Monthly NewsletterNovember 2012

www.AmSoc.com.brForum

The Lifestyle Issue

Page 10: On a budget but don’t want to miss out on luxurious experiences? Our staff writer explores options to experience São Paulo for less.

Daytrips

Page 12: Travel without having to pay outrageous amounts for airfares... our guide to daytrips from São Paulo.

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.

Our Mission

The Lifestyle Issue

Save the DateSave the DateUpcoming AmSoc events:Nov 6th - Election Night BBQNov 10th - Angel PartyNov 25th - ThanksgivingNov 27th - Happy HourDec 7th - EggNog Party

Affordable Luxury

FUMCAD - Make a Difference

De-stress

Page 16: Maureen’s tips on putting back in what the big city takes out.

AmSoc members are caring, charitable people who through their donations and the AmSoc activities they attend help transform the lives of the children and youth served by the 10 NGOs supported by AmSoc. It seems like nearly every day that AmSoc Community Action Committee (CAC) Volunteer Coordinator Silvana Mooney (silvanamooney7@gmail.com) receives an email or call from an AmSoc member asking “How can I help?” “Where can I volunteer, donate clothes, toys and all those wonderful things we no longer use?” “I´d love to sponsor a kid for the Christmas Angel Party that AmSoc lovingly organizes every year for 220 children-in-need.” “What else can I do?”

How about donating a chunk of your income taxes that you´ll have to pay anyway to qualifying AmSoc supported NGOs? It´s easy to do and will cost you nothing. If you are an Ex-Pat working in Brazil, a local hire or even a corporate tax payer, you can contribute part of your Brazilian Federal Income Taxes directly to the registered charity of your choice and receive full credit for the contribution toward your annual income tax payment.

What is this program called?FUMCAD – Municipal Fund for

Children and Adolescents. It was established in 1990 and allows individuals and companies to contribute to social programs that have been registered and approved by the São Paulo Municipal Government.

How much can I contribute?Individual tax payers can direct up to

6% of the amount of the Federal Income

Taxes they owe to a registered, qualifying charity. Corporations may contribute 1% of their income tax bills (in addition to any other tax incentive programs they already contribute to, such as Lei Rouanet and Lei do Esporte).

Are there any restrictions?Yes, the individual tax payer must be

an officially registered employee (“CLT”) and the corporation must be on the Full Tax Calculation Basis (“Lucro Real” basis). In fact, consultants and entrepreneurs on a presumed income basis (“Lucro Presumido”) will not receive a tax credit for FUMCAD contributions made.

Which AmSoc Supported Charities have registered projects that I can contribute to?

Associação Criança Brasil; Associação Maria Helen Drexel; Associação Vida Jovem; Gotas de Flor com Amor; Projeto Sol; and, Vivenda da Criança

Each of these projects help children and youth by offering residential, educational or cultural programs.

How do I make my contribution?Access the São Paulo Municipal

Government site: (www.Prefeitura.SP.Gov.Br/forms/frmentidades.aspx) and type in the name of the charity you´d like to contribute to. For example in the

By Mark Abrams, AmSoc Member

(continued on page 6)

We have two new Board members - please welcome Suzana Sheffield and Luis Barros to the Board of Governors.

You will soon be receiving this year’s Directory.

The painting on the cover is by artist

Martins de Porangaba, a well known Brazilian painter. His real name is Jose Carlos Martins but in 1981 he adopted the name Martins de Porangaba in honor of the city where he was born and he is commonly referred to as Porangaba. My wife, Connie, contacted him and he has kindly donated the painting to the American Society.

It is on display in our office, together with other donated artwork from previous years - we have an excellent collection.

The consulate is hosting an election night on Nov 6th thus enabling the members of AMSOC who are interested to follow the presidential elections.

This year the Marine Ball will be on November 9 at the Circulo Militar in Paraiso, a much larger venue than last year. This is a very enjoyable evening in honor of the Marine Corps.

The Angel Party will be on November 10, a fantastic event coordinated by our Community Action Committee. There will be about 230 children receiving gifts and supplies with a total value of about R$70.000; so about 230 supporters contributing R$300 per child. If you include all the sponsor donations, for example the venue, food, drinks and entertainment, this is a major event in terms of volunteerism and charitable contributions. Please see the CAC News column on how you can still contribute!

Congratulations to Eileen Tasso and the entire Community Action Committee.

This year our Thanksgiving celebration will be on Sunday November 25th. A secular service with wonderful music, followed by traditional turkey sandwiches and refreshments, including wine, will be held at the Fellowship Church. It will be after Thanksgiving as there is a Brazilian holiday on November 20th.

Mark your calendars as we continue our tradition of celebrating American holidays.

Our Christmas party will held in a private home on Friday, December 7.

Abraços,Joe

President’s Corner

By Joe Sherman, AmSoc president

Forum November2

Lynn Cordeiro, editor and layoutErnest White II, staff writer

Forum is printed by EGB.(http://www.egb.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.

The American Society of São Paulo

Rua da Paz, 1431 04713-001 São Paulo, SPTel: (11) 5182-2074 Fax: (11) 5182-9155email the editor: mail@falaphoto.com

Forum is published monthly, with the exception of January and July, by

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Angel Party on November 10th

The thirteenth annual American Society Angel Party is just around the corner, on November 10 at Chapel School.

Party planning is under control but financial help would still be appreciated in several areas:

We still need back-up sponsors because we have new kids arriving as old kids leave. You can help by agreeing to sponsor one of our last children or being placed on the waiting list to be a “super shopper” (lots of shopping in a short time).

You can also contribute R$350 so we can do the shopping for you.

Other donations would be spent covering the costs of buses for the children, the show, extra refreshments and prizes for the games.

Please consider helping in this way. To do so, write Sue Banman Sileci at sue@sileci.com.

We usually have 120 volunteers on the day of the party and those spots have been filled. However, if you’d like to come to the party to meet the child you sponsored or see what it’s about, don’t hesitate to contact our volunteer coordinator, Silvana Mooney at silvanamooney7@gmail.com. (Security regulations at Chapel School require that we know in advance who is coming. Please let Silvana know.)

Thank you for all your help so far and we look forward to a great party on November 10.

THANK YOU

A special thank you to the staff from the US Consulate and Graded School who donated to the Gotas de Flor families affected by the favela fire. We took over 5 SUV’s fully loaded with clothes, bedding and toys. They were very appreciated and desperately needed.

CAC News

The American Societyof São Paulo

Forum 32012

Welcome to Our New MembersWelcome the following New Members who joined us recently. We are very grateful for your support!

Last Name Name Spouse Membership Company Nationality

JU Angela Single Membership UCLA Political Science Department

American

KAPOOR Amy Anand MEHTA Family Membership American

PAIVA Carlos Sueli Family Patron Membership Geniatech Tecnologia Brazilian

PALMAKA Roberto Renata Family Patron Membership Microsoft Brazilian/American

POLANCO Álvaro Miguel Tania Elizabeth Loaiza Family Patron Membership Mary Kay do Brasil American

RADLEY-KINGSLEY B. Dahlia Family Membership American

Calling all readers

The Forum welcomes members´ tips, recommendations and suggestions. If you have additional suggestions to the ones covered in our theme articles, or even some without the current theme in mind, please feel free to send them to the editor or post them on the AmSoc facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/amsoc

US Consul General Dennis Hankins in conjunction with the American Society of Sao Paulo, cordially

invites you to

An Election Night BBQ

November 6 2012 8pm until Midnight

Consulate General of the United States

R. Henri Dunant 780Chacara St. Antonio

Join us to watch the coverage in true

American Style.Sign up now!

Space is limited and guest list will be closed when the limit

is reached!

Please arrive with a photo ID

RSVP: amsoc1@amsoc.com.br

or 11 5182 2074

Dress: casual

Forum November4

AmSoc Board Bio - John KennedyI was born in Chung-Hua, Taiwan,

the son of a US Foreign Service Officer. I am the oldest in a family of three very athletic boys, where my mother and father greatly encouraged sports and outdoors activities. My parents come from centuries old New England families, whereby we three boys followed their educational advice and foot-steps by going to a traditional New England boarding school. However, of my first thirteen years, eleven were spent living overseas within the US diplomatic community, travelling and living about Southeast Asia, in countries such as Thailand, Burma, Laos, Hong Kong, the Philippines and Taiwan a second time. In fact, I attribute this overseas upbringing combined with parents that encouraged independence and self-supervision as the key to defining my character. In one example, nearly every day after my 3rd and 4th grade classes at the Vientiane American School (which ended at noon due to the extreme year-around heat), I would ride my pony (bareback) to one of my several American friends with whom also had ponies, and then go exploring the many villages and alleys, and even army camps in the outskirts of Vientiane, the capital of Laos. One day after a second attempted “coup d’état” by Vietcong sympathizers, my friends and I rummaged through a bombed-out Royalist Army General´s compound and took away live ammunition, army medals, uniforms, etc. But my dad made us give it all back. From this perspective my childhood was quite atypical from most kids growing up. However, like most kids my age we played sports wherever and belonged to city teams and even country clubs and their teams. Sports would always spillover into neighborhood pick-up games too, where I remember usually being the neighborhood organizer for pick-up football, basketball and baseball games.

Upon graduating from Union College in upstate New York in 1979, I went back to the Washington, DC area where I interviewed and accepted a position as a Research Assistant in

the International Finance Division of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, commonly referred to as the Fed or Central Bank. After two years of econometric modeling that projected US economic indicators, I decided to go to NYU Business School where I graduated two years later with an MBA in international business and finance. It was at NYU where I first came in touch with Brazil, for I was accepted into their International Management Program which sent me to study one semester at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro in 1983. Of course I lived two blocks from the beach, where I spent most of my time surfing and playing foot-volley. In a short time I had developed my first love and appreciation for Brazil!

I did manage to graduate with my MBA that June, and immediately accepted a Management Consulting position at Peat Marwick Mitchell (now KPMG) in New York City. Incidentally, it was during those two years that I lead the KPMG softball team to successive city championships in the NYC Corporate Softball League. Being young and ambitious, I soon followed a “head-hunter`s” lead and took a position with Columbia Pictures as Finance Manager of Special Projects reporting to the office of the CEO, Fay Vincente, who a few years later became Commissioner of (Major League) Baseball. However I found the motion pictures industry to be conflicted with misconceptions, so I again followed a head-hunter’s lead and took a position with Morgan Stanley, doing “special projects” for the office of the Management Committee, but with hopes of transitioning out and into the glamorous world of investment banking. Over a year later the Stock Market Crash of 1987 put a freeze on hiring within the firm, but being professionally impatient, I soon found what I desired, a position as a Vice President in the Merchant Banking Group of a leading Wall Street firm. D.H. Blair specialized in “micro-cap” IPOs, or “public venture capital” because bankers would raise equity capital in IPOs on NASDAQ for high-risk,

emerging-growth companies. After six years of commuting from CT to Wall Street, I needed a change of scenery; after all, I had never lived or worked more than 2 years consecutively in one place my whole life! So in January 1994 I took a temporary leave of absence from D.H. Blair and moved to Brazil where I would assist a billionaire client of mine open their investment office in Sao Paulo. Those were adventurous yet challenging times as an investor because hyper-inflation was still a daily lifestyle obstacle and Brazil was recovering from a Presidential scandal in its newly elected democracy. I became marveled at Brazil entering into a new economic phase with the “Plano Real”, which stopped inflation dead in its tracks, while the country adjusted to its new economic environment ever so cautiously. Then it dawned on me that Brazil would be virgin territory to do private equity, and with very little competition. So I decided not to rejoin the cut-throat Wall Street investment banking scene, instead, I accepted an adventurous yet pioneering position with a Brazilian bank to build their international investment banking area to serve their small and mid-sized corporate clients.

So in January of 1995 I began what has turned-out to be my permanent residence and career in Brazil, focused on assisting Brazilian companies raise either debt or equity capital in the global investment marketplace. Those initial years were challenging too because the global investment community was buffeted many currency crises: Russia in 1997, then the Asian “Tigers” in 1998, and lastly Brazil in 1999. Nevertheless, I did manage to structure and close several pioneering investment banking transactions for Brazilian “small caps”. However, the years after the 1999 devaluation of the Brazilian Real were even more difficult, because the Real depreciated to BR$4 to US$1, which meant no corporation in Brazil could raise US dollar capital in the global investment marketplace.

At that point I seriously thought about leaving Brazil. However, my

The American Societyof São Paulo

2012 Forum 5

AmSoc Softball Championship - 2012

Team W L

Cougars 5 0

AmSoc 3 3

Chapel 3 3

GM Athleticos 3 2

SMAB 2 3

USC Patriots 0 5

passion for living in Brazil overcame my senses, so I opened my own firm in 1999, Kennedy Partners Corp., and got married to a Brazilian. At first my partners and I raised a small amount of capital and it wasn´t until years later, when the global markets returned for Brazil did we raise capital in the global markets for our merchant banking activities with Brazilian companies. Even though my career in Brazil has been like a roller-coaster ride, with many ups and downs, I would never trade my merchant banking business today for anywhere else. I´m here for the long haul!

My life in Brazil would not be complete unless I had the American Society as an outlet, which I joined in 1995. Whether on the sporting fields or in the social events AmSoc regularly runs, I continue to share rewarding moments with many interesting people from all walks of life. And as an AmSoc Board Member, which I have Chaired the Athletics Committee for 7 years, I have dedicated my efforts to organizing a calendar of regular sporting events throughout the year, including awards and ceremonies. Over these years our annual flag football tournament, called the Abacaxi Bowl, has increasingly become a “must-play-in” event, even for Brazilian teams. Our major golf tournament features the American Society facing-off against the St. Andrews Society (the “Scots”) in what has become a serious match play golf event, with the winning team taking home the “Munro Cup”. And this year I assumed the Head of AmSoc´s Little League where I can spend quality time with my daughter while building our program into one similar as in the U.S., where teams of soccer and baseball not only train on Saturdays but play competitive games against other club teams.

So in all, I guess I could adopt that old Eddie Murphy baseball line from Saturday Night days: “Brazil has been very, very good to me!”

AmSoc Sports

AmSoc hosted their annual softball championship on October 6 and 7 at the CBBS´ sporting complex CT Yakult, in Ibuina. Six teams participated with over 80 players in total. Games on Saturday the 6th comprised of each team randomly playing two of the six teams. Their scores were used to determine the seeds for Sunday´s Finals.

After the first round on Saturday, the Chapel School team were in first place. However, on Sunday, Chapel fell to the Cougars and the Amsoc team, with the

Cougars then beating AmSoc in the finals for the 2 consecutive year. Ed Rajah of the Cougars won his second tournament MVP award and Kevin Smith of Amsoc won the Homerun King award, marked by his 3 HRs in the Semi-final game against Chapel.

Softball - AmSoc Annual Championship

Forum November6

window that asks Pesquisar por: click on entidade. Then under descrição: type in the name of the entity. If you inserted for example, Associação Vida Jovem under descrição and clicked Pesquisar, 2 project names would appear. By clicking on each of the projects you´ll see the project description. Once you choose the one where you would like to make a contribution, you then click on Efetuar Doação (Make a Donation). A form to be filled in by the donor will then pop up.

Once the donation is made online, you must print out and keep both the donation receipt and an additional document certifying that the donation was made in the name of a specific organization. Next April, when tax filing season comes around, you will be able to indicate on your tax return that you made a donation to that particular charity and the amount of your donation will be deducted from the amount of tax you owe.

Do these contributions really make a difference?

You bet. Today it is becoming more and more difficult to raise donations for charities. Even for serious charities with audited financials and active boards. Most large charities now depend on FUMCAD for a significant amount of the required funding for their programs. But the contributions are not automatic; the tax payer must choose the charity and make a directed contribution.

By when do I have to make my contribution?The contribution can be made at any

time, preferably by year-end. For the first time this past April, tax payers were allowed to contribute in April for the tax year (2011) that was being filed. We believe this will continue in 2013 as well.

What if I need help?Go the AmSoc site (www.

americansociety.com.br) and click on Community Assistance and then on Charities. There you will find the contact names and telephone numbers for the charities themselves and also an English speaker for each entity who can help orient you.

What about the smaller Charities that don´t have FUMCAD projects?

You can make donations to the AmSoc Community Action Committee and designate one of the smaller charities (Casa Liminar, Lar Tia Edna, Mission ABBA, SPACE). Although you will not be using your tax payment, your funds could very well be matched by AmSoc – doubling the impact of your contribution! Check with the AmSoc office on the possibility of a Matching Contribution!

Your Income Taxes at Work – Check out the Successes

“Better to give a hand-up rather than a hand-out,” is an expression we often hear when it comes to charity. Take a look at how the following NGOs are helping to permanently change the lives of children and youth served through their programs. Each offers a success story that illustrates what they do. Help them continue their work through a contribution of your Brazilian income taxes.

Associação Maria Helen DrexelThanks to the support of many

individuals and corporations, last year´s FUMCAD project “My Family, My Life” generated numerous benefits for Drexel´s children. The primary objective was to reconnect the children and adolescents who reside in their homes with their biological families, and by so doing, return them to their communities of origin. This effort

resulted in so many successes like Lenilton, who was one of the youth to attend the AmSoc Christmas Angel Party; Alex; and, Murilo. Drexel has also helped many children become adopted by other families, both in Brazil and abroad. Just this year alone, 24 of their 60 children were either reunited with their families of origin or adopted by other caring families. To the professionals at Drexel and these children, this number represents a huge success and a great motivation for continuing this critical work that has only been possible through the support of extremely valuable partners such as the American Society. Drexel General Manager, Roberta Lund expressed her gratitude for AmSoc´s support. Access the site: www.helendrexel.org.br for more information about the programs and their new FUMCAD project, Construindo Novas Fronteiras. Roberta may be reached at 11-5044-9023 or 2609-7432 or by email: robertalund@helendrexel.org.br.

Associação Vida JovemVida Jovem´s social worker met

17-year old João at a favela halfway house program intended to rehabilitate petty criminals. Upon learning of Vida Jovem´s FUMCAD-funded professional courses, João became intrigued by Web Design. He knew he needed to help support his mother, a maid, and his 3 siblings, yet he never thought he could achieve more than toiling as a day laborer on construction sites. His sparsely furnished home, located near Vida Jovem, consisted of a shack built on squatter property. When João began the 20 hour a week course at Vida Jovem, he exhibited aggressive behavior toward the Vida Jovem professionals and colleagues in an apparent attempt to mask his insecurities. And, early in the program, João´s life once again became complicated. He took on a

Make a Difference in São Paulo: Direct Your Brazilian Income Taxes to a Great CauseBy Mark Abrams, AMSOC Member

The American Societyof São Paulo

2010 Forum 72012

tile installation job in Santos causing him to miss a week of classes. At the same time his family was evicted from their illegal home. A Vida Jovem staff member went looking for him and discovering what had happened, helped the family get reestablished. Because of the sincere interest shown, João became more trusting and confident. He began participating in additional activities including taking on a leadership role in peer group sessions; he helped with conflict resolution and made sure that his outside work would not interfere with his afternoon Web Design classes and high school at night. Following conclusion of his 6-month Web Design course in August, João has taken on part-time administrative jobs and signed up for the Alcoa Institute-sponsored Junior Achievement program at Vida Jovem. He meets regularly with a Banco Societe Generale professional as part of the Vida Jovem mentoring program. João is a different person today with an entirely new outlook on life. He now values his education and no longer sees himself as a victim but rather someone who has the power to create his own destiny. Access the Vida Jovem site: www.vidajovem.org to read about other youth who have been helped by this NGO, or contact Mark Abrams (99123-7254, marksabrams@gmail.com). Please contribute to Vida Jovem´s FUMCAD project De Olho no Futuro and help transform the lives of other deserving youth like João.

Associação Criança BrasilCriança Brasil began two new

projects this year: 1) Viajando no Mundo das Letras which focuses on improving the level of Portuguese communication skills of the 240

children served at their two Community Centers - this project allows Criança Brasil to hire a Portuguese teacher; and, 2) Orientação e Acompanhamento ao Adolescente which is a project that counts on the support of a nurse and psychologist who work with the 80 teens Criança Brasil has in its Centers. These professionals address pertinent topics for this special age group. Criança Brasil has had numerous successes with its children over the past 25 years. For more information about Criança Brasil, access its site: www.associacaocriancabrasil.com.br or contact Ana Lúcia V. Lima, General Manager at 11-3297-0630.

Gotas de Flor com AmorGotas focuses on young children,

adolescents and their families living in high-risk favelas and cortiços in Brooklin and Campo Belo. As a result of funding from the FUMCAD program, it has seen numerous cases of inspiring success. Ana Carolina, for example, entered Gotas when she was 8 years old, a shy, quiet child. Her mother, a drug addict, had left her and she was being raised by her grandmother. At Gotas, Ana grew and developed an open, engaging personality. She learned to love to read and relate to people. Today, Ana is sixteen, finishing high school and working as an intern at Banco ABC. On Saturdays, she volunteers at Gotas as a receptionist. Next on her list: university and future career choices! Ana Carolina benefited from various FUMCAD projects. Today, Gotas is seeking donations for three major FUMCAD projects: 1) Gotas de Valores Humanos - developing the self-esteem and cultural horizons of children through activities such as

dance, music and choir; 2) Gotas de Saúde na Comunidade – supporting health initiatives for the children’s families and community; and 3) Gotas Reciclando para a Vida - preparing adolescents to enter the job market. Please contribute to these projects and check out their website-www.gotasdeflor.org.br or contact Michelle Maldonado, 11-5049-2274 and by email: gotasdeflor@gotasdeflor.org.br or

Projeto Sol - Centro de Orientação e Educação à Juventude

Carla is ten. She is a very talented little girl who lives in a very small shack with her family of eight. However she came to Projeto Sol without being able to read or write, so she never went far in school. She was automatically passed from one grade to the next. When the FUMCAD project paid for the complete renovation of our library, Carla was enthralled with it. For her it was the most magical space ever- colorful and comfortable chairs, brand new computers and most of all, hundreds and hundreds of books - all sizes, shapes and colors and most of all wonderful stories. First the teacher read to her, then she began deciphering words, sentences and finally she could pick out the books she wanted to read and she began to write her own stories and even wrote poetry. Every day the two hundred children and adolescents of Projeto Sol can tell their individual stories of how they entered into the enchanting world of books. For more information about Projeto Sol, access the site: www.projetosol.org.br or call 11-5668-9494 to speak with Sister Angela (irmaangela@ig.com.br) about their new FUMCAD projects.

Enjoyed this publication? Become an American Society Member and get a

free Forum subscription!

For more than 60 years The American Society of São Paulo has worked to establish a strongnetwork for expats living and working in São Paulo. Join Today!!!

Visit our website at www.amsoc.com.br and fill in our on-line formor call the AmSoc office at 5182-2074

Forum November8

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The armistice to end World War I, known as “the war to end all wars,” was signed on November 11, 1918. Beginning the next year, the United States government designated November 11 as a day of remembrance, originally focused on the veterans of World War I and then expanded to include all those men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. It is therefore on this day that the United States honors her more than 22 million living veterans. Regardless of whether they saw combat at the Battle of Choson Reservoir in Korea, served as a logistician in Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Persian Gulf, or faithfully trained for a conflict not fought in a near or faraway land, my fellow veterans and I share a bond of selfless sacrifice to our nation. Many of my brothers and sisters in arms have been put in harm’s way and some have given their life in defense of our country. Public or private, big or small, an expression of thanks for their sacrifice is fitting on this day.

As recognition for their service, the United States government has authorized a number of special programs and privileges that collectively are known as “veterans’ benefits.” These benefits can include burial benefits, death pension for surviving spouses and unmarried children, dependency and indemnity compensation, disability

compensation, educational assistance, insurance, pensions, vocational rehabilitation, employment assistance, and medical care to name a few. I have personally and gratefully used some of these benefits myself. Each benefit, of course, carries specific eligibility requirements and living outside the United States may preclude you from receiving some benefits. As an American veteran overseas, it may seem difficult to obtain information about these benefits and then to apply for those you may be eligible to receive. Fortunately, the Veterans Affairs’ (VA) web page has detailed information on all these benefits at www.vba.va.gov/VBA and there is even an on-line application form you can fill out. In addition to the information available on the VA web page, the U.S. Consulate General São Paulo’s American Citizen Services Unit stands ready to assist you in obtaining information and facilitating the receipt of benefits. The best way to reach them is by e-mail at: SãoPauloACS@state.gov.

To the readers of this column who have not served in the military, please take time this month to thank your friends and family who have. For the veterans reading this, I offer my heartfelt gratitude for your service and encourage you to take some time this month to look into your veteran’s benefits - you’ve earned them!

By Paul Graddon, American Consulate

Consulate Corner: Celebrating Veterans Day

The American Societyof São Paulo

2012 Forum 9

When: Tuesday, November 27, at 8:00 p.m.Where: Av. Pedroso de Morais, 604 - Pinheiros, São Paulo, SP

São Paulo’s only micro-brewery will be the venue for our next AmSoc Happy Hour. Cervejaria Nacional produces 5000 liters of beer per month and serves its five home-brewed varieties in three environments: the brewery on the first floor, the bar on the second, and the restaurant on the third. Enjoy Thanksgiving-themed food in the restaurant and, in the bar, live music by Rodrigo Haddad and The Pure Country Band.

Cover charge in the bar area: R$ 12. www.cervejarianacional.com.br

Upcoming Events

The Fellowship Community Church Choir will present its annual Christmas concert on Sunday morning December 9 at 10:30 A.M. The cantata - “Journey of Hope”, written by Camp Kirkland and Tom Fettke, is a beautiful contemporary work, including familiar Christmas carols - but with a modern beat. Marilyn Mangels directs the choir, accompanied by Sergio de Souza at the organ.

It is fun to sing, and even more fun to hear. Come and begin your Christmas celebrations with us!

Fellowship Community Church is located on Rua Carlos Sampaio, 107 and there is a parking lot within the same block.

Fellowship Community Church Choir will present its annual Christmas concert

Happy Hour at Cerverjaria Nacional

What does Thanksgiving mean to you? According to many movies and TV shows it seems everybody has a problem about going home for Thanksgiving. I don’t remember my Thanksgivings being that way at all. My Thanksgivings seemed to always be way too short. There wasn’t enough time to enjoy my family and all the great food. My mom was a great cook and taught my sisters very well and gave me some of her recipies.

A few years ago I arranged a Thanksgiving trip to Parati, RJ with friends from the American Society, a total of four families. We had turkey with all the trimmings at a great restaurant that went overboard to treat us. We had so much fun and it was truly a Thanksgiving to remember and there aren’t enough of them. I hope this year we can show you again, what Thanksgiving is all about.

The all new Thanksgiving Service at Fellowship Community Church

(FCC) will be held on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, 25 November. FCC is located at Rua Carlos Sampaio, 107 – Bela Vista, just 2 blocks from Av. Paulista at the Brigadeiro Metro Station, with plenty of discounted parking across the street.

The service will start at 6 pm and will have the U.S. President’s Proclamation read by the American Consul General Dennis Hankins, plenty of wonderful music by the famous international Fellowship Community Church Choir lead by Marilyn Mangels and much more. Pastor Gavin Aitken will say a few appropriate words of thanksgiving. This is a new format and will be less formal than in the past

After the service, there will be the traditional turkey sandwiches served, hopefully with cranberry sauce, sweet ice tea, sodas and wine, followed with the sweet home made brownies and cookies, provided by many of you.

Thanksgiving event on November 25th

by David Warren

Don’t worry, we know what it is like to be in Brazil at Christmas time—no snow, no family, expensive presents you could get at Target for 1/10th of the price, Skinny Papai Noel instead of chubby, pink cheeked Santa Claus. Eating Christmas dinner at midnight on Christmas Eve.

So, let us help you get into the mood! Meet all old friends and make new ones at the American Society Egg Nog Celebration. Christmas spirit guaranteed!

An elegant private home, beautiful decorations, Christmas music, traditional food, drinks flowing, Egg Nog and lovely people. Come and share this Holiday Cheer with us.

AMERICAN SOCIETY ANNUAL EGG NOG PARTY

When: Friday December 7, 2012 7:30pm -10:30pmCost: R$50 AmSoc members R$80 Non-members Maximum number: 100, so send us your reservation now. Where: ADDRESS FURNISHED UPON RESERVATION.Contact: AMSOC office at 5182-2074

Christmas Spirit? In 90 degree heat? We don’t think so.

Forum November10

Affordable Luxury in São PauloBy Ernest White II, Staff Writer

For many people, the city of São Paulo is synonymous with luxury—or at the very least, costliness. With the city ranking amongst the world’s most expensive and prices for everything from food to clothing to entertainment increasing by the day, it’s often difficult for expat and Brazilian professionals alike to maintain the type of urbane lifestyle that you would expect to have in a world-class city—one of delicious and varied restaurant meals, weekend escapes to nearby beaches and country hamlets, spa treatments and workout regimens, concerts and nightlife. In São Paulo, all of that takes a much larger bite out of the disposable income than even in perennial heavyweights like London and New York, a challenge exacerbated by the throngs of well-heeled paulistanos dropping cash like water on $200 steaks, $300 gym memberships, $2000 outfits, cars that cost as much as some houses in the States, and The New York Times’ infamous $35 martini.

But that doesn’t mean that luxury is completely out of reach for the rest of us working stiffs. A few times a year, at least, the city’s upmarket restaurants and haute couture fashion mavens make bits and pieces of the good life just that much more accessible, and group buying websites now bring affordable luxury into every home. And while there are free cultural offerings and inexpensive flea and farmers’ markets aplenty in São Paulo, it’s the upper echelon of consumption that’s the harder nut to crack. But we’ll help you try.

For economical epicureans, the increasingly popular São Paulo Restaurant Week lets you sample the goodies at some of the city’s most exclusive eateries at cut-rate prices. Fall and spring editions (March and August) mean seasonal variety amongst the

offerings, and the event has even spread to other cities, including Rio, Salvador, and Brasília. With hundreds of participating restaurants, be sure to sample some of the best, including Killa (Rua Padre Chico 324, Pompéia, tel. 98551-8511, www.killa.com.br) and Suri (Rua Mateus Grou 488, Pinheiros, tel. 3034-1763, www.suri.com.br) for

ceviche and Peruvian delights, Obá (Rua Melo Alves 205, Jardim Paulista, tel. 3086-4774, www.obarestaurante.com.br) for amazing Asian-Latin fusion cuisine, Tandoor (Rua Doutor Rafael de Barros 408, Paraíso, tel. 3885-9470, www.tandoor.com.br) for sweet and spicy Indian dishes, 348 Parilla Porteña (Rua Bahia 364, Higienópolis, tel. 4306-0348 and Rua Comendador Miguel Calfat 348, Itaim Bibi, tel. 3849-0348) for juicy steaks, Hideki (Rua dos Pinheiros 70, Pinheiros, tel. 3086-0685, www.hidekisushi.com.br) for expertly prepared sushi, Vicolo Nostro (Rua Jataituba 29, Brooklin, tel. 5561-5287, www.vicolonostro.com.br) and Vinheria Percussi (Rua Cônego Eugênio Leite 523, Pinheiros, tel. 3088-4920, www.vinheriapercussi.com.br) for flavorful Italian cooking, and Capim Santo (Alameda Ministro Rocha Azevedo 471, Jardim Paulista, tel. 3068-8486, www.capimsanto.com.br) and Tordesilhas (Rua Bela Cintra 465, Consolação, tel. 3107-7444, www.

tordesilhas.com) for the city’s most mouth-watering Brazilian food. Call ahead to make sure the deals aren’t lunch-only, and Master Card Platinum holders can access the Restaurant Week menu a week before the general public.

Fashionistas looking for their fair share of the wares paraded during

one of the two São Paulo Fashion Week events might not find the current modes on sale—at a discount, anyway—but a good many of Brazil’s biggest names in fashion hold annual and semi-annual bazars, where still-chic styles that debuted a couple of seasons ago are sold at the designers’ studios at steep discounts from the original and often lofty sticker prices. British Vogue-dubbed “high-glam Brazilian designer” Reinaldo Lourenço (boutique at Rua

Bela Cintra 2167, Jardim Paulista, tel. 3085-8150, www.reinaldolourenco.com, also at Shopping Cidade Jardim) - ex-husband of designer Glória Coelho and father of designer Pedro Lourenço…it’s in the blood - just recently held his four-day bazar last month, offering up to 90 percent off on items from previous collections. Selections included sporty regatta dresses originally priced at R$1,298 going for R$260, an airy crepe romaine gown marked down from R$2,732 to R$546, and a sleeveless V-neck crepe romaine dress reduced from R$1,626 to R$326. Coelho herself held a bazar in August (boutique at Rua Bela Cintra 2173, Jardim Paulista, tel. 3085-6671, www.gloriacoelho.com.br, also at Shopping Iguatemi and Morumbi Shopping), clearing out over 1,100 innovative, upscale garments and accessories from nearly 20 years’ worth of runway shows. Youthful couturier André Lima (boutique at Rua Doutor Cardoso de Melo 474, tel. 3849-3444,

The American Societyof São Paulo

2012 Forum 11

Vila Olímpia, www.andrelima.com.br), whose upbringing in the equatorial burg of Belém influences the vibrant colors and tropical feel of his designs, released a series of winter collection ball gowns from his inventory in September. A striking floor-length floral print gown dropped from R$4,738 to R$800, while a chic yellow silk wrap-dress went from R$2,254 to R$500. Keep an eye out for upcoming Christmas season bazars from Lourenço, ready-to-wear favorite Juliana Jabour (boutique at Rua Professor Azevedo Amaral 97, Jardim Paulista, tel. 3081-3235, www.julianajabour.com.br, also at Shopping Pátio Higienópolis), and extravagant high-fashion designer Lino Villaventura (boutique at Rua Bela Cintra 1938, Jardim Paulista, tel. 3083-4019, www.linovillaventura.com.br).

One of the easiest ways to save a little cash on the biggest variety of upscale goods and services in the city is through group buying websites, which allow customers to take advantage of discounted meals, spa packages, trips, electronics, and innumerable other items by virtue of the sheer number of people interested in the deals. By far the most popular is PeixeUrbano.com.br, which offers deals in various cities throughout Brazil as well as breaking down offers into the various geographical sections of São Paulo. The more interesting items recently included a R$1,046 discount on a package of 10 laser hair removal sessions at Espaço Laser (13 locations throughout the city, www.espacolaser.com.br), 50 percent off a cake-making class at Santo Bolo (Rua Bruxelas 64, Sumaré, tel. 3675-1464, www.santobolodoceria.com.br), 75 percent off facial treatments at Studio 77 (Rua Doutor Silvio Dante Bertacchi 77, Morumbi, tel. 3742-8565), and a brand new Sony PlayStation 3 Slim 250GB game system for R$949, which at a 32 percent discount clocks in at a a mere R$100 shy of the US price for the same item. Rival site Clickon.com.br has featured even more exciting deals such

as a 7-day, 6-night excursion to Orlando with air, hotel, and rental car for R1,699 (plus an additional R$308 in taxes and fees); two nights’ accommodation for two, including breakfast , at the Pousada Centro Histórico (Rua da Lapa 11, Paraty, tel. 24-3371-2349) in quaint, romantic Paraty for a measly R$199, a 50 percent discount; or a full-on five-hour-long barbecue for 60 people hosted at your house by Disk Espetos (tel. 4461-1324, 4316-4447, www.diskespetos.goldenbiz.com.br)—

with all the meat, seasonings, sauces, sides, and 30 liters of beer included—for only R$979, half-off the going rate. American-based site Groupon.com.br most recently featured half-off tickets to the concert of Brazilian chanteuse Maria Rita for R$44; an entire home security system from Lince Sistemas e Segurança (Rua Madre Luisa dos Anjos 331, tel. 2509-9979, www.linceconsult.com.br), including cameras that display live images of your property to you via the internet, for R$1,599, a 50 percent savings; and two exhilarating laps around the earthen race track in Caçapava with five-time truck rally champion Jean Azevedo in the official truck of the Mitsubishi L200 Rally dos Sertões for only R$740, also a 50 percent discount. To save time, check out group buying aggregators such as Valejunto.com.br, Cuponado.com.br, and Saveme.com.br which all list deals from the individual sites listed above, along with dozens of others.

If you’re looking for a bit of a respite from the interminable bustle of the city, try one of the many established

athletic clubs in the city, some of which offer sharp discounts for expats living in São Paulo. The São Paulo Athletic Club (Rua Visconde de Ouro Preto 119, Higienópolis, tel. 3217-5944, and Avenida Atlântica 1448, Santo Amaro, tel. 5686-2220, clubespac.wordpress.com), Yacht Club Paulista (Estrada do Itupu 1077, Chácara Vista Alegre, tel. 5514-6912, www.ycp.com.br), Guarapiranga Golf & Country Club (Avenida do Jaceguava, Parelheiros, tel. 7416-7637, www.guarapirangagolf.

com.br), and the Hebraica São Paulo (Rua Hungria 1000, Jardim Paulistano, tel. 3818-8800, www.hebraicaparatodos.org.br) provide facilities for swimming, tennis, basketball, and even rowing and golf at the Yacht Club and Guarapiranga respectively. Available discounts change frequently, so it’s best to consult the clubs directly.

If you’re willing to hold out for that special week of sales or have the drive to ferret out the amazing deals to be had around the city,

you can indeed have a little luxury in your life for less.

Forum November12

DaytripsBy Melissa Harkin, AmSoc member

Whenever we think about vacation, the State of São Paulo usually doesn’t come to our minds as a top destination. We, Brazilians and foreigners alike, managed to make this the most economically important region in Latin America; therefore, São Paulo means business! But the State of São Paulo is not just that.

In addition to thousands of cultural attractions, São Paulo also offers the best options for tourism. Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, the coast of the state has 622 kilometers of beaches of various types and sizes and also hosts some of the most important preserved natural areas of the planet, such as the Juréia-Itatins Ecological Station and the Cardoso Island, in Logamar.

Separating the coastal area from the rest of the State, Serra do Mar, in the middle of the Atlantic forest, was a big hurdle to overcome in past centuries; but today, this gateway to the countryside of the state is the focus of the Atlantic Forest Biosphere Reserve and other organizations seeking to preserve this ecosystem that has been reduced to 5% of its original length in Brazil.

Towards the countryside, visitors will find ranches, rural tourism, eco-cities with European climate, waterfalls, caves, rivers, mountains, mineral springs, natural parks, historic buildings from the XVI, XVII, and XVIII centuries, Jesuit architecture churches, and archaeological sites.

There are just so many options that it’s hard to choose. It’s even hard to get started on research. But fear no more! This article is here to help you find a terrific weekend getaway, which offers endless possibilities (relaxation, adventure, culture, education, history, etc.) for all ages, family sizes, and pockets.

Here are some of the best places to visit in the State of São Paulo:

Águas de Lindóia Definitely one of my favorite places

to visit in the countryside. Famous for its many medicinal water springs, Águas de Lindóia has a remarkable tourist activity and is part of “Circuito das Águas”. Only 165 km from São Paulo, this town offers many options; nature activities, adventure sports, and rural tourism. With a population of 17.266 habitants, the city’s economy is based on tourism. There are 1.500 apartments and 25 hotels with the capacity to host 5.000 guests per day, which gives the city great potential to host events and conventions. It already hosts around 10 large congresses and conventions per year. Each of these may gather around 4 thousand participants.

Vacance Hotel (www.vacancehotel.com.br) is a big part of my childhood memories, since I spent countless family vacations there and, therefore, is my hotel and resort suggestion to anyone who wishes to visit this lovely

town. Located in a natural reserve near the mountains, this is considered one of the most complete resorts in Brazil. Vacance Hotel perfectly integrates nature, leisure, comfort and services.

Tourists visiting the city can enjoy immersion or foam baths, Scottish shower, and massages; and they can also drink the different medicinal waters available.

The waters of the city are also the main attraction of Thermas Regional de Águas de Lindóia. The pools, slides and dinosaur replicas definitely entertain visitors.

If you wish to mix fun and education during your visit and see experiments that demonstrate the laws of physics, Tecnorama – the science museum of the State of São Paulo – is the place to go. Out of the 250 attractions, the tilted home (35 degrees of inclination) with optical illusions and the giant kaleidoscope really stand out.

Barra BonitaSeeing a clean and navigable Tietê

river is undoubtedly the best surprise in store by visiting Barra Bonita. Anyone who knows the paulistano stretch of the river – now polluted, smelly and with constant flooding – can hardly believe that just 302 km from São Paulo it is possible to go boating at Tietê, feed the fish and see herons flying over the region.

One of the oldest and best known

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2012 Forum 13

tours of the city depends on the river to exist: the Barra Bonita Sluice. To bridge the gaps caused by the dams that generate power, a sluice, which is nothing more than a water elevator, was built. The process causes the vessels to overcome a gap of 26 meters downstream (lower level of the dam) to upstream (higher level of the dam), and vice versa.

The tour lasts about three hours and can be done on board of the San Marino, San Rafael or San Diego boats. On weekends the boats usually make two trips per day, from 9:30am to 12:30pm and from 1pm to 4pm. The tour costs R$28 per person and includes a simple lunch. Drinks and desserts are charged separately. Reservations can be made by calling 0/xx/14 / 641-2422.

And take my word for it: When visiting Barra Bonita, stay at Hotel Estância Barra Bonita (www.barrabonita.com.br). Great food, great place, and great fun!

ItúDistant 103 km from São Paulo, Itú

was founded in 1610, has a respectable repertoire of imperial architecture, went through the flags, sugar-cane, and coffee cycles, and is now the largest of the eight municipalities of the Roteiro dos Bandeirantes. With 150 thousand inhabitants, the city has good infrastructure and a nice historical downtown.

Itú is surrounded by farms opened to tourists, and one of the best farms to visit is Fazenda do Chocolate (www.fazendadochocolate.com.br), remnant of the 18th century, which also offers trails and horseback riding.

Built in 1850 and renovated in 1967, the two-story house of the family of Carlos and José Vasconcelos de Almeida Prado houses the Republican museum “Convenção de Itú”. It has a collection of furniture and paintings which recount the Republican unrest occurred in 1873.

Regimento Deodoro, a building from 1867, sheltered Colégio São Luís until 1917, when the institution was transferred to Avenida Paulista, in São Paulo. Since 1918, the property hosts an Army facility.

The Imperial House, from 1881, hosted members of the Orleans e Bragança clan (Brazilian imperial family) in 1884.

A terrific place to stay is Hotel Dois Santos Lodge Resort (www.doissantos.com.br), in Porto Feliz.

JoanópolisYou’ll never believe this, but

Joanópolis is the Brazilian capital of...well...werewolves!

It all began in 1983, when folklorist Maria do Rosário de Souza Tavares de Lima realized that the city had a huge amount of stories about werewolves and decided to further investigate the matter. She decided to prepare a thesis that would lead her to be a member of the Brazilian Association of Folklore, which has Mario de Andrade as one of its founders, and would eventually result in the book “Werewolf: Haunt and Reality.”

Founded on Nestled in a valley in the foothills of the Mantiqueira mountain range, this simple and welcoming city is located 115 km from the state capital and has just over 10,000 inhabitants.

Gentle and friendly people, chariots wondering around town, the bandstand, the old pharmacy (São João) with its centennial shelves in good condition, the beautiful school building that takes its name from one of its founders, and everything else that characterizes any little country town is here. It was enough to make the werewolf become the most attractive thing about the city.

Conversations about werewolves are constant in bars and squares. Nice miniatures and T-shirts of the fearful creature found in any store of the city. And you can even drink some of the “werewolf repellent” in the bakery located in the main square. .

And the best place for tourists to learn about the myth is at Casa do Artesão, where local artisans display their work, made almost entirely from recycled/recyclable materials - bark, leaves and trunks of fallen trees found in the woods.

For tourists who are not satisfied with only the werewolf “tales” and wish a more “intimate” encounter with the beast, the Pousada e Eco Resort Monteleone (www.pousadamonteleone.com.br), situated on the banks of the Jacareí-Jaguari dam, offers the werewolf trail. Try, if you dare!

Melissa Harkin runs a translation company called Melissa Harkin Translations. Visit her site at www.melissaharkin.com or contact her at contato@melissaharkin.com (11-98428-8714). Special DISCOUNTS for AMSOC members!

sive preparation for SSAT, PSAT, SAT, TOEFL, TOIEC, IGCSE, and IB Diploma Programme. References furnished upon request. Dr. Wendy M. Smith can be reached at: 3885.7256 [office] or 99236.5267 [mobile].

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, individu-als or groups. Sessions in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. For more information please con-tact Daniela Franco at (11) 99739-6191 or dsf29@hotmail.com.

Argos Dog Kennel

Traveling? What about your dog? Argos Ken-nel 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 spa-cious garden. Fetch and carry service. English and French spoken. Call Jean or Christiane at (11) 4661-1430 or (11) 97434-2430 or send an e-mail to Jean. chris@uol.com.br. Embu Gua-çu, SP.

American-Licensed Counselor.

Dawn Morelli, MSW, LCSW. I am an American with USA training and licensing. My expertise includes; mood, anxiety, cultural issues, rela-tionship and family concerns, self esteem, trau-ma, and personal growth. I have strong skills in assessment/evaluation which allow to identify the best and most effective treatment. I work with individuals, families and children. 98963-2871 or dawnmorell@yahoo.com

American-Licensed Expat Psychologist

Richard Morhaime, Psy.D., offers skilled psy-chotherapy for children and adults. He also pro-vides complete diagnostic evaluations in Eng-lish for children with academic or behavioral difficulties, featuring individualized recommen-dations for school and home. For more infor-mation, contact Dr. Morhaime at 5538-0099 or 99669-8057 or visit www.expatpsychologist.com.br

American-Licensed Psychotherapist

In this busy and ever-changing world, people often feel stressed and overwhelmed with no place to turn. Psychotherapy/ counseling 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: indi-vidual, couples, child/adolescent. Certified to con-duct Adoption Home Study for American Citizens.

schools (800m Graded), hospitals (Einstein and S Luiz), B Marx Park, Shopping Jd Sul. Very quiet street. R$4500/mo. Carol 98420-2723 / Orlando 98420-2732 / carolpellegrino@yahoo.com.br

Interiors Rental Furniture

Quality and refined furniture rental for your home away from home. We offer great variety!A complete line of appliances, kitchen devices and linen & towels. Complements such as rugs, lamps and decor items. www.interiors.com.br or interiors@interiors.com.br

Math and Science Tutor

“Currently teacher at School St. Francis. 25+ years of experience. Tutors Math, Physics, Chemistry, and Science for all levels, including but not limited to the IB, IGCSE, SAT, ACT, AP and Brazilian vestibular. Elementary and middle school students are also welcome (all subjects). Call Fernando Knijnik at (11) 99134-6700. For-mer Chapel and Graded teacher.

Translation Specialists

Over 10 years translating solutions in U.S. cities such as California, Houston and Chicago, São PAULO TRADUÇÕES has had projects with the best companies in Brazil and the world. So-lutions in English, Spanish, Portuguese in engi-neering, legal, med. and many other areas.Free quote: saopaulotraducoes@yahoo.com.br Please visit us at: saopaulotraducoes.wix.com/saopaulotraducoes

Portuguese for foreigners The objective of the course is to teach Portu-guese by means of a dynamic method, that en-ables foreign learners to learn not only the lan-guage, but the culture of Brazil. The course is divided in stages and, by the end of them, the student is able to speak, read, listen and write in Portuguese. The course is adapted to the stu-dent’s needs and purposes. Phone: 11-971404474(Thais)email:thais@nineidiomas.com.brwww.nineidiomas.com.br

Qualified Learning Specialist

Success in school leads to success in life. Ar-eas of expertise include in-home support for academics, behavior modification, and inten-

classifieds

Forum November14

Housing

TriplexApartment for Rent by Graded School

Apt. w/650m2, 4 large suites each w/ built-in closets.Fireplace living w/ separate dinning and lunch rms. Ample apt w/ central air, all marble and hardwood floors, xtra large Jacuzzi + pri-vate sauna, large party rmgreat for home theatre and entertainment. 4 garage spots and great bldg amenities. Av. G.Gronchi 4822, next to Graded.Rental R$12,000/mo.Call Andrew at 98202-0008 or imobiliariaplaza@uol.com.br

Vila Nova ConceiçãoSão Paulo’s best place to live.

Near Ibirapuera Park. Modern building, with all Sports facilities, heated swimming pool, gym, play room, barbecue, multi purpose sports court. Three bedrooms (1 suite), living room with ter-race, complete kitchen,maid’s bedroom and bath, big service area, two parking spaces. Fully furnished,with all appliances. Call Ana Beat-riz or Eliane Phone (011) 3849.7085 or (011) 99626-6229-mail to: anabeatriz@caboverde.com.br

Penthome - Jardins

3 BDRM (1 SUITE) 3 BATHS OFFICE 2 GA-RAGES LARGE BALCONY LOTS OF SUNUnique floor plan-Wooden floor-Cabinets-Wooden Deck-Jacuzzi-Huge Skyline-Marble Counters-Planned Kitchen-In-Unit Laundry267 sqm-Rent: R$9.500 - CAM: R$ 1.700 - Property Tax: R$350. Monthly. Will be plain painted by owner, according to tenant prefer-ences. Contact Gilberto, ga-sampaio@uol.com.br, Mobile: 999 740 499

House for Rent in Jardins

Great location (near Av. Faria Lima, Shop. Ig-uatemi). Fully renovated. Ready to move in. 4 bedrooms (2 suites). 3 ½ bathrooms. Office. Living room. Dining room. Family room with fireplace. Outdoor churrasco and wood burn-ing pizza oven. Play area. Utility room. Alarm system. 330sqm / 3,500sqf. Partially furnished or unfurnished. Contact Marcus at 55 11 96698 8896 / mvarotti@gmail.com

Excellent location – Apartment for rent

Apt 163m2, 3 suites + 1 bedroom, closet, balco-ny, great kitchen, large hydromassage, 3 garage, maid’s suite. Common area w/ heated pool, BBQ, sports court, party lounge, playground, sauna. Near the best American and bilingual

Services

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calendar

Learn more about this month’s AmSoc events (highlighted) at www.AmSoc.com.br.Important Dates: 2 FInaDos (Br), 15 repuBlIc’s Day (Br), 24 thanksgIvIng (us)November 2012

A classified of up to 350 characters costs R$60 for AmSoc members and R$80 for non-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.

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Forum does not check all of the advertisers appearing in this newsletter. We urge you to use these services; however, thoroughly check prices and services prior to finalizing any service or purchase agreement.

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Contact: Pamela Wax, MSW/LCSW at 99656-2106 or send an e-mail to pamwax@gmail.com. Located in Moema.

Piano and Keyboard Classes

Beginning music classes for piano or keyboard. special method for children four years or older, teenagers, adults and senior citizens. Classes in por-tuguese or English. Contact Suely Azevedo 98456-5365. Years of successful experience! Class in your house in Morumbi or south area.

Real English

Native english teachers needed (with or without experience) to work in a quickly growing eng-lish school in the zona sul of São Paulo.Please contact us. REAL ENGLISH, (11) 5631-3794 or realenglish2008@hotmail.com

05 Monday Scottish Country Dancing Club 1st Monday of every month in the Brazilian British Centre in Pinheiros (R. Ferreira de Araújo, 741). At 8pm. Dancing the traditional Scottish reels is an important and enjoyable part of the Society’s events. In order to help newcomers learn the basic steps and encourage the more adventurous to learn new ones, St. Andrew Society organizes a meeting of the Scottish Country Dancing Club (SCDC).

09 Friday Marine Corps Ball Tickets on sale daily from 11:00-13:00 in the Cafeteria at the U.S. ConsulateThe Ball is going to be held at Círculo Militar De São Paulo. Cocktail hour will start at nine followed by the ceremony. The Consulate general will be the guest speaker and a General is coming in from the states to be the guest of honor. For dinner you have a choice of Filet or a vegetarian pasta. Then to top off the night there is going to be music and dancing. The cost is $200 for the entire ball, all proceeds go to the ball. If you want to get tickets and do not have access to the Consulate contact Staff Sergeant Cody Wilson at WilsonCL2@state.gov. They can set up a time for a Marine to meet up with anyone that wants to go. The ceremony is to usher in the 237th birthday of the United States Marine Corp so it is a great time to learn the history of one of the most respected fighting forces in the world. Any further questions please feel free to contact Grant Greer at GreerGA@state.gov or Staff Sergeant Wilson.

10 Saturday Xmas Angel Party See CAC News on page 2

15 & 16 Thursday & Friday

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs On Ice

15/11:11h00, 15h00, 19h00 (Thursday). 16/11: 15h00,20h00 (Friday). At Via Funchal. The Russian Ice Stars, a group that includes some of the greatest Olympic figure skaters in the world, will perform the consecrated fable Snow White, a breathtaking spectacle of choreography and theater on ice. Snow White On Ice is an innovative experience in terms of entertainment and show that the devoted British company Wild Rose, creator of the concept of theatrical shows on ice for 20 years, will perform in São Paulo.

25 Sunday Thanksgiving Celebration at Fellowship Church

See page 9

27 Tuesday Happy Hour at Cervejaria Nacional See page 9

30 Friday 2012 St Andrew Society of São Paulo “Golf Quaich” (St Andrews Day)

At São Fernando Golf Club - Cotia. Event for members of the St Andrew Society and members of the São Fernando Golf Club. A limited number of “green fees”, at concessionary rates (tbc), will be available for non SFGC members. Full details and how to register will be posted closer to the time of the event at http://www.standrews.com.br

I have always felt that when it comes to city living, I’m a little bit like Donny and Marie (I know I am dating myself here); that is to say, as some of you may remember, “I’m a little bit country. I’m a little bit rock and roll.” I love city life with all its great restaurants to eat at, museums to visit, people to meet, parties to attend – there is never a lack of things to do. But there’s another part of me, the country part, that sometimes finds the energy, or pulse, of a city a little bit overwhelming.

Now having moved here from New York, the city that never sleeps, I couldn’t imagine that São Paulo, or any other city, would have half the energy that I was used to (If you’ve ever walked the streets of Midtown at lunchtime on a weekday, you’ll know what I’m talking about). But for some reason, I find that São Paulo has more, at least for me. I’m not sure what it is, though lately I have been thinking that it’s the number of automobiles. While I used to feel the energy of all those New Yorkers on the sidewalk, here I feel the energy of all those countless cars on the road.

This, let’s call it “car energy,” seems to wear me down a little more than the energy of Manhattan. I discovered that in order to cope, I had to find ways to decharge the stress. And by that, I mean more than just going for a run or getting on the elliptical machine. I knew I needed to find calming peaceful places in the city where I could recenter

myself – where I could find a little bit of country in the great big rock and roll that is São Paulo.

Of course, going to the beach for the weekend, or just getting out of town for the day, are the most obvious escapes. But if you find yourself here in the city and needing a refuge, a way to quiet yourself and get away from the buzz, below are some go-to remedies that don’t cost a fortune.

Walking through the Botanical Garden on a weekday

The Botanical Garden, or Jardim Botânico, is an oasis of calm. Sure, Parque Ibirapuera is wonderful, but walking through the Botanical Garden really makes you feel like you’re getting away from it all. It’s 360,000 square meters (that’s 88 acres to you and me) of lush and verdant land. And I promise you won’t hear one car while you’re there. If orchids are your thing, know that there will be an exhibition November 9th through November 11th. The park is open every day, except Mondays, from 9 am to 5 pm. Tickets are just R$5.

Avenida Miguel Stéfano, 3031www.ibot.sp.gov.br/jardim/index.

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Sipping tea at Made by NinaI discovered Made by Nina, a

little cafe in Moema, when looking at nursery schools for my son. What first caught my attention was the little

wooden bench outside the front door, so reminiscent of bakeries and cafes back in New York. To my delight, the charm didn’t end there. Inside, the café has French-inspired décor with brocade wallpaper and a charming chandelier. There are only a few tables so it’s never crowded and the tea, all organic, is served the proper way - in teapots, not bags. And if you like sweets, the chocolate cupcakes are beyond delicious.

Avenida Jurucê, 433www.madebynina.com.br

Taking a class at YogaFlowIf you want to mix a little sweat

with your serenity, YogaFlow is the place to go. I love this studio – it’s on a quiet residential street in Vila Nova Conceição, so you begin to feel the calm even before walking through the door. Maybe it’s the lighting, the big windows, or the view of the beautiful trees, but each time I take a class here, I forget that I am actually in a city.

Rua Dina, 100www.yogaflow.com.br

Find Your RefugeBy Maureen Kennedy Alves, AmSoc member