Police caravan promotes awareness, inclusion for those on the autism spectrum

When a community works together to make the world better, everyone wins.

On April 2, all South Florida residents are invited to experience the annual showcase of wrapped vehicles and motorcycles from more than 15 police and fire agencies in Miami-Dade and Broward counties in a promotion of acceptance and inclusion for individuals on the autism spectrum.

The 3rd Annual Autism Police Caravan will begin at 9 a.m. at the North Miami Police Department. The wrapped vehicles and motorcycles will begin a journey, with several stops along the way, to Crystal Academy in Coral Gables. The Miami-Dade Police Department Headquarters is also a stop.

“Our goal is to bring acceptance and awareness to the autism community and make a positive impact on those individuals living with autism,” said Detective Orestes Torres of the North Miami Police Department, organizer of the event and a parent of a child on the spectrum.

“The Autism Acceptance Caravan allows officers from different municipalities to spend time and interact with those living with ASD. Throughout this interaction, officers will be able to see how broad the autism spectrum is and see firsthand that every individual living with ASD has different strengths and limitations,” he said.

When the caravan arrives at Crystal Academy in Coral Gables children with autism and other developmental conditions can interact with police officers and firefighters.

Mary Palacio, founder of Crystal Academy and the parent of a young adult on the autism spectrum, said the Academy is committed to providing specialized care and education to children with these conditions.

“Our students and therapists are eagerly awaiting this event. We must continue to promote the message of acceptance and inclusion in every possible way.

“We live in a city that has supported our children and families in many ways, including raising the Autism Acceptance Flag in City Hall as a kick-off for Autism Month. We are proud and honored to host this significant event at Crystal Academy,” she said. (Palacio is also Chair of the Coral Gables Disability Board.)

The caravan sendoff is at the North Miami Police Department, 700 NE 124th St., and it finishes at Crystal Academy, 107 Antilla Ave., across from the Coral Gables Woman’s Club. Visit www.crystalacademy.org or call 305-567-5881 for more.

CONGRATULATIONS, LT. COL. FELDMAN

James Feldman was surprised recently when he was presented with a promotion to Lieutenant Colonel by the United States Air Force in a courtyard ceremony at Riviera Health Resort in Coral Gables, where he lives. James is 97.

In the 1950s, James set up the school of radiology technology for the USAF. Radiology was in its infancy then, but the other branches of the United States military had radiology schools. Now, with the modernization of electronics, radiology consists of basic X-ray, ultrasound, nuclear medicine and radiation therapy.

The school James created trained United States Air Force military personnel to become radiology technicians, and they traveled to bases and hospitals around the world to work full-time in the growing field.

James went on to work in radiology administration at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore until he was recruited by Mount Sinai Hospital in Miami Beach to work as the radiology administrator. He retired from there as associate director of the hospital, said Alexander Hughes, assistant director of rehabilitation at Riviera Health Resort.

James, who said he has “all my marbles,” built a house in Miami 72 years ago.

Hughes said James participates in a daily exercise program and is overseen by nursing, dietary, therapy and medical staff. He also has excellent family support from his daughter, Stacey Feldman.

“Mr. Feldman played a great role in national and local healthcare,” Hughes said.

WALK TO FIGHT TYPE 1 DIABETES

If you’re living with type 1 diabetes or you love someone with it, you will likely do just about anything to make life easier. The JDRF One Walk strives to help.

On April 13, the Fort Lauderdale One Walk, presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, is a chance for everyone to show the world that T1D can be conquered. Money raised powers more research, enables more advocacy and funds more support for the 1.45 million Americans living with type 1 diabetes.

The three-mile walk starts at 8 a.m. at Nova Southeastern University, Alvin Sherman Library, 3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., in Fort Lauderdale. More at www2.jdrf.org. Organizers say it is a great time to gather with a committed community that is passionate about doing what it takes to live in a world without T1D.

WOMAN’S CLUB HOSTS STUDENT ART SHOW

For more than 20 years, members of the Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove have asked every public high school art teacher in Miami-Dade County to select and submit their best students’ works for a juried art competition. The club then hosts a weekend-long exhibit and awards more than $25,000 in continuing education funds to the winners.

This year’s Young Artist Gallery will be 1-4 p.m.March 23 and 12-2 p.m.March 24. The awards reception is at 2 p.m.March 23.

“As a working artist formed by my early education, I know how important art teachers are in an art student’s development. In this program we seek to encourage them even further,” said Lisa Remeny, the club’s YAG Coordinator. Many pieces in the art show will be for sale. The Woman’s Club of Coconut Grove is at 2985 S. Bayshore Dr.

TEEN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS SUMMIT FOCUS

Pain 2 Purpose, Inc. will host its free 2024 Teen Summit from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., March 30 at the JL “Joe” and Enid Demps Park, 11350 SW 216th St.

The event will focus on raising awareness among youth on the indicators of domestic violence through four interactive breakout sessions facilitated by experts in suicide and depression, bullying/cyber-bullying, teen dating and self esteem.

There will be guest speakers and spoken word and performing artists. While free, registration is required as lunch will be provided for attendees. Register at www.pain2purpose76.org

Write to ChristinaMMayo@gmail.com with news for this column.

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