Our Second Amigo Mingle—A Toast to the Turners
About 60 Amigo Club members attended a December 7th “Amigo Mingle” event to honor Betzabé “Mina” Turner and Kernan Turner for their years of extraordinary service promoting the sister-city relationship between Ashland and Guanajuato, Mexico. Amigo Club member Virginia Silbowitz and family graciously hosted the event at their Grizzly Peak Winery. They provided the venue with tables and chairs, small kitchen, and tasting room. The Club greatly appreciates their generosity.
Mina served as Amigo Club President for fifteen years, from 2009–2024. With vision, heart and tireless dedication, she championed student exchanges, built lasting bridges between Ashland and Guanajuato, and helped establish the Amigo Club Endowed Scholarships that have been funded by six Guanajuato Nights celebrations. So far, 16 students from SOU and the University of Guanajuato have received scholarships to attend their sister-city university.
Kernan’s tireless support amplified Mina’s leadership and helped shape the Amigo Club’s enduring legacy. Kernan helped to achieve the Club’s 501(c)(3) status and wrote 87 editions of the “Entre Amigos” (Between Friends) column that appeared regularly in Ashland’s local news outlets (formerly the Ashland Daily Tidings and, since 2022, ashland.news).
Amigo Club members enjoyed an evening of lively conversation and entertainment.
- Attendees brought sweet or savory finger-food items and the Club provided bite-sized taquitos, quesadillas, chips, salsa and guacamole (from El Tapatio Restaurant) and mini cheesecake bites.
- Wine and beer were available for purchase in the Grizzly Peak Winery’s tasting room. The Club provided non-alcoholic beverages.
- Arturo Ville provided background music as Amigo Club members mingled and conversed.
- President Jay Tapp presented Mina and Kernan Turner with plaques honoring their service (see links below) and attendees described their interactions with the Turners and praised them for their contributions.
- Jay Tapp updated the group on Amigo Club activities, including the upcoming Guanajuato Nights fundraiser for student scholarships.
- Guitarist Arturo Ville entertained the audience with a selection of classical and Spanish songs. Guitarist Komac Tapp then joined Arturo for additional selections.
- Karen López Villanueva entertained the audience with a violin solo. Karen is a former University of Guanajuato exchange student who finished her business and music degrees at SOU in 2023. In September 2025 she returned to SOU to complete a Masters of Business Administration (MBA).
- The finale was a sing-along of Spanish songs, such as Camino de Guanajuato, led by Arturo Ville.
Photos of the event follow. All photos are by Jay Ach.
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- Attendees select food items.
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- The desserts, especially the cheesecake bites, were a big hit.
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- Attendees watch the Turners as Kernan thanks the Club for the plaques they received.
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- John Enders, fellow international journalist, described his long-time interactions with Kernan.
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- John Morrison described interacting with Mina and Kernan during his time as Ashland mayor.
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- Karen Grove described how Mina welcomed her into the Amigo Club and encouraged her participation on the Board.
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- Roy Saigo described interacting with Mina and Kernan when he was SOU president.
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- Sean Van Ausdall related funny incidents that Mina and Kernan had told him.
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- Shawn Franks explained the importance of Amigo Club activities.
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- Mina and Kernan Turner listen to the tributes from Amigo Club members.
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- Señora Chela Tapp-Kocks, who persuaded the Turners to join the Amigo Club Board of Directors and interacted with them throughout their tenure leading the Board. Chris Chambers and Marti Fabian Krause are on left side of photo.
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- Raising a glass to toast the Turners.
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- Arturo Ville explains the guitar solos he is about to play. Arturo studied classical guitar in Mexico and has played throughout Mexico and the U.S. He continues to perform, compose, and teach.
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- Karen López Villanuevo studied violin in her hometown of Guanajuato and at SOU. She joined the Siskiyou Violin group who won second place in Vienna at the 2024 International Youth Music Festival.
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- Komac Tapp, Señora Chela’s accomplished son, joined Arturo in a guitar duet.
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- Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham attended the event to honor Mina and Kernan.
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- Joining the Turners to celebrate their contributions are Karen Grove, Amigo Club Board Member; Marian Telerski, former Talent mayor; John Morrison, former Ashland mayor; and Chris Chambers, Ashland Fire & Rescue Wildfire Division Chief who has collaborated with firefighters in Guanajuato.
To see the Tribute Poster presented to Mina and Kernan, and the plaques presented to them individually, please click on the following links.