Allison Donovan

OBIT: Allison Donovan, 40, Watertown School Administrator, Scholarship Created in Her Memory

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Allison Donovan Watertown Public School’s K-8 Literacy Coordinator and long-time educator, died after being hit in a hit-and-run incident. The following obituary came from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home:

Allison Jane Donovan, a woman who devoted her life to nurturing children as a teacher and administrator, passed away tragically on Friday night, February 8, 2019. She was 40 years old. Allison was born in Cambridge, the daughter of Richard and Janice Donovan. She grew up in Burlington and had resided in Somerville for the past 15 years. She was a member of the Burlington High School Class of 1996 where she excelled as a student and as a member of the gymnastics team. 

Allison’s mother, Janice, was a strong role model for her. Janice was a teacher in the Burlington School system for many years. Allison went to her mother’s alma mater, Lesley University, where she earned her Bachelor Science Degree in Education, Master’s Degree, and Graduate Certificate in Literacy for the Classroom. Like her mother, teaching was her passion, her life, and her love. She spent 12 years as an elementary education teacher at the Hosmer Elementary School, Watertown, teaching at various grade levels.

Transportation

MBTA Announces Extra Subway Service for Snow Storm

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The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is advising the public that weather forecasters are expecting a winter storm to impact travel across the Commonwealth throughout Tuesday, February 12. Snow is expected to begin falling during the Tuesday morning hours in Western Massachusetts and the storm will move eastward during the day, with snowfall rates at some times of one inch per hour, and with snow changing over to sleet in most regions. Members of the public are advised to minimize travel, use public transportation if possible, consider working from home if that is an option, or consider leaving work early on Tuesday. Driving conditions will become hazardous in Western Massachusetts around 10 a.m., Central Massachusetts around 1 p.m., and in the Boston area and Eastern Massachusetts around 3 p.m.

“We are asking people throughout the Commonwealth to make smart, safe decisions on Tuesday such as taking advantage of public transportation, working from home if possible and leaving early for their afternoon commute,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “Everyone should check a weather forecast and travel conditions before heading out to avoid hazardous driving conditions, as there will be varying types of precipitation in all regions of Massachusetts, including snow, sleet, and freezing rain throughout the daytime and evening hours. The MBTA will be running subway lines in the Boston area at increased capacity starting at noon and all motorists should consider leaving early for their commute home and allowing plenty of extra time to travel.”

“MassDOT is currently conducting preparation activities for the deployment of snow and ice crews in advance of Tuesday’s winter weather,” said Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver.

Letters

LETTER: Resident Not Happy With District’s Response to Asbestos in Schools

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Dear Editor,

In the concluding paragraph of your February 7, 2019 “… Schools are Safe” article, Town Council President Mark Sideris proffered a blanket criticism:

“I see comments that are completely false and people take it as what is true, but it’s not.”

In fairness, can you ask Council President Sideris to be specific? Whose comments? What’s “not true”? Can Mary Russo – or anyone who is being accused of making “completely false” statements – be given a chance to respond? Please note that Mary Russo, a long-time respected teacher and resident, forced the Watertown Public Schools administration to comply with the law by filing a complaint in 2017 with the state Department of Labor Standards. The state issued sanctions and fines. The school administration did not just “decide to do another survey” as the Superintendent claims.  Watertown had no choice. Leaving out that context disrespects Ms. Russo and undermines the ability of citizens and the press to fairly judge the credibility of the parties making statements about these issues. 

Thanks for your consideration. Sincerely,Paul Davis

Around Town

Watertown Doctor Makes List of Boston’s “Top Docs”

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Dr. David Cancian, whose practice is in Watertown, made Boston Magazine’s list of the top doctors in the region. A Watertown doctor made Boston Magazine’s list of the top doctors in the area. Dr. David J. Cancian of Watertown, a respected internist at Mount Auburn Hospital, has been named one of Boston Magazine’s Top Docs for the second year in a row. Dr Cancian has practiced in Watertown for 35 years.  

“This is a tremendous honor,” Dr Cancian says. “To do a job I love helping my patients in Watertown and to receive recognition for my work is very humbling.”

Dr. Cancian is associated with the Mount Auburn Medical Associates practice at 521 Mount Auburn St., Watertown.

Around Town

Watertown Group Hosts Showing of Film on Refugees Made by Chinese Filmmaker

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The Watertown Citizens for Refugee Support group will present a showing of a film by Chinese artist and filmmaker Ai Wei-Wei. Organizers provided the following information:

On Sunday Feb. 17, Watertown Citizens Refugee Support Group will present the powerful film Human Flow at 1:30 p.m. at the Watertown Free Public Library. Exiled from China, visionary artist/filmmaker Ai Wei Wei has received rave reviews for his documentary about the world-wide refugee crisis. From critic Matt Fagerholm (@RogerEbert.com): “His goal of placing a human face on such a sprawling crisis is a daunting one that few filmmakers have been able to achieve with lasting resonance… Human Flow is a towering achievement from one of the world’s foremost champions of human rights.

Arsenal Yards

Arsenal Yards Announces Latest Restaurant Addition

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Boylston Properties and Wilder proudly announced today that Tender Greens has signed a 3,017 sq. ft. lease at Arsenal Yards. The restaurant has quickly emerged as an innovative leader and pioneer among fine-casual restaurants since Erik Oberholtzer, David Dressler, and Matt Lyman opened the first location in 2006 on an up-and-coming street in Culver City, California. Today, Tender Greens has nearly 30 locations spanning California, New York and Massachusetts, each helmed by its own executive chef with unique décor inspired by the local community.

Transportation

Input Sought at Meeting on Improving the T’s 70/70A Buses

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MBTA bus. The Watertown Transportation Task Force sent out the following information:

If you support improving this bus line, make your voice heard at the MBTA’s community meeting Tuesday, February 12, 6-8 pm, at the Watertown Free Public Library. The MBTA’s Better Bus Project has recently completed proposals for improvements in bus services.  Most important for Watertown riders is a long-awaited change in 70/70A service that should make the bus come on time and more often to those of us who ride it. Specifically they are proposing to de-couple the 70 from the 70A and increase the frequency of service down Main Street, Arsenal Street and all the way on to Cambridge.  The new route 70A would operate only between North Waltham and Waltham Center. Route 70 would run a little more often and with a more consistent schedule that will finally allow people to plan their commutes with confidence.

Business

Watertown Savings Bank Announces New Assistant Vice President

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Robyn Alman

Watertown Savings Bank (WSB) President and Chief Executive Officer Brett Dean is pleased to announce the promotion of Robyn Alman to Assistant Vice President. Alman is the Bank’s Compliance and Internal Audit Manager. She originally joined the Bank in 2007 as the Branch Supervisor for the Arsenal Branch in Watertown. Alman then worked as the Assistant Manager for WSB’s North Waltham/Lexington and Main Office Branches. She was later promoted to Compliance Manager and more recently has served as the Bank’s liaison with their internal auditors.