Staff Writer | Mayor of Scottsdale
Scottsdale Mayor Lisa Borowsky is honoring Chaplain Winfield and Helen Scott — the founders of Scottsdale.
Mayor Borowsky, yesterday, delivered a proclamation in Old Town Scottsdale declaring Feb. 26, 2026, as Founders Day, celebrating the Scott family and the community they helped build.
A lifelong resident of Scottsdale, Mayor Borowsky reflected on her own Scottsdale roots and the equestrian culture that continues to shape the identity of “The West’s Most Western Town.”
“Growing up in Scottsdale, the majority of my memories center on riding horses,” she explained. “My sister and I fell in love with the idea of getting a horse from the time we were 6 and 7… We’d stay up late at night thinking of names for our fantasy horses, we were smitten!”
Growing up in Scottsdale, Mayor Borowsky pointed out equestrian sports and the Western spirit are part of her DNA. She recounted the day her father, Eric, surprised her and her sister with Malakai, a retired jet‑black Quarter Horse who came from the race track.
“We were over the moon excited; he was gorgeous and, as you can imagine, quite spirited! That was the beginning of a lifelong, passionate journey as equestrians.” Mayor Borowsky said.
Mayor Borowsky offered the crowd formed to honor the founders of Scottsdale in late February an outline of her training at the well‑known Siminoff Stables — a place she remembers fondly.
“We started riding with Yale and Fern Siminoff when I was 9-years-old and the rest is history,” she said. “It was our love and our passion, riding three to four times a week no matter how hot it was.”
She described the tough-love atmosphere of the barn — and her appreciation for that training — sharing fond stories of the discipline and camaraderie that shaped her childhood.
“Shoulders back, chest out,” Fern would instruct, while Yale was known to shout across the arena, ‘No, not like that DUMMY!'” Mayor Borowsky said.
The barn parties and Christmas celebrations for all the kids at Rawhide forged friendships still strong today, Mayor Borowsky explains of strong community ties.
“Scottsdale’s history is rich with stories just like mine,” she said. “There is a special and significant community full of horse lovers — recreational, competitive and professional.”
Mayor Borowsky closed her comments by issuing the formal proclamation naming Feb. 26, 2026, as Founders Day in Scottsdale, honoring the Scott family for their pioneering spirit and the community foundation they established.
