Buckeye proclaims city ‘dementia friendly’; local group plans November symposium

Mayor Eric W. Osborn proclaimed the City of Buckeye a dementia‑friendly community during the Sept. 16 council meeting, and local organizers announced plans for a November symposium and regular caregiver supports.

The proclamation recognizes dementia as “a decline in cognitive ability severe enough to interfere with daily life” and affirms the city’s support for local dementia‑friendly programs, including memory cafes and caregiver events aimed at providing resources and respite for caregivers.

Jackie Wett, who said she helped start the local effort, told the council the stakeholders group has grown from “approximately 5 to 10 persons” to about 45 people and has held eight meetings through August. “We thank you very much and appreciate your support,” Wett said.

Wett said the group holds committee meetings on the first Tuesday of each month and a caregiver cafe on the second Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. She announced a “Dementia 2025” symposium scheduled for Nov. 8 at City Landing and encouraged residents who know people affected by dementia to refer families to the group.

Wett credited city staff for support, saying the meetings are held at the Buckeye Senior Center and singling out Phil Yeves and his staff for their commitment. She named Amy Ryan as the group’s current chair and thanked other local volunteers including Janine Van Lewin, Robert Garza, and Jason Seifert.

The council did not take a vote on the proclamation; the mayor presented the document and asked supporters to come forward for a photo. Organizers asked residents to contact the dementia‑friendly group for meeting and volunteer information; a specific contact phone number or email address was not provided in the meeting record.