`Dream Big' honoree on Hispanic Chamber

Dreaming to make a difference is what Liliam M. Lopez has always tried to do.

Red ribbons draw attention to substance abuse

`How many people have to die from drinking and using drugs before we realize it is not cool?'' asked Peggy Sapp, president and CEO of Informed Families and volunteer president of the National Family Partnership. The 24th annual Red Ribbon Week is continuing through Saturday and organizers hope they can change lives hurt by alcohol and drug abuse.

Coral Gables firefighters place grapefruit tree on new Fewell Gallery

Agrapefruit tree was placed on top of the new 3,000-square-foot Marian and Robert Fewell Gallery built in what was once a parking lot behind the historic Old Police and Fire Station in Coral Gables.

KENDALL

Kendall karate studio lives on after the death of popular founder

The tough love that the men of the American Cobra Goju-Ryu karate dojo impart on their students stems from the difficult lessons learned two years ago when their beloved instructor, Nelson Garcia, was murdered by his brother.

Rotary Club, MDC to host student art show

The opening of the Quest for Peace's fifth art exhibition, sponsored by the Miami Dadeland Pinecrest Rotary Club and Miami Dade College, will be 6 p.m. Oct. 22 in the gallery of Miami Dade College Kendall Campus. The public is invited.

KENDALL

YMCA of Greater Miami receives Kendall Community Council's approval to expand

The Kendall Community Council voted to allow the YMCA of Greater Miami to proceed in a 10-15-year expansion project.

KENDALL

Miami-Dade property appraiser tries to explain home values

Homeowners who attended a recent town hall meeting in Kendall questioned Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser Pedro J. Garcia's methods of assessing home values.

`Blue Angels' philanthropists are honored

Tiffany & Co. and Miami Monthly Magazine recognized a new group of philanthropists at a festive evening event held at The Viceroy's Club 50. Called The Blue Angels, the honorees include Ricky Arriola, Paula Brockway, Thea Goldman, Bill Holly, Irene Korge, Abigail Pollak and Samantha Sharpe. Publisher and Executive Editor of Miami Monthly Elena V. Carpenter and Tiffany & Co. Group Director Henry Gonzalez welcomed guests and gave glowing remarks about each honoree.

Event to aid domestic-violence victims

Young, Stovall & Company, Turnberry Bank and The Coral Gables Woman's Club will host a wine tasting and food celebration fundraiser from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 9 at the historic Coral Gables Woman's clubhouse, 1001 E. Ponce de Leon Blvd.

WEST MIAMI-DADE

Festival celebrates Central American, Mexican independence

Roberto Amador stood by a statue of Nicaraguan poet Ruben Dario, watching dancers perform a folkloric dance from Nicaragua to the sounds of the marimba, an instrument similar to the xylophone.

KENDALL

CarFit helps drivers get their rides ready

A program at Baptist Hospital helps aging drivers get ready to take on the open road.

New foundation holds first annual reception

The newly created Community Foundation of Pinecrest held its first Donor Appreciation Reception and Auction by treating guests to hors d'oeuvres and other refreshments at Blue, the new all-suite hotel in Doral.

SOUTH MIAMI-DADE

Sunset Feed & Supply hosts rally in South Miami-Dade against horse killings

Horse owners hold a rally at Sunset Supply & Feed to raise money and awareness about horse slaughterings in South Florida.

WEST KENDALL

Miami-Dade considers cutting some community councils

The County Commission tentatively approved an ordinance that would cut the number of community councils to four and eliminate elections for council members. The item comes up for a final vote in November.

MIAMI-DADE

Deadline for filing property tax appeals is Friday in Miami-Dade

Homeowners have until Friday to file property tax assessment appeals.

KENDALL

Miami Childrens Theater holds auditions for `Annie'

Ninety-four eager children entered the Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center on Saturday in the hopes of being cast in the Miami Childrens Theater production of Annie, the musical about the spunky orphan with red curly hair.

Year-long project aims to preserve coral in Miami-Dade waters

In their wet suits and masks, scientific divers carry oxygen tanks, underwater cameras, measuring tape, and about 50 pounds of equipment into Biscayne Bay to restore Miami-Dade's coral reefs.

KENDALL

Students at The Academy in Kendall learn to make shofars for Jewish High Holidays

AT A KENDALL JEWISH SCHOOL, STUDENTS DON'T JUST BLOW THE SHOFAR. THEY MAKE THEM, TOO.

KENDALL COMMUNITY COUNCIL

Kendall Community Council puts off YMCA decision until Oct. 6 to hear all sides of the issue

The Kendall Community Council postponed voting on the South Miami-Dade YMCA renovation plan because of a lack of time to make a decision at the last hearing.

MIAMI DADE

Students are growing their own herbs and veggies

Students from prekindergarten to sixth grade were lining up excitedly at South Pointe Elementary on Thursday to check out the newest addition at the school.

• Gardens are springing up in schools across South Florida