December Forum Newsletter

FORUM In This Issue White gives for her all, earns top AmSoc award Page 3: Terri White was awarded the 2009 Eric Poliak Award her endless charitable contributions throughout Sao Paulo.

Luggage safety while flying Page 6: Take at look at these tips for those flying back to the U.S. for the holiday season. Also, good news for future TAM rewards.

Candlelight on Christmas Eve Page 7: Fellowship Church is inviting all AmSoc members and their friends to its Dec. 24 candlelight service this year.

Meet new board member Page 12: Monica Freyre is the newest member of the AmSoc Board of Governors. Learn what has motivated her to give her time to charitable efforts.

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 December 2009 www.amsoc.com.br

Eggnog Party the place to be on Dec. 11

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hristmas caroling, an endless buffet of cocktail food and the sweetest holiday spirit ever concocted will be in ample supply at the 2009 American Society Eggnog Party. The AmSoc December tradition will be held again at the Mangel household in Chacara Flora, this year on Dec. 11 starting at 8 p.m. This is a members-only event for AmSoc, with tickets set at R$50 each. Reservations are necessary by Dec. 4, and getting your name in by that date is paramount: Only reserved guests will be allowed into the gated community. Homemade eggnog will be provided by former AmSoc President Marlene

Rubeiz for the eighth year in a row. Rubeiz took her recipe from Texan cook Helen Corbitt’s cookbook when she moved to Brazil 30 years ago. It includes 24 eggs, separated into yolks and whites before mixing, a heavy dose of vanilla ice cream for flavor, and plenty of bourbon and cognac. Members are encouraged to get their friends signed up for AmSoc in the coming weeks, so they too can reserve a spot at this members-only party. Call 5182-2074 by Dec. 4.

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December is a time of mixed emotions, isn’t it? First there is the fact that its actually December, the last month of the year, which makes me By Tim Scott, AmSoc president wonder where in the heck did the year go? What about all those things I haven’t finished this year? How about that trip I wanted to take to Bonito? And I certainly didn’t progress on guitar or get too far on Portuguese. And I wanted to spend more quality time with family and friends than I did. Then we can remember that this is summer! The kids will be out of school in a few days, work will slow down; even stop for a week or so, the beach is near, traffic will be better… Recently a friend of ours was reflecting on December in her Facebook. She, like several of us, grew up experiencing December and Christmas in the middle of frigid cold, mittens, stocking caps and frosty windows. Here is what she said about December in Brasil: “Hot, steaming hot, here, and meanwhile Silent Night is playing in Portuguese, whilst the Christmas trees twinkle in the sunlight! Too

Name: Asli Scott Origin, Time H e re : Tu r k i s h but lived in Hong Kong for the last 10 years. I’ve been here three months so far. Profession: Economist by education, currently housewife Why São Paulo?: My husband’s job brought us here Best thing so far: The space! Coming from Hong Kong where we lived in a small apartment, it’s amazing to have a house and garden, although the kids find it strange to be living on the ground floor. Early frustrations: the inefficiencies. The telephone service providers have come around 35 times in three months and all we did was have the number changed! Have saudade for anything back home?: I miss the convenience of walking to restaurants/cafés and doing things on the spur of the moment – here you have to drive everywhere and plan things ahead. Progress with Portuguese: I really enjoy learning it and trying to speak it. According to my teacher I’ve picked up a Bahian accent from the maid. Favourite place to hang out: We love the restaurants Fogo de Chão and Casa da Fazenda, and can always be found in the park near our house.

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strange.” Yes, this captures the mixed feelings one can get while knowing that it is Christmas. Decorations and colorful lights are up, yet something feels amiss when you’re drinking fresh agua de coco on the praia. If you are spending your Christmas away from home, do plan to connect with friends. Plan to help someone in need. Be thankful for your blessings in life. Create a new tradition, and above all, do connect with the real meaning of Christmas. I write this one day after the annual American Society Christmas Angel Party. The event was truly outstanding. The impact on the children involved was evident from their giant smiles and spontaneous expressions of gratitude. It’s humbling to see such genuine thankfulness. The American Society in turn thanks the volunteers who made it happen and generously gave their time, smiles, money, hugs, patience and kindness. It is an event that makes me proud to be a part of such a great team. The mixed feelings of December, and the beauty of an event like the Angel Party, remind me of my dad, who always tells me how time speeds up as we get older. It’s a not too subtle reminder that life is precious, so get going, dream, love and suck the marrow out of life.

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

Bob Moser, editor Kim Beecheno, staff writer 141 Preview, layout Ana Claudia Teixeira, editorial assistant Forum is printed by Intergraf. (www.intergraf.com.br)

The American Society of São Paulo Rua da Paz, 1431 n 04713-001 São Paulo, SP Tel: (11) 5182-2074 n Fax: (11) 5182-9155 [email protected]

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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.

December

The American Society of São Paulo

Eric Poliak Award winner honored for service By Kim Beecheno, staff writer This year’s Eric Poliak Award, the American Society’s highest honor, was presented to Terri White at the American Society Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 24, in recognition of her tremendous support to AmSoc’s charitable communities and the city of São Paulo. The award was founded in memory of Eric Poliak, past governor and President of AmSoc, who passed away suddenly in May 1984. This tribute was established by the board of governors to honor a member of the São Paulo expatriate community who has unselfishly contributed his or her time and effort for the good of the entire community. The list of White´s efforts is long. She participates on AmSoc´s Community Action Committee and acts as the liaison for Projeto Sol, where she helped to build a greatly needed new Community and Arts Center. She helped raise a significant portion of the project funding needs through The Canadian International Women’s Association,

by helping to organize a benefit with the help of the Consulesas Association -- a non-profit organization made up primarily of wives of consuls and diplomats in São Paulo, and by offering art classes and seminars in her home. As a key member of the Consulesas Association she was very helpful in launching the Visão do Futuro NGO with Monica Serra, where first-grade students are vision-tested and given glasses as necessary. White taught painting and drawing at Vida Jovem for well over a year, and in 2008 she was responsible for setting up the Silent Auction at the Vida Jovem Gala Ball. She has been a volunteer at Vila Acalanto orphanage for abused and abandoned children and even encouraged her own children to participate. White also helped organize the tea offered at her home to raise money for a teenage girl named Jessica of charity Lar Tia Edna, so that she could travel to a music camp in the U.S. “That girl won this scholarship, but

didn’t have any money to go to the states. Terri immediately organized a concert in her home, and helped this girl raise the money she needed. When I first heard about that, I thought, ‘Wow, she did everything in 24 hours,’ and this girl was off to the States,” said Marlene Rubiez, AmSoc board member and part of the Poliak Award Selection Committee. White is a certified elementary school teacher now substituting at Graded School, has helped raise money for a health-related NGO named INMED, and has helped Jane Hawkins get the SPACE Program on its feet and even offered her home to launch the fundraising campaign. According to Mark Abrams, “whenever there is a social event you can always count on Terri to participate and get others to attend as well.” AmSoc would like to extend its warmest thanks and deep-felt congratulations to Terri White for her tireless contribution to the community.

President of AmSoc Tim Scott, USConsul General Thomas White with Terri White, winner of this year’saward, Thomas White Jr. and Joe Sherman, VP of AmSoc.

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New members from October We want to acknowledge all our new members from October. In addition, the age limit for the recently created “Junior” level membership has been raised from

25 to 30. Please help AmSoc recruit new, young members in Sao Paulo by promoting this low-cost, entrylevel “Junior” category. For these newcomers, welcome

NAME

MEMBERSHIP TYPE

CITIZENSHIP

COMPANY OR PROFESSION

Thomas Russell & Luciana Zobel

Family Patron

American

Parent Coach Inc.

Elizabeth Johnson & Rees Ewing

Family

American

Trusted Sources

Beth & Greg MacKey

Family

American

MaviStar & MWM

Jason Paul Stalker

Family Patron

American

Nestlé

James & Angela Quick

Family

American

General Motors

Our Membership Game is heating up as summer comes and we host our year-end events like the Angel and Egg Nog parties, which are highlights of the AmSoc calendar. Of course, the Egg Nog party is “Members Only,” so if you want your friends with you to toast

the holidays and sing some good old-fashioned Christmas carols, then sponsor them to join AmSoc now and make a reservation early, because the party always fills up. Have a positive impact; invite someone to join us today. Standings below are as of Oct. 31.

CONTESTANT

NUMBER OF NEW MEMBERS

POINTS AWARDED

Mark Abrams

6

22

Richard Wegman

2

12

Tim Scott

1

10

David Warren

2

9

Charlie Cookson Richard Lark

1 1

6 6

Lynne Couri

1

3

Taco De Vries

1

3

Zack Henry Tony Smith Other (Internet, INC, Consulate, events, etc.)

1 1

3 3

38

N/A

TOTAL

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55 New Members

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Membership Game updates

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to our family. Come join us for some egg nog, Christmas caroling and good friends as we kick off the Holidays with great spirit at the Egg Nog Party in December.

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December

The American Society of São Paulo

SPORTS

Tennis tournament featured big turnout On a sunny and hot Saturday on Nov. 7, the David’s Tennis and Squash Club hosted a very successful AmSoc Tennis Open. Twenty-nine active players joined in -- 22 men and seven women. Everyone was paired to play doubles matches of six games each. From 10 am to 4 pm all played six matches in total, mostly with different partners. There was a friendly atmosphere, a delicious barbecue and new friends were made. Even the babies and toddlers enjoyed the cozy environment of David’s club house. At the end of the afternoon, David Mathieson, John Kennedy and Rodrigo Drysdale made enthusiastic speeches to wrap up the day, and carried out the awards ceremony. The winners of the event were chosen by the sum of all their individual games. The Women’s top three were: 1st Ann Marie Drysdale (25 games), 2nd Andrea Pagliuso (21) and 3rd Kristina Dooley (20).

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The Men’ top three: 1st Rodrigo Drysdale (25 games), 2nd Ricardo Rubeiz (24) and 3rd Zack Henry (21). Must point out that having two Drysdale winners was pure coincidence (and some sweating). These six winners were awarded with a beautiful golden trophy (which looked like an Oscar award holding a racket). To top it all, DVD boxed sets were raffled by Warner Home Entertainment. Four lucky participants took home the collections of Woodstock, Harry Potter 1-5, Big Love season 1 and Batman Begins/ The Dark Knight. Many participants praised and all enjoyed this healthy, fun-filled and friendly day. Looking ahead, an AmSoc Tennis Committee has formed, which will organize tennis events for 2010. Three tournaments are expected next year, as well as the creation of an AmSoc “Tennis Ladder,” with participants playing monthly at local clubs.

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Luggage tips, blog to bookmark, for flights to and from Brazil

By Bob Moser, editor

For AmSoc members traveling back to their home country for the holiday season, you’ll likely be lugging a suitcase or two stuffed with presents to and from Brazil. It’s important to know your baggage rights in Brazil in case airline employees try to tack unfair fees onto your ticket. Unlike the U.S., Brazil has a national law that requires all international flight passengers to be allowed two free checked bags, up to 70 pounds each. You’ll find that most airlines state this special Brazil allowance clearly on their Web sites’ baggage rules, but some airlines do not. Nevertheless, knowing this will help you defend your luggage weight if a ticket clerk in the U.S. isn’t familiar with Brazil’s rule. When flying within the U.S., Southwest Airlines is currently offering the best baggage allowance of any domestic airline: two free checked bags of up to 50 pounds each. All others are charging for at least the second checked bag, if not the first as well. Luggage locks You may strongly consider placing the little locks on your checked bags on future flights. A rash of baggage theft rings in the U.S. were exposed in 2009, including high-profile cases at airports in St. Louis and Houston. Technically, airport security no longer accepts luggage locks, but

if they want to search your bag (randomly) they’ll simply cut off the lock, rifle through your things, pack it back up, and likely secure it at the end with a strong plastic tie-cord. It’s likely that search won’t be called for, and your metal lock will go on to deter any airline baggage handlers from wanting to take a look inside when they’re moving bags between the plane and airport. If you know you’ve packed valuables in your checked baggage, it’s recommended to open the bag and do a quick search before leaving the airport. That’s because airlines offer the following time limits on how long you have to file a baggage theft claim after your flight (hours after arrival): JetBlue: 4 hours Southwest: 4 hours Continental: 4 hours (see note) American: 24 hours United: 24 hours US Airways: 24 hours Delta: 10 days (Note: From discovery of theft) Brazil air blog You also may be interested in bookmarking DAirfare.com on your web browser, an Englishlanguage blog that updates every few days on great nuggets of news about Brazilian airfares. At www. dairfare.com you’ll find tips on

Thanks for Thanksgiving event The American Society would like to send out a special thanks to the following people who helped make the AmSoc Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service a success in November: Bishop Bird, Father Brown, Rabbi Alexandre, Pastor L e n n a r t K i n n a n d e r, S t e p h e n Richardson and Jane Hawkins

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Brazil’s domestic and international flights, often with a dab of opinion and insight by authors Rodrigo Purisch and Tony Galvez, who also run a Portuguese language blog on Brazilian airline news, www. aquelapassagem.com. TAM to join the Stars? B r a z i l ’s TA M A i r l i n e s i s expected to enter the international Star Alliance network in April 2010, partnering with 25 airlines worldwide, including United Airlines, US Airways, Continental and Air Canada. Check with TAM’s Web site in the coming months to know when this becomes official, but it would mean you could count your domestic TAM miles toward these U.S.-based airlines rewards programs, and vice versa.

Help wanted The American Society of Sao Paulo is searching for a person to help develop and market corporate sponsorship packages for AmSoc. Ideal candidates can communicate well in Portuguese and English, are enthusiastic, and would enjoy working with Brazilian and American companies in Sao Paulo. The position is part-time, and pay is commission-based. To learn more or submit your CV, email Tim Scott, [email protected]

for the lectures, Col. Al Ward and officials, Kristen Maurice for the flower arrangements, the Scouts, Brownies and Cubs for the cookies(600 and delicious), lanterns and Eco Fair table, the Graded Choir, and Rev. Aldo for allowing use of the Anglican Church.

December

The American Society of São Paulo

Local church offers two Christmas events Fellowship Community Church will present two Christmas events during the month of December. The first will be the Chancel Choir concert, held on the morning of Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m. All types of Christmas music will be performed, and it is a good beginning for the Christmas season. The second event is the traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service. It will be held on Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. The evening starts off with cookies and caroling for all. The crowd then enters the church, where the Christmas story will be read, carols sung and choir music presented. At the close of the service,

everyone participates in the lighting of their candle and the singing of “Silent Night,” while slowly leaving the church. Fellowship Church is located on Rua Carlos Sampaio, 107, in Paraiso.

Nursery care is available for toddlers with a responsible caretaker on hand, and there is a nearby parking lot for cars. Everyone is welcome.

Children and teens in medical treatment receive free personalized songs By Cris Borges, president, Songs of Love Brasil Songs of Love -- The Medicine of Music, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free, personalized, original songs to uplift children and teens currently facing touch medical, physical or emotional challenges. Each CD is professionally produced with lyrics containing the child’s name and references to all of his or her favorite activities, things, people, and pets. The Songs are written and performed in the musical style that the child likes best, by a variety of talented professionals. The organization was created in New York in 1996 by John Beltzer, and has since reached out to more than 19,000 children in 500-plus hospitals and health care facilities in all 50 states. Since 2007, Songs of Love started to reach children

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in Brazil, having provided more than 200 songs for the children of Casa Hope, GRAACC, Santa Catarina Hospital, Santa Casa de São Paulo and others facilities. The songs have often been played to alleviate pain and trauma during painful and scary hospital treatments. The song recipients have played their “songs of love” in all kinds of situations and settings such as car trips to the hospital, show and tell at school, for family and friends in person or on the phone, and even for the doctors and nurses. The children have their “songs of love” always available to them whenever they are feeling down. To learn more about our work please visit our Web site, www. songsoflove.org.br .

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Your 2009 Christmas Angel Party The organizers of AmSoc’s Angel Party would like to offer deep thanks to all the volunteers, vendors and businesses that donated their time, product and money to make this year’s event a great success for both AmSoc, and all the children involved. We hope you enjoy the following photos, which captured some of the most beautiful moments and faces from this memorable day on Nov. 14. Photos were taken by AmSoc member and professional photographer Wim Laureys, whose work can be viewed at wimlaureys.viewbook.com

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December

The American Society of São Paulo

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Your 2009 Christmas Angel Party The Angel Party only happens due to the generosity of so many people and companies. Here are some of this year’s incredible donors: • Transnway, for the 10th consecutive y e a r, t r a n s p o r t e d a n d s a f e l y stored our gift bags and allowed us to use its facility as Santa’s workshop for one day. Moving? Call Transnway at (11) 4137-1481. • Chapel School has gorgeous facilities and we used them: the outside gym, cafeteria, sports field, parking lot, bathrooms and everything in between. Thank you Chapel, a true partner! www.chapelschool.com/ • M c D o n a l d ’s! Ye t a g a i n , t h e y donated lunch for all the children and sent Allegro Art and Ronald McDonald to entertain our guests with singing, dancing and lots of fun. • A huge thanks to Michael Page for funding the T-shirts worn by the children. To learn about Michael Page’s recruitment services, check o u t w w w. m i c h a e l p a g e . c o m . b r • Sheila Moura of Oficina de Festas did fabulous decorations, spending two days setting up so that the party became a balloon wonderland. For your next party, contact Sheila. www.oficinadefestas. c o m . b r o r a t 11 - 4 9 9 2 - 8 0 0 9 . • Thanks to the Chapel PTA for the use of their wonderful popcorn machine! • Huge thanks to PepsiCo do Brasil, which supplied us with soft

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drinks, Toddy milkshakes and a talking cow. It was a real treat on a hot day! www.pepsico.com.br Thank you to Malu Felzberg for buying the ice cream and water we so desperately needed. As both professionals and hobbyists, Raquel Benadof, Wim Laureys, Robin Bregman and Graded students Eveline Maertens and Andrea Estrada took thousands of pictures at this year’s party. Their e-mail contacts are: raqgoldammer@ hotmail.com wim.laureys@gmail. com and [email protected] Cipolatti once again donated a beautiful Christmas tree and two red thrones for our Santas. www.cipolatti.com.br Habib’s donated 80 pizzas while Santo Amaro’s Restaurante Tomatto gave us 20 more! Order Habib’s at 5696-2828 or visit Tomatto on Rua Marechal Deodoro, 497. Curumim Animação e Eventos sent the greatest team in town -- bouncy helpers and inflatable toys. For your next event, call (11) 5181-9399. General Motors do Brasil donated 250 T-shirts and 100 tickets to a stock car time trial. Popó Bueno, one of their top racers, signed autographs as guests admired his car and played video games. Vilma Lancelotti donated beautiful trays of brigadeiros. Order her cakes at (11) 8134-8739. Also donating sweets was the

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Canadian International Women’s Society. Thank you! For more about CIWS, visit www.ciws.com.br International Newcomers’ Club again allowed us to “set up shop” at their Monthly Coffees. We can’t do this without them. Learn more about INC at www.newcomers-sp.com.br Alcoa made a generous cash donation, enough to buy the hundreds of radios, watches, yo-yos and sunglasses given away as prizes. Editora IPEP donated an awesome 250 books so that the children from our entities learn the joy of reading. Thank you! www.ibep-nacional.com.br It wouldn’t be Christmas without two Santas and two Santa Helpers. Thank you Alan Blau, Ricardo Rubeiz, Mariana Mantoan and Julia Bandeira! The gift bags received at the end of the party were the finishing touch. We thank all the 220 gift bag sponsors and cash donors for the much needed financial support, clothes, shoes, toys, candy and most of all, love. Thank you to the 190 amazing volunteers who worked all day in the hot sun, each wearing a red T-shirt and a huge smile. Finally, the Angel Party Planning Team was incredible: Eileen Tasso, Maria Cavallin, Karri Ware, Karen Kim, Kathy Franks, Jami MabileOakley, Feriale El-Khouri, Celina Sampaio and Sue Banman Sileci. Join up, we’re already planning for 2010!

December

The American Society of São Paulo

Halloween Party a hit with families

Diagnostic Testing and Follow-up Treatment

By Felicia Smith, AmSoc board member The American Society/U.S. Consulate Halloween party, held at the U.S. Marine’s House on Oct. 31, was a blast! Nearly 200 children and their families enjoyed trick or treating through 10 stations, playing games like “Find the Witch Hat,” “Donuts on a String,” “Squash Bowling” and visiting a Fortune Teller. In addition, the Marines set up a special Haunted House that was both scary and fun. All AmSoc parties depend on wonderful volunteers who donate

many hours of their time. This year, the American Society would like to thank the following helping hands: Tia Smith; Shannon, Pete, Ginni and Connor Lawliss; Milena Baptista Popp; Sarah and Frank Magan; Ruth Hollard; Felicia, Erik, Sophia and Isabela Smith; Emily, Isabela and Gustavo Bessa; Asli, Natalie and Lydia Scott; Terri White; Aline and Carlos Ricardo; Tim and Ligia Scott; Richard Wegman; Ana Claudia Teixaria; Celina Sampaio; Maria Rosety; and Melissa Ashby.

Specializing in sensory cognitive treatment and Dual Coding Theory for dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, aphasia, apraxia, AD/HD and Autism Spectrum Disorders Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation for the following areas: n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Mathematics Oral language comprehension Oral language expression Oral vocabulary and directions Phonemic awareness Phonetic processing Reading comprehension Spelling Symbol imagery Visual memory Word attack Word recognition Written language skills

Analysis includes: ¸ ¸ ¸ ¸

Strengths Weaknesses Recommendations Treatment proposal

Wendy M. Smith, Ed.D. Learning Specialist

2009

(11) 3885.7256 (11) 9236.5267

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New board Gringo, what’s in a word? member driven to leave her mark By Juliana Tafur, guest writer

Monica Freyre is the newest board member of the American Society of Sao Paulo, bringing nearly 30 years of experience in business, sales and volunteer work in Sao Paulo. Freyre, 48 and Brazilian, has always loved working in close contact with people, and possesses a knack for negotiating and empathy that drove her to start working in sales at age 18. She later earned a degree in computer systems from Mackenzie Presbyterian University in Sao Paulo, worked in many small tech companies locally, and spent eight years working as a sales contractor for IBM, before being offered a full-time position there. Freyre most recently worked for American computer company GXS. A family illness in 2007 shook up Freyre’s priorities in life, redirecting her focus towards charity and philanthropic efforts. “I thought I really should start to do something concrete to help, not just talk about it, but start doing.”She began volunteering through PTA at Graded School, where her daughter Isabella (pictured) is now a senior heavily involved in community service. Freyre has also given her time to other charities, like Vida Jovem.

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“A-tok-a” is the term used to refer to foreigner in Taiwanese. Curiously, the word’s approximate translation is “big nose.” In Haitian Creole, “blan” is synonymous for white person, derived from the french word “blanc.” Ask a Brazilian and they will tell you “Gringo” means foreigner. But who exactly is a “Gringo”? “I’d find it very hard to look at a person from Argentina and tell them they’re a ‘Gringo’. I think the term is used more for people of the northern hemisphere,” said Rio de Janeiro native Ana Luisa Leite. When asked if the term has something to do with a person’s skin color, Leite says absolutely. “When I hear ‘Gringo’, the image that comes to mind is of a sun-burnt, blonde, blue-eyed guy walking along the beach with sandals and socks up to his knees.” From this, it becomes apparent that not all socalled “Gringos” in Brazil fit this bill. But for those who do – or don’t and are still referred to as “Gringos” – a debate continues about the word’s meaning and whether it’s considered derogatory. “It’s somewhat at the level of patricinha (snobby girl). It’s not terrible to use, but it does carry a bunch of meanings,” Leite said. This has resulted in a dilemma for the Rio-based newspaper The Gringo Times, considering the term “Gringo” is a part of its name. “In naming the paper The Gringo Times, I was taking ownership of a term that included me as a foreigner. Plus, after a little research, I found out that the origin of the word has a meaning that isn’t in itself derogatory,” said Publisher Stone Korshak. Korshak is referring to a theory which says the term “Gringo” derives from the word “griego,” used in the ancient Spanish expression “hablar en griego” or “to speak Greek” – meaning to speak an unintelligible language. This is supported by a definition found in the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, which also says the word was mentioned in Spanish literature

as early as the eighteenth century to refer to “foreigners in Spain who spoke Spanish with an accent.” Other less credible theories dating back to the Mexican-American war (1846-48) are a reason for debate in cyberspace. One says the word “Gringo” derives from the song, “Green Grow the Rashes, O” by Scottish poet Robert Burns, as it was sung by American soldiers. Another attributes the word to a Mexican chant, where the expression “green go” was used in reference to the green uniforms of American troops. The problem is that both theories are disproved by the earlier use of the word “Gringo” in Spain. Regardless of its origin, Korshak says he now believes the term “Gringo” is limiting his Rio newspaper ’s growth. “Advertising the paper under The Gringo Times here in Rio is no problem, because the locals are fine with the term. We’ve encountered more hesitation with international marketers though, where the expression is often perceived as pejorative.” To Korshak’s point, the Managing Partner of Ipanema-based Shenanigan’s Irish Pub, who advertises with the paper, says he likes the name. “The first time I heard about the paper, I found the usage of the word ‘Gringo’ intriguing,” said Michael Taylor. “I think the name reaches those who may be looking for a little comfort of home, just like my clientele.” Taylor moved to Rio de Janeiro seven years ago. He doesn’t feel like a Gringo any more, but isn’t offended by the term either. Plus, he believes the name does the paper well and matches its content. But Leite disagrees: “When I first heard the paper’s name, I didn’t expect it to have serious news. At the very least, I thought I’d see a column with jokes of Gringo experiences in Brazil,” she says. This story originally appeared in The Rio Times (formerly The Gringo Times) in October. Visit http://riotimesonline. com to read more English-language weekly news out of Rio de Janeiro.

December

The American Society of São Paulo

Volunteer of the Month Volunteering in her professional field as a psychotherapist has been a very rewarding experience for Pamela Wax. “It began three years ago when I was contacted by AmSoc to assist with a potential adoptive mother and a teenager she was keen to adopt,” Wax said. Based on her experience in working with parents looking to adopt, Wax agreed to help the youngster and the mother. This in turn led her into working with the child’s sibling, and Wax began

doing consultations at the orphanage the children came from. “I got to know the house parents and the social workers, it was a really enlightening process. Because I was familiar with adoptive issues, I was called upon for consultations,” Wax said. She was asked to work with other children and says she enjoyed it and would be receptive to doing more. As well as volunteering in her professional field, Wax started out several years ago running arts and craft projects in orphanages that AmSoc supported. She volunteered for many years in a row at the Christmas Angel Party, even bringing her son along to help run games. “Outside of AmSoc I’ve also taught English to mentally-

Save the date Pet Profile The American Society Board is asking members to reserve May 7 on their 2010 calendars to attend AmSoc’s grand 60th Anniversary Party, which is being planned now. The event will be held at Torres Imares banquet hall in Moema, and should include a lavish dinner, dancing, games, charity auction and performance by a group of singers that perform Broadway classics, and interact with the audience. Contact the AmSoc office to learn more, or offer your help or insight on vendors who could make this party as memorable as possible. More information will come in the Forum in 2010.

Fellowship Community Church The Welcome Place since 1921 Phone (11) 3253-7609

www.fellowship.com.br

09:00 am - Walking in Faith Classes (English and Portuguese)

Sunday’s

10:30 am – Worship Service (English only) 06:00 pm – Culto em português

Conveniently located on Rua Carlos Sampaio, 107 – Bela Vista Just a block and a half from the Brigadeiro Metro station on the Avenida Paulista

2009

challenged young adults from my club which I really enjoyed because it can be very creative,” Wax said. She says that her motivation to do so comes from the fact she has a mentally-challenged brother who lives in the U.S. “I miss him so much, I wish he had something similar to this club. I guess this is my way of giving something back,” Wax said. Wax is very modest about the work she has done. “Many people are to be seriously commended for the work that they do, inside and outside of AmSoc,” she said. “I’m lucky that the work I’ve done has fit well into my life and hasn’t overwhelmed my family, I found a good balance which is really important.”

EVERY MONTH AMSOC MEMBERS TELL THE

FORUM ABOUT SAMPA PETS IN NEED OF A GOOD HOME.

CHECK

OUT THIS MONTH ’ S FEATURE DOG: NAME: RAVY AGE: YOUNG, ALMOST ONE YEAR COLOR: BLACK AND WHITE SEX: MALE FLEAS: NONE TICKS: NONE SIZE: SMALL TO MEDIUM KILOS: ALMOST 10 KG FARTS: YOU HAVE TO KNOW HIM HOBBIES: INCESSANT PLAY VACCINES: YES NEUTERED: NOT YET INJURIES: NONE FOUND: RESCUED FROM A BIG AVENUE IN SÃO PAULO A BILITY TO WALK ON A LEASH : HE ’ S WORKING ON THAT , BUT HIS IS REALLY SWEET

LEVEL OF PERFECT GOODNESS FOR A NICE FAMILY: HIGH COST TO YOU: NOT MUCH, JUST LOVE APPLICATIONS: BEING ACCEPTED AT CAROL. [email protected]

FORUM

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CLASSIFIEDS H ousing Angra dos Reis Beautiful beach house in secured gated community, 10 km from frade. Great views, clean water, sandy beach. 4 suite, 1 bedroom with bunkbeds. Maid service, minimum 10 days high season 2.500 daily – long weekends 2.000 daily. (Boat and daysail available). Call 011 55481834 – 93599995. Furnished Apartment for Rent Vila Nova Conceição. São Paulo’s best place to live. Near Ibirapuera Park. Modern building with sports facilities, heated swimming pool, three bedrooms (one suite), a living room with terrace, complete kitchen, maid’s bedroom and bathroom, big service area, two parking spaces. Fully furnished with all appliances. Telephone included. Call Alex or Eliane at (11) 3849-7085 or (11) 8635-7788, or send an e-mail to alex@caboverde. com.br. Home for Rent Near Chacara Flora and Chapel School. Lovely, spacious home on safe street waiting for your family. Living room with fireplace, dining room, newly remodeled kitchen and breakfast room, tv room, 4 bedrooms (suites). Pool, barbecue area and lovely small garden. This is a gem and very reasonable terms. Please contact: Gitta at Bamberg Reality 9918-5543 or 5522-8000. Ubatuba Beach Rental AmSoc member rents charming bungalow or luxurious villa in high-security gated community. Large sweeping yard, incredible ocean view, complete privacy. Available weekends or weekly. www. ubatubaescape.com.

S ervices American-Licensed Clinical Psychologist Heloisa Garman, Psy.D. U.S. Licensed Clinical Psychologist (covered by U.S. health insurance). Bilingual, with extensive private practice in Chicago and former therapist at the Family Institute at

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Northwestern University. Treats individuals, couples, and families. Specialized in anxiety, depression, cultural issues, and adjustment disorders. Call Dr. Garman at (11) 7179-9723 or 3898-2330 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. American-Licensed Psychologist Richard Morhaime, Psy.D. offers skilled psychotherapy for children and adults. He also provides complete diagnostic evaluations in English for children with academic or behavioral difficulties, featuring individualized recommendations for school and home. For more information, contact Dr. Morhaime at 5538-0099 or 9669-8057 or visit www.expatpsychologist.com. American-Licensed Psychotherapist In this busy and ever-changing world, people often feel stressed and overwhelmed with no place to turn. Psychotherapy/counseling can provide a safe place to receive professional guidance and support. Brief or longer term therapy offered depending on your needs, goals and expectations. Services: individual, couples, child/adolescent. Certified to conduct Adoption Home Study for American Citizens. Contact: Pamela Wax, MSW/LCSW at 5051-5988 or 9656-2106. Located in Moema. American Psychologist Services for Expats Sukie Miller Ph.D. early director of Esalen, former Board Member Jung Institute San Francisco, 35 years experience private practice as coach, psycho-therapist with adults and couples in eclectic approach to personal/professional growth, woman’s’ issues, adjustment São Paulo, goal setting, dream work, anxiety. Call Dr. Miller at 11- 9823-8730. email sukiemiller@ gmail.com. Argos Dog Kennel Traveling? What about your dog? Argos Kennel Hotel could be his second home in the country. Food, water, and shelter with lots of love and personal care. No lonely kennel for him, but our home and the freedom of a spacious garden. Fetch and carry service. English and French spoken. Call Jean or Christine at (11)

4661-1430 or (11) 9687-1815 or send an e-mail to [email protected]. Embu Guaçu, São Paulo. Domestic Help American Society family relocating to USA. Want position for Lindaura Aparaecido Neto 7406-0334, wonderful cook, laundress and household cleaner, of 7 years. Excels at all 3 services. Her hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Monday- Friday. Prepares all meals. Reasonable salary. For info. contact Stephen/Luciana Taber 3813-2793/8368-0599. F1 Serviços Automotivos General mechanic: electronic ignition, air bag, suspension, steering, brakes, battery, alternator, fuel pump Complete pre-purchase car inspection Av. Eliseu de Almeida 1018 - Butantã tel. 3721-1256 email: [email protected] English and Spanish spoken “Honest, fast and impeccable service” – recommended by AmSoc member Mark Abrams Math and Science Tutor Former Graded and Chapel teacher, with 20-years experience, tutors Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Science for all levels, including but not limited to the IB, IGCSE, SAT-I & II, AP and Brazilian vestibular. Elementary and middle school students are also welcome (all subjects). Call Fernando Knijnik at (11) 2533-3965 or 9134-6700. Need A future grandmother (Feb./2010) is helping the future parents of TWIN BOYS to find items necessary for this adventure. Required among other necessities is primarily a STROLLER for 2 (e.g. Gracco, McLaren or similar) and possibly other items which are for sale. Please call André at: 4397 9102 (working hours), or e-mail [email protected]. Cel. Phone: 9957 4644. 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, individuals or groups. Sessions in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. For more information please

December

The American Society of São Paulo

CALENDAR For more information about this month’s AmSoc events (highlighted), visit www.amsoc.com.br.

4 5

Wednesday INC Monthly Coffee CIWS Annual Friday Christmas Dinner AmSoc Softball Saturday Tournament

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Monday

Scottish Country Dancing

10

Thursday

O Quebra Nozes

11

Friday

AmSoc Eggnog Party

12

Saturday

Christmas Bazaar

13

Sunday

Musica Segunda (live play)

16 16 17

Wednesday Chapel Wednesday Graded Thursday PACA

Tues – Sun Walker Evans Until 11 am-5 pm photo exhibit January

contact Daniela Franco at (11) 9739-6191 or [email protected] Relocation - Assistance for Expats Visa; Documentation; Familiarization Visit; Transfers; Home hunting; School searching; Cross Cultural Training; Tax Consulting; Hire a Maid; Acquisition of Vehicles; Tour in the neighborhoods; Shopping; Cultural tours; Organizing Trips; Introduction to others expatriates. ANGELS EXPAT CARE. Tel: +55-11-3624-9236. Cel +55-11-9101-4390. [email protected]. www.angels-expatcare. com. Sale 3 bedroom apt., 160 m², recently remodeled. Playground, pool, park. Superb location – within walking distance of nearly all requirements – 2 supermarkets, pharmacy, several schools,

2009

For more information visit www.newcomers-sp.com.br. For more information visit www.ciws.com.br. To be held in Ibiuna Park. Held at the Brazilian British Center. Everybody is welcome! Starting at 8 p.m. at Centro Brasileiro Britânico. Rua Ferreira Araújo, 741 - 3rd floor, Pinheiros. Visit www.standrews.com.br to learn more. Dec. 10-20, at Teatro Alfa. For more information, contact 5693-4000, 0300-789-3377 or www.teatroalfa.com.br. Read story in this issue to learn more. The Eggnog Party is always a wonderful opportunity to mingle and get into the Christmas spirit. Cheers! To be held at St Paul’s Anglican Episcopal Church. 10 a.m. at Rua Comendador Elias Zarzur, 1239 – Alto da Boa Vista. For more information contact 5686-2180. This play tells the reunion of a couple in the lobby of a hotel after three years apart. During their marriage they had a lively, dangerous and destructive passion. Playing until Dec. 13, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at Teatro Vivo in Morumbi. Tickets are R$40-R$50, visit www.teatrovivo.com.br for details. Last day of School. Last day of School. Last day of School. Considered a founding father of documentary style photography, this exhibit will feature more than 120 photos from North American Walker Evans. Held at MASP, Av. Paulista, R$15, visit www.masp. uol.com.br to learn more.

gas stations and almost everything else you can imagine. Magnificent view from 17th floor balcony. Contact Roberto for further details: Phone 5014-3200 ex. 132 (office hours), or e-mail: robertoremy@ uol.com.br.

agents. References from consulates and multinationals. Photos sent by email. Relocation Service. Consult the site: www. taylorimoveis.com. E Mail - taylor@ taylorimoveis.com Phone: 5511 3079 8888 and 5511 8774 5100 (Maria Elisa)

Selling Up

Winter Coat Loan

Go with a pro! We have been selling household goods for families, individuals, and companies for 17 years in São Paulo and nine in Brasilia for embassies. We have hundreds of pre-selected clients wanting to buy from you, safe and sound! Send an e-mail to meredithsales@zaquie. com or [email protected] or call (11) 5908-1144 or (61) 9211-1819. Ask for Ms. Zaquie Meredith.

HELP !!! I direct the UNESP university percussion ensemble since 1978. Eleven students will travel to northern USA during 37 days to present 17 concerts and 8 master classes. We have all funding except for WINTER COATS !! We need to BORROW 11 during January & February 2010. Call urgently John Boudler 3284-4497 or 8174-9858.

Taylor Real Estate Luxury spacious houses, apartments and penthouses Sales and rentals. Ten years experience with expatriates. Furnished and unfurnished. Trilingual Real Estate

Place a Classified

2

IMPORTANT DATES: 25 Christmas Day - 31 New Year’s Eve

A classified of up to 50 words costs R$40 for AmSoc members and R$75 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 [email protected].

A Note to Our Readers

December/January 2009

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.

FORUM

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The Brazilian way of working By Rosângela Portella and Simone Costa Eriksson, guest commentary At first sight, the Brazilian culture can seem to be easily defined by its population’s wants and needs of the moment. However, the complexity of the cultural aspects involved makes it difficult for most expatriates to pinpoint the direct cultural origin of typical social behaviors. Let’s take, for instance, the tendency to mix up professional and social relationships at the workplace, and try to explain this common behavior which can often challenge foreigner professionals’ doing business in Brazil. As a Swedish executive once told me, “Brazilians at work usually value more how big of friends they are with someone than how professional that person is”; in other words, relationships are extremely important compared to other cultures. Our attempt to explain such behavior must explore the unique aspect of the Brazilian culture. Brazil´s geographic dimensions, its multiethnic origins, as well as its educational & social-economic history contribute to the diversity found within this continental-sized country. To show how complex the Brazilian culture is, we could draw the Brazilian “Cultural Matrix.” On one axis there would be three main cultural aspects (ethnic, regional, social-educational classes). To make things even more complicated,

each of these cultural aspects would be further divided: the ethnic aspect, for example, could be explored by the two main waves of immigration which had major influence on the Brazilian culture. The first wave would be the Portuguese and Africans (who met the Indians already here). They were the basis of the Brazilian culture, followed by the three unique mixes between these three main ethnical groups, the “mulatos,” “caboclos,” and “mamelucos.” The

second wave of immigration occurred in the 19th century with the Europeans (mostly Germans & Italians) and, from the beginning of the 20th century, the Japanese. Recently, there has even been an increase in immigration from other Latin America countries. So, how can the Brazilian ethnic origin explain the social behavior of favoring relationships at work? In the Iberia region of Europe (Portugal & Spain) in

the 15th and 16th century, as opposed to France and English, the major traders, and navigators, while they were away conquering new lands always left their business in the hands of trustful family members. There was even a saying that’s very telling, “Friends get everything, while enemies follow the Law.” All the money and social status achieved by this new bourgeoisie class allowed them to buy social titles (and marriages) in order to move up the social ladder into the aristocracy and noble classes. The Portuguese cultural characteristic of mixing between the public and private, business and friendship remained. In order for foreign professionals to succeed and lead in a typical Brazilian working environment, they must understand and deal with the fragile borderline between the private and professional work relationships. Simone T. Costa Eriksson, MBA, Psychologist and Intercultural Coach is a Brazilian with 13 years experience living abroad (USA, Sweden, Poland, and Italy), mostly as an expatriate mother of two, and is currently living in Campinas. She holds seminars and workshops for HR professionals, expatriate families and children, international schools and Brazilians working abroad. More information can be seen at her website www.interculturalplus.com. She is also an active member of the Campinas Expatriate community. Rosângela Portella, Journalist and Portuguese Teacher, has developed her own teaching methodology which includes the studies of the Brazilian culture. She worked as a teacher and is responsible for the methodology development for the SESC-SENAC and ACNUR - Alto Comissariado das Nações Unidas para Refugiados.