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WEST VALLEY VIEW NEWS | FEBRUARY 23, 2022
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Avondale celebrates nature Lorraine Finander celebrates 100th birthday with Tres Rios Nature Festival BY MATTHEW ELITZ
BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF
L
orraine Finander of Buckeye celebrated her 100th birthday on Valentine’s Day. Born in Philadelphia, Finander lived in New York for 73 years before moving west in 2015 to live with her son, Brian, and daughter-in-law, Marlene. Finander also has a daughter, Janet, who lives in Florida with her husband, Sam, whom she married in 1943. They were together for 45 years, until Sam died from cancer in 1988. The Finanders traveled to a variety of spots, including the former Soviet Union, China and South America. Af-
ter Sam’s death, Finander continued that hobby, visiting Alaska, Colorado and Texas, among other spots, with other widows. Now, she enjoys watching cable television news and doing crossword puzzles to keep her mind sharp. Finander, Brian and Marlene once auditioned for “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.” Finander was a public school teacher for decades in suburban New York before retiring in 1991. Finander’s mother, Sara, lived to be 103 years and seven and a half months. She’s determined to match or beat her mother’s record.
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West Valley View Staff Writer
T
he city of Avondale is once again bringing the Tres Rios Nature Festival to the area to showcase the rich, diverse wildlife and history of the Gila River drainage. The event will be held at the Tres Rios Base & Meridian Wildlife Area from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26. Stacey Swainston, recreation supervisor for the city of Avondale, said the activities are wide ranging. “You name it, we’ve got a ton going on,” Swainston said. “Lots of organizations are helping out, too. We have ASU. We have Central Arizona Conservation Alliance, Central Mountain Rescue, a nonprofit who is doing our beer garden. All proceeds will go to Central Mountain Rescue. Even city departments are involved, such as public works, Goodyear and the city of Phoenix Water Department. None of this would be made possible without help from many outside organizations.” The 40 organizations chip in to add variety and flavor to the festival. Activities include zip lining, canoeing, fishing lessons, a climbing wall, bird hikes and
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canine demos, all of which are free. In addition, Avondale food vendors will show off the local cuisine. Eight bands playing country and bluegrass will provide the soundtrack for visitors. Swainston seemed happy about the hard work and effort put into this year’s event from local businesses and nonprofits. “This festival has been going on for 17 years,” she said. “We all work hard to put it on, but could never pull it off without tons of help from the community.”
If You Go...
WHAT: Tres Rios Nature Festival WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, and Sunday, Feb. 26 WHERE: Tres Rios Base & Meridian Wildlife Area off of South Avondale Boulevard. COST: Free admission INFO: avondaleaz.gov
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