34 JULY 2024 I f you’re looking for something special, out of the ordinary, or even magical, then Williams, AZ might be your destination. A small town nestled in Ponderosa Pine country, Williams was one of the last Route 66 communities to be bypassed by Interstate 40 in 1984. As a result, this quaint northern town could have become a pit stop between Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon but instead blossomed into a must- see, all-season destination. In addition to the charm of the well-preserved Mother Road running right through the middle of town, Williams offers activities for all ages, like the Grand Canyon Railroad, Bearizona, and Canyon Coaster Adventure Park. When you are done getting your kicks on Route 66, you may want a place for some well- deserved rest and relaxation. Welcome to Sheridan House Inn, a hidden gem just a few blocks away from Route 66. Despite its proximity, it feels like a world away, nestled in a peaceful forest. Guests have described it as a place where stress melts away, thanks to the attention to detail from the moment they arrive. Each room is a cozy haven, filled with special touches like luxury linens that adapt to the season, plush towels, and delightful treats, making your stay a truly memorable experience. Debbie Santy and her husband, Mark, are the innkeepers of this picturesque property. They fell in love with it and decided to leave their corporate life in Colorado behind. Mark was an architectural engineer with a passion for food, and the Sheridan Inn gave him the space to take his passion to a new level. One of the big things they offer regarding food is choice. Breakfast and dinner are offered, and there are four options for each. There’s always something sweet, something savory, something American Southwest, and a healthy choice. Unlike a traditional B&B, Sheridan House serves dinner on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays for an added charge. On the nights they don’t serve dinner, you can purchase what Debbie and Mark call an Art-Cuterie Board. It’s like a typical charcuterie board with meats, cheeses and crackers, except this is bigger and includes everything from shrimp to dessert. They also offer picnics for two, rose arrangements, chocolate-covered strawberries, a balloon bouquet, and customized options. What also makes this getaway unique is that it is for adults only. Debbie and Mark believe every stay is an adventure waiting to unfold, and each guest is seeking something different from the Sheridan House Inn. This unique philosophy and desire to help guests create that special experience also inspired them to curate an itinerary and create special moments guests will always remember. Williams is known as the gateway to the Grand Canyon – and what could be more comforting after seeing one of the world’s greatest natural wonders than coming back and being treated like family with a personal chef while enjoying a little slice of heaven in the pines? sheridanhouseinn.com An experience to remember lies in this northern Arizona town Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL The Sheridan House Inn in Williams offers add-ons like charcuterie boards, celebratory flowers and curated dinners. PHOTOS: ROBIN SEWELL

35 JULY 2024 By Lauren Geiser Arcadian Brandon Clarke has embarked on a new venture to empower the next generation of business owners. Whether it be a sidewalk lemonade stand, birthday party planning, lawn mowing or babysitting, Clarke has developed a new app to fully equip young entrepreneurs with the tools to manage and grow a successful company from the ground up. “I grew up in an age where you mowed lawns and delivered newspapers. You did things that were available until you were old enough for a part-time job, usually fast food or the grocery store,” Clarke said. “I think this next generation is the most entrepreneurial. They are very curious about digital marketing and social media. They want to think of ways to make their own money.” The app equips kids at any stage with the tools to market their businesses to new customers. The app’s main feature guides users in developing a website to promote their services. Users can customize the service, set availability, design a logo and select a color scheme. A helper icon is shown throughout the dashboard to guide users in case they get stuck. The Scratch Mentor, an AI tool built within the app, helps users generate a description. One of the standout features is its financial management tool. Entrepreneurs can easily track their income, expenses and profit margins. This instills financial literacy and provides valuable insights into the mechanics of running a day-to- day business. “I’m very inspired by creating opportunities where kids can get exposed to an ownership mindset. I think when you do it early, it propels them into what they will do in the future,” Clarke said. Scratch also addresses safety concerns by eliminating the danger risk when knocking door-to-door for business leads. All customer messages are processed through the app, so users do not need to give out their phone numbers or information to customers. Before messaging the business, all customers must have a registered account. Clarke also created an interface that grants teachers and educators access to the app. His advice to new users? Be bold and take risks. “Be comfortable putting yourself out there,” he said. “Use your network – family, neighbors and friends to spread the word. If your first idea doesn’t work out, try something else. Don’t get discouraged. All great entrepreneurs that we hear about and make movies about have faced setbacks before finding success.” This app empowers entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into reality by providing the necessary tools and resources to successfully run a business. startscratch.co Helping young entrepreneurs launch businesses from “Scratch” Scratch owner Brandon Clarke offers young entrepreneurs a chance to learn more about the ins-and-outs of starting a successful business. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KATE BYARS By Sherry Sklar Scottsdale’s official historian, Joan Fudala, was recently honored with the prestigious Historic Preservation Excellence Award by the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Fudala’s contributions to preserving Scottsdale’s heritage are celebrated as invaluable to the community’s historical legacy. The Grand Canyon Chapter of DAR, established in 1983 and headquartered in Scottsdale, champions patriotism, preserves American history and supports children’s education. DAR members are spread across the globe, exceeding one million since its founding 130 years ago. The chapter’s Historic Preservation Excellence Award celebrates individuals who excel in preserving genealogical records and enhancing community heritage. Fudala has contributed research to two notable projects, both recognized with Arizona State DAR Historical Markers. In 2022, she researched and provided letters of recommendation for the Scottsdale Grammar School #2, home to Scottsdale Artists’ School. Her research was crucial in memorializing the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car at the McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in 2023. Fudala gave her remarks to an audience of more than 60 who attended the ceremony at The McCormick Scottsdale. DAR’s Historic Preservation Chair, Gera King, chapter Regent Stephanie Troth, and former Scottsdale Mayor Sam Campana presented her with a framed Certificate of Award and a pewter medallion. DAR members share a deep connection with the organization’s mission; many are long-standing members. “Historic preservation has been a love since my early childhood. Leading this committee as a member of this women’s service organization perfectly aligns with my interests. Other members can also be involved with historic preservation, education outreach, or patriotism projects, which may resonate with them,” King said. Her insights reveal why they thought Fudala, a community advocate and engaged preservation volunteer, was a top choice for the award. “Meeting and working with Joan has been a delight. Finding a professional who is still passionate about her decades-long work means a great deal. She has never steered us wrong in our projects. She has a strong and sure voice concerning Scottsdale’s history,” she said. Discovering a deepening interest in historic preservation in the 1990s while working in public affairs and communications, Fudala’s passion for local history developed into a full-fledged consulting business spanning over three decades. Although Arizona is a relatively young state, she emphasizes the importance of cherishing and safeguarding its heritage. “My favorite part of being a historian is meeting the people, hearing the stories, and delving deeply into the nooks and crannies of research. You don’t always know where it will lead. It’s a process of discovery,” she said. The historian has a vast archive to draw from, having authored seven books, produced over 300 articles and videos, and contributed a column in Scottsdale Airpark for 23 years. She also contributes to the Scottsdale Public Library’s historical archive and is invited to lecture at various venues throughout the Valley. “By preserving our history, communities like Scottsdale can ensure that future generations understand and appreciate their heritage,” Fudala said. “One straightforward way for individuals to engage is by exploring old photo albums. Through this, valuable insights and source materials may emerge. Additionally, many institutions eagerly accept contributions of photos and documents for digitization, enabling community members to actively preserve local history.” arizonadar.org And the Historic Preservation Excellence Award goes to… Historic Preservation Chair Gera King, Scottsdale Historian Joan Fudala, Grand Canyon DAR Regent Stephanie Troth and former Scottsdale Mayor Sam Campana. PHOTO COURTESY OF GERA KING