February 2018 FORUM

February 2018
Wrapping Up 2017 With Good Will & Cheer
by Carolyn Wong, AmSoc Member
The end-of-year members-only Holiday
Party took place on December 9, 2017, at
8pm in Chácara Flora. Perfectly clear and
balmy night skies permitted guests to enjoy
the outdoor gardens throughout the evening.
Many thanks to member Marlene Rubeiz, for
helping to plan the party, lending decorations,
and preparing her family eggnog recipe for
everyone, as well as to the FORUM’s Managing
Editor, Jackie Wyant, who came early to help out!
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A "pre-party" began at 3pm, when volunteers
gathered to decorate and prepare for the
evening’s festivities. Isabel Franco, our
generous hostess for a second year in a row, was
there to oversee setup, taking time out of her
busy schedule. Isabel, a top-ranked attorney,
has been a dedicated Board Member for over
5 years. All of the guests appreciated her warm
welcome to celebrate the holidays together
in her lovely home, and her enthusiastic
participation and encouragement of the crowd
in signing traditional Christmas carols. Richard
Wegman, AmSoc's President, assisted Isabel in
welcoming guests and lending his fine voice to
the carols! Other board members were also on
hand to greet guests upon their arrival.
A highlight of this year's party was a
performance by member Kathryn Owens. A
past American Idol contestant, performer,
and teacher, Kathryn delighted the crowd
with her rendition of the American Christmas
tune 'Santa Baby', a song originally recorded
by African-American singer Eartha Mae Kitt
in 1953. Kathryn beautifully led everyone in
caroling other holiday favorites.
Many members answered the call for
donations to youth organizations served by
AmSoc, bringing much needed towel and milk
donations to the party. The organizations were
very grateful to receive these items.
As usual, the Julieta Zaccaro Band put
on a wonderful performance in a diverse
combination of musical styles, including a
tango and ‘The Girl from Ipanema’. Glasses
were kept filled and guests were treated
to innovative dishes by Julio Perinetto
Gastronomy.
The party is such a special annual event due to
the teamwork of the Board, volunteers, office
staff, and members. Thank you to Isabel and
to everyone who participated. We hope to see
you at the next Holiday party! §
All Holiday Party photos courtesy of
Vasco J. Rodgrigues. Thank you!
For more photos of the event, visit our
website at amsoc.com.br/photo-gallery.
Who is going to win the Oscar for Best Picture in 2018?
And the nominees are...
Will it be The Post or Lady Bird? Best Picture
nominations will soon be announced, and
our Cinema Clube will gather here in São
Paulo to see them!
To subscribe to our group mailing list,
email cinemaclube@amsoc.com.br. You
will receive date and time options. Join us
for the movies you are interested in!
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter