#1/2022 FORUM

#1/2022
TheAmericanSocietyofSãoPaulo
EVENTS
Apr 04 Let’sConnect
theFORUM
newsletter
MeetingFacetoFacefor2022
ByMarkBryant,BoardMember
Weinviteyoutojoinusatthemuch-awaited2022AnnualGeneralMeeting(andcelebration!)onApril27at7pm.Aftertwoyearsofvirtualencounters,wearethrilledto
announcethataveryspecialeventandvenueareinstoreforourmembersthisyear!
This night of delicious food, drink, mixing & mingling, and entertainment—open to members
only and covered by the annual membership fee—will surely be unforgettable! Followingadelightfulsocialhourwitholdandnewfriends,therewillbeabriefmeetingwhere
Patricia Campbell, the president of The American Society of São Paulo, will recap the year,
thanktheoutgoingboardofgovernors,andpresentthenewboardforapproval.
TheAmericanSocietywouldnotexistifitweren’tforyou,ouramazingmembers.TheAGM
is a rare opportunity for us to thank you for your friendship, contribution, advice and
communityservice.
Another highlight of the evening will be the Eric Poliak Award, which is presented to a person
who has excelled in service to the São Paulo community. In a touching ceremony, this
award recognizes the tremendous community service efforts of one special individual who
selflessly gave of themselves throughout the year. (To learn more about the Eric Poliak
Award,seethearticleonpage4.)
Be sure to reserve your place at this great event! Visit the AmSoc Eventbrite site
(amsoc.eventbrite.com)orsendanemailtocontact@amsoc.com.brformoreinformation.
While it is free of charge, space is limited, so don’t wait to confirm your presence! We look
forwardtoseeingyouthere!§
Apr 21 Wellnessevent
Apr 23 AmSocCares
May 07
May 21
YouthSports
AbacaxiBowl
Jul 03 IndependenceDayParty
VolunteersofAllAges
AmSoc would not be the amazing
organization that it is without the
fantastic spirit of volunteerism that is
embedded in our organization. Volunteerismisatthecoreofwhoweare
asanorganization.
With the number of COVID cases
decreasing,wearethrilledtobeable
to offer more of our SMILE program
events in the upcoming months. We
are always looking for volunteers to
help us host engaging sessions at
the children’s charities that we support,
as well as chaperone the children
during off-campus activities.
We are thrilled to be launching our
AmSoc Cares Family Volunteer
Program.Theintentistoprovidevolunteeractivitiesforfamilieswithchildren
ages 8 and up. Kids will have
the opportunity to participate and
donate their time to monthly
planned volunteer projects, such as
helping create a mobile library for
the children at our charities,
promoting environmentally friendly
initiatives, or organizing drives for
foodandsupplies.Whatawonderful
way to include our younger members
in making a difference in our
community!
We hope to see you soon at one of
our volunteer events! §
Coverimage:LargodoPaiçandu
Courtesyof:DAVIDSONLUNAonUnsplash

#1/2022
President’sLetter
LookingForward
ByPatriciaCampbell,President&MalcolmMacdonald,VicePresident
MalcolmMacdonald,ourmuch-adoredvicepresidentforthe
past3yearsandeditor-in-chiefofourFORUMhasgivenso
much to AmSoc and our community. I offer him this space
forthisissue.Thankyou,Malcolm,youaresoappreciated!
Withmybestwishestoyouall,
PatriciaC.Campbell
Ijoined the board to represent the Campinas chapter at the end April 2017. Two years
later—once I had fulfilled that task—I was invited to take on the role of vice president of
theAmericanSocietyaswellaschiefeditoroftheFORUM.Ithasbeenafantasticjourney,
albeitpunctuatedwithtwoyearsoftheCOVIDpandemic.TheAmericanSocietycontinued
tosupportitsmembersandthewidercommunity,keepingeveryoneinformedwiththeFO-
RUM,ourWhatsAppgroupandwebsite,aswellasourever-popularInstagramaccount.
Itakeamomentheretohonorandthankourpreviousboardmembersfortheirforesightin
creatingandmanagingarainy-dayfund:bothforourcharities,thesocietyandtheumbrella
entity. Looking forward to attending AmSoc events again, it’s worth remembering that one
of our main goals for the next couple of years is to rebuild this fund, grow it with care and
transparent oversight, so that we remain in a position to help and support those less
advantagedthanourselvesaswellasguaranteeAmSoc’slongtermexistence.
It has been a pleasure to serve on the executive committee and help guide the American
Society into its next phase. However, after three years, I’ve decided that it’s time to allow
othersthejoyofparticipatingintheexecutivecommittee.
Iwouldliketothankmycolleaguesontheboardandparticularlyontheexecutivecommitteefortheirunwaveringsupportduringthistime.Wecanallasaboardbeproudofsteering
theAmericanSocietythroughaverydifficultphaseofourhistory.KristyMirandaandPatricia
have been fantastic presidents, and it has also been a honor to work with Stewart Ragar,
Jorel Guilloty, Stephen Penny, Dr. Evelyn Lanka and last but not least Natalie Della Rosa. I
thankyouall.
Many of you may have noticed the lack of a members directory as well as fewer editions of
the FORUM over the last two years. We hope to introduce in 2022 a modern system of
communicationwithourmembers,whichwouldincludeadedicatedapptodistributenews,
member benefits, articles, announcements, as well as host our members
communication club (replacing WhatsApp). We will publish
“semi-annual” printed FORUMs with a curated selection of articles
fromourapp.Thiswillbeamonths-longchallengeandIcountonyour
supporttohelpmakethisasuccess.
Malcolm Macdonald
OUR MISSION: The American Society of São Paulo (AmSoc) promotes
friendshipbyorganizingsocial,cultural,andathleticeventsforitsdiverse
membership; encourages integration with the Brazilian society; and supports
the American traditions of education, philanthropy, and volunteerism.
Rua da Paz, 1431, Chácara Santo Antonio, 04713-001, São Paulo, SP
Tel: (11) 5182-2074 / Fax: (11) 5182-9155 / www.amsoc.com.br
facebook.com/amsocsp/linkedin.com/company/amsocsp/@amsocsp
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
StrategicPlanning
Mark.Bryant@amsoc.com.br
Wellness,Recreation&Sports
athletics@amsoc.com.br
BoardMembers
Ifyouwanttocontactanyindividual
boardmember,visitour“Meetthe
Team”pageonourwebsite.Clickon
thephotooftheboard(orstaffmember)thatyouwanttocontact.
www.amsoc.com.br/meet-the-team
OfficeStaff
OfficeManager
AndreaBerce
officemanager@amsoc.com.br
Communications&EventsCoordinator
JuliaAndreotti
communications@amsoc.com.br
AccountingAssistant
SamirNagim
accounting@amsoc.com.br
ExecutiveTeamNominees
VicePresident
NatalieDellaRosa
Natalie.Dellarosa@amsoc.com.br
Treasurer
SeanHutchinson
Sean.Hutchinson@amsoc.com.br
ExecutiveSecretary
LucyNunes
Lucy.Nunes@amsoc.com.br
2
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

NewMembers
#1/2022
WelcometoOurNewMembers
Wethankallofourmembersfortheirsupport.Notamember?Jointoday!Visitamsoc.com.br/membership.
Name Partner Natl. Area Company Email
AnaRamalho
Corrêa
Brazilian BarradaTijuca PriyaJoias aninharc@msn.com
ArielNatan
Merenstein
StefaniaGrezzana
Merenstein
American,
Costa-Rican
JardimEuropa
FourthSail
Capital
arielnatan@gmail.com
BillCollum American bluejackets1970@gmail.com
CarineBerteli
Cardoso
Brazilian
Continental
XP
Investimentos
carinecbc@gmail.com
IanCook VanessaCook Brazilian/British Morumbi irscook@gmail.com
JasonDempsey
Pianucci
JuliaKerscht
Squassoni
MitsueMH
Watanabe
PhilippeM
Ormancy
American Perdizes Nike jasonadempsey@gmail.com
ChristianSquassoni German Morumbi julia.squassoni@gmail.com
RicardoWatanabe Brazilian SantoAmaro mitywatanabe@gmail.com
French Itaim ChezFrance philippe@chezfrance.com.br
SamirNagim
Brazilian
Parque
Boturussu
AmSoc
samirnagimfilho@hotmail.com
CaroleanaMattos AndersonMattos American
Chacarados
Lagos
caroleanamattos@me.com
CynthiaCatlett American JardimPaulista
CharlesRiver
Associates
cnecatlett@gmail.com
JanetMcGuire MarkMcGuire American Moema tenajali@yahoo.com
JessicaEspadas American VilaAndrade jessicaespadast@gmail.com
NicolasRubio American SantoAmaro nicolas.rubio@gmail.com
StephanieSmith British Morumbi SmithClinic jsfamilytherapy@gmail.com
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter 3

#1/2022
WhatistheEricPoliakAward?
CompiledbyJackieWyant,ManagingEditor
In 1984, one of our most dedicated
leaders, Eric Poliak, suddenly passed
away. An award was created in his name,
tohonorhisspiritofvolunteeringandgiving
back to the community of São Paulo. The
American Society’s Eric Poliak Award recognizes
individuals who have given their
time and energy to the greater community.
Each year, we ask members to nominate
someonedeservingofthisaward,someone
whohasgoneaboveandbeyondtomakea
differencehereinSãoPaulo.
CommunityAction
Once all the nominations have been received,acommitteeisformedofpastrecipients
and other leaders to determine which
person should be honored that year. Many
nominees are worthy of the award, and
many factors must be weighed in consideration.Thefinaldecisioniskeptinstrict
secrecy until our Annual General Meeting
(AGM)heldinApril.
At the AGM, we celebrate the larger success
of the American Society of São Paulo
(AmSoc), as well as the personal success of
the one individual chosen as the Eric Poliak
Award winner. We recognize their selfless
contribution to AmSoc and the larger São
Paulo community, and give them a special
thanksfortheirtimeandservicebypresentingthemwithabeautifulbronzestatue,engraved
with their name. Their name is also
engraved on the AmSoc plaque permanentlydisplayedintheoffice.
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
There are many around us whose dedication
to the community deserves recognition,
and the Eric Poliak Award is given to
only one nominee. If you have submitted in
past years, and that someone was not chosenasthewinner,theirnamewillremainon
thelistforfutureconsideration.
Wanttobethefirsttoknowwhothewinner
is for 2022? Join us at our in-person Annual
General Meeting on April 27 th ! (For more
details,seethearticleonpage1.)
TheValueofContribution
After a forced break due to the COVID-19
pandemic, in 2021 we honored Kristy
Miranda, a long-time AmSoc member
board member and (unfortunately) a shorttermPresidentoftheAmericanSociety.
The presentation was held virtually, and the
award was presented by past recipient Sue
BanmanSileciwhosaid,“WhenIfirstheard
ofKristyMiranda,shewasavolunteerwitha
groupofotherpeoplethatsheorganizedto
go out to Casa Limiar every week to help
out. She then became a Community Action
Committee (CAC) liaison for Casa Limiar,
and then started helping organize the traditional
American Society Angel Party,
taking charge of the Casa Limiar children
and finding them all sponsors within her
communityofpeoplewhovisitedthehouse
everyweek.
WhenEileenTassoleftasheadoftheAngel
Party, Kristy took her spot. For several years
now, she has been co-head of the Angel
Party, with an eye for detail and perfection
that has made the party much better, much
tighter. At the same time, she became the
chair of the Community Action Committee
oftheAmericanSocietythoughstillrunning
theAngelParty.
Finally, she was nominated president of the
American Society and had assumed office
withgreatplansthoughweekslaterherhusband
Paulo learned the family would be
transferredtoChile.
Despite this, incredibly, she continued as
President of AmSoc and remained co-head
of the Angel Party committee, flying
regularly to São Paulo at her own expense
to participate in AmSoc board meetings
and Angel Party preparations. Then came
the COVID-19 pandemic and it became
necessary to pass on the leadership of the
American Society to people still living in
São Paulo. However, she continued as cohead
of the Angel Party and helped immensely
with a rocking event where she
helped bring the party to the children in
theirhomesinstead.”
Sue concluded with, “Kristy always wears a
huge smile. If something is in trouble, she
fixes it. If something is going well, she
makesitbetter.Evenatadistance,shecontinues
to be an active member of AmSoc
and an amazing organizer for the Angel
Party. Our hope and dreams are that the
Miranda family will move back someday to
Brazil and we can have Kristy’s huge smile
and even huger energy once again physicallyhereinSãoPaulo.”§
4
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

CommunityAction
#1/2022
ThankstoourAngelicSponsors,Donors&Volunteers!
BySusanBanmanSileci,AngelPartyCommittee
For 22 years, the American Society Angel
Party has been helping underprivileged
children with a fabulous
Christmas party and super fun and helpful
holidaygifts.WediditagainlastDecember,
our second pandemic party. We kept it
small, safe, and controlled, but the children
who came, all from AmSoc-supported institutions,hadthetimeoftheirlives.
This year, we met at the Pop Haus Santo
Amaro,apartybuffetfulloftrampolineand
inflatable activities with a huge water slide
andbeacharea.Thechildrenhadawonderful
day of food, drinks, water everywhere,
lots of jumping and laughing. Santa and
Mrs. Santa even delivered a huge bag of
presentsespeciallychosenforeachchild.
Of course, we must thank everyone who
participatedandhelpedout!
Startingwiththedecorations,thankyouyet
againtoCipolatti,whichsentoverabeautiful
Christmas tree with decorations and a
huge red chair for Santa to sit on to distributepresents.
It was a warm day and the water and juice
supplied by Coca-Cola FEMSA Brasil kept
everyonehydratedandhealthy.
McDonald’s donated Happy Meals for all
the children and their helpers. There was
plenty to go around and the food was a
much needed break from the kids’ physical
activitiesearlyinthefestivities.
Habib’sdonatedpizza,juice,andicecream.
Wewereextremelygratefulforthedelicious
snacks, served mid-afternoon till the end of
theparty.
As the children left the party, we were able
to give each child a bag of Barry Callebaut
chocolate, something to enjoy on the long
ridehome.
Eachchildreceivedabigbagofclothesand
other supplies from Santa Claus and Sanrio
do Brasil was a huge partner, sending us
several boxes of Hello Kitty clothes and
shoes.
Speaking of shoes, thank you to Skechers,
which sent over a large quantity of amazing
shoes, which we also included in our gift
bagstothechildren.
Super special thanks to Graded School’s
Christopher Borges and a group of
students who came to the party to sing
Christmas carols as Santa handed out gifts.
Itwasexactlywhatweneeded.
We had two photographers that helped
documentthefun:RonaldVanBallegooijen
andRomi Dias.
Shopping for the gift bags! Our most
humble thanks to Caterpillar, which donated
to sponsor many of the children, and
our loving community which donated or
shoppedsoeachchildreceivedabigbagof
gifts.Gettingsomethingwonderfulforeach
childisabigmissionandwecan’tdoitwithoutallofourindividualdonors.
And of course, we had volunteers who
shopped, wrapped, planned, worried, went
shopping again, blew up balloons, decorated
trees, ran arts and crafts tables, and
cleaned up when we were done. It takes a
village, and we have one. Thank you to
everyone!§
Wewerealsoabletoservedecoratedsugar
cookies, made with great love by members
of our AmSoc community. They were a
highlyappreciatedtastytreat!
5

#1/2022
ByLeopoldoPimentel
SpecialInterest
TwentiethCenturyBuildingwitha21 st CenturyLife
In the beginning of the 20 th century, Brazil
was one of the main destinations for immigrants
from all over the world. One of
theseimmigrantswasFrancescoMatarazzo,
an Italian who—decades later—became
one of the richest people in the world by
developing and controlling several businessesinBrazil.
The Matarazzo family and enterprises were
behindseveralimportantsitesinSãoPaulo.
Among them, the Matarazzo Hospital,
which opened in 1904, and the Matarazzo
MaternityWard,incorporatedintothesame
complex in 1943. In 1993, however, the
wholecomplexwasshutdown.
In addition to the high-end hotel, restaurants,
bars, and Art Library the Cidade
Matarazzo also has a beautiful “new old”
chapel.Inauguratedin1922,thechapelwas
already abandoned when the property was
acquired. But due to a careful restoration
process, it was completely renewed and its
frescoes and images of saints have all been
preserved.
ThenewSantaLuziaChapelisnowopento
the public. (Please confirm opening hours
beforegoing.)§
In 2011, an international group bought the
entire complex and started a complete
remodel.Itwasrecentlyopened(December
of 2021) under the name of Cidade
Matarazzo.
The first building to be finished was the
Rosewood, a high-end hotel with great
restaurants and bars that are also open to
non-guests. In the near future, a business
tower, a theatre, a cultural center and a
shopping mall will also be part of the impressivecomplex.
Upon your arrival to the newly renovated
Rosewood building, you will find the hotel’s
“Art Library”, a charming bookstore for art
booksanddesignobjects.
The Flavia Liz tours provide special
moments and unique interactive experiences
with the culture, history and with
anything that is interesting and exclusive
in the city of São Paulo. Contact
Leopoldo at (11) 98457 1964 or visit the
websiteformoreinfo:flavializ.com
All photos courtesy of Leopoldo
Pimentel
6
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

SpecialInterest
#1/2022
Don’tLetStressorAnxietyGettheBestofYou
ByDr.LynLanka,ExecutiveBoardMember
In times of change and crisis many people
seek to find ways to cope with the anxiety
and uncertainty that they feel. Even small
changes in life such as changing jobs,
changing schools, moving to a new city, or
the loss of an important relationship can
have profound impacts on our stress levels.
Given the current world context we are
living in, developing healthy coping skills
can make the difference between just survivingandflourishing.
Asapsychologist,Iwouldliketomakesome
recommendations for how to cope with
stressanddevelophealthycopingskills.
Processyourfeelings
One way of helping ourselves to cope with
stressandanxietyistoprocessourthoughts
and feelings in relationship to these
stressors. Journaling or talking about our
emotions with others can help us better
make sense of what we’re feeling. Try
puttingyourthoughtsdowninajournaljust
before bedtime or anytime that works for
you. Talking to a therapist, friend, or family
member can also help. It may be useful to
let them know if you want help with what
youaretellingthemorifyoujustwantthem
tolisten.Thiscanhelpyougetthemostout
oftheexperience.
Helpyourbodyrelax
Duringperiodsofstressourbodyresponds
with its natural stress response. However, if
ourbodystaysinthisstressresponsefortoo
long it can have significant negative consequences.
Meditation, self-care, socializing
with friends, playing video games,
readingagoodbook,exercising,andtaking
a hot shower are all examples of activities
thatyoucanuseanytimetohelpyourelax.
Focusonwhat’simportant
During times of stress or crisis it’s really
important to focus your energy on what
really matters. Spending time and energy
on things that are going to distract you or
addtoyourstressshouldbeavoided.Itmay
be necessary for you to find ways to reduce
responsibilities and workloads to better
focus on the things that are important.
Don’tbeafraidtosayno.
Avoidnegativecopingmechanisms
Oneofthekeyhormonesthatisreleasedin
our body during stress is cortisol. Cortisol
impacts our insulin levels, triggering
cravingsforhighcalorie,fatty,sugaryfoods.
This is partly the reason why when we are
experiencing stress states, we may seek to
consume alcohol and/or sugary, fatty, or
fried foods. Monitoring our behavior and
food intake to make sure that we are not
developing unhealthy patterns around
alcohol, nicotine, or food consumption can
be one of the ways that we can make sure
that we are coping with our stress in a
healthyandproductiveway.§
Dr. Lyn Lanka is a registered mental
healthcounselorandapsychologist.
Photo by Gift Habeshaw on Unsplash
Photo by Jared Rice on Unsplash
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter 7

#1/2022
WorkplaceWellnessWhisperer
ByRitaSavoia
According to the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce Winning with Wellness
report, workplace wellness programs
activelyimprovethehealthandwellbeingof
employees, and well-designed intentional
wellness initiatives have a return on investmentof$1.50to$3perdollarspentovertwo
tonineyears.ThisROIstatisticisnomatchto
the transformational impact that even small
wellness initiatives can have on workplace
culture,productivity,andoverallhealth.
Tip#1.GetYourBodyMoving
Sitting impacts your health in a variety of
ways. With more of us working remotely,
you may feel like all you do is sit all day
long! Research shows sitting for five-plus
hours daily is equivalent to smoking 1.25
packsofcigarettes.Whenpossible,getup,
stretch, host a walking meeting, or do a
mini-workouttogetyourheartrateupand
circulationgoing.
Tip#2.Don’tReact,Respond
Did you know that we often confuse our
stressors with our stress response? Although
we are not in control of our
stressors, we are in complete control on
howwerespondtothesestressors.
1.Pause&allowyourinitialreactiontopass.
2. Tuneintoyouremotions.
3. Askfordivineguidance.
4. Findahealthy outletlikemovement.
5.SeetheBiggerPicture.Willthismatterin
1,5or10yearsfromnow?
6. Recognize & forgive youremotionaltriggers.
Sports&Wellness
Tip#3.Smile
Studies have shown that smiling releases
endorphins, other natural painkillers, and
serotonin. Smiling is a natural drug. When
you smile, immune function improves
because you are more relaxed and it releases
certain neurotransmitters. Laugh
out loud or laughter therapy are popular
meditation strategies. Smile and begin
yourdaytounleashtheuniversalpowerof
positivity that sends the message “Life is
good!”toyourbrain.
Tip#4.ChairYoga
It’s important to take physical and mental
breaks throughout your workday.
Sometimes it’s difficult to leave the office
andgoforawalk.Sothenextbestthingis
chair yoga. Try these simple and quick
exercises: do about 20 repetitions 3-5
timesthroughoutyourworkday.
HotTip:Gatherafewworkcolleaguesand
useameetingroomanddothesetogether
–formoralsupportandmakeitmorefun!
Tip#5.ExpressingLove
It’s important to show others the love that
wewantforourselves.Beginyourdaywith
a loving gesture towards a friend, family,
neighbor,colleagueorevenapet.Youcan
showlovetotheuniverseinanysmallway
possible that would add value and give
backtosociety.
Thekeyissincerityandtogivelovewithout
any expectation of a return.Receiving and
expressing love makes our emotional
ByRicardArikawa,Wellness,Recreation&SportsChair
Relationships are a part of our everyday
life...withfamily,withfriends,withwork
colleagues and with partners. The
most important relationship that you will
ever have is the one with yourself, so it’s
importanttobecomeyourownbestfriend.
Laura Rinnankoski is an International Life
and Relationship Coach and coaches in
English,Spanish,Finnish and Italian.Laura
earnedherBachelor’sdegreefromBoston
University.
Her multicultural background and experience
allows her to connect with people
Photo by Dylan Nolte on Unsplash
health stronger.Love,affection and caring
can all be shown in several different ways.
Allofthesewaysneedtobemeaningfulto
you, and useful. Start today. The world
needs you. So go ahead send that text,
emailormakethatcalltothatlovedonefor
both yours and their health and optimal
wellbeing.§
This article has been edited to fit this
space. The full original version was featured
on March 5, 2022 on
Savoiaselfcare.com
Savoia SelfCare YouTube
Channel
NurturingRelationships…andYourself
from different countries and backgrounds.
She has been featured in The Irish Times,
Positive Life magazine, The Elaine Show,
and103.2DublinCityFM.
You can follow Laura on LinkedIn and
Instagram,orvisitherYouTubechannel.
Save the date for our next Wellness event
onApril21at6pm(SãoPauloTime).Keep
aneyeonoursocialmediachannelsorour
WhatsApp members group for informationonhowtosignuptoattend.See
youthere!§
8
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

InRemembrance
#1/2022
AndrewGeorgeMacdonaldOBE(1941-2022)
ByMalcolmMacdonald,VicePresident
Andrew George Macdonald was born
inFalmouth,CornwallonOctober1,
1941.Dadgrewuptobecomeaperson
of great importance to the worldwide
cotton and textile sector, the Englishspeaking
community in São Paulo, and the
manycauseshesupported.
He grew up in England during the postwar
years and by all accounts enjoyed a happy
childhood filled with biking, Ping Pong,
stamp collecting and an extremely close
andunitedfamily.Laterdiagnosedwithdyslexia,
Dad did not achieve results school
deemedgoodenoughforuniversityandinstead,
upon graduating from school, with
nouniversitytrainingwentofftoworkinthe
cityattheBungeLondonofficeintheroleof
“Office boy” making tea for the managers
and taking messages from them to their
counterpartsandcustomersaroundthecity
ofLondon.
Several traits appeared at this time that
were to be recognized worldwide by the
time he ended his career earlier this eyar.
Firstly, Dad was considered—in a famous
family phrase—to be a “very nice young
man”. Secondly, he was trusted with more
and more valuable and important information.
Thirdly, his dedication to his first
job led to him to understand that time is
money. He purchased, with his own money,
a bicycle with which to speed up
communications—before telex, faxes and
WhatsAppandthelike—gaininginthisway
an advantage for his employer. He was
therefore, despite his lack of a degree,
selectedforin-housetrainingbyBungeand
by all accounts this was a wise and fruitful
decision.
Dad worked for the Bunge Group for over
40 years, passing through countries such as
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Argentina,
United States, and finally Brazil. He met his
wife,ourdearMum,whilstonassignmentin
Buenos Aires. Thankfully, she saw something
in the “nice young man” as well and
on December 12, 1970, they were married
for what would turn out to be a wonderful
51-yearadventure.
MovingfromBuenosAirestoBrazilin1973,
Dad found his niche in the cotton business
whilst at Sanbra and Santista Textil—both a
partoftheBungegroup—becominganexpert
on the sourcing of this commodity,
drawing on his word-wide contacts. He
boughtcottonfromaroundtheworld,often
entirecountries’crops.Healsoworkedtirelesslytocreateasourceoflocallyproduced
cotton in Brazil. His success with incentivizing
cotton crops in Brazil was such
that to this day Dad was considered to be
the“AmbassadorofBraziliancotton”.
On his retirement from the Bunge group,
Dad turned his attention to consulting for
others, often seeming to work longer hours
and earning more flying miles than before
hisretirement.
Whereverhewent,Daddrewpeopletohim
with a true diplomat’s skill, resulting in
teamwork and harmony between growers,
processors, and customers. He sat and
presided over many cotton-related associations
over the years. He never fully retired,
even 20 years after his official
retirement. In the words of Mr. Christian
Schindler of the International Textile Manufactures
Federation (ITMF): “Andrew was
anITMFBoardMembernotbecausehewas
representing an association or a company
butbecausehewasAndrewG.Macdonald,
OBE, a person that his colleagues
respected for his knowledge, his wisdom,
hishumbleness,andhishumour.”
The dozens and dozens of letters, e-mails,
and messages that we have received have
been overwhelming and unanimous. The
“nice young man” had morphed into, and I
quote:“...auniquepersonintheglobalcottonandcottontextileindustry,asheunderstood
like no one else in the world the
mechanism in each of the different segments.
His comprehensive understanding
of the cotton world and its mechanism
enabled him to become a leader because
peopleappreciatedhisexpertiseandexperience
but also and more importantly
because people trusted him. This trust was
built over many years in the industry and
Andrew’s recognition around the world was
unique.” That’s Andrew G. Macdonald, the
World-renownedCottonExpert.
Closertohome,Dadworkedhardforsocial
and educational causes including many
years as chairman of the Board and life
trustee of St. Paul’s School and chairman of
the British and Commonwealth Community
Council (BCCC) that today is known as the
British Society. For his service, he received
an OBE from of Her Majesty the Queen for
services rendered to the British community
ofSãoPaulo.
A prolific world traveler, Dad will always be
rememberedasanexampletobefollowed,
bothforhisattitudesinpersonallifeandfor
his admirable professional achievements.
To his friends and family, he will be remembered
as a generous, fun-loving father,
uncle, grandfather and friend. Thrower of
huge, fun parties and always ready with a
loud laugh, Dad will be remembered as a
true force of nature. He also was instrumentalandenthusiasticinhissupportofthe
wonderful work that Mum carries out. And
allherdancesmadeherabelovedmember
ofherinternationalgroup.
As a family, we have so many stories of
wonderful world trips, camping across the
USA, UK and Brazil, enjoying our beloved
Camposretreat…theyaretoonumerousto
mention. We will treasure these memories
andretellthemintheyearstocome.
To put it simply: my dear dad will never be
forgotten.§
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter 9

#1/2022
GettingonBoard
CompiledbyJackieWyant,ManagingEditor
NatalieDella
Rosa
VicePresident&
Community
ActionsCo-Chair
Iamoriginallyfrom
Boston,buthave
livedinSãoPaulo
forapproximately6years.
MyfavoritethingaboutSãoPaulois:
Thepeopleandtheamazingnature!
GettoKnowUs
MarkBryant
StrategicPlanning
IwasborninSalisbury,Maryland,but
IgrewupinSeattle,
Washingtonbefore
movingtoSão
Paulo18yearsago.
MyfavoritethingaboutSãoPaulois:
Variety, including culture, food, people and
art/music.
Madeleine
Blankenstein
Reader’sGroup,
Let’sConnect,New
Members
I was born in São
Paulo, Brazil, received
an MBA in
International Management at Thunderbird
University, Arizona, and lived in the Netherlandsfor14years.IcamebacktoSãoPaulo
in2003.
MyfavoriteAmSocmemoryis:
The Angel Party. I love seeing all of the joy
onthekids’andvolunteers’faces.
AnembarrassingmomentinSãoPaulo:
WhenwefirstgottoSãoPaulo,myteenage
nephews were talking one night at dinner
abouthowmuchtheylovedtoplaytheirviolão.
I didn’t speak much Portuguese so I
incorrectly assumed that violão meant violin.Andthentheystartedtotalkabouthow
fun it was to play the violão on the beach
with their friends. Of course, that comment
really sparked my curiosity. I couldn’t stop
circlingthedinnerconversationbacktothis
misinterpreted “violin on the beach” idea.
In my best Portuguese, I kept asking
question after question. “Do you worry
abouttheviolinonthebeach?Imeanisn’tit
kind of sandy and salty? Do your parents
know you bring it to the beach? Do your
friendsliketolistentoyouplaytheviolinon
the beach? Wow! All of your friends are
learning to play the violin this year too.
That’s amazing! Isn’t it kind of a tough instrument
to begin at 17? So you all sit in a
circleandplaytheviolintogetherattheend
oftheday?”Iwasreallystrugglingtounderstand
their Portuguese and wrap my head
around this idea but I was determined to
figure it out. Finally, my husband, Paride, in
English,said“Natalie,what’sup?Theguitar
is a pretty common thing to play on a
beach.”Iwassoembarrassed!§
MyfavoriteAmSocmemoryis:
In mid-2020, my daughter Perla asked to
adoptadog,soIwenttotheAmSocMembers
WhatsApp group and asked for some
adviceonwheretofindadogtoadopt.Immediately
members suggested speaking
withSueSileci,whojust2hourslatermetus
ataDogParkinMorumbiandintroducedus
to our (now 3-year-old) beautiful dog
Cookie.
AnembarrassingmomentinSãoPaulo:
Iam6’8”andonetimeIwasworkingoutat
the gym (Runner Academia) and when I
wenttotakeashowerandheadhome,Iaccidentally
hit my head on the marble soap
dishintheshowerstall!Thiscausedadeep
cut requiring 8 stitches. I was very embarrassed
having to explain why I was leavingthegymbathroomcoveredinblood.§
Hellos&Goodbyes
CompiledbyJackieWyant,ManagingEditor
NewOfficeStaff:SamirNagim,Jr.
AccountingAssistant
I’m currently attending university for AccountingSciences;I’minmythirdsemester.
This is my third degree of study. I also have
adegreeinlawandintourism.
I wanted to join the staff at the American
Society because of the ideals of philanthropy, as well as the proximity
to the American community. Working with AmSoc also interestsmeduetowhatI’velearnedaboutthethirdsector.
Inmysparetime,Iliketodiscovernewplaces(suchasrestaurants),
watchseriesandreadgoodbooks.§
MyfavoritethingaboutSãoPaulois:
Inside Sala São Paulo, listening to classical
musicorbrowsingthroughabookstore.
MyfavoriteAmSocmemoryis:
Selling raffle tickets at the Gala Dinner or
singing Christmas Carols at the Christmas
party.
AnembarrassingmomentinSãoPaulo:
When I arrived back in Brazil in 2003, I went
to McDonald’s for a hamburger. I ordered
one, and the cashier could not understand
me! I had to call my niece and have her
orderitforme!§
MovingOn
Bianca Arruda, our
formerassociateaccountant,
has left
AmSoc to pursue
the next stage in
her career path. We
wish her all the best
and are so thankful
for the time she
spent working with
us. Good luck in all
your future endeavors,Bianca!§
10
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter

GettoKnowUs
VolunteerSpotlight:Mity&JeanNoel
CompiledbyChrisSoares&NatalieDellaRosa,CACChair
#1/2022
MeettheAthlete
CompiledbyRicardoArikawa
NicoDella
Rosa
Sports hero?
RafaelNadal’sdetermination
is so inspiring.
He has won
21 grand slam titles
and he seems so
well spoken and has great sportsmanship. I
appreciate how he never gives up and
alwaystrieshishardest.
Who inspired you as a young athlete?
Mydad,whoisathree-timeIronman!
How old were you when you started?
Iwassevenyearsold.
In 2022, Mity Watanabe will become the
CAC (Community Action Committee) Cochair.
We are so happy that she has accepted
this challenge! Her experience
includes volunteering at Casa Limiar and
helpingwiththeAngelParty.Sheiscurrently
attending a post-graduate program in Art
TherapyatInstitutoSedesinSãoPauloand
wishes to apply art therapy to improve the
well-beingofchildren.
Mitywasnamedafterhergreat-grandmother
Mitsue, who stayed in Japan after sending
her young son to Brazil. She has lived in
Japanforfouryears,Cincinnati,Ohiofortwo
years, the greater New York area for two
years,andSwitzerlandforfouryears.Sheand
herfamilyreturnedtoBrazilin2012.
Her undergraduate degree is in graphic
designfromFAAP(SãoPaulo),andshestudiedpaintingrestorationinFlorence.Herwork
experienceincludesadvertisinginBraziland
Japan and creating a small business here in
São Paulo that makes Brazilian-inspired
Christmasornamentsanddecorations.
She has a husband and two adult children,
who both work in the States. Mity enjoys
walking with her beloved old friend Jack, a
WestienamedaftertheRollingStonessong
“Jumping Jack Flash”, reading novels, knitting
(almost everything, from cupholders to
dresses and skirts!). Her perfect holiday is
traveling with family and friends, getting to
know other cultures, and enjoying new experiences:suchas,food,out-dooractivities,
museums.§
Jean Noel Hardy is always the first to
raise his hand to generously offer to
help or give guidance. He is an active
AmSoc Board Member and is one of our
greatest problem solvers, fantastic
fundraiser, strategist and helpful hand for
anysituation.
Jean Noel was born in Limoge, France and
first lived in Rio from 1979-1991. He came
back to Brazil a second time with his wife
and children and has lived in São Paulo
since2014.
Jean Noel loves all things that fly—planes,
helicopters and rockets—and has extensive
experience in the aerospace industry. He
has been recognized for his services three
times in Brazil and once in France with the
Legion d’honneur. He is passionate about
learning languages and is even currently
learningFinnish.
We are so thankful to have Jean Noel as a
Member!§
Where were you born?
Singapore
What is your favorite team?
Palmeiras!
Best part about competing?
I get to meet and play against different
peopleandmakenewfriends.
Favorite movie about sports?
TheLastDance.ThestoryofJordanandthe
ChicagoBullsisamazing.
If you could be instantly skilled at any
sport, which would it be?
I would love to be instantly skilled in basketball.
Surprising/fun sports fact about yourself?
I started running last year with my dog.
When I first started, we would take more
than 7 minutes to finish a kilometer. But my
dadgavememanygoodtipsandnowIcan
run a kilometer in 4’20”. I would love to get
mytimeunder4minutes,butI’mnotsureif
mydogcankeepup.
Who do you wish was watching you
perform at every game or match?
My grandfather. I really love it when he
comestowatchmeplaytennis.
Who was your favorite coach and why?
My tennis coach David Mathieson is my
favorite coach because he started teaching
me when I was only 7 years old and always
mademyclassesveryfun.§
The American Society of São Paulo FORUM Newsletter 11

MembershipPerks
Classifieds
DANIELAFRANCO:PERSONALTRAINER
I’llcometoyourhome,office,orworkoutfacilityand
create an exercise/fitness program tailored to your
health concerns, fitness goals, and schedule. For
adults&children,individuals&groups.Sessionsin
English, Spanish, or Portuguese (also online). For
more info: Daniela Franco at (11) 99739-6191 or
dsf29@hotmail.com.
PLACEYOUROWNCLASSIFIED
TheClassifiedsareasimpleandeasywaytoreach
yourspecialtargetmarket.ForonlyR$100perissue,
you receive 350 characters-worth of space to
promoteyourownbusiness,realestatesale,private
tutoring,orotherservices.ContactAndreaBerceat
sales@amsoc.com.brtoplaceyourclassifiednow!
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.