Neighbors
www.SanTanSun.com
June 6 - June 19, 2015
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Neighbors McCourts’ ‘Blaguards’ comes to Forum June 20 page 60
Jewish Congregation wishes the Rev. O’Neal well page 68
Where to Eat pages 57
Generous gift to teacher helps boy get needed medical care On a recent early morning, Drew was Thanks to the generous donation of a preparing for his first class at Hamilton local mother, an 8-year-old boy she has High School when he heard a knock on never met will get the medical care that the portable classroom door next to his. he needs to treat cerebral palsy. Drew looked out his door and saw a The woman, who wishes to remain young man standing there. Thinking that anonymous, recently gave the Burkhart the student was looking for the teacher family of Gilbert next door, Drew a check for invited him into his $9,659 to use for room to wait. Andrew Burkhart’s “He came in and intensive and sat by me and I said, alternative ‘I don’t mind you medical sitting here, but I’ve treatments, which got a whole room if are not covered you would rather sit by insurance. somewhere else,’ and The check he said, ‘Actually, I’m was for the exact here for you,’” Drew amount that recalled. Andrew’s mom The student handed Kellie had said Drew an envelope. was still needed Inside was a card with for her son’s a handwritten note summer medical from the student’s care in California. mom and the check. Kellie had posted “I saw the check the figure on her and the amount and Drew Burkhart, pictured with his son, Andrew, son’s Facebook felt shocked, excited received a check for $9,659 during Teacher page, as well and happy all at once. Appreciation week from a woman he has never I told the student, as many other met. The money will be used to help pay for community ‘Let me call my wife, Andrew’s cerebral palsy treatments. Submitted pages. because you need a photo Andrew’s dad much better thank you Drew teaches than I’ll be able to give math full time at Hamilton High School you,’” Drew said. in Chandler. To help make ends meet At home, Kellie was busy getting and pay for his son’s costly medical care, Andrew ready for school. When the Drew also teaches part time at Bogle phone rang, she was surprised to see her Junior High School and Chandler Gilbert husband’s name on caller ID. Community College.
BY ALISON STANTON
On Father’s Day, dads can get in for free at Big Surf Waterpark in Tempe and enjoy a day of fun splashing and sliding in the cool water. Photo courtesy of Big Surf Waterpark
Celebrate dear old dad with tasty meals, beverages and more BY ALISON STANTON
Father’s Day is coming up fast. On Sunday, June 21, show dad how much he is loved by treating him to a delicious meal, refreshing beverage, day of fun at a local water park and much more. For example, consider the following specials that father definitely knows are best: Social Box Neighborhood Eatery On Father’s Day, dad can enjoy a SoBo Burger Basket and Fries and a 12-ounce draft beer for $8, or a SoBo Steak Sandwich and Fries and a 12-ounce draft beer for $14. Social Box Neighborhood Eatery is located at 1371 N. Alma School Rd. in Chandler. For more information, call (480) 899-6735 or visit www. socialboxeateries.com.
Chompie’s On his special day, dad can choose between all-you-can-eat barbecue ribs or a prix fixe menu for $19.99 that includes an appetizer, entrée and two sides. All meals come with a fresh bread basket and a free slice of black and white seven-layer cake. The full regular menu is also available all day. The specials are offered from 11 a.m. to close on Sunday, June 21. For more information, call (480) 398-3008. Chompie’s is located at 3481 W. Frye Rd. in the Chandler Village Center. Z’Tejas Any dads joining Z’Tejas to celebrate Father’s Day on June 21 will receive a $25 bonus card good for their next visit. The Bonus Card must be used by July 31. There are
see GENEROUS GIFT page 46
Chandler speller makes his mark in national bee BY KEN ABRAMCZYK
In just his second year competing in spelling bees, Marcus Behling finished among the top nationally. Marcus, who won the Arizona Spelling Bee earlier this year, finished tied for 11th place in the National Spelling Bee in late May. Marcus tackled the words apivorous (which means, of all things, “feeding on bees”) and vernissage (defined as “a private showing or review of an art exhibition”) to advance beyond the semifinal round with 20 other competitors. Because only 10 were to compete in the championship round,
composite scores of two writing tests were tallied and Marcus did not advance, but finished in a tie with 11 others for 11th place. Marcus made his family proud not just in competing and advancing beyond the semifinal round, but in the way he conducted himself on a national stage. Marcus gave his brother, Mitchell, a shoutout on national television during the bee. Mitchell was an Arizona spelling bee champ, and competed in the National Spelling Bee in 2011. “I just said I was proud of him, sorry that I missed his graduation and that I see NATIONAL BEE page 52
see DAD page 46
BEATING THE HEAT
Several families were taking advantage of the splash pad. See Espee Park photos, page 56.