Doers and Dreamers – Dr. Joseph Cohen
This week, everyone gets to say ‘Hello’ to Dr. Joe Cohen. A lot of our previous ‘Doers and Dreamers’ were people who have been drawn to the area recently. Like myself, Dr. Cohen is a lifelong resident of the Hudson Valley who has always appreciated it’s appeal, and chose to stay to enjoy what this area has to offer.
Your name: Dr. Joe Cohen.
Business or organization: Dr. Joseph Cohen Optometry
Occupation: Optometrist
What is your approach to your business or occupation that makes you unique?
My optometry practice is located in the building my grandparents Ida & Harry Schwartz purchased in 1917. My grandfather Harry Schwartz owned a pawn store, then a tailor store; my dad Frank Cohen owned Frank’s Sport & Ski Shop in the same space as my practice. Each generation has made changes to this space. I think my office building is the longest continuously family operating business in uptown. I grew up living in the apartment upstairs from my office… who says you can’t go home!
The gift of good vision is something I am proud to be able to provide to my patients. Their ability to see clearly is the most important service that I can provide…plus having great frames for them to choose from adds to their service.
Where are you from originally?
I’m from Kingston
What brought you to the Kingston area and keeps you in this area?
My wife, Barbara and I are both from Kingston, and after I graduated Optometry school in Boston we were brought back because so many of our family and friends were here.
What is your favorite hangout in this area and why?
My favorite hangouts are the cool small coffee & food venues right here in the stockade. Their eclectic & distinctive music as well as their culinary fare makes me feel like I am on vacation.
When you’re not in Kingston, what’s your idea of a wonderful city to visit, and why?
My favorite city is Phoenicia… it’s like stepping into an alpine village only 30 miles from Kingston.
Tell us something that we never would have guessed about you.
I keep oars in my car so after work I can row on the Ashokan Resevoir when the weather doesn’t chase me away
