Monthly Newsletter February 2011www.amsoc.com.br
Forum
The Carnaval Issue
Carnaval traditions
Page 8:
Does it really always haveto be the Sambodromo? What areother traditions of celebratingCarnaval in Brazil?
Summer is... there!
Page 11:
What are the options for sending your kids to US summer school programs?
Page 12:
Fancy somethingdifferent for Carnaval this year?Melissa Harkin explores theoption of visiting Santa Barbara.
Carnaval getawayCarnaval crowds
Page 16:
Read Sue Sileci’ssuggestion of enjoying Carnavalthe correct way: right in themiddle of it.
Cocktail Party in Itaim Feb. 4th
The American Society of São Paulo promotes friendship by organizingsocial, cultural and athletic events for its diverse membership; encouragesintegration with the Brazilian society;and supports the American traditionsof education, philanthropy andvolunteerism.
Our Mission
The Carnaval Issue
Please join us for cocktails on Fridayevening, February 4th, from 7-9pm at
São
Bento Boteco in Itaim. This eventis open to members and non-members.We want to see you! New Members,members who were traveling over theholidays, and anyone who might be upfor a little celebration-- join us!Let’s start the new year off in
São
Paulo with a toast to AMSOC and it’scontinued success!
São
Bento Boteco is located on RuaLeopoldo Couto Magalhaes Jr. 474 in Itaim.Time: 7pm - 9pmDate: February 4, 2011.
RSVP to the AMSOC ofce:
amsoc1@amsoc.com.br
Little League sign-ups Feb. 5
Hey parents, and kids! It is time for Little League! Now I know for some of you that the term “Little League” impliesyoung kids, usually boys, and baseball; plus teams, practices and frequent travel,and at times overexcited parents. Well herein São Paulo, Little League is different,and generally is much more laid back (…are you surprised? You’re in Brazil!). Our Little League, sponsored and organized by the American Society, typically offerssoccer, softball, basketball, tennis, and of course baseball.The activities are held on Saturdaymornings at either Graded or Chapel
Schools, depending upon which eld is
available for us. We conduct two sessions,one from 9:00-10:30 and the second from10:30-12:00. The schedule of exact timesand places for your child’s activities will be provide at sign-ups or you can see itat the American Society web site. Thereare no practice sessions outside of thestandard Saturday morning time.
What can you expect? Well, rst of
all we hope it is fun. Kids enjoying thegames, open space, running, yelling – you know, kid’s stuff. We also hope toadd a healthy dose of skill by focusing
on fundamentals; like, rst base is that
way, go there when you hit the ball.Also important and expected in LittleLeague are teamwork and, of course,sportsmanship. We have games amongstour own players, but currently do not play other groups or teams outside of our organization.We typically have over 100 enthusiastic boys and girls participating. Each
Saturday morning you will nd
(continued(continued on page 9)
The President’s Corner
The end of summer break ishere and with that,the AmericanSociety is back with regular activities andopportunities.We look forwardto having youas a part of theupcomingevents.I’m sure that several of you readersare new to São Paulo and to you weextend a big welcome. Beginning
life here can be intimidating at rst;
getting connected with people andnew communities is essential and weare honored that you have decided to join us here in the American Society.Some of you have asked me aboutfinancial aspects of the AmericanSociety, so for all, let me share some
information about our 2010 nances
and philosophies.First of all, I’m happy to say that
in 2010 we have nished the year in
the black, meaning that our revenuewas slightly greater than the actualexpenses for the year. Our overallcash position, the savings that existsin the bank, was essentially unchangedcompared to the end of year balancein 2009. These results were in linewith our 2010 budget plan created inearly 2010.As an organization, our mission is
By
Tim Scott
, AmSoc president
Forum
February
2
to promote friendships, support andintegration in our host community.
We do not exist to make a prot or to
accumulate savings. The savings thatwe maintain represent less than oneyear’s typical revenue and are used for the unexpected expense or downturnin a revenue source.What are our sources of revenue?Revenue is gained primarily fromthree sources, your membership fees,advertising in the annual AmericanSociety yearbook, and from corporatesponsorships.What about our expenses? The primary expenses we have are related
to our ofce staff, ofce expenses and
selected activities. The remaining useof our funds is for Amsoc’s charitablework, supporting orphanages andcommunity centers through Amsoc’sCommunity Action Committee. All of our other American Society activitiesare planned on a break even basis.So, for example, the registrationfees for Little League are set at alevel to pay for the equipment andthe end-of-season award ceremony(churrasco, medals). Or, for example,the fee for the annual Christmas Partyis just enough to cover the costs of catering the event and paying for entertainment.You may ask then where doesmy membership fee go? This feegoes to partially cover office staff and expenses plus the events thatwe offer without costs such as theThanksgiving , 4th of July and AGMevents. Those of you who are HelpingHands members have 50% of your annual membership given directly toour charitable work.We work to keep membership feesmodest and feel that, compared to thelarge amount of social, athletic and philanthropic events that we offer every year, the fees are a very goodvalue. In comparison to the escalatingcosts of life here in São Paulo, our annual membership is less than thecosts of one trip to a restaurant.If you have questions or comments
on American Society nances or other
topics, please contact me or any of our
ofcers.
Welcome 2011! This is sure to bea year full of opportunity. I hope youare ready to take advantage of all theexciting things this year has in store.Abraços, Tim
Lynn Cordeiro
,
editor and layout
Channtal Fleischfresser,
staff writer Forum
is printed by EGB.(http://www.egb.com.br)Views expressed in
Forum
do
not necessarily reect those of
the American Society board of governors, members, or staff.
Forum
reserves the right to editcontent for brevity and/or clarity.
The American Society of São Paulo
Rua da Paz, 143104713-001 São Paulo, SPTel: (11) 5182-2074 Fax: (11) 5182-9155
forum@amsoc.com.br
Forum
is published monthly, withthe exception of January and July, by
A b o u t
F o r u m
The American Societyof São Paulo
New member prole
Forum
3
2011
Name:
Maureen and Vinicius Alves
Origin, time here:
I’m originally from New York; Vinicius is a native Paulista.We moved here last fall from Brooklyn, NY.
Why São Paulo:
We always knewwe would end up back in São Paulo.We met in the States, while Viniciuswas pursuing a master’s degree inlaw. After graduation, he worked as a
visiting attorney for a law rm in New
York City, but the planwas always tocome back toSão Paulo soVinicius could
rejoin his rm,
Pinheiro NetoAdvogados.
Best thingsso ar:
For Vinicius, the best things sofar are to bereunited withhis friends and family after two yearsaway – and to be back in Brazilianculture. For me, I would say I lovehow warm the people are, the weather is great (even the rain), and I can’t sayI mind being able to have householdhelp more than one day a week.
Early rustrations:
The trafc isdenitely something I’m not sure
either of us will ever get used to. It’sfrustrating after living in New York City, where you can get anywhere on a
subway, to have to sit in trafc just to
go a couple of miles, especially whenit rains.
Have ‘saudade’ or anything back home:
Apart from missing family and friends,we miss the beauty of Brooklyn. All the brownstones right there on the streetwithout all the security protection that
you nd in São Paulo. And we denitely
miss how cheap things are in the Statescompared to here.
Progress with Portuguese:
For Vinicius,no problem. As for me, let’s just say,‘pouco a pouco.’
Favorite place to hang out:
We liketo be outdoors so Parque Ibirapuera
is denitely a favorite. We also love
Saturday feijoida: nothing beats thecombination of hanging out withfriends, eating good food, drinking acaipirinha and listening to live sambamusic. It pretty much epitomizeseverything we love about Brazil.
Welcome to our new members
Please welcome the following New Members who joined us since December 2010. We are very grateful for their support,and that of all our members! See you at our Cocktail Party if not sooner!“WELCOME TO THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF SÃO PAULO!Your Membership Committee
NAMEMEMBERSHIP TYPECITIZENSHIPCOMPANY OR PROFESSION
Robert WINSTON III &Christina de AVELLARJuniorAmericanRobert & Myong SCHUYLERHelping Hands FamilyAmericanUS ConsulateFrancis J. MITCHELLJuniorAmericanSPM LLC
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