Spring is here!




Chef Xavi of Kokun prepares the first tapa for the Gourmet Tasting Dinner held on March 1, 2008.


Corporate Sponsors
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We'd like to extend a big thanks to all our generous Corporate Sponsors that make it all possible.



Recent Events
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Barcelona’s springtime weather is fantastic and we hope you are all taking advantage of these beautiful days! It allows us to take some of our events outdoors, so make sure to participate. Here is a recap of April’s events and a preview of what we have in the works:

Happy Hour on Wednesday, April 16th had about 3000 people show up! OK – not that many, but a lot! We saw a lot of new faces, which is always exciting, and it was really great to see everyone again.

The Olive Oil Tasting on Saturday, April 19th was a big hit, and once again reached our maximum number of people allowed to an event. We sampled representative “shots” of olive oil from various regions of Spain, got a small lesson on olives and had a chance to see some familiar faces in the lovely Santa Caterina Market. Thanks to all who came to make it a success as well as to Michael Mueller for putting another cool event together…and to Olisoliva for their patience and expertise in everything olive.

The Convergencia Democratica de Catalunya (CDC) invited an ASB representative to their roundtable discussion on American Politics held on Monday, April 28th. Victor Horcasitas joined Andrew Davis and Avui director and journalist Toni Cruanyes. Thanks to Marc Guerrero i Tarrago and Victor Cullell for coordinating and hosting the event to help locals get a view of the developments in American Politics. They have also confirmed their willingness to assist the ASB members understand the implication of the recent election results in Spain and Catalunya in a forum to be hosted by the ASB (details still being negotiated).

Other initiatives under way…
The Bad Golfers Club is for beginners and terminally bad golfers. More info to be sent out soon, we have NOT forgotten about all of you who have signed up!
Membership cards to be distributed – corporate logos to be featured on the reverse side of the card.
ASB Network – we are identifying local area businesses willing to give ASB members purchase discounts.
Driving School – we are lobbying various businesses to offer ASB members advantageous rates.
Expat issues conference to address topics such as Taxes, Social Security, Licenses, Business Setup, Health Care and Education.
Financial Planning Seminar sponsored by Barry Davys from the Spectrum IFA Group. Details to be released soon, but we are targeting an early to mid June date!
Understanding Catalan and Spanish Politics - the ASB plans to host a group of local political “militants” to help the expat community assess the results of the March election…
4th of July – We’re shaping up our annual event celebrating US Independence Day.

As always, don't be shy and please contact any of the Board Members directly with any questions, ideas or suggestions.

Victor
ASB Board Member


Interested in membership?

Did you know that you don't have to be American to be a member of the American Society?

The membership of the American Society of Barcelona is a wonderful mixture of nationalities; we are about half American and half European, the largest group of Europeans being Catalan. What draws most people to our organization is a desire to be involved in the English speaking community of Barcelona, both for social interaction and business networking. We sponsor a variety of gatherings throughout the year such as business luncheons, cultural outings, traditional American and local events and celebrations, informative speeches and much more.

Would you like to volunteer?

The American Society is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. If you have ideas you’d like to share let us know! As always, we look forward to hearing from you; and, if you have a little time, we’d love to have you pitch in. The American Society only exists because of the wonderful, talented people who volunteer their time and resources. So, if you have an idea about how you’d like to improve the American Society, don’t be shy, jump right in! It’s a lot of fun and a great way to meet people in the community.


Refund Policy
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In order to cancel a reservation for an event, please contact admin@amersoc.com
at least 48 hours prior to an event. During peak holiday or conference periods cancellation and amendment charges may occasionally vary due to some hotels or venues having more strict cancellations policies that the ASB must assume. In these cases we will advise you by email.

It is the policy of the ASB not to provide any refunds for cancellations unless the party communicates their decision in writing via email to admin@amersoc.com at least 48 hours prior to an event. In order to organize activities, the American Society is asked to make financial commitments on behalf of its membership and guests. When people sign up and register for ASB activities, the Society makes advanced payment to venues, hotels, transportation services, caterers, support staff, etc. Signing up for an event also hinders others from attending when there is limited capacity for an event.

The ASB is a non-profit organization managed by a volunteer staff, and we are delighted to host events of interest to the American and English speaking community of Barcelona.

We appreciate your understanding. We not only look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events, we would love to have you support us in managing an event.

Thank you.


BECOME A MEMBER

Want to join The American Society of Barcelona?
Click here to become a member.

Upcoming Events


Happy Hour
21. May 2008 21:00, Pomarada, Paseo de Gracia, 78, Principal (Metro stop Paseo de Gracia)
Want to speak English, make new friends or see old friends, meet the Board, or get the latest information on all the new events we are working on? Then come to our monthly Happy Hour. No need to register in advance, just show up, all are welcome!
Speed Networking
28. May 2008 20:00, Pomarada Resaurant, Paseo de Gracia 78
The American Society of Barcelona is proud to sponsor another SPEED NETWORKING event. Speed Networking is a rapid way to both promote your organization and meet other local business leaders in a fun and efficient yet structured approach to marketing.

The Speed Networking segment will be followed by an hour cocktail (3 drinks are included) to give attendees the chance talk more with their new acquaintances.

Deadline for event registration is May 26th.

We do have limited availability for this event so please sign up ASAP. Also, please remember that advance payment is required to reserve your place.

Payment can be made to the American Society by bank transfer or deposit; please send a copy of your bank receipt to admin@amersoc.com and you will receive confirmation of your reservation.
Payment Information:
American Society of Barcelona
Caja de Ingenieros Bank Account Number:
3025 0012 12 1400003696

IF there is availability, the American Society is prepared to accept cash payment on the day of the event. However, please be aware that there will be a 5 EUR surcharge per person.

We have consistently had an overwhelmingly positive response to the Speed Networking events and we’re looking forward to offering another opportunity for those in the business community to connect.
Members 22.00 EUR
Nonmembers 29.00 EUR
Happy Hour
18. Jun 2008 21:00, Pomarada, Paseo de Gracia, 78, Principal (Metro stop Paseo de Gracia)
Want to speak English, make new friends or see old friends, meet the Board, or get the latest information on all the new events we are working on? Then come to our monthly Happy Hour. No need to register in advance, just show up, all are welcome!

Latest News


Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir Performs May 15
The Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir will present a concert at 20:30 Thursday, May 15, at Santa Maria del Pi church, Plaza del Pi. This concert is free and open to the public.

The Illinois Wesleyan University Collegiate Choir has established a long history of excellence through its on campus performances, annual tours and recordings. The choir also sponsors the IWU Choral Commission Series, which in its 54 year history has added many significant works to the choral repertoire and resulted in a number of important world premieres at IWU.

The 44 voice choir is composed of student musicians representing the School of Music and other areas of the University, and is dedicated to the performance of the finest sacred and secular choral music of the past five centuries. Students in the choir are selected by audition and maintain a rigorous rehearsal schedule in preparation for their concert tour and other engagements throughout the year.

For more information please download the attached file below.
Introduction to Diving, May 22
The Barcelona Chapter of the Navy League would like to invite the members of the American Society to attend a series of monthly presentations regarding maritime related topics. The next talk will be on Thursday, May 22, 19:45 featuring PADI instructor Captain Davides Peyron who will talk about the art and sport of diving. Checkout www.nlbcn.org to get the details!
Also, The Navy League is planning to organize a course for PADI certification and is extending to the ASB the ability to get PADI certified at reduced rates.
For more information please contact Sandra Lund at barcelonanlus@gmail.com.
Memorial Day, May 26, 2008
Celebrated on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day is one of eleven federal holidays in the United States.

Originally known as Decoration Day (because of the custom of decorating the graves of soldiers), it first honored soldiers who had died in the American Civil War. After the First World War it was modified to honor all soldiers who die in any war or military action. Many Americans observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries or memorials. Traditionally, the American flag is flown at half-staff from dawn until noon, often a POW/MIA flag is also flown in remembrance of those lost or imprisoned and at 3:00pm EST a national moment of remembrance takes place.

Memorial Day is also viewed by many Americans as an unofficial beginning of summer. Americans regularly get together for family gatherings, picnics and sporting events over Memorial Day weekend. Often outdoor recreational facilities, such as municipal swimming pools, open on this weekend and parks nationwide prepare for the marked increase of visitors that will continue to stream in until Labor Day weekend.
Yale Alley Cats Concert, May 29
As one of the America's most renowned a cappella groups, the Yale Alley Cats have been spreading music around the world since 1943. Their roots are in jazz, but their repertoire has grown to include Motown, pop, classical, and many more genres.
On Thursday, May 29th at 20:00 they will be performing here in Barcelona in the theatre of the Institut d'Estudis Nord-americans, Via Agusta, 123. For more information please download the attached flier below.
Automatic Extension on Filing US Taxes for Overseas Residents
Happy day - it's tax time again. The good news is Uncle Sam knows overseas residents are procrastinators and grants an automatic 2-month extension to file your return and pay any federal income tax that is due if:
- You are living outside of the United States and Puerto Rico and your main place of business or post of duty is outside the United States and Puerto Rico, or
- You are in military or naval service on duty outside the United States and Puerto Rico.

If you use a calendar year, the regular due date of your return is April 15. Even if you are allowed an extension, you will have to pay interest on any tax not paid by the regular due date of your return.

To use this automatic 2-month extension, you must attach a statement to your return explaining which of the two situations listed earlier qualified you for the extension.
Tax Guide for US Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad


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