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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.!
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!
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!
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 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.
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.
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.
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.