Susanne Patterson - Realtor

The 2026 Heat Relief Network

The Heat Relief Network is a regional partnership of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), municipalities, nonprofit organizations, the faith-based community and businesses. Each year, MAG coordinates the mapping of the Heat Relief Network, a network of partners providing water, cooling, and donation sites throughout the Valley to prevent heat-related illnesses and deaths among vulnerable populations. The map and directories are updated as new partners sign up throughout the summer season, which runs May 1 to September 30.

The region has seen a second consecutive year of decline in heat-related deaths. Maricopa County Public Health data for 2025 show 430 deaths, down from 608 in 2024 and 645 in 2023.

https://hrn.azmag.gov/map

Today is a day where we honor service members who made the ultimate sacrifice. I have been to many events over the last few years that have included the Missing Man Table. What it means...

The Missing Man Table (also known as the Fallen Comrade Table) is a solemn, symbolic place of honor set up in U.S. military dining facilities, balls, and memorial services. It serves as a tribute to fallen, missing in action (MIA), or prisoner of war (POW) service members to ensure they are never forgotten.

Every item placed on the small, round, white-clothed table carries deep, poignant symbolism:

Round Table: Symbolizes the everlasting concern and unending burden of the missing.

White Cloth: Represents the purity of the service member's motives when answering their country's call.

Empty Chair: Represents the absence of the missing service member who is no longer at our side.

Single Red Rose: Symbolizes the lives of the missing, as well as the families and friends who keep the faith while awaiting answers.

Red or Yellow Ribbon: Represents the continued determination to account for those missing.

Slice of Lemon: Reminds viewers of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.

Pinch of Salt: Symbolizes the tears of the missing and their families.

Inverted Glass: Signifies that the fallen and missing cannot partake in the toast.

Lighted Candle: Reflects the beacon of hope for their return, alive or dead.