People, Places, and Things: 12-16-14

Storage company boss says Lynn is a Banner city in which to do businessBanner Storage Group LLC President Gary Delaney took time out Monday from overseeing renovations on the former C. Bain storage building on Pleasant Street just off the Lynnway to praise city officials, including Inspectional Services Director Michael Donovan, city Chief Inspector Roger Ennis and Ward 6 City Councilor Peter Capano. “Lynn is one of the most business-friendly cities I’ve worked in,” Delaney said.Illinois-based Banner currently has 15 storage facility projects underway across the country, including the C. Bain property’s complete renovation. Built in 1906 and expanded in 1912, the big white building will open again in January with 1,000 storage units, including a wine vault.Peabody teacher gives a lesson in good chiliPeabody’s McCarthy School fifth grade teacher Janie Wilson finds out today if she is a finalist to win $15,000, plus $30,000 to help remodel the school’s cafeteria, in the beginner’s cooking contest sponsored by Uncle Ben’s. Wilson submitted a video detailing her turkey rice chili recipe, and celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson is scheduled to be at the McCarthy School at 10 a.m. to help make the announcement concerning finalists.Student’s life-saving effort ranks with Peabody councilorsBen Jutras will be the guest of honor at the Peabody City Council’s first meeting of the new year on Jan. 8 when the Veterans Memorial High School student and Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps member will be honored by councilors, Mayor Edward Bettencourt and state Rep. Leah Cole for saving his 13-year-old brother and 8-year-old sister from a Jan. 7, 2014 house fire.Lynn City Hall workers get in the spirit of the seasonLynn City Hall employees are stepping up for the fourth year in a row and providing gifts for public school students. Mary Fountain, aide to Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, and DPW Associate Commissioner Lisa Nerich organized this year’s toy drive with workers in a variety of city departments pitching in to buy gifts for 18 children. Gift-giving selections are based on need with school department social workers providing children’s names to Fountain and Nerich. Gift cards on each present will be signed, “From Santa” and delivered by the City Hall elves on Thursday.