Newsstand Owner Wins Anti-Defamation Award

The Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith will honor the owner of Out-of-Town News in April for his community involvement, the national Jewish organization which fights racial and religious discrimination announced this week.

The Anti-Defamation League will present Sheldon Cohen with its annual Distinguished Community Service award for his leadership of educational and business groups.

Cohen, who is in his fifth year as president of the Harvard Square Business Association, is known for touting the city as a tourist attraction. He helped create Cambridge Discovery, a city tourist service that runs the information booth next to Out-of-Town News.

The Anti-Defamation League will present its annual award to Cohen at a ceremony for individuals who have demonstrated "exemplary community involvement," said Leslie Wolff, the group's assistant director of development. Cohen's involvment with the League includes a fact-finding trip to Israel with Senator John Carey (D-Mass.) last spring.

Professionals around the Square praised Cohen for his contributions to the community.

The owner of Out-of-Town News, who got his start in the publishing business as a newsboy in Cambridge, is nicknamed "the Mayor of Harvard Square," said Jim Smith, who volunteered with Cohen on the Cambridge Adult Education Center Board of Directors.

"Every little English village has a wonderfully equipped tourist center, so why shouldn't Cambridge have one?" said Charlotte Moore, the executive director of Discovery. Moore presented the idea for Discovery to Cohen who enthusiastically backed her proposal, she said.

Moore attributed Cohen's success in the community to his personality. "He is incredibly creative and imaginative," she said. "He generates a sense of optimism and enthusiasm about Cambridge."

Besides cleaning up the streets, Cohen has supported local park restoration efforts. He directed the Committee for Restoration of Winthrop Park, which is the oldest public park in America. Cohen also holds leadership positions on the boards of Leslie College and the Cardinal Cushing High School. "He is a very influential man and never hesitates to put in a good word for our organization," says Smith.