Thank you for signing up to receive my newsletter and updates. It is my goal to ensure you receive a monthly newsletter containing important City updates as well as upcoming events. You can also find me on Facebook for frequent notifications. I am always available to hear your comments, questions, concerns or complaints! You may reach me anytime at chris.judd@surpriseaz.gov or 623.222.1326.
The Learning Experience Ribbon Cutting
On September 29, myself along with Mayor Hall and Councilmembers Ken Remley and Aly Cline, joined The Learning Experience for a Ribbon Cutting! Located at 15351 W. Cactus Rd., the Learning Experience held the ceremony in honor of their Grand Opening. Welcome to Surprise!
Block Party Trailer
The City of Surprise is committed to building quality neighborhoods, and what better way to get to know your neighbors than by throwing a party! The Neighborhood Services Division offers free rentals of its Block Party Trailer. The trailer comes equipped with everything you will need to get your Block Party started, including:
- Tables and Chairs
- PA system and music
- Generator
- Canopy tents
- Coolers
- Sports equipment
- Games
- City information
City staff will deliver the trailer and be present during the event. You can also receive a Block Party Information Packet, which includes flyers and posters to help spread the word about your party. We’ll even help cover costs for refreshments and a bouncy house (the inflatable domes that children love to jump around in) or similar family-friendly entertainment! Submit receipts for up to $150 to help pay for local merchants’ select party amenities, including family entertainment. To book the block party trailer, go to surpriseaz.gov/blockparty.
Surprise Veterans Day Parade
The City of Surprise is hosting its 5th Annual Veterans Day Parade to honor those who have bravely served our country. The parade will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, November 11, and will run along Bullard Ave. between Paradise and Tierra Buena lanes.
Sunday in the Park
Sunday in the Park returns to Mark Coronado Park this fall! Join us on November 7 from 3 – 7 p.m. for live music, various food trucks, an assortment of beer and wine, and family-friendly entertainment such as bounce houses, face painting, a trackless train and more! View event details: bit.ly/3sw1lBr. Future dates are, January 23, February 13 and April 3.
Care & Share Expo
The 2nd Annual Care & Share Expo will be held on Saturday, November 13. This year’s all-ages event will be from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Surprise City Hall 1st Floor Parking Garage, 16000 N. Civic Center Plz. Your participation or sponsorship will help the community connect to human service organizations, health resources and medical checks. This free event is a one-stop source for accessing programs and services that promote health, financial growth and self-empowerment. Plus, there will be fun for the entire family! For more details, go to bit.ly/3yM9LGs
Friends of the Surprise Libraries
Friday, October 8, Mayor Hall and Council Members Cline, Judd, and Hastings joined the Friends of the Surprise Libraries for a ribbon cutting! Joanne Heim, Board Member of Friends of the Surprise Libraries, hosted the ribbon cutting in honor of their newly renovated area at the Northwest Regional Library, 16089 N. Bullard Ave., Congratulations on your next chapter!
2021 Fiesta Grande
On Saturday, October 9, Mayor Hall and myself, along with Council Members Hastings, Judd, and Winters attended the 8th Annual Surprise Fiesta Grande held at the Original Town Site. The Executive Director for the Governor’s Office of Equal Opportunity presented Mayor and Council with a proclamation in honor of Hispanic Heritage month. Thank you to everyone who attended this wonderful event!
Best of the West
On Thursday, October 21, myself along with Mayor and Council attended the Best of the West Awards dinner which was held at State Farm Stadium. This event, hosted by WESTMARC, recognizes exceptional contributions to the image, lifestyle and economy here in the West Valley. This Awards Dinner is the signature event of the West Valley with a rich history of celebrating outstanding accomplishments and impacts to quality of life, economic development, innovation and leadership.
2021 SciTech Festival
Have fun with science and technology at the Surprise SciTech Festival on November 6, presented by the City of Surprise! This FREE, fun-filled educational event features interactive science, technology, engineering, art and math exhibits and demonstrations. It’s all happening 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the Surprise City Hall Courtyard, 16000 N. Civic Center Plz. For more information on the event, please visit surpriseaz.gov/scitech.
Dependent Scholarship Winners
The City would like to recognize Alexis Klippel and Alina Bozhko as the recipients of the 2021 City of Surprise Scholarship Awards! The first place award of $3,000 will go to Alexis, the daughter of Randy Rody (Police Department). The second place award of $1,500 will go to Alina, the daughter of Leonid Bozhko (Information Technology). Congratulations to both winners!
G.A.I.N Night
On Saturday, October 23, I attended this family-friendly event, which brought the community together! It was a great turnout with trick or treating, a gaming trailer and laser tag, live music, Chick-Fil-A hot air balloon, and public safety displays. Thank you Surprise Police Department and Parks and Recreation for hosting such a wonderful event!
Just Be Youtiful Women’s Boutique
Monday, October 25, Mayor Hall, Council Member Aly Cline and I joined Just Be Youtiful Boutique for a ribbon cutting! Owner Kym Stutzman hosted the ceremony in honor of Just Be Youtiful Boutique’s grand opening, located at 15332 W. Bell Rd. Suite #135! Thank you for choosing Surprise!
Dysart School Parks Ribbon Cutting
On Friday, October 29, the Dysart School District hosted a ribbon cutting event, in coordination with the City, to announce the opening of their elementary school fields and playgrounds in Surprise to the public, after school hours and on weekends. It was great to be there to celebrate with Mayor Hall and other members of council.
New Development in Surprise
Our Economic Development Department wrapped up the fiscal year in July with nearly a million square feet of new development, $165 Million in new capital investment, 875 new jobs, and 33 businesses in the midst of the pandemic, including Amazon, Fry’s at Asante, Bath & Body Works, Bad AZ Axes, Black Rock Coffee, and Handel’s Ice Cream.
This fall, several new businesses opened: Muay Thai Jui Jitsu, The Learning Experience Academy of Early Education, Valvoline Instant Oil Change, The Partners Barbershop, Spirit Halloween Store, Sleep Number Mattress Store, a New Friends of the Library location, and Mobile Home Depot – and most recently, “Just Be Youtiful” boutique offering unique local clothing, jewelry & handbags!
Fishing at Surprise Lake
Did you know the Game and Fish department keeps our community lake filled with catfish and trout most of the year? This is an excellent time of year to get outside and go fishing at our local lake. A fishing license is required for anyone age 10 and up. A youth license is only $5 for the entire year and is available up to 18. Licenses are available at azgfd.gov.
Here is a schedule of when fish will be stocked into Surprise Lake (Bullard / W. Paradise Lane):
- November 1-5 Catfish
- November 15-19 Catfish & Trout
- November 29-30 Catfish & Trout
- December 1-3 Catfish & Trout
- December 13-17 Trout
- December 27-31 Trout
- January 10-14 Trout
- January 24-28 Trout
Stockings will occur randomly Monday through Saturday during the week indicated. Grab a friend or your kids and catch a few!
Connect with District 6
Please check out my new District 6 Facebook page at Councilmember Chris Judd! Be sure to click the “like” button to get District 6 news and updates. Please also visit my District 6 webpage at d6.surpriseaz.gov where you can subscribe to my Notify Me email list to receive important District 6 updates.
Council Meetings and Agenda
The next regularly scheduled City Council Meetings will take place on November 2 and 16 at 6 p.m. and will be open to the public for in-person attendance. You can also watch live at surpriseaz.gov/surprisetv, or the Surprise City Gov Facebook page at facebook.com/cityofsurprise. Cox channel 11 also carries the meetings live. Agendas are always posted online at a minimum of two days prior.
If you see something on the agenda that concerns you, please reach out before the meeting so I have time to address your concern. I may even ask your questions during the City Council presentation. The best way to reach me is chris.judd@surpriseaz.gov.
Meet and Greet
Please join me for my Monthly Meet and Greet on November 6 at 9 a.m. at Spencer’s Place, 15341 W. Waddell Rd. Join me for my D6 community meeting on November 23 at 6 p.m. at Freddy’s, 14029 W. Waddell Rd. I look forward to discussing the latest City issues and answering any questions you might have.
Please check my webpage at d6.surpriseaz.gov for updates to my meeting schedule.