A Miami-Dade County matching grant will help fund the planting of more than 180 trees to the West Lake neighborhood in Miami Lakes, the town said. The $46,031 grant comes from the Neat Streets Miami program. The neighborhood will see new trees planted that will grow to enhance the canopy and provide shade. An added benefit is the trees may help absorb rainwater, too, in a neighborhood that floods during heavy rains. The town is...

     Christopher Artau blew away the competition when he won the 2020-2021Florida Bandmasters Association Composition Contest in December.     Christopher, a sophomore at Mater Academy Charter Middle/High School in Hialeah Gardens, plays the trumpet and French horn.     He created an original jazz composition entitled “Blossom,” and was chosen as the sole winner in the state of Florida, according to Jose Ruiz, Mater Academy’s band and music...

Mayor Manny Cid met with individual councilmembers to set goals for enhancing the town. “One of the things I would like to see in the next four years is addressing the issues that are important to you guys,” Cid said Dec. 2 while meeting with Councilwoman Marilyn Ruano. Councilmembers listed many topics on their wish lists: drainage; sidewalk repairs and safety lighting; upgrading Optimist Park; speeding; traffic and even building...

The seated forward bend, aka Paschimottanasana. Benefits of this stretch include lengthening the spine and hamstring muscles and reducing stress. 1. Begin by sitting on the floor and rooting your sit bone toward the earth with your legs stretched in front of you. Keep your knees face up, heels firmly on the ground, flex your feet and spread your toes.2. Lengthen your spine, and maintain a strong core by tightening your abdominal...

The library is offering virtual programming, including some events sponsored by the Miami Lakes Education Advisory Board. Activities will be presented via Zoom. Space is limited and you must sign up in advance. Registrants will receive a Zoom link via email, 24 hours before a class begins. For more information go to: https://www.mdpls.org/eventsThe benefits of journaling, creative writing, and expressive writing in overall...