On September 19th, the Brookline business community organized a celebration to express their well-wishes towards Marge Amster as she stepped down from her post as Brookline's Commercial Areas Coordinator. As previously covered in this publication, Ms. Amster chose to relinquish her post following turmoil in the town Advisory Committee regarding her position and alleged personal threats against her made by a board member.
On this night, however, spirits were high at Zaftig’s. The delicatessen-restaurant donated the back half of its dining area and, along with contributions by Party Favors and Clear Flour Bread, provided a generous spread of food for the event. The good humor was tempered only by the fact that local business owners and town officials will be without her services and managerial talents moving forward.
Speaking of managerial talents, Abe Faber, owner of Clear Flour Bread, evoked such a comparison by way of a humorous, yet heartfelt toast when a few of those attending the event, including BrooklineHub.com’s Publisher, Harvey Bravman, said a few words regarding Marge and her contributions to the town.
Faber addressed Ms Amster, “Tito’s gone…and Theo [referring to recently dismissed Red Sox manager Terry Francona and Brookline-bred, now-former General Manager Theo Epstein]…and I could deal with that, but Marge [laughter]…I don’t think the comparison is so much of a stretch.”
“You look at the guys at the ballpark, some of the pressures were that there were so many constituencies…the owners, the players, the coaches. And I think that’s what your job was all about.”
In speaking with members of the local business community and Brookline town officials, I found Mr. Faber's thoughts were shared by many. Virtually everyone could recall a specific instance or instances where Ms Amster's contribution impacted them.
Ronna Goldman, a graphic designer at AG2 Link who worked on a project with Ms. Amster, called the former Brookline Commercial Areas Coordinator “extremely organized, kind and creative and fun to work with.”
Chief of Environmental Health and Inspectional Programs, Pat Maloney cited a business start-up template and requirement checklist for new merchants in Brookline that Marge helped put together.
Harry Robinson, executive director of the Brookline Chamber of Commerce, noted that he had “worked extensively with Marge for the past four years and it’s been a pleasure. Marge is extraordinarily professional and thoughtful, and she does a fantastic job for the business community. She’s going to be sorely missed.”
Several people used the phrase “go-to person” when asked to describe Marge, including Terry Meyers, owner of Coolidge Corner's Cause To Paws, and Jim Solomon, chef/owner of The Fireplace Restaurant in Washington Square.
Mr. Solomon said “not having Marge as a business liaison will be a huge loss.” In terms of working with her on the Brookline Food Festival, “Marge was the woman with the answers.” Not having her in the role as CAC, is “a huge loss for Brookline and it’s a loss for myself personally, because I really enjoyed working with Marge.”
Ms. Amster herself said “seeing and talking to all the people who came tonight reminded me of the very endearing and important connections I’ve made and ways I can help people over the years, and made me feel appreciated.”
Brookline, its business community and its residents will miss Marge Amster.
By Andrew Palmacci
