Stella is a 7-month-old mix of the Maltese and Shih Tzu breeds. She lives in downtown Miami Lakes with Cassidy and Mason Collier.       Mason Collier is retired from the U.S. Army. The service took the family to four states - Hawaii, Georgia, Ohio and Florida -- and Stella is an able and enthusiastic globe trotter.      “She’s a great traveler and a great side...

     Amy Diaz celebrated the 10th anniversary of her FH Fashion House boutique with a party on June 7 in the shop in the Cypress Village Shopping Center. A favorite of residents, it has won four “Best of Miami Lakes” awards. Diaz gave swag bags to 50 party guests with a $15 store gift card and items from local businesses. Vicky Bakery provided lite bites.       “This has been a dream of...

   The Elderly Affairs Committee hosted its annual Sock Hop salute to the 1950s on May 16 at the Roberto Alonso Community Center. About 200 guests enjoyed rock ‘n’ roll music and took photos in a selfie booth. From left, members of the Elderly Affairs Committee and guests: Nancy Rogers; Omar Sepulveda; a party guest; Geraldine Amandola, Mayor Josh Dieguez; Jacqueline Lebeda (behind the mayor); Maria Borges and guests...

     Madison Frias, a fifth grader at Bob Graham Education Center, received the Student Award of Excellence from the Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent’s District Advisory Panel.       The presentation happened May 21 at Miami-Dade County School Board headquarters in downtown Miami.      The award recognizes children in the Exceptional Student Education Program...

     Two leaders of the Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce were among 25 South Florida recipients of Connection Awards on May 1. Jerry Menendez, at left, vice president of the chamber, is senior vice president, Retail Market manager of TD Bank. He also serves on the board of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce and oversees its Leadership Programs. Tico Casamayor, Miami Lakes Chamber of Commerce’s president of Public...