Johnny V. Melton: Surprise District 4 — November Newsletter
Surprise City Councilmember Johnny V. Melton
Courtesy city of Surprise
November is National Gratitude Month which is fitting being that it holds Veterans Day and Thanksgiving within the same month. As a Navy Veteran, I want to express my gratitude to those who served or are currently serving. Thank you for joining the armed forces and protecting this country. Happy Veterans Day.
CURRENT EVENTS
Community Meeting
You must be a member to read this story.
Join our family of readers starting at $5 for your first month and support local, unbiased journalism.
Click here to see your options for becoming a subscriber.
Register to comment
Click here create a free account for posting comments.
Note that free accounts do not include access to premium content on this site.
I am anchor
Opinions
Johnny V. Melton: Surprise District 4 — November Newsletter
Posted
Surprise City Councilmember Johnny V. Melton
Courtesy city of Surprise
By Johnny V. Melton
November is National Gratitude Month which is fitting being that it holds Veterans Day and Thanksgiving within the same month. As a Navy Veteran, I want to express my gratitude to those who served or are currently serving. Thank you for joining the armed forces and protecting this country. Happy Veterans Day.
CURRENT EVENTS
Community Meeting
My next community meeting will be on Wednesday, November 19, from 6- 7 p.m. at Sun Village, Ocotillo Room 17300 N. Sun Village Pkwy.
The next City Council Meetings are on November 4 & 18 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.
Original Town Site Movie in the Park
Join Original Town Site Stakeholders Committee as they host their first Movie in the Park. A free night at Bicentennial Park on Saturday, November 8, at 5 p.m. to watch Coco the movie. Food trucks will be available to purchase.
The first 300 people will receive a $10 food voucher to be used at the food trucks.
Coco is scheduled to show at 7 p.m. Please bring your lawn chairs and blankets.
Be part of the annual City of Surprise Veterans Day Parade presented by Toyota of Surprise! This year’s event is on Tuesday, November 11, and will be expanded to include live music and activities after the parade as part of our yearlong America 250 Celebration. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and will run along Bullard Avenue between Paradise and Tierra Buena lanes.
Surprise has officially moved the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Program to a monthly appointment system. Surprise residents can request an appointment for HHW collection pickup right from their driveway during one week each month.
The collection of these materials is split into two types and scheduled separately. One pick-up is for electronic HHW, including flat-screen TVs, computers and cell phones. Another is for all other HHW.
To schedule a collection, residents can use the My Surprise app or call customer service at 623.222.1920. All scheduling is based on availability and is first-come, first-served.
Surprise Seeks Donations for Day of Service
The City of Surprise is seeking donations for an upcoming Day of Service. This event, in partnership with Youth for Troops and the Travis Manion Foundation, is full, but you can still help support the unhoused and at-risk veterans.
In preparation for the Day of Service, the City is also hosting a donation drive through November 14, 2025. Community members are encouraged to donate the following items, which will be used during the event:
Hot sauce bottles (2 – 4 oz.)
Coffee singles/K-Cups
Chewing gum
Peanut butter singles
Rice Krispie treats
Individually wrapped beef jerky
Individual packs of peanuts/almonds
Candy canes
Christmas stockings
Lip balm
Sunscreen (travel-size)
Toothpaste (travel-size)
Body wash (travel-size)
Puzzle books
Rolls of packing tape
Collection sites:
Surprise Regional Library (16089 N. Bullard Ave.)
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday - Sunday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Asante Library (16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr.)
Monday - Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday - Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Surprise Senior Center (15832 N. Hollyhock St.)
Monday - Friday: 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sierra Montana Recreation Center (14861 N. Spring Ln.)
Wednesday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
All collection sites will be closed on Veterans Day, November 11. That day, donations will be accepted at the Veterans Day Celebration from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Surprise Human Service & Community Vitality tent in Surprise Community Park.
LIVE at Asante is a free and casual outdoor performance series at Asante Library for all ages. This America’s 250th celebration series runs the third Thursday of each month through May 2026 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Asante Library, 16755 W. Vereda Solana Dr. Each event will feature a different genre and include a brief history of its importance in America’s music. Featuring live music provided by On Stage Now, free arts activities and food trucks! Bring your lawn chair, your friends and your family for an evening of entertainment. RSVP recommended at surpriseaz.gov/ArtsSignUp.
Upcoming Performances
November 20 | Acoustic Pop | Abby Walker (opener) and Kenyon France Duo (headliner)
December 18 | Acoustic Indie Folk | Jerry Scarsbrook (opener) and Jacobe Reinartz Duo (headliner)
January 15 | Country Roots | JT Sheets (opener) and Cole Clark Duo (headliner)
February 19 | Bluegrass/Rock | Mark Bishop Evans (opener) and George & Georgia (headliner)
March 19 | Classic Jazz | Carlos Huicochea (opener) and Glen & Clydene (headliner)
SciTech Festival 2025
On Saturday, November 22, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. the City of Surprise is having the 2025 SciTech Festival, a Signature Event of the Arizona SciTech Festival at the Surprise Recreation Campus, 15960 N Bullard Ave.
This FREE, fun-filled educational event is perfect for all ages and features interactive Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (S.T.E.A.M.) exhibits and demonstrations. Additionally, there will be food available for purchase from a variety of food trucks.
The City of Surprise is excited to bring back Open Rec at Sierra Montana Recreation Center! Youth currently in 5th - 8th grade are invited to play games, complete a craft and enjoy our recently remodeled Teen Lounge space with new arcade games, video games and a fun hangout space.
Open Rec will be on Mondays from 1 - 5 p.m. on the following dates, through December: 11/10, 11/17, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15. Sierra Montana Recreation Center is located at 14861 N. Spring Ln.
What better way to get to know your neighbors than by throwing a great party? Surprise offers free rentals of a Block Party Trailer, and we’ll even deliver it to you!
The block party trailer includes chairs, tables, coolers, canopy tents, sports equipment, games, music and public announcement system and a generator. City staff will deliver the trailer and be present during the event.
Applicants may also receive a reimbursement of up to $150 that can be used toward qualifying expenses to help pay for food or party amenities and entertainment. Approved applicants will receive a Block Party Kit, which includes flyers to help spread the word about your party.
Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance and are granted on a first come, first served basis. Once approved, you can start planning your party!
Surprise Libraries to Celebrate Semiquincentennial with New Reading Program
The Surprise Public Library System is excited to announce a new reading program in celebration of America’s 250th – Stars & Stories. The program will run until July 4, 2026.
Readers will be awarded fun badges and prizes, based on minutes read. The goal is to read 1,776 minutes over the next nine months in honor of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Prizes will include books, American flags, challenge coins and patriotic swag!
Visit the Stars & Stories reading program webpage to register and learn more about the program: 1776.surprisepubliclibrary.gov.
The City of Surprise has numerous opportunities to participate in events and activities until the big anniversary on July 4, 2026. Learn about all the great events at surpriseaz.gov/America250.
Job Fair Hosted by City of Surprise and ARIZONA@WORK
The City of Surprise, in partnership with ARIZONA@WORK, is hosting a free hiring event on Thursday, November 13, to connect job seekers with more than 20 different employers currently hiring in the West Valley.
The hiring event will take place from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Surprise Regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard Ave.
Prospective candidates should attend the event prepared for potential on-site interviews and possible job offers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn about ARIZONA@WORK and the various services and resources it provides to help job seekers pursue employment opportunities.
West Valley Regional Chambers Legislative Breakfast
On Thursday, October 16, Councilmember Greenberg and I were able to attend an annual event that brings elected officials, business leaders and community stakeholders together to discuss issues within the West Valley. We heard from Senator Brian Fernandez, Representative Nick Kupper and Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos at the West Valley Regional Chambers Legislative Breakfast. Our very own Jodi Tas, Government Relations Director from City of Surprise, did an amazing job moderating the conversation.
DSW Ribbon Cutting
On Friday, October 3, DSW - Designer Shoe Warehouse celebrated their pre-launch of their new Prasada North location with a ribbon cutting featuring Store Manager Julie Chappell, Market Leader Alison Westrich, Project Manager Ashley Lorka, Jeanine Jerkovic Surprise Economic Development Director, and me. DSW is located at 14045 N. Prasada Pkwy. Welcome to Surprise!
CenterWell Senior Primary Care Anywhere Ribbon Cutting
On Wednesday, October 8, CenterWell Primary Care Anywhere opened their doors, and I was able to celebrate with Market President Daryl Young and their talented staff at their ribbon cutting. CenterWell Senior Primary Care Anywhere, formally known as Heal, is located at 14273 W. Grand Ave., Suite 100. Congrats to the whole CenterWell team and welcome to Surprise!
TownePlace Suites & Fairfield Inn by Marriott Ribbon Cutting
On Monday, October 20, Mayor Kevin Sartor and I joined General Manager Amber Postel and Director of Sales Angela Ramirez for a celebration of their new hotel located at 13430 N. 163rd Dr.! Congratulations to the whole Marriott team, and welcome to the city of Surprise.
Pita Kitchen Ribbon Cutting
On Wednesday, October 29, Pita Kitchen celebrated their new location and opened their doors at 16853 N. 145th Ave. I joined Co-owners, Reimun Shleimun and Rian Hanna along with General Manager, Nenos and Director of Catering, Moises Gonzalez at their ceremony. Welcome to Surprise and congratulations on this accomplishment.
SAVE THE DATE
Sensitive Santa Returns to Surprise Stadium
The City of Surprise is excited to present the fourth annual Sensitive Santa Experience, in partnership with the Autism Society of Greater Phoenix and T.E.A.M. 4 Kids. This sensory-friendly celebration is designed for individuals with special needs, offering a calm environment free of long lines, bright lights and loud noises.
Saturday, December 13 | Surprise Stadium, 15850 N. Bullard Ave.
While waiting for their private visit with Santa, families can enjoy games, crafts, snacks and vendor booths. An ASL interpreter will be available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Admission is $5 per family. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For more information or to reserve your spot, visit surpriseaz.gov/SurpriseRec and click "Adaptive." For assistance or more information, email ashley.stevens@surpriseasz.gov or call 623.222.2284.
Fire First Fridays
The Surprise Fire-Medical Department is offering free life-saving knowledge and training. These classes aim to provide attendees with basic emergency response training in a comfortable and stress-free environment so community members will know how to start helping while waiting for emergency crews.
CPR Classes –Take a free non-certifying CPR class. Participants will learn the basics of CPR, including chest compressions, AED use and rescue breathing. Classes are typically the first Friday of each even-numbered month, but the next session will be on December 12.
Stop the Bleed & Narcan Classes –Participants will learn the basic skills needed to save someone in the event of a deep-penetrating injury and the proper technique needed to deliver Narcan. Classes are on the first Friday of each odd-numbered month. The next class is on January 9.
To register and get more information, visit surpriseaz.gov/FireFirstFridays. Please note, registration forms open two weeks before the class date. The maximum class size is 40 people for each session. Participants must be 12 years old or older, and a registered adult must accompany attendees aged 12 - 17.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here