#2/2021 FORUM

#2/2021
TheAmericanSocietyofSãoPaulo
EVENTS
Aug 18 TheFood&MoodConnection
theFORUM
newsletter
OurNewBeatforCharity
ByNatalieDellaRosa,CACChair
Inthelate1950s,therewassomethingnewandunusualdevelopinginRiodeJaneiro.Criticizedbysomeasbeingtoosoft,embracedbyothersasinnovative,BossaNovalaunched
theBrazilianmusicsceneintomodernpopularity.
Bringing to mind images of gentle ocean waves breaking along the beach line, Bossa
Nova—derived from the underlying beats in samba music—doesn’t have any dance steps
to accompany it. With influences of early American Jazz, Bossa Nova sways instead of
swinging.(Interestingly,inthe1960s,AmericanJazzwasinturninfluencedbyBossaNova.)
Both simple and sophisticated, Bossa Nova offers an escape from the confines of a pandemic-riddled
world with promises of sunny days to come. Close your eyes and you can
smelltheseaintheair,heartheclinkofglasses,seethefacesoffriends.TheAmericanSociety
of São Paulo offers you this and more at this year’s Annual Gala—all presented in an
excitingnewformat.
The world isn’t quite ready for the spectacle of our typical 350-person charity galas hosted
inelegantvenues.However,wecanofferarhythmtoeaseyouintoanewbeatoflife,aswell
as an epic party to reconnect with friends. Our Bossa Nova Pocket Gala will transport you
andyourguestsbackintimetothelate1950sinRiodeJaneiro.
Dust off your favorite outfit, make sure your sound system works, and prepare yourself for
theuniqueexperienceawaitingyouandyourguests.ThelushsoundsofBossaNovawillfill
yourhomeandtransportyouandyourfriendsintoanewold-fashionedworldtogether.§
Tolearnmoreaboutthisyear’sannualgala,andwhatyoucanlookforwardto,turntopage
6.Don’tneedtoknowanymore?Buyyourtablenowatwww.amsoc.com.br/gala2021.
Sep 18 AnnualGala
Oct
HalloweenEvent
Nov 25 ThanksgivingEvent
Nov
Dec
AngelParty
HolidayParty
Education&Philanthropy
A wonderful example of our ongoing
efforts to positively impact our
community is the Lar Tia Edna Career
Training workshop series, which
enabled a group of 6 students (between
the ages 13 and 17) to benefit
fromspecialtraining.
The course was designed and organized
by AmSoc board members and
faculty at FGV, Drs. Evelyn and Sanjay
Lanka,inpartnershipwithFGV-EAESP
students from the group Conexion
Social. Ana Luiza, Clara, José, Otto,
Sofia, and Vera, with support from Dr.
Evelyn Lanka, taught various course
modules such as personal financial
management, resume preparation,
interviewskillsandcareerplanning.
As a next step, students will attend a
pilot English training program at the
Poppet Gardens English school,
which is run as part of a consulting
project created by FGV students in
collaboration with Drs. Evelyn and
SanjayLanka.
The students and the entire team at
Lar Tia Edna, as well as AmSoc board
member Natalie Della Rosa—leading
the SMILE volunteers in providing a
special graduation celebration—
helpedmakethisworkshopasuccess.
We wish all of the students the very
brightestoffutures!§
Coverimage:PaulistaAvenue
Courtesyof:GabrielRamos

#2/2021
ApproachingaReturntoNormal
ByPatriciaCampbell,President
Here we are, back for the start of another semester. Some of
youmayhavetraveledtoseefamilyintheUSorelsewherein
theworld.
If so, I hope you have come back with recharged batteries. If you
havestayedputinSãoPaulo,thenIhopeyouhaveenjoyedabitof
acalmercity.Weallhadbeenneedingthebreather.
Although some of our board members may have taken vacation,
they have not stopped planning at full speed many fun events for
you.
WearesoexcitedaboutourvirtualBossaNova-themedGalaonSeptember18,2021.Have
youpurchasedyourtableyet?Afterwhatallofushavegonethroughwiththisterriblepandemic,
and not being able to provide in-person events because we care about your safety,
wefeelwehavefoundtheperfectcompromise!Don’tmissoutonourfront-coverarticleto
findoutallaboutit.
We are also hard at work for Halloween, which as you know, we take very seriously here at
AmSoc! We want to provide your families with an experience with loads of scary fun—and
sweets,ofcourse.TherearealsoplansformoreLet’sConnectnetworkingevents,Wellness
events(thisisnew,checkoutthearticleonpage10aboutthis!),Thanksgiving,HappyHours,
ourfamousHolidayParty,andmuchmore.
If any of you have suggestions for these events or would like to participate in the planning
asavolunteer,wealwaysneedandwelcomemorehands.Pleasereachouttoanyboardor
officestaffmembertoletusknow.
Ibelievewhatwearealllookingforishavingasenseofnormalcyagainassoonaspossible.
You can be sure that AmSoc is doing its best to bring that to you. Let’s keep our fingers
crossedthatthissemesterwewillbeabletoseeeachotheratsomein-personevents.
Untilthen,takegoodcareofyourselvesandabighugtoeachofyou.
Withmywarmestwishes,
President’sLetter
ExecutiveTeam
President
PatriciaCampbell
president@amsoc.com.br
VicePresident
MalcolmMacdonald
Malcolm.Macdonald@amsoc.com.br
Treasurer
Dr.EvelynLanka
Evelyn.Lanka@amsoc.com.br
ExecutiveSecretary
NatalieDellaRosa
Natalie.Dellarosa@amsoc.com.br
Committees
CommunityActionCommittee(CAC)
charity@amsoc.com.br
CorporateSponsorship
sponsorships@amsoc.com.br
Gala2021
gala@amsoc.com.br
Marketing&Communication
marketing@amsoc.com.br
Membership
members@amsoc.com.br
Networking
networking@amsoc.com.br
StrategicPlanning
Mark.Bryant@amsoc.com.br
Welcoming
welcoming@amsoc.com.br
Wellness,Recreation&Sports
athletics@amsoc.com.br
PatriciaC.Campbell
BoardMembers
Ifyouwanttocontactanyindividual
boardmember,visitour“Meetthe
Team”pageonourwebsite.Clickon
thephotooftheboard(orstaffmember)thatyouwanttocontact.
www.amsoc.com.br/meet-the-team
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
OfficeStaff
OfficeManager
AndreaBerce
officemanager@amsoc.com.br
Communications&EventsCoordinator
JuliaAndreotti
communications@amsoc.com.br
Bookkeeper
BiancaArruda
accounting@amsoc.com.br
2
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

NewMembers
#2/2021
WelcometoOur2021NewMembers
Wethankallofourmembersfortheirsupport.Notamember?Jointoday!Visitamsoc.com.br/membership.
Name Partner Natl. Area Company Email
ArnaudDusaintpere
Vanessa
Dusaintpere
Jardim
Luzitania
Carrefour
adusaintpere@gmail.com
SarahHamilton
JeffreyHamilton
U.S.Embassy&
Consulatesin
Brazil
scaldejon@hotmail.com
RafaelGiratola
CampoBelo
IM-Interactive
Media
rafael.giratola@gmail.com
YaroNeils EstynKevitt Indianópolis yaroneils@yahoo.com
EduardoJustino
Vessio
JanainaVessio
Brazilian
Santanade
Parnaiba
ElevaSistemasde
Armazenagem
eduardovessio@hotmail.com
RicScheinkman
Brazilian
Jardim
Paulistano
HarpiaCapital
rscheinkman@harpiacapital.c
om
PatriciaKoravos Brazilian Moema patricia.koravos@gmail.com
ArielRamirez DanieledeAlmeida American VilaMariana Worldwide aramirez@rka-worlwide.com
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter 3

#2/2021
ExplanationfortheChangeintheAmericanSociety’sBylaws
ByMalcolmMacdonald,VicePresident
DowntoBusiness
In April during the Annual General
meetingourmembersvotedunanimously
infavorforachangeinthesocietyBylaws.
Althoughstillintheprocessofbeingratified
bytherelevantauthorities,wewouldliketo
give you an explanation of why these
changes were deemed necessary by the
board.
AmSoc will change from being an association
(legally not allowed to participate in
monetarycharitablegiving)tobecomingan
official Civil Society Organization which is a
private non-profit institution that provides a
service with the aim of social improvement.
The values and traditions of the American
Societyaswellasservicesprovidedtomembersbuiltupover70yearswill,ofcourse,be
honoredandmaintained.
Approved in 2014, Law No. 13,019 establishes
the legal standing for partnerships
between civil society organizations and
public administration (government) and
prohibits the distribution among its associates,
directors, officers, employees,
donors or third parties any results,
surpluses,operatingsurpluses,grossornet,
dividends, exemptions of any nature, interests
or portions of their assets, earned
through the exercise of its activities. It
requires the application of the entirety of
these resources to achieve its stated purpose
– social improvement, either immediately
or through the constitution of an
equityfundorreservefund.
There is very little change here as the
American Society has been run with these
principlesinmindformanyyears.However,
thebigbenefitofthislegalstatuschangeis
that in future we will be able to extend to
donors, be they individuals or companies,
the legal option of recording monetary donations
to AmSoc to cover our operating
expenses as an approved charitable donationandenjoyasizabledeductiblefortax
purposes.*
The American Society will also be able to
prepare specific projects involving sport,
culture,andcharity,fromkidstoelderlyand
veteran’s assistance, for approval by differentfederal,stateandmunicipalbodiesand
fundsraisedinsupportoftheseprojectscan
also be, depending on the amount and the
government entity involved, fully tax
deductible.*
We hope that this will make donating to
AmSoc by our corporate and private
partnersamoretax-friendlyproposal.With
these new bylaws in place, the American
Society will forthwith be able to provide
services such as advertising and event
organization and issue invoices, in full
compliance with federal, state and municipal
legislation. §
*certaintermsapply
If anyone would like to peruse the new
by-laws, where they can be found in the
original Portuguese and translated into
English, the address on our website site
is:www.amsoc.com.br/bylaws
(Note:thisisnotapublicpage).
AmSoc’s new Readers Group has been
formed to promote lively discussions of
recent books by American authors.
Meetingswillbeonceamonthat7pm.
Formoreinformationpleaseemail:
sanjay.lanka@amsoc.com.br
4
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

CommunityActionCommittee
#2/2021
HelpMakeChristmasDreamsComeTrue
BySusanBanmanSileci,AngelPartyCommittee
Wethoughtthepandemicwouldbe
finished by now. We thought the
22 nd annual Angel Party would be
its usual rocking event. We’re sad to be
planning another low-key party, but we’re
planningitwithlove!
The Angel Part is an event that in normal
years (20 of those so far!) has reunited 240
needy children from ten residential homes
and day care centers around São Paulo for
an amazing day of fun, food, and presents
from Santa. Last year and this year, we’ve
hadtochangeitup.
Like last year, because of our ongoing special
circumstances, we can’t have a party.
But, pandemic or not, we will make sure
Santacandelivereachofthechildrenatour
three AmSoc-supported institutions a big
bagofpresentsanyway!Canyouhelp?
Itmightbeeasiestifwedotheshoppingfor
you.Onechild’sgiftbagcostsaroundR$550
for us to put together. You can pay for an
entirebag,twobags,or20bags.Oryoucan
pay for part of a bag, donating whatever
youcan.Everythinghelps.
If you really want to shop, let us know that
too! And if you want to help shop or plan
any part of our “Non-party Party,” be in
touch.
This is our 22nd year and times are tough,
butwe’redoingeverythingwecan!§
To sponsor a needy child, please
contact Sue Banman Sileci at
angelparty.sponsors@amsoc.com.br.
To help with anything else, please
contact Angel Party heads Kristy
Miranda and Natalie Della Rosa at
angelparty.chair@amsoc.com.br.
5

#22021
WhatisaPocketGala?
Pocketeventsorshowsarea21 st centuryconcept
that involves one overarching themed event that
happens in smaller groups (or pockets) in various
differentlocationssimultaneously.Thesetypically
involvelive-streamedcontentalongwiththemed
on-site items. Pocket events are perfect for a
world currently in different stages of vaccination
and recovery from the recent pandemic, as it allows
for smaller gatherings while being part of
somethingmuchlarger.
This year, enjoy all the glamour and dazzle of our
traditionalAnnualGalainamoreintimatesetting
with a group of friends and family members.
Members living in Brazil are encouraged to
gather a group of partygoers and buy a table for
this unique experience. Perfect for parties of 4 or
more, The American Society delivers a Bossa
Nova experience right to your door: catered
food, wine, Brazilian 1950s-inspired table décor,
and all of the other ingredients needed for
spectacularfun.
OnSeptember18,guestsateachpocketlocation
can tune in to a spectacular livestream Bossa
Nova show, featuring a leading vocalist and the
creationofamazingartbylocalartists.Alongwith
the food and décor—and most importantly, your
guests!—the livestream helps kick off an unforgettable
evening. Bossa Nova may be known for
its softer beat and melody, but you and your
friendscanmakeyourownrhythmforthenight.
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The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

#22021
WhathappensatthePocketGala?
Keep an eye out for the launch of our online
auction! You can peruse the lovely selection of
items up for bidding and compete with others to
win your favorites. Treat yourself (or a loved one)
to something nice, and give back to your
community—veryBossaNovaofyou!
PickuptheBossaNovabeats!
Tablesarecurrentlyonsale,buttheyselloutfast!
Ifyouhaven’tboughtyoursyet,besuretogather
upagroupoffriends(from4tomanymore),head
over to our website (www.amsoc.com.br/gala2021),
andreserveyourcelebratoryeveningnow.*
Alongwiththelivemusicandartistry,keyauction
prizes will be showcased during the Pocket Gala
event. This online auction opens on September
13 and runs through September 20, using the
Handbid software service. The funds raised from
these items help support AmSoc and our children’scharities.
Ifyouoryourcompanyhavespecialprizestodonate
to our auction, send an email to
auction@amsoc.com.br.
*Note: Paying by credit card on Eventbrite incurs
a 10% surcharge to the total bill. While all tickets
mustbereservedthroughEventbrite,guestsmay
circumvent the fee by selecting an alternative
payment method upon checkout (check, cash, or
invoice). An AmSoc staff member will then contact
you to arrange payment and confirm your
purchase.
Buy your
tickets now!
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter 7

#2/2021
TakingCareofThoseWhoCareForUs
ByPatriciaCampbell,President
Donations
One aspect that seems to have
been quite positive so far
during this pandemic, that I
hopeonlykeepsimprovingin
our society, is solidarity. Our
American culture already has deep roots in
givingandthatissomethingthatmakesme
proudtobeanAmerican.
Our AmSoc board of directors wanted to
reachouttothegreatercommunityandextend
a hand in regards to Covid-19. We felt
we needed to do more than what we were
already doing through our sponsored
charities.
WereachedouttoDr.LucianaCarpanez,to
find out how things were going at the biggestpublichospitalinthesouthzoneofSão
Paulo,CampoLimpoMunicipalHospital.
Her narrative about the healthcare workers
made it very clear how overloaded and
exhaustedtheywerefeeling.Dr.Lucianaexplained
that this wave was being harder on
everyone and that they were feeling like
they would never come out of it. Our
AmSoc board wanted them to feel rememberedandembraced.
The surgeon director, Dr. Daniel Kirchhoff,
along with his team were also ecstatic
because we were able to raise enough
funds to buy them a new 50” TV and tailormade
computer to be used in one of their
surgery rooms. This was a huge upgrade,
making their lives easier for surgeries and
helping them to improve patients’ outcomes.Beforethis,theyhadtogobackand
forth between a computer in a far away
room and then back to the surgery room.
Thepediatricteamwasalsoveryhappythat
they received a freezer for the breastfeeding
milk to be stored and a children’s table
set with chairs for their waiting room. We
alsosentthemadonationoftowels.
Thank you to the many of you who embarkedonthiscampaignwithusbysending
inthankyounotesforustoaddtothebags,
orbyreachingoutandtryingtogetusmore
partnerships, or by donating an item to the
hospital or by volunteering and helping us
put the kits together. We could not have
donethiswithoutyou!
Andahugethankyoutoallofourpartners:
Granado, Lupo, Wake Me Up, Dengo,
Travel Blue, Leão Alimentos e Bebidas, GO
Eyewear, 3M, Dobro, Bradal Nutri, Chá
lovers, Gerson & Grey, Condomínio Riverside,PapaizGasControl,ShoppingCampo
Limpo,andFellowshipCommunityChurch.
There are many ways we can convey love,
and this becomes even more important
during the painful time we are all going
through.
Together,wearestronger.§
Photographyby@kikafotografa
Forthisreason,weorganizedacampaignto
offer self-care kits to the hospital’s 500
employees. We delivered the kits on June
11. Inside a reusable cloth bag the employees
found chocolate, a sleeping mask, a
heartyhealthycake,lotionandtiredleggel,
lip balm, wool gloves, a protein bar, boxes
of teas, KN95 masks, reusable cloth mask,
socks,awoolbeaniehatandapersonalized
thank you card. The employees were over
the moon. Dr. Nassif, the hospital’s director,
was thrilled as well. He told us how
important this solidarity action was to his
employees’mentalstate.
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The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

GettoKnowUs
#2/2021
VolunteerSpotlight:MayaBranco
CompiledbyChrisSoares,SMILECommitteeLeader
Duetothepandemic,wehadtoshifttoonlineactivitiestoconnectourSMILEvolunteers
with the children in the group homes. Luckily, we have creative SMILE
volunteers like Maya Branco, to help us bring these sessions to life. For Easter,
MayaBrancocraftedawonderfulonlineevent,combiningablendofhighenergy
games like freeze dance and treasure hunts, with more calming activities like
Bingoandstorytime.Mayaisamazingwithkidssincesheiscalm,patient,creative,andhas
abigsmile.Sheisadynamicstorytellerandcaptivatesthechildrenwithhertales!
Besides teaching English, Maya loves to garden and has a terrific “green thumb”. We hope
tosoondoagardeningprojectwiththecharitiesandknowshewillhaveatonofideastohelp
usbringthegardentolife.MayaenjoysworkingwithceramicswithherfatherOsni.Hesays
thatMayaalsodoesportraitsinbronzeandisverytalented.
MayawasborninSãoPauloandattendedhighschoolinMassachusetts.Shewenttocollege
atSophiaUniversityinTokyoandhasalsolivedinItaly.Herparents,OsniandLidia,aremembers
of AmSoc, as is her husband Ricardo. Her daughter Maria, age 12, shares her mother’s
dynamismandartistictalentandhashelpedMayawiththeevents.§
For information about opportunities to
volunteer at one of our four charities,
pleasecontactChrisSoaresat:
smile@amsoc.com.br.
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter 9

#2/2021
Sports&Wellness
TheFood&MoodConnection
ByRicardoArikawa,BoardMember
Thepandemichasincreasedanxietyfor
many of us. For this reason, AmSoc
will present a series of wellness talks
with experts! On August 18, Rita Savoia,
Certified Holistic Nutritionist, Wellness &
Mindset Coach will speak to us about “The
Food & Mood Connection: How & What to
EatforMentalHealth!”.
MeettheAthlete
CompiledbyRicardoArikawa
JohnLezcano
Sports hero?
MikeTyson
Who inspired you
as a young athlete?
PatrickEwing
Rita will provide easy, simple and practical
tips to modify your eating & lifestyle habits
for boosting your mental health and overall
wellbeing. In this workshop, the following
topicswillbecovered:
• Increase your awareness of what
you’re eating & how it’s affecting
yourenergy&mood.
• How to take a holistic approach to
mental health with mindset, nutrition,andlifestyle.
• How to incorporate effective antianxiety,
anti-depression and stress
busting nutrients and the foods that
containthem.
• Triggerfoodstoavoidtoboostyour
mentalhealth.
• Lifestyle habits essential to reduce
stress and anxiety and promote
mentalandoverallwellbeing.
Staytunedformoreinformation!
Where there is poor mental health, there
is often a poor diet and digestive problems.
Mental health is a mind-body experience,
and the research is clear that there
is no doubt nutrition affects mental
health, through the gut-brain connection.
More specifically, recent studies prove
that 90% of the body’s serotonin, a chemical
responsible for mood & emotion, is
made in the gut.
Thegutalsoplaysanimportantroleincortisol
release, a chemical that is instrumental
in making sure your body effectively
responds to stress. So the connection betweenwhatyoueatandhowyoufeelisvalidated
by science, proving that nutritional
deficiencies may be at the root of your
mood and emotional imbalances. This is
why nutrition matters, and it’s the most
important, and often overlooked, missing
linktomentalhealthintoday’ssociety.
Mostofusdon’trealizehowmuchthefood
weeatcanimpactourbrainchemistry,influencing
our mood and emotions. You truly
are what you eat. The good news is that,
now more than ever, you can control how
andwhatyoueat,andenjoythemanyfoods
that foster increased emotional balance,
energyandmentalwellbeing.§
Favorite sport?
It’s a toss-up. I’m heavily into American
footballandbasketballbutIcanalsogladly
watchsnowboardingvideosalldaynonstop
ifIhadthetime.
How old were you when you started?
Roughly 12 years old. I played football in
middleschoolcampthroughhighschool.
What is your favorite team?
New York Jets J-E-T-S JETS-JETS-JETS!
ClosesecondbeingtheNewYorkKnicks.
Best part about competing?
That it does not matter where you came
from or your past. Everyone is on an equal
playingground.
Favorite movie about sports?
RememberTheTitans
If you could be instantly skilled at any
sport, which would it be?
BrazilianJiu-Jitsu
What emotions do you feel when you play
well? In the zone… you get the feeling that
youcan’tmiss!
Who do you wish was watching you
perform at every game or match?
Myfather
What other sport would you play?
Maybe something completely out-there.
Like drift diving or sky surfing... I like the
extreme!
Who was your favorite coach and why?
PatRiley–hewasoneofthosecoachesthat
understood that he needed to adapt to the
current situation and current team. He was
knownforhisnicesuitsandfancydemeanor
butwhenhecoachedtheKnickshebecame
a lot more gritty because that’s what was
needed to stand a chance against Jordan.
Also one of only 2 coaches to push Jordan
andTheBullsto7games.§
10
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

MembershipPerks
#2/2021
MembershipBenefitsProgram
As a member, you can access the American
SocietyofSãoPaulo’sMembershipBenefits
Program, which includes discounts and
promotional offers in many of São Paulo’s
best restaurants, hotels, spas, medical services,andmore.
Please take advantage of this issue’s highlightedoffers.
Our full list of participating organizations is
alwaysavailableonlinehere:amsoc.com.br/
membership-benefit
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter 11

USCitizenContacts
Emergencies: (11)3250-5373
(incarceration,detainment,evacuation,
health)
Non-Emergencies:(11)3250-5000
(from1-2pmdaily)orsaopauloacs@state.gov
(lostpassports,repatriationofremains,
SocialSecurity,minorhealthissues)
@USCitsBrazil
TheofficialU.S.EmbassyTwitteraccountfor
American citizens in Brazil. The English feed
features daily tips and news for the expat
community.
Publisher,MalcolmMacdonald(malcolm.macdonald@amsoc.com.br)
ManagingEditor,JackieWyant(forum@amsoc.com.br)
AdvertisingSales,AndreaBerce(sales@amsoc.com.br)
LayoutbySalt&Unicornswww.saltandunicorns.com
PrintedbyPrinti(printi.com.br)
FORUM is published in print and online (amsoc.com.br/forum). Views
expressed in FORUM do not reflect those of AmSoc members or staff. Ads
appearing in FORUM do not constitute an endorsement of products or services.