InBuckeye Magazine November/December 2025

BUSINESS

Don’t get burned by the odds 7 simple steps can dramatically cut your risk of skin cancer, the most common in U.S.

In total, the chamber presented 30 awards: Business of the Year: Hometown ACE Hardware – Jessica Melton Buckeye Heroism: Stewart Crewse – Buckeye Police Department Chairman’s Award: Stephanie Holguin – Casa del Leyva Chamber Champion: Frederick Lake – National Bank of Arizona Citizen of the Year: Cassie Wilkins – All Faith Community Services Community Partner: City of Buckeye Community Service Award: • Alexandra Flickinger – Arizona Game & Fish • Brendan Franks – Arizona Law Now • Colin Kemp – Arizona Game & Fish • Deryl Tomsic – Mirna’s Place • Gary Taylor – Mirna’s Place • Stacy Berg – JustServe.org Educator of the Year: • Cassandra Donnelly – ThrivePoint • Kevin Kilborn – Saddle Mountain • Samantha Hoard – BUHSD • Stormy Hatt – BESD Education Support Staff: • Elayne Matthews – BESD • Gladys Whitten – BESD • Josh Hanger – Saddle Mountain • Seanna Cole – BUHSD Education Volunteer: • Dave Sousa – BUHSD • Lori Carter – Saddle Mountain Member of the Year: Gina Ragsdale – Buckeye Valley DAR Municipal Employee: Krystian Zebrowski – Buckeye Human Services Manager Municipal Volunteer: Kathleen Rossetti – Community Service Girasol AZ – Gennieva Mendoza Past Chairman of the Board: Jeff Douglas – Republic Services Political Partner: Rep. Michael Carbone (R-Buckeye) Spirit of the Chamber: Erin Kuiper – Copper Star Realty, Incoming Department Advisory Board Nonprofit of the Year:

water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. 6 Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens may be used on babies over six months, but they should also be protected by shade and clothing. Just one severe sunburn in childhood doubles the chances of developing melanoma later in life. 7 Examine your skin head to toe every month. While self-exams shouldn’t replace the important annual skin exam performed by a dermatologist, they offer the best chance of detecting early warning signs of skin cancer. If you spot anything unusual or simply want a professional skin check, make it a priority. Regular visits to a dermatologist can make all the difference in early detection and peace of mind.

S KIN CANCER IS A DISEASE THAT AFFECTS PEOPLE of every age, gender and ethnicity. One in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. In fact, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. But there is good news: Skin cancer is also highly preventable. About 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86% of melanomas are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Knowing the risk factors and practicing sun protection year-round are key to reducing your risk. “It’s never too early or too late in life to start protecting your skin from sun damage,” says Dr. Neil Superfon of Buckeye Dermatology. Here are some tips for reducing your skin cancer risk:

1 Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest. 2 Do not burn . Melanoma risk doubles after five sunburns at any point in life. 3 Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths. Indoor UV tanners are 74% more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors. Tanning bed users are also 1½ times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma and 2½ times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma. 4 Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Wear densely woven and bright- or dark-colored fabrics, which offer the best defense. The more skin you cover, the better. 5 Use a broad-spectrum daily of SPF 30. For extended outdoor activity, use a

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A COMMUNITY LIKE BUCKEYE RELIES on a lot of volunteers — and thankfully, many are willing to step up to the plate. The Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce recognized local businesses and individuals vital to the community at its annual awards ceremony one October evening at the Buckeye Equestrian & Events Center. Earning Citizen of the Year was Cassie Wilkins, executive director of All Faith Community Services, which offers resources and support to those in need. In addition to providing food and clothing, Wilkins said the organization helps people of all ages find jobs. “Most recently, we’ve been helping older residents gain technical skills such as office programs and accounting programs, and we help them get interviews at businesses,” Wilkins said. “We also have a summer BUCKEYE ROCKS! Local chamber gives annual awards BY CARRIE K. SNIDER