Former Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas left political office in 2004 with one regret: He never shared the ordeal of coping with his younger brother’s mental illness. Penelas described the story of his family’s struggle during a Feb. 12 Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce luncheon at Shula’s Hotel and Golf Club, when he was the guest speaker. Luncheon guests may have assumed Penelas was going to talk about politics; after all, he’s...

When Vanessa Valle was a little girl playing with her dolls, she would pretend to be their teacher. Sharing knowledge is something Valle has continued to do through her adult life. And on Jan. 30, her passion for education was rewarded when she was named the 2021 Francisco R. Walker Teacher of the Year, a top award for educators in Miami-Dade County. Valle, 37, an English teacher at Hialeah Gardens Senior High School, was so...

During a luncheon to thank employees for their support during his first year on the job, Town Manager Edward Pidermann reflected on progress made in Miami Lakes. “We made it and you are the reason we were able to survive,” Pidermann said Feb. 4 when he treated staffers and Miami-Dade police officers to the meal that was brought in to town hall. “Thank you.” Pidermann, 57, is a longtime town resident with his wife of 36 years, Martha...

Dade Christian School’s 9th Annual Carnival will be held Feb. 27 – March 1 at the campus at 6601 NW 167th St. Guests may enjoy the Ferris wheel, rides and offerings from specialty food trucks. Hours are: Feb. 27 and 28, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.; Feb. 29, Noon – 11 p.m. and March 1, 1:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Tickets may be bought in advance at www.dadechristian.org/carnival or at the school. A $45 wristband grants unlimited rides; $18...

Let’s talk about stretching. Some athletes may find it to be boring, but it’s kind of like using your car on a cold winter’s day. If you make sure everything is warmed up before you start out, you’ll likely have a better journey. Stretching is recommended to do both before and after working out. Focus on the areas of your body that will be used during the workout. Waking up those muscles and connective tissues with...