On a quiet Friday morning, Jerimie Walker spun the wheel of an old bicycle he was fixing that would soon bring joy to a new rider. Walker’s stress, worsened during the pandemic by a lack of work for his security firm, was eased in the sun-filled sanctuary of Miami Lakes United Methodist Church as he tackled his project. “I used to suffer from anxiety,” Walker said. “The only thing that helps me is helping others.” Coral Gables...

Two Girl Scouts from Miami Lakes have earned their Gold Awards, the highest accomplishment in the program. Kaitlyn Ruano’s project addressed the lack of mental heath resources at her school, Barbara Goleman Senior High School, the Girl Scouts said. She formed a mental health awareness club called Open Minds, Open Arms that welcomed all students. Club members learned about health issues and how to resolve them while at school. They...

When Christa Curry was very young, her mother worried that her only child might grow up to be spoiled or entitled. Instead, Christa, 16, who will be a junior at Barbara Goleman Senior High School in the fall, has grown up to become a selfless young lady. The United Way of Miami-Dade recognized the Miami Gardens teen with its Outstanding Youth Award, for “enhancing the quality of life for many homeless women and their children, by...

The Town of Miami Lakes announced the winners of the Annual Father’s Day Fishing Tournament that was held June 20. More than 100 anglers showed up at town hall that morning to get a free fishing kit -- a bucket, live bait and ruler -- for the contest that was organized by the Cultural Affairs Committee and sponsored by One Stop Marine in Miami Gardens. Each category is to receive a $25 gift card from the Miami Lakes Sports Shop. The...

Gabriel Perez plays several instruments and has used music to support impoverished classmates and to brighten the lives of elders, children and the community with his performances. The judges of the 62nd Annual Silver Knight Awards recognized the 18-year-old’s efforts on behalf of others. What put Perez, who graduated from Hialeah Gardens Senior High, in the spotlight was his community service, which included performing for dementia...