Dr. David M. Cohen was volunteering at the Remington Heights retirement home in 2009 when he saw the need to help residents get comfortable with the computer provided by the home. With his Master’s and Ph.D. in Computer and Communications Sciences and experience as a Senior Software Engineer, David had a solid background in computer science and knew he could help. After about a year, he found he enjoyed teaching basic computer skills and decided to launch Cohen’s Computer Club in June of 2010. The business provides instruction in basic computer skills for individuals at home or at work and focuses on small business employees and retirees.
Tell us a little about your family.
My wife and I have been married for 33 years. We have no children, but do have a pet dog named Sam Houston. We acquired Sam when we lived in Houston, Texas—hence the name! Marlene is a nurse, researcher and administrator at the College of Nursing at the Nebraska Medical Center. She holds the Kenneth E. Morehead Endowed Chair in Nursing, a very special honor for her academic accomplishments. She is the Associate Dean for Research in the College of Nursing.
What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?
One of the biggest turning points in my life occurred when we moved to Omaha from Houston, Texas, in 2008. I had been running a consulting company that required much travel around the country. Shortly after we moved here, I needed to readjust my schedule so that I could be available to help care for a family member who relocated to Omaha and required a lot of medical attention. Although Cohen’s Computer Club demands much time to organize and to maintain, it does allow a great deal of flexibility in my schedule so that I can help care for my family member.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
I like to take walks and go shopping with Marlene.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
I have always had a fascination with foreign languages, and enjoy learning a word or two whenever I can.
What are you the most proud of?
I’m most proud of the accomplishments of my wife, Marlene.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice was hearing the old saying that we are given two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we talk!
What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
I’d like to make Cohen’s Computer Club a great success, both for my family and for the people whom I can reach and make the computer more accessible and useful in their lives.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers), with commentaries, is my favorite book, and the last one I have read! It contains Jewish insights and prescriptions related to building character. It is thoughtful and deep.
What is your favorite TV show?
I like to watch Blue Bloods, because it combines sensitive family matters with cops and robbers.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
I enjoy eating at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home – excellent Kosher food. The restaurant is only open to the public on Friday for lunch. I eat dinner once a week with a family member who resides there.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
I can be reached by telephone (402-637-3935), email (dmc@ieee.org) or by going to my website (www.CohensComputerClub.com) and clicking the “contact us” button.