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Earle Greenberg: District 2 Newsletter — January 2025

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I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. I look forward to being your District 2 Council representative. Please take the time to read over my first newsletter. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me anytime at earle.greenberg@surpriseaz.gov. You can also follow me on Facebook for frequent updates, and to receive my newsletter by email each month, please visit please visit surpriseaz.gov/Subscribe and sign in or create an account. Then select text and/or email for "District 2 Council Updates" and any other news you may want to receive.

CURRENT EVENTS 

City Council Meetings

The next City Council Meeting is January 21 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend in person, or you can tune in on surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseTV, the City of Surprise Government Facebook page at facebook.com/CityOfSurprise or on Cox channel 11. 

Community Meetings

Due to the holidays, I will not be holding a community meeting in January. My next monthly Community Meetings will be February 5 at 10 a.m. at The Grand in the Agua Fria Room, 17100 W. Clearview Blvd., and February 20 at 11:30 a.m. at Arizona Traditions in the Ballroom, 17221 N. Citrus Rd.

Blood Drive

The City of Surprise is partnering with Vitalant Blood Donation to host a blood drive on January 17 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at Asante Library. Community members wanting to participate are encouraged to make an appointment through the Vitalant website using Blood Drive Code p1T62. Although walk-ins are welcomed, those with an appointment will be given priority. For questions or information, please contact Jamie Michler at 623.222.5127.

A Matter of Balance Class

The Surprise Senior Center is excited to bring a new class called A Matter of Balance through a partnership with A.T. Still University. These free weekly classes will focus on practical strategies for managing falls for those 50+ by helping to reduce the fear of falling and increasing activity levels. Anyone who is concerned about falling or has fallen in the past, wants to improve balance, flexibility and strength, or has started restricting their activities because of falling concerns is encouraged to attend.

Class Information:
Fridays, January 17 - March 7, 2025 (except February 14)
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Surprise Senior Center, 15382 N. Hollyhock St. 

Class size is limited to 20 participants. Registration is required. You do not have to be a member of the Senior Center to attend these classes. For more information or questions, call 623.222.1500 or email jordan.burck@surpriseaz.gov.

Arts & Culture Events

The City has many ways you can enjoy the arts and culture scene in our community. From theater performances, sketching tours and more, there is something for you to explore!

AZ Speaks | “Learning to Live Together: Martin Luther King Jr. and His Philosophy of the Beloved Community” by Jim McWilliams
January 15 • 6 - 7 p.m. 

Lunchtime Theater | WE3: Jazz, Soul, Piano, and Violin
January 16 • Noon - 1 p.m.

Outdoor Art Sketching Tour: Community Park
January 22 • 10 a.m. - noon

Registration required for events listed above. Find details and sign-up information at surpriseaz.gov/ArtEvents.

MLK Day of Celebration and Service

The City of Surprise proudly presents its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Celebration and Service, honoring the life and legacy of an inspirational leader. The event begins with a motivational program celebrating community-building and service to others, showcasing the impactful work of non-profit organizations, clubs and individuals of all ages throughout the community. The program will also feature inspiring performances by local artists and multi-media presentations centered around this year’s theme: “Everybody can be great because everybody can serve.” 

Following the program, we invite everyone to roll up their sleeves and join in hands-on service projects that directly benefit our local community. Let’s come together to make a difference! Registration is required.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Celebration & Service

Saturday, January 18 | 8 a.m. - noon
Willow Canyon High School | 17901 W. Lundberg St.

  • 8 a.m. - Volunteer check-in, free breakfast for first 500 volunteers
  • 9 a.m. - Celebration program
  • 10 a.m. - Service projects begin

Sunday in the Park

Enjoy cooler weather and outdoor entertainment as the City of Surprise continues its popular Sunday in the Park series this winter!

Join us on Sunday, January 19, for live music by the Jacob Acosta band, and again on Sunday, February 16, when Tyller Music will take the stage.

Both events will be held at Mark Coronado Park (15850 N. Bullard Ave.) from 3 - 7 p.m. Admission is free, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Bring your blanket or lawn chair, and don’t forget – all dogs must be leashed!

NEWS & UPDATES

Surprise Stadium Seeks Performers for Spring Training

Surprise Stadium is looking for experienced vocalists and Color Guards to perform the National Anthem and pre-game ceremonies at Surprise Stadium for Spring Training games, February 21 - March 22. 

National Anthem

Interested performers must submit an audio or video recording of them performing the National Anthem to marcus.wojtkowicz@surpriseaz.gov. All submissions must include the entrant’s contact information, including phone number and email address. 

Color Guard Presentations 

Organizations interested in presenting the colors prior to a Spring Training game should contact marcus.wojtkowicz@surpriseaz.gov. Interested groups must include the organization’s contact information, including phone number and email address, and meet the following criteria: 

  • Knowledge of Color Guard procedures
  • Provide their own service dress uniforms
  • Provide their own equipment and gear - flags, rifles, harnesses, etc. 
  • Provide references upon request

To be considered for the National Anthem or Color Guard, entries must be submitted by January 24.

Limited spots are available. Due to the number of submissions, only the applicants that are selected will be contacted. Accepted entries will be contacted early February.

For more information, please contact marcus.wojtkowicz@surpriseaz.gov.

Spring Training Schedule

Batter up! In conjunction with the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers, Surprise Stadium has released their finalized 2025 Spring Training schedule, complete with game times. View the complete schedule here

Opening Day of the 23rd Spring Training season at Surprise Stadium will be Friday, February 21, with the Royals hosting the Rangers, starting at 1:05 p.m. Surprise Stadium was recently voted as a top Spring Training stadium in the Cactus League in the USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice awards for “Best Spring Training Facility.” 

To receive the most up-to-date ticket information – sign up for Spring Training ticket notifications. For Spring Training and general information, please visit SurpriseStadium.com or call 623.222.2222.

Out of the Park Music Fest Announces First Headliner

To close out the 2025 Spring Training season in Surprise, the Out of the Park Music Fest will take place Saturday, March 22, from 2 - 10 p.m. at Mark Coronado Park, located within the Surprise Stadium Complex. We're thrilled to announce that Nashville's rising star, ERNEST, will be headlining the festival. The evening portion of the music fest highlights big-name country stars, while the daytime portion brings a multi-genre mix of acclaimed bands and local artists.

Secure your spot and lock in the best deals! Tickets are on sale NOW at OutOfTheParkMusicFest.com/Tickets.

VIP Ticket: $100 (Until they last! Limited quantities available.)
Enjoy a premium experience with a dedicated viewing area, catering, drinks, private restrooms and parking.

Surprise Resident Promotion: $30 (Save $10 until February 28!)
Get access to the festival and general viewing areas. Use code MUSICFEST25! to take advantage of this special deal. Resident tickets may be verified by zip code.

Spring Training Game & Music Fest Bundles: Starting at $38
Catch both a Surprise Spring Training game and the music fest for a fun-filled day!

Regular priced General Admission concert tickets are $40. Tickets will be available the day of the event online or at the Surprise Stadium Box Office for $50. Ticket pricing subject to change, and dynamic pricing may apply.

About ERNEST:
Nashville's unpredictable hitmaker has penned 11 No. 1 hits as a songwriter and boasts a chart-topping single of his own. His recently released sophomore album, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, offers 26 new originals and collaborations with industry giants like Lainey Wilson, Lukas Nelson, Jelly Roll, HARDY and more. The album has been shortlisted as one of the “best of the year so far” by Billboard, The Tennessean and Country Now, following in the footsteps of its critically acclaimed predecessor, FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM).

Don't miss your chance to see this groundbreaking artist live! Get your tickets and stay up to date as more artists are announced at OutOfTheParkMusicFest.com and on social media!

New Phone App to Assist Homeless Outreach

Surprise has launched a new mobile application, Surprise Area Focused on Encampments (SAFE) Reporting, that allows community members to submit non-emergency reports to the City about homeless families, individuals or encampments that may benefit from outreach services.  

The SAFE Reporting application is available through the ESRI QuickCapture app that is available for download in both the Apple and Android app stores. For instructions on how to load the SAFE Reporting module to the Quick Capture app, visit safe.surpriseaz.gov

For any additional support with the SAFE Reporting application, email SAFEReporting@surpriseaz.gov.

SAVE THE DATE

When Disaster Strikes: Prepare, Act, Survive Course

The City is hosting a course designed to equip individuals with the essential skills needed to respond to a disaster when emergency responders may not be immediately available. In this free course, participants 18 and older will learn how to create a family preparedness plan, perform self-rescue, conduct basic search and light rescue operations, and understand the recovery process following an emergency. While the course does not certify individuals to serve as professional emergency responders, it provides vital knowledge and skills for managing immediate disaster impacts.

This two-day Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs training class will be held at the Surprise Regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard Ave.

  • February 5, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (class will break for an hour at lunchtime)
  • February 6, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

Registration is required. Click for registration instructions. If you have any questions or need any assistance with registering, contact 251.455.4353 or Laine.Spruill@teex.tamu.edu.

LIVE at Asante

Get ready for free, outdoor entertainment for all ages! LIVE at Asante is a casual performance series offering live music, engaging art activities and delicious food trucks. Join us on select Thursday nights from 6 - 8 p.m. at Asante Library, 16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr., to enjoy a variety of talented local artists. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and friends for a fun-filled evening under the stars.

Upcoming Performances

  • February 6 | Indie Blues | Band of Fools
  • April 3 | Country-Pop | High Horse and Eden Cislo

While an RSVP is not required, it is highly recommended to receive event updates and to allow our Arts, Culture & Library Department and partners to plan for activities. Head to surpriseaz.gov/ArtsSignUp to RSVP. For more information or more arts and cultural events in Surprise, please visit surpriseaz.gov/ArtEvents.

Surprise, City Council, Aly Cline, District 2

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