View this interactive pdf of the December 2009 Forum newsletter.
Archive for November, 2009
Pdf of the December Forum
Thursday, November 26th, 2009Eggnog Party the place to be on Dec. 11
Thursday, November 26th, 2009From the December issue of Forum
Christmas caroling, an endless buffet of cocktail food and the sweetest holiday spirit ever concocted will be in ample supply at the 2009 American Society Eggnog Party.
The AmSoc December tradition will be held again at the Mangel household in Chacara Flora, this year on Dec. 11 starting at 8 p.m. This is a members-only event for AmSoc, with tickets set at R$50 each. Reservations are necessary by Dec. 4, and getting your name in by that date is paramount: Only reserved guests will be allowed into the gated community.
Homemade eggnog will be provided by former AmSoc President Marlene Rubeiz for the eighth year in a row. Rubeiz took her recipe from Texan cook Helen Corbitt’s cookbook when she moved to Brazil 30 years ago. It includes 24 eggs, separated into yolks and whites before mixing, a heavy dose of vanilla ice cream for flavor, and plenty of bourbon and cognac.
Members are encouraged to get their friends signed up for AmSoc in the coming weeks, so they too can reserve a spot at this members-only party. Call 5182-2074 by Dec. 4.
Your 2009 Christmas Angel Party
Thursday, November 26th, 2009From the December issue of Forum
(Photos taken by AmSoc member and professional photographer Wim Laureys. View more of his Angel Party photos at wimlaureys.viewbook.com)
The Angel Party only happens due to the generosity of so many people and companies. Here are some of this year’s incredible donors:
• Transnway, for the 10th consecutive year, transported and safely stored our gift bags and allowed us to use its facility as Santa’s workshop for one day. Moving? Call Transnway at (11) 4137-1481. 
• Chapel School has gorgeous facilities and we used them: the outside gym, cafeteria, sports field, parking lot, bathrooms and everything in between. Thank you Chapel, a true partner!
(more…)
Luggage tips, blog to bookmark, for flights to and from Brazil
Thursday, November 26th, 2009From the December issue of Forum
By Bob Moser, editor
For AmSoc members traveling back to their home country for the holiday season, you’ll likely be lugging a suitcase or two stuffed with presents to and from Brazil. It’s important to know your baggage rights in Brazil in case airline employees try to tack unfair fees onto your ticket. (more…)
Save the date
Thursday, November 26th, 2009From the December issue of Forum
The American Society Board is asking members to reserve May 7 on their 2010 calendars to attend AmSoc’s grand 60th Anniversary Party, which is being planned now.
The event will be held at Torres Imares banquet hall in Moema, and should include a lavish dinner, dancing, games, charity auction and performance by a group of singers that perform Broadway classics, and interact with the audience.
Contact the AmSoc office to learn more, or offer your help or insight on vendors who could make this party as memorable as possible. More information will come in the Forum in 2010.
Local church offers two Christmas events
Thursday, November 26th, 2009From the December issue of Forum
Fellowship Community Church will present two Christmas events during the month of December. The first will be the Chancel Choir concert, held on the morning of Dec. 13 at 10:30 a.m. All types of Christmas music will be performed, and it is a good beginning for the Christmas season.
The second event is the traditional Christmas Eve candlelight service. It will be held on Dec. 24 at 7:30 p.m. The evening starts off with cookies and caroling for all. The crowd then enters the church, where the Christmas story will be read, carols sung and choir music presented. At the close of the service, everyone participates in the lighting of their candle and the singing of “Silent Night,” while slowly leaving the church.
Fellowship Church is located on Rua Carlos Sampaio, 107, in Paraiso. Nursery care is available for toddlers with a responsible caretaker on hand, and there is a nearby parking lot for cars. Everyone is welcome.
Newcomer Profile
Thursday, November 26th, 2009From the December issue of Forum
Name: Asli Scott
Origin, Time Here: Turkish but lived in Hong Kong for the last 10 years. I’ve been here three months so far.
Profession: Economist by education, currently housewife
Why São Paulo?: My husband’s job brought us here
Asli Scott
Best thing so far: The space! Coming from Hong Kong where we lived in a small apartment, it’s amazing to have a house and garden, although the kids find it strange to be living on the ground floor.
Early frustrations: the inefficiencies. The telephone service providers have come around 35 times in three months and all we did was have the number changed!
Have saudade for anything back home?: I miss the convenience of walking to restaurants/cafés and doing things on the spur of the moment – here you have to drive everywhere and plan things ahead.
Progress with Portuguese: I really enjoy learning it and trying to speak it. According to my teacher I’ve picked up a Bahian accent from the maid.
Favourite place to hang out: We love the restaurants Fogo de Chão and Casa da Fazenda, and can always be found in the park near our house.
The President’s Corner
Thursday, November 26th, 2009From the December issue of Forum
By Tim Scott, AmSoc president
December is a time of mixed emotions, isn’t it? First there is the fact that its actually December, the last month of the year, which makes me wonder where in the heck did the year go?
What about all those things I haven’t finished this year? How about that trip I wanted to take to Bonito? And I certainly didn’t progress on guitar or get too far on Portuguese. And I wanted to spend more quality time with family and friends than I did. Then we can remember that this is summer! The kids will be out of school in a few days, work will slow down; even stop for a week or so, the beach is near, traffic will be better… (more…)
Tennis tournament featured big turnout
Thursday, November 26th, 2009From the December issue of Forum
On a sunny and hot Saturday on Nov. 7, the David’s Tennis and Squash Club hosted a very successful AmSoc Tennis Open. 
Twenty-nine active players joined in — 22 men and seven women. Everyone was paired to play doubles matches of six games each. From 10 am to 4 pm all played six matches in total, mostly with different partners. (more…)
Help wanted
Thursday, November 26th, 2009From the December issue of Forum
The American Society of Sao Paulo is searching for a person to help develop and market corporate sponsorship packages for AmSoc. Ideal candidates can communicate well in Portuguese and English, are enthusiastic, and would enjoy working with Brazilian and American companies in Sao Paulo. The position is part-time, and pay is commission-based. To learn more or submit your CV, email Tim Scott, scott_timothy_d@cat.com .