Community Magazine July 2016

26 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE Mr. Cohen has been a resident of Deal since 1975 when, as a newly married man, he focused his energy on buying what he thought then would be only a summer home. As the seasons changed into fall and then winter however, he and his wife Nina found they were enjoying themselves so much that they wanted to stay. Something about the town – the tranquility or the natural beauty of suburbia – had cast a spell on them. Rather than continuing to rent in Brooklyn, they stayed permanently in the home they had acquired and built their family until it grew to include five children. Together with his brother Joel, Sam opened the company M&J Trimmings, which serviced the fashion industry with trimmings and embellishments of all kinds. Sam then went on to form Samuel & Sons, a trade-only trimming company that caters exclusively to architects and interior designers. The venture expanded into an international business with flagship showrooms in New York, Chicago, L.A. and London. For many years, Sam played an integral role in day-to-day operations, but, as time passed, his sons took over more and more of the responsibilities. “My sons are doing such a good job, I have to look around for things to do!” he jokes. As someone who likes to stay busy and is happiest while running from one function to the next, Sam couldn’t abide by an idle lifestyle. Former Mayor Harry Franco, A’’H, approached him to be Deal Commissioner. Though, at the time, Sam wasn’t politically savvy, Harry and many of the leaders of our community believed Sam would be a good fit for the job. Together with his predecessor, Morris Ades, and fellow commissioner David Simhon, Sam worked to pass resolutions that would benefit the Deal Community. Sam is quick to acknowledge that running the town of Deal is a team effort between all three commissioners. He gives no special distinction to himself as Mayor – only will concede that, as the person with the title, people will perhaps come to him first with their concerns. No matter his individual influence, it’s true that a resolution cannot go into effect without the vote of all three commissioners – and in every case, majority wins. Even in this new position, Sam looks faithfully to Commissioners Morris Ades and David Simhon to help him in his effort to lead. “I’m very grateful that Morris Ades, our former Mayor, has stayed on as commissioner,” Sam says. “He brings valuable experience after working with the town for so long.” Mr. Sam Cohen KELLY JEMAL MASSRY Inducted as Mayor of Deal, New Jersey Last month, the town of Deal, New Jersey welcomed a new Mayor into its midst! Mr. Sam Cohen, who had formerly served as Deal Commissioner, was inducted in a beautiful ceremony attended by friends and family. Sam with his brother Joe, with whom he partnered to form M&J Trimmings.