Amigo Club party culminates 50th anniversary celebration in Ashland

After 6 days filled with a potpourri of celebratory activities, our Guanajuato visitors were treated to a dinner party hosted by the Ashland Amigo Club. Guanajuatenses and locals enjoyed the opportunity for more socializing during an evening that included a full-course dinner (with margaritas!) and dancing to Latin music. Smiles and laughter abounded throughout the event that was held in the historic Ashland Springs Hotel. The photos below provide a taste of the evening’s festivities. All photos were taken by Jay Ach, Amigo Club board member at large.

Guanajuato queen Jessica Leycegui and Ashland ambassador to Guanajuato (2018) Leila Kenner fill their plates during buffet dinner.

Señora Chela’s son, Komac Tapp, serenades guests during dinner.

Amigo Club President, Mina Turner, served as master-of-ceremonies. She reads a tribute to Señora Chela Tapp-Kocks, who has been largely responsible for starting and maintaining the sister-city relationship between Ashland and Guanajuato. Also present is Kernan Turner, board member at large.

Mina recognizes visiting volunteer firefighters from Guanajuato: Aldo Ivan Ruiz Lona, Daniel Barrera Vazquez (chief), and Jorge Luis Anguiano Jasso.

A group of local Latinas socialize with visitors from Guanajuato. Standing (left to right): Gladys Contreras, Dra. Erika González (University of Guanajuato), Ada Hodgen, Maria Lumbreras. Sitting (left to right): Diana Ocaña, Letty Harlan, Lulu Knutson, Jessica Leycegui (Guanajuato Queen).

Dr. Miguel Covarubias and his wife Marta (center) reunite with Dr. Ken Rhee and his wife Donna. Drs. Covarubias and Rhee have worked together in Guanajuato and at La Clinica in Medford. The Rhee family hosted the Covarubias family during the 40th anniversary celebration ten years ago.

Martín Pantoja Aguilar, University of Guanajuato academic and SOU alumnus, with his daughter, Emilie, and his Ashland host Connie Alexander (with friend). Martín gave a brief talk about the continuing relationship between U of Gto and SOU.

Ruben Rodriquez and his family (from Guanajuato) raise a glass together with the Sean Van Ausdal family (Ashland Amigo Club). These families have been friends since the 40th anniversary. Ruben first came to Ashland when he was in middle school; at that time his father was working on his Masters degree at SOU.

City councilor Stefani Seffinger with Suzanne Haveman, Amigo Club board member at large and housing coordinator for anniversary event, and Señora Chela.

Long-time Amigo Club supporters Brian Almquist (former Ashland city administrator), John Morrison (former Ashland mayor) and Marian Telerski (former Talent mayor).

Dra. Erika González with Amigo Club members Lynn Lamoree (also secretary of the board) and Marsha King-Rosine.

Amigo Club member Tom Lamoree with Andrea Maldonaldo (law student and representative of Guanajuato’s Rotary Club) and Maria Estegania Garcia Dobarganes Ramirez (representative of the mining communities around Guanajuato).

Guests dance to Latin music. Karen Burstein Campos (in green) is a city councilor in Guanajuato and active member in their Amigo Club. Rodrigo Stefani Leon Flores (in while shirt) is employed by the Guanajuato city government

Sean Van Ausdal (treasurer of the Amigo Club board) enjoys dancing with his daughters Solana and Celeste, and his wife Catherine.

Amigo Club members Marina Kendig (also board member) and Gladys Sansom are skilled dancers.

Karen Burstein Campos (Guanajuato) with Kelsey Frantz and Dana Preston (Ashland Chamber).