.
SubAstor Bar: Rua Delfina, 163 - Vila Madalena
21
Friday
AmSoc Little League Sports
9 a.m. to noon
PACA: R. Cássio de Campos Nogueira, 393 - Cidade Dutra
For more information, contact Paul Groom at [email protected]
28
Saturday
AmSoc Little League Sports
9 a.m. to noon
PACA: R. Cássio de Campos Nogueira, 393 - Cidade Dutra
29
Sunday
Easter Egg Hunt
and Kids’ Party
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Chapel School: R. Vigário João de Pontes, 537 - Chácara Flora
Members R$35/child; Non-Members R$50/child. Day of event prices for Members are
R$45/child; Non-Members R$60/child. Contact the AmSoc Office on weekdays from 10
a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5182-2074 or at www.amsoc.com.br to reserve your basket in advance!
Want to practice your Portuguese in March? Contact Fernanda at [email protected]
2015
FORUM
15
Blog of the Month: Seven Lessons Learned from Carnaval
Every month, Forum’s last page will introduce you to a blog from the English speaking community. This month, we feature a blog post by Andrew, a British guy
on the wrong side of 30, living and working in the city most tourists tend to avoid: São Paulo. His blog is an exploration of life in Brazil, filtered through this
sprawling concrete jungle. Visit it at http://whataboutsaopaulo.com/
1
You can expect to see a naked woman
on your TV screen in the run-up to
carnival…at all hours of the day
Earlier this year, as I tucked into my
breakfast at my local bakery, on the
TV screen in front of me I saw HER.
I’m talking about THAT woman who
invades the screens every year leading
up to and during carnival… dancing the
samba completely naked!
For those of you who aren’t familiar
with this unique carnival tradition here,
Globeleza is the name given to the
character who annually promotes Rede
Globo TV’s carnival schedule.
2
Getting out of São Paulo on the
day of carnival is soul destroying
Literally millions take to the
roads to get out of São Paulo as soon
as they’re done with work. Actually,
you could be forgiven for thinking
people are fleeing the city at this time
instead of going on a pleasant break
for a few days. If ever São Paulo looks
like those scenes in Independence Day
where people wake up to see a massive
spaceship above them, then try to leave
the city at the same time (to escape
death), well…this is it! So now when
people tell me they’d rather stay in São
Paulo than travel, I can understand why.
3
Not all Brazilians like carnival.
“I’m just going to relax at home
and enjoy how empty São Paulo
is” many of my students have told me
over the years. I won’t lie, when I first
heard people say this I used to look at
them suspiciously and wonder what was
wrong with them. Carnival is definitely
not sold to us abroad as a time that
Brazilians would want to stay at home,
do some DIY or just watch TV!
For a lot of residents of São Paulo,
they liked carnival once, but once is not
now. Not now marriage, kids and other
family commitments feature so heavily
in their lives.
4
Carnival here can be a whole lot of
fun, if that’s what you want!
Last year I was under the
impression that São Paulo’s carnival
scene would be lame. In fact, this is the
sort of thing many here told me to expect.
But São Paulo is a decent place to
party because the carnival scene here
is very much alive and kicking…you
just need to know where to look! If
you decide to throw yourselves into
the thick of the carnival events in São
Paulo, you will find there is a whole lot
of fun to be had.
5
Carnival isn’t an event that starts
and finishes at the sambadrome
(the exhibition place for the samba
schools during carnival).
Before coming to Brazil I’d seen
images of carnival on TV and naturally
assumed the event was all focused
around floats and Brazilians in colorful
costumes at the sambadrome.
I discovered last year that the blocos
in São Paulo during carnival don’t
disappoint. However if you’re planning
to experience the best of carnival
in the city, I’d recommend getting
here the weekend before it officially
starts… because pre-carnival weekend
is definitely one not to be missed!
6
The weekend before carnival in
São Paulo is when the party starts.
Economically speaking, São
Paulo is the beating heart of Brazil.
There are a lot of people putting in some
ridiculously long hours at the office
and many of these are looking to let off
some serious steam come the weekend.
Perhaps for this reason, the residents
of São Paulo certainly know how to let
their hair down and party. Many will
travel out of town during the carnival,
but most will be around the weekend
before it starts.
So if you throw a lot of Brazilians
who know how to party together, add
a bit of carnival spirit and put on some
very popular blocos… well, then you
have a recipe for a great weekend!
And this brings me onto the final thing
I’ve learnt about carnival celebrations.
7
What happens in carnival stays
in carnival. This one really needs
no explanation!