People, Places, and Things: 12-11-14

Santa’s back on the islandA group of Santa’s Helpers will be in Magrane Square Saturday at 8 a.m. in hopes of bolstering the Item Santa Fund.Last week, the solicitation drive known as “Santa’s Island,” which is run by Lynn funeral director David J. Solimine Sr., had to move out of its customary Wyoma Square/Broadway location because of construction. Saturday is the first time that the island will be back up and running.For those who may be unfamiliar, Magrane Square is at the intersection of Western Avenue and Federal and North Common streets.Support for Swampscott fire victims still strongSupport and concern for Anthony and Lori Pierro and their three children continue to pour in following the Dec. 2 fire that destroyed their Swampscott home. The Lynch/Van Otterloo YMCA in Marblehead donated a three-month membership to the Pierros, and All About Dance in Swampscott continues to receive clothing and gift-card donations to help the family.Working with fellow members of SPUR, a community-oriented nonprofit organization launched in Marblehead this summer, Jocelyn Cook collected donated items dropped off at her home for the Pierros, while Flannery’s Handymen in Swampscott brought the items to All About Dance. Dance studio office manager Cheryl Winters said Ohio-based company 1st Day School Supplies sent three boxes of supplies for Victoria, Christian and Nicholas Pierro, and she said the Hadley School is organizing meals for the family.?Santa calling, it’s for you’Apparently, the Peabody Recreation Department has some pretty good connections at the North Pole. Residents can have their child receive a phone call from Santa Claus himself by logging onto www.peabody recreation.com and registering before Dec. 16. Word is Santa will make his calls Dec. 18 between 6 and 7 p.m.New treasurer will get some Classic(al) adviceState treasurer-elect Deb Goldberg has tapped Lynner David Morales to serve on a special advisory committee working with her transition team. Morales – Classical ’93 – is executive VP and chief strategy officer at Steward Health Care System. He is a former senior adviser to Gov. Deval Patrick. A 1997 Bowdoin grad, Morales serves on his alma mater’s board of trustees. He served as graduation speaker at Classical in 2007.A time to give thanksLocal minister and self-described human rights activist Juan Gonzalez took time this week to offer holiday season praise for local Spanish-speaking residents who “have made an impact in the Latino community.”Gonzalez’ list includes Full Color and Graphic Design owner Obel Matul; Bernardo Samayoa, owner of Bernie’s Place; Hugo Carvajal, community programs director at KIPP Academy in the Highlands; local faith community leaders Matias Gonzalez and Eduardo Caceres; and David Urbina, who does community outreach work with local residents, including new arrivals from his native Mexico.