Call it pandemic fashion, the colorful face coverings we wear to protect ourselves, our families, friends and neighbors from the COVID-19 virus. The masks are an opportunity for self-expression, too, as shown by the vibrant heart, tropical art and holiday plaid patterns worn by the women in the photos above. What kind of mask do you wear? Send a selfie to LindaT@MiamiLaker.com. Photos by Linda Trischitta, The Miami Laker.

HistoryLake Glenn-Ellen is a community of 141 single-family homes in Miami Lakes built by The Graham Companies in 1980.The company named lakes in town for women in the Graham family or after someone with ties to the business.This lake, near the south- east corner of Miami Lakes Drive and Northwest 87th Avenue, is a tribute to Glenn-Ellen Rawls, whose late husband Lou Rawls was an executive and board member with The Graham Companies.“It was a...

Children who were good this year had two opportunities to see Santa and Mrs. Claus in Miami Lakes. The couple, dressed in their finest red suits, appeared Dec. 19 at a Secret Santa Drive-thru hosted by charity Giving Gators at the campus of Ana G. Méndez University. Volunteers at five stops handed out goodies for families previously chosen by the organization. There was also a classic car display, with the autos bedecked with holiday...

  She’s a painted Holstein cow statue affectionately known as Betsy Moo, and she has a message for children who visit the Miami-Dade County Library branch in Miami Lakes:      Mask up!      “If the kids see the cow is doing it, they know they have to wear the mask, too,” Dottie Wix, a member of the Miami Lakes Garden Club, said on Dec. 4.      Club...

A Special Needs Registry to identify Miami Lakes residents with neurological illnesses or disabilities and which may ease interactions with police could be launched early next year. Participation would be voluntary. Bracelets may be offered to children or adults who have autism, dementia or Alzheimer’s disease or other conditions. “It prepares officers when they are called to the homes, especially for emergencies,” said Vivian...