FORUM
Monthly Newsletter
In This Issue
20 years for a dream
come true
Page 5: Celebrate two decades of
success for Vivenda da Criança on
Nov. 29, a successful children’s
charity born from the ambition of
one woman.
American football
catching eyes in Brazil
Page 10: The Sao Paulo Storm
will play for the first tackle football
championship of Brazil later this
month, in a new league gaining
popularity throughout the country.
College scholarships
there for the taking
Page 12: Free money to attend U.S.
universities is there for the taking –
if you know where to look. AmSoc
member Kristina Dooley wants to
help.
Sao Paulo’s newest
Corinthiana
Page 16: Sue Banman Sileci reports
from the other side – Corinthians’
“dark, dirty fan community,”
and says they’re more than just
misunderstood… They’re nice.
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.
Ex-pat community to come together
for Thanksgiving Service on Nov. 24
By Bob Moser, editor
T
he annual American Society
Thanksgiving Day Service will be
held this year on Nov. 24 at St. Paul’s
Anglican Church. This free event, open to
the public and promoted as “Ecumenical”
(meaning non-denominational), is bringing
local ex-pat families together to remember
their good fortune.
“Nature” is the theme for this year’s
service, tying into the lessons Native
Americans taught the English settlers about
how to work in harmony with the Earth to
survive harsh winters in Plymouth, Mass.
An Eco-Fair organized by the Graded
Boy Scouts will be on display at the
church, and Gotas de Flor com Amor, an
Last-minute efforts for Angel Party
underway, your help needed
By Kim Beecheno, staff writer
A final push is being made by organizers
of AmSoc’s Christmas Angel Party on
Nov. 14 to draw in more cash donations
for gifts and food, and volunteers to help
during the event.
The focus before the big day is primarily
for more cash donations, which are
needed to buy prizes for all the games
and extra food like pizza for the army of
volunteers who will be hungry by day’s
November 2009
www.amsoc.com.br
AmSoc-sponsored charity, plans to insert
a bookmark made of recycled paper and
plant seeds into each November issue of
Forum, which AmSoc members can cut
up and plant at home.
The evening, lasting just under one
hour, will include:
• A flag presentation by the U.S. Marine
Color Guard.
• Consul General Tom White’s reading
of President Obama’s Thanksgiving
message to citizens abroad.
• Patriotic and holiday songs sung by
the crowd and Graded Elementary´s
School Choir.
• Participation by Graded School’s
B Brownie/Girl Scouts, Cub/Boy
S Scouts, and the U.S. Veterans of
F Foreign Wars.
• Short scripture readings and
th thoughts on Thanksgiving’s meaning
bby one of five local religious leaders
w who will be on hand.
• And the announcement of this
yyear’s Erik Poliak Award-winner
fo
for outstanding community serv-
ic
ice. A reception will follow with
fr
fresh-baked turkey sandwiches and
bbrownies. (Continued on page 6)
end. Whether they’re corporate donations
or private individuals who are feeling
generous, more money will really make
a difference.
“We go to 25 de Março to buy trinkets
such as watches, bracelets and candy for
the games, but when you’re buying for
over 200 kids it gets expensive,” Party
Coordinator Eileen Tasso said.
Members interested in (Continued on page 6)

The President’s Corner
One of the
oobjectives in the
American Society
A heritage, the American Society will host
iis help keep our
ccultural heritage
and traditions
sstrong by sharing
iin celebrations
aand holidays. We
eespecially enjoy
aand value doing so
By Tim Scott, AmSoc president
ttogether with our
Brazilian host community. November
then is the month of one of the most
important holidays in the US calendar:
Thanksgiving.
The original Thanksgiving was not
held in November, but was most likely
celebrated in late September or early
October. The term “Thanksgiving”
was only applied to this celebration
during the 19th century, sometime
before Abraham Lincoln established
it as a national holiday. The original
celebration was however a time of
giving thanks, and is said to be part
traditional English harvest festival and
part American Indian feast.
Two thirds of the participants in the
celebration were native Pokanokets
Indians, whom the Pilgrims said to be
“very trustworthy, quick of apprehension,
ripe-witted, and just,” according to
Edward Winslow, an original member of
the Plymouth colony. The festival was
a time of eating and drinking, centered
on offering thanks to God and to the
Indians for having helped the Pilgrims
survive a very difficult 11 months since
the arrival of the Pilgrims to modern-day
Cape Cod.
Three-hundred-and-eighty-eight
Forum is published monthly, with
the exception of January and July, by
About Forum
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
forum@amsoc.com.br
2 FORUM
Newcomer
profile
years after the first celebration, and
in the spirit of friendship and cultural N
Name:
Debra Rush
D
our traditional Thanksgiving celebration Origin, time
at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church
on Tuesday, Nov. 24. People of all here:
h
I grew up in
citizenships and faiths are invited to this
ecumenical event, which will feature a Colorado. Have
C
children’s choir, community singing, bbeen here since
and the presentation of AmSoc’s Eric Ju
July 2008.
Poliak award, an annual award given Profession:
P
for outstanding volunteerism. In the U.S. I had
Another important holiday in a decorative vinyl bus
business, now I’m a
November is the Brasilian Proclamação housewife.
da Republica, or Proclamation of the Why São Paulo?
Republic. The Proclamation of the My husband’s job brought us here.
Republic Day is celebrated on Nov.
15 and commemorates the day in 1889 We’ve lived all over the U.S. but it’s our
first time living abroad.
when Brazil’s second Emperor, Dom
Pedro II, was deposed and the country Best thing so far:
of Brazil was declared. Vacationing by the beach. We’ve always
Holidays that the U.S. and our lived inland, so living near the coast is
beloved Brazilian host country share a treat for us. Itamambuca (beach) near
help demonstrate our common values. Ubatuba is our favourite.
While Brazil demanded the abolition Early frustrations:
of slavery and independence from The language barrier is difficult and
colonialism, the U.S. declared its we’ve had a couple of bad experiences
independence with “Life, Liberty, with crime.
and the Pursuit of Happiness.” The
Thanksgiving experienced in 17th Have saudade for anything back home?:
Mexican food! But the sushi here makes
century Cape Cod, was also experienced
by the free and independent citizens of up for it.
the newly formed Republica Federativa Progress with Portuguese:
do Brasil in the 19th century. I call it survival Portuguese, but I’ve
My Thanksgiving wishes for you got a great tutor and that’s making a
include a moment of overwhelming difference.
gratitude for the blessings in your Favourite place to hang out:
life, a reminder of your freedom, and I’ve got four kids and three of them live
an opportunity for you to extend the here with us, so we probably know every
graceful hand of friendship to those mall in town!
around you.
Bob Moser, editor
Kim Beecheno, staff writer
141 Preview, layout
Ana Claudia Teixeira, editorial
assistant
Forum is printed by Intergraf.
(www.intergraf.com.br)
Views expressed in Forum do
not necessarily reflect those of
the American Society board of
governors, members, or staff.
Forum reserves the right to edit
content for brevity and/or clarity.
November

2010 AmSoc Yearbook offers fresh
survey of member tips
The 2010 American Society of São
Paulo Yearbook should hit members´
doorsteps in the second week of this
month. The 185 pages filled with
contacts and ex-pat advice represent
AmSoc´s biggest annual effort to
connect members with one another,
and rake in a bulk of the organization´s
yearly revenue.
Nearly 25 percent of AmSoc´s
monetary support comes via business
ads in the yearbook. It’s filled with
information like emergency and public
agency phone numbers, descriptions of
recommended churches, schools, social
or volunteer groups and much more.
AmSoc would like to thank members
Jason Bermingham, Sue Sileci and
Alan Blau for their extensive efforts
in developing a new member survey
on Sao Paulo that will be in this year’s
directory. The new survey offers the
most practical, useful information yet
in the member yearbook regarding tips
(from members for members) on where
to go for dinner, family activities,
weekend road trips and more.
A categorized listing of business ad-
vertisers is included as well. Every busi-
ness listed has paid to have an adver-
tisement in the book. AmSoc strongly
encourages you to take advantage of
all the services offered by businesses
advertising in this year’s directory.
They’ve chosen to support the AmSoc
community because they believe our
members are clients worth pursuing.
Many are also businesses which keep
coming back to AmSoc because our
Ex-pat community has become loyal
customers over a long period of time,
possibly because these businesses offer
bilingual service. So before looking
blindly through the phone book for
your next doctor or caterer, put your
trust in the business relationships that
AmSoc has built with advertisers in our
directory, and Forum newsletter.
Of the 32 ads in this yearbook, new
businesses include Maison Payott, a
beauty parlor in Granja Julieta, Advisor
Medical Insurance, specializing in Ex-
2009
By Bob Moser, editor
pat insurance needs, Audrey Clinic,
which offers a variety of health
services, and P.J. Clarke’s restaurant
in Itaim. Don’t forget to check out the
directory’s bookmark from the Grant
Hyatt Hotel, which features a listing
of the best years for South American
wines.
It has become annual tradition for a
Brazilian artist to donate a painting to
AmSoc for use as the yearbook cover´s art.
This year´s donation came from Brazilian
artist Josinaldo Ferreira Barbosa.
A native of Remanso, Bahia, Barbosa
is considered an international artist,
having lived in Paris and displayed
his work around the world. But his art
is genuinely Bahian, portraying the
simplistic beauty of his homeland, its
people and villages, a main theme often
being
being the Sao Francisco River.
Thanksgiving
trip to Rio sure
to be a can’t-
miss experience
The Thanksgiving weekend trip being
organized for AmSoc Sao Paulo and
Rio de Janeiro members is coming
soon, and with just a few spots left you
should sign up now if interested.
The trip price you’ll find below
The American Society
of São Paulo
includes round-trip airfare, chartered
bus in Rio, three nights at the Hotel
Sheraton, monitor for kids activities
and Thanksgiving dinner. The proposed
itinerary:
Thursday, Nov. 26 – 8:10 a.m.,
Gol flight from Congonhas to Santos
Dumont; charter bus for our exclusive
use for four days; check-in at Sheraton
Hotel in Leblon (São Conrado);
afternoon open or Barra Shopping;
Thanksgiving dinner with AmSoc
Rio members at the Marriott Hotel in
Copacabana.
Friday, Nov. 27 – Tennis and golf
tournament with AmSoc Rio members;
monitored activities at the pool for the
youngsters; for non-players: Joatinga
beach cove (some climbing required)
or an alternate shopping trip; dinner and
show.
Saturday, Nov. 28 – Sightseeing for
newcomers or bus tour for veterans;
dinner and activity with AmSoc Rio
members.
Sunday, Nov. 29 – Relax at hotel pool
or 10 a.m. trip to Ipanema Hippie Fair;
hotel check-out; lunch at Porcao Rio´s
in Flamengo and off to the airport for a
5:20 p.m. flight back to São Paulo.
COSTS (per person)
• Adults & youngsters over 18 is
R$1,422 including airfare, hotel
(double occupancy), breakfast
(3), charter bus for four days,
Thanksgiving dinner and all fees
and taxes for above-mentioned costs.
All other meals, entertainment and
incidentals are not included.
• Teenagers from 13 to 18 is R$995 (up
to two in same room with parents).
• Children under 13 is R$829 (up to
two in same room with parents).
• Children under 2 is R$45 (no
individual seat).
Payment plans are available. Please
contact the AmSoc office at 5182-2074
and we will forward you an email with
a travel form. Contact Alan Blau at
p
9970-8727 for specific p qquestions.
trip
FORUM 3
 Pet Profile New members from September
We want to acknowledge all our new
members from September. Welcome
to our family, and please enjoy all our
activities, especially the Thanksgiving
Celebration on Tuesday Nov. 24. When
you see our new members, please
take some time to get to know them
personally and make there stay with us
beneficial for all.
Thank you everyone who keeps
sharing the word about our society. We
have many great things to offer and
most people just need to be invited to
participate. Keep up the good work.

MEMBERSHIP COMPANY OR
NAME CITIZENSHIP
TYPE PROFESSION
U.S. Marine
Patrick Hill Single American
Corps
U.S. Marine
EVERY MONTH AMSOC MEMBERS TELL THE James Nelson Single American
Corps
FORUM ABOUT SAMPA PETS IN NEED OF A U.S. Marine
GOOD HOME. HEAR WHAT SUE SILECI HAS
Brandon Shaw Single American
Corps
TO SAY THIS MONTH ABOUT THIS GUY: U.S. Marine
Michael Thomas Single American
ROBERT NEEDS A FAMILY! HE WAS FOUND Corps
SEPT. 19 ON AVENIDA MORUMBI, IS 5 U.S. Marine
Frank & Sarah Magan Family American
YEARS OLD, 14 KILOS, HOUSEBROKEN Corps
AND A WEE ONE -- JUST UP TO MY Merck Sharp &
Michael & Debra Rush Helping Hands American
KNEES WHEN HE STANDS. ROBERT HAS Dohme
Marcio & Cristiane
A BROKEN LEG FROM TWO TO THREE Family Brasilian Advisor
MONTHS AGO – BUT IT’S HEALING. HE’S
Brandi
Peter Gallagher &
HAD SHOTS , WORM MEDICINE , TICK Family Patron American Schering-Plough
Juliana de Faria
AND FLEA MEDICINE, AND DESPERATELY
WANTS TO BE LOVED. HE’S GENTLE,
SHY, HUMBLE, LOVING AND INCREDIBLY
NUMBER OF NEW POINTS
LOYAL. HE’S MELLOW, CALM AND LOVES CONTESTANT
MEMBERS AWARDED
TO SLEEP . HE WANTS TO LEARN TO
PLAY WITH THE BIG BOYS. INTERESTED? Mark Abrams 6 22
CONTACT SUE@SILECI.COM.
Richard Wegman 2 12

Tim Scott 1 10
Membership Charlie Cookson 1 6

Game updates Richard Lark 1 6

Lynne Couri 1 3
Our Membership Game is two months
in, and we are off to a great year with Taco De Vries 1 3
50 new members already on board with
Zack Henry 1 3
AmSoc.
You could be the person to win the Tony Smith 1 3
GOL tickets to anywhere in South
America, or other great prizes just for David Warren 1 3
helping share the word about the good
work the American Society does within Other (Internet, INC,
34 N/A
our community. Consulate, events, etc.)
Have a positive impact; invite
someone to join us today. TOTAL 50 New Members

4 FORUM November
 The American Society
of São Paulo

Successful charity program celebrates 20 years

this month, join in the celebration
By Humberto Izidoro, AmSoc board member

Vivenda da Criança is promoting its fourth

annual lunch on Nov. 29. This year marks
a special occasion for Vivenda because
the institution is commemorating its
20-year anniversary since Sister Yvonne
Venditti started a foster home in 1989.
Vivenda currently provides a five-hour-
long supplementary school program to
160 kids, ranging in age from 7 to 15
years old. It also administers a “Family
Action” government program which
supports 1,200 families in Parelheiros.
We will have an exhibition of Vivenda
mosaics and there will be an auction of
exciting products. The lunch takes place
on Nov. 29 so bring your family, invite
your friends and join us to congratulate
Sister Yvonne for 20 years of work on
her project, Vivenda da Criança.
Date: Nov. 29
Where: Spaço Quatá – Rua Quatá, 804
– Vila Olimpia
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Ticket price: R$70 (adults) / P lh i ’ di
Parelheiros’s distance
t ffrom S
Sao P Paulo
l hhas
R$35 (children 5 to 12 years old)
An interview with Sister
Yvonne:
discouraged volunteers.
What is your role at Vivenda today?
When I turned 70 years old, I decided that
Marine Corps
Why did you start Vivenda da Criança ?
How did it happen?
The situation of street kids in Brazil
I needed to step back from the day-to-day
activities. I was very tired and was working
16 hours per day. Aside from stress and
Ball a party not
always bothered me. I was living in Curitiba
and heard that some kids were being killed in
health issues related to my age, my main
concern was the sustainability of Vivenda
to be missed on
“gang wars” in the periphery of São Paulo.
I thought that I had to do something about
it. Then I moved to São Paulo and worked
da Criança. I wanted to make sure Vivenda
would continue to work for the community
of Parelheiros.
Nov. 21
for nine months as a volunteer at a program Today, I am part of the board of directors The U.S. Marine Corps Security Guard
with street kids. At that time, one of the and work in a more strategic role to maintain Detachment of the U.S. Consulate General
sisters from my congregation told me that Vivenda in its new projects with the same São Paulo cordially invites you to the
Parelheiros was one of the poorest areas in values that guided the institution from the 234th Marine Corps Birthday Ball, to be
São Paulo. My sibling gave me the money to very beginning. For instance, we realized held on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 8 p.m.
buy a property in Parelheiros, and with help that we needed to invest more in preparing to 2 a.m., at the Renassance Sao Paulo
from some friends we built a small house so the kids from Parelheiros to become good Hotel (Jardins), Alameda Santos 2233.
that we could receive the first kids citizens and good professionals so we will The official program will begin with
What was the biggest challenge? create a Professional Center to train hundreds cocktails followed by the Color Guard
It has always been the lack of resources of young people every year to enter the Ceremony performed by the U.S. Marine
to pay for basic needs. I have found enough job market in several different areas, such Security Guards, then dinner and dancing.
generosity so Vivenda has always had food, as waiters, cooks, baby-sitters, computer An Open Bar will be available throughout
but we struggled for many years to pay the technicians, etc. the evening. This is a formal event, and
employees and I had to work day and night to I think just taking advantage of life is tickets are R$180 per person. For more
replace the employees I could not hire. too little for me. I needed to do something information or to purchase tickets, contact
Another difficulty is the location; meaningful for society. maganfc@state.gov, or bassbc@state.gov.

2009 FORUM 5
 Ex-pat community to come
together for Thanksgiving
Service on Nov. 24
(Continued from cover page) In recent years some
families have shied away from this event
because it’s held on a school night.
Organizers wanted to emphasize that
while the agenda is packed, it is a fast-
paced evening that children should find
engaging, parents find enriching, and
wraps up within an hour.
Traditional Thanksgiving food and
drink will be available throughout the
evening, and flowers have been donated
to the event by Kristen Maurice of
Other ways to celebrate
Thanksgiving in Sampa:
• P.J. Clarke’s, the famed New York
restaurant now with a franchise in
Itaim, will offer Thanksgiving dinner
menu items. Call 3078-2965 to learn
more.
• The Graded School Thanksgiving
Festival will be held on Saturday, Nov.
28, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Activities
will include musical performance,
Last-minute efforts for Angel Party
underway, your help needed
(Continued from cover page) volunteering are still
welcome, as the event needs around
100 people. The children come from
the 10 orphanages and charities AmSoc
supports and they will arrive by bus at
12 p.m. There are two shifts, from 11:30
a.m. to 2:30 p.m. volunteers will work
at the welcome stand, help serve lunch
and organise games. From 2:30 to 5:30
p.m., volunteers will help Santa deliver
presents, help kids open their gifts and
clean up.
In the early afternoon, Ronald
McDonald will entertain the children
with songs, games and dancing. Later
on, actors will put on a production of
6 FORUM
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. For more
information, or to submit your CV, please
email Tim Scott, scott_timothy_d@cat.com.
PETAIS.
W h a t : A m e r i c a n S o c i e t y ’s
Ecumenical Thanksgiving Day Service
When: Tuesday, Nov. 24, 7:30 to
8:30 p.m.
Individual or Groups
Where: St. Paul’s Anglican Church,
Rua Comendador Elias Zarzur, 1239
(Parking in the church lot), Santo Amaro
How to Help: E-mail carlosandaline@ COURSE WHERE
English Company
gmail.com to see what drinks and Spanish Home
desserts are still needed. Portuguese University
ANY TIME !
www.englishintheoffice.com.br
relationship@englishintheoffice.com.br
Phone: 011 – 50443859
traditional Thanksgiving meal, games
and a mini-praca, featuring artists and
vendors. For ticket prices, contact
waddelldonna@hotmail.com.
• The Hyatt Sao Paulo, located
on Avenida das Nacoes Unidas,
traditionally offers a Thanksgiving
The exclusive representative for the
menu in its restaurant. Call 2838-1234 family of Steinway-designed pianos
to learn more. in Brazil.
“High School Musical 3.”
“We’re on track and it’s very exciting,” “The piano by which all others are judged”
Tasso said. ‘The logistics will become
hectic in the last two weeks before the
party but that’s to be expected. The most
important thing is that the children have
an unforgettable day.”
Donating or volunteering for the
Christmas Angel Party is a chance to
take part in bringing joy and positivity
into these children’s lives. For more Visit us at Av. Angélica, 2530 Lj. 2
information check out the Xmas Angel
Higienópolis - São Paulo - SP
Party blog link at www.amsoc.com.br.
The party will be held at Chapel School Contact: (55 11) 3892-0011 / 3892-0022
on Nov. 14, starting at 12 p.m. www.gluckpianos.com
November

2009 Corporate Donations –
we still need your support
We need your help. We’re coming down
the home stretch of our 2009 Corporate
Donations Campaign and still have a
way to go. It’s been a difficult year for
all financially, and the American Society
is no different. We’re still short of our
target and need your contribution.
Now’s a good time for your company
to make a donation or to make an
additional contribution, especially since
things appear to be improving in the
market.
Please do your part to help support
the wide range of charitable efforts that
AmSoc stands for. If you’re still unsure,
we’d love to visit you and your company
to show you how your contribution
helps with so many communities in
São Paulo.
Many thanks to the following
companies whose generous contributions
have helped this year:
Sapphire Donors (R$10,000-$14,999)
ADM – Archer Daniels Midland
Bloomberg
Cabot Brasil
Comexport
One for One (Ogilvy)
Ruby Donors (R$5,000-$9,999)
Cisa Trading
Colgate-Palmolive
General Motors
Gol Linhas Aéreas
Shearman & Sterling
Long-time Supporters and Friends
Grupo Lund
Mangels Industrial
Opice Blum
Fellowship Community Church
The Welcome Place since 1921
Phone (11) 3253-7609
Sunday’s
Conveniently located on Rua Carlos Sampaio, 107 – Bela Vista
Just a block and a half from the Brigadeiro Metro station on the Avenida Paulista
2009
The American Society
of São Paulo
Save the date
AmSoc Eggnog Party set for Friday,
Dec. 11
PricewaterhouseCoopers Have a holly, jolly Christmas
2009 Goal, How to Help It’s the best time of the year
As in the past, the 2009 Corporate I don’t know if there’ll be snow
Donations Drive is critically important But have a cup to cheer.
to the purpose of the American Society. Have a holly, jolly Christmas
These donations represent 55 percent And when you walk down the street
of the Society’s revenues. They help us
foster the U.S. cultural and philanthropic Say hello to friends you know
traditions, as well as maximize the And everyone you meet.
Society’s outreach programs, supporting Oh, ho, the mistletoe
some of the city’s poorest neighborhoods
and people. Hung where you can see
This year, AmSoc aims to raise at Somebody waits for you
least R$ 125,000 (net of earmarked Kiss her once for me.
funds) through corporate donations, and Have a holly jolly Christmas
over the last four years it has distributed, And in case you didn’t hear
directly or indirectly, over R$1 million Please come to our AMSOC
in community assistance programs.
Companies interested in making a EGGNOG
donation should call the AmSoc office PARTY this year!
at 5182-2074. Call the AmSoc office at 5182-2074 to
learn more.
2010 Campaign – Never too Early
to Start (Song lyrics by Johnny Marks)
We are making our plans for 2010,
and would like to count on your financial
support. Please include the American
Society of São Paulo in your 2010
budgeting plans, either as part of your
community assistance programs and/or
as part of your advertising campaigns.
We will be contacting you over
the next few weeks to give you more
information, to discuss how you can
maximize the many benefits the Society
offers and how your contribution can
help the American Society further its
important work and outreach programs.
TRAIN AT THE BEST!
Improve David’s Tennis and Squash School
your
game. LESSONS l One-on-one (all levels)
l
l
Group lessons
Junior’s for competition
l Mini-tennis for tinytots
www.fellowship.com.br
SOCIAL l Clinics - Parties with churrasco
Play l Tournaments
09:00 am - Walking in Faith Classes (English and Portuguese)
at l Fitness by Mario’s
10:30 am – Worship Service (English only)
06:00 pm – Culto em português DAVID´S
São Benedito, 2575 l Alto da Boa Vista
Alves Pontual, 437 l Granja Julieta
Phones: 5686-6848 / 5546-0226
FORUM 7
 Make-a-Wish Brasil wants you to celebrate
its first year on Nov. 6
Make-a-Wish Brasil is celebrating its
first year, and we have already granted
many wishes to Brazilian children with
life-threatening medical conditions
through its wish-granting work. We
invite you to participate on Nov. 6 at the
Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo, with a cocktail
offered by our partner Chandon, a silent
auction, live auction, gala dinner and the
live music of Orquesta Imperial.
As many as 600 people, celebrities,
businessmen, opinion leaders and chefs
AmSoc Online: Spreading Out on the Internet
By Kevin Ivers, AmSoc board member
In a city as big as São Paulo, with the level
of complexity in our daily lives, it’s clear
that for anything to remain relevant and vi-
tal to us, it has to find its way into our daily
online routine. Let’s face it -- we live on our
browsers, in our email and on our handsets,
and the trend is unmistakable that much of
our lives is heading in this direction. For
the American Society to keep pace, it has
had to adopt a forward-thinking Internet
strategy that embraces the varied habits of
our current and future members.
First, there were the basics. If you’ll no-
tice the latest membership directory, a large
number of the listings include multiple
email addresses. Collecting this informa-
tion has made it possible for AmSoc to
stay in touch on important announcements,
events and vital news – and for members
to be in touch with each other. Also, the
AmSoc Web site (www.amsoc.org.br) has
been updated to act as a source of important
information for the American community
in São Paulo.
The AmSoc site concentrates on upcom-
ing social and cultural events, as well as the
many athletic activities organized for mem-
bers and their families. We also launched
a blog linked from the site which includes
articles and news from the Forum newslet-
ter, as well as original content. There are
also helpful links to a number of Web sites
that provide a broad range of tips and help-
ful information for Americans who have
just arrived or are in the transition to life in
São Paulo. There is also a section regard-
8 FORUM
will be present that night to celebrate
with us. Twenty Brazilian chefs will be
cooking sonhos which is the Portuguese
name for doughnut and means “dreams.”
These sonhos will be sold in “dream
boxes” throughout the night. We will be
auctioning trips, hotel stays, lunches and
dinners at restaurants, spa treatments,
luxury products and jewelry.
This event is a fund raising event,
in which we aim to pay for one year of
granting wishes. For more information
ing important services for new arrivals, key
contacts for American citizen services and
emergency phone numbers like for the local
fire department, ambulance, police, etc. As
someone who moved here from the U.S.
almost three years ago, I remember what
it was like to feel lost in the maze of daily
life in a new place. Resources like these
make a huge difference, and are part of the
fellowship that AmSoc seeks to promote
within the American community here.
But the Internet isn’t just about resources
– it’s also about interacting. In fact, the
Internet is rapidly becoming the primary
method of communication and interaction
for more and more of us. For that reason,
AmSoc has begun planting its flag in the
top social networking sites, starting with
Facebook (www.facebook.com ).
In September 2009, AmSoc launched
its own group page on Facebook (Search:
“AmSoc SP – The American Society of São
Paulo”), and within one week it had more
than 80 members, many of whom are not
yet members of AmSoc. Facebook is the
number one social networking site in the
world, with over 300 million active mem-
bers in total, and growing by 1 million new
members in Brazil every month. Facebook
is expected to overtake the currently domi-
nant Orkut (www.orkut.com) as the top
social networking site in Brazil by the end
of 2010. Our AmSoc group on Facebook
is an excellent place for our members to
interact with each other, start topical con-
versations on the discussion board, RSVP
By Salim Tannus, president Make-a-Wish Brasil
or tickets sales please contact Renata at
our office, by calling 5081-3601. The
event starts with the cocktail and silent
auction at 7:30 p.m. Dinner will be at 9
p.m. and the Orquesta will start playing
for everybody to dance at 11:30 p.m.
Tickets are R$250 per person.
Make-a-Wish Brasil is affiliated
with Make-a-Wish International, which
is present in 5 continents with more
than 25000 volunteers in 33 different
countries.
for and post photos from AmSoc events
– and best of all, it’s free. Many people of
all ages make Facebook a regular part of
their daily routine, and now the American
Society can be part of it.
More importantly, from an organization-
al standpoint, using sites like Facebook em-
powers AmSoc committee leaders, board
members and event organizers to easily post
event information, send out invitations, col-
lect RSVPs and update confirmed attendees
with last-minute information. This helps
decentralize the responsibilities around
AmSoc’s events, maximize the use and
efficiency of volunteer time, relieve some
of the pressure on the staff, and reduce our
operating costs. It also allows us to reach
new people, and show them more about
what AmSoc is about, to expand our mem-
bership. Given the number of new people
who have appeared on our Facebook group
page already, it seems to be working.
Our strategy will continue to expand
in 2010. We’ll launch an Orkut commu-
nity in January, and post items in related
communities inviting more Brazilians to
find out about AmSoc on Orkut. We will
continue to add more of our events to
the Facebook page, and we’ll continue
encouraging current members to become
more active on both sites, inviting their
friends and family to join our AmSoc
group and community, to visit our web-
site’s helpful resources, and multiplying
the expansion of the American Society’s
footprint in São Paulo – real and virtual.
November

MEMBER TIP
Pamper yourself at Spa Sorocaba
By Richard Wegman, AmSoc board member
While happily eating a hamburger at
this year’s AmSoc 4th of July party,
I heard a voice over the loudspeaker
offering a great deal at Spa Sorocaba. I
thought to myself what a good gift for
my loved one, so I placed a bid in the
auction and won the package for only
R$1,400, which much to my surprised
ended up being less than half the normal
price. I was very excited being able to
contribute to AmSoc through an auction,
and receive an exciting spa package.
The real surprise had yet to come.
We arrived at Spa Sorocaba late on
a recent Thursday afternoon, and were
pleasantly greeted and shown around the
spacious grounds which included two
outdoor pools and two indoor pools, a
restaurant, gymnasium with basketball
courts,
t ttennis
i courts,
t andd a play
l area
with games like Ping-Pong, etc. The
spa and massage area was very private,
quiet and inviting, I was ready to let the
staff go to work. I immediately signed
up for a four-handed massage, with
two people working in a synchronized
manner to relieve all the stress. The
feeling is beyond words.
The spa program is complete
with medical overview, nutritionist,
acupuncturist, and everything required
2009
The American Society
of São Paulo
an unknown spa package was one of the
highlights of the year for me in Brazil.
In the future, take a chance on the great
packages offered by AmSoc during our
fundraising auctions, I believe you will
to identify a specific program to help you be pleasantly surprised at the value you
live a more healthy life. You can also receive.
choose a diet program that is best for Learn more at www.spasorocaba.
you, or eat free. With six food servings com.br .
per day you’ll never be hungry. The
food is deliciously prepared without
artificial substances, and the flavor was
top-notch.
Rooms there are large and well-
maintained. Each afternoon your room
is prepared for the evening with fresh
filtered water and hot water for tea. You
always have a complete selection of
tea, coffee or juices available to inspire
you to hydrate a lot while enjoying the
services.
Our time under the sun was wonderful,
even when we were exercising with the
group in the pool we had bright sunshine
ith ttrees surrounding
with di th t areas
the outer
of the spa. Since I’m not a writer, my
words can’t do justice to the fantastic
experience we had at Spa Sorocaba. We
encourage everyone to go for a few days
and take advantage of this amazing spa,
just an hour-and-a-half drive from São
Paulo. You deserve the surprise of good
people taking great care of you in a place
where you can replenish your health and
personal well-being.
Donating to the American Society for
FORUM 9
 SPORTS

American football gaining ground in Brazil, SP

team plays for title this month By Kim Beecheno, staff writer

American football fans who thought 4,000-strong crowd at the finals, with
that moving to Brazil meant missing people coming from all over Brazil.
out on their favorite sport can crack Kevin May is an American who
open a beer and prepare for some plays quarterback for Storm. “I play
raucous cheering, as the Torneio flag football for the São Paulo Silver
Touchdown 2009 tackle football Bullets and tackle for Storm,” said the
semi-finals and finals will take place 46-year-old May, “I´m currently in the
Nov. 20-22 in Sao Paulo. best shape of my life.”
This is the first year a tackle Anybody interested in playing can
football tournament has been try-out for Storm, they just need to
organized; in the past flag is get in touch. An American team could
traditionally what’s played in Brazil even join the league if there are enough
since equipment for tackle football people who want to form one, May
was expensive and hard to come by. suggested. For information on trying
There are more than 20 flag football out or attending the games, check out
teams in Brazil and it’s played in www.touchdown.net and www.spstorm.
every state. com.br
The São Paulo Storm team
formed in 2006 as a flag football Storm wide receiver Stifler (#11) hauls in the winning
team and took part in the São Paulo touchdown during a recent game against Rio de
League (Liga Paulista), but the Janeiro.(photo by Rachel Camargo) Diagnostic Testing and
intention was always to transform South, the Curitiba Brown Spiders, the Follow-up Treatment
itself into a tackle football team. Barigui Crocodiles and the Joinville
Mario Lewandowski, president of Gladiators face off. Finally in the West, Specializing in sensory cognitive treatment and Dual
the Storm, tried to form a national the Cuiaba Arsenal and the Tubarões do Coding Theory for dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia,
entity to organise football in Brazil Cerrado from Brasilia go at it. The four aphasia, apraxia, AD/HD and Autism Spectrum Disorders
in 2005. Although unsuccessful then, best groups will classify for the semi- Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation
he discovered a much larger interest finals and finals. More teams are hoping for the following areas:
in football across the country than he to join the tournament next year.
had imagined. It turned out that tackle “It´s incredibly competitive,” said n Mathematics
football was being played in many areas, Lewandowski, who loves the American n Oral language comprehension
simply without the protective equipment. game because of the mix of physical n Oral language expression
“The rules vary in different areas effort and mental agility required. n Oral vocabulary and directions
depending on what equipment they The organisation of the teams means n Phonemic awareness
have, but by working together we can they now trade tips, know-how and n Phonetic processing
unify the sport and raise its profile,” said players, and they consider football the n Reading comprehension
Lewandowski, who who has great plans fastest growing sport in Brazil. Band n Spelling
for the sport. Sport and ESPN have been covering the n Symbol imagery
n Visual memory
Fortunately, 2007-08 saw a big games, which were arranged to coincide
n Word attack
growth in interest for the game and with the NFL season in the U.S.
n Word recognition
the contacts Lewandowski had made “We´re taking strong, steady steps n Written language skills
allowed people to work together to bring and trying to break away from a culture
helmets, shoulder pads and leg pads into of sports that has been traditionally Analysis includes:
Brazil. With help from contacts in Rio, inefficient” said Lewandowski, who
the Touchdown Tournament was created points out that the tournament is more an ¸ Strengths
in 2009 as the first championship for event than just a game. “It´s free to come ¸ Weaknesses
tackle football. and watch, we have cheerleading, raffles, ¸ Recommendations
The tournament is composed of eight a marching band and commentators who ¸ Treatment proposal
teams from six states, forming three explain the game as it´s being played
divisions. In the East, the São Paulo live.” Wendy M. Smith, Ed.D. (11) 3885.7256
Storm, Rio de Janeiro Imperadores and They also have a growing legion Learning Specialist (11) 9236.5267
the Sorocaba Vipers compete. In the of loyal fans and are expecting a

10 FORUM November

Thriving in The Ex-Pat Experience: You and Brasil
Yo
You’ve read dozens
of online blogs,
accounts of living
ac
abroad, perhaps
ab
even a book or
ev
two on the “Ex-
tw
pa
pat Edge” or some
su
such thing.
These anecdotes,
stories, and
By Matthew Van Lokeren,
Lokeren examples have
AmSoc member helped quell some
of your anxiety a bit, but is it enough
for you? Do you sense there is more
to merely enduring each day? Could
there be new and exciting experiences
waiting for you in this new environment
which you may not be having for some
reason or another?
I will tell you that I write to you as
the following, in no particular order: an
Ex-pat two times over in the last two
years, a new Ex-pat of five months in
Brazil, a father of two young children,
a psychologist, and just a regular guy
trying to make his way, enjoy, and
support his family here in Sao Paulo.
I found myself arriving here,
reluctantly, as the spouse of a native
Paulistana. We had met on neutral
ground, in Zurich, and lived as fellow
Ex-pats for four years there. However,
when the fates led us here to her home
city the dynamic was altered quite
dramatically.
I found myself somewhat afraid,
dependent, alone, and in deep waters,
one might say. Not to mention I did not
speak Portuguese, was attempting to
begin my work from scratch, and knew
no one outside of our little family.
Having undergone a recent Ex-pat
transplant a few years earlier, I felt that
my only chance was to employ some of
the principles demanded of me at that
time. These are what I hope to share.
My first observation upon realizing
that I was living in Sao Paulo was how
chaotic, disordered, and unstructured it
was. It was my natural reaction -- being
in a state of heightened insecurity,
anxiety, and disorientation -- that I
strove to take control and make things
happen on my own terms. And yet,
this is precisely the opposite response I
2009
should have had, because it is a reaction,
and not a response.
It was only when I surrendered to
my surroundings, the conditions as they
were and the fact that nothing would
happen except on it’s own terms, that
I was able to take in and comprehend,
if even a little, where I was and what
actions or nonactions were required
of me.
This reminds me of the one most
common pieces of advice I heard from
Ex-pats about living here: “Drink
more.” That, and “Relax, and don’t
compare” were by far and away the
most common admonishments from
veteran Ex-pats living in Brazil.
Certainly, drinking is only a temporary
solution to a more permanent problem,
but the relaxing is what I am referring
to mainly. Perhaps it is to trust the
process you have been put into and let
it guide you.
Regarding comparing, we all come
to Brazil missing something, harboring
and trying to contain the saudades for
our previous life and relationships.
What has seemed to quell those very
deep heart-felt emotions is finding
similarities. What I mean is again,
perhaps the opposite of what we might
do – making comparisons, and thereby
judgements about differences.
An example: I moved from the
U.S. where playing basketball was an
integral part of my fitness routine and
enjoyment. I came to Brazil knowing
that soccer was the predominant sport
and that Brazilians did not play basquete
The American Society
of São Paulo
much. So, I resigned myself to running
in Ibirapuera nearly every day. After
a few weeks, I noticed that the same
group of men, nearly my age, were
getting together there and playing
basketball, and were quite good at it.
I continued to watch, mainly making
judgments.
One day, I walked over and in my
best, broken Portuguese asked if they
would take another man. They were
happy I came by. Not only do I now
play three to four times per week with
them, but I’ve become friends and have
lunch occasionally with the group.
Furthermore, I have learned a great deal
from them about Brazil’s customs, the
work environment, music venues, and
even how to be more tranquilo.
My point is, seek out and make
connections in the same arenas from
which you came. You will be surprised
how much translates! And, it will
probably help you enjoy the differences
between cultures.
Lastly, I would say that any change
this dramatic has to be considered
an initiation, of sorts. You have been
thrust into a strange and sometimes
bizarre world. Have some patience, be
kind to yourself, and try and adopt a
“beginner’s mind.” The more you do,
the more you will enjoy.
And, if none of that works, by all
means, have a caipirinha.
Matthew offers psychotherapy and
various groups for Ex-pats from his
Sao Paulo office. Contact him at
mvanlokeren@yahoo.com .
FORUM 11
 Left-handed twins need apply: cool scholarships
and how to get them
Beautiful campus, check. Excellent
majors, check. A way to pay for it, oh boy.
Though most high school seniors are
in the throes of the college application
process at this point in the year, their
parents are no doubt thinking much
further ahead to the tuition bills that are
forthcoming. Though seemingly far off,
it will soon be what school folks refer to
woefully as “Financial Aid Season.”
Financial Aid Season officially begins
on Jan. 1, the first day on which families
can submit the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The
FAFSA is used in the U.S. to determine
how much need-based aid a family
should be eligible for, as well as their
Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
However, those in the know begin
the search for outside aid much earlier.
Outside aid is made up of any non-
federal award that a student receives
toward their higher education costs.
These awards are based on a variety
of specific criteria determined by the
organization sponsoring the award. The
easiest method to search for outside
awards is to head to the Web. Several
well-established scholarship search
engines can provide easy access to the
thousands of awards given out each year.
FastWeb.com is one of the most
reputable scholarship search sites, and
has been used by more than 34 million
people in the past 15 years. FastWeb
allows users to complete a biographical
profile and academic/interests inventory
that are used to help the site search
through its scholarship database and
direct users to appropriate awards. Once
a person completes a profile, FastWeb
will continually notify that student about
any new scholarships that match their
profile. It’s then the responsibility of the
student to pursue awards of interest.
Other sites that allow users to search
through databases of current opportunities
available include Scholarships.com and
FinancialAidFinder.com. It’s important
to note that ALL scholarship applications
should be free of charge. If a listing
includes a fee for applying, it’s most
12 FORUM
likely a scam,
scam even if it’s just $1
$1.
Now, for the fun stuff. Everyone has
heard of outlandish scholarships that
are offered for things such as being left
handed (It’s true! Check out the Juniata
College (PA) Frederick and Mary F.
Beckley Scholarship for southpaws). It’s
also a fact that if your last name happens
to be Baxendale, Hudson, Thayer,
Downer or Bright, Harvard has a
scholarship for you. If you’re one of a pair
you should check out the scholarships
for twins at Lake Erie College (OH),
Carl Albert State College (OK), or
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College.
Here are a few lesser known, and
creative, awards that you might also
want to consider:
The Life in a Flying House Scholarship
is sponsored by Clements International,
an insurance company for expats
(www.expatyouthscholarship.com).
Applicants must be ages 12-18 and have
spent at least two years living outside
their home country to be eligible. The
contest offers three awards ranging from
$500-$3,000 and are awarded based
on an essay and creative media contest
(including photography, paintings,
or video) in which participants share
their experiences of living in a foreign
country.
For those students who have a raging
sweet tooth, the American Association of
Candy Technologists (AACT) sponsors
the John Kitt Memorial Scholarship
By Kristina L. Dooley, AmSoc member
(www.aactcandy.org/aactscholarship.
asp), a $5,000 award for students with a
“demonstrated interest in confectionery
technology.” How might one measure
this, you ask? You don’t have to surround
yourself with Oompa Loompa’s, but you
do have to be a college sophomore,
jjunior or senior majoring in food
science, chemical science, or biological
science at an accredited North American
university.
Looking for a more relaxing
scholarship? Then try the Tea Council
of the USA’s “Calm-a-Sutra of
Tea” competition (www.teausa.org/
calmasutra/). Entrants must create an
original, one- to two-minute video about
a unique or creative way to drink tea,
along with a message about the health
benefits of tea (no specific brands may
be mentioned). After uploading the
video to YouTube, entrants then submit
the link along with their scholarship
application to the folks at the Tea
Council. Applicants must be at least 16
years of age and a legal resident of the
U.S. or Puerto Rico. The winning video
earns the creator a “steep” $15,000
award!
Scholarship searches can be time
consuming. Students should start as
early as their sophomore or junior year
as many applications have early senior-
year deadlines. However daunting this
process can be, the rewards make it
worth the effort.
Kristina Dooley is the founder of
Estrela Consulting, an Independent
Educational Consulting firm helping
families navigate the college and
boarding school search processes. A
former college admission counselor,
Kristina enjoys sharing her “behind the
scenes” tips with families embarking
on this exciting experience. Kristina
and her husband, Greg, relocated
from Ohio to Sao Paulo in 2008 and
are AMSOC members. Kristina can
be reached via email at Kristina@
EstrelaConsulting.com or online
at www.EstrelaConsulting.com.
November

Volunteer of
the Month
A
Argentinean-born
Maria Cavallin has
M ficer for AmSoc´s Community Action
ddiscovered enor-
mous satisfaction
m “I was asked to help at last year’s
vvolunteering at
the orphanage Vila
th
Acalanto once a
A the kids open their presents, the look
w
week and helping
oout over the past
few months with
fe
preparations for Am
AmSoc’s Christmas
Angel Party.
Guide for moving Brazilians to the United States
By Mike Whipple, vice consul, American Citizen Services, U.S. Consulate General
If you are an American citizen planning
to move to the United States permanent-
ly, your Brazilian spouse (and children)
must first obtain an immigrant visa prior
to traveling. The process for obtaining
the visa can appear daunting. But with
some prior planning and preparation,the
process can be stress-free. It´s a goal of
the U.S. State Department to make this
process as efficient as possible while
maintaining its integrity. The follow-
ing is a general outline to help achieve
that goal.
A multi-step process
Obtaining the proper visa to move
to the U.S. permanently is a multi-step
process. First the American citizen (the
“petitioner”) files a petition with the De-
partment of Homeland Security (DHS)
requesting permission to apply for an
immigrant visa on behalf of his/her
qualified relatives (the “beneficiaries”).
Next, the U.S. Consulate General in Rio
de Janeiro will contact the petitioner and
beneficiaries. In the case of the spouse,
minor child or parent of an American
citizen, the wait is usually only a few
months. The wait for a sibling or an
adult child of an American is signifi-
cantly longer.
The next step is to gather the required
documentation. The Rio Consulate will
request information and documentation
from the petitioner and beneficiaries.
2009
Maria began volunteering at orphan-
ages in China several years ago, when
her husband’s job took the family there
from the U.S. where they had been liv-
ing for 15 years. Since moving to Brazil,
she has become very active in AmSoc
and will soon become the liaison of-
Committee.
Christmas Angel Party and it had a big
impact on me,” Cavallin said. “Seeing
of joy as they pulled out socks and
sneakers, such simple things made them
so happy. The party is a real community
service.”
This year, Cavallin has been helping
In addition to the documentation, ben-
eficiaries will have to have a medical
exam. This exam must be conducted
by Consulate approved physician. Also,
adult beneficiaries will need to obtain a
police report. The U.S. Consulate in Rio
may require additional documents, for
example military certificates for male
beneficiaries.
The last major step in the process is
the interview with an American officer.
All immigrant visa interviews take place
at the U.S. Consulate in Rio. The officer
will determine whether the relationship
between the petitioner and beneficiary
is valid and qualifies for an immigrant
visa. The officer will ensure that all the
paperwork is in order. Another respon-
sibility that the officer has is to confirm
the beneficiary doesn’t have any ineli-
gibilities that would prohibit the U.S.
government from issuing a visa. Once
the officer verifies a qualified relation-
ship, has all the paperwork in order
and has confirmation that the petitioner
doesn’t have an ineligibility, he will is-
sue the visa.
Role of the U.S. Consulate General
in Sao Paulo
As is evident by the preceding ex-
planation, most of the immigrant visa
process takes place at the U.S. Consulate
in Rio. However, we do have a role here
in Sao Paulo.
The American Society
of São Paulo
to recruit and organise the volunteers
and has been instrumental in getting
donations for the event. At Vila Acalanto,
she helps the teachers and nuns to take
care of the children and plays with them.
“It’s a way of giving something
back to the country that is hosting you
and there are so many places that need
help,” said Cavallin, who adds that as a
housewife she has some extra time on her
hands to be able to volunteer. She also
feels that volunteering at the Christmas
Angel Party helped her teenagers realise
just how lucky they are.
“We are part of a privileged society;
volunteering brings you back down to
earth and reminds you of the realities
of life.”
Most petitions for immigrant visas are
filed in the United States. But if the peti-
tioner has been residing in Brazil legally
for over six months, he/she may submit
the petition in Brazil. That is where the
Consulate General in Sao Paulo comes
in. We are able to accept the petition
and the accompanying payment at the
American Citizen Services section at
the Sao Paulo Consulate. Simply visit
us at www.consuladoamericanosp.org.
br and click on “U.S. Citizen Services”
to make an appointment. At the time
of the appointment, the petitioner and
beneficiary will submit the petition, pay
the fee and have an initial interview with
an American officer.
Odds and ends
Here are a couple more suggestions
to ensure a smooth process. Be excep-
tionally diligent when gathering your
documents and completing the required
forms. Before submitting documents,
be sure to check for completeness and
accuracy. This will help you avoid un-
necessary delays.
It is also important to plan your travel
soon after the issuance of the visa as the
visa is valid for a maximum of six months.
The U.S. Consulate General in Sao
Paulo is pleased to play a part in this
life-changing process. If you have other
questions, please email immigrationrio@
state.gov or visit www.uscis.gov.
FORUM 13

H ousing
Apartment for Rent
Entire 6th floor of apartment building;
220 square meters, 3 rooms, ample sitting/
dining room, service and kitchen areas,
maid’s room, 2 elevators, garage. Central
location. Rua Visconde Ouro Preto 165,
Next to SPAC – São Paulo Athletic Club.
Available as of November 2009. Rent
3000. Tels. 5044.8803/3256.8576
galina@amcham.com.br
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.
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 ex-
tensive private practice in Chicago and
former therapist at the Family Institute at
Northwestern University. Treats individu-
als, 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 hcbgarman@aol.com.
American-Licensed Psychologist
Richard Morhaime, Psy.D. offers skilled
psychotherapy for children and adults. He
also provides complete diagnostic evalua-
tions in English for children with academic
14 FORUM
or behavioral difficulties, featuring indi-
vidualized 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, peo-
ple often feel stressed and overwhelmed
with no place to turn. Psychotherapy/coun-
seling 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/adoles-
cent.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 jean.chris@uol.com.br. Embu
Guaçu, São Paulo.
Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
Trust on Sani-Dry to clean your car-
pets, area rugs, upholstery and drapery.
Commercial & Residential. Call Now!
Proudly Serving São Paulo City & Met-
ropolitan Area. www.sani-dry.com.br
(11)7870-4296 (11) 3735-2854
F1 Serviços Automotivos
General mechanic: electronic ignition,
CLASSIFIEDS
air bag, suspension, steering, brakes,
battery, alternator, fuel pump Complete
pre-purchase car inspection Av. Eliseu de
Almeida 1018 - Butantã tel. 3721-1256
email: f1mecanica@terra.com.br English
and Spanish spoken “Honest, fast and
impeccable service” – recommended by
AmSoc member Mark Abrams
For Sale
For sale: 2005 land rover (blindado),
discovery 3 hse v8, excellent condition,
sale by owner - recently returned to us,
60,000 kilometers, new tires, brakes &
windshield, blindagem level 3a by hp2,
priced @ r$90m, cristiane, 3365.5671,
cristiane.fernandes@intel.com
Math and Science Tutor
Former Graded and Chapel teacher, with
20-years experience, tutors Math, Phys-
ics, 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 help-
ing the future parents of TWIN BOYS to
find items necessary for this adventure.
Required among other necessities is pri-
marily 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 andre.remy@alpina.com.
br. 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
contact Daniela Franco at (11) 9739-6191
or dsf29@hotmail.com
Psychotherapist for Ex-Pats
Serving Adults, Children, and Families
(also couples) struggling with all adjustment
issues. Specializing in issues of divorce,
separation, and reconciliation. Many years
experience with drug/ alcohol issues.
November
 The American Society
CALENDAR of São Paulo

For more information about this month’s AmSoc events (highlighted), visit www.amsoc.com.br.
IMPORTANT DATES: 02 All-souls’ Day (BR) - 15 Proclamation of the Republic Day (BR) - 20 Black Conscience Day (BR)
November 2009 - 26 Thanksgiving Day (US)

At the Grand Hyatt Sao Paulo.

Make-A-Wish Brasil Gala 7:30 p.m. Cocktail, auction, dinner, live music. Cost: R$250 per ticket.
6 Friday
Dinner Reservation with Renata at the Make-A-Wish Brasil office - Tel.
5081-3601.
1st Annual Charity Basketball Tournament
For registration or more information contact Don Hunter at
7 Saturday AmSoc Tennis Tournament
dhunterh2o@yahoo.com or 9198-7706, or John Kennedy at
9951-9103.
11 Wednesday INC Red Rose Visit www.newcomers-sp.com.br.
12 Thursday CIWS Luncheon Visit www.ciws.com.br.
INC Kidstuff Bazaar - 3rd
13 Friday Visit www.newcomers-sp.com.br.
Edition!
14 Saturday AmSoc X-Mas Angel Party Visit www.angelparty2009.blogspot.com
Music at Fellowship Com-
21 Saturday Works by Cambini, WFE Bach, J Haydn.
munity Church
21 Saturday Marine Corps Ball Learn more in this issue, or contact maganfc@state.gov
AmSoc Thanksgiving Ecu-
24 Tuesday Visit amsoc.com.br to learn more.
menical Service
25 Wednesday INC Monthly Luncheon Visit www.newcomers-sp.com.br.
AmSoc Thanksgiving Trip Nov 26 – 29.Learn more in this issue, visit amsoc.com.br or contact
26 Thursday
to Rio Alan Blau at 9970-8727.
AmSoc Softball Tourna- Amsoc Softball Tournament – Round 6.
28 Saturday
ment From noon to 4 p.m. at Chapel School.

29 Sunday Vivenda da Criança

Children’s charity celebrates 20 years with this annual lunch and
auction. See story in this issue to learn more.

USA licensed as MFT. Jungian Analyst
experienced in Sandtray, Dreamwork
(groups also), and Cognitive/ Behavioral
therapy.Please call/ email Matthew: 7734
5793 or mvanlokeren@yahoo.com for a
free initial consultation.
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.
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, 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.
Selling Up
Go with a pro! We have been selling
household goods for families, individuals,
com or zaquie@zaquie.com or call (11)
5908-1144 or (61) 9211-1819. Ask for Ms.
Zaquie Meredith.
Taylor Real Estate
Luxury spacious houses, apartments and
penthouses Sales and rentals. Ten years
experience with expatriates. Furnished
and unfurnished. Trilingual Real Estate
agents. References from consulates and
multinationals. Photos sent by email.
Relocation Service. Consult the site: www.
taylorimoveis.com. E Mail - taylor@
taylorimoveis.com Phone: 5511 3079
8888 and 5511 8774 5100 (Maria Elisa)
A classified of up to 50 words costs R$40 for AmSoc members and R$75 for non-
Classified
Place a

ANGELS EXPAT CARE. and companies for 17 years in São Paulo members. To place a classified please call (11) 5182-2074 from 8:30 a.m. until 1
p.m., or send an e-mail to amsoc1@americansociety.com.br.
Tel: +55-11-3624-9236. and nine in Brasilia for embassies. We
Cel +55-11-9101-4390. have hundreds of pre-selected clients
Our Readers
A Note to

Forum does not check all of the advertisers appearing in this newsletter. We urge
contato@angels-expatcare.com. wanting to buy from you, safe and sound! you to use these services; however, thoroughly check prices and services prior to
finalizing any service or purchase agreement.
www.angels-expatcare.com. Send an e-mail to meredithsales@zaquie.

2009 FORUM 15

Black and white and egg-salad
sandwiches – supporting the underdog
A
About two months But one day a few months ago, I joined
ago, I became a
ag the downtrodden. Why?
C
Corinthiana. First, I became friends with two lovely
This was big. It Corinthianos, Luca and Clay -- certainly
would have been
w not toothless criminals. They’re great
easier to tell my hus-
ea guys and fanatics about the Timão. Then,
band Riccardo that
ba Corinthians inspired all of us who are a
I wanted a divorce few pounds overweight and past our prime
than to break this to
th by hiring 33-year-old Ronaldo, the high-
By Sue Banman Sileci, hhim. “No! You’re est goal scorer in the history of the World
AmSoc member kidding, right? Come Cup, three-time winner of the FIFA player
on. You’re joking. Say you’re joking.” He of the year award and, till that moment,
then stared at me with his mouth open, widely considered over the hill. Finally,
shook his head, asked again if I was serious through research about Carandiru prison, I
and left the room. The good news is, he’s learned that one of the Corinthians official
not a fanatic about his team. It could have fan clubs, Pavilhão 9, started as a charity
been much worse. that promoted informal games against in-
If you’re new to São Paulo, you might mates. Their mascot is a Beagle Boy (the
not know why this is a big deal. There are criminals constantly trying to rob Donald
three main soccer teams in this city. There’s Duck’s uncle). I find that kind of goofiness
the São Paulo Futebol Clube, whose sta- pretty irresistible.
dium is just up the street, here in Morumbi. So there I was, a newbie Corinthiana,
Making sweeping generalizations, they’re getting an official team shirt for my birth-
sorta-kinda the team of the upper classes. day and putting up with plenty of heckling.
Then there’s Sociedade Esportiva Palmei- It was time to see a game at the stadium.
ras, founded by members of the Italian I got plenty of warnings in advance.
community. They’re noisy, devoted and Make sure you go with someone big
dressed in green. and strong. Don’t sit in the cheap sec-
Finally, there’s Sport Club Corinthians tion. Don’t go when they’re playing São
Paulista, the constant underdog. Sixty Paulo or Palmeiras. Don’t get involved in
percent of the entire of state of São Paulo fights. Stay away from organized cheer-
passionately supports Corinthians, the vast ing sections like Gaviões. Run if you hear
majority belonging to the middle and lower shooting.
classes. They’re ridiculed as the team of There was a game against Atlético
the convicts, the poor, the toothless and Paranaense coming up and it looked tame
the long-suffering. Typical jokes about enough for Clay, Luca and I to buy our
Corinthians fans go like this: If you see a tickets. Nearing the stadium, we joined
Corinthiano riding a bike down the street, up with fellow Corinthians. They beat all
why don’t you run him over? Because the stereotypes: they had teeth, they weren’t
bike might be yours. hooligans and they had grandmothers and
FLIPSIDE
children in tow. In the stadium parking
lot, the different cheering sections were
playing drums, dancing and singing, but
no one was getting beat up.
As we settled into our seats, I enjoyed
the pre-game activities. These included a
trip to the port-a-potty bathroom at field
level, cheering our goalie as he warmed
up, buying water and eating homemade egg
salad sandwiches, watching the different
organized cheering sections unroll their
huge banners (stadium-sized T-shirts that
covered entire sections) and booing Atlé-
tico Paranaense as they took the field.
Corinthians lost 3-1 but that’s OK. The
live game experience was so different from
watching the Denver Broncos play. For
example, after Atlético made its first goal,
the entire stadium sat in stunned silence
and then suddenly everyone began singing
a love song – something along the lines
of “We love you! / Keep going! / Don’t
worry! / It’s OK!” Cheers were shouted
with arms raised, fans beseeching the team
like evangelical preachers. The cheering
sections never stopped cheering, especially
Gaviões, who sang and waved their ban-
ners even through the national anthem.
It wasn’t all clean and pretty. The com-
ments I heard got more graphic as the score
went from bad to worse. In the beginning,
most comments involved the streetwalking
lives of the refs’ mothers. Later, we heard
more about the manner in which refs were
born to these mothers and much about male
body parts and secretions which contrib-
uted to the conception. There were even
suggestions as to where inside their bodies
the refs could put their bad decisions.
All in all, it was a marvelous evening.
My Timão might not be winning this par-
ticular championship but there’s always
the next one. Until then, here’s the song
I’m struggling to memorize: “Aqui tem um
bando de louco / Louco por ti Corinthians /
Aqueles que acham que é pouco / Eu vivo
por ti Corinthians!”