I recently had the opportunity to tour the City of Surprise’s new Public Works Operations Facility. The facility was partially funded by the voter-approved 2017 General Obligation Bond. This 44,000 square foot project supports public safety fleet maintenance and storage, and it consolidated the Public Works operations into one location.
Kiwanis Club Donation
Thank you to the Kiwanis Club of Surprise, AZ Foundation, for your donation of 25 tablets to the Kids Camp Surprise after-school program! These tablets will help enhance the learning experience of the children in this program.
Surprise Party 2020, At-home style
Enjoy a festive lineup of holiday themed programing that can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home or car! Virtual events include a tree lighting ceremony, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, virtual holiday edition bingo, Zoom calls with Santa, virtual arts & crafts, a Santa drive-thru at Surprise Stadium, and the Light up the Night House Decorating Contest. Video events will be aired on Surprise TV online and the City of Surprise Parks and Recreation Facebook Page. On-demand video playback will be available for recorded events. Just visit surpriseaz.gov/surpriseparty and view the video recording at your convenience.
Deck the Hock
This annual event will be a drop-off/pick-up style celebration this year. On December 11, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. you are invited to drop off ornaments, and/or gifts to place under three holiday trees that will be donated to local families in need. The trees will be on display in front of the Surprise Senior Center, located at 15832 N. Hollyhock Street. Unwrapped gifts for families can be placed under the trees. For a list of items for donation, please visit surpriseaz.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=4998 or call, 623-222-1500. The Surprise Police Department will also have a Toy Drive box available
Home-delivered Meal Program
The City of Surprise has partnered with the Area Agency on Aging and Banner Olive Branch to provide daily, home-delivered hot meals to eligible participants aged 60 years, or older, or younger adults with disabilities who are unable to prepare or obtain meals for themselves during a period of need. This service also includes a daily visit to check on the individual’s condition and safety. If you or someone you know is in need of meal delivery, please contact Area Agency on Aging at 602-264-4357, or Meals on Wheel for Sun City at 623-974-9430.
Please also remember that for those who can drive to pick-up meals, the Surprise Senior Center offers a free hot lunch program to those age 60 and better, and adults with disabilities. Meals must be reserved two days in advance by calling 623-222-1500. Pickup is Monday-Friday at noon.
Social Service Resources
The City of Surprise and our partners have many resources to help those in need. Please see a list below of services that are available. You can also always reach out to our Surprise Resource Center at 623-222-1600.
Salvation Army – FREE breakfast drive-thru Mondays and Thursdays. 8-9:30 a.m. Seniors or those who are food insecure. Food boxes available. 17420 Ave of the Arts, Surprise. 623-977-1084.
Dysart Community Center – Free Food Drive-thru. M-Fri, 3-5 p.m. 14414 N. El Mirage Rd, El Mirage. 623-249-3812.
Hope Women’s Center – Support for women & children, bill/utility assistance. 623-875-4549.
Radiant Distribution Center – Free food and clothing Tues/Thurs from 9-11a.m. at Radiant Church Sun City 10701 W. Boswell Blvd., Sun City. 623-975-2662.
Society of St. Vincent de Paul – Food, Rent, Utilities & More. St. Clare of Assisi Conference (Surprise residents). Call Help Line at 623-975-5617. Our Lady of Lourdes Conference (Surprise & El Mirage residents). Call 623-344-7267.
Community Christmas Drive-thru at Radiant Church – Saturday, December 12th from 9 a.m.-noon. Free groceries, shoes, socks, underwear and toys for children 3-12. Children must be present to receive gifts. While supplies last. 15522 W. Paradise Lane, Surprise 85374.
Housing for Heroes Program - Supportive Services for Veteran Families – The National Community Health Partners are offering temporary assistance to Veteran families to help with rent, utilities, security deposits, moving costs and child care. Call the Maricopa County Veteran Service Office at 480-361-0177.
Phone Pals Program for Seniors with Benevilla – Phone Pal volunteers provide wellness checks and meaningful relationships to community members who may find themselves alone. For information on how to sign up to receive calls, or to volunteer, please call 623-584-4999 or visit www.Benevilla.org
AZ Humane Society Resources for Pet Owners – A program for struggling pet owners. A trained social worker can help pet parents navigate resources to help keep pets in their homes. Call 602-997-7585 ext. 3800 or e-mail resourcenavigator@azhuman.org.
Mindfulness Practices for Easing the Stress of the Season (Hospice of the Valley) – As the holidays approach, many of us may be experiencing anxiety and frustration — so much to do and not enough time to get it all done! Mindfulness can help us manage these challenges in a healthy way. Join Hospice of the Valley's Dr. Maribeth Gallagher for a free online presentation 10-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10. Zoom Link: https://hov.zoom.us/j/92896300757 Meeting ID: 928 9630 0757 Passcode: 406925
Council Meeting Schedule
In an effort to protect public health amidst rising COVID-19 case numbers, City of Surprise public meetings have reclosed to in-person public attendance until further notice. Council meetings are broadcast live on Surprise TV at surprisetv.surpriseaz.gov/. Cox channel 11 and Century Link channel 8513 also carry the meetings live. Check the agenda, when posted, for instructions on public comment.
The next regularly scheduled Council Meeting is Dec. 15, at 6 p.m.
District 4 Community Meeting
My monthly Community Meetings are typically held on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 6 - 7:30 p.m. at the Surprise Senior Center, 15832 N. Hollyhock Street. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently unable to conduct these meetings, but I look forward to meeting again when we are able. Please check the city website at surpriseaz.gov for updated information on my meet and greet schedule. Please call or email me in the meantime with any questions or concerns you may have.
Closing
I wish you all a very happy holiday season and a blessed New Year.
