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Skip Hall: Mayor Newsletter — October 2022

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On Monday, September 19, we joined founder Karin York as she received Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Debbie Lesko’s office for Spencer’s Place. The coffee bistro provides adults with disabilities job training and direct skill development to earn a paycheck, build relationships, gain a sense of purpose and show the community the beauty of diversity and inclusion. Spencer’s Place is located at 15341 W. Waddell Rd. #B101. Congratulations!

Surprise City Council poses for a picture with Karin York inside Spencer's Place

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Throughout the month of October, residents are encouraged to join the City by wearing purple clothing or a purple ribbon. This year, we are highlighting emotional abuse. Emotional abuse can often go unreported and is one of the hardest forms of abuse to recognize, as it can be subtle and insidious. It is known as psychological warfare or mental abuse. It includes non-physical behaviors that are meant to control, manipulate and isolate. The effects of this abuse can be long-term and painful. 

If you or someone you know is a victim or survivor of domestic violence, please know we support you and we have resources to help. For more information, please go to Domestic Violence Programs & Resources

This year’s national “Purple Thursday” is October 20; show your support by wearing purple.

Domestic Violence Awareness text and purple ribbon

Sunday in the Park

The City of Surprise presents Sunday in the Park events this fall! The next event in the series is happening on October 16 and will feature live music by SouthBound, various food trucks, an assortment of beers and wines, entertainment and more! Event admission is free; food and drink will be available for purchase. Don’t forget a blanket or lawn chair! Dogs must be leashed. 

Can’t make it to this one? Join us on November 6 for music by Blaine Long. All Sunday in the Park events will be held at Mark Coronado Park, 15850 N. Bullard Ave. from 3 - 7 p.m. For more information or to view the list of upcoming events, visit surpriseaz.gov/specialevents.

Sunday in the Park

Surprise forms Arts, Culture & Library Department

The City is launching a new department – the Arts, Culture & Library Department! This new department will bring a stronger focus to enriching the community through programs, services, experiences and events within these important areas. As part of this new focus, the City will begin managing its three public libraries on July 1, 2023; this includes Northwest Regional, Hollyhock and Asante. Currently, the management services are contracted through Maricopa County Library District.

Over the next nine months, the City will be diving into the details of its offerings and launching a new library website, with the goal of providing enhanced programs and features. More information on the City-led libraries and new Library Commission will be announced as details are finalized. To learn more about our libraries, visit surpriseaz.gov/library. To learn more about Arts & Culture, visit surpriseaz.gov/arts.

Arts, Culture and Library Department

Fall tennis competition in full swing

Tennis season has officially arrived in Surprise as the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex prepares to welcome approximately 3,000 players, competing in several United States Tennis Association (USTA) League National Championships this fall.

USTA League National Championships

  • October 7 - 9  Division: Adult 18 & Over 4.5
  • October 14 - 16  Division: Adult 18 & Over 4.0
  • October 21 - 23  Division: Adult 40 & Over 3.0
  • October 28 - 30  Division: Mixed 18 & Over 6.0, 8.0 & 10.0
  • November 4 - 6   Division: Mixed 18 & Over 7.0/9.0
  • November 11 - 13  Division: Mixed 40 & Over 7.0/8.0

Events will take place at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex located at 14469 W. Paradise Ln. 

Fans can take advantage of free admission and enjoy all the tennis action! For a complete list of events and match schedules, please visit the USTA League National Championships tournament page. 

Please note, open court availability may be limited or not available due to tournaments and other special events. For information on open court availability and tennis programs, please contact the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex at 623.222.2400.

HIGHLIGHTS

Daughters of the American Revolution

On Saturday, September 10, I presented the Constitution Day proclamation as well as gave a City update presentation to the White Tank Mountain Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Below are a couple photos of the proclamation being handed to Chapter Regent, Marilyn Simleness - as well as Marilyn providing the lovely gift to honor our City’s founder!

Mayor Hall presents the Consitiution Day proclamation to Marilyn Simleness. Mayor Hall holds a framed certificate

Xeriscape Demonstration Garden Ribbon Cutting

The Xeriscape Demonstration Garden had its official ribbon cutting on Saturday, September 17! We had a great time learning about desert landscapes and meeting some amazing residents. The Xeriscape Demonstration Garden is located on the north side of the Surprise City Hall Campus, 16000 N. Civic Center Plz., and is available for public viewing from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week. Plan your visit to the garden!

Mayor Hall and Council cut a ribbon at the Xeriscape Garden

AAA Surprise Auto Repair ribbon cutting

On Monday, September 19, Mayor Hall and I joined AAA Mountain West Group Surprise for a ribbon cutting event! Ken Blake, Manager of AAA Surprise Auto Repair Center, hosted the ceremony in honor of the grand opening of their new location at 13020 W. Bell Rd.!

Mayor Hall and City Councilmembers pose for a photo with AAA Mountain West Group Surprise for a ribbon cutting event.

Discount Nutrition Superstore ribbon cutting

Friday, September 23, Vice Mayor Cline and I joined Discount Nutrition Superstore Surprise for a Ribbon Cutting event! Senior Vice President Matt Bingham hosted the ceremony in honor of the grand opening of their new store, located at 16772 W. Bell Rd. Suite #107. Thank you for choosing Surprise!

Mayor Hall and Vice Mayor Cline cut a grand opening ribbon outside of Discount Nutrition.

Interfaith and Golden Rule Community Celebration

Tuesday, September 27,  many community leaders and I came together to celebrate the “Golden Rule” - treating others as one wants to be treated - at the Surprise Interfaith and Golden Rule Community Celebration. I was nice to see everyone at the Dysart Unified School District Administration Office at 15802 N. Parkview Pl.

My Daddy’s Bakery & Café expansion ribbon cutting

Wednesday, September 28, Vice Mayor Cline, Councilmember Winters, and I joined My Daddy's Italian Bakery & Cafe for a Ribbon Cutting Event! Owner Eugene Gentile hosted the ceremony in honor of their new expansion!

Mayor Hall, Vice Mayor Cline and Councilmember Winters join My Daddy's Italian Bakery & Cafe to cut a ribbon.

COMING UP

Surprise Fiesta Grande

Join us for Surprise Fiesta Grande October 8! Surprise Fiesta Grande street festival celebrates our unique culture, traditions and community! This family-friendly event on Saturday, October 8, from 5 - 9 p.m. in the Original Town Site on Hollyhock Street in the Grand Avenue corridor, offers a fun evening of live music, food, dancing, vintage classic cars and so much more! For shuttle locations, maps and more information, visit surpriseaz.gov/fiestagrande.

Surprise Fiesta Grande ad

Surprise accepting Veterans Day Parade entries

Be part of the 8th Annual City of Surprise Veterans Day Parade! The Parks & Recreation Department is now accepting parade entries from clubs, organizations, groups and residents who want to show their patriotic spirit and honor those who have bravely served our country. The parade will be held Friday, November 11, beginning at 10 a.m., and will run along Bullard Avenue between Paradise and Tierra Buena lanes.  

To register, head to surpriseaz.gov/surpriserec and click on ‘Special Events.’ Entries are due by Friday, October 28. There is no fee to participate. For more information or to register, please contact Daniel Luvisi at 623.222.2251 or daniel.luvisi@surpriseaz.gov.

A woman saluting

Day of Service events

Surprise Day of Service is an opportunity to give back to our community. From community cleanups to food bank events, join us and help make our city a better place for all! The next Day of Service is Saturday, October 15. You can see more events at surpriseaz.gov/DayofService.

How to get involved: Individuals and groups can register with Larry Garcia at Larry.Garcia@surpriseaz.gov or 623.222.1522.

Property maintenance assistance available

Surprise homeowners can apply now to receive assistance with a variety of property maintenance services including but not limited to landscaping, minor painting and trash removal.

Applicants must:

  • Reside in the City of Surprise
  • Be the owner of the property or have received landlord permission
  • Reside in the property as their primary residence
  • Be present at the time services are being provided
  • Meet need guidelines

The Surprise Human Service and Community Vitality Surprise Day of Service is a one-time service. Projects will be taken on a first come, first served basis with priority given to projects that address health and safety issues. Service is not guaranteed for every applicant. It is dependent upon availability, level of need and funding.

Download the application at surpriseaz.gov/dayofservice or call 623.222.1522.

Surprise seeking sponsors and exhibitors for SciTech event

The City is currently seeking event exhibitors and sponsors for the 2022 SciTech event that will take place from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 10 in the Mark Coronado Park parking lot, 15850 N. Bullard Ave.

More than 600 science enthusiasts of all ages attended the City’s last SciTech Festival to view robotics presentations, fun experiments and learn about opportunities to engage in STEAM-related (science, technology, engineering, art and math) programs. Organizations, schools and businesses with hands-on, interactive STEAM projects or presentations are invited to request a free booth to participate in this year’s event.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. To participate in the Surprise SciTech Festival or for more information, visit surpriseaz.gov/SciTech or contact Lord Garcillano at 623.222.1647 or lord.garcillano@surpriseaz.gov.

City Council Meetings

The next City Council Meeting will be held on October 18. City Council Work sessions begin at 4 p.m., while City Council Meetings follow at 6 p.m. You can also watch live on surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/cityofsurprise, or on Cox channel 11. We hope to see you there.