April is Autism Awareness Month, and it is also Autism Acceptance month, a message shared in recent years to include those in society who are diagnosed with the neurological condition.      The HDS Foundation in Miami Lakes provides school-based programs to students with diverse abilities so that they may become self-sufficient and attend school or vocational training.      Its home in...

     Say hello to Champan, called Boujee by his friends.      He is a 1-year-old Maltese who shares his Miami Lakes home with Mari Carrandi and fellow pup Valentino, 9, a Maltese-Bichon Frise mix.      “He’s really brought us much happiness,” Carrandi said. “He is a lovable terror!”       Boujee “loves” Valentino, she...

    The 7th Annual Cars for a Cure auto show drew crowds of onlookers to see more than 200 classic vehicles displayed April 2 along the streets of downtown Miami Lakes, the non-profit organization said. It was all for a good cause, to benefit research at University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.  The fundraiser is a passion of the Alonso family, whose patriarch Roberto Alonso, Sr. was the town’s first...

     A faded framed newspaper photo that hangs in Snow’s Jewelers shows a smiling family -- Edward and Ida Snow and their son Gary -- as they sign a lease to become the first tenants on Main Street in Miami Lakes.      That was in 1983.       “This was just getting going,” Gary Snow, 74, said about downtown Miami Lakes.       He recalled how...

Gianella Cosio Owner, Earthy Earth Gems Kendall       “[I don’t do it in spring, but rather] at the end of the year [in Peru where I’m from,] especially for New Year’s when you bring everything new [and clean],” Gianella Cosio said. Carmen Viera Owner, JJC Unique Treasures Hialeah      “I mix baking soda with dishwashing liquid and I pour...