Thank you for signing up to receive my notifications and monthly newsletters. I am always available for any questions or concerns via email at ken.remley@surpriseaz.gov. Please also join my monthly community meetings on the 4th Wednesday of each month at the Surprise Community Center, located at 15832 N. Hollyhock Street. Please check the calendar at surpriseaz.gov to check for cancelations during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can also find me on Facebook for regular updates.
Senior Center Hot Lunch Program
The Council and I were able to assist in handing out meals to our seniors on Wednesday, May 6. Each day, 120-160 free meals are distributed through the hot lunch program at Surprise Senior Center, which is designed for adults, age 60 and better, and adults with disabilities. The Council and I were glad that we could provide assistance to our senior community during this difficult time. For more information about this program, please call the Surprise Senior Center at 623.222.1500.
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The Surprise Senior Center is open to people aged 50 or better, and adults with disabilities, and costs just $12 a year for residents. There are many programs and resources to take advantage of with your membership. For more information, please call 623.222.1500.
Free Meals for Kids
From June 1-July 31 children up to 18 years old can come to the Surprise Resource Center, Monday-Friday between 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and receive free breakfast and lunch. This program is a partnership between the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance Kids Café ® and the City of Surprise. Meals will be handed out using a drive through model, and are offered on a first come, first served basis. The Surprise Resource Center is located at 12425 W. Bell Rd., Bldg. A., Ste. 124. For more information, please call 623.222.1600.
Thank you to The Links Restaurant
I would like to thank The Links Neighborhood Grill for graciously providing a free soup and Sandwich “to go” meal to 200 people on Saturday, May 30. Meals were distributed at the Surprise Senior Center. It is great to see so many people helping out those in need during this crisis.
4th of July
While the city shares in our community’s excitement to celebrate our nation’s independence, it’s important to do so responsibly. As a result of COVID-19 concerns, this year’s Fourth of July Celebration will be greatly modified in an effort to avoid mass gatherings and maintain physical distancing, in accordance with CDC recommendations.
On Saturday, July 4th, the city will feature a 20-minute fireworks display beginning at 8:40 p.m. The display will be staged in the area around Bullard Avenue and Paradise Lane.
The city encourages people to observe the fireworks show remotely from their homes or vehicles, as the display will be visible from vantage points across the community. Limited surface parking is available at Surprise Stadium, Surprise Aquatic Center and Dreamcatcher Park. While not recommended, should observers chose to drive to the Civic Center and Recreation Campus area, parking will be first come, first served and must be done in accordance with state and local traffic laws.
Unlike past celebrations, there will be no baseball game, food trucks, beverage sales, or any additional entertainment. The Aquatic Center will not be open. Ramada rentals and grill use at Surprise Community Park will be unavailable. Personal grill use is prohibited within the Civic Center and Surprise Recreation Campus. In compliance with Arizona State law, the consumption of alcohol in vehicles or in public spaces is not permitted.
Please remember to follow all CDC guidelines for protecting yourself against COVID-19, including limiting gatherings to less than 10 people and keeping a minimum of 6 feet physical distancing between your gathering and others.
Heritage Building
Work on the mural on the side of the Heritage at Surprise building was recently completed. The mural is made of individual tiles that were hand painted by members of the community, including myself.
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Virtual Ribbon Cuttings
Many businesses have been able to open their doors again. We are proud of our businesses in District 4 and want to celebrate their re-opening! Below are some pictures from their virtual ribbon cuttings.
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Congratulations to I&J Fountain Restaurant, Lou’s Tivoli Gardens, and Portofino West Ristorante, Grand Pet Hotel, Other Mothers, Briseno Aztec Imports, Fast Med Urgent Care, Flying Pig Embroidery, Arizona Quilts, Baker Bros Area Rugs & Flooring, and Genesis Salon, on their re-openings as well!
Traffic Improvements
Pavement preservation will be taking place in the coming weeks on Bell Road from 134th to Avenue of The Arts, and is expected to be completed by the end of June. The utility lowering work will begin on June 6, and milling will begin on June 7. Mill and overlay work will take place at night.
District 4 Community Meeting
My monthly Community Meetings are held on the 4th Wednesday of the month from 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Surprise Senior Center, 15832 N. Hollyhock Street. Please join me for my meeting on June 24. Attendees will have a chance to win door prizes, and refreshments will be served! Please bring a mask to wear during the meeting, and attendees will be asked to adhere to social distancing. Please call or email me in the meantime with any questions or concerns you may have.