Editorial: Eulogy for a Public Servant

Neighborhood Notes: Free Immigration Service

On a drizzly Monday morning, several hundred mourners gathered to pay their respects for Andrew Sandler, the former district manager for Community Board 7 who had died two days before. It was hard to peg the numbers. There were 200, perhaps close to 300 people at Sandler’s funeral, with elected officials on the city and state level personally paying their respects. The large numbers seemed to reflect the respect he carried across communities of Norwood, Bedford Park, and Riverdale. It could also be what Sandler symbolized: the unsung heroes who operate in government. Sandler was cut from that cloth, spending

By DAVID CRUZ

The possibility of a shelter has drawn ire from community stakeholders who prefer a shelter anywhere except a carpet store on Webster Avenue.

M&T Bank Unveils Mural at Fordham Branch

The mural sponsored by M&T Bank can be found at the bank chain’s newest branch on Grand Concourse in the Fordham section of the Bronx.

In Forum for 14th Council District Seat, Incumbent a No Show

By WENDY JOAN BIDDLECOMBE

Councilman Fernando Cabrera couldn’t make it to a forum that would have seen him defending why he should remain the representative for the 14th Council District. Instead, he was represented by a portrait of him. The Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition held the forum at Monroe College, with residents in the district getting better acquainted with the two men challenging the incumbent ahead of the Sept. 12 primary. Randy Abreu, a lawyer who briefly worked for the U.S. Department of Energy under former President Barack Obama, and Felix Perdomo, a teacher who was born in the Dominican Republic, are

National Night Out Draws Crowds at Oval Park

By DAVID CRUZ

National Night Out Against Crime, a nationwide summer event that looks to empower residents to take back their streets from crime, was hosted by the 52nd Precinct and 52nd Precinct Community Council on Aug. 1. It drew plenty of crowds and community staples to Williamsbridge Oval Park including Mosholu Preservation Corporation and Bronx Community Board 7. Check out this link of photos by Miriam Quinones. The yearly event began in 1983 as a way to forge police and community bond.

Andrew Sandler, Former CB7 District Manager, Passes Away

By DAVID CRUZ

Andrew Michael Sandler, the young, baritone civil servant who poured his life to civil service, died on Aug. 5 from a monthslong battle with cancer. He was 31. His passing came three weeks after resigning as district manager for local Community Board 7, serving the northwest Bronx board for a year and a half. “He was one of the rare ones who selflessly just wanted to help people,” said Stephanie Sandler, Andrew’s sister, who confirmed his death to the Norwood News. Sandler was born on May 8, 1986 to parents Sandra and the late Albert Sandler, living his entire life

By REGGIE FRANCOIS

Mickey Burke catered to the once booming Irish population in Norwood with Keltic Connections for 20 years. His business was at 282 E. 204th St. With rent increases and a decline of customers interested in Celtic culture, Burke did not see the point of keeping his brick-and-mortar store open. He became a street vendor. “The neighborhood population has changed,” said Burke. “And businesses can’t beat the higher rent. A new store opens up and, two years later, they’re out.” In the space of three years, store closures have been something of a norm along East 204th Street and its adjoining

City Hosts Shelter/Housing Media Tour at Fordham Landing Site

By REGGIE FRANCOIS

The tour follows acrimony from residents of the Fordham Hill Oval Cooperative complex a block and a half away.

Neighborhood Notes

Resolve Warrants The Bronx District Attorney’s office holds a workshop on resolving outstanding summons warrants to clear one’s criminal record at Eastchester Presbyterian Church, 3154 Fish Ave. (corner of East Gun Hill Road) on Aug. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Defense attorneys will be available to help resolve summons warrants that include loitering, noise violation, littering, and/or disorderly conduct. For more information, call (718) 590-2272. Norwood Writers Club The Norwood Bronx Writers Group meets on July 25 at 7 p.m. at Williamsbridge Oval Recreation Center. Writers can share and critique one another’s work. Participants are asked to bring