Stuart Bodin, 60, lives in Miami Lakes. He is pastor at Miami Lakes United Methodist Church, also known as Hope Church. During the coronavirus pandemic, the church has been the site of a weekly food distribution. For nearly a year, more than 600 cars have lined up on giving days to receive donated groceries. “It is a direct reflection of the ministry, seeing the smiles and hearing the ‘thank yous’ makes sense to...

Do you love Miami Lakes? The town wants you to show how much by entering the “2021: 20 Years of Growing Beautifully” photo contest. Judges want to see how photographers capture the hometown feel and stunning views of the community, the town said. Photos should also reflect the photographer’s favorite place or thing to do in town. Winners are eligible for prizes: $100 for first place, $50 for second place and $25...

There is a magical green box that stands on a pole in Miami Lakes’ Picnic Park West. Inside are books that mysteriously appear, free for the taking by any reader, of any age. If you’d like to perpetuate literacy, community goodwill and share your love of books, the Town of Miami Lakes is looking for sponsors who want to make Little Free Libraries available elsewhere in the municipality. The total cost is $860 per library,...

The Zonta Club of Miami Lakes awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a science scholar. The Club recognized Ligia Camilla Araque, 22, of Weston, who is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering at Florida International University. Araque earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering, also from FIU, where she is a program assistant at the Women’s Center. Araque is secretary of the Society of Hispanic...

Gianni, 15.5 years old and shown at top, is a Maltese. He and his son Valentino, a 7-year-old Maltese and Bichon Frise mix, live with Mari Carrandi, who works from home in the Loch Andrews neigh- borhood. “They are my colleagues, and they’re like my children,” Carrandi said. “Gianni is extremely smart and well-mannered. He walks around the neighborhood with his stuffed toy in his mouth.” Valentino, on the...