We should all be as happy as Boomer, 14, at left and Lola, 13, Jack Russell Terriers who on this day were photographed at the beach, with Jose and Milly Montes of Miami Lakes. Lola is the couple’s pet; Boomer belongs to their daughter Kristina and her husband Michael Hood, who also live in town.      Other than their breed, which comes with smooth or rough coats, Boomer and Lola are unrelated. But...

  Members of the Alonso family, elected officials and experts in cancer medical care and research gathered Oct. 2 at the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center to tour the facility and celebrate the family’s $70,000 gift to support pediatric cancer research. The Alonsos raised the money at their 9th Annual Cars for a Cure auto and truck show held each April in Miami Lakes. Roberto J. Alonso thanked The Graham...

There is an incentive to shop and dine close to home this holiday season: Miami Lakes Local Lotto, which will give customers at restaurants and stores a chance to win prizes.      Kimberly Trelles, owner of the Trelles Cottage gift shop, created the game to celebrate small businesses and restaurants in town.       Sponsors include the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce and The Graham...

     A new Little Free Library has popped up in Lake Martha at a pocket park on Sabal Drive thanks to Ciancy Bernal.       Ciancy, 15, is a sophomore at Archbishop McCarthy High School. It is the second Little Free Library she helped install.       “This summer I did this library [on Sabal Drive] and I’ve started to do book drives at different schools,” Ciancy...

    The Miami Foundation is about to launch its 14th Give Miami Day on Nov. 20. The donation window opens on Nov. 15.       The organization coordinates donations to more than 1,000 local non-profits in a single 24-hour event. It hopes to surpass last year’s record $39.5 million contributions.      Gifts start at $25. The Miami Foundation has wealthy donors who will match gifts,...