The bulk of material in this blog comes from the most recent issues of Forum, the monthly newsletter of AmSoc. Scroll down to see the first few paragraphs of each story, and click the blue “read more” links if you are interested in, well, reading more.
Along the right side of the blog should be a series of topical categories. There you can quickly sort these blog posts to find those specifically about, say, AmSoc sports or Traditional Events.
From the March issue of Forum
By Bob Moser, editor
The American Society of Sao Paulo is sponsoring its annual St. Patrick’s Day get-together this year on March 13 and 17 at Drake’s Bar in Pinheiros.
Live music via local band Wonder Rock and hearty Guinness beer will be on tap for both nights in March, and Irish pop music will be played on and off throughout the night. 
There’s also a possibility of free merchandise (i.e. t-shirts and caps) being given out throughout the night by a yet-to-be-confirmed sponsor beer company.
Drake’s management will offer all AmSoc members a 15 percent discount on food and drink during these two nights. Members should be sure to bring their ID, because Drake’s staff will compare names with a membership list from AmSoc.
Guinness pints (400 ml) will be R$12 throughout the night, and that’s before your 15 percent discount.
No RSVP is needed at the AmSoc office, just show up on either March 13 or 17 to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day with your AmSoc brethren. Visit www.drakesbar.com for address and more information.
From the March issue of Forum
By Mark Abrams, AmSoc board member
Last year, 16 adventurous souls ventured out of São Paulo for a weekend of rock climbing and canoeing, led by the Outward Bound wilderness experts. 
All conquered the mountain and lake and mastered new skills. This semester we have a hold-onto-your-hats kind of weekend when we’ll shoot through the Juquitiba rapids in two-person inflatable rafts!Â
Up for the challenge? Read the rest of this entry »
From the March issue of Forum
By John Kennedy, AmSoc board member
On Feb. 6 at the Graded School in Morumbi, the American Society hosted its annual Abacaxi Bowl along with the Little League sign-ups. Eight teams participated and more than 200 players and spectators enjoyed the activities, which started at 10 am with the double elimination flag football tournament and continued with a BBQ that went from 11 am until after the rains came around 4:30 pm, which washed out the rest of the games beginning with the semi-final round. 
Because of the rain-out, the Cougars were declared winners because they had beaten the two other teams vying for the other semi-final position, the Brasil Devilz and PACA School, the defending and six-time champion. The upstart Devilz also continued to display their AmSoc Sports prominence in this tournament by placing second again this year, due the points differential (26-20) in their losses to the Cougars. In fact, the Devilz-Cougars game, which went into overtime, could have gone either way due to two very close calls by the referee at the end, which went in favor of the Cougars and allowed them to come back and tie the game in the final minutes. 
It was the first time the Cougars entered this tournament, for they were formed just three years ago as a softball team. Now they are the holders of both the AmSoc softball and football championship trophies. The M.V.P. Award of the tournament was shared by two Cougar teammates, Howard Anderson and Shay Coker.
Professional photos seen here in Forum were taken throughout the day by Wim Laureys and Raquel Goldammer Benadof. More than 400 photos are available for purchase via download, at www.wlphotography.zenfolio.com\ab2010 (password : amsoc).
Specially-designed photo books are also available for purchase. Contact wlaureys@gmail.com and rqgoldammer@gmail.com to learn more.
From the March issue of Forum
By Kelly Maurice, AmSoc member
The American Society of Sao Paulo is hosting a night to be remembered by all, as the grand commemoration of our Diamond Anniversary will surely shine throughout the city.Â
Diamonds are the theme of the party, due to it’s relation to a 60th anniversary. The entertainment will be provided by the well-known Brazilian band SP3, which will be sure to have us up on the dance floor into the wee hours of the morning with continuous contemporary and flashback music, and a DJ to keep us going during the band’s breaks. Read the rest of this entry »
From the March issue of Forum
As of press time, AmSoc Sports was planning the following events for March and April, with optimism about being able to reserve space on the following dates. Please confirm by calling the AmSoc office.
A 3-on-3 adult basketball tournament (with teenagers of adequate skill level allowed as well), to be held on March 13 from 9 am to 4 pm at Chapel School. Call the AmSoc office to inquire about date confirmation and entry price.
Adult softball on April 10, from 12 to 5 pm, and on April 17, from 9 am to 5 pm, at Chapel School.
From the March issue of Forum
The American Society is bringing back the traditional Easter Sunday egg hunt for children this year. On April 4, from 12-2 pm at Chapel School, AmSoc families and children can join in the fun of our classic egg hunt, a variety of Easter-themed games, plenty of food and a chance for photos with the Easter Bunny. Every child will also get an Easter basket.
Those interested should RSVP to the AmSoc office by e-mailing amsoc1@amsoc.com.br . Payment for the party will be accepted the day of, and as of press time a price was still being decided.
From the March issue of Forum
Have you thought about volunteering at one of AmSoc’s 10 supported charities, but wondered how to go about it? Want to have fun with kids (yours and others)? Â
The Community Action Committee of AmSoc has just the solution for you:Â
Join the Volunteer Sports & Fun Day at the U.S. Consulate on Saturday, April 10, from 11:30 am to 4 pm.
The children from Lar Tia Edna, Mission ABBA and Casa Limiar will be our honored guests. They need you to complete the fun by playing sports, games or just taking a splash in the pool. Food and soft drinks will be served.Â
Interested volunteers should contact Maria Cavallin, volunteer recruitment committee chairperson (mariacavallin@yahoo.com). We need certified lifeguards and a registered nurse in addition to fun-loving, game playing, kid-oriented volunteers.Â
To help defray the costs of the lunch and snacks, we suggest that each volunteer make an optional contribution of R$ 20 or R$ 30 for a family. Once you have registered for the Volunteer Day, you will be told about the Consulate security requirements.Â
For 60 years, The American Society of São Paulo (www.americansociety.com.br) has promoted not only social and cultural events geared to its membership, but also volunteerism in social projects. Currently, AmSoc supports 10 institutions that focus on children and education, since this is the area where we can help make a difference.  During the last five years, we have helped raise more than R$6 million in donations to the AmSoc-supported institutions and organized many volunteer programs.  We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, April 10.
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From the March issue of Forum
AmSoc is looking for members who can serve their community in one of the most important events of the year. The annual AmSoc July 4th Party is a joint effort with the U.S. Consulate, and you’ll have plenty of support from past organizers.  Call AmSoc at 5182-2074 or Alan Blau directly at 9970-8727 to learn more about how you can help.
From the March issue of Forum
By Simon Tharby, staff writer
The coach shouts instructions across floodlit grass, and players answer with their own calls. An egg-shaped ball is passed between men, who crash into one another in a semi-choreographed train wreck. Muscles flex and strain, bodies collide and passes fly at a moment’s notice.
American football? Please. This is rugby, and it’s catching on in São Paulo. Read the rest of this entry »