#1/2021 FORUM

#1/2021
TheAmericanSocietyofSãoPaulo
EVENTS
Mar 13 WomenWork:WineWorkshop
theFORUM
newsletter
DistancedandApartbutCloseatHeart
ByNatalieDellaRosa,CACChair
The year has been arduous for everyone, especially for the kids that live in the group
homesthatTheAmericanSocietysupports.Duringthispandemic,thelivesofthechildrenremainconfinedinsidethewallsoftheirresidences.
In these trying times, AmSoc has still been able to show how much we care. For example,
each month since the start of the pandemic, we found sponsors for a special pizza dinner
deliveredtothehomes.Thesenightsareahugehit:often,theyareusedtocelebratebirthdays
or achievements. The kids especially love knowing that someone on the outside is
thinkingofthemandwishingthemwell.
In addition to the Pizza Nights, members made generous donations of physical items. The
homesreceivedmuch-neededitemssuchasawashingmachine,arefrigerator,andlaptops
tohelpthekidswithonlinelearning.Theyalsoreceivedabasketballhoopandaninflatable
pooltohelpthemrelaxandhavesomefun.Thesedonationsareamassivehelptotheorganizationsandshowthekids(andstaff)thatwecareabouttheirwell-beingandeducation.
Wealsowereabletohelpquicklyhelpinemergencies.Someofourmembershavecontributed
both monthly or ad hoc to our American Little Cow Fund, which we started in 2020.
(Little Cow is a play on the name vaquinha in Portuguese, a common name for these kinds
offunds.)TheAmericanLittleCowisafundthatwehavesetasidetohelpthegrouphomes
withemergencyfinances.Forexample,whentwonewbabiesarrivedattheABBAhome,we
quicklysentthemoneyneededtobuyinfantmilkandbottles.Thehomesgreatlyappreciate
ourcapacitytopitchinandhelpinastressfulmoment.
WecouldnothaveourtraditionalAngelPartylastyear,butthecommitteeraisedfunds,collectedbags,wentshopping,andthenSantaClausdeliveredthegiftsonDecember5.Itwas
anexcitingday!(Readmoreaboutitonpage5.)
AttheendofJanuary,LarTiaEdnawasabletoopenupforavolunteertohostaworkshop
intheiroutdoorspace.Thekidslovedtheircookiedecoratingclass,hostedbythetalented
cakeartistLucianaTrafani@LuckCupcake.
Finally,throughprogramslikeourHelpingHands,SendaHugCookiecampaign,raffles,and
generous donations from members and friends, we raised money to continue to send fun
activitiesintothegrouphomesandprepareforbrighterdayswhenwecanbetogether.We
aregoingtodeliverEasterorspring-themedcraftsattheendofMarch.Additionally,weare
planning gardening projects, teen workshops, and dance classes. It was a difficult year for
everyone,buttogetherwemadeadifference.§
Mar 17 St.Patrick’sDayHappyHour
Mar 25 ATasteofIndiaCookingClass
Apr
Apr
03 OnlineLiveEasterExperience
29 AnnualGeneralMeeting
Sep 18 AnnualGala
Howcanyouhelp?
Sponsor a Special Dinner Night or
partner with friends to sponsor a
night together. A dinner costs
R$300.
Reach out to us if you have any
appliances, laptops, furniture,
clothes, or other useful items to
donate
Consider making a monthly or a
one-time donation to the
AmericanLittleCowFund.
SignuptobeaSMILEprogramvolunteeratsmile@amsoc.com.br.
Do you have a fun talent? Host a
workshop.
Haveatalentedfriend?Askthemif
theywouldliketohostaworkshop.
Contactuswithanyideasyouhave
or for more information on how to
helpoutatcharity@amsoc.com.br.
Coverimage:aerialviewofSãoPaulocity
Courtesyof:JacksonDavid

#1/2021
ByPatriciaCampbell,President
Hello, friends! I hope you, your family and friends are healthy
andthat2021hasstartedoffwellforallofyou.AtAmSoc,our
Board of Governors and office staff have started the year
working hard to make this a special one for our members; to keep
buildinguponourhistoryasa70-year-oldnonprofitorganization.
We are lucky to have a very energetic Board of Governors, with a
myriad of ideas and talents, and we hope to bring you as much as
we can in the form of events, entertainment, relevant information
about São Paulo and possibilities of creating memories with your
family and friends. Remember that we are your Board, and that we are here, as volunteers,
foryouandourcommunity.
This year, we already had our first campaign to raise funds for our SMILE program, which
funds activities for our charities, through the Send-A-Hug Valentine’s Day Cookies. Right
after we launched it, we received a message that made us so happy: “AmSoc makes it so
easy for me to do something special for my kids for the American holidays.” This is one of
themanythingswestrivetodo!Whatarethesortsofcampaignsoreventsthatwouldmake
youhappy?
Wewouldloveyourinput,ideasandsuggestionsbutalso,yoursupport!Yourinvolvement
canbeindifferentshapesorforms,suchas:
• participating in one of our many committees: social (including sports and family
events),networking,andphilanthropy
• introducingustocorporatepartnersand/orsponsors.Wewouldlovetomakemore
connectionswithAmericancompaniesoranycompanyforthatmatter.Doyouhave
acorporatecontactthatyouthinkcouldbeagoodmatchforus?
• supporting us through our campaigns, raffles and events. Maybe you can’t participatefinanciallyorbetherephysicallyatanevent,buthowaboutpassingalongthe
informationtoyourgroupsoffriends?
• following us on social media (see the ‘Our Mission’ box below). You don’t want to
missoutonanything!
TheBoardalreadyhasmanysurprisesinstoreforyou.AlthoughthisyearwestillhaveCovid-
19aroundandcannotgobacktonormalcyjustyet,wewillhelpyoucelebratemanyofthe
important holidays; St Patrick’s and Easter are just around the corner, make sure you don’t
miss out! And be on the lookout for fun happy hours, cooking classes, networking events,
volunteeringopportunitiesandmuchmuchmore!
Iamlookingforwardtoayearfilledwithactionandsatisfaction.Iwishyouandyoursmuch
happiness,health,prosperityandhope.PleasejoinusinmakingAmSocthebestitcanbe!
Withmywarmestwishes,
PatriciaC.Campbell
President’sLetter
We’reHereForYou&OurCommunity
OUR MISSION: The American Society of São Paulo (AmSoc) promotes
friendshipbyorganizingsocial,cultural,andathleticeventsforitsdiverse
membership;encouragesintegrationwiththeBraziliansociety;andsupports
the American traditions of education, philanthropy, and volunteerism.
RuadaPaz,1431,ChácaraSantoAntonio,04713-001,SãoPaulo,SP
Tel:(11)5182-2074/Fax:(11)5182-9155/www.amsoc.com.br
facebook.com/amsocsp/linkedin.com/company/amsocsp/@amsocsp
BoardofGovernors
President
PatriciaCampbell
president@amsoc.com.br
VicePresident
MalcolmMacdonald
Malcolm.Macdonald@amsoc.com.br
Treasurer
JorelGuilloty
treasurer@amsoc.com.br
ExecutiveSecretary
StephenPenney
stephen.penney@amsoc.com.br
Athletics&Sports
JohnMota(Youth)
John.Mota@amsoc.com.br
RicardoArikawa(Adult)
athletics@amsoc.com.br
BusinessNetworking
IsabelFranco
EliasGedeon
FernandaGedeon
LucyNunes
networking@amsoc.com.br
CommunityActionCommittee(CAC)
NatalieDellaRosa
charity@amsoc.com.br
CorporateSponsorship
RuthHollard
SeanHutchinson
sponsorships@amsoc.com.br
DigitalEvents/Social
RicardoArikawa
ricardo.arikawa@amsoc.com.br
MalcolmMacdonald
Malcolm.Macdonald@amsoc.com.br
Gala2021
ManuelaMoreno
Manuela.moreno@amsoc.com.br
Marketing
KristiHendrickson
Kristi.Hendrickson@amsoc.com.br
PhilMiler
Phil.miler@amsoc.com.br
Membership
members@amsoc.com.br
Dr.EvelynLanka
evelyn.lanka@amsoc.com.br
Welcoming
LyndaPerdigon
welcoming@amsoc.com.br
2
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

NewMembers
#1/2021
WelcometoOur2021NewMembers
Wethankallofourmembersfortheirsupport.Notamember?Jointoday!Visitamsoc.com.br/membership.
Name Partner Natl. Area Company Email
AnaBeatriz Prudente Brazilian Liberdade anabeatrizprudente@usp.br
ElisaVillastrigo American Moema U.S.Embassy&ConsulatesinBrazil butterflytia271@gmail.com
JohannMathiasVonBernuth CristianeVonBernuth mvonbernuth@icloud.com
JohnRoder American BrooklynPark roder.john@gmail.com
KhahimJohnson DeniseAraujoLapa American Itaim khahim@gmail.com
LauraRoyster American Pinheiros AvenuesWorldSchool expat.royster@gmail.com
MarciaDavis Brazilian Moema mdelraso@aol.com
MarizaMonteiro SoldiVeraciEnterprises themarizamonteiro@gmail.com
MichaelArcidiacono JulieArcidiacono American FazendaSãoQuirino EscolaAmericanadeCampinas michael.arcidiacono@eac.com.br
RafaelaFigueiredoFerreira Brazilian Brooklyn Privalia rafaelaff@hotmail.com
StephanieMenezes Brazilian Liberdade stephanierms@hotmail.com
MeetMemberHeidiMcCollum!
Family members? My husband, Rodrigo
Espinosa.
Where were you born? I was born in
Muncie, Indiana but grew up in Dayton,
Ohio.Myhusband,Rodrigo,wasbornand
grewupinMexicoCity.
How long have you lived in Brazil? We
mostrecentlyarrivedinBrazilmid-2017.
Prior overseas assignments? MyfirstoverseasassignmentwasactuallyinBrazilfrom
2012-2014.
What recommendations do you have?
We live in Brooklin and have found great
empanadas at Casa Rosada and tapas at
Veríssimo. Our favorite pizza is from
Rossopomodoro. My favorite coxinhas are
fromRêCruztoGoinPinheiros!
Surprising fun fact about yourself? Werecently
started golf lessons! I am still
looking for a good fit in an instructor, so
recommendationsarewelcome!
Email: heidi.mccollum@gmail.com
MembershipBenefitsProgram
Asamember,youcanaccesstheAmericanSocietyofSãoPaulo’sMembershipBenefitsProgram,whichincludesdiscountsandpromotional
offersinmanyofSãoPaulo’sbestrestaurants,hotels,spas,medicalservices,andmore.Pleaseseethisissue’shighlightedoffersbelow.Our
fulllistofparticipatingorganizationsisalwaysavailableonlinehere:amsoc.com.br/membership-benefit
Salt&Unicorns
www.saltandunicorns.com
Specializing in 3 main categories: print design, illustration, and
editing work. Every job is unique, and every job quote is especiallytailoredtotheneedsoftheclient.Scheduleachatnowfor
afreeconsultationandcustomjobestimate.
Discount offer: 10%offtotalcost
EduardoMarmo
@dudubass
Eduardo is fluent in English and offers private music classes for
studentsofallagesthatwanttolearnguitar(electric,acousticor
bass).Noknowledgerequired.
Call(11)99543-1872oremailedumarmo@gmail.com
Discount offer: 1stlessonfree
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter 3

#1/2021
Travel,ThenandNow
ByHelenShaw
ConsulateCorner
Earlychildhoodmemoriesaregenerallyfuzzy,butIvividlyrememberthefirsttimeIflew
internationally.IwasfouryearsoldandmyfamilywasmovingfromtheUnitedStatesto
Brazil. I was so excited, I couldn’t wait. During the flight, the pilot invited my brother
andmetotourthecockpitandgaveuslittleairplanepinstoputonourt-shirts.Thefriendly
flight attendant snuck us ice cream from first class. And to me, sleeping in the airplane felt
likecamping.Iwasfilledwithasenseofchildlikewonder–suchanadventure!
Non-Emergencies:(11)3250-5000
(from1-2pmdaily)orsaopauloacs@state.gov
(lostpassports,repatriationofremains,SocialSecurity,minorhealthissues)
Almosttwenty-fiveyearslater,IonceagainfindmyselfinBrazil;thistime,asoneoftheofficers
on the American Citizen Services (ACS) team at the consulate in São Paulo. My team
andIunderstandthatthesedays,travelhasbecomemuchmorecomplex.Duetotheglobal
pandemic,manycountries(includingBrazilandtheUnitedStates)haveimposedtravellimitations.Thesenseofadventureandexcitementthatmayhavepreviouslyaccompaniedan
internationalflighthasbeenreplacedbyanxietyandstress.
The State Department’s travel advisory for Brazil is at Level 4: “Do Not Travel,” and should
you travel, you may experience one or more of the following: border closures, testing
requirements, airport closures, travel prohibitions, stay at home orders, business closures,
and other emergency conditions. If your travel is not urgent, we highly recommend you
postpone or cancel it. However, we understand that there are scenarios in which travel is
unavoidable.Althoughourin-personservicesarecurrentlylimited,theConsulateishereto
assist Americans with emergency situations that may arise. At the same time, you should
consider the strong possibility that if you travel, you may become stranded and unable to
returntowhereveryoucallhome.
If you must travel, we suggest that you carefully review the most current travel regulations
and restrictions, which you can find on the U.S. Embassy’s COVID-19 information page
(br.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/). We also suggest you check the State Department’s
current travel advisory level for Brazil (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/brazil-travel-advisory.html)
and enroll in the STEP, the Smart Traveler
Enrollment Program (step.state.gov/step/) to receive alerts and messages from us. And
don’t forget to make sure that your passport is valid! If you have further questions, contact
theConsulateforassistance.And,forgoodmeasure,followusonsocialmedia,too!
Fornow,Iwillreminisceaboutpasttravel,andlookforwardtothedaywhenIcansitatthe
airplanewindowandwatchthecloudspassbybelow,filledwithafamiliarsenseofwonder
and adventure. From all of us at the Consulate, we wish you safe (and healthy) time at
home.§
USCitizenContacts
Emergencies: (11)3250-5373
(incarceration,detainment,evacuation,
health)
@USCitsBrazil
TheofficialU.S.EmbassyTwitteraccountfor
American citizens in Brazil. The English feed
features daily tips and news for the expat
community.
The author in Rio de Janeiro, 1994 (left) and São Paulo, 2020 (right)
4
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

CAC
#1/2021
ThankYouforaChristmasLikeNoOther
BySueBanmanSileci,AngelPartyChair
In its 21st year, the American Society Angel Party looked much different than it has in any
other year. There were no crowds of volunteers, no buses of children arriving in matching
T-shirts,nogames,noprizes,nodancing,andnohugs.Thepandemicchangedeverything
exceptthechildren’sjoyatseeingSantaandtheirhappinesswiththeirgiftbags.
Afterseveralmonthsofgatheringdonationsandshopping,asmallgroupofvolunteersput
on masks and drove to Lar Tia Edna with Santa Claus to deliver presents. Then we drove
across town to Casa Limiar and ended the day at ABBA’s Casa Elohim. There was yummy
food all weekend; McDonald’s sent lunch, and Habib’s sent pizza, juice, and ice cream the
followingevening.Whileitwasn’tthewhiz-bangpartythey’reusedto,thekidswerestillvery
happy, and our small band of volunteers got to see some of our favorite children in their
homes.
Thank you to everyone who participated for yet another year. When the pandemic started,
we had no idea how we would pull off another great Christmas event. With the incredible
helpofourAmSoccommunityandfriends,wedidit.Thekidswereoverjoyed!
Firstofall,thankyoutoMcDonald’sfordonatinglunchonthedayoftheparty.Thechildren
hadburgersandfriesforlunchastheywaitedforSantaClaustoarrive.
ThankyoualsotoHabib’sforyetagaincomingthroughwithagenerousdonationofpizza,
juice,andicecream.Itwasawonderfultreatforeveryone!
SanriodoBrasildonatedseveralboxesofwonderfulclothesafewmonthsbeforetheparty,
whichhelpedkeepourshoppingexpensesdownandthecutefactorup!
Each child received a bag full of Barry Callebaut chocolate; a big deal every year, but this
yearespecially.
MembersofourAmericanSocietycommunityvolunteeredtomakedecoratedsugarcookiesforeachlocation.Thecookiesdidn’tlastlonginhomesfullofhappykids!
Super huge thanks to Maria Fischer, Christine Soares, and Lina Della Rosa, who sewed
around 60 unique drawstring backpacks for the children. Maria and Bart Fischer then
boughttoothbrushesandtoothpasteforeachchildtogowitheachpack.
Thank you also to Ronald Van Ballegooijen for taking wonderful pictures at each of the
homeswevisited.
Caterpillar,oneofourmostloyalandlovingfriends,yetagainsponsoredmanychildrenfor
theparty.Therestofthechildrenweresponsoredbyamazinglygenerouscommunitymembers
– either individuals, families, groups of friends or co-workers, schools, or community
organizations.
Wedidn’thaveourusualparty,butitwasagreatday.Thekids,sousedtothewallsoftheir
homes,werethrilledtohavevisitors,especiallyoneaswell-stockedasSanta.Still,wehope
the2021AngelPartywillbebacktonormal:big,loud,andfulloffunandhugs.§
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter 5

#1/2021
Let’sKeepConnecting
Events
ByMadeleineBlankenstein,BoardMember&Let’sConnectCommitteeMember
Hello everyone. Have you been missing our Let’s Connect meetings? Honestly, we
have.Virtualgatheringscannotfullyreplaceaface-to-facemeeting,ahug,asmile,or
beingpresentduringadiscussion.
However,thesearedifferenttimes,andweallneedtoprotectourselves.Wewillgetbackto
actualmeetingsassoonaswecan,mostprobablyin2022.
Weurgeyou,though,nottounderestimatethepowerofmakingconnections.Wecanalso
connectvirtually.Ifyouarenotyetpartofagroupthatsharesthesamepurposeasyoudo,
such as a book club, an investment club, group therapy, meditation, or sports, then build
oneyourself.
(Our sister organization INC has a great book club, where we have lively discussions about
differenttypesofbooksthatweread:fiction,non-fiction,abitlighter,abitheavier.Itisvery
enriching.)
All you have to have is a good internet connection, use Google Meet in your Gmail, send
the link to your attendees, and there you are. The same is true for birthdays, happy hours,
classes, or even a business connection. I agree with you that it is somehow tiring to attend
presentations.Youtendtogetdistractedor
even somewhat bored if the subject does
notgrabyourattention.
We are physically limited, unable to attend
events, visit relatives, or go to the movies,
butwecanpickupthephoneandconnect
with a friend to check how this person is
doing.
EasterisComing!
ByLyndaPerdigon,BoardMember
Hop, hop, hop; giggle, giggle; pitterpatter,
pitter-patter; this is what families
usually hear at our fun-filled
Easter event! Although virtual, this year will
stillbeafuntimethewholefamilycanexperience
together. A spiritual morning—or
whatevermaybeyourfamilytradition—the
big family Easter lunch, and we can not
leaveouttheEasteregghunt!
Easter is traditionally a day for spiritual
reflectionandaspecialvisitfromtheEaster
bunny. Spending time together dying
eggs, baking cupcakes, or decorating an
Easter basket is a fun way for families to
build memories they will always treasure.
The pandemic has proved difficult and
challenging for all of us, so a unique experience
to focus on family and laugh a little
will encourage us all—chocolate doesn’t
hurt either!
Aside from Valentine’s Day, Easter is a
chocolate lover’s dream. So much
chocolate: chocolate eggs large and small,
chocolatecookies,chocolatebrownies.And
let’s not forget those marshmallow pastel
Easterbunnies!
Also, we can connect to neighbors or even
to the friendly grocer across the street. Any
connection is valid, as we fulfill the need to
talk to people, share our feelings, and even
discusstrivialthings.
Connectionsbecomeevenmorecrucialfor
conducting business. We should not lose
track of people who share similar educational
backgrounds—philosophy, engineering,
medicine, whatever experience
you have or are trying to learn. However,
we should also make a conscious effort to
learn new things: to improve our knowledgeoflanguages,findactivitiestorelieve
stress, discover a new hobby, find out
wheretoinvestyourmoneyin2021,orhow
to save on taxes.
We can also connect with our inner selves.
Discover our weaknesses and strengths,
whatmakesushappyoranxious.
As you can see, there is a lot of power in
connecting. Even writing and reading the
FORUM is a method of connecting. Keep
upyourspirits!Wewillconnectface-to-face
in the future! And if you need us, please
reachouttous.§
TheAmericanSocietyEastercommitteehas
been working hard brainstorming and
planning a wonderful family Easter experience.
We are determined to bring family
and friends together safely to share the joy
ofEasterathome.
Even though it will be a different setting,
our goal is to provide the means to enjoy
EasterandletourAmericantraditionscontinue!
Games, eggs with surprises, family
activities, and most importantly, candy.
There may even be prizes! Keep an eye
out and bunny ears alert for our fun Easter
experience soon. §
6
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

GettoKnowUs
#1/2021
VolunteerSpotlight:NatalieDellaRosa
CompiledbyPatriciaCampbell,President
Natalie first became involved with AmSoc by sponsoring kids for the Angel Party. She
joinedtheAngelPartyCommitteeasCo-Chairin2018;theboardasCAC(Community
ActionCommittee)Chairin2020.ItiswonderfulworkingwithNatalieassheisdetermined,organized,detail-oriented,energeticandpoursherheartintoallshedoes.
Natalie graduated from Connecticut College and has an MBA from Thunderbird Graduate
SchoolinArizona.SheisanexperiencedBrandManagerinthepharmaceuticalindustry.NatalieandherhusbandParidemetinbusinessschoolin2000wheretheystudiedinternational
trade. Their curiosity to live and work abroad has taken the family to live in the US, Asia,
EuropeandLatinAmerica.Theyhavetwokids:Olivia(15)borninMiamiandNico(11)born
inSingapore.
In addition to AmSoc, Natalie currently sits on the boards of the Frick Pittsburgh Museum
and Graded School’s Parent Teacher Association. Natalie enjoys spending time with family
andfriendsandisalwaysbusywithcommunityactivitiessuchasteachingEnglishtounderprivileged
kids or cooking meals for the homeless. She also gets a lot of joy sharing her
AmericanheritagebyorganizingactivitiesaroundHalloweenandThanksgiving.Wefeelso
luckytohaveheronourboard!§
MeetOurAthletes
ByRicardoArikawa,AdultAthleticsCoordinator
JimMcGarr
ADULTSPORTS
Sports hero?
DavidIvy
Favorite sport?
Basketball
How old were you when you started?
Apparently I had a nerf hoop when I was a
toddler.
What’s your favorite team?
BostonCeltics
Best part about competing?
Camaraderie
What recommendations do you have?
Come out to the sports events whenever
the current pandemic passes. They’re fun
andyoudon’tneedtobegood(trustme!).
What is your favorite movie about sports?
Notamovie,butthenewLastDancedocumentaryonNetflixisalotoffun.
If you could be instantly skilled at any
sport, which would it be?
I’dbeadeadly3-pointshooter.
What other sport would you play, if you
could?
It would have to be soccer, to gain some
credibilityinBrazil.
Who do you wish was watching you
perform at every game or match?
My 20-month-old daughter Olivia, future
basketballstar.
Surprising sports fact about yourself?
I’d never played organized football until
joiningateaminmylate20s...inBrazil!
ContactAmSocOfficeStaff
Ourtalented,hard-workingstaffisavailable
between the hours of 10am and
3pm, Monday through Friday (excludingholidays).
Andrea Berce
OfficeManager
officemanager@amsoc.com.br
Julia Andreotti
Communications&EventsCoordinator
communications@amsoc.com.br
Bianca Arruda
Bookkeeper
accounting@amsoc.com.br
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter 7

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FORUM is published in print and online (amsoc.com.br/forum). Views expressed
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