Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Health Dementia topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Buckeye proclaims itself a dementia-friendly city; local group to host symposium in November
Summary
Mayor Eric W. Osborne proclaimed Buckeye a dementia-friendly community on Sept. 16, 2025. Organizers said the local dementia-friendly stakeholder group has grown from a handful of participants to about 45 and will host a dementia symposium on Nov. 8 at City Landing featuring Dr. Natalie Edmonds.
Mayor Eric W. Osborne read a proclamation on Sept. 16 declaring the City of Buckeye a dementia-friendly community and urged residents, businesses and community leaders to support local dementia initiatives.
Jackie Webb, who said she helped start the local effort, thanked the council and described the group—s work. She said the stakeholder committee has held eight meetings to date and that participation has grown from roughly 5—10 people to about 45. The committee holds a regular meeting on the first Tuesday of each month and a caregiver cafe on the second Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Buckeye Senior Center, organizers said.
Webb said the group provides memory cafes and other programs where caregivers can receive resources while people living with dementia — identified in the proclamation as "VIPs" (very important persons) — take part in activities under trained staff supervision. She thanked Phil Yeves and his staff at the Buckeye Senior Center for their support and named Amy Ryan as the current chairperson of the dementia group.
Webb told the council that the group will hold a dementia symposium on Nov. 8, 2025, at City Landing, and said the program will feature Dr. Natalie Edmonds, described in the remarks as a board-certified dental dementia expert presenting virtually. Webb also urged residents to refer family members and caregivers to the group for support and information. "I've been surprised in my life. My wife has dementia. Every day now is a new day," Webb said in remarks to the council.
Action and context: the proclamation is a ceremonial statement of support and does not enact new city rules or budgets. Council members and staff acknowledged the group—s volunteer work and encouraged attendance at upcoming events.
Why it matters: organizers said the initiative aims to reduce stigma, provide caregiver support and promote inclusion for residents living with dementia. Memory cafes and caregiver resources can offer peers and training to help families manage daily challenges, organizers said.
