Mary Vesenka Turner and husband and co-manager Keith Turner took over Friendly Crossways in 1996 upon the retirement of her parents. When they arrived they had NO IDEA how much work was involved in owning a hostel. Frequently it's a 24/7 work week. On the other hand, it's a labor of love, as both Keith and Mary Helan enjoy having the world come to them! When the Turners took over they concentrated on exterior projects such as building ramps and terraces to make the facility wheelchair accessible, repainting the 100-year old barn, as well as interior projects such as installing water saving shower heads and low flow toilets. Volunteers from have showed up in timely manner to assist the Turners from as far away as Australia (a bricklayer when there was cement work to be done). Hostelers are always welcome to weed the organic fruit, flower and vegetable gardens, or help pick (and eat) the harvests! In addition, they have continued the tradition of the previous managers in making the facility and grounds available for local community groups such as town sponsored children's soccer practises and an organic food coop.
Mary and Keith are 2002 recipients of HI-USA's highest award for managers who personify the warmth, spirit and hospitality of "keepers of the hostel". (Her parents won in 1984.)